Parent-Student Handbook

 
Parent-Student Handbook

The Parent/Student Handbook outlines specific procedures, which provide for the smooth operation of the school, academic excellence, safety and most importantly the creation of a Catholic Christian environment.  your commitment to these guidelines will result in a happy, loving and productive school year for all members of the St. Agnes Cathedral School educational community.

The Administration retains the right to amend the Parent/Student Handbook as necessary.

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Click on chapter name for additional information

1. Parental Responsibility

2. Mission Statement

3. Admissions Policy

4. Behavior Standards

5. Procedures and Behavior

6. Lunch Program

7. Academic Progress

8. Testing Program

9. Attendance Regulations

10. Field Trips

11. Permission Form

12. Safety Regulations

13. Student Accident Insurance

14. Emergency Closings

15. Telephone

16. Textbooks

17. Transportation

18. Tuition

19. Dress Code

20. Activities

21. Special Services

22. Parent Organizations

23. Visitors

24. Volunteer Program

25. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

The primary right and duty to educate rests with the parents, for as stated in "The Declaration on Christian Education" in the documents of Vatican II, "since they have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate them. So decisive is their role as educators, scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it."

"In the home, more than any place else, parents should teach, especially by their example, reverence for God and respect for the dignity of others. They are also tremendously influential in cultivating among their children the virtues of love of neighbor, justice, generosity, loyalty, industry, and honesty, which are so essential to their living a Christian life."

"Moreover, because the auxiliary instruction provided by the school is necessary for the child’s fullest development, parents should instill in their children a high regard for the pursuit of learning and a deep respect for those who devote themselves to their education."

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We believe that all children are created in the image and likeness of God, and as such, are unique and free. We believe that each child has diverse talents and abilities, interests, and emotions, strengths and weaknesses.

Because of these beliefs, St. Agnes Cathedral School provides an educational program which enables each student to achieve his/her full potential.

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In conjunction with the policies of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, St. Agnes Cathedral School admits children of any race whose parents, as the primary educators, exercise their fundamental right to choose either public or private schools.

Priority for admittance is extended to Catholic children whose parents are geographic members of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish, who are moving into the parish, or have siblings in attendance.

All student records must be received prior to acceptance in order to ascertain whether the academic needs of the child can be fulfilled.

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Discipline is the underlying framework around which all other aspects of education are structured.  The ultimate goal of learning is self-discipline and self-direction.  Good discipline begins with the earliest training in the home and extends to the school and community.

Mutual cooperation between home and school must exist if discipline is to be maintained.

Lack of respect, negative attitudes, bullying, leaving the school property without permission, continued disregard for school rules, smoking, carrying harmful articles, violent actions disruptive of school or school activities, stealing or defacing school or personal property are considered major offenses.

In accordance with both state and federal law, sexual harassment of any nature will not be tolerated.

Suspension from school is employed by the principal and rector only for serious reasons.  Parents will be informed of the suspension and its causes prior to the suspension date.  An opportunity will be available for a conference with the administration and teacher(s) involved.  A second suspension may result in expulsion.

PROCEDURES AND BEHAVIOR

A. Fair Weather - School Yard

1. Children report to lines. No running or playing in the yard.

2. After the bell is rung children will salute the flag.

B. Inclement Weather

1. Children enter building through main entrance.

2. Children will wait in the Main Hallway until directed to go to the classrooms.

1. Enter and exit the building quietly.

2. Grades 5-8 organize books for the AM and PM schedule of classes and homework assignments. All materials must be ready for the entire morning or afternoon. Children are not permitted to go to the cubbies or lockers at any time other than during the homeroom period. Children may not return to the classroom for forgotten materials.

3. Prepare for day quietly.

4. Listen in silence to the announcements.

5. Recite prayers:

AM Morning Offering 

PM Act of Contrition

LUNCH Grace before meals

Children are expected to be quiet and orderly when walking through the building.

Children are expected to:

1. Enter and leave the dining area quietly.

2. Take and remain in designated seats.

3. Follow the directions of the teacher and aides.

4. Sponge off the table, dispose of garbage and pick up debris around table.

5. Respond immediately when the bell is rung.

6. Recite grace after meals.

SCHOOL YARD

Children are expected to:

1. Properly utilize equipment appropriate for play in the yard. This includes, jump ropes, basketball, tennis, soccer and kick balls.

2. Avoid playing such games as keep away, butts up and other activities deemed unsafe by the aides.

3. Respond in a positive and respectful manner to the aides.

4. Stop playing and line up at the sound of the bell.

5. Avoid rough play and fighting.

6. Include all those who wish to participate in a game.

7. Ask an aide to retrieve any balls that go into the street or neighboring yard(s).

8. Ask permission from the aides to re-enter the building.

Consequences of unacceptable behavior during lunch and recess

1. 1st offense: Warning with name in the book

2. 2nd offense: 1 hour detention after school/parent notified

3. 3rd offense: conference with student and administration/detention/letter home

4. 4th offense: teacher/parent/student/administration meeting/possible deprivation of lunch time privileges

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LUNCH PROGRAM

A parent may choose to have his/her child go home or remain in school for lunch.

A fee of $60.00 is required of all families whose child/ren remain in school. Aides will be paid to assist in the supervision of lunch and school yard activities.

Children who are habitually disruptive will not be permitted to stay for lunch.

Children who go home for lunch:

a. must report to the main office where they are required to sign out and in.

b. may not come back to school until five minutes before classes are to resume.

c. will not be given permission to eat in local eating establishments unless they are accompanied by their parents.

Foods available for purchase in the dining area:

fruit juice, water, cheese and crackers, ice cream, and a variety of snacks.

Tuesday - Pizza 

Thursday - Chicken Nuggets

Friday - Bagels

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ACADEMIC PROGRESS

A. Assessment Cards

Student assessment cards will be distributed to parents three times a year. Parent-teacher conferences are formally scheduled at the end of the first and second trimesters. Additional conferences may be arranged whenever necessary..

Interim reports for children who are borderline or failing in one or more subjects are sent home three times a year. Reports are mailed six weeks prior to the end of each trimester.

B. Summer School

Students in grades K-4 who are deficient in reading, language arts, or math are advised to attend a summer program.

Students in Grades 5-8 who fail a major subject must either attend a summer school program or engage a private tutor. Failure on the part of the student to receive a passing grade will result in a recommended transfer.

C. Retention

Retaining a student is a serious matter and must be mutually agreed upon by parents, teachers, and administrators. Parental consent must be received, in writing, prior to this action being taken.

Failure to receive parents’ consent will result in a recommended transfer for the child.

D. Graduation

Students in eighth grade who fail two major academic subjects will not be graduated in June. The diploma will be granted upon the successful completion of a summer school program.

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TESTING PROGRAM 

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In order to ensure academic success each child must attend school on a consistent basis. In the event your child/ren will be absent from school, you are required to call the school office by 8:30 a.m.

SCHOOL HOURS:                           

A child will not be released from school without written permission of his/her parent(s) and approval of the administration. In such cases parent(s) must meet the child in the main office and sign a book which is provided for this purpose.

Following any absence, a letter of explanation should accompany the child on his/her first day back in school. Failure to comply, results in an illegal absence.

Student assignments may be requested on the second day of absence by calling the school office by 8:30 a.m.

The opening moments of the school day are very important and set the tone for the day. Coming late is an interruption for the child, his/her classmates and the classroom teacher.

Any student not in the school yard or homeroom by 8:20 a.m.  is considered tardy. Tardiness (3 per trimester) will result in a school detention.

Students who are late must submit a letter indicating the reason for the lateness.  Excessive lateness (5 per trimester) will result in the student receiving an unsatisfactory rating in the growth code on the assessment card. 

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FIELD TRIPS

Class trips, which are both educational and enjoyable, are planned at the discretion of the teachers with the approval of the administration. Written consent of the parent is required. A student who has exhibited continuous unacceptable behavior will not be permitted to accompany his/her class on the trip. He/she is expected to report to school on that day. Parents will be notified in advance if a child is to be deprived of the trip.

Field trips are NOT OPTIONAL. All children (unless they are deprived because of behavior) are obligated to attend. Fees are non-refundable.

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PERMISSION FORM                  

I/We, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of __________________________________________

request that the school allow my/our son/daughter to participate in

_____________________________________________________________________

I/We hereby release and save harmless the school and all its employees from any and all liability arising to my/our son/daughter as a result of this trip.

_____________________________________________________________________

Parent(s) Signature(s)                                                        Date

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SAFETY REGULATIONS

For the safety of each child, no unauthorized car is to enter the school yard or faculty parking lots.

Students in grades 4-8 who ride bicycles to school must WALK them to and from the school gate and racks. All bicycles must be locked. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles.

Fire, bus and emergency drills required by State Law are routinely held. Students are expected to follow procedures for all drills.

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The Diocesan Student Accident Insurance is underwritten by the INA Life Insurance Company of New York. The insurance is compulsory for each student. Brochures are distributed in September. The cost of the coverage is assumed by the parent(s) and is included in the instructional fee.

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Emergency closing will be announced on radio stations

• WHLI-AM 1100
• WKJY-FM 98.3

and  NEWS 12 LONG ISLAND, and the school website www.stagnescathedral.org/School

St. Agnes Cathedral School emergency closings coincide with those of the Rockville Centre Public School District.

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The office phone is not ordinarily used by the student(s). Children are not permitted to call home for lunch, gym uniform, assignments or books. Students ordinarily are not permitted to bring cell phones to school. If is is necessary due to after school activities, the phone must be brought to the main office for the duration of the day. Failure to follow this policy will result in the phone being confiscated and returned to a parent only.

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Textbooks are on loan from the district in which the child resides.

Request for books must be filed by parents through St. Agnes Cathedral School.

Proper care of books should be taken. All books must be covered. Parents are responsible for damaged or lost books.

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Each public school district legally holds the responsibility for providing bus transportation. Distance guidelines are determined by each district.

Parents, with the exception of those who reside in the Rockville Centre Public School District, must apply by April 1st for their child/ren’s transportation.

The public school district and bus companies reserve the right to suspend a student from riding the school bus for inappropriate or disrespectful conduct.

Each child is required to carry a bus pass and may ride only his/her assigned bus.

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Tuition is payable in advance or in eleven monthly payments. The first tuition payment, including fees, is due August 1st. Monthly tuition payments are due on or before the first of each month. The final tuition payment is due on June 1st. Tuition coupon books are provided.

An instructional fee is required for all students. This fee covers the cost of science and art materials, standardized testing, diocesan educational television, religion books and insurance.

When tuition arrears are accrued for two or more months, parents will be notified that their child/ren assessment card(s) will be available for review in the Principal's office. Outstanding tuition/fees in June will result in withholding the student's assessment card. All tuition and prior year’s fees must be paid by July 1 in order for a child to return for the following school year.

In order to help defray the cost of education families who are members of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish are required to use the weekly envelope and contribute a minimum amount of $500 per calendar year, January through December, in the Offertory Collection.

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The uniform bears witness that one attends a Catholic school. All students must daily be in proper uniform. 

Students consistently out of uniform and/or wearing the uniform inappropriately will receive a detention.

Good grooming is an important aspect of a child’s training. Personal cleanliness and neatness are expected of all children.

KINDERGARTEN: neat and appropriate clothing

GIRLS GRADES 1-4

navy jumper, white or light blue blouse, navy socks (tights in cold weather). 

GIRLS GRADES 5-8

navy skirt, white or light blue blouse, navy socks, in cold weather, tights may be worn.

BOYS Grades 1-8

navy slacks, belt, school tie, white or light blue shirt. Full sock (white or navy) must be worn.

BOYS AND GIRLS

Designated  shoes purchased from the Halperin Shoe Store must be worn.
Navy sweaters: V neck cardigan or  vest; white or light blue knit shirts may be worn from: MAY 1ST TO OCTOBER 15TH.

GYM ATTIRE

All students in Grade 1-8 are required to wear the school gym uniform. On scheduled gym days the students must wear the designated gym uniform and sneakers

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Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities. Such activities include:

• Band
• Drama
• Basketball
• Cheerleading 
• Choir
• Newspaper
• TV News
• Scouting
• Enrichment Courses
• Soccer
• Baseball

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Health Services

Rockville Centre School District #21 provides the services of a nurse five days a week. Children on designated grade levels are examined annually for vision, hearing, and scoliosis.

A. Physical Examination

Complete physical examinations are required for all new entrants. Physicals are also required of students entering grades K, 2, 4, and 7 and any child with chronic physical problems. Students who wish to participate in any athletic team must submit a sport's physical as well as a medical release prior to tryouts. No exceptions will be made.  Dental certificates are required for all children.

B. Immunization

In accordance with the Amendments to the New York State Public Health Law and Regulations, a child will NOT be admitted to school without proof of the following immunizations:

1. three doses of diphtheria vaccine

2. three doses of  polio vaccine (IPV, OPV or any combination of IPV and OPV)

3. two does of measles

4. one dose of mumps and rubella vaccine

5. three doses of hepatitis B vaccine

6. one dose of Varicella vacinne (chicken pox) for students born on/or after Jan. 1, 1998 and for students born on/or after Jan 1, 1994 entering or transferring into gr. 6.

C. Emergencies

If a child becomes ill or has an accident during the school day, every attempt will be made to contact the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Emergency cards must be on file in the Health Office and updated as needed.. 

D. Medication

State Law prohibits dispensing of medication, including over the counter drugs, except by written request of the parent(s) and a physician’s direct order. Therefore, if it is necessary for a child to take medication during the school day the following procedure must be followed:

1. a note from parent(s) and doctor must be sent to the school nurse
2. medication must be submitted to the nurse in the prescription bottle
3. medicine may only be taken in the presence of the nurse or her designee

E. Medical Excuse for Physical Education

If your child cannot participate in gym class, a written excuse from a physician must be submitted. Medical clearance must also be submitted when the child can be readmitted to physical education classes.

F. Reportable Conditions

All incidents of injuries, serious illnesses, surgery, accidents and communicable diseases must be reported to the nurse.

G. Returning to Class

                    An admission note from the physician is required before a child who has had "strep" infection
                    may return to school.

H. Fever

                    If a student has had a fever, they must remain out of school for a period of 24 hours following
                    the last fever

Students in need of corrective speech therapy are referred to a qualified therapist who are provided by their respective Public School District. All incoming students are screened. Periodic re-evaluation ensures the continuity and quality of this service.

Psycho-Educational services are provided for individually referred students by their respective Public School District. Screening is provided for incoming Kindergartners by the Rockville Centre Public School District.

Students who are designated as Learning Disabled by a Committee for Special Education, receive instruction according to their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Guidance services are available for all children in grades K-8. Referrals may be made by parents, teachers and administrators. Individual and group counseling is offered to students who experience family or personal concerns.

Parents are encouraged to consult with the guidance counselor as needed.

Through the AIS program, a teacher is provided by the Rockville Centre Public School District for remedial reading and math instruction to qualifying students in grades 1-6.

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1. Purpose

The school board is an elected body organized to develop, formulate, and recommend to the rector and administration, educational policies for St. Agnes Cathedral School. Educational Policies may include, but are not limited to, curriculum, staffing, finance, equipment, enrichment activities, facilities, plant maintenance and repair, general school standards, and dissemination of information. The Board promotes the implementation of policy, upon approval by the rector. The implementation of policy is the responsibility of the rector through the principal.

2. Membership

a. The board consists of twelve elected members. The rector, co-principals, president(s) of the parent organizations are ex-officio members. 

b. Each elected member shall serve a term of three years. Members are eligible for one subsequent term.

c. Membership on the board is limited to adult (age 21 or older) members of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish and parents/guardians of children attending  St. Agnes Cathedral School. Parents residing outside the parish may serve their elected term only as long as their children are enrolled in St. Agnes Cathedral School.

The Home-School Association

The purpose of the Home-School Association is to help parents and teachers acquire a profound appreciation for the ideals of Catholic education and promote a clearer understanding of their mutual educational responsibilities.

The membership of this association consists of parents or guardians of students attending St. Agnes Cathedral School, the principal and faculty, clergy, and other interested adults of the parish.

The purpose of the Mothers’ Club of St. Agnes Cathedral School is:

To coordinate with the school in providing quality education for the students through enrichment.

  To raise the funds necessary to provide enrichment.

To cooperate with all organizations officially connected with the parish in furthering its interests and ideals.

The Fathers’ Club of St. Agnes Cathedral School was established to provide fathers, grandfathers, and other interested members of the community with an opportunity to actively support the education of their children and to raise funds for the maintenance and improvement of the school facilities.

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It is important to know who is in the school at all times. Since school doors are kept locked, visitors must enter through the main building on Clinton Avenue.

NO ONE MAY GO TO THE CLASSROOM WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE ADMINISTRATION.

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The work of volunteers is an integral part of the school’s programs. 

Volunteers are utilized in a variety of ways.  All volunteers must complete a Screening Consent and Disclosure form.

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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

As prescribed by this ruling, St. Agnes Cathedral School provides parents and students who have reached 18 years of age or are attending an institution of post-secondary education access to records directly related to the students. Parents and eligible students may challenge those records on the grounds that they are inaccurate, misleading, or, in other ways, a violation of the student’s privacy or other rights. The school must obtain the written consent of parents and eligible students before releasing personally identifiable information about the students contained in education records.

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The Administration Retains the right to amend the Parent-Student Handbook as necessary.