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Handbook

Welcome to Holy Family School

We are pleased that you have chosen a Catholic education for your child.  We take great pride in instructing and modeling for our students the importance of the Three R’s: Reverence, Respect and Responsibility.  We are dedicated to teaching as Christ taught and passing on the values and heritage of the Catholic Faith.

We recognize that you, the parent, are the first and most important teacher of your child.  We look forward to working with you to form a partnership in helping you to educate your child so that he/she reaches his/her fullest potential.

This handbook is a living document that grows with us and reflects the continuing refinement of our path for on-going success.  Each family will receive one copy of this handbook for reference to school policies and procedures during your Holy Family School days.  As new information develops, it will be sent home in your child’s backpack.   Please keep this handbook in a convenient place for quick reference.  If you have a question not addressed in this handbook, we welcome your call to our office.

Yours in Christ,
From All of the Staff at Holy Family School

Mission Statement

Holy Family School is a school where Catholic Doctrine is taught, service to others becomes the responsibility of each student, and family and school enter into a partnership to develop each student to his or her fullest potential.

School Philosophy

We believe:
In the values of Reverence, Respect and Responsibility. All authority comes from God. In the formation of the whole person. Spiritual – Intellectual – Emotional – Physical. All students are Christians or are aware of Christian values and act in accordance with right reason, based on the teachings of Jesus. The student has the opportunity to be a leader in Religious – School – Civic activities.

Holy Family School takes great pride in instructing students on the importance of the Three R’s

Reverence

For God and the Sacred

Respect

For self, others, property and natural environment that sustains all life.

Responsibility

For the choices we make and the consequences of our actions;
For taking care of ourselves and others;
For fulfilling obligations and commitments;
For contributing to our community through courage, caring, kindness and cooperation.

Staff

Holy Family School teachers are highly qualified and certified by the State of Michigan. Our teachers view their work as both a career and a ministry. Their respect for each student, confidence in your child’s ability, and genuine concern set a standard for relationships among peers. Our teachers offer personal attention to each student to more fully develop the child’s intelligence and creativity.

Admission Policy

Read the Admission Policy

Registration begins in March. Parents/guardians begin paying monthly payments for the next school year.  Holy Family School does not give refunds for tuition, since we base our fixed costs such as salaries and equipment on a certain number of students.

Children entering Kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 1st.  Parents/guardians must bring the child(ren)’s birth and baptismal certificates and complete an Emergency Information Card to fulfill the enrollment requirements.

A proof of proper immunizations from a health clinic or physician must be provided before the first day of the school year.  All children who enter schools in Michigan are required by state law to be fully vaccinated in accordance with Part 92, Act 368 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended.

Holy Family School admits students of any race, religion, national and ethnic origin.

It grants all students the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded students of the school.  “It does not discriminate on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin or sex in the administration of its hiring and personnel and educational policies, admissions, scholarship and athletic and other school administered programs, as required by the terms of the Title IX of the Education Act of 1972, Public Law 92-128 (as amended by Public Law 93-568).”

Subject to seating availability and review by the Principal, students may be accepted as follows:

Siblings of students currently attending our school
Children of registered, contributing members of Holy Family Church or
Children of registered, contributing members of other area Catholic Churches
Non-Catholic Children who desire a parochial education.   Non-Catholic students are expected to participate in all religion classes and activities.

When classroom quotas are filled, students are placed on a waiting list and notification is made to the parents/guardians as seating becomes available.

Transfer students are accepted and given a probationary status of one quarter (nine weeks).  During this time, the student must display an interest in learning, exert necessary effort and observe the rules of the school.  At the end of the probationary period, the Principal will decide whether the student is to remain enrolled at Holy Family School. Parents/guardians will be notified.

For admission, it is expected that the following requirements be met:
Parents/guardians desire a Catholic education for the student.
Parents/guardians and student accept the philosophy and policies of the school and its’ implementation in the school program.
Parents/guardians are responsible for and meet the financial obligations regarding tuition.
All current year’s tuition must be paid before registration of the new school year is accepted from currently enrolled students.

Financing Catholic Education

Holy Family School Catholic education is financed by three sources.  First, the school is a part of the parish community ministries and is supported financially through the offertory collection and other donations of parishioners.  Tuition from each family also covers a portion of our budget.  Fundraising is our third source.  Staff members consider their work a career and a ministry and accept less than market wages in support of Catholic education. 

Tuition

Tuition rates are available at the school office.  Tuition payments are made on a ten-month plan, beginning in March of the preceding year and ending in December.
If you are unable to meet your tuition commitment, you must discuss your individual situation with the Principal.  Every effort will be made to help parents/guardians who have a true financial need.

Student Supplies

Students will need a number of consumable items (pens, pencils, and paper….) for the school year.  These items will need to be replenished throughout the year. The list is mailed to families the beginning of August.  A copy can be obtained from the school office.

Programs

Student Faith Formation

Holy Family School’s staff and parents/guardians help students develop morally into strong, active Christians through many daily activities.  Through the leadership of our Pastor, Father Charles Donajkowski, students participate as active witnesses to many liturgical events such as Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter.  Students learn to pray, study, and apply spiritual values to their daily lives.

Sacramental Program

Sacramental Readiness is a Family Ministry Process established through the Department of Faith Formation.  The goal is to bring an awareness of our Baptismal promises into our daily life and complete the initiation process through Confirmation and the Celebration of the Eucharist.  Students, Second Grade and older are encouraged to participate in this process, following the directives of the Diocese of Gaylord.  Students who are not baptized by Second Grade and older will participate in the RCIA process through the parish.

Prayer

Prayer is an integral part of Holy Family School.  Students begin the day with prayer, pray before lunch and end their day with prayer. The school’s Prayer Services and other religious activities follow the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.

Preschool

Holy Family School offers a three-day, full-day Preschool Program, Tuesdays-Thursdays.  Our maximum capacity is 20 students.  We are a fully licensed Child Care Center by the State of Michigan.

Kindergarten

Holy Family School offers All-Day Kindergarten.  The all-day experience provides for additional learning time to enhance the child’s language and social development.  It helps to build self-confidence and independence.

Elementary

The instructional program takes into consideration varied student learning styles.  Through differentiated instruction and multi-age classrooms, teachers assist students in growing spiritually, socially, academically, and physically.

Curriculum

In compliance with the Benchmarks and Standards of the Diocese of Gaylord, the following subjects are taught at Holy Family School: Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Handwriting, Music, Band (6th Grade), Physical Education, Computer Science, Art

Title I Reading or Math support is available for eligible students.  Please contact your child’s teacher or the Principal for more information.

Evaluations, Conferences & Achievements

Report cards are issued following the completion of each nine-week grading period.  Parents/guardians need to carefully review their child’s progress and contact the school if they have any questions or concerns.

Measures of Academic Progress (NWEA) tests are administered in the Fall and Spring to all students in Grades 2-7 according to the Diocesan Policy.

Promotions and retentions are based on an evaluation of academic, physical, social and emotional growth.  The primary reasons for sponsoring retention are:

Indifference or lack of effort on the part of a capable student

Physical, emotional, or social immaturity

Frequent or long absences

Retention is usually considered as a more positive alternative during the younger grades. Parents/guardians can assume their child will be promoted unless the alternative of retention has been discussed during the school year. Parents/guardians will be involved in any retention decision.

Scheduled Parent-Teacher Conferences are held in November. Parents/guardians are expected to attend this conference.  When there is need for additional conferences during the course of the school year, parents/guardians or teachers may request them, by appointment only.

The Honor Roll is a special recognition for students in Grades 3-4-5-6 who achieve high academic results and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner for Holy Family School.

Students receive special recognition at the Awards Presentation at the end of the school year.  These awards are intended to promote and recognize academic skills, various aspects of good citizenship and Track and Field Day achievements.  Parents are welcome to attend this special event.

Study Skills

Parents/guardians can help to educate a student on skills and techniques that make learning easier and more enjoyable.  The following student guidelines are required for achieving good study habits:

Come to class prepared with pencil, paper and other necessary materials.

Be an active participant in class and listen well.

Ask questions to clarify problems.

Plan your day and schedule time for homework after school in a quiet non-distractive place.

Homework is important.  It is assigned at the discretion of the teachers.  It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school.  Homework can provide practice that reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research and creative thinking. Parents/guardians should help their child(ren) by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the student to work and by ensuring that assignments are completed.

Holy Family School’s curriculum follows the Diocese of Gaylord Benchmarks and Standards and is available for review at the school office.

Program Enrichments

View All Opportunities

Holy Family School offers many opportunities for enriching our students’ learning experience.  Some of these opportunities are:

Lectors (5th-6th Graders)

Altar Servers (3rd-6th Graders)

Gift Bearers (Kindergarten, First and Second Graders)

Monthly Service Projects

Field Trips

“Catholic Schools Week” Events

Fine Arts Night/Talent Show

Music Programs: Advent Program & Spring Program.  Participation is mandatory.  Failure to attend will lower a student’s music grade.

Band (Sixth & Seventh Grade – required)

Sports

Science Expo

Monthly Service Projects

Holy Family School students participate in monthly service projects.  These service projects can be within our local community, country or globally.

Service projects build character, teach civic responsibility and open doors to career possibilities.  Through the service projects, students give back to their community and church.

Altar Servers

Students in Grades Third through seventh, who wish to serve at Thursday Mass may be Altar Servers.  The Altar Servers (Grades Fourth through Seventh) will also be asked to serve at weekday Funeral Masses, with permission from their parents.

Field Trips

Field trips may be scheduled throughout the school year to supplement different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to educational and cultural activities not available in the classroom setting.  Parents/guardians will receive notices of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign Field Trip Permission Forms.  These forms must be signed and returned to school prior to departure or the student will not be allowed to attend.

School and parents/guardians will share the cost of these outings. Chaperones are sometime needed for field trips.

Videos

Videos are an educational experience.  Teachers show only G-rated movies.  Before P.G. or P.G. 13 movies can be shown, written parental permission is required.  The principal must approve P.G. 13 movies.

Media Center (Library)

The goal of the Holy Family School library is to encourage reading.  The library is open on a regular basis and is supervised by a paraprofessional.  There is a .05⊄ fine per day for each book overdue, with the exception of sick days, weekends and vacations. Damaged or lost books must be replaced at the student/parent’s expense. In addition, the Media Center houses the school’s Computer Lab.  The lab is used for a variety of purposes.  Depending on grade level, these uses include information gathering, instructional remediation and creative purposes.

Student Guidelines for Acceptable Internet Use

Access to the Internet is offered to help students learn.  With the help of teachers, the Internet can be used for researching, studying and communicating.  But the Internet also includes some information that is not appropriate for students and the school environment.  Therefore, students must agree to behave properly when using this powerful learning tool.  The following rules should help a student understand what type of behavior is expected of Internet users.

Students must be kind and polite when using the Internet.

Students must use Internet equipment only for school-related activities.

Students may use the Internet only when they have permission from a teacher.

Students should not damage or mistreat computer equipment under any circumstances.  This includes trying to “fix” plugs, cables or other parts of the equipment.  Leave that to your teacher.

Students should not access files that do not belong to them.

Students should not copy, download or install any software or programs to or from school computers.

Students must not write, send, download or display obscene, threatening, harassing or otherwise harmful messages or pictures.

Students must not share their personal address, phone number or any other contact information over the Internet.  They must not share information about other people either, including friends, fellow students or teachers.

Students should be aware that e-mail and Internet use can and will be monitored and therefore is not private.

Students must obey all rules that normally govern their behavior at school when using the Internet.

Athletics

Holy Family School participates in a Christian sports league.  The purpose of this league is to promote Christian values through sports.  The focus of the league is to add to the educational growth of the students and enable them to learn the values of working together as a team.

The sports that are offered at Holy Family School are:

  • 5th-6th Grade Girls Basketball
  • 5th -6th Grade Boys Basketball
  • 4th Grade Co-Ed Basketball
  • 5th – 6th Grade Girls volleyball

All students must have a sports physical and must maintain a C average in all subjects to play.

Parents transport team members to and from the games.

Coaches are volunteers and must have a fingerprint background check through the Michigan State Police/FBI.  Contact the school office for more information.

A Christian attitude and good sportsmanship is stressed at all times.

Parent Involvement

Volunteers

Holy Family School volunteers are valued members of our educational community.  Volunteers are an integral part of the school.

They help: in the classroom, lunchroom, kitchen, playground, chaperone field trips, coach our sport teams, with Track and Field Day, and with school fund-raisers.

All volunteers are required to have a background check and take the online Virtus Training Class, as mandated by the Bishops of the United States.  Persons who volunteer more than eight hours a month are required to be fingerprinted.

School Advisory Council (S.A.C.)

The purpose of the Holy Family School Advisory Committee is to give the Principal advice on Curriculum, Budget, Policy and Building/Grounds and also to help develop the Strategic Plan for the school.  The committee is made up of seven parents/ guardians appointed by the Pastor and the Principal.  These meetings are open to the public.

School Advisory Council (S.A.C.) Mission Statement
To act in an advisory capacity to the Principal and Pastor in developing and recommending policies and direction that will best enable the school program to enhance the spiritual, intellectual and physical development of Holy Family School students.  The committee has oversight responsibilities in matters of finance, curriculum, policy and strategic planning.

Parent Teacher Organization (P.T.O.)

The PTO was established to help raise funds for school operations and special purposes.  The group is operated by its own charter and meets three times a year.  All parents/guardians are members of the PTO and are encouraged to attend all meetings.

Fundraising

Holy Family School’s annual budget is supported by three sources: the parish contribution, tuition and fundraising.  All parents are expected to work toward the school fundraising goal.  By working together, all who wish can have a quality Catholic education for their child/ren.

Family/Social Activities

Holy Family School recognizes that family is important.  We strive to maintain a family- friendly atmosphere in our school.  We host many family-centered activities throughout the school year.  All are encouraged to bring family and friends to our social events.
Some of these activities are: August Open House/Parent Information Meeting, All Saint’s Day Celebration, Advent Program, Fine Arts Night/Talent Show, Spring Program, PTO Events

Donations

Many options exist for those who wish to make a charitable contribution to Holy Family School. A cash gift is the most common way to support Holy Family School.  Cash gifts are deductible for all taxpayers who itemize deductions. You have the option of donating gifts other than cash…stocks, mutual funds, real estate and other securities to name just a few.  You can also donate to the Holy Family Education Foundation which supports educational efforts of the parish and school.  All donations are greatly appreciated and are used wisely to continue fostering a Catholic Education.

Communication

Communication between “school and parent” and “teacher and parent” is vital.  Please check your child’s backpack daily for notices.  As an added convenience you may check the school’s website: www.hfs-tawas.org.  Any forms or paperwork should be completed and returned as soon as possible.

Change of Information

The school office must be notified of any change of address, telephone number or any other essential information needed for school records.  It is imperative that the school has up-to-date information.  The school will attempt to send school notices home to parents who live separately.

Calendar

Holy Family School sends home a School Year Calendar at the beginning of the school year.  In addition, monthly calendars are sent home and posted in Renweb.

In-Services

Parents/guardians will be notified through the monthly calendar when staff in-services will be held.  These are held to match local public school dates as closely as possible.

Cancellation of School

Cancellation of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure or public crisis.  If Tawas Area Schools are closed, Holy Family School is also closed.

Holy Family School is aware of the hardship that can be caused by an abrupt cancellation. Therefore, school will not be canceled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unusual circumstances.

When inclement weather makes it necessary to close the school, parents/guardians will receive notification through local radio and television stations.  If school should be canceled during the school day, school staff will determine that all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision at their home before releasing them from school.

Student Records

Parents have the legal right to view their child’s school records under the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.  Please call the office to arrange an appointment if you wish to view your child’s school records.  As a courtesy, non-custodial parents can receive general school information.  The school is obligated to follow particular court orders regarding accessibility to confidential student records.

Transportation

Holy Family School students living in the Tawas Area School District may ride the Tawas Area Schools’ bus to and from school.  Students must adhere to the public school bus policy.
In the case of an emergency when a student needs to be dropped off at a different location, the student must bring a note to the school office.  Emergency changes will be honored for the date on the note only.  All students are required to have a bus pass to ride a different bus.

Bicycles

Written notification is necessary if students ride bicycles to school.  They must walk their bikes on school grounds and across intersections at all times.  Bicycles should be parked at the bike rack in the front of the school.  To safeguard against theft, students should secure bicycles with locks.  The school is not responsible for the damage and/or loss of bicycles on school property.  Helmets must be worn at all times. Roller blades and skateboards are not allowed on the school premise.

Attendance/ Absence/ Tardiness

To profit from school experiences, students are expected to attend school every day of the school year.  Maintaining satisfactory attendance patterns is the basic responsibility of the parents/guardians.  Persistent absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for a student and is regarded as a very serious problem.

School Start/ End Times

Our school day starts at 7:50 A.M.  and ends at 2:35 P.M.  Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students.  Students may be dropped off at the front entrance no earlier than 7:20A.M. and will be supervised by the Principal and secretary. Late arrivals after the start of the day disrupt class and causes loss of instruction time.  Any student who arrives after 7:50A.M.is considered tardy.  When a student is tardy for school, he/she must report directly to the school office and sign in.

When a student is unable to attend school, parents/guardians must call the school office (362-5651) between 7:30A.M. and 8:15A.M. Parents/guardians should give the student’s name, teacher’s name and the reason for the absence.  As a safety measure, if a call is not received, the secretary will call the home to confirm the reason for the student’s absence.

Written notification is necessary for early dismissal.  The request must state the reason, time and the name of the person who will pick up the student.  The person will report to the school office and after proper identification, will sign the student out.  This procedure is a safety measure for the students.

Students are ½ day absent if they arrive after 9:30 A.M.  They are ½ day absent if they leave after 11:30 A.M. and before 2:00 P.M.

Parents/guardians are asked to schedule all appointments (doctors, dentist, etc.) after school.

Parents are asked to plan vacations when school is not in session.  Presence in the classroom for lesson presentation and interactive activities cannot be replaced by homework. If parents choose to take their child/ren out of school for an extended period of time, the student is responsible for completion of the work missed.  Teachers are not obligated to provide class work in advance, but will help with make-up work.

Perfect Attendance Awards will not be given to any student with more than three tardies.  Almost-Perfect Attendance Awards will not be given to any student with more than five tardies.

Under Michigan law, students are allowed to be absent or tardy ten (10) days before they are reported to the Truant Officer at the Iosco Regional Educational Service Agency.

Withdrawals

Parents/guardians of any student who is withdrawing from Holy Family School must notify the school office two weeks in advance of the withdrawal.

Health

It is mandatory that if a student becomes ill during the course of the school day, the school office will contact the parents/guardians to have the student picked up immediately.

Accidents

Any type of accident, which occurs on school premises, is reported to the office.  If the accident is of a minor nature, (slight cut, scrapes, bruises) it will be treated at the school office.  If the accident is of a serious nature, (one that may require more extensive professional care) the student will be made comfortable. Parents/guardians or the person provided on the emergency card will be contacted immediately.  If no one can be reached, the school office will take the necessary steps to secure proper medical attention.

Blood Borne Pathogens

To protect our students and staff from infectious disease transmitted through bodily fluids, the parent may be contacted to bring a change of clothing to school in the event of an accident or emergency.

Communicable Diseases

All communicable diseases must be reported to the school office immediately.  The following regulation must be followed by the Administration of the school – students are excluded from classes for the following diseases and cannot be readmitted without written approval of physician: Diphtheria, Meningitis, Smallpox, Tuberculosis, Whooping Cough, Pink Eye

Parental cooperation in the aforementioned is vital to the continued health program at the school.

At the first evidence of Chicken Pox, the student will be sent home and not be allowed to return to school until all the pox are properly healed (crusted over). Parents/guardians should be aware that new outbreaks might occur three to four days apart and that the student remains contagious until five days after the last outbreak.

Hearing/Vision Screening

Incoming Kindergartners have hearing and vision screening the spring before entering Holy Family School.  Iosco County Health Department comes once a year to do hearing and vision testing for Grades 1-7.

Immunizations

All students at Holy Family School are required to be immunized against vaccine preventable disease.  Contact the school office for a current list of requirements or to obtain a waiver form.

Insurance

The Diocese of Gaylord provides a supplemental accident medical policy for Holy Family students for the school year.  This policy is provided without cost to the families of our students and covers all school-related activities including interscholastic sports.  The parent is responsible for requesting the claim form from the school office and mailing it to the insurance company within 30 days of the accident.

Please note: If there is any possibility that you may need insurance coverage from Michigan Catholic Conference to help with bills incurred in a school related accident, submit the claim form immediately.  Do no wait for your insurance company to notify you about whether they will cover all of your expenses or not; by that time, it may be too late to make a claim.  Keep in mind, the claim must be submitted within 30 days of the accident.

Medications

If your child must bring medication to school, the “Administrating of Medications Parent Permission Form” must be filled out before any medication will be given.  All medications(prescription and non-prescription) must be in the original container and have a doctor’s prescription.  All medications MUST be turned into the school office.  Students may not store medicine in lunchboxes, desks or on their person.  The school secretary or principal will administer medications.  Refrigeration is available.

No Nit Policy (Head Lice)

If head lice are thought to be present, school staff will examine each student.  If head lice are detected, parents/guardians will be notified and the student will be sent home. The student will be readmitted to school only after treatment and there is no evidence of ticks (nits).  The classroom will be sanitized and, if need be, each student’s outer garments will be kept in individual plastic bags for a few days.

Food Service

A Hot Lunch Program is offered each day.  The lunch calendar is sent home a week before the beginning of the each month. The calendar and money are due back a week later.  The due date is on the calendar.  Late calendars are accepted and your child can order lunch in the morning.  But for ease in planning and purchasing food we ask that calendars be turned in on time.  A copy of the calendar will be sent home.
Lunch is $2.50. A second serving is an additional $1.00
Milk/Juice is not included in the lunches.  Separate tickets need to be purchased for milk/juice.  Milk/juice tickets are .50⊄ each
Students may bring bag lunches.
Students who do not have a sack lunch or have not purchased hot lunch will be given a peanut butter sandwich.
Please note:  We do not offer charge account service for lunches.

Dress Code

We at Holy Family School take our dress code very seriously and believe it helps reduce distractions from our faith-filled and academic learning environment. We also believe that our students are prepared for their future work environments by practicing the use of appropriate attire. We appreciate parental support in the enforcement of this dress code. Thank you!

Dress Code Descriptions
Tops
  •  Collared shirts with minimum of a capped sleeve
    OR
  • Solid-colored tops with minimum of a capped sleeve (logos no bigger than a quarter)
Bottoms
  •  Solid-colored & no holes: slacks, cargos, jeans, walking shorts, capris, skirts, jumpers or dresses (All bottoms must be minimum of 2 inches above knee or longer)
Shoes
  •  Close-toed
Mass Boys: solid colored dress pants or dress shorts
& collared shirt (logos no bigger than a quarter) & tie

Girls: solid colored dress pants or dress shorts
or skirt/dress/jumper
& collared shirt (logos no bigger than a quarter)

Winter Clothing
  • Grades PK-K-1-2-3: coats, snow pants, boots, gloves and head wear
  • Grades 4-5-6-7: coats, boots, gloves and head wear
Special Notes: 
  • HFS spirit wear or scout uniforms may be worn anytime (except on mass days)
  • Tennis shoes required for P.E., Non-marking soles
  • Sunglasses, hats, caps, bandanas, & dangling earrings not allowed
  • Hair & make-up must be of natural shades
  • Leggings are considered tights, not pants.  (Skirts or dresses over leggings must still be minimum of 2 inches above knee or longer)
Consequences for Noncompliance of Dress Code

PK – 1st Grade

1st Dress Code Violation: Verbal Warning
2nd Dress Code Violation: Behavior Report Sent Home
3rd Dress Code Violation: Loss of a Privilege (e.g. Show & Tell or Recess)

2nd Grade – 7th Grade

1st Dress Code Violation: Verbal Warning
2nd Dress Code Violation: Behavior Report Sent Home
3rd Dress Code Violation: Loss of a Privilege (e.g. Field Trip or special event)

Discipline (& Expectations)

The staff at Holy Family School believes that each student has the right to learn and to be respected and has the responsibility to respect others. The behavior expected from students at school is a combination of common courtesy and safety considerations. Discipline Reports are used for consistency among staff and students.

School Property

Students are responsible for the proper care of all books, supplies, furniture and equipment supplied by the school.  To protect books from damage, students will carry all books in a suitable book bag.  Damaged or lost school property must be replaced at the student/parent’s expense.

Lunch Program

Lunch/Recess is a 45-minute period.

Recess: 11:15-11:35
Lunch: 11:40-12:00

Students are expected to:

Respect and cooperate with the lunchroom supervisors.

Use classroom voices.

Stay in their seat until dismissed.

Clean up their eating area, including table, chair and floor.

Garbage is thrown away at dismissal time.

Food and drinks are not allowed outside the cafeteria.

Playground

Two school employees and one parent volunteer supervise the playground during lunch recess.  Teachers supervise the afternoon recess.

Only students accompanied by a parent should be on the school grounds before or after class time, as playground supervision is not provided beyond school hours.

Class Time and Recess

The following guidelines have been established for safety and to support the re-creative energy of all students.

Respect the Supervisors

Have a positive, cooperative attitude

Listen and follow directions

Respect Fellow Students

Include all students in games

Take time to apologize if someone is hurt

Help injured students to the school office

Follow the Safety Rules

Play in the designated areas

Never play in the parking lot or street

Choose constructive activities (make playtime re-creative)

Gymnastics and rough play of any kind are not permitted (flips, tackle football…).

Absolutely nothing can be thrown except a ball.  (no snowballs, snow, ice, sand, stones, woodchips, sticks, dirt…)

Enter the building only when accompanied by a staff member

Leave the school grounds only with permission from the principal

All students go outdoors for recess.  A signed note stating the student’s illness is needed to stay in.

On rainy days or when the temperature is below 15 degrees, including the wind chill, the students will then have indoor recess.

Holy Family School Behavior Expectations

Be Prompt and Prepared

Arrive on time

Bring essential materials

Complete and return assignments

“You must be ready: for the son of man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”  Luke 12:40

Respect Authority

Listen to authority

Follow directions promptly

Accept responsibility for your behavior

“Pay attention and you will have understanding.  What I am telling you is good, so remember it.”  Proverbs 4: 1-2

Respect the Rights of Others

Use appropriate voice and language

Listen to the speaker

Respect the opinion of others

Refrain from harassment

“Whatever you do for the least one of these you do for me.” Matthew 25:40

Respect Property

Respect the property of others

Respect your own property

Use materials and equipment properly and safely

“Every good gift and every perfect present come from God.”  James 1:17

Display a Concern for Learning

Remain on task

Allow others to remain on task

“If you want to be wise, keep the Lord’s commandments and He will give you wisdom abundance.” Sirach 1:26

Display Appropriate Social Skills

Accept disagreements and failures

Forgive teasing

Take turns

Display courtesy and tact

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:39

Display Appropriate Character

Be positive

Be productive

“Each one as a good manager of God’s different gifts must use them for the good of others – the special gifts he/she has received from God.  1 Peter 4:10

Progressive Consequences

About

Developing Student Ownership and Responsibility

Warning with an Interaction

What did the student do wrong?

What is expected?

What is the next consequence?

Student commits to improving behavior

Time Out

Behavior Improvement Plan

Student describes the inappropriate behavior.

Student establishes a plan and commits to improving behavior.

Phone Call to the Parents

Meeting with the Principal

Student and principal meet.

Student, teacher and principal meet.

Meeting with the Parents

Parents, student, teacher and principal meet together.

Group behavior plan is developed.

Meeting with the Pastor

Expulsion

Out of School Suspension

Suspension shall be for a minimum of three (3) school days.  In reaching a decision to suspend, consideration will be given to the welfare and Christian development of the individual student and the practical common good of the entire student body.

Parents shall be notified of the suspension and requested to attend a joint conference with their child, the school principal and any appropriate faculty member(s).  In no instance shall a student be asked to leave the school during regular school hours and proceed home without prior notification to and consent of the parent(s)/guardian.  The decision to require a student to proceed home alone or await the arrival of a parent/guardian shall be made jointly by the parent/guardian and the principal.

The conference with the parent(s)/guardian and child will take place within the three (3) school days from the suspension, if possible.  If the principal and parent(s)/guardian and child are unable to meet within that time period for any reason, the conference shall be scheduled as quickly as possible.  Within that same three day period, the principal will continue investigation of the facts and circumstances leading to the suspension and shall document the reasons for the suspension.  Documentation of the suspension shall be placed in the student’s file.

The principal shall have discretion to extend the suspension beyond three (3) days, with notification to the parent(s)/guardian.

Expulsion

Expulsion is defined as the permanent dismissal of a student from the school within a given school year.  There are two (2) general situations, which can lead to expulsion:

when the moral or physical well-being of the student body, school or staff is endangered.

when there is a prolonged and open disregard for school policies, authority or habitual truancy.

The expulsion of a student from Catholic school is such a serious penalty that it hopefully will be invoked rarely.  In most cases, the principal should use available means to discover the cause of a student’s problems and should attempt to utilize remedies such as suggesting that parents refer the student to a guidance clinic, physician or priest if, in the principal’s discretion such remedies are likely to resolve the problems.

There may, however, be situations where immediate expulsion of a student from the school is appropriate.  These situations include, but are not limited to, the following:

Actions gravely detrimental to the moral and spiritual welfare of any school or church personnel, volunteers or students

Assault, battery or any threat of force or violence directed toward any school or church personnel, volunteers or students.

Use, sale, possession or control of narcotics or illicit drugs on or about school/church premises.

Use, sale, possession or control of alcoholic beverages on or about school/church premises.

Vandalism of school/church premises.

Possession or control of any weapon or other dangerous instrument on or about school/church premises.

Any criminal behavior.

Grievance Process

Holy Family School students and their parents have the right to appeal teacher and/or administrative decisions with which they disagree.  At each level, a meeting shall take place if requested by either party.  If consensus cannot be achieved after a wholehearted attempt by all parties, either party can appeal to the next level.  The request for a review at a higher level must be made in writing within five days of receiving the previous decision.  The levels of appeal are as follows: Principal—Pastor—Vicar—Diocese of Gaylord

Safe Environment

Accident/Incident Reporting

Serious accidents occurring during the school day, especially those requiring medical attention, will be reported to the parents immediately.  Incident reports will be completed for each serious injury/accident.

Background Check

Diocesan policy requires all adults working with our students whether in the building, driving or chaperoning school sponsored sports, activities or field trips to have a background check.  Applications can be obtained from the school office. Persons who volunteer more than eight hours a month are required to be fingerprinted.

Bullying/Harassment

It is a violation of law and of school rules for any student to harass or intimidate another student or staff member.  If a student is the victim of any unwanted sexual actions or comments or of derogatory statements or actions concerning his/her gender, religion, race, ethnic group or disability, the student should report such behavior to the office.  All reports shall be kept confidential and shall be investigated as soon as possible.    Disciplinary action will commence if investigation proves that harassment did occur.

Classroom Interruptions

To provide our students with the highest quality of instruction and experience in the classroom, we discourage classroom interruptions for family living responsibilities.  Before your child leaves home, please make sure that his/her personal needs for the day have been meet.

Dismissal

School is dismissed at 2:35 P.M. Parents/guardians will park in the back parking lot and go to classrooms to pick up students. If an adult, other that the parents/guardians, is to pick up the student, the office must be notified in writing or a phone call. Students walking home will be released last to allow the majority of traffic to clear.

Emergency Drills

All schools are required by law to hold five fire drills, two tornado drills and three lockdown/shelter in place drills during the school year.

Leaving School Grounds

Holy Family School is responsible for the safety of the students during school hours.  No student may leave the school grounds without the permission of the principal.

Locked Door Policy

For the safety of our staff and students, we make every attempt to keep our outside doors locked when school is in session. There is a doorbell at the front entrance if entry is needed during the school day.

Personal Property/Lost & Found

Any personal property (coats, hats, etc.) not claimed by a student or parent/guardian by the end of each semester will be donated to St. Vincent de Paul.

Search/Seizing Students’ Possessions

Holy Family School is co-tenant of lockers and desks and reserves the right to search them at any time without notice.  If it is believed that a student is carrying a dangerous item, the Principal will ask the student to empty the contents of their pockets, purses, book bags, etc.  If the student refuses, the Principal will contact the parents/guardians and have the parents/guardians come to school and conduct a search of the student.  If the situation does not permit the above, the Principal will take whatever necessary action to gain possession of the item.  This procedure is considered very serious and may result in suspension or expulsion.

Technology

See Program Enrichment: Media Center: Student Guidelines

Telephone Usage

The office telephone is a business phone and is not to be used by students except in an emergency.  Students are not allowed to use the telephone to make personal arrangements.  Teachers and students will not be called out of the classroom to answer telephone calls except in emergencies.

Students are not to have cell phones at school.

Transportation

Diocesan policy required all drivers of personal vehicles who transport students to school sponsored events to provide Holy Family School with complete and up-to-date information regarding vehicle, driving record and car insurance.    To transport students each vehicle must be insured for minimum limits of $100,000 per person/$300.00 per occurrence.

A signed Volunteer Driver Information Sheet must be submitted to the principal for each vehicle used.  You may obtain this form from the office.

Visitors

All visitors are required to report and sign in at the school office.  Parents/guardians are welcome to visit the school; however, teachers deserve the respect to be notified along with the Principal prior to a visit to the classroom.

Weapons Policy

Holy Family School is a Gun Free School Zone.

The following is the official weapons policy for all Catholic Schools within the Diocese of Gaylord.

Definitions:

weapon is an object that can be used to threaten or injure another.  It includes, but is not limited to, “dangerous weapons” as defined by state law, which includes a firearm, dagger, dirk, stiletto, knife with a blade over three inches long, pocket knife opened by mechanical devise, iron bar or brass knuckles.

School premises include the school building and the adjacent grounds, including, but not limited to, parking lot, playground, student lockers and busses.

Immediate vicinity of the school means within a block radius of the school and any off-premises school activity site.

firearm means: any weapon, including a starter gun, which will or is designed to and may readily be converted to expel a projectile by action or an explosive. The frame or receiver of any such weapons any firearm muffler or fire arm silencer. Any destructive device.

Rules:

Any student discovered to be, or suspected of, carrying, possessing, concealing or transferring a weapon upon school premises or in the immediate vicinity of the school will be immediately excluded from classes pending investigation.

A search may be conducted to verify the suspicion or clarify the discovery.  The search may include, without prior warning, an inspection and search of a student’s pockets (the student empties his/her own pockets), book bags, purse, lunch box, locker, automobile or any other items the student has in his/her possession or control.  Questioning for the same purpose may include questioning by the principal, a member of the administrative team, a schoolteacher, the pastor/pastoral administrator or a person acting in the place of any of these persons.

If a student refuses to cooperate or interferes with a search, said refusal to cooperate or interference will result in disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from school.

The student will be detained whenever the school has reason to suspect a student may have a weapon or when a weapon is present on the school premises or in the immediate vicinity of the school. Depending on the nature of the weapon, the local police department may be notified.

Any student found to be in violation of the school’s weapon policy is subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion.  Any student determined to have brought a weapon to school shall be expelled for a period of not less than one year.  The rule regarding expulsion can be modified by the school principal or superintendent on a case-by-case basis whenever, in the principal’s sole judgment:

the weapon was not possessed by the student for use as a weapon.

the weapon was not knowingly possessed by the student.

the student did not know or have reason to know that the object constituted a dangerous weapon.

The weapon was possessed by a student at the suggestion, request or direction of a school or police authority

Mitigating circumstances justify other disciplinary action besides expulsion.

If an injury occurs in school, on school premises or in the immediate vicinity of the school, as the result of a weapon, the principal and teachers shall endeavor to:

have students remain calm and avoid panic

notify the police and pastor

secure the school

Notify and consult with the Secretariat for Education and Formation.  The Secretariat for Education and Formation, will, in turn, notify appropriate offices in the Diocesan Pastoral Center.

The principal may use discretion to keep non-school persons out of the school and/or retain students in the school until police have completed their investigation.


Signature Page

Asbestos Notification: In compliance with The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, we had inspections performed at our school for asbestos-containing building materials.  The inspection findings and Management Plan have been on file in the school office since that time.  The EPA requires reinspections every 3 years.  You are welcome to view our files anytime.
Pesticide Advisory: As part of HFS’s pest management program, pesticides are occasionally applied.  You have the right to be informed prior to application.  We will notify all families via e-mail and a posting on our front door  prior to all pesticide applications.
Internet/Computer Use Policy: HFS is committed to safe and ethical computer use.  Students are not to use others’ passwords, enter any personal information online, view or search any inappropriate material, publish any inappropriate pictures or language, vandalize the technology.  Using technology is a privilege, and if a student abuses this privilege, their computer use will be prohibited. 
Media Relations/Promotions Permission: HFS promotes the accomplishments of our students via websites, radio, news releases, church bulletin, etc. Please indicate with your initials if you do or do not wish to include your child in these promotions:
Child’s Name:_______________________________
Permission Granted: _______    OR    Permission is not Granted: _______
Concussion Awareness: A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body.  Signs and symptoms include: confusion, headache, blurry vision, sensitivity to light and noise, nausea or vomiting. Sometimes concussions can last for days, weeks, or even several months.  Some concussions may even be fatal.  If you suspect that your child has a concussion, remove them from athletics and/or other physical activities and seek medical attention for the child to evaluate the injury.  Rest is key to recovering.  For more information on concussions, visit: www.cdc.gov/concussion
Circle of Grace Consent: HFS teaches all k-7th grade students lessons on the Circle of Grace Program in an effort to help create and maintain safe environments for children. This faith-based curriculum teaches that each person is sacred and encourages children to have greater respect for themselves and others.  These lessons also include personal safety information regarding child abuse, child sexual abuse, and internet safety.  Children will receive instructions about what to do if they are harmed or perceive potential harm by another person.  Please indicate your permission (By signing your initials) and if you would like to review the materials below:
Permission Granted: ____________ or Permission not Granted: _________________I would like to review the curriculum
Parent Info & School Directory:
Please fill in the following information and write yes or no for each piece of information to be or not to be included in the school directory.
Parents’ Names: ________________________________    Directory? _____
Students’ Names: _______________________________    Directory? _____
Phone Number: _________________________________   Directory? _____
Address: _________________________________________________
               _________________________________________________   Directory? _____
E-mail: _________________________________________________________________

I have read and understand the contents of this handbook: _______________________________
                                                                                                (Signature & Date)