Revised: 2010

Table of Contents

  Philosophy of St. Antoninus Parish School 

St. Antoninus Parish School is one of the chief missions and ministries of St. Antoninus Parish.  Our school is a place of faith, prayer and learning. We believe that every child bears a divine dignity by Baptism and an eternal destiny of glory.

Mission

Parents are the primary educators of their children, and promise at Baptism to raise their children in the practice of the Faith.  Godparents promise to assist them.  St. Antoninus Parish accepts its mission as “godparents” for our children, assisting parents in the practice of the Faith by providing for our children’s informational, formational and transformational needs.

Informational Needs

Our Parish School seeks to provide our children with the knowledge and skills they need to live a truly human life.

Formational Needs

Our Parish School seeks to provide our children opportunities to live a truly Catholic life: to worship our Triune God; to grow in Christian community; and to serve the needs of others.

Transformational Needs

Our Parish School seeks to encourage our children to open their hearts to our Triune God in Whose image they are made. Through the Sacraments and the Word of God, our children are called to “live a life worthy of the calling they have received”.

Summary

St. Antoninus Parish School is a place of faith, prayer, and learning. We strive to assist our children to value their baptismal dignity and to realize their eternal destiny of glory.

  Student’s Rights and Responsibilities 

FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS

• Every student has the right to be cherished as a gift to our humanity.

• Every student has the right to information and guidance that will promote the discovery and development of his or her God-given talents and abilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Dignity

Every student will acknowledge his or her own dignity, and respect the dignity of every other person.

Best Work

Every student will do his or her best work at school and at home.

Care of Mind and Body

Every student will take care of his or her mind and body.

Help Others

Every student will help others, and show kindness and courtesy toward others.

Learning Environment

Every student will respect and promote a learning environment that recognizes and celebrates the diversity.

Respect Authority

Every student will respect the teaching authority of the parents, faculty and staff.

  School Administration 

SCHOOL POLICY

In dialogue with the Pastor, Principal and Director of Religious Education, the Education Commission evaluates and recommends the administration on the development of school policy. The Principal is the day-to-day administrator of these policies within the school.  The Pastor is the ultimate authority with regard to the establishment of policy and the overall operation of the parish and school.

SCHOOL OFFICE

The principal and the school secretary staff the office.  The office is located on the upper level of the Father McCarthy Education Center (main entrance).  Parents are welcome and encouraged to contact the school office about questions or concerns relating to school administration.  Telephone messages may be left on the office voice mail 24 hours a day.

Messages

Messages are retrieved periodically during the school day and every effort is made to respond as promptly as possible when necessary.  Written messages will be placed in the Principal’s mailbox.  Phone messages are sent to the appropriate person via email. 

It is advised that a parent schedule an appointment if there is a lengthy or sensitive issue to be discussed.

White Envelope

The school office will call or write with general information as the need arises.  Written information may be sent through the mail, home with a student, or through the weekly “white envelope”.  The “white envelope” contains a variety of information that comes from the school office, the Religious Education office, the PTO, the Athletic Club, and/or the Parish House.

Parish School Website

You can also find a great deal of information on the parish school website: www.saintantoninus.org

Parent—Teacher Communication

When a parent has a concern regarding their child and his or her teacher, the first recourse is the teacher.  Parents are encouraged to send a note or e-mail or to call the office.  A  message to return the call will be forwarded to the teacher(s).  Personal information will always be handled confidentially either by phone, email or letter. As a general rule, teachers will not be interrupted for messages during the school day.

Issue Resolution

If an issue is not resolved, teachers or parents are encouraged to notify the principal.  If necessary, the principal or parents are then to address the Pastor.

Meet the Teacher Night

Early in the school year, an Open House evening is held where we welcome all of our community.  After a brief assembly, parents have the opportunity to go to classrooms, meet teachers, and learn about the class procedures.

Parent—Teacher Conferences

These conferences are generally scheduled in November and again in February.  Though not required, conferences provide an excellent opportunity to discuss student progress and get to know the teachers.  Conferences may otherwise be initiated by either teacher or parent at mutually agreeable times.

Catholic Schools Week

Usually held in late January, this nationwide observance of our Catholic, educational heritage provides a variety of opportunities for the school and community to share.  The particular events will be announced through various school and parish bulletins as the week approaches.

  Enrollment, Registration & Withdrawal 

OVERVIEW

St. Antoninus Parish School affords equal educational opportunities to all students without regard to race, color, national origin, or sex. Admission of a handicapped student is contingent upon the determination of the principal that the school can reasonably meet the instructional needs of the child.

ENROLLMENT

Registered Parish Students

St. Antoninus Parish School is committed to offering its educational services to students whose families are registered members of St. Antoninus Parish Church.  Families who move out of the parish boundaries may continue to enroll their students in St. Antoninus Parish School while paying the “in-parish tuition” so long as the family is a supporting member of the parish, making weekly, recordable Sunday contributions in accordance with the Parish Office guidelines.

“Out of Parish” Students

Students whose families are not registered parishioners at St. Antoninus Parish School may enroll at the “out-of-parish” tuition rate on a “space available” basis.  “Out-of-parish” enrollment priorities are:

1. Catholic students who have siblings already enrolled

2. Other Catholic students

3. Non-Catholic students.

When Space Is Limited

For those students enrolling on a “space available” basis, priority will be given to those students already enrolled for the longest period of time.  If necessary, spaces will be allocated by lot.

Enrollment During the School Year

Parents whose children are registered after the school year begins must meet with the principal.  Normally, student records must be transferred to St. Antoninus Parish School prior to the student’s first day.

Student—Teacher Ratio

The student: teacher ratio for any given grade will be determined by a “30 plus 1” rule.  This would mean that any given classroom could house up to 31 students so long as not every room at that grade level has 31 students.  The Education Commission may recommend varying limits as particular circumstances warrant.

After School Child Care Program

Parents whose work schedules necessitate after-school child care have the option of registering St. Antoninus Parish School students of grades one through six in the After School Child Care Program.  Students in grades seven and eight can only be admitted if they have younger siblings in the program.  Registration information is available by calling the school office

REGISTRATION

New student registration is on the first Sunday following open house.  New students’ registration requires the completion of state and locally required forms, transfer of previous records, and payment of the registration fee.  The Registration fee is non-refundable. 

Returning student registration occurs between March 11 and April 16 for the following school year, provided that all previous tuition and fees are paid in full by March 10.  Students already enrolled are automatically registered for the following year when the registration fee is paid by April 16^th.  The registration fee is non-refundable and will be credited against tuition.

WITHDRAWAL OF A STUDENT

Release Process

Parents who intend to withdraw their child from St. Antoninus Parish School should notify the office at least one week prior to the final day.  A form allowing St. Antoninus Parish School to release records must be signed by parents or legal guardians and all applicable tuition and fees must be verified with the parish business manager and paid before any records can be forwarded.

Pregnancy Policy

Upon confirmation of a student’s pregnancy, parents are expected to notify the pastor and/or principal in order to arrange a conference.  Giving consideration to Church teachings and the range of ages present in our parish school, the pregnant student (and the father, if also a registered student) will be dismissed from St. Antoninus Parish School.  Every consideration will be given in order to assist with guidance and counseling.

  School Funding 

OVERVIEW

The parish school is funded by school family tuition, state money, parishioners’ contributions and parish fundraisers.  Tuition traditionally covers a little over 50% of the school’s yearly budget.  The Pastor and the Finance Commission determine tuition each year in consultation with the Education Commission.

IN PARISH TUITION

Tuition Guidelines

The in parish tuition rate is established for those whom the Parish Office determines to be registered, supporting members of the parish. 

Tuition Payment Options

• One time/annual payment is due in June, directly payable to St. Antoninus School. 

• Semi-annual payments are due in June and December, directly payable to St. Antoninus School.

• Ten monthly payments are due on the 10th of each month, beginning in June and ending in March.  Monthly tuition is to be paid in full by March 10th. Payments are made through the Tuition Management Systems (TMS), an outside resource.

Any family of a graduating 8^th grader will be subject to withdrawal of the student from St. Antoninus before the beginning of the 4^th quarter if tuition is not current by December 10th.  Written notification will be provided at the end of the first semester if tuition is not current to any family at risk of this policy.

OUT OF PARISH TUITION

Those who are not registered, supporting members of the parish must pay out-of-parish tuition.  The Pastor and the Finance Committee determine this rate in consultation with the Education Commission.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPLY LISTS

Some supplies or other materials which are required by the educational program but are for the sole use of an individual  student must be purchased separately.  At the end of each year,  a supply list is available for each grade level.  The students should be properly equipped for the start of school.

TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Overview

Choosing to send children to St. Antoninus Parish School involves a prioritization of a family’s financial responsibilities.  However, the parish school does not want to deny a Catholic education simply because of financial hardship.  Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) funds are available for Grades 1 - 8 when families struggle to meet their financial obligations. Please note that such funds are not intended to cover the full cost of a family’s tuition.

Process Guidelines

1. St. Antoninus offers a tuition assistance program (TAP) to families with students in grades 1-8.  To apply for assistance, families must complete the Private School Aid Service (PSAS) form.  It must be postmarked by May 1.

2. If you have a child(ren) in grades 5-8, they must apply for the Educational Scholarship Assistance program (ESAP) before applying for (TAP) through PSAS.  ESAP financial aid applications must be postmarked by March 1.  The same PSAS form is used for both programs – only one application and fee is required.  St. Antoninus policy requires that families requesting assistance through the parish MUST also apply for ESAP if they are eligible (have students entering grades 5-8).

3. There are additional awards given to one 7^th grade boy and one 7^th grade girl at each ESAP participating Catholic grade school.  The scholarship is for the 8^th grade year and is based on an application with a short essay.  This award will not be dependent on financial need.  The scholarship award is $500 per student.  Scholarship applications are due by March 1.

Disbursement

Disbursed in early June, TAP funds cover upcoming and current-year tuition costs.  This assistance is not being offered to pay any delinquent tuition.  (See “Registration”, pg. 10) 

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  Academic Issues 

CURRICULUM

St. Antoninus Parish School offers an educational program that prepares students to realize the fullness of their being. From kindergarten through grade eight, students are
challenged to apply themselves through age-appropriate learning experiences and activities.

Our instructional agenda is consistent with the Archdiocesan Graded Course of Study that is reviewed and revised by hundreds of teachers and administrators throughout the Archdiocese.

Our curricula includes:

• Religion

• Language Arts

• Mathematics

• Social Studies

• Science

• Technology

• Music and Art

• Physical Education

• Spanish (7^th & 8^th)

HONORS RECOGNITION

Overview

Students in grades four through eight can earn first or second honors at the end of the second, third, and fourth quarters.  Honors are based on the following point system:
“A” = 4 points;       “B” = 3 points;        “C” = 2 points

For Grades 4 through 6

Honor points are given for grades earned in Expression (English), Mathematics, Reading, Religion, Science/Health, Social Studies.  First Honors = 24 to 22 points; Second Honors = 21 to 18 points.  Students are ineligible for honors if they receive a checkmark under the heading “Personal Development” on that quarter’s report card, or receive a “D” or “F” in any of the subjects identified above during that quarter. If a student in Grade 6 receives 30 or more demerits within a quarter, he/she would be ineligible for honors.

For Grades 7 and 8

Honor points are given for grades earned in Expression (English), Mathematics, Reading, Religion, Science/Health, Social Studies, and Spanish. First Honors = 28 to 26 points; Second Honors = 25 to 21 points.  Students are ineligible for honors if they receive a checkmark under the heading “Personal Development” on that quarter’s report card or receive a “D” or “F” in any of the subjects identified above during that quarter. If a student in Grades 7-8 receives 30 or more demerits within a quarter, he/she would be ineligible for honors.

STRUCTURE

Grade Four through Grade Eight

Grades four through eight are primarily departmentalized. To various degrees at different grade levels, the students are grouped by ability and achievement.  In every situation, and with every individual student, the goal is to determine the given starting point and move students toward additional knowledge, better understanding, and additional or improved skills.

In any given room, there is more than one ability group represented.  For example, in room #, there may be a group of accelerated readers and a group of remedial readers.  This system enables the more critical Language Arts objectives of the younger student to be met in the most effective manner while avoiding the imposition of “labels”. 

Grade One Through Grade Three

Grades one, two, and three are self-contained for Language Arts and Math, but change rooms (teachers) for other subjects.

Kindergarten

Kindergarten is self-contained (remaining in one room with one teacher). 

GRADING

Four Quarters

St. Antoninus Parish School operates on a four-quarter system.  Report Cards are sent home with the students within one week of the end of each quarter, with the exception of the fourth quarter when the report card is issued on the final day of school. 

Interims

Midway through each quarter, an Interim report is sent home with each student. 

Grades Four Through Eight

In grades four through eight, the traditional “A” – “F” grades are assigned along with an “Effort” mark.  This grading system is consistent with the  Archdiocesan model.

Grades One Through Three

Grades one through three use the “S+” (strong progress) – “U” (unsatisfactory progress) scale along with an “Effort” mark.  This grading system is consistent with the Archdiocesan model.

HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned as a means of giving practice, reinforcing concepts on the individual level, evaluating progress, and developing good study/work habits.  These
objectives are essential to our purpose.  Parents should see that homework takes priority over “extra”-curricular activities.

General Rule

• Kindergarten: approximately 15 minutes

• Grades 1 – 3: 20 – 45 minutes

• Grades 4 – 6: 45 – 90 minutes

• Grades 7 –8: 60 – 120 minutes

Not all assignments are to be written.  Reading and reviewing are important components.  Time for homework should be set aside after every school day.

SUMMER SCHOOL AND RETENTION

Guidelines

If a student is significantly weak in any one subject area, summer school may be recommended.  If the student has a failing, yearly average in a given subject, summer school may be required for that subject.  When a student has a failing, yearly average in two or more subjects, that student will not be promoted to the next grade level.

Seventh or Eighth Grade

As a rule, seventh or eighth grade students in this situation will not be retained at St. Antoninus Parish School, and would have to attend school elsewhere.  These situations are clearly individual in nature and each case is given individualized attention.  The principal and teachers make these decisions in dialogue with the parents.

AUXILIARY PROGRAMS AND STAFF

In addition to the regular educational program, St. Antoninus Parish School offers limited Remedial Reading and Math programs, Speech and Language therapy, diagnostic
psychological services, and learning disabled tutorial programs.  State and federal funds provide for these services.  There are qualifications for inclusion in such programs.  Administration, teachers, and parents make the recommendation that a student receive such services.

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  School Discipline 

Overview

St. Antoninus Parish School seeks to cultivate the Christian virtues of charity, integrity, honesty, and justice, all of which are reflective of a respect for one’s own life and the lives of each other.  The list of rules and regulations is not intended to be exhaustive.

Discipline Policy

The administration and faculty reserve the right to apply disciplinary measures for any misconduct even though it is not specified in these rules and regulations.  Students who fail to abide by these rules are subject to disciplinary policy and actions.

Process

Whether in school, on the playground, or in Church, when disciplinary problems arise, the teacher and the student(s) involved will discuss the problem and work toward a solution.  If the seriousness or frequency of a problem warrants, the teacher will notify the principal and parents.  If warranted, a conference will be scheduled with the teacher, parents, and principal.

RULES—General

1. Each student is responsible and accountable for his or her own actions.

2. To all staff, parents, workers, volunteers, visitors, and students, courtesy, respect, and consideration will be shown.

3. All students are subject to correction from any faculty or staff.

4. The School Uniform Code will be followed except when an “out-of-uniform” day has been permitted by the principal.

5. Improper language or gestures, deliberate injury, or threatening statements will not be tolerated.

6. Stealing, cheating, or forgery of parent(s) signature(s) will not be tolerated.

7. Willful destruction of property or vandalism will not be tolerated, and parents are responsible for associated costs of repair or replacement.  Accidental damage will also be subject to reimbursement of repair or replacement costs.

8. Books and materials are to be handled with care.  Books must be covered and re-covered as necessary.  Damage to books on loan is subject to a fine not to exceed the book’s value.

9. Students are expected to come prepared for class and other school activities.

10. Each student is responsible for his or her own belongings.  Personal items should be marked with the student’s name.

11. The student’s use of personal electronics such as iPods, Walkmans, Discmans, hand-held game devices, cell phones, or recording devices is not permitted at school.

12. Weapons, or any item that might be considered a weapon by the principal, are not permitted at school.

13. Students are to be orderly in the halls at all times so that a learning environment is maintained.  Students must walk in the halls and may speak quietly.  No student should be in the hall without the expressed permission of a faculty or staff member.

14. Students are not permitted to leave the school premises during the school day without the written, signed permission of their parent(s).

RULES — On the Playground

• No games involving physical contact are permitted.

• No pushing, pulling, grabbing, or blocking is permitted.

• Students are never to lift or carry another person.

• Any accident or injury must be reported to the teacher on duty.

• Students may not leave the grounds to retrieve balls without the permission of the teacher on duty.

• Any and all playground equipment must be used with safety in mind for self and others.

• Snow is not to be thrown or kicked for any reason.

RULES — In Church

• When in Church, students are expected to demonstrate reverence for the presence of our Lord by entering and exiting quietly, and always maintaining appropriate decorum and behavior before the Blessed Sacrament.

• When at Mass, students are expected to join in the communal worship by participating in songs and responses and listening to and reflecting upon the Scripture, Homily, and prayers.

DEMERIT SYSTEM (GRADES 6 - 8)

A “demerit” system is used to communicate to students and parents our concern regarding behavior that is inconsistent with our stated rules and regulations.

Number of Demerits Given

The number of demerits given (ranging from 1 to 20) will depend upon the nature of the misconduct.

Parent Notification

Parents are notified by use of a triplicate “Demerit Slip” form. The top copy is given to the student and must be signed by a parent and returned to teacher the next day.

Accrual of Demerits

Demerits accumulate throughout the year. For each 10 demerits accrued, the student is required to spend one half-hour of detention after school (2:30 – 3:00pm).  At 50 demerits, in addition to detentions, a Disciplinary Probation Plan will be written by the principal in consultation with the parents.  A breach of this plan may, at the discretion of the principal, result in the expulsion of the student.

Suspension

If the nature or severity of the misbehavior warrants, the principal may suspend the student from school.  Parents will be notified in writing of the suspension.  Course work will be the responsibility of the student.  Tests will be made up by the  second day of the student’s return to school.

BUS RIDERS

Students who ride the bus are expected to observe the rules and regulations of the school as well as any and all behavioral expectations of the transportation authority.  While on the bus, misconduct by any student will be subject to the disciplinary actions of the school and/or the transportation authority.  When a student’s typical transportation plans change, the parent must provide a note to inform the teacher on bus duty.

STUDENTS WHO WALK TO/FROM SCHOOL

Walkers are advised to use sidewalks and crosswalks wherever available and to follow the instructions and assistance of the Safety Patrol Guards (see locations and times below).  Walkers will be dismissed through the lower (northeast) door, or the back (southwest) door.  Except for the time necessary to  assemble siblings or neighborhood groups, walkers should  proceed to home immediately.  Parents must always be cautious regarding these pedestrians on or near school grounds.

SAFETY PATROL GUARDS

In the morning (7:30 – 7:45) and afternoon (2:25 – 2:45), student patrol guards are posted at the following locations to assist the students who walk to and from school:

• Entrance at Sylved Ln.

• Front Unloading Zone (morning) / Lower Lot (dismissal)

• Back Driveway Crosswalk

• Linneman Rd (at Lucenna Dr.)

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ABSENCES

Notification to Office

A student’s absence must be reported to the school office by 8:15am.  A message left on voice mail must include the caller’s name, the student’s name, grade number, homeroom number, the date of absence, and reason for absence.  Upon return to school, the parent must send a written note to the homeroom teacher stating the reason for the absence.

Appointments, Scheduled Events, Vacations

Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours. 

While prearranged absences are generally discouraged, St. Antoninus School recognizes that certain occupations and events scheduled out of parents’ control (weddings, ordinations, whole family reunions, etc.) prohibit all vacations from occurring during the normal school vacation times. Plans must be made out well in advance with individual teachers.  Many times work may not be given out in advance without teacher instruction.  Any work given out prior to an arranged vacation is due upon return.  Any work not given in advance after an arranged absence is given one day per day absent.

TARDY / INCOMPLETE DAYS

Late Arrival

When a student arrives after 7:50am, leaves before 2:15pm, or is out of school for any reason between 7:50am and 2:15pm (excluding lunchtime), his or her attendance will be considered “incomplete” for that day.

When a student arrives late, he/she should first report to the school office with a written note from his/her parent explaining the reason for being late.  The student will be given a tardy slip to give to the homeroom teacher.

Absent

A student arriving after 9:15am or leaving before 1:15pm will be marked absent for one-half day. If a student leaves before 9:15am, they will be marked absent for the day.

Permanent Record

Like absences, incomplete days will be noted on the student’s permanent record. Except for illnesses or conditions being treated, and documented by the physician for the school, no student is to be absent more than 10 consecutive days during a semester or more than 15 total days during a semester.

Sign In / Out

Students must always sign in and sign out in the School Office when entering or leaving the building between 7:50am and 2:30pm.

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