STUDENTS/PARENTS/GUARDIANS/VOLUNTEERS
Agreement of Conduct
Please print out this page, sign and turn in to the Office.
Handbooks are available in the Office
To understand the philosophy and the rules that govern St. Mary’s Catholic School, it is necessary
that you read the Handbook for St. Mary’s Catholic School thoroughly. Signatures are required in all
three categories: A) general school policies, B) volunteer polices, and C) acceptable computer usage.
Please read, sign and return the following signature sheet to the school as a part of the
admissions process at St. Mary’s School (admission is not complete until this form is signed
and returned).
For younger students who are unable to write their names, we request that parents write it for them in
the spaces provided below.
________________________________________________________________
A. I have read, and I agree to comply with and be governed by the rules and
regulations of St. Mary’s Catholic School as printed in this Handbook. Addenda
may be issued after the printing of this handbook and they will become additional policies.
Students, parents and guardians will be notified of changes.
Student Signature__________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________________
B. I have read, and I agree to comply with the “Volunteer Policies and Guidelines” as outlined
in Appendix C.
Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________________
C. As a student at St. Mary’s School, I understand that use of school computers is a privilege,
not a right. School computers are used for educational purposes only, and altering, hacking
or misuse of the computer equipment will result in loss of privileges. Students will not search
for or enter illicit Web Pages or other indecent material while using school computers, nor will
students tamper with the Internet software used to filter such sites. Students in the virtual
High School will not search for or enter illicit Web Pages or other indecent material or do
anything of an inappropriate nature on school computers nor on their own computers (at
school or at home).
Student Signature_________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature_________________________________________________________
1
Parent / Student Handbook 2014-2015
St. Mary’s Catholic School:
Primary, Elementary, Middle and virtual High School
611 S.W. ‘A’ Avenue, Lawton, OK 73505
Phone: (580)355-5288 FAX: (580)355-4336
www.stmarys-ok.org
stmarysknights@yahoo.com
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Signature Sheet
Page 1
Welcome letter from Pastor
Page 4
I.
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL MISSION
XLVI.
XLVII.
XLVIII.
STATEMENT
XLIX.
L.
LI.
LII.
LIII.
LIV.
LV.
LVI.
LVII.
LVIII.
LIX.
LX.
II.
PHILOSOPHY OF ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC
SCHOOL
III.
Knights of St. Mary’s Creed
IV.
V.
VI.
VII.
VIII.
IX.
OBJECTIVES
ACCREDITATION
NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
ENROLLMENT AND ADMISSION PROCESS
GENERAL ADMISSION POLICIES
PLACEMENT SCREENING
X.
XI.
XII.
XIII.
TUITION POLICY
Tuition Assistance
SCHOOL FEES
SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
XIV.
XV.
XVI.
XVII.
XVIII.
XIX.
XX.
XXI.
XXII.
XXIII.
XXIV.
XXV.
XXVI.
XXVII.
XXIII.
Before and After School Care Program
UNIFORM POLICY
GENERAL CURRICULUM
PRE-KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
removed
FACULTY EXPECTATIONS
STUDENT RESPONSIBILTIES
TESTING
HOME STUDY (Homework)
GRADING SCALE AND REPORTS
TEXTBOOKS
DISCIPLINE
SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
XXIX.
XXX.
OFFICIAL RECORDS
OFFICIAL RECORDS FOR NON-CUSTODIAL
PARENTS
PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY
XXXI.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
COMPUTER USAGE
LIBRARY/MULTI-MEDIA
XLVIII.a KSMS-Recording Studio
COLLECTION OF MONEY
Parent / Teacher Organization
ROOM PARENTS
VOLUNTEERS
CHILD ABUSE LAWS
LOST AND FOUND
PARKING RULES
SNACKS
FIELD TRIPS
CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS
SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
LXI.
RIGHT TO AMEND
LXII.
CHRISTIAN DUE PROCESS
LXIII.
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX A: Meningococcal Disease
APPENDIX B: ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Parent / Teacher Organization BY-LAWS
APPENDIX C: Policies for Volunteers
APPENDIX D: Athletic Program
APPENDIX E: Asbestos Notification
Appendix F: virtual High School Computer Policy
XXXII. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
XXXIII. DAILY SCHEDULE
XXXIV. ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
XXXVI. DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
XXXVII. DISMISSAL TO COACHES
XXXVIII. removed
XXXIX. ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSES
XL.
MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
XLI.
ILLNESSES
XLII.
DISEASE AND LICE CONTROL
XLIII.
GYM USE DURING BEFORE AND AFTER
SCHOOL CARE HOURS
XLIV.
VISITORS TO ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
XLV.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
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Welcome Letter from our Local Superintendent
Dear Parents and Students,
I welcome you and your family to St. Mary’s. I am very happy that you have
chosen St. Mary’s Catholic School for your child (ren)’s educational needs.
All of us working together can provide the religious, moral and educational values
necessary for the best development of your child (ren).
The purpose of the Handbook is to give you the rules and policies that will be
followed at St. Mary’s Catholic School in addition to some general information and
schedules. Therefore, I authorize this handbook for the school.
I ask your support and prayers that this will be a blessed, safe and productive
school year for all of us. May God bless you.
Yours in Christ,
Reverend Joseph R. Ross
Pastor/Superintendent
“The future of humanity lies in the hands of those who are strong enough to provide
coming generations with the reasons for living and hoping… educational programs for
the young must strive to teach doctrine, to do so within the experience of Christian
community, and to prepare individuals for effective Christian witness and service to
others.”
TO TEACH AS JESUS DID.
Visit us at:
www.stmarys-ok.org
E-mail us at:
stmarysknights@yahoo.com
Revised, 2014, with consultation of the St. Mary’s Catholic School, School Advisory
Council:
Maya Ghosn, Jo Ann Knecht, Thomas Easterly, Anthony Layton, Lakawthra Cox,
Don Aguilar, George Durham, Marianne Moore, Fr. Phil Seeton
&
Fr. Joseph Ross, Pastor and Superintendent
4
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL:
Primary, Elementary, Middle and High School
611 SW “A” AVENUE
LAWTON, OKLAHOMA 73501
Pastor/Superintendent: Reverend Joseph R. Ross
(580) 355-2054
Principal: Mrs. Nancy Post
(580)355-5288
Introduction to St. Mary’s:
St. Mary’s Catholic School: Primary, Elementary, Middle and virtual High School, home of the
Knights, has served the Lawton / Ft. Sill community since 1907. The school was initially staffed
by the Sisters of Divine Providence and place under the patronage of our Blessed Mother Mary.
Through our long years of service and the many changes we have experienced, from the closing
of the high school in 1966, to our re-opening of the High School in 2012, we have continued to
offer a quality education: spiritually, academically and socially.
I. ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
St. Mary’s Catholic School’s mission is to teach children to achieve academic
excellence and to know, love, and serve God by serving others.
St. Mary’s students are:
Spiritually responsible
Trustworthy citizens, with
Moral values, who are
Academically prepared,
Respectful, reliable and resourceful
Young people, guided by the Catholic faith to
Serve God and others.
II. PHILOSOPHY OF ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL:
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart
from it. (Pr 22:6)
St. Mary’s Catholic School has a vital and dynamic reason for existence. The
school will strive to encourage a life filled with Christian virtues and values, and Christlike choices. Rightly, then, St. Mary’s works closely with each child’s family in helping
the student become an involved and mature follower of Jesus; Parents have the first
responsibility for the education of their children (CCC2223).
Teaching and learning are directed to the spiritual, intellectual, physical, social
and emotional development of the child. Catholic truths and values are integrated, not
only in the curriculum, but also in the free interaction that takes place between the
teachers and the students of the school. The school attempts to excel in every subject
offered. Our approach is neither completely traditional nor modern, but utilizes proven
contemporary techniques.
Our school’s greatest asset is the spirit of faith community that exists among the
staff members, parents and children of St. Mary’s School. As a group, the faculty
makes a conscious effort to set a good example of Christian living.
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III. Knights of St. Mary’s Creed:
I am an intelligent and faithful Knight of St. Mary’s Catholic School.
Through the grace of God:
I will practice prudence, so I may always make good decisions.
I will practice fortitude, so I may have the courage to choose and
stand up for what is right.
I will practice temperance, so I may always control my own words and actions.
I will practice justice, so I may be a person who always treats myself and others fairly
and with respect.
I will live my life in faith, hope and charity, always loving God with all my heart, soul,
strength, and mind, and my neighbor as myself…
So that, by the grace of God, may I be perfect as my Heavenly Father is perfect!
Amen.
IIIa. School Song
O, bells of St. Mary’s,
We always will love you.
With your inspiration,
We never will fail.
Your chimes will forever,
Bring sweet memories of you.
So proudly ring out
While we sing out:
Hail, hail, hail.
So proudly ring out
While we sing out:
Hail, hail, hail.
IIIb. School Crest
The name of the school is placed in a banner above the shield in the school colors
representing Mary in the blue and Christ in the gold. The Knight helmet above the shield
states we are the Knights of St. Mary's and is the helmet of salvation.
On the shield of faith we find:
 The
navy blue cross, as tall as it is wide symbolizing that we are to love God and
our neighbor; this further symbolizes that the school is centered on Christ and
His Cross.
6
 The
three vertical gold stars of David symbolize the 3 theological virtues that are
the foundation of our school creed; together with the four horizontal gold stars
symbolizing the cardinal virtues by which we live out our school creed, they
symbolize the essential elements to our human formation.
 The
tower in the lower left-hand quadrant points to our history and being founded
by Blessed Sacrament (also Mary is referred to in Scripture and the Litany of
Loreto as the Tower of David).
 The
Trinitarian symbol in the upper-left quadrant obviously symbolizes the Trinity,
but also points to our other parish, Holy Family, which is an earthly trinity and is
a partner with us as well.
 The
Marian Cross (Tm) in the upper-right quadrant clearly states that we follow
Christ and are accompanied by Mary on this journey as our Mother.
 The
lower-right quadrant symbolizes our academic excellence centered on
Reading, Writing, and Mathematics, and how we find Christ in reason.
Lastly, in Latin, at the bottom is, "Do whatever He tells you” from Jn 2:5, is the school
motto and calls to mind the Providence of God and that our school began under the
care of the Sisters of Divine Providence.
IV. OBJECTIVES
1. To encourage continuous student growth and the development of skills in
problem solving, decision-making, creative thinking and communications.
2. To provide educational opportunities that meet student needs using
developmentally appropriate methods.
3. To help the students become responsible, productive citizens by involving
them in community service.
4. To encourage students to develop a positive self-concept, to recognize their
unique potential and to use their God given talents.
5. To form our students in the Catholic teachings by celebrating the presence of
God in our daily life through daily prayer, school liturgies and sacramental
preparations.
6. To encourage communication and cooperation between the home, school
and community.
7. To support the administration and faculty in their continued personal and
professional growth in the areas of education and spirituality.
8. To build respect for self and all God’s creation by promoting courtesy,
cooperation, tolerance and willingness to serve.
V. ACCREDITATION
The school is under the direction of the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of
Oklahoma City, and is OPSAC (Oklahoma Private School Accreditation Commission)
accredited.
The Oklahoma State Department of Education recognizes our
accreditation under the Oklahoma Conference of Catholic Schools Accrediting
Association (OCCSA). The school is also an active member of the National Catholic
Education Association.
St. Mary’s Catholic virtual High School program’s academics, provided by Catholic
Schools K-12 Virtual (CSK12) are fully accredited through AdvancEd (SACS/CASI).
This accreditation is recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
(OSRHE) in accord with section 3.9 of Institutional Admission and Retention policy.
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VI. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free person, there is not
male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(Gal 3:28)
St. Mary’s Catholic School does not discriminate regardless of race, color, ethnic
background, social or economic status, or sex. Since we are a religiously oriented
school for the Catholic community, we give preference to members of the Roman
Catholic Church, but we also welcome members of other denominations and faiths after
our own community is served.
VII. ENROLLMENT AND ADMISSION PROCESS
Before admission is completed:
1. The parents or guardians of the applicant will supply the school office with complete
grades, report card, birth certificate, immunization records (Vision Screening for all
K, 1st and 3rd) and sacramental records (Baptism and First Communion Records
for all Catholic students).
a. Please read, sign and return the Parent / Student St. Mary’s Handbook
signature sheet to the school as a part of the admissions process at St.
Mary’s School (admission is not complete until this form is signed and
returned).
2. During the admission process, St. Mary’s will request student records from schools
previously attended. Parents/guardians are required to provide the name, address
and phone number of previous schools. Parents shall inform the school if the child
has special needs, however, records pertaining to an individual education plan must
be handled by the public school district.
3. The Principal may review records and may require an interview with the parents or
guardians, and prospective students before final admission is granted.
4. After considering the information obtained by the methods described above the
Principal will determine if both:
a. The educational needs of the student can be met by the services available at
St. Mary’s Catholic School and…
b. …if the presence of the prospective student will not be detrimental to the
present school clients and school program.
5. Any new student being admitted to St. Mary’s will be on probation for a period of
three months. The student must meet academic and behavioral standards.
Evidence of cooperation with the school faculty on the part of the parents or
guardians will be required as well.
6. ALL student applicants must be willing to participate in religion classes and attend
liturgy, since this is an integral part of the life of St. Mary’s Catholic School.
7. ALL PARENTS / GUARDIANS ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE TO
VOLUNTEER DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR IN SOME CAPACITY. THERE MAY
BE SUMMER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITES AS WELL. VOLUNTEERING
HELPS TO OFFSET OVERALL COSTS MAKING EDUCATIONAL COSTS LESS
FOR FAMILIES BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY IT TEACHES OUR CHILDREN THE
VALUE OF GENEROSITY AND THE GIFT OF SELF.
8
8. Catholic families are expected to adhere to the precepts of the Church (see CCC
2041-2043):
a.
The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from
servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as
well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and
the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian
community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a
sanctification of these days.
b.
The second precept ("You shall confess your sins at least once a year") ensures preparation
for the Eucharist by the reception of the sacrament of reconciliation, which continues Baptism's
work of conversion and forgiveness.
c.
The third precept ("You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter
season") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection
with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy.84
d.
The fourth precept ("You shall observe the days of fasting and abstinence established by the
Church") ensures the times of ascesis [self-discipline] and penance which prepare us for the liturgical
feasts and help us acquire mastery over our instincts and freedom of heart.
e.
The fifth precept ("You shall help to provide for the needs of the Church") means that the
faithful are obliged to assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his own
ability.
9. At the close of the probationary period, students may be dismissed if behavior and
academic standards have not been met. This does not preclude dismissal of the
student before the probationary period ends, if behavioral incidents of a serious or
repetitive nature occur, and/or there is no indication of academic progress.
a. Parental/guardian conduct can also be grounds for dismissal.
b. Parents/guardians are to be supportive of the school and its mission.
c. Parents/guardians are not to engage in gossip or any other actions which
could be detrimental to the school or any members of the school community.
10. All prospective virtual High School Students MUST be interviewed by the
Principal prior to admission. Transfer students must show documentation of
passing the Explore Exam at or above bench mark in all categories, or the
equivalence.
11. It is emphasized that the above-mentioned are guidelines with the final
decision on admission or dismissal to be made by the Principal.
VIII. GENERAL ADMISSION POLICIES
The basic purpose of Catholic Schools is to assure that Catholic truths and values are
fully integrated with the student’s life and academic program. Parents/guardians and
students should not apply unless they desire and intend to participate fully in the
religious program of the school. (Policy Statement, Archdiocesan Handbook for
Elementary Schools)
*Early Registration is held each spring and the dates are published to the public.
1. Priority for admitting students include:
a. Children of active, faithful and financially contributing parishioners of Blessed
Sacrament, Holy Family, and members of the Ft. Sill Catholic Community, as
well as students enrolled the previous year with a recommendation to
continue.
b. Children of new parishioners, who have been enrolled in other Catholic
schools or Religious Education Programs.
9
c. Applicants seeking transfer from public or other non-Catholic schools and
non-parish students may be admitted if open spaces are available and the
Principal judges the intent to be in accord with the mission of the school.
d. The ability of the faculty and curricula to meet the educational, religious and
personal needs of the students.
e. Behavioral problems will be considered before final admission is granted.
Behavioral contracts may be required in certain cases.
2. Age Requirements According to Oklahoma State Law, (1982, Section 14)
Children must be 4 years of age on or before September 1 for admission into PreKindergarten (4).
Children must be 5 years of age on or before September 1 for admission into
Kindergarten.
Children must be 6 years of age on or before September 1 for admission into First
grade and must have completed an accredited Kindergarten Program.
a. Students enrolling in Pre-K4 must be potty-trained prior to entering school.
Though we will work with children as regards accidents and restroom skills,
repetitive potty-accidents not compatible with being potty-trained could lead to
dismissal.
b. Tax Credits: Parents be aware that if tax credits for Pre-K and Child-care
expenses can be claimed, it is recommended that parents save receipts for
their IRS records; this is not the responsibility of St. Mary’s. Our FEI Number is
730654573.
c. Students entering school from a non-accredited school may be required to be
tested for proper placement and may be placed in kindergarten.
3. At the time of registration, a non-refundable fee of $100.00 per student is
required to reserve the student’s placement (this is for ALL students PreK –
12th grade). Any checks returned due to insufficient funds will go through collections
and service fees applied ($15.00 will be charged to assist St. Mary’s with our
administrative costs). Repeated occurrences will result in a cash only (cash,
cashier’s check or money order) status for future payments. Personal checks
cannot be post-dated; once a personal check is signed it is negotiable.
4. The preferred class sizes are as follows:
Pre-Kindergarten (4 years)
Kindergarten
Grades 1-5
Grades 6-8
Grades 9-12
18 students per teacher
18 students per teacher
20 students per teacher
22 students per teacher
10 students per grade level
Enrollment situations change yearly and certain circumstances may require
modifications to the class sizes as listed above. Combined classes (also known
as split-level classes) will be arranged in a special manner with planning and
implementation coordinated by the administration and faculty. The Principal
and/or Pastor make the final decisions in these matters, and exceptions may be
contingent upon conditions set by the school administration.
10
IX. PLACEMENT SCREENING
For those who are new to our school, especially if coming from a non-accredited
institution, we request that certain admission procedures be followed in order to ensure
optimal success and appropriate placements for our students.
Since St. Mary’s is an accredited school with an enhanced curriculum, we want the
student’s transition into our program to be as smooth as possible. So, if a student is
transferring from an Educational Program not accredited by the State Department of
Education of Oklahoma or the state from which he or she is transferring, or if the
students are coming from a school system of another nation, or if a student is
transferring after school has begun the following provisions are to be followed:
1. Each student transferring from a non-accredited program into St. Mary’s may be
asked to take a readiness test and will be enrolled on a 3-month probationary
contract.
2. The type of readiness test used and administered by St. Mary’s Catholic School for
prospective students entering 2nd through 8th grade is the QUIC Test, and the child’s
performance will be scored and ranked accordingly.
3. In addition, any high school transfer student must have taken the Explore
Exam and be at or above benchmark, or equivalent). High school students may
be asked to take the QUIC on the computer in the Computer Lab. Prospective
Kindergarten and 1st grade students will test on paper with a Kindergarten or School
Readiness test booklet in the designated testing area.
4. Student’s scores are expressed as a performance index, which indicates whether or
not the examinee matched the achievement of the normative group.
5. For example, an incoming third-grade student’s score on a block of third-grade
material is compared with the performance of typical third-grade students on the
very same items. If an incoming third-grade student answered that block of items
with sufficient success, he or she would demonstrate the capacity to perform thirdgrade material as well as the typical third-grade student and would earn the
appropriate performance index.
6. Student’s achieving a performance index below grade level will be assigned to the
lower grade.
7. Student’s achieving a performance index at or above grade level may be assigned to
the grade indicated based upon previous grade passed, taking into account child’s
age and maturity. However, final decisions are at the discretion of the Principal.
The readiness test will be administered on an as needed basis by a teacher at St.
Mary’s Catholic School. The testing will be done in a classroom designated as the
testing area. Parents will not be permitted in the testing area. Parents may choose to
wait at the school during the test or they may leave an immediate contact number and
we can call you to pick the child up when testing is completed. The duration of the
testing time including any breaks and transition time is about 2.5 hours. The readiness
test shall be administered TBA and/or by appointment as needed.
On the date of the test, we ask that parents check in with the front school office at least
20 minutes before test time so the teacher may be properly introduced to the children
and get them prepared for the test.
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X. TUITION POLICY
1. Parents and guardians are required to participate in the school’s tuition management
program.
a) That is unless parents / guardians pay the entire cost upfront.
2. Parents and guardians will be responsible for sending tuition payments to FACTS tuition
management program. Any checks returned due to insufficient funds will go through
collections and service fees applied ($15.00 will be charged to assist St. Mary’s with our
administrative costs). Repeated occurrences will result in a cash only (cash, cashier’s
check or money order) status for future payments. Personal checks cannot be postdated; once a personal check is signed it is negotiable.
3. Tuition payments are not to be refunded or pro-rated when withdrawing school at off times
of the month, unless special arrangements have been made with the Principal prior to
withdrawal (any part of an academic quarter is to be considered a whole academic quarter).
4. Checks must have current Lawton / Ft. Sill greater community address. Out of state checks
may be accepted but must include the local address on checks.
5. Any family that has had a returned check on payments made for St. Mary’s fees, will
be required to submit bank checks, money orders or cash as the only accepted
means of payment for tuition or fees delinquent after May 10th of the academic year.
6. Past due tuition accounts may be grounds for student dismissal. To return to school
after dismissal for past due accounts a student may need to be re-enrolled, this
includes all past due accounts and fees brought up to date prior to being re-admitted.
7. Tuition payments, including late fees (for FACTS) and any other fees must be current (no
delinquencies) before a families’ pre-registration for the coming school year will be
accepted. Placement will not be secured until fees, including late fees and tuition are
current.
8. Parents who have had repeated issues with late payments may be asked to pay the
first and last month for future enrollments.
9. Diplomas and report cards, and any release of permanent records may be withheld until all
fees, including late fees (for FACTS), cafeteria or EDCaP fees and tuition payments are paid
in full. Tuition and fees not paid can be turned over to collections.
10. As our Cost Per Pupil can be $1,500 to $2,000 more than what parents are paying for tuition
and fees, please consider making a gift to the school to offset the costs of less fortunate
students whose families might struggle with Tuition and Fees.
Tuition scale is as follows:
Parents choosing to pay for the complete year up front will receive a 1.5% discount on
their tuition Kindergarten through eighth grade:
Number of Children
1
2
3
4
Pre-K4:
1
High School: 1
Monthly Tuition
Yearly Tuition
Cash -1.5%↑
$380.00
$725.00
$1,040.00
$1,340.00
$3,800.00
$7,250.00
$10,400.00
$13,400.00
($3,740)
($7,140)
($10,240)
($13,200)
$385.00
$385.00
$3,850.00
$3,850.00
no discount
no discount
(No discounts based upon number of children enrolled apply to Pre-K4 or virtual High School)
Finder’s Fee: For every child you recommend who enrolls, you can get back $30 toward
your tuition.
12
XI. Tuition Assistance (when available)

St. Mary’s Catholic School families needing to apply for tuition assistance must apply online
at https://www.factstuitionaid.com/facts/gaindex . Only families that apply through Facts
Tuition Aid will be considered for tuition assistance. Returning families need to have
applied during the second semester for the next school year prior to the Spring Open House
/ Open Enrollment. After completion of this document please allow 4 to 6 weeks for your
application to be processed.

The Catholic Scholarship Opportunity Fund through the Catholic Foundation of the
Archdiocese of Oklahoma City will only fund scholarship assistance for active
practicing Catholics (parent and student).

Non-Catholics who are or who have been members of the St. Mary’s community may
be eligible for other monies and may be assisted if other funding is available.

Any Catholic families applying for assistance must also provide the school with confirmation
that they are registered and the family (the Catholic parent and child) is active in their parish
and in good standing with the Catholic Church as members of the faithful.

Upon receipt of the returned application with appraisals and recommendations from FACTS,
tuition assistance will then be considered by the Principal of St. Mary’s.

The decision concerning the appropriate tuition assistance to be granted will be based
upon available tuition assistance funding and the need of the family, as well as
participation with the assisting entities.

Parents receiving assistance may be asked to volunteer beyond what is expected of all
families.

Parents who apply to be a substitute in the school will not be paid and are only volunteers if
they receive assistance.

Since we are a religiously oriented school for the Catholic community, we give preference to
members of the Roman Catholic Church, but we also welcome members of other
denominations and faiths after our own community is served.
XII. SCHOOL FEES
1. A fee will be collected for supplemental paperback books as required by individual teachers
during the school year.
2. VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MUST SUPPLY THEIR OWN LAPTOP
COMPUTER. (Tablet or other touch screen device is also recommended) This laptop
must have a built in webcam for Skype sessions with online teacher and have the
following software needed to help with your on-line experience:
3. System/browser requirements: no specific operating system is necessary for your
computer. The following web browsers are officially supported:
a.
b.
c.
d.
Internet Explorer 7, 8, 9
Mozilla Firefox 3, 4
Google Chrome (all versions)
Safari 3, 4, 5
Note: Although Internet Explorer 8 and 9 are supported, newer features provided by versions 8 and
9 are not available to course content.
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XIII. SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM
It is written: 'One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the
mouth of God…Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never
hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. (Mt 4:4; Jn 6:35)
Federally supported breakfast/lunch is offered to students who wish to purchase it.
Cafeteria fees are to be paid in advance. Students may choose to bring their lunch
from home; students bringing their lunch from home may purchase milk separately.
Lunches from home cannot be microwavable as there is no microwave available
for student use at St. Mary’s. Lunches are free or available at a reduced rate for those
who qualify and such application forms are available through the office. Information is
confidential.
Again, cafeteria fees are to be paid in advance. Menus are sent home at the
beginning of the month, so that school meals can be planned ahead of time. No child
will be refused a meal at school due to non-payment, but please consider the financial
burden delinquent cafeteria fees places on the school. School records will be held due
to delinquent cafeteria fees. Delinquency of cafeteria fees can be grounds for
dismissal. Any checks returned due to insufficient funds will go through collections and
service fees applied ($15.00 will be charged to assist St. Mary’s with our administrative
costs). Repeated occurrences will result in a cash only (cash, cashier’s check or
money order) status for future payments. Personal checks cannot be post-dated;
once a personal check is signed it is negotiable.
Cafeteria procedures are as follows:
1. Cafeteria fees are to be paid in advance to the Cafeteria.
a. Fees are as follows:
Student Breakfast - $2.00
Adult Breakfast $2.50
Student Lunch $2.65
Adult Visitor Lunch - $4.50
Milk $0.60
2. Breakfast is served from 8am until 8:15am; no child will be served after
8:15am.
3. Students eligible for Reduced Meals pay: $0.30 for breakfast and $0.40 for lunch.
4. Students should attempt to eat the entire portion of the foods chosen and are
discouraged from sharing food.
5. Students are to finish their meals in the cafeteria. No food is allowed on the
playground.
6. Students will display good manners in the cafeteria and help keep the area clean
and sanitary.
7. Students will put away their tray and silverware in the assigned area.
8. ***Off campus lunch is a senior privilege. On other occasions Juniors may be
granted special permission to leave for lunch if a note from the parent requesting the
off campus lunch has been received in the office prior to 9 am the morning of the
lunch. In addition, students who return late from lunch will be given an unexcused
absence and future participation in this privilege can be lost.
Parents should advise the Cafeteria Manager in writing if a child is allergic to
certain foods. Copies of this note will be placed in the child’s file.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination against its
customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color,
national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal and, where
applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation,
or if all or part of an individual's income is derived from any public assistance program,
or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted
or funded by the Department. (Not all prohibited bases will apply to all programs and/or
employment activities.)
If you wish to file a Civil Rights program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA
Program Discrimination Complaint Form, found online at
http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, or at any USDA office, or call
(866) 632-9992 to request the form. You may also write a letter containing all of the
information requested in the form. Send your completed complaint form or letter to us by
mail at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400
Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, by fax (202) 690-7442 or
email at program.intake@usda.gov.
Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities and wish to file
either an EEO or program complaint please contact USDA through the Federal Relay
Service at (800) 877-8339 or (800) 845-6136 (in Spanish).
Persons with disabilities who wish to file a program complaint, please see information
above on how to contact us by mail directly or by email. If you require alternative means
of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.)
please contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD).
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
XIV. Extended Day Care Program (EDCaP):
This service is for working parents. There is supervised care from 7:00 a.m. until 8:05
a.m. and 3:35 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. on regularly scheduled days – excluding days in
which a school delay is called due to inclement weather. Parents/guardians are required
to complete registration papers for students who will participate in this supervised
program.
The fees and financial policies are:
 Hourly rate of $4.00 per hour
 Overtime rate of $1.00 per minute for any child not picked up by 6:00 P.M.
o Minimum charge of $2.00 for anytime a student is in Extended Day Care
Program’s before or after school programs.
 All time is rounded to the next quarter of an hour
 Late fee of $5.00 is applied after due date
 Bills are sent home in VIP folders every 2 weeks
All parents/guardians are responsible for these fees when the service is utilized as
scheduled or when students are required to go to after school care if they are not picked
up in a timely manner (See Arrival/Dismissal Policies). Delinquent fees from the before
and after school care program, gives the school the right to revoke the student(s)
participation in this service. Any checks returned due to insufficient funds will go through
collections and service fees applied ($15.00 will be charged to assist St. Mary’s with our
administrative costs).
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Repeated occurrences will result in a cash only (cash, cashier’s check or money
order) status for future payments. Personal checks cannot be post-dated; once a
personal check is signed it is negotiable.
o Tax Credits: Parents be aware that if tax credits for Pre-K and Childcare expenses can be claimed, it is recommended that parents save
receipts for their IRS records. Our FEI Number is 730654573.
XV. UNIFORM POLICY
All St. Mary’s students, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, are required to be
well groomed and in compliance with the dress code each day. The following dress
code is mandatory, and parents will be notified of infractions; a third offence will
entail a formal referral. After first referral, parents can be required to bring appropriate
dress to school if students again attend school in clothes that do not meet dress code
specifications. Repeated referrals can lead to further administrative actions, suspension
or dismissal. When there is a doubt if a certain uniform item is allowed…it probably is
not, that is, parents and students are asked to be very conservative in the interpretation of
this policy and with all policies in the school.

For uniforms, you may visit www.FrenchToast.com which gives back to our
school a percentage of all the net sales to our school. In addition, other vendors
are listed on the school website.
Girls: Women should adorn themselves modestly and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with
braided hair or gold or pearls or costly attire but by good deeds, as befits women who profess
religion (1 Tim 2:9-10).
1. Pre-K – 5th grade girls’ bottoms are to be solid navy;
2. Middle school girls, grades 6th – 8th, are to wear Khaki bottoms (only)
3. Virtual High students, grades 9th – 12th, are to wear either khaki or solid navy bottom
a. these may include knee-length skirts, full-length slacks, jumpers, Capri’s or
long length shorts and skorts. No khaki cargo pants or cargo shorts for Middle
School or High School. No “skinny” style or bell-bottoms, no hip-huggers are
allowed, not frayed pants or pants with holes; please interpret all uniform
codes in the most conservative sense. No contrasting or “jeans” style stitching
is permitted, and shorts and skorts are to be no shorter than three inches
above the knee (width of a credit card). Pockets should never be stuffed
and bulging with personal items (key, wallet [if needed], tissue, small
personal hand cleaner, Rosary, etc… nothing else needs to be in pockets).
Girls need to wear athletic shorts or similar underneath their skirts or jumpers.
Solid Navy (or khaki) dresses with Navy (or khaki) top and bottom are ONLY
permitted in high school.
4. From 3rd grade through 12th grade pants with belt loops must have belts. Belts are to
be black or brown.
5. Girls are to wear collared shirts with short or long sleeves that are solid white. No
logo other than St. Mary’s will be accepted.
a. High School may also wear navy, gold or a combination of white, navy and/or
gold as long as it looks to be the attire of a professionally minded student. No
logo other than St. Mary’s will be accepted.
6. Collared shirts may include polo shirts, button blouses, turtlenecks or oxford shirts.
No contrasting stitching or trim, ruffles, or sparkles are permitted. Shirts must
be tucked in for grades 1st – 12th (PreK4 & Kinder are encouraged to tuck in
their shirts, but enforcement is at the teacher’s discretion).
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7. Socks may be tennis (no show allowed) solid white, black or navy (no bright
distracting colors: pink, neon, red, orange, yellow, purple, green, etc); socks must
be worn with all shoes.
8. Navy ribbon tie is permitted.
Boys: A man is known by his appearance... A man's attire… show[s] what he is (Sir 19:29-30).
1. Boys’ bottoms may include solid navy blue trousers or long-length shorts in Pre-K –
5 grades.
2. From 3rd grade through 12th grade pants with belt loops must have belts. Belts are to
be black or brown.
3. Middle school grades 6th – 8th will wear Khaki bottoms (only).
4. Virtual High may wear navy, khaki or black bottoms.
5. No contrasting or “jeans” style stitching is permitted; also, frayed pants or pants with
holes are not permitted. From 4th grade to 8th grade pants with loops must have a
belt. Belts are to be black or brown. No khaki cargo pants or cargo shorts for Middle
School. No “skinny” style or bell-bottoms, no hip-huggers are allowed; please
interpret all uniform codes in the most conservative sense. Pockets should never
be stuffed and bulging with personal items (key, wallet [if needed], tissue, small
personal hand cleaner, Rosary, etc… nothing else needs to be in pockets).
6. Boys are to wear collared shirts, short or long sleeves that are solid white. No logo
other than St. Mary’s will be accepted.
a. High School may also wear navy, gold or a combination of white, navy and/or
gold as long as it looks to be the attire of a professionally minded student. No
logo other than St. Mary’s will be accepted.
7. Collared shirts may include polo shirts, turtlenecks or oxford shirts. No contrasting
stitching or trim is permitted. Shirts must be tucked in.
8. Socks may be tennis (no show allowed) solid white, black or navy (no bright
distracting colors: pink, neon, red, orange, yellow, purple, green, etc); socks must
be worn with all shoes.
9. Navy tie is permitted (gold may be worn by virtual High students).
SHOES for Boys & Girls: Shoes will be of a somber or subdued color(s), for
example: whites, grays, blacks, browns, or navy blues (no light, sky or powder). No
bright distracting colors: pink, neon, red, orange, yellow, purple, green, etc; no
glitter, rhinestones, decorative symbols or images; no lights or other
distracting features are permitted. Shoelaces must match the shoe; no
contrasting laces of a bright color are permitted. Socks may be tennis (no show
allowed) solid white, black or navy (no bright distracting colors: pink, neon, red,
orange, yellow, purple, green, etc); socks must be worn with all shoes. Students
are encouraged to wear dress shoes for Wednesday’s Mass, and may change into
athletic shoes afterwards. Shoes should fit properly and snugly. Name brand shoes
are not prohibited, but if problems arise regarding this issue, the school reserves the
right to alter the dress code requirements immediately. The following types of
footwear are not permitted: sandals, boots, shoes without backs or open toe,
shoes with high heels, or shoes with cleats. Shoes with cartoon characters or other
images are also not permitted. During inclement weather calf high boots or
goulashes type boots may be worn to school, however students must change into
uniform shoes while in the school building.
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When there is a doubt if a shoe or any element of a uniform is allowed…it probably is not, that is,
parents are asked to be very conservative in the interpretation of this policy and with all policies that
pertain to uniforms. You may visit our website for other school uniform vendors. Lastly, a uniform is
meant to help children look uniform in attire. A key reason for uniforms is to promote individuality.
Students wearing any clothes they choose will often times stand out by their attire, especially in a
group. Students wearing uniforms all look the same as regards attire and therefore they stand out by
their individuality and face in communal settings. Hence uniforms put the focus on the child of God
and not upon designer clothes.
Coats/Jackets/Sweaters
Students may wear any heavy outer garment of their choice to and from school, but
coats will be removed upon entering the classroom. Lightweight sweaters or
sweatshirts, in black, navy, or white may be worn in the classroom and throughout the
school building during school hours; preferably the navy blue P.E. sweatshirt or hoodie
with the St. Mary’s logo. No logo other than St. Mary’s will be accepted.
***Virtual High students may wear St. Mary’s letterman jackets.
Special Uniform Notes:
1. Students should be clean and practicing good hygiene.
2. Sleeveless shirts, sheer shirts or shirts without collars are not allowed. Shirts
may be either short-sleeved or long sleeved.
3. Colored contact lenses are not permitted in PreK – 8th (as long as it is of a
natural color and not a distraction, it can be permitted in HS).
4. The dress code prohibits make-up, artificial nails, acrylic overlays or colored nail
polish. Nails should also not be overly long, but trimmed and clean.
 Virtual High students - Make-up for young ladies should be in good taste
and not distracting; nail polish must be clear/natural (make-up or nail
polish deemed excessive or inappropriate can be cause for loss of this
privilege for a period not to exceed 1 school year). No makeup or nail
polish is allowed for young men. Facial hair must be neat and clean (facial
hair deemed excessive, non-hygienic or inappropriate can be cause for
loss of this privilege for a period not to exceed 1 school year).
5. Prek through 5th grade may wear one religious necklace under their shirt (not
visible). However, it is recommended that children do not wear necklaces as it is
a potential safety issue, or a distraction (playing with, losing, etc). No Hoop
earrings or earrings larger than a dime may be worn. Boys will not wear earrings
when in school uniform or on campus during school hours or activities. NO
OTHER JEWELRY IS ALLOWED. The school is not responsible for lost jewelry
and encourages parents to make the safer and better choice by leaving such
items at home. Rosaries are not necklaces and are not to be worn as such.
6. For 6th grade though 8th grade, again, no Hoop earrings or earrings larger than
a dime may be worn. Boys will not wear earrings when in school uniform or on
campus during school hours or activities. One simple ring may be worn on one
finger, one religious necklace, and/or one bracelet may be worn. That is, a cross
or religious medal may be worn around the neck under the shirt (not plainly
visible). A wristwatch may be worn, or a bracelet of a religious nature, or of a
type similar to a wrist watch band may be worn. No rubber, silicone, rope/cord
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(friendship bracelet), nor brightly colored, nor anything of a distracting nature will
be worn and no more than one and only on one wrist. However, it is
recommended that children not wear necklaces, rings or bracelets as it is a
potential safety issue, or a distraction (playing with, losing, etc). The school is not
responsible for lost jewelry and encourages parents to make the safer and better
choice by leaving such items at home. Rosaries are not necklaces and are not to
be worn as such. However, a student may carry a Rosary around their neck
under their shirt. If is it is seen to be being used as jewelry the student will be
directed to remove it and place it in a pocket.
 Virtual High students - jewelry should be worn in moderation and good
taste. Excessive ornamentation is prohibited. Boys will not wear earrings
when in school uniform or on campus during school hours or activities.
Jewelry worn in excess will not be tolerated, e.g. many rings (no more
than 2), multiple earrings (more than two per ear), hoop earrings greater
than 1 inch in diameter, bar bell earrings, excessive chains, leather/chain
collars, etc.
7. A student’s natural hair color ought not to be changed in any manner. Any hair
style that is outlandish, inappropriate or gang related in the opinion of the
Principal is prohibited. Hair with unnatural colors, highlights, streaks, etc will not
be allowed. Students can be sent home until an unnatural hair color has
been returned to a natural color.
 Only virtual High School students can be permitted a change to hair color
that looks natural (Principal has the final say, abuse of this consideration
will lead to its revocation).
8. Tattoos (temporary or otherwise) and body/tongue piercings (or multiple ear or
facial piercings of any kind) are not permitted on children as they tend to be a
distraction and contrary to good order and discipline, as well as potential health
risks.
9. Boys’ hair shall be well groomed and not touch the collar. Styles that are not
permitted include, but are not limited to braided, tails of any length, Mohawk,
spikes or styles designed to call undue attention to the individual are not
permitted. Cultural hair styles can be permitted with the approval of the Principal
(example: long hair for male Native Americans, a simple part cut into male
African American hair, etc). Hairstyles that create problems of health and
sanitation, obstruct vision, or are designed to call undue attention to the
individual are not permitted. Students can be sent home until hair issues are
resolved.
10. Ball caps, hats, hoods, and sunglasses are not permitted in the buildings.
11. Complete scout uniforms (Boy & Girl) may be worn on meeting days.
Physical Education Uniform:
1. Proper attire for P.E. class shall be a combination of the white and/or blue St.
Mary’s logo t-shirts (there are no other options). NAVY BLUE long-length athletic
shorts (cannot be too short or tight fitting; cannot have non-St. Mary’s logos),
sweatshirt and/or NAVY BLUE sweatpants with or without the St. Mary’s logo (there
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can be no contrasting colors, logos, etc); Shorts and pants may have a white stripe
down the side of the leg, but NO other designs. No logo other than St. Mary’s will
be accepted. P.E. shirts, pants, and sweat jackets are sold by the P.T.O. please
contact the office for more information. Please contact the office or check or website
for more information. Please read & comply with the uniform regulations
of St. Mary’s. Not all attire available on-line or in stores is necessarily
permitted. St. Mary’s is not responsible for any discrepancies. Policy
stated above is to be followed.
XVI. GENERAL CURRICULUM
The curriculum at St. Mary’s is outlined to attain the educational objectives set forth in
our philosophy and is in accordance with the regulations set by the Office of Catholic
Schools from the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. Full-time, certified teachers and parttime lay teachers facilitate our curriculum.
St. Mary’s curriculum for grades Kindergarten through eighth includes every day
instruction in the subject areas of Religion, Math, Reading, Language Arts (penmanship,
language and spelling), Science and/or Social Studies. The instruction of our
curriculum is achieved through an integrated approach that is neither completely
traditional nor modern, but utilizes proven contemporary techniques.
Our Math program uses Star Math as a Math assessment tool in grades 1st – 8th and
the First in Math program to reinforce math skills in grades K – 8th.
Our Language Arts Program includes phonetic-based instruction, along with whole
language approaches and basal readers at the primary grade levels. Additionally, the
Star Reading Assessment tool, and the Accelerated Reader Program is utilized in
grades 1-8 to enhance the reading components of our Language Arts Program. It is a
graded component of our curriculum.
Physical Education and Health, Computer Literacy, Spanish, Library Skills, Art, other
Elective classes and Music are also offered to students of St. Mary’s. There are
opportunities for students to be engaged in projects with the High School in our
recording studio for upload to 88.3FM or the website as well.
Virtual High School curriculum is fully accredited through AdvancEd (SACS/CASI) and
uses a combination of online instruction, video conferencing (Skype sessions), emails,
blogs, videos, audios and other methods as employed through the Archdiocese of
Miami (ADOM-VCS) program. In addition, Religion courses are in conformity with the
US Bishops framework for Religious studies.
XVII. PRE-KINDERGARTEN CURRICULUM
St. Mary’s offers a program for four-year-old children and admission into the program is
limited to students who have had their birthday on or before September 1 st of that
academic year. Practicing Catholics have first option for admission during preenrollment in the spring. The curriculum for the Pre-Kindergarten program offers
reading, writing and math readiness and fine and large motor skills development. There
is an emphasis on social awareness and faith values.
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XVIII. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the
Lord until he comes…A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and
drink the cup. (1 Cor 11:26, 28)
Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation (Penance) and First
Communion are primarily the responsibility of parents. St. Mary’s will support parents in
their role by providing sacramental formation for First Reconciliation and First
Communion in 2nd Grade Religion classes. Parents must register in a parish and sign
up their child(ren) to receive any sacraments. Students who attend St. Mary’s do not
have to attend parish Religion Education classes in addition to what they receive at St.
Mary’s. However, there will be some additional parish requirements such as meetings
and retreats. Please check with your parish Religious Education Coordinator. Parents
of students who need sacramental formation above 2 nd grade should contact the St.
Mary’s Campus Minister for assistance.
***Confirmation for virtual High students is handled in the home parish of the student.
XIX. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins
the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it
to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I
do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that,
after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. (1 Cor 9:24-27)
St. Mary’s School offers physical education classes on a weekly basis for every student,
Pre-kindergarten through eighth. Students are required to be dressed in proper P.E.
attire when participating in P.E. classes (see uniform code). Depending on grade level,
younger students are to wear their P.E. clothes to school on P.E. days, and the older
students (middle school and above may be asked to change at school if P.E. clothing
becomes a hygienic issue).
1. Students who are not in P.E. uniform may receive a grade reduction.
2. Any student who cannot participate because of injury or illness must have a
note from parent/guardian to be excused that day. If the time of nonparticipation is for more than one gym period, a note from a doctor is
required.
3. Students who are unable to participate in P.E. due to physical difficulties or
long-term illness must have an (ISP) Individual Service Plan developed.
XXI. FACULTY EXPECTATIONS:
Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and in your teaching show
integrity, gravity, and sound speech that cannot be censured, so that an opponent
may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say of us. (Titus 2:7-8)
The value and quality of education at St. Mary’s School is facilitated by the dedication of
our faculty. Since we are a Catholic school, Christ is celebrated here and Christian
values shall be an integrated theme throughout our curriculum. The faculty assists the
Principal and one another in developing and maintaining a Christian atmosphere, along
21
with a tradition of strong academics. Loyalty, discretion and unselfishness on the part of
all will facilitate the conduct of the school. Among the duties of the faculty are:
1. Teachers shall demonstrate a supportive and positive attitude in all dealings with the
Faculty, students, parents, Principal and Pastor. Destructive criticism or gossip is
disrespectful and consistently discouraged. BE AFFIRMATIVE.
2. Teachers shall demonstrate a strict code of professional ethics. Problems relating to
the school as a whole are to be discussed during private, faculty meetings. These
problems and the conclusions reached are not to be a topic of conversation with
persons not on faculty. Discussion about school personnel, students, parents, or
guardians shall not be held with any person who is not directly involved in the matter.
Any discussion relating to these topics shall be held in private and at an appropriate
time and place according to professional ethics and standards. BE FAIR, BE
CONSCIENTIOUS and FOSTER POSITIVE ATTITUDES.
3. Teachers shall participate in professional studies that improve the overall school
program. This depends upon each individual teacher working with the other
members of the faculty and the Principal to promote the aims of the school.
ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE.
4. Teachers shall comply with regulations, as put forth in the Archdiocesan Policies as
well as Oklahoma School Law regarding certification and non-public education.
5. Teachers are responsible for the supervision and safety of their students first and
foremost. They are also required to prepare lessons that fulfill the curriculum
objectives as outlined by the OKC Archdiocese.
6. Teachers are to keep accurate records of the work assigned as well as each grade
earned by every student. Progress reports are sent home with the student(s) every
4-5 weeks and formal report cards are sent home every nine weeks. Parents may
request grades from teachers at anytime and teachers may inform parents if
concerns arise between scheduled report times. Individual academic performance
may be reported to the Principal (especially those students who are performing
below standards).
a) Parents of students receiving a “D” or “F” on the report card or progress
report must receive a phone call or other personal communication from the
teacher in advance of the report card or progress report. Teachers should
notify parents of academic concerns as soon as possible so that a plan may
be developed at home and at school to help the student improve.
7. Teachers are to perform duties in a manner consistent with professional expectations
(i.e. classroom management, communication methods, etc) and to maintain a
professional demeanor and appearance.
8. Teachers are to adhere to local school policies, and they are to comply with the
expectations and supervision of the Principal. The Principal will supervise each
teacher throughout the academic year.
9. (No teacher’s child will be assigned to their parent’s class unless there are no other
same grade classes available.)
10. (Any issue not covered in this handbook shall be governed by Archdiocesan
policies.)
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XXII. STUDENT RESPONSIBILTIES
He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them… And
Jesus advanced (in) wisdom and age and favor before God and man. (Lk 2:52)
Students are expected to work to the best of their ability, and honor their God–given
abilities. Students are expected to actively participate in class and to cooperate with the
teacher to provide the best atmosphere for learning. Students are expected to obey the
school’s “Code of Conduct” and to conform to the expectations of the Knights of St.
Mary’s Creed. It is expected that students will complete all homework assignments and
turn papers in on time. When a student is absent from school, homework should be
requested from the teachers. Students will be given a due date for homework. Late
homework due to absences resulting from vacations or other non-excused absences
may receive a late mark or a reduced grade - this is under the discretion of the
individual teacher.
When a student fails to meet his/her responsibilities, or when the grades earned show a
decline in performance, a student’s parents will be notified by the teacher so that steps
can be taken to improve the situation immediately. If avenues used by the teacher and
parents have proven to be ineffective, and no improvement is seen, then the parents will
be asked to confer with the teacher, and the Principal to determine further action that
may be taken to bring about improvement.
Recommendations for improvement may include one or more of the following:
a) Tutoring in one or more subject area, b) referral to special services to identify special
needs, c) administrative action, if the problems result from behavioral issues, d) meeting
with the Principal or a counselor from an outside agency, e) and/or being removed from
participation in school-sponsored extracurricular activities until necessary improvement
is seen.
XXIII. TESTING
Each year, St. Mary’s administers the standardized Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) to
students in kindergarten and above. This is administered during the fall semester and
scored according to the national fall norms. Standardized tests scores may be used as
one of the determining factors for placement in the Title 1 Reading Program. A
Cognitive Abilities test is given to 3rd and 5th graders during the same testing timeline as
the ITBS.
Students in the 8th grade take the Explore test. Students in 9th, 10th and 11th grades take
tests as advised though ADOM’s academic offices.
Classroom teachers may use a variety of testing and evaluation techniques. Formal
tests may be used from test banks made available from the textbook publishers and
tests may be custom made by the teachers. Informal types of evaluations methods may
include oral exams, written assignments, homework, individual and group projects,
classroom activities, etc.
Teachers are required to administer some form of classroom testing and evaluation and
are required to follow the school’s grading scale. However, the type of testing, the
techniques, and the point values are under the discretion of the classroom teacher.
Long-range assignments may be given over the weekend.
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XXIV. HOME STUDY (Homework)
…remain faithful to what you have learned and believed…
(2 Tim 3:14)
The primary purpose of homework is to reinforce a lesson already learned (thus
students should be successful on homework) but not yet mastered, and to teach and
allow the practice of responsibility. Although the amount of homework will vary within
grades and on different days, a reasonable guideline is listed below. Teachers should
consider the ability of the group and the assignments of other teachers when requiring
home study.
As a guide of time per night spent on homework:
Grades PreK - 1
Not to exceed 20 min
As 2nd grade is a very transitional year, they are included in the Elementary team’s
guidelines, however teachers will be vigilant that homework is not
excessive.
Grades 2-5
Not to exceed 40 minutes
Grades 6-8
60 min total for ALL subjects
Grades 9-12
variable based upon self-pacing
If assignments will take more than the time above, students need to be given less
homework or more days to complete the assignment. Grades PreK-8 may be assigned
homework Monday through Friday. As much as possible, teachers are to refrain from
assigning homework on Wednesdays so as to respect the religious obligations of other
faiths and youth groups. That said homework may be assigned on Weds if it is deemed
necessary by the teacher.
Respecting the Sabbath and remembering to keep our Lord’s Day Holy, as well as
respecting family time, homework will not be given on Friday for the weekend, but may
be given when it is clearly only Friday night homework. This should be avoided to assist
students in not doing homework on the Sabbath. On evenings when there are school
activities at school (Advent Play, for example), no homework will be assigned that
night and no tests will be given the next day. Also, there will be NO HOMEWORK
OF ANYKIND during or over the Holy Tridiuum (Holy Thursday – Easter Sunday),
nor on a Holy Day of Obligation (Dec 8), nor Ash Wednesday, nor All
Saints/Souls. Any variation to this rule, based upon a valid reason, will need prior
approval of the Principal and parents will be notified in advance.
Also homework will not be due on Monday, unless it is a long-term project that a student
could have worked on over a period of time, thus not interfering with the Sabbath. Any
school work a student does on the weekend (Sat/Sun) will be because he/she failed to
finish work assigned as ascribed above or is doing said work by personal
choice. Students are encouraged to read & study during their free time at home.
Students in the virtual High School should plan their time so as not to interfere with
keeping the Sabbath holy, family time, school activities etc.
If you feel your child spends an unwarranted amount of time on homework or the
guidelines above are not being followed, his or her teacher should be consulted.
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Students who do not complete their in-class assignments may be required to complete
that work at home in addition to daily homework. Work not completed in class when
time was given is not a part of the time frames above. Teachers may require
parents/guardian signatures on homework.
XXV. GRADING SCALE AND REPORTS
Progress reports are sent home with the student(s) every 4-5 weeks and formal report
cards are sent home every nine weeks, at the conclusion of the quarter.
Pre-K, K, LIBRARY (Pre-K-5th) CLASSES
ACADEMIC, ELECTIVES & SPECIALTIES
(1st – 8th)
E
S
N
A
B
C
D
F
93-100
Excellent
70-92
Satisfactory
69 or Below Needs improvement
93 – 100
85 – 92
75 – 84
69 – 74
68 or below
Excellent
Above Average
Average
Below Average
Failure
HONOR ROLL Requirements:
1. Principal’s “A” Honor Roll includes students with A’s in all of the following
subjects: Reading, Math, English, Spelling, Religion, Science, and Social
Studies, and middle school electives.
2. “A and B” Honor Roll includes students with A’s & B’s.
XXVI. TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are issued on a rental basis with the exception of workbooks. Students are
expected to cover and take care of them. Parents can be accountable for the
replacement costs for textbooks that are returned in a poor condition. Workbooks,
which are consumable and the property of the student, should be kept neat, accurate
and complete. Students should have all the required supplies as noted on the list
distributed during registration. These supplies must be maintained and replenished
throughout the school year. Please be sure that your child’s name is on all of his/her
materials.
 If a book is lost or damaged it must be replaced by the student/parents.
Marking, tearing or defacing a book will be considered a cause for
replacement. The penalty on a replacement will be the current list price of
the book.
Textbooks: When selecting textbooks, the Principal and faculty consider the school’s
objectives, organizational structure, student needs and the financial resources of the
school.
1. St. Mary’s follows a textbook rotation schedule established by the
Textbook Review Committee/Curriculum Committee.
2. Each year, the Textbook Review Committee recommends textbook series
based on compatibility with curriculum objectives.
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XXVII. DISCIPLINE
Obey your leaders and defer to them, for they keep watch over you and will have to
give an account, that they may fulfill their task with joy and not with sorrow…
(Heb 13:17)
The school faculty documents incidents of misbehavior, and seeks effective means of
communicating with parents. Currently, the school notifies parents of a disciplinary
issue through Jupiter Grades or a call from the school faculty. Faculty members are
required to document and confer in a timely manner with the Principal regarding
incidents involving physical altercations, adverse physical contact or any behavior that
is deemed threatening to self or others (see #2 and #3 below).
• Classroom Management – how things are done: procedures and routines
•
Teacher’s responsibility
• Discipline – deals with how people behave
•
Student’s responsibility (though modeled, taught, facilitated)
The classroom teachers handle the majority of incidents of misconduct. We look at a
hierarchy of behavior from non-acceptable to acceptable. The approach in this school
will be to encourage students to exercise self-discipline through reflection and selfevaluations and to move from mere obedience and external motivation to a life of
responsibility and internal motivation. However, when a student has committed a
serious offense, or when reflections or warnings about chronic disciplinary problems
have ceased to be effective, the situation is referred to the Principal and stern
disciplinary measures may be necessary. In such cases, the following guidelines will be
observed:
1. It is within the discretion of the faculty and the Principal to determine
inappropriate behavior and to offer direction and/or correction that will help
students better understand their Christian responsibilities toward others and
themselves.
2. Depending on the circumstances, the implementation of a disciplinary action
may be immediate or the Principal may require some time to collect more
information to deliberate an appropriate response to the situation. Parents
will be notified as to the status of the decision.
3. Counseling: The school may also refer students to counseling services
(Catholic Charities 580-353-1811) as a means of intervention when dealing
with behavioral issues. With parental consent, students and families may
seek assistance on school premises (if possible) when counseling services
can be made available. Any counseling received is highly confidential.
4. Physical altercations (any adverse contact between students including
biting, hitting, pushing, kicking, tackling, etc.) will not be tolerated.
Depending on the age of the students, very serious disciplinary action may be
taken. Older students will receive swift and immediate disciplinary action that
will generally include suspension or possibly multiple detentions. Second
offenses may lead to dismissal. Discipline for physical altercations or adverse
contact involving younger students may be modified, but re-occurrences can
lead to suspension and/or dismissal.
5. Threats of violence or intimidation (including sexual harassment) made
against others or self or issues of harassment (words or actions that create a
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hostile environment) will be taken seriously. There is no tolerance for these
types of comments to be made in jest. The age of the student will be
considered when determining disciplinary actions. The older the student the
more severe the consequence. It is imperative that parents and guardians
talk with their children about these issues to avoid difficult situations.
6. Serious or repeated misconduct, or conduct deemed as disruptive may
require immediate notification and a summons of the parents and/or
guardians to the school office.
7. The School Principal has the authority to implement discipline, suspend
and/or expel students. Suspension may be in school (fee of $55 per day
[in certain circumstances parents may be given this option if out of
school suspension would not be practical or possible for parents]) or
out of school. Repeated suspensions may lead to dismissal. When a
suspension is administered, the length of the suspension will be determined
by the factors involved in the incidence of chronic and/or serious misconduct.
Dismissal or expulsion of a student means the student is removed from the
school and not allowed to return and must seek enrollment at another school.
8. Parents or guardians who wish to appeal disciplinary decisions made by the
Principal may do so in writing to the Pastor, Rev. Joseph Ross, within ten (10)
days of the Principal’s ruling.
XXIII. SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, (love) is not pompous, it is not
inflated, it is not rude, it does not seek its own interests, it is not quick-tempered, it
does not brood over injury, it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with
the truth. (1 Cor 13:4-6)
Students are expected to strive for Christian ideals and behavior and to conduct
themselves in accordance with the rules, regulations and high expectations of St.
Mary’s Catholic School (see also Mt 5:3-12; Ex 20:2-17; Dt 5:6-21; CCC1691-2550).
Students are expected to respect authority and to behave in a manner that does not
interfere with the rights, privileges, and safety of others at school or school sponsored
events. Student behavior cannot interfere with the rights of the teachers to teach and
students to learn.
It is an expressed condition of enrollment that students behave in a manner that is
consistent with Christian principles, as determined by the school. It is also an
expressed condition of enrollment that parents or guardians of a student shall conform
to the standards of conduct that are consistent with the Christian principles of the
school. These principles include but are not limited to the Catholic social teachings,
school policies and procedures as set forth in the school’s Parent / Student Handbook.
Behavioral expectations for students and parents/guardians apply to all schoolsponsored programs and events (i.e., extended care, athletics [including Middle School
athletics at Central Middle School], field trips, etc.).
Parents/guardians are expected to cooperate with the school in disciplinary matters.
Students, parents and guardians may respectfully express their concerns about school
operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in a manner that is
discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile or divisive.
27
The following are some guidelines for student behavior that is in accordance with the
“Code of Conduct” and the Levels of Behavior: the lowest which are unacceptable are
Anarchy and Bossing/Bullying, at the higher end, which are acceptable are
Collaboration (driven by external motivation) and Democracy (driven by internal
motivation). This list is not all-inclusive but provides a framework for understanding
behavioral expectations. Explicit penalties are not listed for all offences but will be
handled on a case by case basis that can include Behavior Reflections, detention,
suspension and/or expulsion.
a.
Students shall conduct themselves with due respect toward one another and all
school personnel at all times. Insolence, defiance, insubordination or refusal to
accept the directions of any school personnel is a serious offense.
b.
Follow classroom and cafeteria rules.
c.
Show respect for all school property and equipment.
d.
Display polite manners and do not use vulgar language. The use of inappropriate,
abusive or profane language is prohibited on our campus or at any school event.
Possession of pornographic or hate material, including the searching for such
material on the Internet, is prohibited.
e.
Be quiet and orderly when walking through the hall.
f.
Avoid disruption to other students and to the school environment. Students who
repeatedly cause disturbances in class are liable to be expelled. Similar problems
in the library, chapel, cafeteria or other common areas or during a liturgy may
likewise result in student’s removal from that area as well as other disciplinary
action. Students who are disrespectful or uncooperative when a substitute teacher
is conducting class can be removed from the class and a parent will be notified
(disrespect to a substitute is a more serious offence as these persons are guests
and need to be treated as such).
g.
Students shall not engage in inappropriate public displays of affection: kissing,
handholding, hugging, note-passing, etc. Friendships and the actions of friends
need to be age appropriate.
• Issues of sexuality, particularly in the older grades
The Catholic Church teaches that sexuality is a gift from God. It is in the
context of marriage that sex can be expressed in a healthy, holy and
wholesome manner. Any form of genital sex outside of marriage is contrary to
the use of this gift and to the dignity of life itself. Inappropriate, public displays
of affection are to be avoided.
• Early Marriage
The Sacrament of Marriage is a life-long commitment intended for mature
adults. The school strongly discourages early or student marriage precisely
because a great majority of these end in separation or divorce. The school is
designed to serve the formation needs of young men and women rather than
married couples. Therefore student marriage is strongly discouraged and may
result in discontinuance of studies. In the event that a student from St. Mary’s
intends to marry or is married, it is required that the student and his or her
parents meet with the Principal and Pastor/Superintendent regarding the
feasibility of continuing their studies at St. Mary’s Catholic virtual High School.
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• Pregnancy
ln the event of pregnancy, St. Mary’s Catholic virtual High School will make every
effort to provide support, understanding and compassion. In consultation with
parents and students, the Principal will decide upon the appropriate manner for
continuing with an uninterrupted high school program of studies. If a decision is
made to temporarily continue education apart from the school, a student may
return and receive a diploma at graduation provided that all necessary
requirements are met. The same support, understanding and counseling
provided our young women will also be provided a St. Mary’s young man who
has participated in a pregnancy. Counseling will be required; either parents will
supply the school with documentation of such and/or the school will assist in
finding said counseling. If there is a question of whether a student is pregnant,
the Principal reserves the right to require a statement from a physician as to the
student's status before that student returns to school.
• Abortion
St. Mary’s Catholic virtual High School strongly opposes abortion, the deliberate
destruction of human life. The school will provide all available resources and
nurturing support for a pregnant student out of respect for the absolute dignity of
human life. Abortion is a serious sin against the Fifth Commandment of God,
"You shall not kill." A member of the Catholic Church who has an abortion, as
well as one who encourages or assists in one, is automatically excommunicated
from the Catholic Church (Code of Canon Law c.1398). In the event the school
becomes aware that one of its students has willfully chosen to obtain an abortion,
despite the school’s support, the student will be dismissed from St. Mary’s. For
the same reason, other members of the St. Mary’s student body, including the
father, will be dismissed if they have helped procure an abortion.
h.
Students are expected to demonstrate ethical behavior in regards to academic,
social and extra-curricular programs (i.e., display good sportsmanship, no
cheating, be honest and fair, treat others as you want to be treated.).
a. As an academic institution, we are committed to modeling high ethical
standards by challenging our students to understand, respect and
embrace ethical and moral behavior in all facets of their lives.
Cheating is taken very seriously because it is contrary to justice,
academic integrity, the spirit of intellectual inquiry and the pursuit of
knowledge.
Cheating is defined broadly as any dishonest or
unauthorized act that misrepresents achievement or gives an unfair
academic advantage to a student(s). Plagiarism is considered a form
of intellectual theft because information is copied from electronic or
traditional sources and submitted as one’s own without giving proper
credit to the sources.
b. A violation of academic dishonesty will be considered as a serious
issue. Teachers will inform the Principal and call the parents. In
addition, the following consequences will apply depending on the
incident. They include but are not limited to:
1. Zero credit for the assignment
2. Reduced or failing grade
3. Suspension
4. Parent Conference
29
5. Probation or loss of membership in National Honor Society
6. Academic Probation
7. Signing a Probationary Integrity Contract for one year
8. Loss of college recommendation letters
9. Any appropriate combination of the above
c. Serious academic honor code violations such as stealing answer keys
or tests, transmitting testing materials or answers via text messaging or
the Internet, or other forms of cheating may result in loss of class
credit, suspension, or expulsion.
i.
Do not be in possession of dangerous objects, or any potential weapons at
school or school-sponsored events. This will result in grave disciplinary
action and may involve law enforcement.
j.
Do not be in possession, transmission or use of tobacco products, alcohol
or illegal drugs (or prescription drugs not prescribed to the student in
possession and using) of any kind (including possible inhalants) any time
at school or school-sponsored events. The use, sale or distribution of illegal
drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances at school or at any school function,
is strictly prohibited. A school function is defined as any activity in which the
name of St. Mary’s is used whether the activity takes place on school grounds or
not. The possession of drug-related paraphernalia is likewise prohibited. In
addition, students who demonstrate by their behavior that they are involved in the
use of drugs or alcohol and who refuse help or will not agree to abide by the
school’s requirements will not be permitted to remain in the school. Law
enforcement may become involved in cases involving persons under 21 and any
person with an illegal substance.
a. Upon reasonable suspicion, the school, which reserves the right
to test any and all students, may be require a student to undergo
drug and/or alcohol testing (cost of said test is that of the
parents).
(Penalty: up to Expulsion on 1st offence)
k.
Laser pens, electronic games, I-Pods, or other devices deemed distracting to the
learning environment are not to be brought to school. Such distracting devices
may be confiscated and if turned over to the Principal may picked up by the
parent/guardian after 3:45 p.m. for a $10.00 handling fee.
a. Tablets and like devices may be used at school for reading appropriate
literature or other academically approved actions. Abuse of said
technology for games, inappropriate literature or images will lead to
confiscation. Parents may pick up improperly used devices turned over
to the Principal after 3:45pm for a $10.00 handling fee. Such abuse
could lead to further administrative action.
l.
CELL PHONES: Between the hours of 08:15am & 4:30pm, no student in the
care of the school shall use a cell phone on school property. Only with the
EXPLICIT permission & in the presence of the Principal or the EDCAP Director
can a student use a cell phone at school. Students are asked to leave cell
phones at home. However, if a student chooses to bring their phone to school,
students are to turn in cell phones to the homeroom teacher (the school in
no way shall be responsible for lost or stolen cell phones, as we ask students not
to bring phones to school). The phones will be returned at the end of the day.
30
Students caught in the possession of a cell phone after they have been collected
will have their phone confiscated and said phone will be given to the Principal.
Confiscated cell phones can only be picked up by the parent after 3:45pm for a
$10.00 handling fee. Repeated violations can be grounds for suspension.
m.
Social Networking such as Face Book, Twitter, etc. provide students with
instant nonverbal communication access.
The primary responsibility of
monitoring appropriate use of this technology rests with the student’s parent or
guardian. As a Catholic School Community of Faith, inappropriate postings
(comments, pictures, etc.) on any social networking site is in complete opposition
of the overall mission of the school. The school may choose to become involved
if such behavior causes a disruption in the daily life of the school. Individuals
directly or indirectly involved in such action may be subject to disciplinary
procedures.
n.
Physical Altercations - Fighting between our students or between our students
and others is prohibited on campus and at any school function. Students should
be aware that the penalty for fighting will normally be imposed on all participants
equally. Students are advised that if they are threatened, harassed or
intimidated by anyone at school or at a school function, they should immediately
report the matter to a teacher, administrator or security person. It is not
acceptable to respond by hitting or engaging in other physical contact.
a. Students who instigate fights but are not actively involved (that is,
students who spread rumors, put others up to fighting, make rude,
vulgar, obscene, racial, or insulting remarks, etc.) subject themselves
to the same penalties as those who are involved in the fight.
b. During the school days and outside of school or at a school activity,
actions that bring discredit or harm to the name of the school or the
reputation of its student body, any behaviors that constitute immorality
in talk or action and/or any conduct that is detrimental to the reputation
of this school and its mission can result in suspension and/or
expulsion.
o.
Threats and/or Harassment -Threats or acts of intimidation or violence directed
towards others or self, made by gestures, written or verbal expression; or issues
of harassment including words or actions by any student, faculty or
parent/guardian, that creates a hostile environment will not be tolerated at St.
Mary’s School. St. Mary’s Catholic School disapproves of and will not tolerate
harassment of any kind. Harassment can be categorized, but is not limited to the
areas of sexual harassment, creating a hostile environment, hazing and physical
assault. Harassment includes, but is not limited to, words, jokes, hazing and
physical conduct, which are based on a person’s gender, race, color, religion,
age, disability, or other legally protected status. St. Mary’s encourages a sense
of moral responsibility out of respect for persons created by a loving God.
Sexual harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. It is
present when opportunities or benefits are linked with sexual conduct or when
threats (stated or implied) are made. It may be present when unwanted,
personally offensive, sexual attention unreasonably interferes with an
individual’s work or school performance or creates an intimidating, hostile,
or offensive environment. Although these examples do not cover every
31
situation that may constitute sexual harassment, they provide a general
description of conduct that is unacceptable.
a. Any individuals experiencing harassment or unwelcome sexual conduct
should report this as soon as possible to the school Administration.
b. The Administration will investigate any and all complaints that are reported.
The Administration will endeavor to handle these matters expeditiously in a
professional manner so as to protect the offended individual. Failure to comply
with this policy is considered a major violation of St. Mary’s policy, and the
Administration will impose disciplinary action it deems appropriate, including
counseling, suspension, or dismissal, depending on the severity of the violation.
c. The organizational and educational climate and the supervision provided at
the St. Mary’s Catholic School are designed to prevent harassment by raising
awareness of the value of the person because of each person’s creative origin in
God. This is supported by creating a school climate in which students and
employees are safe to learn and work.
d. St. Mary’s prohibits harassment, intimidation, bullying and threatening
behavior by electronic communication (cyber bullying), whether such
communication originated at school or with school equipment, if the
communication is specifically directed at students or school personnel and
concerns harassment, intimidation or bullying at school. “Electronic
communication” means the communication of any written, verbal or pictorial
information by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a
telephone, a cellular telephone or other wireless telecommunication device or a
computer.
p. Gang Policy ~ No student on or about school property or at any school activity
shall:
a. Wear, possess, distribute, display, or sell any clothing, jewelry,
emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or any other thing that is evidence of
membership, affiliation or representation of a gang or cult;
b. Commit any act, through commission or omission or use speech either
verbal or nonverbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) showing membership,
affiliation or representation of a gang or cult;
c. Use any speech or commit any act, through commission or omission in
furtherance of the interests of any gang/cult or gang/cult activity,
including but not limited to:
i. Soliciting others for membership, affiliation of representation in a
gang/cult;
ii. Requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise
intimidating or threatening any person;
iii. Committing any other illegal act or other violation of school
district policies;
iv. Inciting other students to act with physical or verbal violence
upon any other person.
q. Students shall not leave the playground area without teacher supervision. If a
ball or any object leaves school property, students must ask for assistance in
retrieving the item.
32
r.
s.
t.
Obey dismissal procedures. Students may not stay in the building or on the
grounds without teacher supervision (See Arrival/Dismissal).
Students, of legal driving age, may not park in the western student lot (south of
parish hall) without a current parking permit clearly displayed. Parking is allowed
only in areas designated for student parking.
(Penalty: Retraction or revoking of parking privileges for reckless driving on
campus or for repeated parking offenses.)
Children shall use proper and reverent behavior in church.
XXIX. OFFICIAL RECORDS
Student records will be released to a requesting school so long as all fees and tuition
accounts are paid in full (this includes any late fees, for example with FACTS). When
requests for official records are made to the school office, the office will make every
effort to mail the official records as soon as possible. Official records that contain the
raised seal and will not be given to parents to hand carry. Parents can make a request
for a copy of official records at any time, however, the school office is allowed a
minimum 24-hour period to honor the request (this depends on office activities at the
time of request).
XXX. OFFICIAL RECORDS FOR NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
According to Oklahoma School Law, non-custodial parents are entitled to request and
obtain copies of their child’s official school records. The only time a non-custodial
parent can be refused a copy of records is when parental rights have been revoked by
court decree. A copy of custodial provisions of the divorce decree shall be provided to
the school office to be placed in the student’s file (as stated in the enrollment packet
CUSTODIAL PARENT IS REQUIRED TO PROVIDE THE SCHOOL WITH A COPY OF
ANY CUSTODY AND VISITATION DECREES).
XXXI. PROMOTION/RETENTION POLICY
If a student has completed his/her grade level work satisfactorily, and met criterion
established by school law and policies, he/she will be promoted. If the required work for
that grade is not completed, he/she may be promoted conditionally to the following
grade or retained in his/her present grade. Students may be promoted conditionally if
retention in the present grade would not benefit the student. The ideal time to be
retained (if it is deemed necessary for a student) is when he/she is in the primary
grades (K-2nd). Factors such as social, emotional, physical and mental growth shall be
taken into consideration. However, students can be retained at any age.
XXXII. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Scheduled conferences for all parents are usually held twice a year. Parents are
notified as to when they will take place. This gives parents the opportunity to speak
individually to all the teachers about the progress and needs of their child.
We encourage open communication between the parents, guardians and teachers.
Conferences may be scheduled with teachers at anytime during the year. The teachers
are to be contacted through the school office and a scheduled meeting time should be
arranged.
Teachers are not able to confer with parents or guardians during teaching time.
Meetings must be held during planning periods, before or after school. During arrival &
dismissal while teachers are supervising students is not to be used for conferencing.
Your concerns need undivided attention & your privacy is important. Rare exceptions to
33
this policy can only be arranged with the approval of the Principal (classroom coverage
must be arranged). If further consultation is deemed necessary, parents and teachers
may set up a time to meet with the Principal.
XXXIII. DAILY SCHEDULE
School hours are Monday through Friday 8:20 A.M. – 3:30 P.M. Students will, after 8:20
morning assembly, convene at 9:15 A.M. on Wednesdays for weekly school mass. For
those students who need to eat breakfast at school, breakfast is served from 8:05 A.M.
until 8:20 A.M.
***virtual High School may have the opportunity for other daily Mass celebrations after arriving
at school (M-T, Th-Fr) as determined by the Learning Manager. Students will go directly to
homeroom except on Wednesday when all go to assembly and to the school Mass.
XXXIV. ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
The school assumes responsibility for the supervision of the students beginning after
their arrival and entrance into custody of a faculty member at 8:05 a.m. on regularly
scheduled school days. Students cannot be left on school property prior to 8:05am
without being enrolled directly into Extended Day: Before/After School Care.
Students in grades third through eighth (and any vHS students not at Mass or
Homeroom) are to assemble in the gym beginning at 8:05 a.m (after the 1st bell rings).
First and second grades may go directly to their classrooms and may be escorted to the
class door by parent or guardian. Students in the Pre-K and Kindergarten shall be
escorted to the class door of their supervised classroom by a parent or guardian. DO
NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD IN AN UNSUPERVISED CLASSROOM. If a student is on
school grounds before 8:05 A.M. (that is before the 1st bell rings), that student must go
to EDCAP and parents will be billed the appropriate fees.
Student(s) must report to the office when tardy in order to receive a tardy slip that allows
them to be admitted into the classroom. If the tardy is significant, more than 30
minutes, then the parent/guardian is required to document the late arrival in the student
sign-in book. Any arrival after the bell rings at 8:20 a.m. is recorded as a tardy and
five tardies accumulate to an absence.
XXXVI. DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
All students will dismiss daily at 3:30 P.M. (after the dismissal bell rings). Students will
only be released to a parent, guardian or other designee, as listed on the authorization
card; no child will be released to any person not on the authorization card unless
accompanied by written note signed by the parent. Any person who is not familiar
to the teacher will be required to show proper identification and may be asked to check
in the office for verification before students are released. The office must be notified in
writing by custodial parent or guardian if a person other than those listed on the
authorization card will be picking up a student. It is the parent’s responsibility to
stop by the office to update student contact cards.
ALL STUDENTS, PRE-K THROUGH SECOND, shall be released to an authorized
person from the classrooms at dismissal, ALL OTHER STUDENTS, 3rd THROUGH 12th,
shall be dismissed from the gym. If a parent or guardian wishes to allow students to
leave on their own volition, written permission must be given to the school office, the
school will be released of responsibility, and the safety of the child cannot be assured.
* Please note that any student not picked up by an authorized person by the second
afternoon bell (3:35) will be taken to the Extended Day care area by the teacher. Any
older students who have been permitted to dismiss on their own volition will not be
34
allowed to “wander” the halls. Older students not picked up shortly after the afternoon
bell rings, or older students not walking to a destination off school grounds will be
required to go to the after school care area. Parents or guardians will be charged for
supervision time.
Parents are not to pick up students from the classroom before the bell rings at
3:30 p.m., unless the students have been signed out in the office. Signing
students out early is recorded as an afternoon tardy and five tardies accumulate
to an absence.
Parents/guardians are required to maintain silence in the halls while waiting to pick
up their children at dismissal time. If parents choose to talk with others parents while
waiting for the bell, they should gather outside the building. Parents must keep the
hallways passable in case of emergency and to allow a safe flow of traffic. PARENTS
ARE NOT TO CONFERENCE WITH TEACHERS UNTIL AFTER 3:35PM, AND UNTIL
THE TEACHER’S SUPERVISORY CAPACITIES HAVE ENDED FOR THE DAY.
Please be courteous of other parents who need to pick up their children in a timely
fashion. Also, keep in mind that teachers need to focus on proper supervision of
children especially at dismissal time; wait to conference after the teacher is free to give
you the attention that you and your concerns deserve.
XXXVII. DISMISSAL TO COACHES
Students that are participating in a sport that holds practices on school grounds after
school may be picked up by coaches under the following conditions:
a) The coach must have completed the full volunteer application and background
process
and
been
assigned
by
the
Athletic
Director/Volunteer
Coordinator/Principal as a volunteer in that capacity.
b) Once classes dismiss for the day, coaches may pick up the students
collectively, from the gym (after school care area).
c) Parents must agree to have the coach pick up their child.
d) Once the coach picks up children, the coach is responsible for the safety and
well-being of the student(s).
XXXIX. ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSES
All Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City are required to comply with
the State of Oklahoma compulsory attendance regulations. The school is required to
keep an accurate record of daily attendance, absentees and tardiness as a part of its
official records. These records may be required by certain state codes and may be
subpoenaed by court order. Therefore, they must be accurate.
When a student has a late arrival, the student shall report to the office to receive an
admit pass. The pass indicates to the teacher that the student has checked in and the
attendance record will be changed from an absence to a tardy by the office. This allows
us to record individual attendance and to have an accurate student count in case of a
school emergency (i.e., fire, evacuations, etc.). Every 5 (unexcused) tardies = 1
absence.
Please notify the office before 9:00 A.M. if your child will be absent. An absence,
morning or afternoon, of more than 2 hours is recorded as a ½-day absence, less
than two hours is recorded as a tardy. Parents/guardians are responsible for student
attendance and for keeping the office informed.
 Oklahoma School Code of 1971, Article X, Sec. 10-106: If a child is
absent without valid excuse 4 or more days or parts of days
[“parts of days” means TARDY] within a four-week period or is
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absent without valid excuse for 10 or more days or parts of days
[“parts of days” means TARDY] within a semester [the school office]
shall notify the parent, guardian or custodian of the child and
immediately report such absences to the district attorney in the
county wherein the school is located for juvenile proceedings
pursuant to Title 10A of the Oklahoma Statutes.
o St. Mary’s will enforce this law as such: 3 unexcused tardies or
absences per half Quarter without a valid excuse (that is not marked:
EH, AE, TE, E, or FA) will lead to a parental notification (if this has
not happened already) and a parent conference with the Principal.
Truancy reports are generated on the last day of each school week
and will come to parents via JupiterGrades and/or the VIP folder.
o On the 4th unexcused tardy or absence in a half Quarter, or if the
student has 10 or more days tardy or absent without a valid excuse,
the district attorney will be notified and a student will be placed on
probation.
o Parents will have at most one week to bring paperwork into the office that
could excuse said absences, prior to the notification of the district
attorney. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide the
school with documentation as to why a student is not in attendance.
NOTE:
 4 unexcused absences OR tardies and/or 10 unexcused absences OR
tardies will necessitate contact with the district attorney as dictated by
law
 It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to turn in
documentation that could make a tardy or absence excusable
 Documentation that is unreasonably late, that is, does not accompany
the child on their return to school, will need to be turned in to the
Principal during a scheduled (through Office manager) meeting with
the Principal to determine if the late documentation will be accepted.
Only tardies/absences of an excusable nature, that is, a valid excuse, will be
excused (EH, AE or TE): illness, family emergency, medical appointment. St. Mary’s
Catholic School (includes co-op) academic / athletic related absence are excused (E). A
TARDY/ABSENCE WILL NOT BE EXCUSED UNLESS DOCUMENTATION IS
SUBMITTED BY THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN TO THE OFFICE (doctor’s note
[including doctor mom], or other appropriate documentation). The Principal of St.
Mary’s has the final decision on what constitutes a valid excuse.
Children with chronic illnesses that will involve frequent absences need documentation
from the attending physician so as not to be considered truant (parent is responsible for
informing the office). Absence for illness more than 4 times per quarter constitutes
a chronic illness.
If the student is not in attendance, unless accompanied by a doctor’s note or other
documentation, the attendance records will show an un-excused absence. It is the
responsibility of the parent or guardian to provide the school with documentation as to
why a student is not in attendance. (Documentation may help to avoid truancy issues
for those students who have more than 4 absences per half quarter.) Family vacations
count towards absences and are not excusable.
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*Foreseeable Absence: (absences due to special family events, family reunions,
justifiable travel with family, or participation in a special event of a religious, educational,
civic, or cultural nature) may be excused if the following conditions are met:

The parent/guardian MUST meet with the Principal at least two weeks in
advance at a scheduled meeting (made through the Office Manager)



Principal MUST approve ALL foreseeable absences prior to notification of teachers
by students/parents
The Principal of St. Mary’s has the final decision on what constitutes a valid
foreseeable absence
The student/parent informs each teacher in writing (email that is Cc: to the
Principal) at least one week in advance
o Teachers may assign work to be done in connection with a foreseeable
absence
 Teachers (have been directed by the Principal) may choose to make the
foreseeable absence unexcused based upon any lack of performance of
an assignment connected to the absence, such as a report on the place
and or events experienced
 In such cases, any or all teachers will communicate with the
office/Principal as regards the satisfactory completion of said assignment;
failure to complete said assignment will cause said foreseeable absence
(FA) to be changed to Absent (A) and parents will be notified
 In such case, the district attorney will be notified one week after parental
notification if the number of tardies or absences would require doing so
Note: Absences in this category are strongly discouraged. Though the student is
permitted to make up homework and tests, classroom time cannot be replaced and this
can, as regards the nature of the work missed, adversely affect the student’s grade.
This is not a disciplinary consequence being applied to grades; it is simply stating that
missing school leads to missing instruction and missing parts of the educational
program that are difficult to make up.
Attendance Codes:
Counts as:
P
Present
Present
A
Absent (UNEXCUSED)
Absent
T
Tardy (UNEXCUSED)
Tardy
E
Excused all day for St. Mary’s academic/sports related event
Excused all day
AH
Absent half day, if tardy or leaving early 2 hours or more
Tardy
EH
Excused half day, if the AH is excusable (with documentation)
Excused half day
S
Suspended
Absent all day
I
In-house suspension (when feasible and appropriate)
Absent all day - $55.00
AE
Absent excused (with documentation)
Excused all day
TE
Tardy excused (with documentation)
Present
FA
Foreseeable Absence (meeting with Principal & documentation prior to) Excused all day (work
to be made up)
37
XL. MEDICATION AT SCHOOL
Prescription medication should be contained in a prescription vial with a label that
correctly states the name and address of the pharmacy, date of filling, name of patient,
name of doctor, prescription number and directions for the administration of medication.
The school will not dispense any medication without written permission of the
parent/guardian. Medication forms are in the school office and must be completed by
the parent or guardian in order for the school to dispense medication. All prescription
medications (& non-prescription medicines) are kept in the school office. Since asthma
can be an emergency, asthma inhalers should be accessible to the student and
designated personnel at all times. (INHALERS SHOULD BE AT SCHOOL WITH THE
CHILD)
School personnel will only administer non-prescribed medications with written and
signed parental consent. Parents or guardians are welcome to administer nonprescription, as well as prescription medicines by reporting to the school office. The
office personnel will then contact the teacher and the student will report to the office.
XLI. ILLNESSES
Please do not send sick students or students with the following symptoms to school:
1. Fever of 100 degrees or more. Child must be fever free for a full 24 hours
without medication before they can return to school.
2. Sore throat or tonsillitis.
3. Any nasal discharge accompanied by fever or cough.
4. Constant or severe cough.
5. Inflammation of the eye or lids (exception is known allergies).
6. Vomiting or diarrhea.
If your child is too ill to remain at school, or if he/she has been injured, the parents will
be contacted. Children with a temperature of 100 or above, or who are vomiting or have
diarrhea will be sent home. This means WE MUST KNOW WHERE YOU CAN BE
REACHED AT ALL TIMES. Please report changes of phone numbers or addresses to
the school office. All students should have an emergency guardian listed on the
enrollment card.
XLII. DISEASE AND LICE CONTROL
Oklahoma School Law states: “Any child afflicted with a contagious disease or head lice
may be prohibited from attending a public, private or parochial school until such time as
he/she is free from contagious disease or head lice.” (Sec. 703-A)
Persons with communicable diseases and/or chronic infections will be dealt with on a
case-by-case basis, in accordance with health guidelines. Sanitary practices and good
hygiene are to be practiced by all faculty, staff and volunteers and will be emphasized to
all our students.
That said students with a suspicion of head lice will receive a letter from the school
detailing the procedures for dealing with lice. Children will not be inspected “headchecked” by school personnel. However if a child complains about itchy scalp or a
teacher happens to see something that might indicate the presence of lice: the
appearance of objects that could be interpreted as nits by the casual observer, scalp
redness visible to the casual observance, etc, a letter will go home from the school.
Only in the case when actual lice are clearly visible will a child be asked to go to the
office to wait until picked up by a parent, this is similar to any other infection, and would
38
be approached similar fashion akin to our vomiting, diarrhea and temperature over 100
policy.
In any case parents who receive the suspicion of lice letter are asked to treat their child
and return to school as soon as said treatment is completed. All other children will
receive a letter stating that a suspected case of lice was encountered in their class and
that parents simply need to be aware and vigilant.
XLIII. GYM USE DURING BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE HOURS
The gym is the designated area for the Extended Day Care Program (EDCAP) after
school. Gym use for activities other than Extended Day (EDCAP) shall occur after 4:30
p.m. Exceptions to this policy must be approved by the Principal. Requests for use of
the gym facilities at any time must be submitted in writing no less than 10 days prior to
the event.
XLIV. VISITORS TO ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained
angels. (Heb 13:2)
Parents and guests are always welcome at St. Mary’s School. To promote a safe and
controlled environment for our students, all visitors, including parents participating in
any volunteer activity, are required to report to the school office to sign in. During the
school day, teachers have a responsibility to supervise children or prepare for their
classes. If you desire a conference with a teacher, please do so by appointment. Only
those visitors who have legitimate business at the school may be admitted. A visitor’s
badge will be issued at the discretion of the administrator. Badges must be worn during
the visit so faculty and staff can identify that you have checked in at the office. Anyone
without a badge ought to be reported to the office immediately.
XLV. SCHOOL CLOSINGS AND DELAYS
In the event of an emergency affecting the regular opening of school (inclement
weather, gas leaks, water problems, etc.), notice will be given on local radio and
television stations and/or parents may be called through our School Reach notification
system.
In case of inclement weather, we will usually list our closing or delay when Lawton
Public Schools lists their closings. However, St. Mary’s may list closings or delays at
different times and will be announced by television (KSWO “7”) and local F.M. radio
stations. Please do not call the Pastor, Principal, faculty or staff at home.
Families will also be notified by our instant automated parental contact system: School
Reach.
Before school care will not be provided on days in which a school delay has been
called. Breakfast will not be served on days in which delays have been called.
The state minimum for hours in school is 1,050 hours. School will be from 8:20am until
3:30pm = 6.5 hours per day (minus 20min for lunch). This is 1,137.5 hours a year, 87.5
over the required 1050. This 87.5 hours, which is equal to 13 “days” is beyond the
required school time.
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XLVI. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
During the school day, if severe weather is predicted and warnings have been issued
(I.E. Tornadoes, flash floods, thunderstorms, etc.), emergency procedures are
activated. Teachers will follow the specified emergency procedures. In the case of
tornadoes, children will be taken to their assigned shelter areas. Special emergency
procedures are in place for situations that include things such as bomb threats, acts of
violence or school intruders. If parents or guardians would like to review emergency
procedures, they are available in the Principal’s office.
Please do not attempt to pick up your child during an emergency: it endangers yourself,
your child and school staff, as well as, other children.
Emergency contact records are kept on file in the school office. Parents and
guardians must keep the information current at all times. This includes phone
numbers, emergency contacts – both name and numbers, and authorized individuals for
pickup of students.
XLVII. COMPUTER USAGE
Science and technology by their very nature require unconditional respect for
fundamental moral criteria. They must be at the service of the human person, of his
inalienable rights, of his true and integral good, in conformity with the plan and
the will of God. (Catechism of the Catholic Church: 2294)
Each student in Pre-kindergarten (4 years old) through 8th grade (9th through 12th may
also have access to the school computers), have computer class as a part of their
weekly curriculum. Students also have access to computers in the resource center,
during library time. The school’s computers are networked and Internet capable. A
filtering software program has been installed to protect against access to illicit
WebPages and indecent material. We have taken appropriate steps to avoid problems
with Internet usage.
Student use of the computers will still be carefully monitored and any attempt by a
student to tamper with the filtering software and/or any purposeful attempt to search out
illicit sites will be cause for immediate penalty. Student computer use is a privilege not
a right and loss of computer access will result when the rules are not followed. This
strict guideline may also affect the student’s ability to complete the computer curriculum,
which could result in failure of the coursework. Improper use of computers or other
educational technology will also result in stern discipline measures. The signature
sheet that accompanies this handbook requires a student and parent signature under
the area of computer usage.
XLVIII. LIBRARY/MULTI-MEDIA
The library provides a wealth of reading and reference materials for students. Some of
the library books are on loan from the government under Title VI of the Federal Aid to
Education Act.
The following rules will enable all to enjoy the maximum benefits of the school library:
1. Parents should encourage their children to read and accept responsibility of
caring for books.
2. Parents will pay the cost of a lost book or damaged book, or replace it.
3. Reference books are available for research work in the library but may not be
taken home.
4. Library books may be withdrawn during regular library class periods.
40
5. Report cards and official records will be retained until overdue books are
returned. The student pays for lost and damaged books.
6. Gifts to the library follow the same evaluation and selection policy required by
the State as do the regular acquisition of library books and AR materials.
7. The Accelerated Reader Program has been integrated into the curriculum in
grades 1st – 8th.
XLVIII.a KSMS-RECORDING STUDIO
The Knights of St. Mary’s Studio (KSMS) is our recording studio for our HS Principles of
Broadcasting Course in cooperation with 88.3FM KOEG (King of Endless Glory) on
Catholic Radio. This is a developing program at St. Mary’s that will allow for many
possibilities.
XLIX. COLLECTION OF MONEY
Any money sent to the school office to pay school fees shall be placed in a sealed
envelope with the child’s name, grade, the amount enclosed and the purpose. The
student will give the envelope to the homeroom teacher, and it will be send to the office
prior to 10AM. Money may not be left in desks or any other place in the classroom.
Students should never carry large amounts of money. For safety and security, please
pay by check or money order whenever possible.
Procedures for money collections during fundraisers will be explained in writing by the
coordinators of the fundraiser. Teachers, parents and students shall request approval
to conduct fund-raising events that are not a part of the prescheduled, yearly school
fundraisers. Requests for special fundraisers must be approved by the Principal and/or
the Pastor.
L. Parent / Teacher Organization (P.T.O.)
The purpose of the Parent / Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) of St. Mary’s School is to
cooperate with the Pastor, the Principal and the teachers in order to enhance the
Catholic education of our children. The P.T.O. will assist in programs for the health,
safety and welfare of the children throughout the school year and may function as a
limited fund-raising organization. General meetings are held about four times a year.
By-laws are outlined in Appendix “A.”
LI. ROOM PARENTS
Each year the P.T.O. asks for volunteer room parents to sign up to help the classroom
teachers. Room parents are assigned to assist the teachers in ways deemed
necessary by the individual room teacher. The room parents should arrange with the
teacher early in the year regarding services needed in a particular classroom. All room
parents are required to complete the full background screening process before having
regular contact with the students.
Duties could include, for example:

Classroom helper

Party organizer or helper

Lunch duty assistant

Fieldtrip chaperone or driver

Recess duty assistant
41
LII. VOLUNTEERS
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different
forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God
who produces all of them in everyone. To each individual the manifestation of the
Spirit is given for some benefit. (1 Cor 12:4-7)
All volunteers must refer to the volunteer regulations before volunteering in the school
(See Appendix C). We expect all volunteers to adhere to the philosophy of our school.
All volunteers are required to read and follow the volunteer policy guidelines. The
signature sheet for volunteer services must be signed and turned into the office before
volunteering in the school. Any volunteers who will be working directly with
students must complete an Archdiocese application, and complete the process
for a background check Code of Conduct and Safe Environment Training.
We ask that volunteers whom young children accompany or children not enrolled at St.
Mary’s provide proper supervision for their children while working in the school. There
are some volunteer duties that will not permit volunteers to be accompanied by small
children or children not enrolled at St. Mary’s (cafeteria work, substituting, etc). Nonenrolled children of volunteers cannot be left in the care of a classroom teacher
or any St. Mary’s employee during school hours and/or functions. Teachers are
contractually responsible for supervision of St. Mary’s students. To ask a teacher to
supervise non-enrolled children places a burden on the teachers, and students. In
addition, it is a source of liability for the teacher and the school.
LIII. CHILD ABUSE LAWS AND POLICY/REPORTING
See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven
their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven… For their
redeemer is strong; he will defend their cause against you.
(Mt18:10; Pr 23:11)
Any person working or volunteering at St. Mary’s School, who has reason to suspect
that a child has been physically or sexually abused, or neglected, is required by law to
report the suspected abuse to the Department of Human Services (OK SCHOOL LAW:
758). The Child Abuse Hotline number is: 1-800-522-3511. According to the law, it shall
be a misdemeanor for any person knowingly to fail to report any such incident. Reports
can be made anonymously to the Department of Human Services. However, if the
alleged abuser is a school employee or volunteer, the Principal must be notified
immediately and Archdiocesan policy will be followed.
ABUSE OF MINORS PASTORAL RESPONSE HOTLINE: (405) 720 – 9878
For the safety of children and the healing of victims, the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City
provides an Abuse of Minors Pastoral Response Hotline. Calls are confidential, with the
following exceptions: Any allegation of sexual or physical abuse or neglect concerning
those who currently are minors must be reported, as stated above, to the Oklahoma
Department of Human Services (1-800-522-3511). Any allegation of sexual misconduct
must be shared with the proper authorities. In addition, as a part of our participation in
the Archdiocesan Safe Environments Program, all employees and volunteers of St.
Mary’s are subject to background checks, training and agreeing to follow the
Archdiocesan Code of Conduct. Any person who is known to have a disqualifying
offence in their background is prohibited from coming on the campus of St. Mary’s and
42
those persons will be informed in writing. Keeping our children safe is everyone's
responsibility.
LIV. LOST AND FOUND
There is a lost and found box in the gym. Articles not claimed after 30 days will be
given to someone less fortunate. All personal belongings (i.e. clothes, lunch boxes,
backpacks, etc.) belongings should be well labeled with the student’s name so they can
be returned to the owner when found. The school is not responsible for items placed in
the lost and found box.
It is advised that students avoid bringing expensive toys or electronic items to school.
We try to promote a Christian environment. Unfortunately, the security of personal
property cannot be guaranteed by the school.
LV. PARKING RULES
PLEASE DO NOT PARK, STOP OR STAND IN THE RED PAINTED CURB OR
DIAGONAL LINED AREA IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL AT ANY TIME. DO
NOT PARK ON THE CROSSWALK, NOT ONLY IS IT AGAINST THE LAW
BUT IT PUTS CHILDREN USING THE CROSSWALK IN DANGER. Please do
not double-park! Double-parking may be reported to the proper authorities.
THERE IS A LOADING / UNLOADING ZONE IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL AS
DETERMINED BY LAWTON TRAFFIC ENGINEER. Please use the marked
area west of the crosswalk to the western parking lot driveway in front of
the flagpole to load & unload. DO NOT PARK IN THIS ZONE; IT IS ONLY
FOR LOADING & UNLOADING. Yellow curb means: stop only long enough to
load or unload passengers. Students are at great risk when parents park in the
red or diagonally lined area and/or double-park or park on the crosswalk because
the students cannot see or be seen entering the crosswalk. Please park in the
parking lot, west of the school when front parking is full. If you wish to
park, please do so in the parking spots provided east of the crosswalk on
‘A’ or in the western parking lot. Never leave children unattended in your
vehicle, not only is it against the law but it is very dangerous.
LVI. SNACKS
Healthy classroom snacks may be provided (especially in the lower grades) on a daily
basis. These snacks will consist of two items only; the two items are to be healthy, low
sugar items (fresh fruit & vegetables, & no-sugar-added juices are preferred).
Full birthday parties may not be held at school. For birthday parties held off school
premises, invitations may be handed out if all children are invited; otherwise, invitations
are to be mailed to selected students. Snacks brought for each child on the day of a
birthday to be eaten during lunch MUST include a snack for each child. This snack may
be a more traditional sweet snack, however, moderation & overall healthiness of the
snack is encouraged.
Permission from the teacher must be secured at least a week in advance. The
homeroom mother sponsors school parties. All other parties are prohibited unless
approved by the Principal.
43
LVII. FIELD TRIPS
All field trips must have at least 2 weeks prior approval by the Principal; it must then be
placed on the testing calendar to keep other teachers informed. Teacher supervision
and additional chaperone supervision will allow for no less than one (1) adult per four
(4) students in PK through 3rd grades and/or one (1) adult per six (6) students in 4th
through 8th grades.

Chaperones MUST have on record in the office: approved background
checks, have read and signed the Archdiocesan Code of Conduct and
participated in the Safe Environment Training (video) to be an approved
volunteer.

Chaperones MUST be approved volunteers.

Siblings of children are not permitted to accompany a class on a field trip
even if the parent is a chaperone.

Students may NOT invite children/siblings or adults as guests on school
field trips.

Drivers must have valid license and insurance on file in the office.

Background checks need to be completed at a minimum of 2 weeks prior to
the first date of volunteering.
Field trips are a privilege, not a right. Students may not be allowed to attend a field trip
due to repetitive misbehavior or academic concerns. Students not attending the field trip
will remain at home and will be marked absent.
To be allowed to go on a field trip, students must turn in a signed permission form.
Signed slips should be returned to the teacher at least one week prior to the trip. All
chaperones and drivers must be 18 years of age and have been cleared through the
Archdiocesan background check and must have proof of acceptable insurance turned in
to the office at least one week prior to the scheduled field trip. Insurance for the licensed
driver is to be a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 of automobile liability coverage.
Parents/guardians who wish to drive on field trips must also show a valid driver’s license
and complete an insurance verification form before transporting students during school
trips.
The permission slip with the emergency information on it should be taken on the trip and
then turned into the office upon returning to school. St. Mary’s adheres to all federal and
state regulations and laws regarding motor vehicles and their passengers.
NOTE: No student is permitted to call home for verbal permission to go on a field
trip. A fax of the original permission slip is acceptable, but e-mail or a phone call is
NOT acceptable.
LVIII. CAMPBELL SOUP LABELS
St. Mary’s families are asked to participate in the Labels for Education program
sponsored by the Campbell Soup Company. Campbell’s Soup, Swanson, V-8 and
Franco-American product labels are acceptable. You need only send in the front
portion of the label with the product name and weight showing.
44
These labels can be redeemed for much needed in educational and audio-visual
equipment. Incentives are offered to individuals and classes that bring in the largest
number of labels. Please help your children by participating in this program.
LIX. SPECIAL ACTIVITIES
St. Mary’s School offers experiences in numerous events and projects. Some of our
activities include:
Spelling Bee
Art Contests
School Choir
Poetry Contests
Poster Contests
Special Services
Tutoring
Advent pre-Christmas Play Science Fair
Title I Remedial Reading/Math
Lenten pre-Easter Play
Radio/Video
projects
LX. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
St. Mary’s School supports the basic principle that extra-curricular activities (ECA) are
to blend academic excellence, social skills, character, and spiritual development. The
following rules and regulations will direct school policy concerning extra-curricular
activities:
1. Extra-curricular activities (ECA) will be defined as any project, event,
performance, group field trip or sport event that is school sanctioned or
sponsored, and/or directed by school personnel or volunteers.
2. ECA are meant to supplement the core curriculum and to offer educational
benefits to our students. ECA shall support our mission.
3. In order to be eligible to participate in school-sponsored activities, students
must be enrolled and attending St. Mary’s Catholic School, or approved by
the Principal and must meet behavioral and academic expectations.
4. The Principal will have full responsibility in making the ultimate decision
whether a student is to be involved in extra-curricular activities or whether a
parent volunteer is allowed to participate.
5. Students who are not meeting academic or behavioral expectations may not
be allowed to participate. Any student who has been suspended from St.
Mary’s will be suspended from participation in ECA for the same time or may
even lose ECA privilege. Any student expelled from St. Mary’s may not
participate in St. Mary’s ECA.
6. Athletes must attend in school if they wish to participate in a sporting event
scheduled for that same day.
7. The health and welfare of the children come first. Games, practices and
activities must be finished at a reasonable time and must not be
overscheduled to avoid undue stress on students and families.
8. All involved in school activities (audience and participant alike) shall uphold a
Christian manner. The attitude of ALL involved is to be supportive of the
children and other adults involved.
9. Students, coaches, parents or fans of St. Mary’s School are not to use
abusive or offensive language. Name-calling or insolence will not be
tolerated. St. Mary’s “fans” will not use alcohol or be under the influence of
illegal drugs.
10. Volunteer coaches, parents and students are to treat each child with respect.
Each participant is to be allowed equal opportunity to participate in the
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activities (except when disciplinary or academic problems or injuries prevent
participation).
11. ECA that need use of the gym before 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, shall
gain prior approval from the EDCaP Director no less than 10 days before the
event occurs.
12. Detailed guidelines for the Athletic Program are described in Appendix “C” of
this handbook.
LX.a. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES FOR VIRTUAL HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Students are encouraged to participate in the wide variety of extra-curricular activities at
St. Mary’s. It is, however, essential that students maintain a positive attitude toward the
academic program to assure that they are working to potential in all areas of student
life. Students who do not have the required Christian Service hours for their grade
completed by the end of each semester will not be eligible to participate in any extracurricular activities at the start of the next semester until the hours are completed.
However, this does not prohibit attendance at club meetings and activities.
The leadership of St. Mary’s Catholic virtual High School strives to create a strong
Catholic faith community for its students. Simultaneously, we work in partnership with
parishes to foster the faith formation, identification with and active participation in parish
life for our young people. The experience of Church lived out in the local parish is the
primary ecclesial relationship. We recognize the importance of our young people
experiencing Church in this most vibrant way. We encourage them and you, their
parents, to participate fully in the life of your parish community. St. Mary’s Catholic
virtual High School is committed to facilitating this process. Activities under our
jurisdiction will not be scheduled after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays or before 1:00 p.m. or
after 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
SCHOOL SPONSORED DANCES
St. Mary’s Catholic virtual High School is dedicated to developing the whole person.
Providing a balance between physical, social, academic and most importantly, spiritual
development rests at the root of our existence. Learning appropriate behavior, dignity,
and self respect assists in developing responsible and capable adults ready to meet the
daily challenges presented in our ever evolving society.
Dance Forms
• All required paperwork must be completed and returned to the appropriate school
person on or before the required due date.
• Any student choosing to attend a school sponsored dance must agree and be willing
to follow all policies for the dance as outlined in the Parent/Student Handbook and on
the permission form.
• Dance fees must be paid to the school designated person on or before the required
due date.
As a developing High School, and in relation to the size of our population, we will
develop a calendar of dances / socials for our High School students. This will include
guest policies.
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LXI. RIGHT TO AMEND
St. Mary’s Catholic School reserves the right to make corrections, additions and/or
deletions to this handbook. Written notification will be distributed to the St. Mary’s
Community when addenda are enacted.
LXII. CHRISTIAN DUE PROCESS
…go first and be reconciled with your brother…so that they may be one, as we are
one… (Mt 5:24; Jn 17:22)
Parents and teachers must be in partnership for the school to successfully educate
the students who are enrolled. In any school community there are bound to be areas
in which we are not all of one mind. We all have different opinions on a whole range
of issues. When a matter is significant enough, we need to communicate our feelings
and thoughts. The question is how this communication can most effectively take
place. Parents can expect to be treated with respect at all times, and when concerns
arise, have access to teachers and administrators at mutually convenient times.
First, we strongly encourage students in grades 3-12 to begin learning the skill of
communicating about their assignments, grades and concerns to teachers. We
believe this is a very important life skill for our students, and it is a skill that builds
confidence and a sense of responsibility. However, we understand that there are
times where parents must step in. Parents who have a concern should first contact
the teacher directly. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, then a three party
conference of parent-teacher-principal will be scheduled. The student will be
involved in most conferences and problem-solving decisions. This will enable the
student to take ownership of his/her education, conduct and choices.
A strong cooperative partnership between home and school is an essential
ingredient in effective education. The best interests and needs of the student
remain paramount, yet must be balanced against the good of the community. As a
partner in the process, the student is afforded the best possible educational
experience.
St. Mary’s Catholic School recognizes the importance of parents as the “primary
educators” of their children. With this awareness, the relationship between student,
parent and school is crucial. All parents and students members must sign the
Agreement of Conduct found on page 1 of this handbook, in addition, the
Archdiocesan Code of Conduct must be signed by all employees and volunteers as an
addition and guide to the policies set forth in this Handbook.
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LXIII. CONCLUSION
St. Mary’s School accepts the child as a sacred trust conferred by the parents who are
accountable to God for the spiritual and temporal welfare of their children. It is vital for
parents to work cooperatively with the school for the welfare of the children and
the benefit of the school system. Parents will support, publicly and privately, the
policies and procedures of St. Mary’s School.
APPENDIX A
Meningococcal Disease
What is meningococcal disease? Meningococcal disease is a disease caused by the
bacteria Neisseria meningitidis. This bacterium can infect the blood, causing
septicemia. It can also infect the covering of the brain and spinal cord, causing
meningitis. There was an average of 18 cases of meningococcal disease each year in
Oklahoma between 2003 and 2007.
How is this disease spread? Meningococcal disease spreads by direct contact with
the saliva or with respiratory droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person.
Who is at risk of getting this disease? Anyone can get meningococcal disease. For
some adolescents, such as first year college students living in dormitories, there is an
increased risk of meningococcal disease. Other persons at increased risk include
household contacts of a person known to have had this disease, immunocompromised
people, people without a spleen, and people traveling to parts of the world where
meningococcal disease is more common. These persons should talk to their healthcare
provider about the meningococcal vaccine.
What are the symptoms? People can carry the bacteria in their nose and throat
without becoming ill. People ill with septicemia may have fever, nausea, vomiting, and
a rash. People that are ill with meningitis will have fever, intense headache, nausea,
vomiting, and a stiff neck. It is important to seek care from a healthcare provider as
soon as possible if these symptoms appear. Meningococcal disease has a high risk of
death if it is not treated promptly.
How soon do the symptoms appear? The symptoms may appear two to ten days
after infection, but usually within three to four days.
What is the treatment for meningococcal disease? Antibiotics, such as penicillin or
ceftriaxone are used to treat meningococcal disease.
Should people who have been around a person infected with meningococcal
disease be treated? Only people who have been in close contact (household
members, intimate contacts, health care personnel performing mouth-to-mouth
resuscitation, day care center playmates, etc.) need to be considered for preventive
treatment. Such people are usually advised to obtain a prescription for a special
antibiotic (either rifampin, ciprofloxacin, or ceftriaxone) from their physician. A public
health nurse will work with the family of the patient to identify all family, friends, and
contacts that need antibiotics. Casual contacts including classmates, co-workers, or
those in a factory setting are not at increased risk of disease and do not need treatment
with the antibiotic.
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Is there a vaccine to prevent meningococcal disease? Two types of meningococcal
vaccine are available. Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) is the preferred
vaccine for people 2 through 55 years of age. Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine
(MPSV4) is the only meningococcal vaccine licensed for people older than 55, but may
be given if MCV4 is not available. Both vaccines work well, and protect about 90% of
people who get them before being exposed against four types: A, C, Y, and W-135.
These four types cause about 70 percent of the disease in the United States. Because
the vaccines do not include type B, which accounts for about one-third of cases in
adolescents, they do not prevent all cases of meningococcal disease.
APPENDIX B
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Parent / Teacher Organization BY-LAWS
I.
Designation
This group shall be designated: Parent / Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) of St. Mary’s
Catholic School, Lawton, Oklahoma, in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
II.
Aim
A. To offer parents/guardians information about St. Mary’s Catholic School and to offer
parents/guardians the opportunity for involvement in the Catholic education of their
children.
B. To provide a sense of community between home, school and church through
activities such as prayer services, celebrations, hospitality, small fundraising and
exchange of ideas.
C. To provide opportunities for parents to express a personal service to the school and
for faculty members to express a personal service to parents.
III.
Recognizing Organizational Structure of the School
A. The administrative policies of the school are the sole responsibility of the Principal
and the Pastor.
B. The Faculty is paramount to achieving the Catholic and educational mission of the
school.
C. The School Advisory Council serves as a consultative entity under the direction of
the Archdiocesan School Office.
IV.
General Membership
A. Parents/guardians with students enrolled at St. Mary’s Catholic School are members
of the P.T.O. general body.
B. Parents/guardians are encouraged to partake in the general meetings and activities
of P.T.O.
V.
P.T.O. Executive Board
A. The Executive Board of the Parent / Teacher Organization shall consist of the
Pastor(s), Principal, President, Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Secretary,
and Treasurer. Its duties shall be to transact necessary business between meetings
and other business referred to it by members of the Association.
B. The members of the P.T.O. Executive Board are elected and have the responsibility
to promulgate the by-laws of the association, and to revise P.T.O. by-laws in
situations where it is deemed to be prudent and for the benefit of the organization.
VI.
Nominations and Elections
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A. Nominations and elections should be held in early spring. Officers shall be elected
from persons whose names shall be placed in nomination by the Executive Board.
Nominations may also be made from the floor of the P.T.O. general meeting.
B. The format of voting procedure shall be set forth by the Executive Board and
announced prior to the general meeting in which nominations will be made. It is
encouraged that a format be chosen in which 1) the greatest number of voters could
participate (i.e. distribution of a ballot to all parents), 2) ample time given to
participate in the vote, and 3) a reliable counting procedure is allowed to ensure fair
and accurate results.
C. Once the results of the election are completed, the new officers are announced. The
term of office is one year and shall coincide with the academic year.
D. The Executive Board shall fill a vacancy occurring in any of the above elective
offices for the unexpired term. Any officer, who fails to perform his /her duties of
office (for any reason) or fails to maintain a Christian demeanor, may be removed
and replaced by vote of the Executive Board.
VII.
Duties of Officers
A. President –The president shall arrange and preside at all P.T.O. Executive Board
Meetings.
Appoint Chairpersons for fundraisers, committees, and other
representatives as necessary. The president may act as representative to the
School Advisory Council. Have the authority, with the approval of the Executive
Board, to fill an elected office due to a vacancy. He/she may vote in the event of a
tie and may assume the proxy of another board member in his or her absence.
B. First Vice-President – Presides in the absence of the President. Oversee school
fund-raising activities. Act as liaison between the Executive Board and fundraising
committees. Perform other duties as may be designated by the President.
C. Second Vice-President – Assumes the position of the First Vice in his or her
absence, or vacancy, performs duties as necessary. Oversee school-sponsored
committees. Act as liaison
between Executive Board and school sponsored
committees. Perform other duties as may be designated by the President. He/she
may assume the proxy of other board members.
D. Corresponding Secretary – Record, sign and preserve the minutes of all General
Board Meetings and Executive Board Meetings. Archive after-action reports of
school sponsored committees and fundraisers. Make available an approved copy of
General Board Meeting minutes and provide copies for V.I.P. folders. Be prepared
to perform the duties of Corresponding Secretary upon request of the President.
Collect and distribute P.T.O. mail. Maintain P.T.O. binder containing financial
reports, P.T.O. minutes and flyers and by-laws, committee and school event
information.
E. Treasurer – Keep an itemized account of all receipts and expenditures. Present a
statement of accounts at each meeting to each board member. Pay all expenses as
authorized by the Executive Board. Prepare books for an audit/review at the end of
term. Collect and pay bills from P.T.O. box on a weekly basis.
F. Ex Officio -- The Principal and Pastor serve in advisory roles for the P.T.O. Board.
The immediate past President shall serve as a resource person for continuity.
VIII. Meetings
A. There shall be a minimum of three general P.T.O. meetings scheduled each school
year and announced to the membership.
B. the Executive Board shall meet on a regular basis in addition to the general
meetings.
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APPENDIX C
Policies for Volunteers
Introduction:
The St. Mary’s community is grateful to all out volunteers, who give so generously of their
time, talents and resources. Our school is stronger because of volunteerism. The
participation and commitment of parents, alumni, and other donors truly reflect our basic
principles of Christian-based education. The faculty, staff and students of St. Mary’s have
been honored by this history of generosity and we pray that the St. Mary’s community may
continue to be blessed with the spirit of kindness.
Volunteer Activities:
There are many opportunities for volunteerism at St. Mary’s School. We encourage you to
participate in your child’s experiences at our school and being a parent volunteer is a great
way to enhance out program. There are needs for cafeteria helpers, playground monitors,
office help, resource professionals, homeroom parents, coaches, P.T.O. committee
members and officers, fundraising assistance, and so much more. You may offer
assistance any time throughout the year.
Depending on the duties assigned to the volunteer, various school personnel may supervise
the volunteer. The Principal will approve the volunteer programs.
Expectations:
Each volunteer is expected to abide by and to implement the policies set forth in the parentstudent handbook while carrying out his/her volunteer assignment. Volunteers shall model
Christian behavior and serve as a positive influence for the students. As a volunteer, you
represent St. Mary’s School and the Christian philosophies of the Catholic Church. Each
volunteer will be expected to demonstrate proper demeanor while acting or speaking as a
St. Mary’s volunteer. Those who are unable to meet Christian standards will be asked to
discontinue his/her volunteer duties.
Those volunteers who will work directly with students in the classrooms, playground,
cafeteria, school activities, etc. must complete an Archdiocesan application and
complete the background check process, as well as read and sign the Archdiocesan
Code of Conduct. In addition, every volunteer and employee MUST participate in the
Safe Environments Training Program.
Certain volunteers, depending on the scope of their participation, may be required to meet
with the Principal. This meeting will outline the volunteer’s tasks and responsibilities and
will give the Principal an opportunity to provide the volunteer with information or policies
necessary to maintain a safe and secure environment.
We ask that volunteers whom small children accompany or children not enrolled at St.
Mary’s provide proper supervision for their children while working in the school. There are
some volunteer duties that will not permit volunteers to be accompanied by small children or
children not enrolled at St. Mary’s (cafeteria work, substituting, etc). Non-enrolled children of
volunteers cannot be left in the care of a classroom teacher when class is in session.
Teachers are contractually responsible for supervision of St. Mary’s students. When
volunteers ask a teacher to take on the supervision of un-enrolled students, it puts an unfair
burden on the teachers, and students. That arrangement can also be a source of liability
problems for the teacher and the school.
Confidentiality:
Any volunteer who becomes aware of information that is confidential shall abide by the
same policy of confidentiality that all school personnel are to uphold. Persons who are in a
volunteer position, which may privilege them to confidential information, shall sign a
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confidentiality contract. This information may include, but is not limited to grades, discipline
issues, special needs, student records, personnel information, etc.
Emergency Procedures:
Those volunteers who participate in classroom activities and school procedures shall have
access to the emergency procedures such as fire, tornado and acts of violence. These
written procedures are available through the school office and are included in this
faculty/classroom guides.
Field Trips/Chaperones:
See: LVII. FIELD TRIPS above.
Child Abuse/Neglect:
St. Mary’s School personnel are legally obligated to report suspected incidents of child
abuse and/or neglect to the Department of Human Services. School volunteers may be
held to the same legal obligation and therefore must report any suspected incidents of child
abuse and/or neglect to the Department of Human Services. The Principal shall be
informed of any suspected cases. The Child Abuse Hotline number is: 1-800-522-3511.
ABUSE OF MINORS PASTORAL RESPONSE HOTLINE: (405) 720 – 9878.
Safety:
Volunteers responsible for temporary supervision of students shall be held to the same
standard of care as the classroom faculty. Reasonable care and supervision is an absolute
necessity in the care of St. Mary’s students.
Health:
Persons with communicable diseases and/or chronic infections will be dealt with on a caseby-case basis, in accordance with guidelines issued by the Health Department and the
Centers of Disease Control. Sanitary hygiene practices are expected of all our volunteers.
Right to Amend:
St. Mary’s retains the right to make corrections to the volunteer policies for just cause.
Prompt notification will be given regarding changes in these policies.
APPENDIX D
Athletic Program
St. Mary’s Athletic Program accepts the basic principle that extra-curricular activities are to
have a blend of academic excellence, character building and spiritual development.
The purpose of these activities is to support the school curriculum in a variety of activities.
These programs are to involve the individual child in training and education; “competition”
and “winning” are secondary. A primary goal of the Athletic Program shall be to teach
sportsmanship and teamwork among players and coaches
Participation in the Athletic Program by students or volunteer coaches will be determined by
the policies and conditions as expressed by the St. Mary’s handbook and as judged
appropriate by the school’s administration. If situations arise where there is a conflict in
policies or procedures between the leagues including but not limited to Lawton Parks and
Recreation, Lawton Soccer Club, St. Mary’s School, and any other organization, the policies
of the school shall take precedence.
Eligibility:

The Principal will have full responsibility in determining the eligibility of a St.
Mary’s student to participate in the athletic program. The Principal will also have the
final responsibility of determining whether a parent volunteer is in accordance with
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



the standards and expectations as expressed within this handbook and therefore,
judge the eligibility of parent volunteer to participate as a coach, etc. (See
Handbook’s Code of Conduct and Extra-curricular Activities).
Students must be enrolled and attending St. Mary’s, or approved by the
Principal, in order to play on a St. Mary’s sponsored team. Home schooled
students must have the permission of the Principal to participate in any St.
Mary’s Catholic School sponsored team or event.
Students who do not meet academic expectations (performance in core
curriculum should not be below average) may not be allowed to participate. This is a
parent/student responsibility and shall be monitored as such, and student
participation should be suspended until grades are raised.
Students who are not meeting behavioral expectations may not be allowed to
participate. Any student who has been suspended from St. Mary’s will be
suspended from participation in ECA for the same time or may even lose ECA
privilege. Any student expelled from St. Mary’s may not participate in St. Mary’s
ECA.
Athletes must attend in school if they wish to participate in a sporting event
scheduled for that same day.
General Rules:
a) Fees for equipment rental and uniforms must be paid before the student may
participate in sports. Each sport has a separate fee and the amount will be specified
according to sport in which the student plays.
b) Participants must meet age, grade, size, weight or other requirements, as specified
by the Lawton Parks and Recreation, Lawton Soccer Club or St. Mary’s, for the
program in which he or she desires to participate.
c) Parents are required to fill out the proper paperwork to register a child to participate
in a particular sport and to give written permission.
d) Student and Parent/Guardian will be responsible for equipment and uniforms lost or
damaged and agree to replace those items.
e) Participants are expected to display qualities of citizenship, sportsmanship,
teamwork and other traits desirable in a young representative of his or her team and
school.

The health and welfare of the children come first. Games, practices and
activities must be finished at a reasonable time and must not be overscheduled to
avoid undue stress on students and families.

Audience and participants alike shall uphold a Christian manner. The attitude
of ALL involved is to be supportive of the children, other adults involved and to the
St. Mary’s community.

Students, coaches, parents or fans of St. Mary’s School are not to use
abusive or offensive language. Name-calling or insolence will not be tolerated. St.
Mary’s “fans” will not use alcohol or be under the influence of illegal drugs.

Volunteer coaches, parents and students are to treat each child with respect.
Each participant is to be allowed equal opportunity to participate in the activities
(except when disciplinary or academic problems or injuries prevent participation).

If any issues arise concerning students or adults involved in the sporting
program, the matter shall be addressed with the Athletic Director first, then if the
matter is still left unresolved then it can be taken up with the Principal and the
Athletic Director during a scheduled meeting.
Coaches:
1. In accordance with Archdiocese policies, all St. Mary’s volunteers who work with the
students are required to fill out employment applications with three references,
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complete a criminal history screening, sign the code of conduct and view the Safe
Environment video. However, if a parent elects for their child to participate in an
athletic team or event that is sponsored by Lawton Parks and Recreation or Lawton
Soccer Club, parents must be aware that St. Mary’s screenings for Safe
Environment may not applicable for personnel. (For example, if the team is primarily
composed of St Mary’s students, then all coaches and volunteers must be screened
and attend the Safe Environment training; however, if a student joins a team that is
not a St. Mary’s team, then coaches and volunteers may not fall under St. Mary’s
stipulations for Safe Environment. Specific types of crimes reported on the
background screenings may be grounds for disqualifying a parent volunteer from
coaching. There is no exception to this rule.
2. Coaches and parent volunteers working with the Athletic Program are required to
familiarize themselves with the policies and guidelines explained herein and to abide
by these guidelines.
3. Parent volunteers who work with the students shall guide the players with positive
encouragement and constructive discipline. Athletic volunteers shall display Christlike behavior and set an example for the students.
4. The Principal shall have the final responsibility for determining the eligibility of parent
volunteers to participate in our Athletic Program (See Eligibility Rules above and
Handbook’s Code of Conduct).
5. Volunteer duties may be relinquished at any time if the Principal determines that the
volunteer is not meeting the expectations for Christian behavior, not properly
managing or organizing the team, not supervising students at practices, not caring
for equipment properly, or not providing reasonable information to the parents so
they can ensure student participation, etc.
6. Parent volunteers who are coaching are expected to work with the Athletic Director
in completing the required paperwork for team registrations, individual student
registration, and the team roster sheets.
7. Information may be passed on to parents and students regarding team sign-ups,
practices, games, etc. by using the V.I.P. folders on Fridays. All information must be
brought to the office no later that the previous Thursday morning so copies can be
made and distributed.
8. If practices will be held on school grounds, the coaches shall consult with the Athletic
Director to coordinate the available times and space. The coaches shall organize a
schedule for students and parents to follow for such practices. The school office
shall be notified as to the scheduling of practices and cancellations can be
announced by intercom if the cancellation is called in BEFORE 3:00 P.M.!
9. Practices held in the gym cannot begin until the after school care program ends
(4:30 p.m.). Any student who is left at school between 3:35 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. must
go to the after school program. No students are allowed to “wander the hall” until
practice begins. Problems have occurred in the past, so older students are no
longer allowed to be in the building unsupervised.
10. If practices are held inside the school building, coaches are responsible for full
supervision of the students after school hours. Students are not to be in
unauthorized areas during practice and all school property is to be respected at all
times. All exterior doors shall be locked and thoroughly checked by the coaches
before leaving the school building.
11. There is a phone located in the school gym that student athletes may use to contact
parents if needed. Coaches or parent volunteers are not to leave students on school
premises alone. All students must be picked up by parents/guardians before the
coach/parent volunteer can leave.
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Dismissal of Students to Coaches:
Coaches under the following conditions may pick up students that are participating in
a sport that holds practices on school grounds after school:
1. The coach must have completed the full volunteer application and background
process and been assigned by the Athletic Director/Volunteer Coordinator/Principal
as a volunteer in that capacity.
2. Once classes dismiss for the day, coaches may pick up the students collectively
from the gym (after school care area).
3. Parents must agree to have the coach pick up their child.
4. Once the coach picks up children, the coach is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of the student(s).
APPENDIX E
Asbestos Notification
DATE:
April 19, 2008
In accordance with Federal Legislation, St. Mary’s School in Lawton established an
Asbestos Management Plan in 1988, whereas, Asbestos Containing Material (ACBM)
has been inspected, assessed and charted.
The school completes a surveillance report twice a year and every three years the
school building must be re-inspected by an accredited inspector. The school contracts
with Diversified Environmental Technologies, Inc. (DETI) for inspections and direction
regarding Asbestos compliance.
The overall state of the ACBM is currently in good condition and has a low potential for
disturbance. The school continues to work with the Oklahoma Department of Labor,
Asbestos Division and DETI to remain compliant with Asbestos regulations. The
school’s Asbestos Management Plan, including the re-inspection and surveillance
reports, are available through the school office. Please contact the Principal’s office if
you have questions regarding this issue.
APPENDIX F
virtual High School Computer Policy
Terms:
You will comply at all times with the St. Mary’s Catholic School Student/Parent
Handbook and Acceptable Use Policy, incorporated herein by reference and made a
part hereof for all purposes. Any failure to comply may result in suspension or expulsion
depending on the violation.
Title:
Your right to use is limited to and conditioned upon your full and complete compliance
with this Agreement and the rest of the St. Mary’s School Parent/Student Handbook.
Loss or Damage:
If the property is damaged, lost, or stolen, you are responsible for the cost of repair or
replacement. Loss or theft of the property must be reported to the School ASAP after
the occurrence so that any investigation can result in recovery. However, St. Mary’s is
not responsible for laptops of students and students are highly advised to purchase
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insurance through
https://my.worthavegroup.com/apply/AddDevice.aspx?ac=stmaryscatholicok&pc=stmar
yscatholicok or another insuring agency.
Use of Computers and Laptops
St. Mary’s Catholic School is committed to the importance of a student being able to
continue with his work when his laptop is experiencing problems. To assist with these
problems the School has a limited number of computers that may available to a student
at the technology coordinator’s discretion during school hours. Students may NOT use
another student’s computer at anytime.
Backup of Student Files
It is the student’s responsibility to back up documents onto the flash drive to be provided
by the student. It is recommended a student copy important documents onto the device
daily.
No Loaning or Borrowing Laptops
Do NOT loan laptops or other equipment to other students.
Do NOT borrow a laptop from another student.
Do NOT share passwords or usernames with others.
Checking for compliance by the Technology Coordinator
The technology coordinator, homeroom teacher or Principal may periodically take
possession of the laptop to check for compliance with policies if warranted. The school
has the right AT ANY TIME to see what is on a student’s computer.
Inappropriate images, files, etc. can lead to serious disciplinary actions.
Visit us at:
www.stmarys-ok.org
E-mail us at:
stmarysknights@yahoo.com
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