HANDBOOK FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS 501 Garfield Street • East Rochester • New York • 14445 (585) 348-9401 www.johnboscoschools.org The National Association of Private Catholic Independent Schools accredited November 2011 Handbook for Parents and Students The St. John Bosco Schools Rosary Society is presently recruiting new members. Our goal is to reach 1000 members as soon as may be. The SJBS Rosary Society requires nothing more than your commitment to pray 1 decade of the Rosary each day for St. John Bosco Schools. To join, simply send an email to our Board Chairman, A. Joseph Indelicato, at aji@caritasconsulting.org. Prayer to the Holy Spirit Holy Spirit, Beloved of my soul, I adore you. Enlighten me, guide me, strengthen me, console me. Tell me what I should say and do. Give me your orders. I promise to submit myself to all that you desire of me, and to accept all that you permit to happen to me. Let me only know your will. Prayer to St. John Bosco O glorious Saint John Bosco, who in order to lead young people to the feet of the divine Master and to mold them in the light of faith and Christian morality did heroically sacrifice yourself to the very end of your life and did set up a proper religious Institute destined to endure and to bring to the farthest boundaries of the earth your glorious work, obtain also for us from Our Lord a holy love for young people who are exposed to so many seductions in order that we may generously spend ourselves in supporting them against the snares of the devil, in keeping them safe from the dangers of the world, and in guiding them, pure and holy, in the path that leads to God. Amen. From the Second Vatican Council’s Declaration on Christian Education “The Council also reminds Catholic parents of the duty of entrusting their children to Catholic schools wherever and whenever it is possible and of supporting these schools to the best of their ability and of cooperating with them for the education of their children.” (§ 8) 2 Handbook for Parents and Students Table of Contents ABOUT ST JOHN BOSCO SCHOOLS Mission Statement 5 Parents as the Primary Educators of their Children 5 St. John Bosco Schools Educational Principles 6 Administration 7 ADMISSION, ENROLLMENT, AND TUITION Admission Policies 8 Re-Enrollment Policies 9 Family Information Card 9 ACADEMIC INFORMATION AND POLICIES Prayer in School 10 Homework 10 Promotion Policy 10 Academic Review 10 Sports and extra -curricular activities 11 Parent-Teacher Conferences 11 Textbooks 11 Library 11 Internet Policy 11 Field Trips 12 Permanent Records 13 ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY School Hours 14 Extended Day Program 14 Attendance Policies 15 Punctuality 16 3 Handbook for Parents and Students PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND UNIFORMS Personal Appearance 17 Uniforms 18 DISCIPLINE AND COMPORTMENT Code of Honor 20 The Salesian Way 20 Communication 21 Discipline 21 Consequences 22 Prohibited Items at School 21 Harassment-Free Environment 23 OTHER INFORMATION AND POLICIES Deliveries or Messages for Students 24 Visitors 24 Parent Observation 24 Medication Policy 24 Health Items 25 Lunch 26 Recess 26 Snowy Weather / Snow Days 26 Classroom Parties 26 Lost and Found Articles 27 4 Handbook for Parents and Students About St. John Bosco Schools Grades: PreK through 8th Grade Hours of Operation: 8:10 to 3:20 (incl. drop-off and pick-up), Mon. through Fri. Location: 501 Garfield Street, East Rochester, NY 14445 St. John Bosco Schools Mission The mission of St. John Bosco Schools is to support parents in their God-given role as the primary educators of their children by cultivating the whole person--mind, body and soul-uniting spiritual life with work, study and play. Parents as the Primary Educators of their Children The Church is very clear that parents are the primary educators of their children; the educational approach, policies and procedures outlined in this handbook are designed to support them in their task. The Catholic school does not usurp the role of parents, but provides them with specific help: the training of the child’s intellect and memory, and the imparting of knowledge. The following excerpts are from the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church: 238. The family has a completely original and irreplaceable role in raising children. The parents' love, placing itself at the service of children to draw forth from them (“educere”) the best that is in them, finds its fullest expression precisely in the task of educating . . . The right and duty of parents to educate their children is “essential, since it is connected with the transmission of human life; it is original and primary with regard to the educational role of others, on account of the uniqueness of the loving relationship between parents and children . . . 239. Parents are the first educators, not the only educators, of their children. It belongs to them, therefore, to exercise with responsibility their educational activity in close and vigilant cooperation with civil and ecclesial agencies 240. Parents have the right to found and support educational institutions . . . 5 Handbook for Parents and Students St. John Bosco Schools Educational Principles To fulfill our mission of educating the whole person, we realized that we have to have solid and clear answers to the following three questions: 1. Whom are we educating? We are educating a human person, made in the image and likeness of God, to know, love and serve Him in this world and the next. The person is an integrated being: body and soul, intellect and will. 2. What are we educating in the student? At Saint John Bosco we know that the mind must be trained to recognize the truth. We also recognize the will must be trained in order to follow the beauty, goodness and truth that has been perceived. “As long as doing what we will does not mean doing His will, we simply will not see the fact of God’s existence and presence.” 3. How do we educate the student? With Love. Pope John Paul II on St. John Bosco’s Preventive System (Reason, Religion and Kindness): “This pedagogical method supposes in the educator the conviction that in every young person, no matter how far he may seem to be from the straight and narrow, there are hidden sources of good which if properly stimulated can lead to an option for faith and honesty.” Additionally, we approach the learning process as a gymnastic rather than a transaction, and consider our faculty to be providing formation rather than merely information. The information acquired by the student should become part of who he is, therefore, he must be an active participant in the process. Lastly, with Dr. John Senior, we recognize the formative role of a culture deeply committed to the truths of the Catholic faith. “Culture, as in agriculture, is the cultivation of the soil from which men grow . . . The function of the garden of souls is to cultivate not only the great, publicly canonized saints, but the hidden life of sanctity in everyone according to his gifts . . . This is not to study or to teach just another subject in the curriculum, but to place God where He is, at the beginning and end of every work, and to live in Him, reminded of Him all day long . . .” 6 Handbook for Parents and Students Administration THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS In addition to assisting with budgeting issues, is responsible for the employment of a Headmaster to implement policies and oversee the day to day operations of the School. Additional duties of the Board include: the spiritual and academic integrity of the school; preserving the philosophy and mission of the school; developing policy in the essential areas of staffing, admissions, curriculum and discipline; devising long-range strategies and development programs that will meet the educational and financial needs of the school. THE HEADMASTER is the delegated administrator of the school, and is responsible for the supervision of all instruction, curriculum development, implementation of school policies and rules, and also for the professional development of the faculty and staff. THE FACULTY consists of professional teachers who are qualified to teach in a NAPC*IS accredited Catholic school, who willingly conform to the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, and who are dedicated to the principles of Catholic education. THE STAFF consists of individuals, both paid and volunteer, who assist the Headmaster and faculty in the carrying out of their duties as Catholic educators, and who help with practical requirements for the day-to-day operation of the school. 7 Handbook for Parents and Students Admission, Enrollment, and Tuition Admission Policies St. John Bosco Schools admit students of any race, gender, or national origin. Minimum Age Requirements: These minimum age requirements are as follows: 1. For admission to Pre-Kindergarten, the student must be four (4) years of age on or before September 1st of that year. At the discretion of the Headmaster, the school will make exceptions for children at three (3) years of age who demonstrate exceptional maturity. 2. For admission to Kindergarten, the student must be five (5) years of age on or before September 1st of that year. At the discretion of the Headmaster, the school will make exceptions for children at four (4) years of age who demonstrate exceptional maturity. 3. For admission to 1st Grade, the student must be six (6) years of age on or before September 1st of that year. Required Documents: The following documents must be completed and on file in the school office: 1. Registration form with registration fee 2. Birth certificate (copy) 3. Baptismal certificate (copy) 4. Records from previous school (if applicable) for two years, including report cards. 5. Student Immunization & Health Form 6. Family Information Card 7. Handbook for Parents and Students Pledge Form Family Interview: An interview between the parents or guardians and the Headmaster is required before the admission process can be completed. 8 Handbook for Parents and Students Provisional Admission: Admission is not guaranteed for provisionally admitted students. Admission of a new student is provisional until: 1. All admission requirements have been met in full 2. All records are received from any previous school attended 3. All application, examination, and enrollment fees are paid in full Probationary Admission: All students who transfer from another school during the school year are automatically placed on probation for a nine-week period. Students may be admitted on behavioral probation for a full year if records indicate the need. Re-enrollment Policies Required Documents: The following documents must be filled out at the beginning of each school year: 1. Family Information Card 2. Student Immunization & Health Form 3. Handbook for Parents and Students Pledge Form It is essential that parents update these forms whenever a change of information takes place. Provisional Enrollment: Enrollment is not guaranteed for provisionally enrolled students. Enrollment of students who wish to return is provisional until: 1. All outstanding tuition and fees are paid in full. 2. The enrollment fee is paid in full (on or before the respective due dates). Family Information Card A family information card for students must be filled out at the beginning of each school year. This card must be updated whenever a parent’s contact number or address has changed. This card will be used to contact the parents or approved guardians in case of an emergency or in case of an academic or a disciplinary matter. Divorced parents are strongly encouraged to furnish the school with a copy of the custody section of the divorce decree so that the school can determine when, if ever, the child can be released to the non-custodial parent. 9 Handbook for Parents and Students Academic Information and Policies Prayer in School Daily prayer is an integral part of our religious training at St. John Bosco Schools. Each student will receive a copy of The St. John Bosco Schools Handbook of Prayer. Prayers are said in assembly at the beginning of the day, in the classroom at the start of each class, at weekly Mass, throughout the day, and at dismissal. Students will be required to master prayers that are appropriate to their grade level of understanding, as directed by their teachers. Homework Assignment Books: Students from grade 1-8 are issued an assignment book, and expected to record their own assignments. Teachers will use the assignment to communicate with parents regarding missing homework, etc. Parents should review this assignment book each day to keep the student on track and up to date. At the end of each week, graded work will be sent home for parents’ review. Teachers may require work to be corrected. In general, homework should take between 10 and 15 minutes per grade level. This, of course, is a very loose average. Every student is different and will take a different amount of time to complete his task. Promotion Policy St. John Bosco Schools promotes students to the next grade level based on their academic achievement, and not simply for social reasons. Academic Review At the end of any nine-week period, a student who has received a grade below a 70 in any core subject (Math, Religion, ELA), or below a 70 in a non-core subject, is subject to academic review. A parent conference may be arranged to establish a recommended tutoring program for the student in those core subjects which are below average. Students who fail to meet the minimum requirements at the end of the next nine week period may be asked to repeat the grade so that the skill taught there may be mastered. 10 Handbook for Parents and Students Sports and Extra-curricular Activities Every sport and extra-curricular activity is a privilege for the student and is secondary to his academic work. Any student who is not maintaining a 75 in a core subject or a 70 in a non-core subject in the current marking period will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities for two weeks, when the grades will be reviewed again. Parent-Teacher Conferences At least one parent or guardian must attend the Parent-Teacher Conference in early November. Additional parent-teacher conferences may be arranged by setting an appointment with the teacher. Textbooks It is the responsibility of individual students to take proper care of all textbooks issued to them. Replacement Costs: Students will be charged for the full replacement cost for lost or damaged textbooks, plus an administrative fee for ordering and processing the new book. Library The Library is an essential part of St. John Bosco Schools, and new books are added on a regular basis. Children will be allowed to check out books during their scheduled Library class period. It is the child’s responsibility to be aware of the return book date. Students will be responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged books, plus an administrative fee. Final report cards and school records will be held until all fines have been satisfied. The Library catalog is online at the link: http://sjbs.dyndns.info The login is the student's first name.last name (all lowercase with nospaces), for example: joe.jones The default password is: SJBS (all uppercase) The password can be changed under the student's account. Internet Policy Use of the internet and related technologies on the school premises occurs only rarely and always in a supervised setting. 11 Handbook for Parents and Students Field Trips The student must have a signed and dated release form (permission slip) from his parents for each trip; otherwise he will not be allowed to leave the school campus. There will be no phone calls home on the day of the trip to get permission for the trip. Unless the school specifically approves a trip, the school will not be held liable; nor may the school’s name be used in conjunction with the trip. Non school-approved trips that involve students will not be promoted or organized within the school. Car seats and booster seats - New York State law about car seat/booster seats can be found at: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/broch/c-1.htm “Every child under age 16 in the vehicle must use a safety restraint. If under age four, he or she must be properly secured in a federally-approved child safety seat that is attached to a vehicle by a safety belt or universal child restraint anchorage (LATCH) system. A child under age four who weighs more than 40 pounds may be restrained in a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. A child of age 4, 5, 6 or 7, must use a booster seat with lap and shoulder belt or a child safety seat (The child and safety restraint system must meet the height and weight recommendations of the restraint manufacturer.) “Exception: A child more than four feet nine inches tall or more than 100 pounds is allowed to use a seat belt that has both a lap belt and a shoulder harness. To use the seat belt, the child must be able to sit straight up against the vehicle's seat back with his or her knees bent comfortably over the edge of the seat. The lap belt should be placed low and tight across the upper thighs; the shoulder belt should rest tightly but comfortably across the child's chest and shoulder (collar bone) without touching the throat. If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should use a booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. “A booster seat can be used only with a lap and shoulder belt together. If all the combination lap and shoulder belt positions in the vehicle are already occupied by children using child safety seats or booster seats, a child who ordinarily would use a booster seat should be restrained using only the lap belt. “An appropriate child safety restraint system: Is required for all children until their 8th birthday and, Must meet the size and weight requirements for the child based on the Federal requirements and the recommendations of the manufacturer, and Can be a child safety seat, a harness, a vest or a booster seat attached with the vehicle seat belt or latch system, but not the vehicle seat belt alone, and Should not be used in the front seat of the vehicle. “If the child is eight years old and is under 4'9" tall or weighs less than 100 lbs, it is recommended that you continue to use a child restraint system.” 12 Handbook for Parents and Students Permanent Records A permanent record is maintained for each student. The school will retain original permanent records when a student transfers or graduates. A copy of the Permanent Record and the original Health Records will be released to a receiving school when that school applies directly by mail or fax to the sending school on school letterhead. Records will be released when all outstanding financial debt owed the school is satisfied. The official permanent file and original Health Record may not be released to any individual, except in the circumstances of individuals moving out of the country, for which documentation must be provided. All information in a student’s file shall be treated as confidential and shall be accessible only to the Headmaster, professional staff, the legal guardian, the parents, and to the student after his eighteenth birthday. The school requires twenty-four hours notice and a request in writing, if a parent or student wishes to view a record or receive a copy. Please contact the school office for further information. A non-custodial parent may also have the right of access to the student’s educational records. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is no information to be given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a copy of the court order at registration. A health file is maintained on each student that will include a record of immunizations, vision and hearing screenings, pertinent medical information, and doctor’s name. Health records are confidential; they are only available to the Headmaster, health coordinator, and the professional staff. The student’s original health record is part of the student’s official records. A copy of the health file is kept as part of the permanent record at the school. 13 Handbook for Parents and Students Attendance and Punctuality School Hours Drop-off Parents may drop-off students beginning at 8:10 Students report to the gym between 8:10-8:20 Students not present at 8:30 for Morning Prayer will be considered tardy and must check in at the office. Lunch Schedule 11:30-11:55 – K-3 Recess / 4-8 Lunch 11:55-12:20 – K-3 Lunch / 4-8 Recess Grade levels may be grouped differently throughout the year. Dismissal 3:00-3:10 – Bus pick-up on Garfield Street 3:00-3:10 – Car Rider pick-up on West Avenue Extended Day Program As a service to our families, St. John Bosco Schools will offer an Extended Day Program again this year. After-school Care will operate from 3:00 PM to 5:20 PM. Please contact the office if you are interested in this program. Note: on days with a noon (12 PM) dismissal, we will make the Extended Day Program available for an additional fee per day per child for registered families. All students on campus after pickup, except for those who are directly supervised by their own parent or by an adult sponsor of an extracurricular activity, must report to the Extended Day Program. 14 Handbook for Parents and Students Attendance Policies Notification of Absence: Whenever a student is absent from school, the parents are requested to report the absence to the school office by 9:00 a.m. on each day of absence. The school office will attempt to verify an absence by contacting one of the parents or guardians at home or at work. General Absence Policy: Upon returning to school, a student who has been absent must bring a statement, signed by a parent or guardian, to the school office explaining the reason for the absence. Excused Absences: A student may have an excused absence for a personal illness, sickness or death in the family, quarantine, an authorized school function, an appointment with a physician, or a natural disaster. In addition, the Headmaster may grant one educational experience per year as an excused absence. The Headmaster’s decision in these matters is final. Unexcused Absences: Any absence that does not meet the criteria for an excused absence is considered to be an unexcused absence. Planned Absences: Any request for a planned absence must be received in written form in the office at least five days prior to the absence. If requested, teachers may choose to provide assignments before the absence, or they may choose to provide a list of assigned work when the student returns. The student (parent) is responsible for personally obtaining the missed work. The student is responsible for completing the work according to the teacher’s direction. Early Departure: Students who need to be picked up for early departure and for appointments must inform the teacher(s) in advance and must be picked up at the school office. A parent or guardian must sign them out before they will be allowed to leave. Parents and students are responsible for the work missed. Make Up Homework and Tests for Excused Absences: When a student is absent for an excused reason, a parent may request through the school office that all of his class assignments and homework be available for pickup by the end of the day in the school office. Students will be allowed time, determined by the teacher(s) to make up work and tests missed due to an excused absence. Usually one day is allowed for each excused day missed. However, if a longterm assignment was due prior to the student’s absence, the assignment will be due on the first day that he returns to school. The teacher will keep up with make-up work to give the student on his return. A student who fails to complete the work will receive zeroes for these assignments. Make Up Homework and Tests for Unexcused Absences: When a student returns from an unexcused absence, he will be allowed a reasonable amount of time to make up work and tests missed. Work must be done at home; tests will be made up after school or during lunch and 15 Handbook for Parents and Students recess. The teacher is unable to take time from the normal day to re-teach the material. However, students in Grade 5 or higher are only eligible to receive half credit for their work. A student who fails to complete make up work or take make up tests within the time specified by the teacher will receive zeroes for these assignments or tests. Punctuality General Policy: All students are expected to be punctual to school. A student is punctual when he is sitting at his desk and prepared to start class at the beginning of the school day. Any student who arrives after 8:30 will be marked tardy and must report to the school office. Afternoon Arrival: Students who arrive after noon are also required to report to the school office, but will be marked as absent for half of the day. A parent or guardian is required to sign in a student who arrives after noon. Excessive Tardiness: Student tardiness is a disruption to an entire class of students. It interferes with teaching; it interferes with prayer. Excessive tardiness shows a lack of consideration for others. Please make every effort to promote the mission of St. John Bosco School by bringing your child to school on time. 16 Handbook for Parents and Students Personal Appearance and Uniforms Purpose: Maintaining a neat, clean, and modest personal appearance and observing proper hygiene serves two purposes. First, looking prepared and feeling prepared are helpful in actually being prepared to begin a day of study. Second, it is more pleasant for others to be in close proximity with someone who is neat, clean, and modest. Uniformity in dress helps students to avoid the distractions associated with fashion, so they may focus on developing their academic skills and individual personalities. Everything that is worn, and the manner in which it is worn, should complement the overall appearance of the uniform, not compete with or detract from it. In cases where a question arises, final decisions will be made by the Headmaster. All students are required to be in uniform every day, beginning the first day of school in September. Students are required to be in full uniform from the time they arrive on campus in the morning until the time they leave campus at the end of the day. The Gym Uniform may be worn only for Gym class. Students must be well groomed every day. This includes the following: Uniforms are to be clean, in good condition, and properly worn. Hair does not hide the student’s face. Boys are to be clean shaven. Makeup is not to be worn, including colored nail polish or colored hair products. Jewelry, as part of one’s dress, is not included in the uniform. These exceptions are allowed: stud earrings, simple chain with a religious medal, medical ID bracelet, or a simple wristwatch. All students are expected to be properly dressed, groomed and washed before arriving at school. All uniform items are now available both online through Lands End or French Toast, and at Stitchworks (www.stitchwork.com) at 297 Culver Parkway in Rochester. With the exception of the Gym uniform, you are not required to buy exclusively from Stitchworks, and all purchases you may have made over the past year from Lands End or French Toast will be recognized as within the code. The uniform guidelines will be strictly enforced. If a student is not in uniform, a phone call will be made to the parent or guardian to bring the missing items to school. 17 Handbook for Parents and Students Boys’ Academic Uniform 1. Khaki or navy dress slacks or dress Dockers – no jeans, corduroys, cargo pants or contrast stitching; 2. White or light blue Oxford shirt (short or long-sleeve), worn tucked inside slacks; 3. Plain brown or black belt; 4. Navy blue or white socks (no ankle socks are permitted); 5. Classic navy plaid tie; 6. Plain, black or brown Oxford shoes or loafers (smooth toe, plain soles, no tread); 7. Optional: navy cardigan, pullover or sweater vest (plain or with SJBS logo). Girls’ Academic Uniforms (K-5) 1. Classic navy plaid jumper; 2. Plain white or light blue blouse with Peter Pan collar or white turtleneck (short or longsleeve). Jumpers must be knee length or longer. Please measure the length of your daughter from shoulder to under the knee to allow for growth during the school year. A jumper that is too short will have to be replaced. 3. Plain white or navy knee socks or tights; 4. Plain Mary Jane or flat style shoes; 5. Optional: navy cardigan, pullover or sweater vest (plain or with SJBS logo). Girls’ Academic Uniforms (6-8) 1. Classic navy plaid kick-pleat skirt (classic navy plaid jumpers from previous years are acceptable). Skirts must be knee length or longer. Please measure the length of your daughter from waist to under the knee to allow for growth during the school year (if the previous jumper is still long enough, it may still be used); 2. Plain white or light blue blouse with Peter Pan collar or white turtleneck (short or long-sleeve); 3. Plain white or navy knee socks or tights; 4. Plain Mary Jane or flat style shoes; 5. Optional: navy cardigan, pullover or sweater vest (plain or with SJBS logo). Gym Uniforms (1-8) 1. “St. John Bosco Athletics” t-shirt (available at Stitchworks); 2. St. John Bosco Schools gym shorts (available at Stitchworks); 3. Plain white socks; 4. Plain sneakers; 18 Handbook for Parents and Students 5. Optional: plain navy sweatpants and a plain navy or gray sweatshirt may be worn during colder weather. Additionally, Stitchworks will carry uniform sweatpants and sweatshirts with SJBS logos. No substitutions for these uniforms will be accepted. Shoes may be purchased anywhere, provided that they match the requirements. Students without proper uniform will sit out from the PE class. Prescription Eyewear: If a child wears prescription eyewear, it will be considered part of his uniform. 19 Handbook for Parents and Students Discipline and Comportment Good order is needed for good teaching to take place. Every teacher has the right to teach. Every student has the right to learn. The best discipline is self-discipline. As we work toward helping our students grow in this virtue, we start with positive guidelines for living Christian, kind, orderly, and happy lives. We begin with the guidance of Our Lord and of his servant, St. John Bosco. Code of Honor The St. John Bosco Scholar’s Code of Honor states: I will love the Lord my God with all my heart, with all my soul, and with all my mind. I will love my neighbor as myself. I will honor all that is beautiful, good, and true. I will not lie in word or deed, and I will not allow others to do so uncorrected. The Salesian Way St. John Bosco led his brother priests and the young in the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales. 1. I will be cheerful. 2. I will do my duties well. 3. I will stay close to Jesus in the Eucharist. 4. I will honor and love Mary as my Mother and Helper. 5. I choose to be kind. 6. I want to serve rather than be served. 20 Handbook for Parents and Students Communication Parental Communication and Cooperation: Parental cooperation and assistance is essential to the development of self-control, self-discipline, and a sense of personal responsibility in our students. Whenever there is a question or concern regarding the school rules or their enforcement, it is essential that parents contact the school, in the interest of maintaining and developing a partnership between parents and the school. Order of Communication (Minor Matters): In keeping with the rules of common courtesy and decency, the parent should first contact the staff member who is in charge of the situation in question and as soon as reasonable in order that swift action can be taken to correct any misunderstanding or error. If the matter has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the parents, they may take the matter to the Headmaster, who will determine a reasonable course of action. Discipline All actions have natural consequences, and bad actions have bad consequences. When disciplinary measures must be applied, numerous factors will be taken into account. These include the child’s age, the seriousness of the action, patterns of the child’s behavior, responses to past corrections, and the child’s attitude. The Headmaster will apply disciplinary measures for the purpose of leading the child to grow in virtue. This process includes making up for the wrong that was done, growing in wisdom, and changing one’s behavior. These purposes reflect the Catholic practices of restitution, repentance, and making of a firm purpose of amendment. The goal of all disciplinary measures is always to restore the child in a firm and loving way to good standing within the classroom and school community. Consequences Disciplinary measures may include: withholding of privileges, a written assignment, an act of Christian service. Other disciplinary measures may be taken at the discretion of the Headmaster. Serious discipline issues and consistent discipline issues may be addressed with suspension from school or expulsion. Suspension: Suspension will be used in cases of serious violations of rules. The violation and terms of the suspension will be documented, and written notice will be provided to the parents. Suspension may be held in-house, at the discretion of the administrative staff, with a substitute provided for the student at the parent’s expense. A daily Substitute Fee of $85 will be incurred. Expulsion: Expulsion is a last resort that is used when other means of discipline have failed. 21 Handbook for Parents and Students Expulsion is immediate for very serious single offenses, for which a student’s continued presence at the school would seriously hamper the school in fulfilling its obligation to other students. A student may be subject to immediate expulsion for any of (but not limited to) the following offenses: possessing, using, or delivering narcotics, drugs, cigarettes, tobacco-related products, or alcohol on the school campus or at school-related activities; possessing, using, or concealing a weapon (or any instrument which may produce bodily harm or death) on campus or at a school-related activity; threatening bodily injury to, or assaulting a student, parent, or any school personnel; vandalizing school property or the property of others; engaging in chronic or repeated behavior which disrupts the learning environment. (See Prohibited Items.) Expulsion from the school includes a ban from attendance at all school sporting and academic events. Damages: Students and their families will be held financially responsible for any damages caused by the student. The cost of replacement or repair will be forwarded to the parents. These costs include damages to the physical property of the buildings, contents, computers and software, or the personal belongings of school staff or students. Prohibited Items at School General Policy: The only items allowed at school are those which are necessary for the students’ activities during the school day; usually, these include only their books and the supplies on their school supply list. Electronic devices, including cell phones, will be confiscated, and the parent or guardian will be contacted to pick up the device. Any student with a cell phone in school must keep it turned off and in the locker or backpack. Parents who need to contact their child during the school should call the school office. Show and Tell Items: Teachers may allow “show-and-tell” items to be brought in, but these items are not the responsibility of the school staff or faculty. This also applies to materials brought as part of reports/projects. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Other Items: So that any undue feeling of competition among children might be avoided, parents are asked to prevent children from bringing toys, collectibles, electronic equipment, or valuables to school unless the teacher has specifically allowed it for some purpose. There will be an ample supply of toys, dolls, games, etc. to occupy the younger children during playtime. Dangerous Weapons: It is a crime for any person, student or non-student, to carry a firearm or any other type of dangerous weapon within 1,000 feet of school property, onto a campus, church, or school-sponsored bus, athletic, social, or extracurricular activity. Any person who does this will immediately be reported to the police department. 22 Handbook for Parents and Students Firearms, fireworks, or weapons of any kind, or other items which cannot be purchased by minors over the counter are not allowed on campus and will be confiscated. If any item brought to school is determined by the Headmaster to be dangerous in any way to students, there will be disciplinary consequences, possibly including expulsion. Illegal Drugs and Alcohol: St John Bosco Schools rigorously enforces a policy of zero tolerance for illegal drugs or alcohol use by students. Automatic expulsion will result from the use and/or possession of, or attempted possession of, alcohol or illegal drugs. Smoking is not allowed on campus. Minors will not be allowed to bring tobacco products on campus. Any abusable glue, aerosol paint, or volatile chemical substance for inhalation will not be allowed on campus. The transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of what is represented to be any of the above listed substances is also prohibited under this policy. Students involved in such actions shall be expelled from school. Right to Search: In consideration of all the students’ safety, school faculty and staff retain the right to search all personal effects brought onto this property, and to confiscate any item(s) deemed inappropriate and/or unsafe. Harassment-Free Environment St. John Bosco School does not condone harassment of any kind, including, but not limited to physical harassment, verbal harassment, and sexual harassment. All students are to be treated with dignity and respect. This prohibition against acts of harassment applies to all people engaged in all school-related activities: all students; part-time or full-time employees; volunteers, consultants, or our guest instructors. Students have the responsibility to: 1. Conduct themselves in a manner which contributes to a Christian school culture; 2. Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing; 3. Consider immediately informing anyone harassing the student that the behavior is unwelcome and offensive; 4. Report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the Headmaster. If the Headmaster is not available, report incidents to the Teacher in charge. 5. If so instructed, to tell the student that is perceived as engaging in discriminatory, intimidating, harassing, or unwelcome conduct, to discontinue said conduct immediately. Please consult the Headmaster for procedures to follow for filing and investigation of any harassment claim. 23 Handbook for Parents and Students Other Information and Policies Deliveries or Messages for Students All messages and deliveries for students are to be sent through the school office. Out of respect for students, faculty, and staff, classroom interruptions are not permitted. Visitors Those wishing to visit St. John Bosco Schools are most welcome to do so. For purposes of safety and order, all parents and visitors check in with the school office, sign the visitor’s roster, and wear a visitor’s badge. School tours are offered by appointment with the Headmaster only. Parent Observation All parents are welcome to observe any class that their student is attending, provided that testing is not in progress. Parents wishing to observe a class must sign in at the school office, and will be escorted to their observation. Out of respect for students, faculty, and staff, classroom interruptions are not permitted. Medication Policy General Policy: Only medication that is necessary for a student to remain in school will be given during school hours. Medication is to be brought to the office by the parent (responsible party). If the medication is liquid, it must be accompanied with a calibrated medication dispenser that has legible numbers on it. Only medication prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist will be administered during school hours. No student may carry medications on school premises or dispense them to other students. No medication that has expired will be given. School personnel will return medication only to the parent. The staff member who is designated by the Headmaster to assist a student in taking his medication may refuse to do so at any time and a parent will be notified. 24 Handbook for Parents and Students Prescription Medicine: A specific prescription from a physician indicating the medical reason for use is needed for over the counter medication. Each student’s medication must be in its original container clearly labeled with the following information: 1. Student name. 2. Physician/Dentist name. 3. Date. 4. Name of medication. 5. Dosage. 6. Directions for administration. 7. Duration of administration. All medication should be picked up by parents at the end of the school year, or it will be discarded by the school office. No expired medication will be kept on hand. Health Items Flu Precautions: While we try to coach our students to practice good cough and sneeze etiquette and make frequent use of hand sanitizer, during flu season your student(s) will likely be exposed to the germs in some way. If your child does contract the flu, or if your child has a fever and/or another flu symptom, like cough or runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, etc., please keep him or her home from school until all symptoms, including fever, have been gone for 24 hours without the help of medicine. Strep Throat: If your child is diagnosed with strep throat, he or she should be kept home for at least 24 hours after medication has first been given. Head Lice: Head lice are common in schools, do not reflect on the hygiene and grooming of the infested child or families, and do not spread disease. In regard to the treatment of head lice, the federal Center for Disease control recommensw that children be permitted to return to school after appropriate treatment is started, and after verifying there are no live lice in the hair. The Center specifies treatment as “using an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription medication” (http://www.cdc.gov/lice/head/treatment.html). 25 Handbook for Parents and Students Lunch SJBS families may participate in the school lunch program. Order forms go out monthly for families to order meals from local restaurants for their children. Lunches are paid for in advance, one month at a time. Recess Each lunch period is followed or preceded by recess. Recess will be held in the gym, unless a teacher chooses to take the class to the playground. Adult supervisors are assigned to the gym each day. Students must stay in the assigned play area. During recess, students may play only with equipment that is provided by the school. No toys or equipment may be brought from home unless permission has been granted by a teacher or administrator. In the event of lacking enough supervisors for the playground, each class will have a quiet recess in their respective classrooms. Children may play quiet games, draw, or read. Good manners are required, showing consideration for each other and respect for the adult supervisors. Snowy Weather / Snow Days 1. Students must come to school prepared for cold weather during the winter months (gloves, hats, and boots). The weather often changes to very cold and/or snow after children have left for school in the morning. 2. No one may play in the snow without both boots and snow pants. 3. St. John Bosco Schools will follow the East Rochester Union Free School District’s decision for delays and school cancellations due to snow and other inclement weather. Additionally, St. John Bosco Schools may close independently of East Rochester. Classroom Parties Parents must coordinate parties and any other activities with teachers and administration. Prior to the date of the activity, permission must be obtained from the Headmaster. Parents may bring refreshments for their child’s birthday only after consulting with the teacher. If refreshments are approved for a class, consideration must be given to children with special dietary needs. Invitations for outside parties may only be distributed in school if all members of the class (or all the girls or all the boys) are to be included. 26 Handbook for Parents and Students Lost and Found Articles It is very important that all articles (especially clothing) be marked with the child’s full name. Any lost items are displayed in the hall where they may be claimed. After 7 days, unclaimed items may be donated to charity. 27