Mother of Divine Grace Catholic School
2612 East Monmouth Street
Philadelphia PA 19134
215-426-7325
Fax: 215-426-0753
Motherdivinegrace.com
Mother of Divine Grace School reserves the right at anytime to amend or add to the policies,
rules and regulations in this handbook, and to make such changes applicable to current and
new students when the situation dictates.
Prayer for Catholic Education
“We have Faith in Catholic Schools”
Blessed are You, O God! You are with us at all times, in all places. We give
thanks and praise that You continue to reveal Yourself to us.
Give our administrators, teachers and staff in Catholic schools the grace of
insight in their endeavor to educate minds, bodies and spirits in Your lifegiving ways. Give our diocese the courage to overcome obstacles and
persevere in the pursuit of academic excellence, stewardship and service to
God’s people.
For our pastor we ask the gift of wisdom to guide the staff, students and
families. We thank You for the generosity of our Catholic families and
community donors who continue to sustain our schools’ programs through
volunteerism, participation in fund-raising and contributions of goods and
services.
With grateful hearts we recall all who have gone before us on a pilgrimage
of faith and hope. We ask Your blessing on all who have sacrificed so much
to ensure the viability of our Catholic Schools.
Awaken in the hearts of our youth openness to the way of life You have
designed for them. May they grow to be priests, religious Sisters and
Brothers, married or single persons who faithfully spread the Good News of
Your kingdom.
May all in our school communities find in You the source of all truth.
This we pray in the name of Jesus our Savior and Brother.AMEN
Mother of Divine Grace, Pray for us!
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Mother of Divine Grace School follows both diocesan and state educational guidelines. Within that framework basic skills are
taught in various ways in accordance with teacher choice. This process reflects our school’s commitment to excellence.
Homework:
The curriculum is child centered, with skills organized toward individual pacing, homework time and content varies according to
grade level. The following is a suggested time frame; this includes both written and study assignments, subject to change
according to teacher discretion:
Grade K
15 minutes daily
Grades 1 and 2
30 minutes daily
Grades 3 and 4
60 minutes daily
Grades 5 and 6
90 minutes daily
Grades 7 and 8
120 minutes daily
We strongly encourage a home study time that is free of distractions and consistently adhered to daily. Homework should be done
by the student independently. While this does not preclude parental help or interest, the assignments should not require undue
parental assistance or supervision. Monitoring and checking homework is important to assure a quality product.
Student Recognition:
Students in Grades 4-8 may receive First or Second Honors. First or Second Honors will be given only for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
trimester. First or Second Honors are not given for the final average. Any student late 4 or more times during any trimester
will not be eligible for honors. Students who receive a check mark on the Personal Development and Behavior section and Effort
and Study Skills section are not eligible for honors. Students who receive an I or U in Art, Physical Education, Music or Technology
are not eligible for honors. Please note that a student’s attendance and early dismissals are also taken into
consideration when awarding Subject Awards. The following criteria is used:
First Honors: 92 or above in all major subjects
Second Honors: 87 or above in all major subjects
Subject Awards
Students in Grades Kindergarten through Eight are eligible to receive a subject award. Subject Awards are given to students:
*who try his/her best
*who has the highest general average
*who has not been late 4 or more times
*who have not received a check mark on the Personal Development and Behavior section and Effort and Study Skills section
*who has not received an I or U in Art, Physical Education, Music or Technology
Please note that a student’s attendance and early dismissals are also taken into consideration when awarding
Subject Awards.
ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance impacts positively on the child’s academic development. The total amount of days that school is in session is
prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Be aware that an excessive number of absences may result in a student’s retention or
the student’s need to attend summer school.
Parents are required to call the school office by 8:30 AM in the case of a student absence. This includes a daily call for extended absence as
well. If a student is not returning for the afternoon session, parents are required to call the school by 1 PM. Upon returning to school, a
student must present a note of excuse written by a parent. State Law mandates students not be admitted without the excuse note after an
absence. A doctor’s note is required for absence for an extended nature 3 or more days. Failure to submit an excuse note from the parent or a
doctor will result in the absence being recorded as unexcused and as parental neglect on the official attendance form.
When absent, a student is responsible to make up academic work. If a student is absent, parents may call the school office for homework
before 8:30 AM. Student work may be picked up at the school office no earlier than 2:30 PM.
Students who don't feel well enough to come into school at the start of the school and
feel better later in the morning are not permitted to come to school.
Students who are absent in the AM are not permitted to come to school for the PM session without a doctor's note.
If your child is sent home sick from school he/she is not permitted to return to school the next day.
Vacations while school is in session are discouraged. Teachers have no obligations to assign work ahead of time and/or reteach missed lessons
due to vacations. Teachers have no obligations to assign “make up” work. Students will be excepted to complete all school and homework
assignments upon their return from vacation. If vacations take place during assessment, student must take that assessment immediately
upon returning to school with the time and place of assessment at the discretion of the teacher. Credit will be lost for oral and written
classwork, assignments, projects, reports, tests, etc. that are not complete due to absences for vacation. Families are urged to schedule
vacations during the school holiday breaks.
Parents are requested to make dental and doctor appointments outside of school hours. However, when unavoidable, parents are required to
write a note to the student’s teacher for early dismissal. Whenever early dismissal occurs, the student must be accompanied by an adult.
A student is marked absent if he/she leaves after lunch or does not return to school after lunch for a doctor’s appointment or early
dismissal. If a student is absent for a half day he/she will not receive perfect attendance.
If a student arrives late due to a doctor’s appointment or is absent for any reason for a half day he/she will not receive perfect
attendance.
Student must be fever free, vomit free and diarrhea free for 24 hours before they return to school. If you have called your child out due
to illness you may not send your child to school if he/she is feeling better late in the day.
EARLY DISMISSALS OR CLOSINGS
In the event of an early dismissal due to emergency or weather, listen to the radio station, KWY 1060 AM for the
announcement “All Philadelphia Public and Parochial Schools will be closed. Please do not call the school or rectory
since we do not receive advance information. If our school is in session during inclement weather when road conditions
may be dangerous in certain areas, we ask parents to use their parental judgment in sending their children to school.
In the case of an early dismissal due to snow emergency or any other emergency, each student must know the
information that parents have written on his/her student information form for an emergency dismissal. This form is
distributed to each student on the first day of school. It must be completed by parents and returned to the school on
the next school day. Parents should discuss this emergency plan with their children at the time it is requested by the
school.
CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN-SHELTER IN PLACE PLAN
Mother of Divine Grace School has a Crisis Management Plan in place. If, for any reason, the school must be
evacuated, our plan calls for us to walk the students to the Sons of Italy Hall at 2537 East Monmouth Street or
Cohox Playground at 2889 Cedar Street where parents/guardians may come to pick up students. In case of
emergency where evacuation is necessary, do not call the school or the Sons of Italy hall. Our plan is to leave the
building immediately and meet parents/guardians at this hall. In this type of emergency evacuation, there will not be
time or personnel to answer telephones, instead go immediately to the hall. Mother of Divine Grace School Community
is most grateful to the members of the Sons of Italy and Cohox for their immediate and enthusiastic response to
opening their buildings to us.
Mother of Divine Grace School has a Shelter in Place Plan. “Shelter in Place” means that our school will be called
either by the Police Department, Fire Department or the Office of Catholic Education to alert us to begin a Shelter in
Place Plan. This plan means that our school will be in a lock down mode—no one in, no one out. The police
department will be on site to enforce this regulation. This plan is not meant to last more than three hours at which
time the police department will have buses on site to remove our students to a safe location which would be
announced through the media and the emergency alert system to the community at large so that parents must go to
the designated evacuation site, not to the school, to pick up their children.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Progress Reports
One parent must attend a mandatory progress report meeting in October.
Progress Reports are sent home mid trimester prior to the closing of the trimester. Learning not only cultivates
intellectual skills, but also responsibility for one’s actions; we will issue a progress report for any of the following
reasons:
*Neglect of written homework
*Student not working to ability
*Test Failures
*Failure to listen to and follow directions after repeated warnings
*Lack of responsibility in handing work on time or failure to return a test paper or project signed by
parents/guardians
*Absence work not made up after reasonable amount of time
*Carelessly written or incomplete homework assignments
Report Cards
Report Cards are issued two times a year to students in Pre Kindergarten.
Report Cards are issued three times a year to students in Grades Kindergarten through Eight.
Each student is responsible for his/her own report card grade by satisfactorily fulfilling the following requirements:
*major testing
*quizzes
*oral and written reports
*independent classroom work
*active participation in classroom lessons and activities
*class/individual project
COMMUNICATIONS
Frequent communications between home and school is essential to your child’s education. As a parent, we invite and
encourage you to correspond with the classroom teacher. This correspondence may take place either by calling the
school to request a return phone call by the teacher at his/her convenience, email or by a written request.
Unscheduled meetings are not permitted at any time.
Parents must schedule a meeting with the teacher if you would like to meet with the teacher.
The principal and pastor will not discuss nor meet with a parent if the teacher is not contacted first.
Please be mindful that the teacher(s) may not be able to contact you the same day you have contacted them.
Please be mindful that no staff member will respond to an email or phone call on the weekends.
LEGAL CUSTODY ISSUES
Parents are asked to inform school personal when legal custody of the children resides with one parent. It is important
for the school to have a copy of the custody decree. This will help school personnel to make effective decisions when
the need arises. This Court Order / Custodial Agreement is placed in a confidential file.
Custodial parents are likewise asked to supply the school with copies of restraining orders if the need arises.
All persons without legal custody of a child have no right to educational participation-including receipt of school
materials-including step parents, friends and family members. Recognizing that requiring Mother of Divine Grace School
to provide duplicate copies of school grades, notices and other related educational materials and notices is
administratively difficult, Mother of Divine Grace School will send only one set of such materials to the
parents/guardians. Therefore, parents/guardians retain the responsibility of communicating such information to each
other for the health and welfare of the child. Mother of Divine Grace School is not required to send such material to
any other person.
A child will not be released to a parent that does not have physical custody, without the written consent of the
custodial parent.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
All Pre Kindergarten and Kindergarten Students -Yellow golf shirt (short or long sleeves) with Mother of Divine Grace School,
blue shorts or sweat pants, blue sweatshirt or blue cardigan sweater with Mother of Divine Grace School, sneakers-NO CHUCKS,
white or black athletic socks that are seen at the ankles.
Girls in Grades 1-4-Blue, white and gold plaid jumper with school emblem, jumper may be no shorter than two (2) inches
above the knee, yellow Peter Pan collar (Short or long sleeves), blue socks or blue tights, blue cardigan sweater or sweatshirt
with Mother of Divine Grace School, solid blue tie saddle shoes with rubber soles and heels.
Girls in Grades 5-8 -Blue, white and gold kilt, kilt may be no shorter than two (2) inches above the knee, yellow golf shirt
(Short or long sleeves) with Mother of Divine Grace School, blue socks from September through November again in April through
June, blue tights from November through April, blue cardigan sweater or sweatshirt with Mother of Divine Grace School, solid blue
tie saddle shoes with rubber soles and heels.
Boys in Grades 1-8 -Yellow golf shirt (Short or long sleeves) with Mother of Divine Grace School, blue dress pants, black belt,
black socks, blue cardigan sweater or sweatshirt with Mother of Divine Grace School, sensible black tie shoes with rubber soles
and heels. NO BLACK SNEAKERS
Physical Education Uniform for Boys and Girls in Grades K through 8 - Navy blue sweat shorts, Gym shorts must be no shorter
than mid-thigh, navy blue sweat pants, yellow or blue Mother of Divine Grace School tee shirt, navy blue Mother of Divine Grace
School sweatshirt, sneakers-NO CHUCKS OR VANS, white or black athletic socks that are seen at the ankles.
Spring / Summer Uniform for Boys and Girls in Grades 1 through 8 -This uniform is optional-short sleeve yellow golf shirt with
Mother of Divine Grace School, *Navy Blue or Khaki walking shorts NO CARGO SHORTS, shorts must be no shorter than midthigh, sneakers-NO CHUCKS, white or black athletic socks that are seen at the ankles.
From the 1st day of school until November 1st students may wear their spring/summer uniform.
From November 1st until March 31st students must wear their regular uniforms.
On April 1st until the end of the school year students may wear their spring / summer uniform.
JEWELRY / MAKE UP/ HAIR STYLES
It is important that each student respects his/her own dignity by his/her appearance. We have a uniform code so jewelry, make
up, and hair styles are not distracting or presenting the wrong message about our Christian community.
Earrings are not permitted for boys.
Facial piercings are not permitted.
Small post earrings are permitted for girls-only one earring in each earlobe. No dangle or hoop earrings are permitted due
to various school activities that may cause damage to earlobes.
One ring per hand is permitted for boys and girls.
Religious medals or crosses may be worn under the students’ clothing to prevent breakage.
No other type of necklaces may be worn by boys or girls.
One rubber statement bracelet may be worn. An example of a statement bracelet is one in support of a cause.
Reminder: It is best for jewelry to remain at home due to its great value, both monetary and sentimentally. The school assumes
no responsibility for jewelry worn to school and which becomes misplaced or missing. Protect your valuables. Leave them at home
to wear on special occasions.
No make up is permitted.
No hair feathers or strips of hair color.
No nail polish of any color is permitted.
Students are only permitted to wear prescription eyeglasses.
No artificial nails are permitted.
Boys: Hair for all students is to be kept neat, clean and well groomed at all times.
Hair color must be one that is found naturally on human beings. No outlandish hair styles.
Boys’ hair length in back must not extend below the collar. Bangs may not be below the eyebrows. Hair may not
cover the ears.
Facial hair, specifically beards, mustaches and extreme sideburns are not permitted.
Girls: Hair for all students is to be kept neat, clean and well groomed at all times.
Hair color must remain the same from September through June. If hair has been colored or hi lighted over summer
vacation you must maintain that same color or hi lights through the school year. If hair cannot be maintained than
hair must be colored back to your original hair before the start of the school year and kept that way until June.
Hair color must be one that is found naturally on human beings. No outlandish hair colors-acceptable colors: soft blonde,
soft brown or soft red.
No outlandish hair styles.
Girls with long hair must wear their hair up at all times; it must not touch the collar. This is for health reasons.
Bangs may not be below the eyebrows.
Girls’ hair accessories must be of reasonable size.
Tuition and Fees
*Monthly payments are due starting April 15th through March 15th for the current school year.
*Tuition payments are due on the 15th of each month.
*Tuition must be paid up to date for a student to return to Mother of Divine Grace School at the
start of each new trimester.
*Tuition must be paid in full for the current school year for a student to participate in any end
of year activities. End of year activities include, but not limited to: 8th grade trip, graduation
dance, class trips, farewell for Pre Kindergarten and 8th grade and graduation for Kindergarten
and 8th Grade.
*No report cards will be given to a student if there is a tuition balance for the current school
year until the balance is paid in full.
*No transfer slips will be issued if there is a tuition balance for the current school year until the
balance is paid in full.
*Students are not permitted to return to Mother of Divine Grace School if there is an outstanding
tuition balance from the previous school year.
*Any tuition or fees that are still due after April 1st for the current school year must be paid by
money order or certified check for the school year.
*While recognizing the possibility of special financial arrangements between single, separated
and divorced parents either through mutual agreement or court order, the parent/guardian
signing the tuition agreement assumes full responsibility for the payment of all tuition according
to the timetable listed on the tuition agreement as published.
*If a financial hardship should develop, please contact the tuition committee as soon as the
hardship arises.
MONEY
Please follow these procedures for turning all money:
*Put money in an envelope.
*Mark the envelope clearly with student’s name, grade, amount of money and purpose of the money.
*Do not send cash in school to when paying tuition, fees or sales.
PARTIES
On a student’s birthday, with the permission of the teacher, a small healthy treat may be sent in for the class.
No student may distribute party invitations in school at any time. Party invitations should be distributed
outside of school environment so that social functions do not create unnecessary upsetment to some students
who may not be included on the guest list.
ELECTRONIC BOOK READERS, TABLET COMPUTERS, PERSONAL MUSIC PLAYERS, HANDHELD DEVICES
Personal music players, electronic book readers, tablet computers, handheld electronic games and other items
that, in the view of Mother of Divine Grace School, may be distracting or disruptive to the learning environment,
are not permitted in Mother of Divine Grace School. If a student brings one of the above mentioned items into
school it will be taken from the student and a parent must come to school to get the item back.
PRETZELS / SNACKS / DRINKS
Cost for pretzels is $0.35 each day and are to be ordered and paid for weekly for the first day of the school
week. Pretzel money must be sent into school with the students, not dropped off at the office. Please send
weekly money to school in an envelope appropriately marked. There are no refunds for absences or snow
days.
Snacks should be nutritious and the amount of food should be appropriate for your child. Many times we find
wasted food thrown away because the amount was just too much for the child. Students may only bring in water
for snack time. Students may not bring in any type of juice, soda or flavored water. Snacks and waters must
be sent into school with students, not dropped off at the office.
DISCIPLINE CODE
Discipline is not a punishment. It is so necessary to the work of education, that without it, no education is possible.
One of our aims is to motivate the children to develop Christian attitudes toward discipline and responsibility. Children
need to realize that the observation of rules brings happiness to themselves and others.
Social growth is a major part of education. Children should be instilled with respect for the person and property of others
and appreciate what others do for him/her. Manners in classroom, lunch room and school yard should be carried over from
the training at home. Full cooperation and respect is expected and appreciated.
All students of Mother of Divine Grace School are expected to conduct themselves properly at all times. Their behavior
should reflect the Christian values of honesty, courtesy, fair-play, proper language and good relationships with others.
This policy applies both in and out of the classroom, in the school community and where the behavior is contrary to
Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the Mother of Divine Grace School Community.
In order to keep the lines of communications between parents and school open, a school wide calendar has been
instituted. This monthly calendar provides parents with information about student’s behavior and performance in school on
a daily basis.
The students are responsible for getting the calendar signed daily when completing their nightly homework. A new
calendar will be provided each month.
The calendar provides parents and students with a list of unacceptable school behaviors. Any student receiving three
violations will be given a detention, which must be served after school. Detention must be served for a major offenses.
Detention will be held each Wednesday for students who need to serve a detention. Students will receive the written
detention slip to be signed by parents and returned to school. Detention is 45 minutes for students in Grades 1-4 (2:45 PM
until 3:30 PM) and 60 minutes for students in Grades 5-8 (2:45-3:45 PM).
Number
1A
2A
3A
4A
5A
6A
7A
Mother of Divine Grace School
Academic Policy
2014-2015
Reason for number
Consequence
Late arrival to school
4 late arrivals = a meeting with the student, parent, teacher and principal.
Homework not completed.
Consequence will be determined by individual teacher.
Class work not completed.
Consequence will be determined by individual teacher.
Group work not being complete
Individual assignment.
Not having the necessary supplies No supplies = lose of MDG money to purchase the necessary supplies from
the stationary closet.
Project not completed.
Staying after school the next day until the project is completed.
Test not signed.
Consequence will be determined by individual teacher.
3 academic numbers in one trimester requires a meeting with the student, parent, teacher and principal.
Discipline Policy
2014-2015
Number
Reason for number
1D
Disruptive in classroom
2D
Taking at inappropriate times
3D
Showing disrespect to teachers, staff, student or others.
4D
Unsatisfactory behavior at lunch.
5D
Unsatisfactory behavior in Church.
6D
Unsatisfactory behavior in the bathroom.
7D
Unsatisfactory behavior in special classes. (Art, Gym, Technology, Music)
8D
Not following directions
9D
Uniform violation
10D
Chewing gum/candy
11D
Misbehaving in line or hallway.
12D
Other
For three numbers(academic and discipline together), a detention will be issued. If a child receives 2 detentions in one trimester, a
discipline board meeting will be called so that a proactive solution can be made with the staff, student and parents. If a child receives
three detentions in a trimester, then a Saturday detention is issued. Suspension can occur after two (2) Saturday detentions or when
deemed necessary by the principal and staff. Expulsion can occur for serious offenses and or for continuous disregard for the rules.
Safe Environment
The Archdiocese of Philadelphia has written the Charter for the Protection of
Children and Young People. The Charter calls for the establishment of a Safe
Environment Program. The key components of this program are : a code of conduct
(Standards of Ministerial Behavior and Boundaries) for all clergy, as well as those
parish employees and volunteers who have regular contact with children and
training, for these same groups as well as parents, in the identification, reporting and
prevention of the sexual abuse of children. Article 13 of the Charter mandates
background checks for all clergy, as well as those parish employees and volunteers
who have regular contact with children. These are the Pennsylvania State Police
Request for Criminal Record Check and Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse
History Clearance. As of April 1, 2007, all newly employed personnel and volunteers
are required to be fingerprinted. All school personal have met these requirements. In
addition, all school personnel have been instructed in the Standards of Ministerial
Behavior and Boundaries. Copies of these four required documents are in school
personal files. It is our mandate that all children under our care during the course of
the school day be kept safe and free from inappropriate behavior. Only
parents/guardians who have the three above clearances may participate in school
activities or class trips where there is direct student contact.
CHANGE IN ADDRESS AND/OR TELEPHONE NUMBER
It is necessary for parents/guardians to notify the homeroom teacher and the school office concerning any change in address
and/or telephone number whether it be a change at home or place of employment. This should be done as soon as changes are
made. This is very important both in case of emergency and in keeping our records up to date.
RESPONSIBLE STUDENTS
One of our goals is to assist you in making your child a responsible young person. With the exception of lunch, parents are not to
bring forgotten articles to the student. No student has permission to call his/her parents for forgotten articles except for
his/her lunch. This includes homework, projects, books, etc. No student or family member is permitted entrance to a
classroom for forgotten books or other materials after school has been dismissed. The school secretary has many obligations
during the course of the day, but one duty that is not hers is the role of messenger for parents to students unless there is an
emergency situation. Please do not call the school office with messages for your child. Certainly telephone messages of an
EMERGENCY NATURE from parents are necessary and expected, but other types of messages will not be delivered. Therefore, it is
extremely important that YOU remind your child before school if there are any changes in his/her usual dismissal procedure, early
dismissal for an appointment, etc. A calendar is published monthly on our website. Please refer to it often so there is no
confusion for you or your child.
SUSPENSION
A student who has served 6 detentions will be suspended. Infractions of a serious nature, as determined by Mother of Divine Grace
School, will also lead to suspension. Suspensions will be implemented in school or out of school at the discretion of the Principal.
Following the suspension, the student and his/her parent(s) will be interviewed by the appropriate school officials.
After two (2) formal suspensions, a student will be dismissed.
CONFIDENTIALITY OF STUDENT RECORDS
The contents of student files are released only to authorized persons. A parental/guardian signature is required before records
are sent to any agency. Copies of student’s grades will be made after 24 hours notice is given to the office. Divorced/separated
parents are required to file a notarized copy of the custody sections of the divorce/separation decree with the school. This
procedure helps to protect the rights of everyone in the family.
CELL PHONE POLICY
If a parent feels that it is necessary for his/her child to bring a cell phone to school the student must do the following:
*Sign the cell phone agreement.
*Give his/her cell phone to the teacher each morning.
*Each teacher will send all of the collected cell phones to the office where they will be stored in the office.
*If a student needs his/her cell phone when he/she goes home for lunch, he/she must pick up his/her cell phone from the office
before the office staff goes to lunch duty.
*If a student does not get his/her cell phones from the office staff before they go over to lunch duty the student may not get
his/her phone cell.
*When the students return from lunch they must return their cell phones to the office.
*At the end of the day all cell phones will be distributed back to the students by the homeroom teachers.
Students are not permitted to use their cells in school, the school yard or in line at dismissal times.
If a child does not hand in his/her cell phone each morning and it is seen by a staff member the cell phone will be taken
from the child. The cell phone will be sent to the office and a parent must come and get the cell phone from the principal. If this
happens the child will lose the privilege of bringing a cell phone to school.
Mother of Divine Grace School assumes no responsibility for a cell phone that is broken or misplaced.
INTERNET USE
Unauthorized and inappropriate use of the internet in school is grounds for disciplinary action up to and including
dismissal. Inappropriate student internet use at home that in some way associates his/her wrongful conduct with the
school, students of the school, and teachers and staff, may be cause for disciplinary action if the use affects the
administration of the school generally, or the relationship of the school to the students specifically. Thus, for example,
the posting of an internet site from home containing threatening and derogatory comments about a teacher, student or
school official may be grounds for dismissal. This is so particularly where the site creates an atmosphere of fear or
otherwise adversely affects the educational and religious mission of the school. See the Acceptable Use Policy for
Technology for Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia included in this handbook.
VIOLENT-THREATENING-HARASSING-AND INAPPROPRIATE ACTS BY STUDENTS AND PARENTS
It is the intent of Mother of Divine Grace School to provide an educational environment free from all forms of improper
threats, intimidation, hostility, offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of
unwanted verbal or physical conduct, verbal or written derogatory or racial / discriminatory statements and behavior
otherwise not conducive to the educational and religious mission of our school.
These include, but are not limited to:
-disrespectful behavior of any kind toward or about any staff, student or other parent of students
-intimidation, harassment or threats of any kind
-insubordination
-fighting
-bomb scares or triggering other false alarms
-cheating or plagiarism
-use or possession of drugs or alcohol
-smoking
-stealing
-weapons
These categories do not cover every possible situation. The school is responsible for determining what is appropriate or
inappropriate behavior, both in and out of the classroom, in the school community generally, and outside the school
community where such improper behavior affects the school community. Conduct by students or parents/guardians or
anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for
disciplinary action, including but not limited to immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to
the appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.
In addition, in the case of threats of violence or harassment, in any form, including oral, written or electronic, by a
student against any member of the school community, the student, if suspended but not dismissed, may be required to
have psychological or psychiatric clearance before returning to school.
ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY
FOR TECHNOLOGY
Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia
PURPOSE
Technology is a valuable educational tool. Our schools are committed to teach its students, faculty, administrators,
staff, and school community to work and to learn effectively with technology and to ensure responsible use of
technology. The policy outlined below applies to all technology use including, but not limited to Internet use. The
Acceptable Use Policy for Technology applies to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, volunteers or community
members allowed access to school technology resources.
GOAL
The school’s goal is to prepare its members for life in a digital, global community. To this end, the school
will:
• provide a variety of technology based tools
• teach technology skills
• integrate technology with curriculum to enhance teaching and learning
• encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills
• facilitate evaluation and synthesis of information
• encourage ethical practices and provide education for internet safety and digital citizenship
RESPONSIBILITIES OF USER
Our schools will make every effort to provide a safe environment for learning with technology including Internet
safeguards. The students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community are granted the privilege of using the
computer hardware and software, peripherals, and electronic communication tools including the Internet. With this
privilege comes the responsibility to use the equipment correctly, respect the name and intellectual property of
others, and follow the policies outlined below.
TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDELINES
• Educational Purpose/ Appropriate Use: All technology use and Internet access at schools for faculty, staff and
students is provided solely for educational purposes. Educational sites and teacher created assignments are to be used
to enhance student learning. Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational
purposes under teacher supervision. Expressed permission to use the Internet and hardware/software in any area of the
school must always be obtained.
• Copyright/Intellectual Property and Identity: All sources obtained for teacher and student work should be properly
cited. Users are to respect the rights of and the intellectual property of others in accordance with Federal Copyright
Law. Transferring copyrighted material to or from a school without expressed permission of the owner is a violation of
Federal Law. When using school technology, teachers and students are to use their assigned user name and password at
all times. Each person is reminded to log off of their assigned account before leaving a computer unattended.
•Communications: Electronic and/or Digital communications with students should be conducted for educationally
appropriate purposes and employ only school sanctioned means of communication. The school sanctioned
communications methods include: Teacher school web page, teacher school email, teacher school phone number and
educationally focused networking sites.
Teachers or administrators in their normal responsibilities and duties may be required to contact parents outside of the
school day. A teacher or administrator is free to contact parents using a home phone or a personal cell phone.
However, they should not purposely distribute a home phone number or a personal cell phone number to students. If a
student contacts a teacher or administrator using a teacher or administrator’s personal numbers, email or networking
sites, the teacher or administrator should immediately report this to the administrator or appropriate authorities.
• Electronic and Mobile Devices: Use of any technology oriented device in our schools should have an educational
focus. Users must adhere to local school policy regarding the use of additional electronic devices including but not
limited to personal digital assistants (PDA), calculators, gaming devices, cellular phones, and pagers. Access will be
determined by the administrator of the school. The school’s technology policy regarding authorization, use,
responsibility, integrity, intellectual property, and monitoring will be applied to these devices. If a particular mobile
device is to be used for educational purpose, the school administration and/or teacher will provide parameters for this
use.
N.B. The types of electronic and digital communications referenced in this AUP include, but are not limited to, social
networking sites, cell phones, digital cameras, text messaging, email, voice over ip, chat rooms and instant messaging.
Examples of Unacceptable Uses:
*Users must not use equipment to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, or annoy any individual.
*Users must not post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane or sexually oriented
material.
*Users must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language.
*Users must not knowingly or recklessly post false information about any persons, students, staff or any other
organization.
*Users must not use a photograph, image, video or likeness of any student, or employee without express permission of
that individual and of the principal.
*Users must not use school equipment to create any site, post any photo, image or video of another except with
express permission of that individual and the principal. Maintaining or posting material to a Web site or blog that
threatens a likelihood of substantial disruption in school, including harming or interfering with the rights of other
students or teachers to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities is a violation of the Acceptable Use
Policy and subject to the disciplinary measure found herein.
*Users must not attempt to circumvent system security, guess passwords, or in any way gain access to secured
resources, another person’s files or another person’s password.
*Users must not install, move, delete, download, upload, reconfigure, or modify any software or files on school
equipment without permission.
Examples of Unacceptable Uses continued:
*Users must not move, repair, reconfigure, modify, or attach external devices to the systems without permission.
*Users must not deliberately visit a site known for unacceptable material or any material that is not in support of
educational objectives. Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational
purposes under teacher supervision.
*Users are not to plagiarize content and may not present the work of another as their own without properly citing that
work.
*Users must not violate license agreements, copy disks, CD-ROMs, or other protected media.
*Users must not use technology for any illegal activity. Use of the Internet for commercial gains or profits is not
allowed from an educational site.
• Reporting: Users must immediately report any damage or change to the school’s hardware/software that is noticed
by the user.
• Administrative Rights: The school has the right to monitor both student and employee use of school computers and
computer accessed content. Due to the evolving nature of Technology, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catholic
Education or the school administration reserves the right to amend or add to this policy at any time without notice.
Violation of the above rules will be dealt with by the administration of the school. Violation of these rules
may result in any or all of the following:
• Loss of use of the school network, computers and software, including Internet access. The student
will be expected to complete work on a non-networked, stand-alone computer system.
• Issuance detentions, if applicable.
• Disciplinary action including, but not limited to, dismissal and/or legal action by the school, civil
authorities, or other involved parties.
Each student will receive a copy of this policy with a contract for him/her and his/her parents/guardians to sign at the
start of each school year. No student will be permitted use of technology equipment until this contract is signed and
returned to the school office.
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Jesus tells us that we should “accept others as He has accepted us.” (Romans 15:7) We will get along better
with some people than with others. As students who are disciples of Jesus, we show by our words and actions that we
respect all persons. An atmosphere of respect will be present in our school when the following rules are followed.
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Students uphold the good name, character, and reputation that is part of each member of Mother of Divine
Grace School community.
Students are responsible to show good example to the school community by their words and actions.
Students refrain from speaking, writing, or gesturing obscenities.
Students refrain from using words or actions, that abuse the dignity or rights of any member of the school
community. These include, but are not limited to, racial slurs, teasing, name calling, threatening, ridiculing,
physically challenging, and laughing at another’s mistake.
Students refrain from disrespectful attitude toward authority.
Students settle conflict using nonviolent means rather than physical force.
Students seek permission to use or handle the possessions of any student or faculty member of Mother of Divine
Grace School.
Students respect the property and person of all students, teachers and the parish. In the event that property is
damaged, destroyed or broken, the parents of the student are responsible to pay for the replacement or repair
of the property.
Students are responsible to answer all persons (administrators, teachers, adult volunteers, guests, students) in a
tone of voice and with a choice of words that are respectful and dignified.
Students show good manners and proper etiquette throughout the school day and in extracurricular activities.
Late arrivals
*The school day begins promptly each day at 7:55 AM.
*All students, grades Pre Kindergarten through 8, must be in the school yard when the bell rings
at 7:55 AM.
*The teachers begin the educational day as soon as the students enter the classroom at 7:55 AM.
*Upon arrival at school the student is to report to the main office to receive permission to enter
his/her classroom.
*Any student who arrives after 7:55AM is late.
*Any student arriving to school after 9AM must have a doctor's note.
*Any student who arrives after 12:40PM is late.
*Each time a child arrives late they are disrupting the educational process. Children miss many
valuable lessons due to late arrivals.
*Late arrivals are recorded electrically and therefore are an accurate record of each child’s
attendance.
*Any student late 4 or more times during any trimester will not be eligible for perfect
attendance, honors, student of the month, peacemaker of the month or subject awards.
*Any student with 4 or more late arrivals in each trimester will have to attend scheduled meeting with
the student’s parent(s), teacher and principal to discuss this situation.
If a student is late 12 or more times through the entire school year, he or she will be required to
make up the time in June.
We must work together, school and home, to prepare the students for their futures at college
and in the work force. Arriving on time is an important and valued tool for future success.
Lunch Program
There is a lunch fee for those families who choose to have their children remain in school daily for lunch. The
yearly lunch fee is used to help with the up keep of the lunch room, expenses incurred from the lunch program and pay
our lunch parents.
Students are responsible to bring his/her lunch with him/her in the morning to school.
Parents should not be dropping off lunches to the office.
Students must know what days he/she is receiving hot lunch.
No student will receive a hot lunch unless it is ordered and paid for in advance.
Fast food lunches are not permitted.
*Each student must have two napkins packed in their lunch from home. One is to be used as a placemat. The other is
needed for the student’s lap.
*No student may be out of his/her seat for any reason while eating lunch.
*After lunch, weather permitting, students have a short recess in the school year.
*When the students are taken to the school yard after lunch, they are under the supervision of a staff member who has
lunch duty. It is expected that students treat the moderator with respect and obedience.
*Any student who does not obey these regulations will receive appropriate consequences for his/her actions. If
continued disobedience occurs, the student will not be permitted to remain in school for lunch.
If a student is enrolled in our lunch program, he/she may not go home for lunch or to a friend’s home for lunch
without a written note of permission from a parent to do so. This note must be presented to the homeroom
teacher upon arrival in the morning. No student may call a parent to ask for permission to leave school at lunch
time.