St. Francis de Sales
Catholic School
2015/2016 Student Handbook
Mrs. Kathy Kurkiewicz, Principal
Fr. Edwin Anderson, Pastor
300 Oak Street ~ Spooner, WI 54801
(715) 635-2774 ~ sfdsschool@gmail
www.we3churches.org
St. Francis de Sales School Mission Statement
It is the mission of St. Francis de Sales School, in conjunction with St. Francis de
Sales Parish and the Diocese of Superior, to provide Catholic education of the
highest quality. We do this with faith, love and respect; nurturing and
encouraging students to develop their gifts to their fullest potential.
1
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
Dear Students,
Welcome to the 2015/2016 School Year at St. Francis de Sales School!
We are happy to provide you with this Assignment Notebook (grades 3-8)
and Student Handbook. Use your notebook every day to record all
assignments, test reminders and projects. Your Student Handbook
includes important school information and policies to help you make good
decisions during the school year.
As you start the year, take time to set your goals for achievement and
behavior. Write these goals in your notebook. Share these goals with
your parent(s) and teachers. Pray about your goals every day.
Accomplishing these goals helps you develop self-discipline.
Remember our school guidelines:
1. Be prepared each day to do your best.
2. Our school is like a family - older students watch out for the
younger students.
3. What Would Jesus Do?
4. There are no shortcuts.
Blessings to you for a prosperous, spiritual and educational school year!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Kurkiewicz, Principal
I have read the SFdS Student Handbook and agree to abide by the
handbook policies.
Student Signature
________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signatures
________________________________
Teacher Signature
________________________________
2
A. SCHOOL UNIFORM
You are responsible for wearing the correct clothing to school each day. The guidelines
below will help you make good choices. In addition to choosing the correct styles and
colors, your clothing should be clean, neat, fit properly and any holes or rips neatly
patched. Do not wear clothing that is faded or badly stained. Students should practice
good hygiene (clean hair, teeth and skin). Deodorant use is recommended.
If you arrive at school improperly dressed, you will have the following options:
1. Remove the clothing that does not meet uniform guidelines.
2. Replace the non-uniform item with a correct item from our spare clothing bin.
3. Call your parent to bring the correct clothing.
Parents will be sent a note describing the improper clothing so they can
help you make better choices in the future.
3
St. Francis de Sales School Uniform
JC Penney and Lands’ End Uniform Catalogs are the uniform suppliers for SFdS. You may
choose to use other suppliers as long as the dress code guidelines are followed as to
style, color, etc.
*** Wednesday – All students required to wear RED Spirit Shirt.
***Field Trips – All students required to wear Red Spirit Shirt
Girls Grades K - 4
Boys Grades K – 4
Shirts
Red, white or navy polo shirt, turtleneck, hooded or
crewneck sweatshirt, cardigan sweater or vest
Dresses
Red and navy polo dress with logo
Jumpers/Pants/Shorts (no exterior pockets)
Navy pleated jumper, pants, skort
Navy shorts or capris (Sept/May/June)
Shirts
Red, white or navy polo shirt, turtleneck, hooded or
crewneck sweatshirt, cardigan sweater or vest
Pants (no exterior pockets)
Navy pants
Navy shorts (Sept/May/June)
Girls Grades 5 – 8
Boys Grades 5 – 8
Shirts
Red or navy polo shirt, turtleneck, hooded or
crewneck sweatshirt, cardigan sweater or vest
Skirts/Pants/Shorts (no exterior pockets)
Navy or khaki pleated or A-line skirts, zip front pants,
skort, shorts or capris (Sept/May/June)
Shirts
Red or navy polo shirt, turtleneck, hooded or
crewneck sweatshirt, cardigan sweater or vest
Pants (no exterior pockets)
Navy or khaki zip front pants or shorts
(Sept/May/June)
Concert Attire
Girls Grades PK - 4
Boys Grades PK – 4
Dress outfits follow Special Event guidelines.
Dress outfits follow Special Event guidelines.
Girls Grades 5 – 8
Boys Grades 5 – 8
Shirts
White short or long sleeved oxford style shirt
Skirts/Pants
Black zip front pants or calf length or longer skirt
Black shoes and socks or nylons
Shirts
White short or long sleeved oxford style shirt
Skirts/Pants
Black zip front pants
Black socks and shoes
Marching Band (Girls and Boys 5-8) Black zip front pants/School Band Shirt/Tennis Shoes
Non - Uniform Day
Girls
Boys
Shirt (sleeved and full length)
Pants (at the waist)
Shorts (no more than 3” above the knee)
Knee length skirt
Sleeved/knee length dress
Closed toe shoes and socks
Shirt (sleeved and full length)
Pants (at the waist)
Shorts (no more than 3” above the knee)
Closed toe shoes and socks
4
Special Events
Girls
Boys
Sleeved Top
Dress pants
Sleeved/knee length dress or skirt
Closed toe dress shoe with 2” or less heel and heel
support
Collared Shirt
Dress pants
Tie (optional)
Belt
Closed toe shoes and socks
Note: Jewelry may be a modest necklace and non-dangling earrings. Make up should be
minimal and natural appearing eye, cheek, lip and nail colors. Sock and tights should be
natural, red, white, blue or black. Non-Uniform Day Clothing may not display inappropriate
wording, pictures or advertising. Appropriateness of Nail color, makeup and jewelry will
be at the discretion of the principal. Any student wearing makeup, nail color or jewelry
that is a distraction or deemed inappropriate by the principal will be asked to remove
the inappropriate item(s).
Undershirts, tanks, camis and so forth must be tucked in and/or NOT visible.
Please refer to the School Handbook for more information.
All School Uniforms must be purchased from the Lands’ End or JC Penney Uniform Catalogs. (**Note, other
suppliers may be used as long as ALL guidelines are adhered to.)
The School Logo is available thru the Lands’ End Catalog.
B. ATTENDANCE / ABSENCES / TARDINESS / EXCUSES
You must attend school every day that you are well.
PreK: The day begins at 8:05a.m. or 11:00a.m. and ends at 12:00 or 3:00p.m.
Grades K – 8: The school day begins at 8:10a.m. and ends at 3:00p.m.
State law requires that students attend school regularly. If you miss more than 10
days of school in any quarter or are tardy more than 10 times in a semester, the
school may report you to the police for truancy.
Absences: If you are not well or have a medical appointment and can not attend
school, your parent must call the school before 8:30a.m. to report your absence. If
you are going on a vacation, you must bring a written notice to your teacher at
least two weeks in advance of the first day of your vacation/trip so homework
assignments can be arranged. If you do not notify the school, your work may
not be accepted when you return. When you return to school after any absence or
tardiness, you must bring a note describing the reason for our files. If you are absent
more than 5 consecutive days, you must have a doctor’s excuse.
Tardiness: If you are not in your room ready to start the school day at the time
designated for your room, you will be marked tardy. Students who are late due to
busing will not be marked tardy. If you arrive at school after the start of the school
day you must sign in at the office.
Unexcused absence: An unexcused absence may include skipping school,
suspension, or failure to get approval for a pre-arranged absence. Assignments and
tests missed during an unexcused absence may be made up for credit only at the
Principal’s discretion. If necessary, you may be referred to the police for truancy.
Medical excuses: Occasionally your parents or doctor may need to limit your
physical activities.
5
1. Physical Education: You are expected to participate in P.E. class to the best
of your ability. If you have a chronic condition such as asthma or an injury,
you must have a doctor’s excuse describing how and when your physical
activities should be limited.
2. Recess: Your parent or doctor may request that you stay inside for recess or
limit your recess activities. You must bring a written request stating the
reason and the number of days that your activities are restricted.
Medical appointments: You may leave school for medical, dental or counseling
appointments. You must bring a written note or appointment card with the day and
time of the appointment. You must sign out in the office before leaving the building. If
you return the same day, you must sign back in.
Funerals: You may be excused from school to attend the funeral for a family member
or close personal or family friend. Absences for out of town funerals should be three
days or less.
School Cancellations: You are responsible for listening to the radio or T.V. if you
think that school may be closed or delayed due to weather or any other emergency.
Notice of school closing will be given over the following radio and television stations by
6:30 a.m. (by 12:00 p.m. if dismissed early).
Information will be reported as soon as possible via the stations listed below.
WCSW Shell Lake (940 AM)
KDLH-TV (3)
WDIO-TV (10/13)
WRLS Hayward (92.3 FM)
WHSM Hayward (101.1 FM)
KDJR-TV (6)
WAQE Rice Lake (97.7)
WJMC Rice Lake (96.1 FM)
C. HOMEWORK / GRADING / HONORS / AWARDS
Assignment Notebook: You will be given an SFDS assignment notebook (grades 3-8)
at the beginning of the school year. You are expected to keep a daily record of your
assignments, projects and tests. Your notebook must go home each evening so you can
review your assignments with your parent. After you discuss your assignments with your
parent(s), you should ask them to sign or initial your notebook. Teachers will keep a
record of students who do NOT bring a signed notebook to school. If you lose your
notebook you must purchase a new one in the school office for $5.00.
YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ASSIGNMENT NOTEBOOK EVERY DAY.
Homework: You should expect to have 30 – 60 minutes of homework most nights. If
you do not have any homework, you should spend at least 30 minutes reviewing what
you have learned or reading topics of interest to you. That is called being a self-directed
learner!
Homework should be completed using these guidelines:
1. Homework must be written in pencil using your best cursive penmanship.
2. Assignments must be headed correctly (subject, pages, your name, date).
3. If you are using your own paper, it must be loose leaf-not torn from a spiral
notebook.
4. Homework must be completed and handed in by the due date to receive full
credit.
5. Reports must be your own creation, not copied from a book, the internet or
another person.
6
Grading scale: Grades 3 & 4 all subjects
E = Excellent, work greatly exceeds grade level criteria (90% accuracy or better)
G = Good, work exceeds grade level criteria (80 – 89% accuracy)
S = Satisfactory, work is average for grade level (70 – 79% accuracy)
I = Improving, making progress but work does not meet grade level expectations
U = Unsatisfactory, student’s work shows little or no effort
Grading scale: Grades 5 – 8 (All Subjects)
A= 93 – 100
Outstanding; work greatly exceeds grade level criteria
B = 85 – 92
Very good; work exceeds grade level criteria
C = 77 – 84
Average; work meets grade level criteria
D = 69 – 76
Below average; work shows progress but not at grade level
F = 0 – 68
Failing; work shows little/no effort or progress
Report Cards and Midterm Reports:
Report cards will be sent home approximately one week after the end of each quarter for
your family to review and keep. A copy is kept in the school office.
All student grades for students in grades 5 – 8 will be recorded in the online grading
system (Engrade). All students and parents will be encouraged to access this system so
that they are informed about student grades and progress at all times. Due to the instant
availability of grades online, no formal mid-term reports will be issued.
Honor Roll / Awards – Honor’s Mass:
Students in grades 5 – 8 are eligible for honor roll. ALL grades are used to obtain a
student’s grade average. Students with an average between 85% and 92% achieve the
“B” honor roll. Students with a 93% (or higher) average achieve the “A” honor roll. A
grade of “D” or “F” in ANY subject area EXCLUDES a student from honor roll
eligibility.
A Honor Roll – 93% Average or higher – NO grade of “D” or “F”
B Honor Roll – 85% to 92% Average – NO grade of “D” or “F”
Averages will be calculated based on the scale as follows:
A+ = 100%
A = 98%
A- = 94%
B+ = 92%
B = 90%
B- = 86%
C+ = 84%
C = 82%
C- = 78%
D+ = 76%
D = 74%
D- = 70%
F = 68%
The first time you have achieved Honor Roll you will receive a medallion on a ribbon and
a certificate. Each time you earn Honor Roll after that you are awarded a pin and a
certificate. Honor roll students should wear their medallions to each Honor’s Mass.
7
Personal Best Awards will be presented at Honor’s Mass each quarter.
Spirit of St. Francis Award: One student mayl be chosen each semester for their
academic excellence and positive role modeling. The following attributes should be
evident in a recipient of the award: faith-centered, hard-working, responsible, respectful,
honest and kind.
Attendance Award: Students that have perfect or nearly perfect attendance will be
honored at the final Honor Assembly.
D. BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE
General Behavior/Conduct:
We all share the responsibility for creating a safe clean school and playground where
people are treated with respect. We strive to make everyone feel welcomed. We
encourage students to practice self-discipline and take responsibility for their words and
actions. The following guidelines will help us create a school where you can learn to your
fullest potential:
1. You shall be respectful and courteous to adults and one another.
2. You shall treat the school and property with respect.
3. You shall treat your property and the property of others with respect.
4. You shall keep your desk orderly and help maintain a clean and orderly
classroom.
5. You shall walk in a quiet and orderly manner in church, hallways and
cafeteria.
6. You shall use good manners and pick up after yourself in the cafeteria.
Below the Line Behaviors:
Stealing
Swearing
Fighting
Cheating
Tripping
Making Fun
Being Rude
Being Loud
Pushing
Throwing Things
Lying
Being Sneaky
Bad Attitude
Budging
Dangerous and Illegal Behaviors:
Weapons
Violence
Vandalism
Drugs
Fire
Bomb Threats
Smoking
Skipping School
Fooling Around
Shoving
Yelling
Whining
Name Calling
Talking Mean
Put Downs
Teasing
Kicking
Spitting
Pranks
Harassment
Tobacco
Destroying Property
Threats
Alcohol
Discipline Policy:
You are expected to behave properly for all teachers, staff members, playground
supervisors, volunteers and guests. Any of these people may refer you to the office for
consequences.
8
Consequences for Below the Line Behaviors:
First Referral
Loss of at least one recess, you will apologize.
Second Referral
(same offense)
Loss of at least two recesses; your parent(s) will be
notified; you will complete a behavior plan and
apologize; you may also lose other privileges such as a
field trip.
Third Referral
(same offense)
Loss of all privileges for 5 school days; your
parent(s) must come to a meeting to discuss your
behavior; you will complete a behavior plan and
apologize.
Fourth Referral)
(same offense)
You will be suspended from school for one to
three days; you will complete a behavior plan and
apologize; you and your parent will meet with the
principal when you return.
Consequences for Dangerous and Illegal Behaviors:
Your parents will be notified and they must come to school and take you home.
The police will be notified if your actions are illegal. You face suspension of up to
three days from school or expulsion. You must complete a behavior plan and
apologize to ALL persons affected by your actions. A meeting between your
parents and the Principal and Pastor must occur to determine your future at St.
Francis de Sales School.
Creating a Safe Environment:
1. You have the right to attend school without fear of physical threat, harm or
verbal abuse.
2. You have the responsibility to respect the rights, dignity and safety of others.
3. You have the right to speak and be heard.
4. You have the responsibility to express your thoughts and feelings in a manner
that does not offend, slander or ridicule others.
5. Inappropriate behavior is not allowed in school or at school sponsored functions
and includes: harassment, fighting or provoking, possession of a weapon or
dangerous object, tobacco and lighter products, controlled substances and gang
related material.
6. If you violate this section you may be subject to: notification of parents,
suspension, referral to law enforcement officers and social services.
Playground Safety:
1. The playground is defined as the area inside the fence and the alley line. You
must stay in this area during recess. The sidewalk and church entrance are off
limits.
2. Pea gravel, snow, ice and other objects intended to stay on the ground must stay
on the ground.
3. Play fairly and follow the rules.
4. Use slides in the feet first position only.
5. Stay off the top of the playground equipment and fence.
6. Use equipment appropriately and for its intended purpose.
7. Everyone is allowed to play.
8. Ask permission if you need to leave the playground.
9
9. Balls may not be thrown against the buildings or fences.
10. Sidewalk chalk may only be used on the black top.
11. The judgment of the Playground Supervisor is final.
Bus Behavior: While riding the bus, you are expected to behave according to our
school rules in addition to any other rules that may apply. If you are involved in a bus
behavior issue, you may receive consequences from SFdS as well as the bus company
and the public school. A copy of the Spooner Area School District Transportation Policy
for minor and major offenses is available in the school office.
CLASSROOM CONDUCT
It is the student’s responsibility to arrive at school on time and be seated in the classroom
with necessary supplies for the day when the bell rings. Within each classroom and with
each teacher, students should behave with respect, courtesy and cooperativeness
towards meeting the teacher’s expectations. Students are expected to practice quiet
and orderly behavior appropriate to church, halls, classroom, etc. Everyone is asked to
practice common courtesies of please, thank you, and excuse me.
E. GENERAL STUDENT PRODECURES
Bicycles/Skateboards/Scooters:
1. Bicycles and scooters must be walked on and off the playground. They must
be left in the racks provided and locked if possible. They may not be
removed until the student leaves school for the day.
2. Bicycles, skateboards and scooters may not be ridden on school grounds
from 7:55am – 3:30pm.
Candy/Pop: Students are not to bring these items to school for snacking or lunch.
Teachers may use these items in controlled classroom situations as rewards or
incentives but it may not leave the classroom.
Electronics: Students are discouraged from bringing electronic equipment to school.
These items must be shut off when the student enters the school property and must
remain off and in your back pack throughout the day. Failure to comply with this policy
will result in loss of privileges.
Dangerous Objects/Tobacco Products/Drugs: These items are prohibited on school
property. Use or possession of any of these items requires an automatic referral to the
police department and parents. After a conference with parents, the police and Pastor,
suspension or expulsion may be recommended.
Field Trips:
1. Field trips are a part of the educational program and supplement classroom
teaching. You must have a completed and signed permission slip on file by
the deadline to participate or you will remain at the school and do alternative
work in a supervised area. You will NOT be allowed to phone home for
permission.
2. You are expected to follow all school rules and obey all adult supervisors.
10
3. Failure to behave in a respectful manner may result in loss of privilege for
your next field trip or other school consequence.
4. You must wear your Red Spirit Shirt on ALL Field Trips.
Lost or Damaged School Property: Loss of books and other valuable items should be
reported to your teachers. You will be charged for all lost and damaged textbooks,
school books and school equipment that are damaged beyond normal wear.
Prescription and Non-Prescription Medication: All prescription and non-prescription
medication must be sent to school office in the original labeled container with a
completed Medication Consent form. The medication will be given by a designated staff
member as directed on the Medication Consent form. Inhalers may be kept in the
classroom after they are received in the school office. Non prescription cough drops may
be used in the classroom only if accompanied by a parent note with dosage and specific
period of use indicated. Students should never share any medication with another
person.
School Phone and Copier: The school phone and copier are for office and teacher use
only. Phone calls are not allowed to ask parents to bring forgotten items including
books, assignments, projects, instruments or music, clothing, sports equipment
etc. or to make after school arrangements.
Student Picture Day / All School Picture Day:
1. Student Picture Day: Students may choose to wear their school uniform OR
dress according to the Special Event guidelines
2. All School Picture Day: Students must wear their best RED SPIRIT SHIRT.
Special Celebrations:
1. Birthdays may be celebrated at school during the last class of the day.
Students with summer birthdays are encouraged to choose a half-year
birthday. Students may dress following the Non-Uniform guidelines on their
chosen birthday. Student may also bring an appropriate treat to be shared
with classmates during the last class of the day.
2. Other celebrations: Students may celebrate other occasions with the
permission of their teacher. All celebrations take place during the last class
of the day.
Thursday Folder: You are responsible for giving the Thursday Folder to your parents
and returning the signed folder to school the following day.
The Principal will make the final decision on any issues that are not
covered in this handbook. These policies and procedures were written to
help you meet your goals. The principal retains the right to amend the
handbook. Parents will be given prompt notification if changes are made.
Have a great school year!
11
Student Internet Contract – St. Francis de Sales School
St. Francis de Sales School computer lab provides internet access for students in all
grades. The internet is provided for students to conduct research and complete projects
assigned by their teachers. Internet access shall only be allowed with the supervision of
a teacher or staff member present or with their knowledge. Access is a privilege, not a
right. Access entails responsibility.
Please read the following carefully before signing this document. This is a legally binding
contract and must be signed before internet access is given. All students will be informed
of the rules of the school’s internet use.
Internet rules: Students are responsible for good behavior on school computers, just as
they are in a classroom or a school hallway. Communications on the internet are often
public in nature. General school rules for behavior and communications apply.
Individual users of the school computer internet are responsible for their behavior and
communications over the internet. E-mail will NOT be allowed on school computers. We
have filtering in place to help with restricting unsafe sites. It is presumed that all users
will comply with the school standards and will honor the agreements they have signed.
Computer file storage areas may be viewed by teachers at any time, to maintain the
system and assure that all users are using this space responsibly. Users should not
expect that files stored on school computers will always be private.
The following are not permitted:











Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures
Using obscene language
Harassing, insulting or attacking others
Violating copyright laws
Trespassing in others’ folders
Using others’ password
Going to restricted or known blocked sites
Intentionally wasting limited resources
Damaging computers, computer systems/computer networks
No Downloading from the internet MUST HAVE PERMISSION!!!
Gaming that does not have an educational purpose.
Disciplinary Actions:
1. Violations will result in a loss of access.
2. Inappropriate language or behavior may result in additional disciplinary action.
3. When applicable, law enforcement agencies may be involved.
Student Signature
Date
Parent Signature
Date
12