August, 2007

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,

We are very excited to enter into the 2007-2008 school year.  The Pastors, Deacon, Principal, Teachers and Support Staff will provide your child with strong 

Christian values, academic excellence and a nurturing environment.  The Teachers, Support Staff, and Administration at school share your

beliefs and values. We will reinforce the morals you instill in your child(ren.) We are here to serve the Catholic Church and provide the

best possible education we can. We need your cooperation to accomplish this, and we appreciate open lines of communication to help us to

accomplish this goal.  Education does begin at home, and is enhanced when parents become involved in the school and support their child's teacher.

This handbook will inform you of the policies/procedures of St. Augustine and St. Mary's Cathedral School. We ask that you read it carefully as there have been changes.  

Be sure to keep it handy so that you can refer to it when necessary. Please sign the enclosed parent/student commitment form. God bless you and your family.

Peace in Christ,

Pat Lindeman, B.S., M.A., Ed.S. 
Principal
and the Teachers and Support Staff at St. Augustine and St Mary's Cathedral School

Table of Contents 
Letter of Welcome                                     p. 1
Mission Statement                                      p. 5
Philosophy                                                 p. 5
Goals and Objectives                                 p. 5-6
Important Phone Numbers                         p. 6
Administration                                           p. 6
School Advisory Committee                     p. 6
Parental Roles and Responsibilities           p. 6-8
Procedures
Contacting the School                               p. 8
Attendance                                                p. 8-9
Unexcused Absences                                p. 9
Tardiness                                                   p. 9-10
School Closing                                          p. 10
Arrival/Dismissal                                       p. 10
Visitors                                                      p. 10-11
Valuables                                                   p. 11
Money                                                        p. 11
School Pictures                                           p. 11
Yearbook                                                    p. 11
Field Trips                                                  p. 11
Guest Speakers/Assemblies                        p. 12
Telephone Usage                                        p. 12
Server Training                                           p. 12
Parochial Athletic Association                    p. 12
Band/Orchestra                                           p. 12
Lost and Found                                           p. 12
School Supplies                                          p. 12
Achievement Testing                                  p. 12
Health Screening                                        p. 12
Medication                                                  p. 13
Illness/Injury During School                      p. 13
Special Health Needs                                 p. 13
Parent Teacher Conferences                       p. 13
Progress Reports                                         p. 13
Report Cards                                               p. 13
Parent/Teacher Handbook                          p. 14
Take Home Folder                                      p. 14
Verbal Communication                              p. 14
Religious Education                                   p. 14
Homework                                                  p. 14-15

Policies
Immunizations                                             p. 15
Treats at School                                           p. 15
Non-discrimination Policy                           p. 16
Wellness Policy                                           p. 16
Enrollment Priority Order                            p. 16
Waiting Lists                                                p. 16
Entrance to Kindergarten                             p. 16
Entrance to Grades 1-6                                p. 16
Transfer Students                                         p. 17
Media Center Policy                                    p. 17
Overdue Materials                                       p. 17
Conciliation Policy                                      p. 17
Budget Process                                            p. 18
Tuition Policy                                              p. 18
Dress Code                                                  p. 18-19        
Physical Education Attire                            p. 19
Promotion/Retention Policy                         p. 19 
Student Conduct                                          p. 19
No Bullying Policy                                      p. 19-20                     
General Playground Rules                           p. 20
Playground Equipment Rules                      p. 20-21
Minor Misconduct                                       p. 21
Major Misconduct                                       p. 21-22
Detention                                                     p. 22
Suspension                                                   p. 22-23
Expulsion                                                     p. 23
Smoking/Tobacco/ Alcohol/Drug Abuse    p. 23
Harassment policy                                       p. 23-24
Search and Seizure                                      p. 24
Radios, Electronics Policy                          p. 24
Crisis Management Policy                          p. 24-25
Weapons/Explosives/Dangerous Items       p. 25
Reporting of Child Abuse/Neglect              p. 26
Neglect Defined                                           p. 26
Abuse Defined                                             p. 26
Student Records                                           p. 26-27
Fees                                                              p. 27
Accounts Policy                                           p. 27
Financial Assistance                                     p. 27
Parish Investment                                         p. 27
Fund-Raising                                                p. 27
State and Federal Programs
School Lunch/Milk                                       p. 28
Snack Milk                                                    p. 28  
Title I                                                             p. 28 
Special Education                                          p. 28-29
Education Aids                                              p. 29
Transportation                                               p. 29
Role of Public School District                      p. 29 
Instruction/Training for Bus Safety              p. 29
Misconduct on the Bus                                 p. 29
Restrictions – Bus Students Only                 p. 29
Shared Time Program                                   p. 29
State Income Tax Deductions                       p. 30
Title IV – Safe and Drug Free Schools         p. 30
Title V – Block Grant                                    p. 30
Fire Drills/Tornado Drills                              p. 30
School Organizations
Home and School                                            p. 30
The Giving Tree                                              p. 30
Guardian Angels                                              p. 30
Picnic Social                                                    p. 30
Luncheons/Meals                                            p. 31
Home and School Executive Board                p. 31
School Personnel                                             p. 31 
Principal                                                          p. 31
School Secretary                                             p. 31
Book-Keeper                                                   p. 31 
Faculty                                                             p. 31
School Nurse                                                   p. 31
Substitute Teachers                                         p. 31-32
Maintenance Staff                                           p. 32
Updating Policies                                            p. 32
Addendum A                                                   p. 33-3
Addendum B                                                   p. 35-37
Sign off Sheet                                                  p. 38  

  

Introduction

Mission Statement

St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School Mission is to create a Catholic faith community that provides excellence in education and instills a commitment to service.

Philosophy

We the school community…

Believe that God’s creation of us gives us unique value and that we are called to create an environment that is respectful of ourselves and honors the diversity of others.

Believe in nurturing the Catholic, Christian faith life of each student, and in empowering all to live the Gospel message of peace & justice.

Believe that in partnership with parents we provide a foundation and environment that promotes learning as a life long journey.

Believe in helping students develop communication and critical thinking skills that will enable them to achieve their personal and academic potential.

Believe that God’s creation of the earth calls us to be responsible stewards.

Believe that we prepare students to become active citizens of a local and global community who lead and serve others.

Goals and Objectives

St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School will strive:

1.       To develop our Catholic faith through common worship and prayer, through the    study of scripture, doctrine, and social teachings.

2.        To work closely with parents/guardians in the education of their children.

3.     To help students develop a love of learning, the power to think constructively and reason independently.

4.         To lead students to a mastery of skills in specific subject areas.

5.        To foster a love of God, all human life, family, country, and the natural world.

6.        To offer students leadership and guidance in developing a responsible moral life.

7.        To encourage students to recognize and enhance individual abilities.

8.        To provide opportunities for students to give witness to their Christian faith by acts of service to others.

9.      To lead students to respect themselves and others, as well as understand and appreciate other cultures and peoples.

Important Phone Numbers

1. School office     320-251-2376

2. Fax                    320-529-3222

Administration

Pastors:     Fr. Tony Oelrich, Pastor

                  Fr. Aaron Kuhn, Associate Pastor

Principal:  Ms. Patricia Lindeman, B.S., M.A., Ed.S.

School Advisory Committee

St. Augustine & St. Mary’s Cathedral School Advisory Committee exists to form policies specifically for St. Augustine & St. Mary’s Cathedral School.  The School Advisory Committee consists of seven appointed members, the Pastors and the Principal.  These are open meetings.  Appointment of members is held during the first quarter of the calendar year. The School Advisory Committee serves in an advisory and consultative capacity to the pastor(s) and the principal of the school. The purpose and role of the School Advisory Committee is stated in the Articles of Incorporation, the Constitution, and the By-Laws of the school. The information is available in the school office. 

Parental Roles and Responsibilities

Parents/ guardians are informed of the programs, regulations, and policies of the school.

In assisting your child, we require the following:

1.        Familiarity with information contained in handbooks and other newsletters from the school.

2.        Inform the school in writing of:

1. student illness or absence
2. change in medical status (medication due to health reasons)
3. parental status and custodial constraints
4. change in transportation routine
5. change in address, phone, emergency contact, childcare etc.
6. arrangements that might affect communication with the school

3.        Meet financial obligation of tuition, fees, lunch accounts, or other accounts that apply.

4.    Parents who send their children to St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral school are asked to: 

    a.  Volunteer for at least one school activity during the school year, (i.e. committee  work, media center, teacher aide, playground, typing, field trips, lunch room, health clinic, telephoning, tasks done at home, etc.

     b. Support and help the mandatory fundraising efforts, which include the Workathon in October, Spring Fundraiser, and Spring Fish Fries during Lent.  We may need to add additional fund-raisers as needed in order to meet budgeted line items.

         c.   Help your child(ren) to be responsible in bringing home school communications each Thursday and in returning the “take-home” folder to school again promptly the next scheduled school day so that the following week’s information may be sent home. Please be sure to read all communications sent home.

          d.   Attend Parent-Teacher-Student conferences.

          e.   Support Home and School Association by attending meetings and paying the $25 fee.

     f.   Provide constructive comments to Teachers, Administrators and School Advisory Committee in writing.

As a school parent, you are encouraged to offer comments and suggestions to help us continue improving our educational mission.  If you have a concern, contact the person closest to the concern, (ie.Teac her or Principal.) A solution can usually be found through a conference or a phone call. If you prefer to express your concern in a letter, direct it to the person closest to the concern.  If the situation is not resolved, the parent should seek help at the next level, (die. Teacher with Principal, Principal with School Board.)  The final step for resolution within the school is a request by the parent for a closed hearing with the Principal and the School Board.

          g.   Meet admissions regulations.  This includes submitting the following completed forms:

·   Registration Form

·   Special Needs Disclosure Form

·   Custodial/Guardianship papers (court documents)

·   Copy of Birth Certificate (new students)

·   Copy of Baptismal Certificate (new students)

·   Copy of First Communion Certificate (students of age)

·   Copy of Social Security Card (new students)

·   Tuition Agreement

·   Free/Reduced Lunch Form

·   Authorization to Release Records (transfer students)

·   Report Cards (transfer students)

·   Standardized Test Results (transfer students)

·   Immunization Record Form (new students)

·   Student Health and Emergency Authorization Form

·   School Administration of Medicine Form (only if taking medicine at school)

·   Registration Fee

·   Supply Fee

·   Activity Fee

 h.  Comply with the policies, regulations, goals and objectives of the Catholic schools as identified in this parent/student handbook

Procedures

Contacting the School

The school’s office hours are 7:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. After these hours the answering machine/voice mail is available for any messages. Someone will contact you as soon as possible.

Attendance 

It is St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School policy that it will adhere to all State of Minnesota regulations concerning school attendance. All work missed by students who were absent must be made up as soon as possible after returning to school (also discussed in section on School Procedures of this manual.) Excessive absences often result in poor school work. When an absence is necessary; these steps are to be followed:

1.      Parents must call the school office no later than 8:30a.m. to inform the school of a student’s absence. The office will notify the teacher.   The office personnel will contact the parent/guardian regarding school absence, if the school is not notified.

2.   Parents/guardians will write an excuse giving name, date, days of absence, and reason for absence, which the student will present to the office upon return. Student will make immediate plans to do all make-up work due to absence upon return to school.

3.   Illness of the pupil or illness, death, or an emergency in the immediate family are  considered reasons for excused absences.  Consideration may also be made for special educational trips that are not too frequent or lengthy.  On these occasions, please contact the Principal and Teacher at least two weeks in advance. 

4.   All homework should be requested in the morning before classes begin and may be picked up at 3:00p.m.  It is student’s obligation to procure and complete work missed during an absence. If homework is to be picked up, please inform teachers in the morning who will come for the homework. Teachers will have assignments ready for pick-up after the regular school day. For each day a student is absent, they will have the same number of days to make-up the missing work.

5.      If absence is due to work, travel, or some other reason, parent/guardian should notify the school prior to the absence. Work may be issued ahead of time (at the teacher’s discretion) for students who anticipate being out of school. This work will need to be made up upon the students’ return.  Please try to limit lengthy vacations to natural breaks in the school calendar.  Available breaks are offered at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mid Winter, and Easter. 

Unexcused Absences

Babysitting, shopping, visiting, helping at home, long weekends etc. are normally considered unexcused absences. St Augustine and St Mary’s Cathedral follows the Minnesota Truancy law that states that any elementary school child missing three full days without a valid excuse is considered “continually” truant. 

A “habitual” truant means a child under the age of 16 years who is absent from attendance at school without lawful excuse for seven school days if the child is in elementary school. The names of truant children must be referred to the designated public school official.

Tardiness

Students who arrive after 8:15a.m. are considered tardy. If your child(ren) arrives later than 8:15am, he/she must check in at the office and get a late slip before going to the classroom.  Children arriving late must report to the school office. Excessive tardiness (more than three times per month) will result in parent/guardian being called and the student must make up the time missed.

Students reporting late miss the following: 

1.   Important school announcements/information 

2.   Classroom prayer 

3.   Reporting late also creates disruption of daily instruction.  If a child needs to leave school during the regular school day, parents are asked to sign the child out in the school office and wait in the office until the child meets them there.

*Teachers may not be held liable for missed instructions because of a child’s tardiness.

Written documentation is required from the home for the following reasons:

1.      To explain why a child was absent.

2.      To have a child stay in from recess because of illness, etc.  A doctor’s statement is needed when the request is for more than five consecutive days.

3.      To explain why a child can not participate in phy-ed or a portion of it (Doctor’s statement is needed if a child is unable to participate regularly in all or some of the phy-ed classes or other activities.)

4.      To keep a doctor or dental appointment. (These appointments should be made outside of school hours whenever possible).

5.       To be excused early from school for any reason.

6.       To be absent from school for any reason.

7.    To allow a child to participate in a field trip

No student may leave the premises at any time for any reason without a written request from the custodial parent/guardian and approval of the principal.

School Closing (emergency or inclement weather)

District 742 Transportation Department in conjunction with the Superintendent makes the decision relating to school closings or delays due to inclement weather.  You are asked to listen to the radio (KCLD-1450 or WJON-1200AM) to find out whether school will be in session, or if already in session, whether school will dismiss early. We also encourage you to tune in to WCCO T.V. Channel 4, ABC-Channel 5, UPN 9, or KARE 11 T.V.  We encourage you to discuss with your child the procedure to follow, should you not be at home and we ask that you fill out an emergency contact card annually in the event we have to contact a guardian other than yourself.

No announcement means that school is in session. We follow the decision made by St. Cloud School District #742. During bad weather a child’s safety is most important.

Reminder: SUNSET is not available when school closes early. 

Arrival/Dismissal

When dropping children off using the loop, you must enter from Wilson, drop off on the school side of the building so that they enter through Door A, and then simply exit.  Please do not let your child/children cross the road alone to come into the school.  When dropping off students, please drop off and continue on.  If you need to come in, please park your car elsewhere and come in.  This will allow traffic to flow more freely.  Remember to drive slowly in any school zone.  Of course you may also drop your student(s) off so that they come in Door D.  However, do not drive around the cones that are in place.  The cones are in place so that the vehicles do not drive through the area. 

Gates are closed at 8:30a.m. each school day between the Church and the School.  

Children who go home by car must be picked up at 2:55p.m. at Door D. For safety reasons, no child will be released until a parent or authorized person comes to door "D". 
We ask that your children be picked up by 3:10p.m. unless other arrangements have been made. After 3:10p.m. students not picked up will be sent to the sunset program. 
Parents will be billed for a one-time registration fee of $10.00 and for an hourly rate for this service.

Visitors

All parents/guardians or visitors must sign in at the office before going to a classroom.

Parents/ guardians and visitors are welcome for open houses and special programs. Visitors who wish to observe classrooms are asked to make an appointment with the appropriate teacher and check in at the office before going to the classroom. You will be given a badge to wear while in the building.  When you leave, please return the badge and sign out in the office. If you are picking up your child(ren) for an appointment, please sign them out, and then wait in the office for them to come to you. 

When returning your child to school during school hours, you must also report to the office and sign them in.  This enables the office staff to know that your child is back in the building.

Persons not reporting to the school office will be considered trespassers and will be reported to the local authorities.

Valuables

School insurance does not cover loss of personal possessions; therefore students are to refrain from bringing radios, tape players, cameras, etc. to school.

Money

When money is sent to school, it should be placed in an envelope and labeled with the student's name, grade, and the purpose of the money.

School Services

School Pictures

Individual and classroom pictures are taken once each year. Notification of this will be given well in advance of the photography session.

Yearbook

The school publishes a yearbook each school year. Individual or classroom pictures are featured in the yearbook, as well as other photographs portraying the many activities and events that take place.  Notification regarding the cost and time when the yearbook is available is sent to the parents/guardians.

Field Trips

Field trips are part of the educational program. These trips are designed to support the curriculum and introduce the students to community resources. Students are expected to participate in field trips and parent/guardians will be notified.

Insurance regulations of Catholic Mutual require the use of the parent/guardian authorization form each time the students participate in a field trip. Failure to return the form means that the student may not go on the field trip and must stay at school. Phone calls to or from parents/guardians do not fulfill authorization requirements for participation. Whenever possible, field trip participants travel by bus. Should it be necessary to use transportation provided by parents in private vehicles, parent/guardian will be notified. All private vehicles used to transport students must have documented current registration and proof of insurance.

All student-sponsored field trips should have an educational purpose and outcome.

See Appendix A for a copy of the permission form.

Guest Speakers/Assemblies

Throughout the year, assemblies may be held with invited resource guests to enhance the students’ learning opportunities. Guest speakers invited and topics discussed should be consistent with the mission, philosophy, and objectives of the school.

Telephone Usage

Children may not use the school phone except in cases of an emergency.  While we willingly respond to your emergency needs, we ask that messages to the child at school be kept to a prudent minimum.

A child may not call home to make arrangements to go home with a friend, to have a parent/guardian bring forgotten items, books, assignments, etc.  As a rule, neither teachers nor pupils are called to the phone during the hours of class. Messages may be left with the school secretary if it is necessary to contact either a student or teacher.   

Server Training
Server training is provided for interested students in 5^th and 6^th grade.

Parochial Athletic Association (PAA)
Various sports are offered, for fee, throughout the year for students in grades 5 and 6.

Band
Band is offered, for a fee, throughout the year for interested students in grades 4-6. This year, St. Augustine & St. Mary’s Cathedral School will have an on-site band. Students will have individual lessons as well as a once a week on-site rehearsal.

Lost and Found
Lost items will be kept in the lost and found area of the school. Encourage students to check for lost items in the lost and found area when something is missing.  Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities at the end of each trimester.

School Supplies
Parents/guardians will provide school supplies for their child/children, according to the supply list provided by the school each year.

Achievement Testing

Students are tested for achievement annually. The main purpose for the testing is to help with curriculum planning. Students in grades second through sixth are tested annually Parents/guardians will be notified of the test results by a computerized report.

Health Screening

Public school personnel will conduct annual vision, hearing, and scoliosis examinations of all students according to District #742 requirements.  Teachers, Office Staff, and Administration are all trained in CPR and First Aid.  In addition, some are trained to use an emergency AED unit, which we have on site.

Medication

No medication (emergency or otherwise) including cough drops is given to a student unless prescribed by the child's physician and provided by the parent with accompanying
 parent permission form. All medications must by brought to school in the prescription bottle, which must include child's name, physician’s name, and dosage of medication.
Medications brought to school in envelopes, baggies, etc. cannot be accepted. Parents must bring the medication to school and leave it in the school office. A permission form,
which can be obtained from the school office, must be filled out and filed at school for each kind of medication that is to be administered.

A prescribed epipen is needed for any student who is allergic to bee stings. 

Illness/Injury During School

If your child becomes ill or injured at school, we will make every effort to notify you

immediately. We ask that parents fill out an emergency card for each child and immediately return it to school. This is kept on file so that parents or other authorized persons can be contacted in an emergency. The principal, secretary, or school nurse dismisses or approves the dismissal of a student who becomes ill or injured during the school day. You will be asked to take your child home or to a family physician for medical attention if needed.

If emergency treatment is required, your written permission on the emergency card will enable us to call a doctor and/or ambulance should we need to act quickly.
We would contact you as soon as possible. The expense of a doctor or ambulance is carried by the parent.

When a student is ill, the student must be clear of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hrs. before returning to school.  Additionally, students must have a 98.6 temperature for 24 hours prior to returning to school.

Special health needs

If you have notified the school of any student health issues, the information will be on that student's health card, and the teachers will be made aware on a need to know basis.

Communication

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/Teacher conferences are held in the fall. A parent/guardian and or teacher may request a special conference at any time as the need arises.

Progress Reports
Progress reports are issued three times a year.  Conferences are held twice a year.

Report Cards
Report cards are issued at the end of each trimester. Progress reports are sent out mid-trimester to parents/guardians.

Parent/Student Handbook

The Parent/Student handbook is issued upon admission of the family to the school.

Take Home Folder

This will contain newsletters, classroom notes, and pertinent notices.

Verbal Communication

To help with the lines of communication between teachers and parents/guardians the following actions should be taken:
A. If the parent/guardian has a concern about what is happening in the classroom,   please make an appointment with the teacher.
B.  If you have met with the teacher and are not satisfied, then make an appointment with the principal. At that time, a meeting with the teacher, student, principal, and parents/guardians may be called.
C. If you are still not satisfied with the results of the meeting with the principal, then make an appointment with the Pastor.
D.      If still not satisfied, a statement may be filed with the School Advisory Committee, who will decide whether to pursue the concern.

Religious Education

The formal study of the Catholic religion, as well as curriculum which reflects Catholic values and tradition, are integral parts of our total education. It is St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School policy that all students, including non-Catholics, attend religious instruction and liturgies. All students participate in religion classes. The students take turns preparing the liturgy for the weekly school Mass. Parents/guardians are invited to attend Mass whenever their schedules permit. On holy days of obligation, the students attend Mass on the holy days in lieu of their regularly scheduled day.

Homework

Homework refers to tasks that the student is assigned to do on his/her own time after school hours. Homework assignments serve as a means of providing a review required for classroom success.

Homework Responsibilities of Teachers

1.     Communicating to students and parents/guardians homework goals and expectations.
2.   Setting clear and concise expectations concerning assigning, returning, and evaluating homework.
3.   Coordinating homework assignments with other teachers with whom students work, and who may assign homework.
4.      Assigning appropriate homework according to students’ needs.

Homework Responsibilities of Students
1.       Knowing and understanding the purpose of the homework assignment.
2.    Copying assignments into assignment notebook, understanding directions, and knowing what is required for completion of the assignment.
3.    Completing and returning assignments.
4.    Understanding when some assignments are to be completed independently, others as a team effort.
5.        Completing assignments neatly and doing quality work.

Homework Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
1.     Maintaining a positive attitude towards learning and the values of homework.
2.   Being aware of the homework policy and individual teacher requirements.
3.   Helping your child find a study area that is quiet and relatively free of distractions.
4.   Being patient with your child and praising him/her for any efforts made.
5.   If the child has trouble understanding directions, helping her/him with explanations.
6.   Looking over the assignment to affirm completion and quality. Praising your child.
7.   Supporting the teacher and the child.

Policies

Immunizations

The Minnesota State Law requires that children have proof of immunity from rubella (red or hard measles), rubella (German measles), diphtheria, polio, mumps, Chicken Pox 
and Hepatitis B before they enter school. Parents are requested to take care of this through their family doctor.  If a parent has all the verifications of shots required, he/she, 
rather than the doctor noted on the form, may indicate dates of shots and may sign the form.

Treats at School

City Health Department regulations and the Minnesota Department of Health state that no home baked goods be brought into school for health reasons.  If your child 
wishes to bring treats for his or her classmates on special occasions, we suggest you bring commercially prepared non-sweet treats such as crackers, pretzels and/or fruit. 
Please do not provide gum treats.  We are a peanut safe environment.  Please make sure that all treats are peanut free and given to the classroom teacher to distribute.  

See Appendix B for more information.

General Admission 

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School to comply with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination, to the end that no person(s) shall be denied or excluded from enrollment or participation in any educational program or activity operated by the school on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, martial status, status with regard to public assistance, or disability.

Every local effort should be made to provide each qualifying Catholic child the opportunity to attend a Catholic school regardless of financial situation of the family. Families should seek advice of their pastor if a financial problem arises.

Wellness Policy

In fulfilling the obligation imposed by Public Law 108-265 requiring all educational agencies which participate in programs authorized by the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act (42 U.S.C. 1751 et seq) or the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 (42 U.S.C. 1771 et seq) to establish a local school wellness policy, the following resolution was adopted by the St. Augustine St. Mary’s Cathedral Board of Directors on June 13, 2006.

It is the policy of St. Augustine & St. Mary’s Cathedral School to maintain a Wellness plan which complies with federal laws promoting curriculum and student activities related to student health, preventing childhood obesity, and combating problems associated with poor nutrition and physical inactivity. 

Admission and Registration Policies

The policy for registering students at St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School is as follows:

Enrollment Priority Order

Students currently enrolled, provided they register by the established registration date set by the school, and that tuition is paid for the current school year (refer to “BUDGET #S402.10: Tuition and Fee Policies: Tuition in Parish”).
1.     Parishioners on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Enrollment lists are established for all future years so that any parishioner may place a child on a waiting list at any time.
2.     Non-parishioners have final option on a first-come first-serve basis after parishioners’ cut-off date has expired, except that non-parishioners who have a child in the school have enrollment priority

Waiting Lists

Waiting lists will be established when grades are filled. The decision to open another classroom would be made at a later date by the Principal in consultation with the teacher(s).

Entrance to Kindergarten

St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School requires children who enter kindergarten to be five years old by September 1^st of the year in which they will enroll. Children will attend all day Kindergarten sessions Monday-Friday from 8:15a.m. until 2:55p.m.

Entrance to Grades 1-6

Preference will be given to members of the parish if the enrollment is closed at certain levels. 

Transfer Students

In general, students will not be accepted at the school after the beginning of the school year unless there has been a change of residence or other extenuating circumstances. Admission to the school is contingent upon having met all financial obligations at a previous private school. Prior to admission, the school and the parent/guardian of the student(s) should agree on the tuition and other expense obligations, and other expectations concerning completion of that school year.

Media Center Policy

The student or other person who checks material out of the Media Center is responsible for it.  It must be returned in good condition. If Media Center material is not 
returned, it must be paid for in full. If the material is found and returned later, the previous payment will be refunded, provided the material is in good condition.

Overdue Materials

a.   Students receive four overdue notices. The first three notices are sent home through the homeroom teacher who notifies the students of the overdue material. 
The fourth notice gets mailed directly to the student and states the materials must be returned or paid for within the week.

b.   Notify Teacher/Librarian if damage occurs.

c.   The damage will be discussed with the student and a parent will be notified with a phone call or note.

d.   A student with any damaged material will be unable to check anything else out of the Media Center until the damage fee is paid in full.

Conciliation Policy S519.10

 ***Student discipline is not covered by this policy.  Student discipline includes suspension/expulsion.

Any parent of a child at St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School is encouraged to offer suggestions and input to assist the school in carrying out its education mission.  A solution can usually be found by contacting the person closest to the concern.  

Policy:  If a matter cannot be resolved at the above level, the parent may file a formal complaint by:

1.         Stating the concern in writing to the Teacher or Principal of the school. The complaint will be logged in an Incident Report. A response will be made within (10) days after the receipt of the complaint.  *

2.         If a dispute has not been settled satisfactorily at this level, the parent has the right to appeal in writing to the School Advisory Committee.

3.         At the next regularly scheduled School Advisory Committee meeting, the School Advisory Committee, Pastor and Principal will hear the grievance in executive session with the parent. The decision of the School Advisory Committee is final. 

*The term “days” shall mean days other than Saturdays Sundays,   religious and legal holidays.

Policy Adopted:  April, 1996  St. Augustine School Boa