The Parent-Student Handbook

PHILOSOPHY

St. Ann Regional School is a regional Catholic elementary school in the Diocese of Camden.  Our primary purpose is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that students will recognize the power of the message and integrate it into their lives.  In the spirit of the Sisters of Saint Joseph special emphasis is given to the gospel call of unity and reconciling love.  The school sees itself as a community of faith whose members include students, parents, faculty, staff, and administration. 

We recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children and the school assists them in this awesome responsibility.  This school community of faith reaches out to embrace the larger community.  We believe that human potential is fulfilled only when we use our power to serve others.  We make efforts to extend our students’ interests beyond themselves into their neighboring community and the world.  The intellectual development of our students is critical.  We strive to have each student reach his/her potential.  We are aware of the developmental stages of growth and strive to assist students to develop healthy self concepts since we believe each student has inestimable value. 

At St. Ann Regional School we understand the importance of positive teacher and student relationships and we attempt to create an atmosphere where students support and encourage their peers.  We hope to instill an attitude of respect and understanding.  Our teachers see themselves as ministers who continue the work of Christ.  We know that parents are their child’s first educators and we recognize our responsibility to keep parents informed of their child’s academic and behavioral progress.  Together, parents and teachers work for the best interest of the child.  This kind of cooperative relationship helps in the total development of the child.  The faculty and administration of St. Ann Regional School work to develop a Christian atmosphere in the school.  By example and instruction we integrate beliefs, values and the practice of faith both in the classroom and in the community.
 
To live out this philosophy, we are dedicated to the following objectives:
   
1) To give priority to religious values in a society which is often motivated by materialism, consumerism and violence.
2) To help students achieve a reasonable mastery of curriculum and to respond with sensitivity to cultural and aesthetic experiences.
3) To foster self-appreciation and self-respect in our students by helping them to be aware of their own gifts and limitations.
4) To help each student develop a sense of integrity, self-discipline and responsibility to self and others.
5) To consult parents and other interested adults about procedures, progress and evaluation of programs.
6) To extend our students’ interests beyond themselves into their neighboring community and the world.
   

IMPORTANT NOTICE

    

The principal has the absolute discretion to interpret and apply any and all of the rules and provisions in this handbook in the manner the principal believes to be correct.  Nothing this handbook says limits the principal’s authority to interpret and apply the rules.

Even though this handbook explains penalties that can be imposed for certain types of misconduct or prohibited behavior, you should be aware that the principal has the right and the authority to impose different or additional penalties and to impose penalties for offenses that are not specifically listed in this handbook, if the principal concludes that the conduct or behavior is harmful to the good order and discipline of the school, its religious mission or its educational objectives.  This includes disciplinary action for conduct that occurs on the school premises or at other locations.  The penalties may include suspension and/or expulsion.
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Childhood is a journey not a race
    DAILY SCHEDULE    
 
8:05 –   2:30 Regular schedule
8:05 – 12:30 Faculty Meeting Day
8:05 – 11:20 Prior to a Holiday
8:05 AM Prayer Bell Student will be marked late if arriving after this bell.
 8:05 -   12:15 Morning Session
12:16 -    2:25 Afternoon Session

 

  
ACADEMIC POLICIES:

We value the academic progress of our students.  Teachers regularly monitor students’ understanding of material through tests, quizzes, projects, homework, class work, and class participation.

Students are graded on tests, quizzes, projects, homework, class work, class participation.
 

The report schedule for 2009-2010 is:

            Interim Reports                                 October 13    

            Report Card Conferences                 November 16

            Interim Reports                                 December 14

            Report Cards                                    February 1

            Interim Reports                                 March 1

            Report Cards                                    April 12

            Final Reports                                     June 22

            Homework – Ordinarily students have homework assignments Monday – Thursday.  These assignments are designed to reinforce material learned.  Long range project assignments are also part of out of school learning.
 
            Iowa Testing -  Students in Grades 3 – 8 take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills in March.  Parents receive a copy of the results of the child’s performance in May
            Promotion -  Successful completion of grade work allows the student to move to the next grade.  If retention is considered teachers will be in contact with parents and decisions will be made in the best interest of the child.
 
ARRIVAL: 
Students are to arrive between 7:50 – 8:00 AM.
Students assemble outside their classrooms and enter the room at the direction of teachers.

N.B.   The parking lot is closed to vehicular traffic from 7:45 AM – 2:45 PM.  Drop students off on the sidewalk.  Do not drive through the parking lot.
    ATTENDANCE:     
   

Each student is expected to attend school every day that school is in session.  All absences count as days not in school.  Some are excused, but they are counted as absences.  Unexcused absences are truancy.

    

Excused Absences

1.  Illness
   A.  Parents notify the school no later than 9:30 AM each day that a student is absent.  Calls may be left on the answering machine.  Also, parents send a note when the student returns.  For your convenience we are distributing absent forms which may be used.

   B.  If a student is absent three or more consecutive days for illness, a doctor’s note is required in addition to parental call and note.

2.  Vacation

   A.  Ordinarily, no more than 5 days will be considered excused.

   B.  Parents must send a note to the teacher one week in advance of the vacation and also send a note upon return.

Parents are strongly encouraged to plan vacations
around school vacation times.
 

3.  Personal (Family Emergency – Funeral)
Parents are to call no later than 9:30 AM and also supply a note upon the student’s return.

If a student is absent ten (10) days (cumulative) parents will be notified by letter.  If absence reaches eighteen (18) days a parent conference is mandated.

Teachers may require students who have been absent to make-up work either after school or on a Saturday.
 

WE ENCOURAGE PARENTS TO MAKE THE REGULAR SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

OF THEIR CHILDREN A TOP PRIORITY.
 
BUS:
Dennis Township, Middle Township and Lower Township students are eligible to receive transportation, which is provided by the township.

CELL PHONE USE:                                                                                                                               Please see Money-Valuable sections.                                                                                                                                       

 
COMMUNICATION: 
A newsletter is distributed once a month as an attachment via the family's e-mail address.  This includes a monthly calendar and other pertinent information.  Please make sure your e-mail address is current in the school office.  Families without e-mail access will receive newsletters and other pertinent information through their oldest/only student.
 
   

Parent Conferences - Parents may request a conference by calling the school office. Ordinarily, conferences regarding a child’s progress and/or conduct in a particular class are between the parent and teacher involved.  If a resolution is not reached, the Principal may be called in to facilitate communication so that the best interest of the child is served.

Parent Teacher Association - PTA meetings scheduled throughout the year.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these meetings and to support the PTA in all its endeavors.

 

    

Our website www.stannregional.org contains the latest school news.
COMPUTER/INTERNET USE:
St. Ann Regional School has computers in each classroom and in the computer lab. Students are to respect the work and passwords of all other students and all teachers.  Failure to do so could result in a student being denied computer time. 

All of these computers have Internet access.  Use of the Internet is a privilege.  No student may use the Internet without teacher direction and/or supervision.  By signing the form indicating that you have read the handbook parents/guardians agree to accept all financial and legal liabilities which could result from their child’s unauthorized use of the school Internet connection thus releasing the school from any liability relating to such unauthorized actions.

In addition, parents are to sign and return The Acceptable Use Policy, Internet/Electronic Guidelines, and the Release, Hold Harmless Form regarding the use of a student’s photo on the website and/or newspaper.  All these forms are distributed the first day of school. 
 
CUSTODY:
When parents are separated/divorced a copy of custody papers is to be submitted to the school. When custody rules change the school must be notified.  The school must also be aware of and have copies of any restraining orders or other pertinent legal documents. St. Ann Regional School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents.  In the absence of a court order to the contrary, we will, upon request, provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and other school related information.  If there is a court order to the contrary, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. 

Non-custodial or joint custodial parents who wish to receive copies of communication (newsletters/report cards, letters from teachers) should notify the school office of their e-mail address. 

Go to The Parent-Student Handbook Page 2