Handbook Page 2


		DISCIPLINE:
		Students are expected to behave in conformity with Catholic Christian principles. Both school and classroom regulations are geared toward reverencing the dignity of each person. In all situations the staff members endeavor to treat all students with consideration, respect and fairness and help them take responsibility for all their actions including their mistakes.

		Generally, classroom teachers are responsible for handling discipline problems within their classroom. Parents are required to cooperate with and support the efforts of teachers in this regard.


		Gum - students are not to chew gum anywhere on the premises from arrival in the morning until after dismissal in the afternoon. Infractions of this rule may result in a student receiving detention.


		Language - We strive to have students recognize that the ability to speak is a gift from God and that they are to speak appropriately at all times. Cursing, vulgarity and insults directed at others will not be accepted. Students using such language may be liable for detention. If such infractions continue parents will be notified and the student may be liable for in-school suspension.


		Note Writing - Students are NOT to write notes to or about one another. If note writing is discovered both writer and recipient may be liable to detention


		Respect for Property - Students are to treat all property respectfully. They are not to write on or damage books, desks or any school property.

		Other - More serious infractions such as, but not limited to: disruptive behavior, stealing, disrespect, fighting, harassment, vandalism, smoking, truancy, will be referred to the Principal. According to circumstances, such behavior may make a student liable for in-school suspension. If in-school suspension is considered appropriate, parents will be notified.

		Possession or use of drugs or alcohol, possession of firearms or other weapons, violent threats, or repeated violations of infractions mentioned above make a student liable for expulsion. Expulsion is never taken lightly and procedures as laid down by the Diocese of Camden will be followed in the event expulsion is being considered.

		Discipline is not an easy area to deal with and clear-cut rules cannot always apply. We reserve the right to exercise professional judgment, in keeping with our Christian standards, in all disciplinary situations.

		Finally, it is absolutely essential that parents and the school are united as a team in support of these policies. It is also essential that students perceive this union clearly. Only then will the school discipline policies be successful. Only then will the best interest of all students be served. The school reserves the right to dismiss any student whose parent or guardian refuses to cooperate with the policies established in this handbook or engages in conduct which is detrimental to the reputation of the school.


		DISMISSAL:
		Parents are not to enter the building prior to dismissal. They are to wait for their child/children in the parking lot area. If there is need to conduct business in school this can be done after lines have left the building. Lines are called from 2:30 – 2:35 PM. Bus students board on New Jersey Avenue. Car riders are picked up on Magnolia or Glenwood Avenues. Students are to go directly to their cars. Students are not to play in the parking lot at dismissal. Students are not to linger on the premises after 2:30 PM. The school does not provide supervision after dismissal. Should a student have to wait for a parent who is delayed, the student is to wait by the gate. Please park legally; double parking is NOT allowed. Bike riders are to WALK THEIR BIKES ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES.

		During dismissal the parking lot is open to pedestrian traffic only. The safety of our children at dismissal is a responsibility we all share. We ask those parents transporting students in grades 4 – 8 park on the east side of Pacific Avenue or the west side of New Jersey Avenue. This will free parking spaces closer to school for parents of younger students. Please remember –YOU MAY NOT DOUBLE PARK EVEN FOR A MOMENT.

		Please do not encourage students to jay walk. Rather, instruct them to cross at the corners.

		EARLY DISMISSAL:
		Written request for early dismissal should be presented to the homeroom teacher, signed by the Principal and presented to the school nurse. Students are to meet in the Nurse’s Office and be signed out by a designated adult. Ordinarily, students are not to leave early with parents who are present at school for assemblies or other functions.

		EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM:
		St. Ann Regional School offers an Extended Day Program (EDP) for students in Preschool – Grade 5. For additional information, contact Sister Sheila or Mrs. Janet Graiff.

		EMERGENCY CLOSING:
		We will contact you on your home and/or cellular telephone regarding emergency closings, or early emergency dismissals during the school day, utilizing our instant call system. In addition, closings will be listed on Channel 6 TV.

		EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
		Participation in Extracurricular activities is a privilege. Students wishing to participate must be cooperative and generally well behaved during the year. If a student exhibits unsatisfactory conduct, he/she will be given a formal warning. Should the unsatisfactory conduct continue, he/she will be suspended from extracurricular activities – cheerleading, teams, Student Council, safeties, etc., for a significant period of time and until improvement is shown and teachers and coaches agree to restore the privilege.

		Any major offense could also result in suspension from extracurricular activities.

		We value the academic aspect of school; therefore, students who show lack of interest in or responsibility for classwork and homework, will be suspended from activities until improvement is shown.


		Students absent from school may not participate in practices or games that same day.



		FIELD TRIPS:
		Field trips are planned and organized by homeroom teachers. While such trips are educationally beneficial, they are also a privilege. If a student’s record indicates any reason why he/she should not go on the trip, the school reserves the right to deny the student the trip. NO STUDENT may go on a field trip if his/her permission form has not been filed. Ordinarily, if a student is not attending a field trip for any reason, he/she is expected to report to school.

		HEALTH:
		St. Ann Regional School enjoys the services of a part-time nurse. If a child becomes sick or is injured at home, parents/guardians must see to his/her treatment BEFORE the child comes to school. Visits to the Nurse's Office during class hours are for emergency treatment only.
		Medications - All medication, prescription or over the counter must be kept in the nurse’s office. A Medication Request Form must be completed, signed by a physician and parent/guardian, and kept on file in the Nurse's Office. A faxed order from a physician is acceptable. Our fax number is 522-5329. No student will be permitted to carry medication while in school. Emergency medications are the only exception, and they must be approved by the prescribing physician, principal, and school nurse. Over-the-counter medication must be brought to school in an unopened container with the student’s name written on it. Prescription medication must be in the pharmacy container with the pharmacy label attached. A faxed order from a physician is acceptable. The nurse will not give any medication that does not follow these regulations.
		Screenings – Throughout the school year vision, hearing, height & weight, blood pressure, body mass, color perception, and scoliosis (for those students of the required age) screenings will be conducted by the school nurse. If you choose to have your own physician perform these screenings please notify the nurse and provide her with a copy of the results.
		Head Lice – Head checks will be performed at various times during the school year. Please check your child’s hair regularly. Any student found to have head lice will be excluded from school until they are treated and their hair is found to be free of lice and nits (eggs).
		Immunizations – Each child must complete all required immunizations in order to attend school. The nurse oversees records to be sure that all state regulations regarding immunization are followed. Please inform the nurse throughout the school year of any changes to your child’s health record.

		LATENESS:
		Students are to be present by 8:00 AM. Prayers commence at 8:05. If a student comes in after prayers begin, a late slip is to be obtained at the School Office. Repeated lateness is disruptive and a serious offense. Any student late more than three times may be required to make up the time by remaining in school until 3:00PM. Once the student has made-up the time, he/she is again allowed three lates. This policy is for students in Grades 2 through 8. Parents are urged to see that their children are on time each day.

Immunizations – Each child must complete all required immunizations in order to attend school. The nurse oversees records to be sure that all state regulations regarding immunization are followed. Please inform the nurse throughout the school year of any changes to your child’s health record.