SAINT MARGARET SCHOOL
PHILOSOPHY
St. Margaret School in Lowell, Massachusetts is an accredited Catholic school where religious instruction and a strong prayer life are an integral part of the school day.
We create a learning environment where educational, emotional, and moral guidance is fostered. Our mission is to provide our students with the knowledge and confidence necessary to enrich their lives.
Teaching global awareness, social justice, and moral values is basic to our curriculum.
In a world that is often unstable and unpredictable, the St. Margaret community provides an environment which is secure, stable, structured, multi-ethnic, and caring.
Collaboration of the School, Church, and Family communities enables us to respond to the challenges and changes that today's world demands.
Respect and responsibility are virtues which are evident in our relationships and in our attitudes. They are based on our belief in a loving and good God who calls us to love - love God, and love others.
As we progress through the 21st century, we will continue to review our past, examine our present, and challenge ourselves to meet the future recognizing our commitment as stated in Luke's Gospel, "How good it is for us to be here." (Luke 9:33)
MISSION
St. Margaret School provides students with the knowledge and confidence necessary to enrich their lives. Through the intergration of religious truths, we foster the development of mutual respect and a sense of responsibility that encourages the building of community and a life of service.
MOTTO
"It is good for us to be here". (Luke 9:33).
ADMISSIONS
The goal of our Catholic Schools is to present Catholic faith and Catholic teaching to our students in a rigorous academic, spiritual and moral education program. Catholic school students strive for high academic achievement, are taught to love and worship God, and live the Gospel teachings. Catholic school students work together, build community and give service to others.
Our schools welcome and do not discriminate against or exclude any categories of students. Admission is dependent both on academic qualifications and the desire to promote what is in the best interest of the student. Students are considered “academically qualified” if they meet a school’s written academic criteria for admission. Academically qualified Catholic students may be given priority for admission to Catholic Schools.
Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students in Catholic schools must accept and understand that the teachings of the Catholic Church are an essential and required part of the curriculum.
Registration starts during Catholic Schools Week - Jan. 30 – Feb. 6.
It is announced in the Parish Bulletin.
The following must be presented prior to acceptance:
birth certificate, baptismal certificate,
immunization record, most recent report card (Grades 1-7 only)
A minimal screening/processing fee is charged when application for admission is filed. This fee is non-refundable.
ATTENDANCE
State law requires that children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school regularly. A student can never make up a day that is missed even though some of the assignments may be completed independently. It is important that parents make every effort to insure that their children are in school every day.
Punctuality - being on time - is a part of attendance. Students should be in school for classes to begin at 7:50.
ABSENCE
If a student is ill and will not attend school, the parent or guardian is to contact the School Office between 7:30 and 8:15 A.M. (453-8491; 458-7870)
A written note of excuse indicating the student's name, grade, and reason for the absence is required when the student returns to School. This note is to be presented to the classroom teacher.
Make-up assignments are the responsibility of the student. Assignments made up and handed in on time will be given credit. If the assignment is not completed and passed in by the required date, credit will not be given.
APPOINTMENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS
Whenever possible appointments with doctors, dentists, etc. are to be made outside school hours. If the appointment must be scheduled during the school day, it is recommended that the student be in attendance before or after the appointment whenever this is possible.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
K1 - K2: Children are to be brought into the Nangle Hall and directly to the K2 waiting area.
Parents are requested to leave promptly. The children will be supervised.
GRADES 1-8
Walkers: Students who walk to school are asked to enter through the school gate marked "Walkers". If walkers enter through one of the other two gates, they are to exercise caution, because they will be using an entrance or exit designated for cars.
Riders: All cars are to enter through the gate on Stevens Street marked "cars".
Drivers are to remember they are in a schoolyard and to proceed with caution following the established procedure:
* Drive slowly
* Use lanes # 2 and #4 only.
* Proceed beyond the middle of the schoolyard.
* Observe the coned areas.
* Discharge riders from the left side of the car if possible.
* Exit the schoolyard carefully.
(In order to avoid a traffic back-up on Stevens Street, drivers are to leave no spaces in the parking lanes. If a driver needs to enter the building, the car is to be parked in lanes #5 and #6.)
All students are expected to stay within the designated safety area in the school yard. This is the yellow lined area around the back side of the school building and the yellow lined area on the right side of the school building.
When the 7:40 AM bell rings, students are to line up orderly:
Grades 1-4 will enter the building through the doors near the School Office.
Grades 5-8 will enter the building through the doors to Nangle Hall.
When weather is very cold or inclement, students are to come directly into the building and to wait in the Nangle Hall for the 7:40 AM bell. Running and loud voices are not allowed. Students are expected to stay within the established bounds of Nangle Hall.
CANCELLATIONS
For inclement weather SMS follows the City of Lowell school cancellation and delayed openings decisions.
If there is “no school” or a “delayed opening” in Lowell, SMS will have “no school” or a “delayed opening”.
The local radio and television stations broadcast or scroll these decisions.
If there is a delayed opening, it may be a one hour, ninety minute, or two hour delay. A delayed opening will mean that start time will be delayed by one hour (8:50) , ninety minutes (9:20), or two hours (9:50).
A delayed opening will mean cancellation of the K1 AM Session.
CARS IN THE SCHOOL YARD
Before school volunteers and visitors to the School are asked to park their cars in the last two lanes - # 5 and #6. This allows other cars to travel through lanes #2 and # 4 and discharge their children without being blocked by cars without drivers at the wheel.
During school hours volunteers and visitors to the School are asked to park their cars in these same lanes - #5 and #6. This allows room in the school yard for the students to play and yet not be too near parked cars.
Do not park in the parking spaces designated for school staff.
Field trip chaperones who leave cars are requested to park their cars in the lot on the corner of Parker and Wilder Streets - the Callery Park lot.
CENSORSHIP
The Principal of the School has the right to censor items submitted for inclusion in any School publication. All publications are to reflect the values expressed in St. Margaret School Philosophy.
CHANGES IN THE USUAL DISMISSAL ROUTINE
Students will not be allowed to change their usual dismissal routine unless written parental permission has been sent to the School. This is to ensure the safety of the students, and to assure that School personnel know where students are at dismissal and their usual routes.
If there is a telephone message regarding a change in the usual routine procedure, it is important that the telephone call be made prior to 1:45. A call later than 1:45 does not allow sufficient time to get the message to the student.
CHECK FEE
A $25.00 “check fee” will be incurred when a check is returned to the school for "insufficient funds". This fee will be increased, if the fee from the bank is increased. If a check on the tuition account is returned, the check fee will be added to the tuition balance.
CHEATING POLICY
Academic assessments allow students to have a realistic idea of their comprehension of the subject content in any curriculum area, and these same assessments are the instruments which a teacher uses to discern the level of comprehension which the students have acquired, and the concepts and skills which have been mastered. If these assessments are not valid, they are of no use to the student or to the teacher.
Cheating is wrong, and that it will not be tolerated. SMS has a written policy regarding cheating and the consequences. This is given to the parents of students in Grades 5-8 at the beginning of each school year.
CLASS ASSIGNMENTS /ASSESSMENTS
Teachers regularly send home to parents copies of the students' schoolwork.
If parents do not "see" schoolwork, they are strongly encouraged to contact the teachers. Progress Reports and Report Cards should not be "surprises".
Communication between parents and teachers is necessary to promote the development of good learning habits.
COMMUNICATION / SUPPORT
Good Communication is encouraged; good communication is two-way communication.
When questions or concerns arise, parents are encouraged to gain their information from the proper sources, namely the School. Likewise, the School will seek to gain information from students, teachers, parents involved.
Verifying information heard is the first step in obtaining the truth. Parents and School need to support one another if we desire our children to develop a healthy respect for authority.
Gossip, especially negative gossip, and rumors are not accurate or respectful manners of obtaining information. Children learn what teachers and parents model.
Order of Procedure to use regarding questions or concerns:
1. Contact the teacher.
2. If the issue is not resolved,
contact the Principal.
3. The Principal will indicate what
further steps are to be taken, if any.
CORI
To insure the personal safety of our students all employees, parent volunteers, and volunteers are required to approve access to a criminal record check. This is done annually. We encourage all parents to complete a CORI form, particularly if you wish to chaperone any field trips, volunteer in the classrooms or at school functions. The results of this check are confidential.
DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
St. Margaret School has a Development Office. Some major responsibilities of this Office are an annual giving campaign, alumni outreach, public relations, and marketing.
In addition, some specific events coordinated through this office are the SMS Spirit-a-thon, two Grandparents' Days, the Pot O’ Gold Raffle and Corned Beef and Cabbage Supper, and a Spring Event. Making connections with corporate agencies is also a responsibility of this Office.
Parents are expected to assist with and support the activities of the Development Office.
DISCIPLINE CODE
Building self -esteem and learning to accept responsibility for one's behavior are important components of our discipline philosophy.
Every student is expected to demonstrate respect and responsibility.
Respect for God.
Respect for oneself. This includes accepting responsibility for one's own actions and decision-making.
Respect for the talents and abilities given by God, and a serious intent to develop these talents.
Respect for teachers, staff, and volunteers.
Respect for other students, their rights, their personalities, and their cultures.
Respect for St. Margaret School, the property of the School, the policies and rules of the School, and the reputation of the school.
Respect for the World - responsible stewardship for the gifts of Creation.
Responsibility to live out the value of respect.
Students are expected to follow the regulations of the School.
Parental cooperation with disciplinary action is expected.
DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Service: The student will be required to give service to the school community. Parents will agree to the specified service requirement.
In-House Suspension: The student will attend school, but will not be allowed to participate in class/school activities. The student will complete assignments prepared by the teachers.
Suspension: A parent conference will be held. The student will be excluded from school for a determined number of days.
Expulsion: A parent conference will be held. The student's enrollment at St. Margaret School will be terminated.
Illegal possession, use, or sale of harmful substances, possession of a weapon, serious damage to School property, continual disruption of learning, smoking, contempt or continual disregard for School regulations/personnel, and continual harassment are matters for disciplinary actions.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
K1 - K2: Teachers will dismiss children through the side Main Office door.
GRADES 1-8:
Parents are not to enter the building to pick up their children at dismissal time. All students are expected to follow the established dismissal procedures.
Cars: Cars are to enter the yard through the Stevens St. gate marked "Enter". Drivers are asked to remember that once they drive through this entrance they are in a schoolyard and the safety of the students is their responsibility:
Rules:
* Lower the speed of cars.
* Stay clear of the "yellow lined" safety area that is designated for students.
* Pull up as close as possible to the Parker Street "Exit" gate.
* Drive in the lanes.
* Stay in the car. (Cars withoutalert/ready drivers result in confusion and delays in cars exiting the yard.)
* Maintain a "fire lane" around the building, and in front of the area where teachers' cars
are parked.
* Exit the yard when the “STOP” sign held at the Parker Street “Exit” gate is down.
* Cooperate with teachers, staff members who are "on duty" - for identification purposes,
they will be wearing safety vests.
Walkers: Students who are walking home will exit the school building in supervised lines.
#1. Stevens-Parker Streets Intersection: Students who walk down Stevens Street or
cross at the intersection of Stevens and Parker will walk with a teacher to the intersection.
The Crossing Guard will supervise their crossing.
All students who cross Parker Street are to be in this line, and to cross with the Crossing
Guard's supervision.
#2. Stevens Street: Students who walk up Stevens Street will be supervised by a teacher
and a patrol leader. They will be dismissed from the school door facing LCHS.
The teacher will stop the car line and walk these students through the gate area. They
will then be led to the cross walk and supervised by the teacher and the student patrol
leaders.
Parents are asked to wait for their children outside the fence or on the opposite side of
Stevens St.
#3. Parker Street Gate: Students who walk down Parker Street and do not need to cross
Parker Street will walk with a teacher to the Parker Street “Exit" gate. The teacher will
supervise their exit.
Only students who do not cross Parker St. are allowed in this line.
#4. Bus Students: Lowell bus riders will be dismissed right at 2:05 P.M. They will be
transported by bus to the Daley School where they will board busses which will transport
them to their specific neighborhood bus stops.
Students are expected to follow the rules for proper behavior established by the City of
Lowell and the transportation provider.
#5. Special Needs Provision: Students whose parents have made special dismissal
arrangements due to physical needs will be dismissed with the Bus students. The
vehicle(s) to transport these students will park in the designated handicap parking area.
COOPERATION WITH DISMISSAL PROCEDURE: Adults waiting to walk children home are requested to do the following:
· Cooperate with and respect he teachers "on duty".
· Avoid standing in the area where the lines of students will walk.
Avoid disrupting the lines - students will be allowed to leave the line and become the responsibility of the parent/designated adult. Students are the responsibility of the parent/designated adult who comes to receive them at dismissal time.
Students and parents are expected to cooperate with the “dismissal procedure” and to listen to the directives of the teachers. If there is a concern, please speak with the Principal of the School. The teachers have a responsibility at dismissal for the safety of the students and to follow the school procedures.
Mutual respect is required of all.
DRESS CODE
Students are to wear the complete school uniform each day. If there is reason to request "excuse" from the uniform, a note of excuse, written and signed by the parent/guardian, is to be presented to the School Office.
BOYS
Navy blue dress pants (cotton twill/corduroy)
Belt - Grades 5 - 8
Light blue polo shirt (short or long sleeves)
Shoes
GIRLS
Regulation jumper/skirt and sweater vest
The length of the girls' skirts/jumpers is to be "below the knee".
White polo shirt (short or long sleeves)
Navy blue knee socks/tights
Shoes
Navy blue dress pants may be worn from 11/29/10- 4/04/11.
Sweaters: Students may wear a sweater -solid colors only (navy blue, cranberry, dark green); cardigan or pull-over; it may be monogrammed.
Shoes: Shoes are to be sensible for safety. Socks must cover the ankle. Shoes are not to be a sneaker type of casual shoe. Laces must be tied. Heels must be moderate - higher than two inches is not allowed.
Kindergarten Uniform:
K1 children wear the physical education uniform.
Summer Uniform:
Navy blue shorts/skorts/Capri pants
Light blue polo shirts
White socks and sneakers.
For both boys and girls - Ankle socks are to cover the ankle.
Shirts are to be “tucked” into the pants.
If keeping the shirt “tucked in” is a problem, the boy will wear a belt.
Summer uniform may be worn 4/25/10 – 10/4/10.
Harvey Uniform, our official supplier for all school dress uniforms. www.harveyuniforms.com.
Physical Education Uniform: The required uniform for Physical Education class is: sweat shirt/jacket, sweat/running pants, tee shirt, and sneakers. Knee length shorts are optional.
This uniform may be worn to school the day on which class is held.
PE Uniform Grades 6-8 (grades 4-5 optional) is Heros Uniforms & Supply Co, in Lowell.
ALL school uniforms are to be clean and neat. Faded clothing and clothing that no longer fits is not acceptable for school uniform.
EARLY DISMISSALS
TOTAL SCHOOL
Early Dismissals (11:30 AM) for the entire School are scheduled periodically for teacher in-service or holidays. The City of Lowell does not provide early bus transportation on these days, therefore parents of bus students must provide their own transportation or enroll the students in the EDP until the usual 2:05 P.M. time for the bus pick-up.
INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS
If for some reason, a student must be dismissed early from school, please send a note to the School Office. The student must be picked up by an adult; no student is allowed to leave the school building on his/her own. Students who are dismissed early will be waiting in the School Office for the designated adult.
ELECTRONIC GAMES/DEVICES AND CELL PHONES
A student may not bring onto school property or to school-related functions any hand-held video/audio devices, portable MP3 players, personal paging devices/beepers, cell phones, IPods, laser pens. These are not allowed in school because their use cannot be supervised by School personnel. If cell phones are necessary for a student’s use after school, the cell phone must be brought to the School Office at the start of each day and must be picked up at dismissal time. This is the student’s responsibility.
If seen or heard, the teacher/administrator will confiscate the device and it will be returned only if the student’s parent/guardian comes to school to retrieve it.
This policy applies to the EDP Program.
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
The Extended Day Program available to students from K1-8. The number of hours/ days in the Program is flexible. The program is available before school from 6:30 -7:30 A.M. and after school from 2:05 - 5:30 P.M. The EDP is available on Early Release Days.
Students who arrive at School before 7:30, must be enrolled in the EDP.
Billing for EDP is handled separately from tuition.
Cost is approximately $5.00 per hour.
The EDP is available on Early Release Days.
FAMILY ENVELOPES
A Family Envelope System is used to provide parents and School with a manner to transmit necessary information. One Envelope per family is sent home whenever there is information to be shared (at least monthly, and usually on a Tuesday.)
Parents are expected to read the information, respond when required or appropriate, sign and date the envelope, and have their child return the Family Envelope to School the next day.
Students are expected to return the Family Envelope to School the day after they have received it. This is the student’s responsibility.
Green Option – Families have the option to receive some communications electronically.
We name this Fam-mail.
FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION -- “SEE I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW"
This program provides health and human development information and is based on the morals and ethics of the Catholic Church.
Students in Grades 7 participate in this two-day program coordinated through the Archdiocese of Boston. A parent information meeting may be held prior to the program; parent permission is required for student participation in the program.
FUND RAISING
ALL Families are expected to support fund raising activities.
The tuition fees do not cover the complete per pupil cost and so fund raising is necessary. The School Budget is projected on $120,000+ being raised through the efforts and support of all of our parents.
Activities planned are a variety of strictly fund raising and social/family events. The money raised is for the general operating expenses of the School, as well as some events to provide cultural, educational, and entertainment activities for the students.
This money is calculated as part of the expected revenue for the school; it is not an extra.
Families are expected to choose a financial option - a monetary donation in lieu of some fund raising participation, but participation in community building events and major events is expected of all.
Communications regarding the progress of the fund raisers in meeting our responsibility towards the school budget and the specifics of the HSA programs will be provided periodically.
FIELD TRIPS
Parents/guardians must give written permission for their children to participate in field trips. Check the school calendar for planned trips and see that your child(ren)’s permission slips have been returned to the school in a timely manner.
Students will be properly supervised by teachers and chaperones. Students must obey the chaperones and stay with the group at all times. Respectful and cooperative behavior is expected. Students who do not exhibit proper behavior may be denied the privilege of future field trips.
During field trips, we discourage visits to “gift shops”. The purpose of a field trip is educational and souvenirs are not necessary. Chaperones are not to bring any students into a gift shop without the express permission of the classroom teacher.
Parents who chaperone are expected to park their vehicles in the designated area - lot at the corner of Parker and Wilder Streets.
FIRE DRILLS
Fire drills are conducted regularly to insure that students know how to evacuate the building quickly and quietly in case of the need for an emergency exit.
GIVING DAYS
Monthly "Giving Days" are held to build School spirit and to foster an attitude of service. For a one dollar donation and a non-perishable food item, students are allowed to wear designated colors or attire in place of their school uniforms. Proceeds are contributed to a non-profit agency or a good cause. i.e. disaster relief, food pantry
Students are expected to wear appropriate clothing on “Giving Day”. This is a day out of uniform, but we expect proper attire at all times.
Students who do not respect our clothing guidelines will not be allowed to participate in “Giving Day”.
GRADING POLICY
Report Card grading is based on these three components:
* Formal and Informal Assessments
* Class Participation
* Home Assignments
Please refer to the specific guidelines distributed by the teachers.
HAIR/JEWELRY/MAKE-UP
Trendy and attention-getting cuts/styles/coloring are not allowed. This includes tails, deep tracks, strips of hair removed, and styles that obscure vision. Hair is to be neat and clean.
The Principal will determine compliance with these directives.
Only girls may wear earrings in school. Dangling earrings and large hoops are not allowed.
Make-up (including lipstick, blush, eye shadow, eye liner, etc.) is not allowed.
Tattoos, real or temporary/imitation, are not allowed. Body piercing is not allowed.
Wearing of jewelry is to be minimal.
HARASSMENT/BULLYING
Our Policy is in accord with MA Law 92.
To read our complete Bullying Intervention Plan please click here: SMS-Bullying-Policy-11.doc
“Bullying”, the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a victim that:
(i) causes physical or emotional harm to the
victim or damage to the victim’s property;
(ii) places the victim in reasonable fear of harm to
himself or of damage to his property;
(iii) creates a hostile environment at school for
the victim;
(iv) infringes on the rights of the victim at school;
or
(v) materially and substantially disrupts the
educational process or the orderly operation
of a school.
This includes cyber-bullying.
Bullying is prohibited on school grounds, at school-sponsored or related activities, whether on or off school grounds, at bus stops, on school buses or through the use of technology. It is also prohibited at a location, activity, function or program that is not school-related if it has the effect described above.
School staff will report incidents of bullying or retaliation to the principal or designee who will investigate, notify parents of students involved, take appropriate disciplinary action and decide whether to involve law enforcement agencies.
School is not required to staff any non-school related activities, functions, or programs.
Harassment/Bullying will not be tolerated.
A student who believes that s/he is a victim of harassment /bullying has the right to file a complaint to the school Principal. The complaint will be investigated promptly and carefully, and in such a manner as to maintain confidentiality.
A student found to have harassed another student is subject to disciplinary actions up to and including suspension or expulsion.
We cannot prevent harassment if the victims choose to remain silent.
Parents need to assume their responsibility to advocate for their child. Communication with teachers and the Principal is vital.
Peer Mediation is an option available to resolve some concerns. Students need to know “peer mediation” may help them to assert their rights.
Students must consent to participate in a peer mediation meeting. If time allows, parents will be made aware of the peer mediation meeting, and parental consent will be requested.
Peer Mediation is not about which party is at fault; it is about conflict resolution.
HEALTH CONCERNS
A public health nurse is assigned to SMS on a part time basis. The school complies with the state and local health requirements concerning medical immunizations, screenings, and record keeping.
Parents are expected to inform the school office of health concerns and communicable diseases so that these may be properly noted on the student’s individual health record.
When visual, audio, and speech evaluations are submitted, these will be recorded or attached to the health record.
Every effort should be made to schedule medication outside of school hours. When this is not possible, the guidelines to be followed are:
1. All medication is to be kept in the
School Office.
2. All medication is to be administered by
the School Nurse or in her/his absence by
the person designated and informed of
the procedure for administration.
(School Staff, Kindergarten Teacher)
3. All medication must be presented in the original container and labeled with:
a. student's name
b. date
c. drug name
d. dose
e. time of administration
f. route (how to be taken)
g. physician/dentist's name
h. number of doses
4. Medications will usually be kept in a locked area.
5. A signed physician's request for administration of medication is required.
6. A signed parental permission requesting the School Nurse or designated administrator of
medication to administer the medication and permission to contact the physician is required.
7. No more than one month's supply of a medication in the original container is to be
kept at school.
8. A daily log for each student on medication, including over -the - counter and PRN
medication is to be kept.
9. Parental permission must be in writing for the administration of over-the-counter
medications. (Same procedure as #3 above.)
10. Responsibility for re-fills of medications, especially inhalers, is the duty of the parent.
This responsibility includes knowing when the re-fill is due.
11. Any change in the administration of a medication must be in writing.
It is helpful to inform the School Office if a student takes a medication prior to coming to school, especially if this is a regular medication.
When a child has a physical exam, please send a copy of the Physical Form to the School Nurse.
HOMEWORK GUIDELINES:
These are Guidelines only – more or less time may be necessary as needed.
K1............Parents are encouraged to read to children; to listen to them share about their school learning’s.
K2.............Read and talk to your children; a weekly home assignment is given.
Grade 1.................... 10 - 20 minutes
Grades 2-3............... 20 - 30 minutes
Grades 4-5............... 45 - 75 minutes
Grades 6-8.........…... 75 - 120 minutes
If parents or students feel that assignments either exceed these time guidelines or do not meet them, they are asked to make this known to the teachers or to the Principal.
HOMEWORK
Homework is a necessary follow-up to school work. It allows for independent practice of a skill, research time, study, or reading.
It is the student's responsibility to complete assignments and to bring to them to class, however at some age levels students' need parental supervision and assistance with organizational aspects of completing the assignments and placing the assignments into folders/book bags.
Students in Grades 2-8 are expected to use the assigned homework notebook. Parents should check this notebook frequently for an accurate record of home assignments, and any notes from the teacher.
We strongly encourage each student having a set and definite homework time each day. This provides opportunity and practice for a student to develop good organizational skills. This also allows a parent opportunity to know if a student is spending quality time on learning tasks.
When no "formal" home assignments are given, homework time is for reading, journalizing, study, long range projects, or research.
Homework is not done in school, so do not accept this as an excuse for “no homework”. Sometimes home assignments may be begun in school, but if they are completed in school they are not home assignments. They are class assignments.
We recommend homework be begun and completed before the evening meal.
STUDY is a habit that needs to be developed for academic success. Study should be a regular part of each night’s homework. Study is not to be confused with cramming before a test.
HOMEWORK OVER WEEKENDS AND SCHOOL BREAKS/ VACATIONS
Homework will not routinely be assigned on Fridays. Homework will not be assigned over Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter breaks. We respect these as family times.
HOMEWORK- LONG-TERM ASSIGNMENTS
Students are responsible to plan "long term" assignments so that they are not left till Sunday afternoons or evenings. If parents feel that their child needs extra consideration in pacing long term assignments, they are expected to present this to the teachers.
During the winter and spring vacation weeks, students are encouraged to read, and to work on any long term assignments that may be due the week they return to School.
ICE CREAM SALES/RECYCLING
Ice Cream sales and recycling of cans and bottles are two activities coordinated by our students to raise funds to be used for special activities.
All School families are encouraged to support these endeavors.
IDENTIFICATION OF CLOTHING/ POSSESSIONS
We strongly recommend the identification of items of clothing and possessions such as sweat shirts, sweaters, lunch boxes, book bags, boots, etc. by labels or written tags containing name/grade.
The School does have a "Lost and Found" box. Parents are asked to encourage their sons/daughters to look in this box for missing items. Any unlabeled and unclaimed items of clothing will be "recycled" through our “used uniform” sales.
ILLNESS IN SCHOOL/UP-DATED EMERGENCY INFORMATION
If a student becomes ill or is injured during the school day, the parent or a designated adult listed on the school Emergency Card will be notified.
Information on school Emergency Cards must be updated by parents whenever there is a change in the following: phone numbers, addresses, names of designated adults, places of work. These changes are to be sent to the School in writing.
Recommendations:
To prevent the further spread of illness, and for the child's own comfort, a child should be kept home if s/he has or has had:
* a fever of more than a degree above normal during the previous 24 hours.
* a cold in the active stages: persistent coughing, sneezing, running nose
* a sore throat/ swollen glands
* an undiagnosed rash or skin eruptions
* vomiting or diarrhea within the previous 24 hours
* untreated head lice.
INSURANCE
An insurance plan is available at a nominal fee for all students. At the beginning of the school year a notice from the insurance company explaining the coverage and cost is sent home. This insurance is recommended for students who participate in school sports activities. If the insurance is purchased, contact the school office in the event of an accident. You will be provided with the forms needed to process your claim.
Parents must show proof of their son or daughter’s health insurance coverage in order for the students to participate in the sports offered through the EAA - Ecumenical Athletic Association.
We recommend parents of students who participate in our sports programs consider the program offered through the school as an extra help in case of an injury.
If a student needs Health Insurance, please speak with the school nurse regarding MA options.
INVITATIONS TO PARTIES AND OUTSIDE SCHOOL EVENTS
Invitations to parties or other outside school events are not to be distributed to students during the school day or in the school building unless they are distributed to every child in the class or to all the boys or all the girls.
We ask both parents and students to comply with this regulation.
A request to distribute these inclusive invitations is to be made through the School Office.
IRIS
Immediate Response Information System - allows the school to quickly broadcast
information through different forms of communication – email, phone. It provides the ability to notify families of unplanned cancellations and dismissals, changes in planned programs, and to alert to website up-dates.
LIBRARY
Students are encouraged to make use of the resources of our computerized school library. Materials may be used during scheduled library times or when needed for school assignments.
Since our library services are on a volunteer basis, use of the library and its resources is dependent upon the supervision that is available. Arrangements to use the library outside of a scheduled time must be made with a teacher or another member of the SMS staff.
Fees for overdue books are to be paid promptly, and notices of overdue, damaged, or lost library books are to be heeded promptly.
Parents will receive notification of overdue, damaged, lost books, and they will be expected to support the school by having their child pay fines, find the book, or pay for the lost or damaged book.
LUNCH/MILK/BEVERAGE
The students in grades 2-8 eat lunch in Nangle Hall. Students in grades K1, K2 & 1 eat lunch in their classrooms.
Students may purchase milk for the year, or bring a beverage in a non-breakable container.
Individual classroom teachers set the procedure for lunch in the classroom, but all students are expected to:
(1) Stay seated.
(2) Speak in a moderate tone.
(3) Clean their own eating area.
(4) Wipe up spills
(5) Leave their desks cleared and
cleaned and chairs in order.
LUNCH PROGRAM COORDINATOR
SMS provides a lunch program directed by a Lunch Program Coordinator. This program relies heavily on the support of parent volunteers. Parents volunteer - monitoring classrooms/ schoolyard during lunch and recess breaks, assist with distribution of lunch, record keeping, etc. Please consider becoming involved in this program.
LUNCH PROGRAM
Lunch orders are placed by using the order form which is sent home regularly in the Family Envelope. This order form must be returned on the designated calendar dates. These dates are printed on the SMS monthly calendar. Payment is made by check.
Parents are not permitted to bring lunches from fast food restaurants to their children.
Recyclable containers are recommended to hold snacks and lunches.
NO REFUND POLICY
Since our lunch program is a totally volunteer program, providing refunds of lunches for school cancellation days and absences would involve extra paperwork. For this reason, refunding for canceled lunches is not feasible.
All proceeds of the lunch program are directed back to the students. Free lunches on Spirit-a-thon Day and Field Day are provided for all students.
PARENT - TEACHER CONFERENCES
At least twice during the year there will be formal conference times. These will be arranged around the times of Progress Reports or Report Cards. Notice of dates will be given, and parents will be requested to sign up for a brief "appointment" with the teacher. When a longer conference time is desired arrangements may be made directly with the teacher(s).
At any time Parent-Teacher Conferences may be initiated by parents or teachers. If there is any concern about a student's progress, home assignments, long term projects, etc., parents are strongly encouraged to contact their child's teachers as soon as possible.
Teachers are available to parents before or after school, and sometimes during school, by appointment. Appointments may be arranged in person, in writing, or over the phone. Parents are not to just arrive at a classroom and expect a teacher to interrupt teaching, instruction, or planning times.
Whenever a conference has been scheduled and you are unable to attend, please call the School Office so that the teacher may be notified as soon as possible.
PARENT ORGANIZATIONS
Parent organizations are the Home and School Association, the School Advisory Board, and St. Margaret's division of PACE..
HSA - Home and School Association
The Home and School Association is composed of all the parents whose children attend the School. The primary purpose of this organization is to insure the continuation of volunteer services and to coordinate fundraising activities for the School.
The Board for the HSA is composed of parents who have volunteered to become more involved and to take on more responsibility for the fund raising activities and the necessary volunteer support these activities demand.
This Board meets monthly and all parents are welcome to attend the meetings or to join the Board. Meeting dates are posted on the monthly calendar.
SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD
The School Advisory Board is to assist the Pastor and the Principal in the governance of the School. This organization serves in a consultative manner in these areas: strategic planning, policy, finance, and institutional advancement.
Members of this Board are elected or appointed to be representative of the School and Parish. This Board meets at least six times during the school year. Meeting dates are posted on the monthly calendar.
PACE
This acronym stands for Parents Alliance for Catholic Education. The mission of this coalition is to foster and strengthen Catholic schools as a part of the total teaching mission of the Church and as a significant segment within the State's educational community. Through parental education initiatives, PACE will develop, promote and support Catholic schools in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Any parent wishing to become more involved in this organization is encouraged to contact the school office.
PACE provides regular communications to SMS parents and these are sent home in the Family Envelope.
PARISH SCHOOL
Our Sacramental Program is a Parish Program. Parish children in the School and in the Parish Religious Education Program celebrate Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation together. Parent Meetings and Sacramental celebrations are planned as a Parish Community.
Service is an integral component of Catholic Education. Our students are encouraged to participate in service projects - School, Parish, Local Community, and beyond. Service projects may be initiated at the school level or may be in response to the invitation of other groups.
PARTICIPATION
A strong partnership between the Home and the School is essential to the success of our students. Parents are expected to attend School functions, and to support and become involved in the activities and fundraising efforts of the Home and School Association. They are encouraged to offer support when/wherever possible.
PEACEMAKING/CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Special programs are planned on grade levels and school wide to teach the skills of peacemaking and peaceful conflict resolution. This emphasis is to support the value which is placed on Respect in our School Philosophy.
School and Home have many opportunities to model good peacemaking/conflict
resolution skills. Maintaining good communication and addressing our concerns in a respectful, positive, and direct manner witnesses to our desire to develop healthy relationships. Together we teach our children a respect for authority and for the rights of others.
PEER MEDIATION
We do not have a formal Peer Mediation Program. If this training is available this school year, students will be chosen to receive the training.
Parents must give written permission for their children to participate in a Peer Mediation Program or in peer mediation.
PERSONAL SAFETY CURRICULUM
Students in Grades K - 8 participate in a personal safety program which is integrated into the curriculum. This curriculum is designed to teach and to support basic rules for personal safety.
PUNCTUALITY
The school day begins with the bell at 7:40 A.M. A student is "tardy" if s/he is not in the classroom at 7:45 A.M.. If students are in the schoolyard by 7:40 A.M., they will be punctual.
Punctuality helps to provide time for the development of organizational skills needed to have a successful day of learning. Beginning the school day in a peaceful and organized manner aids in establishing a good learning environment.
Students who are tardy must receive a pass from the Office before being admitted to their homeroom.
Excessive tardiness could result in a detention. To assist them with their efforts to have their children be punctual a list of specific consequences will be provided to parents whose children are frequently tardy. Parents will be contacted if a conference is deemed necessary.
REPORT CARDS/ PROGRESS REPORTS
Report Cards and Progress Reports are distributed four times during the school year. Progress Reports are interim reports on the student's academic progress and merit careful consideration by the student and the parent.
Tentative distribution dates are:
Progress Reports
10/05 - 12/09 - 02/17 - 05/11
Report Cards
11/04 - 01/20 - 03/31 - 06/10-17
A formal Parent-Teacher Conference is scheduled for 11/05. (One other time will be scheduled, but parents are encouraged to request a conference whenever they feel it is necessary.)
K1 and K2 children will receive four Progress Reports during the school year. These will be distributed on the dates Report Cards are distributed to the students in Grades 1-8.
RESPECTFUL LANGUAGE
All students are expected to use acceptable language. Using God's name in vain, offensive or vulgar language, insults, and disrespectful gestures are considered serious offensives.
If this behavior is repeated after a warning, a parent conference will be necessary to determine the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken.
RIF ~ Reading is Fundamental
RIF is a federally funded program to promote a love for reading. SMS participates in this matching funds program through monthly bake sales. Proceeds are used to pay for the books put out for student selection twice yearly.
Two classrooms are designated for baking each month, and the dates for the bake sales and the book distributions are on the monthly calendars.
Each month reminders about baking responsibilities are sent home with the students of the responsible classes.
SAFE SCHOOLS PROTOCOL
There is an established protocol to handle threats or incidents deemed a concern to student/school safety.
There will be scheduled practice of the protocol to teach safety procedures.
SELF-DISCIPLINE/OPTIONS
Self-discipline is a quality which is learned. It is fostered at home and in school when we know that we are responsible for our own actions, and that we must accept the consequences for these actions.
Students are encouraged to learn the habit of looking for options before they act, as well as to reflect back on possible other options after they have acted.
Conflict is an unavoidable part of life, and we benefit from learning positive ways to resolve it.
Students are expected to bring to the teacher, or other designated adult, any concerns or conflicts which they are not able to resolve peacefully.
SEARCHES OF STUDENTS AND THEIR PROPERTY
If there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that a student has violated either the law or the rules of the school, school administration will conduct a search of the student or the student’s property.
Reasonable grounds for a search include:
· Personal observation/hearing by school personnel
· Substantiated report from school personnel, students, a reliable source
If a search s necessary, it will be conducted as discreetly as possible, and when possible in the presence of a witness.
SCHOOL PROPERTY
Textbooks and workbooks are school property and are assigned for student use. These books are to be covered at all times. Texts may not be written in under any circumstances. Teachers will inform students and parents as to which workbooks may be written in.
Library books, furniture, equipment, etc. must be handled properly. If there is loss or damage to school property, the student responsible will be required to reimburse the school for the loss or damage.
SCHOOL LITURGIES/RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION
Celebrating our Faith is an important part of being a Catholic School -- a school you can believe in. Learning, sharing, and living Gospel values are integrated into the formal and informal teaching of each day.
Since parents are the primary educators of their children, especially in the area of faith development, parents are encouraged to worship with their children regularly and to share with them the topics and values which the students will be learning in class. Parents are always welcome to join with us at school liturgies and prayer services. All students who attend St. Margaret School take part in our religious instruction and attend our worship services and celebrations.
St. Margaret Parish provides a Family Liturgy each Sunday at 9:00. School Families are welcomed and encouraged to attend. At times the students in specific grades - religious education program and school will be more actively involved in a preparation for a liturgy.
The value of Family and School working in partnership to build and maintain a strong faith life is a primary reason for choosing Catholic education.
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS / ACTIVITIES
Student Council (1-8) and BETA (5-8) are organizations which provide opportunities to develop student leadership and to promote service activities. They recognize that learning encompasses all aspects of the person, and they encourage students to strive to develop the learning and life habits which make them valuable members of the school and local community.
Sports St. Margaret School participates in the Ecumenical Athletic Association - basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, cross country, and track and field.
There is also some intramural participation in basketball and kickball for Grades 2-5.
Membership in school sports is open to students of grades 5-8 who meet the qualifications for the sport. Students who participate in school sports must show proof of health insurance coverage prior to try-outs.
Team/squad members must maintain satisfactory academic grades, conduct, and effort. They are to demonstrate pride in the school and team, and demonstrate respect, fair play, and self control. Failure to meet these requirements will result in temporary or permanent suspension from the team/squad. School administration will make the decision regarding temporary or permanent suspension.
There are fees for participation in the sports’ programs. A handbook detailing some policies and expectations will be provided to students who participate, their parents, and all coaches.
Skiing - 6 week program (Jan. - Feb.)
Our ski program is conducted through the Nashoba Valley Ski Area. Students are expected to follow the rules and procedures established for this program.
Notice regarding rentals, bus, and cost is sent home in October.
SMS participation in these programs is dependent upon parent volunteers.
Parents are encouraged to consider coaching or co-coaching some sports.
ORATORY CONTEST
The oratory contest is an opportunity for students to develop and demonstrate public speaking skills, and is open to all students - K1 - 8.
Students participate in preliminary divisions, and the winners of the preliminaries represent their class or division in the final oratory contest which is usually held in March.
STUDENT SAFETY / SUPERVISION
Students are not allowed to go to classrooms before the school day has begun and are not allowed to return to classrooms after the school day has ended, unless they are in the presence of a teacher who is responsible for them.
To insure that a teacher is available in a classroom during these times, students must report to the main school office prior to going to a classroom.
Students are not allowed to leave any classroom or the school yard without permission.
Once they have arrived at school, students are not allowed to leave the school grounds for any reason without the knowledge and consent of school personnel.
This same expectation applies to the after school time - when students are waiting for parents to pick them up for dismissal and during the time they are waiting for the start of practices and games related to our school sports program.
Suspension will be the disciplinary action for offenses involving leaving the school grounds.
TECHNOLOGY
Students are expected to follow the school’s directives regarding proper use of technology. Students will be held responsible for inappropriate behavior.
Filtering measures are in place and students are required to sign an Internet Use Agreement before they will be allowed Internet privileges.
Parents must discuss proper Internet Use with their students and stress that their children do not have the same privileges in School that they might have at home. Students will be responsible for their use of the Internet.
SMS will not accept responsibility for the misuse of technology in the home. However, if this inappropriate behavior is brought into the School, the student(s) will be subject to our disciplinary procedures.
TELEPHONE MESSAGES
Students are not allowed to go to the phone to receive telephone messages unless it is an emergency. Forgotten assignments, permission slips, project materials, lunch money, etc. are not considered emergencies.
Cell phones are not necessary to our curriculum and may not be brought into the classrooms.
If a parent believes there is a valid reason for his/her child to bring a cell phone to school, the parent must put this request and the reasons supporting the request in writing to the Principal. If approved, the cell phone will be kept in the main office during the school day.
TEST / REPORT MAKE-UP POLICY
Students may be expected to make-up some assignments or learning which they have missed due to absence. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the teacher(s) for the assignments and to abide by the due date determined by the teacher.
As a general rule, all make-up work should be completed within one week. If a lengthy absence results in much make-up work, the due date will be extended at the discretion of the teacher(s) or principal.
To encourage students to learn from mistakes and to develop a sense of responsibility for doing their best, any test or assignment may be retaken/revised under the following conditions:
(a) the teacher returns the assignment for revision
or
(b) the student requests a re-take.
The student will give the teacher the opportunity to arrange for the re-take, and the student will meet with the teacher at the designated time for the re-take. (The new grade will be an average of the first grade and the re-take grade.) If the student's performance on the re-take does not exhibit that study occurred between the two tests, the student may be temporarily denied the privilege of using this make-up policy.
TESTING
Standardized tests are administered in the spring of each year for students in Grades 2-8.
These tests are diagnostic in purpose and provide information to:
· the parent to understand their child’s academic proficiencies and areas needing improvement.
· the teachers to evaluate the school’s curriculum and provide continual improvement.
We encourage parents to talk with their own children about the importance of doing their best on these tests. The validity of standardized testing scores is compromised if student does not take the testing process seriously.
TIME SCHEDULE
~ School Hours ~
Grades K2-8: 7:45 -- 2:05
K1AM: 7:45 -- 11:00
K1 - Full Day: 7:45 -- 2:05
Students are not to be in the schoolyard prior to 7:30 AM. There is no supervision until that time. If students arrive prior to this specified time, St. Margaret School is not responsible and is not liable in the event of a mishap.
An Extended Day Program is available from 6:30 - 7:30 A.M. for Before School Care and from 2:05 - 5:30 P.M. for After School Care.
Inquire for current rates.
LUNCH AND RECESS
Each grade is allotted 30 minutes between 11:15 - 12:15 for lunch and a brief recess.
TUITION AGREEMENTS
Parents are required to sign a written Tuition Agreement
annually.
TUITION SCHEDULES/RATES
St. Margaret School is an integral part of St. Margaret Parish. The Parish supports the School spiritually and financially.
Tuition Rates and Payment Options:
These rates and payment options are determined each year, and parents are provided the necessary information before they sign the Tuition Agreement.
Monthly bills will be sent home and payments are due by the designated monthly date.
Grade Eight students attending the Washington DC trip must have current tuition accounts to participate in this school trip. Full Tuition must be made by March 1 for students to participate in all Grade 8 special activities.
Re-registration forms, notice of fees for the 2011 - 2012 school year, and timelines will be available/communicated in early Spring.
BOOK FEE:
There is a $100. per student book fee. This is applicable from K1 -8 and is separate from the Tuition.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
There is some limited tuition assistance available – CSF, Durkin, and Quigley are the sources. Parents are to request a FACTS application if assistance is desired. All requests must be processed through FACTS. For information call the School Office.
TUITION COMMITTEE
A Tuition Committee has been established to assist with the timely collection of tuition payments and to assist families needing budget
payment options.
VACATIONS DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
We do not encourage families to plan vacations during the school year, yet we understand that travel opportunities and times spent with extended families are a wonderful part of our life.
While we understand parents’ concern about learning missed during vacations, our teachers can not be expected to assign work for these days away, and they cannot be expected to be responsible to provide extra lessons when the student(s) return.
We suggest that time on a family vacation be spent on vacation. Taking a book along and reading it, keeping a journal of experiences, preparing a project to share with the class are some ways to provide for "learning". Our "younger" learners may draw pictures of their activities.
When the student returns to School, the teachers will be available to assist any student who needs adjustment to the classroom - learning objectives and assignments missed during the vacation period.
It is the student/parent's responsibility to initiate the request for this assistance.
VIDEOTAPING AND PHOTOGRAPHS
Students may be videotaped or photographed at school events and during some learning activities. Some of these photographs may be used in local newspapers or school communications/publications. A media inclusion/ exclusion form is sent home at the beginning of the school year.
VIRTUS TRAINING SESSION
It is mandatory that all school personnel and all school volunteers, including parents, attend a one time Virtus training session.
These sessions will be offered at least twice during the school year.
It is recommended that all parents attend a Virtus training session even if they do not plan to volunteer. It is an opportunity to increase your awareness of ways to protect children’s personal safety.
VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL
All visitors and volunteers to the School must report to the School Office and “sign in” and “sign out” when they leave.
Lunches, books, keys, etc. may be brought to the School Office; they will be delivered to the student's classroom.
Parents are welcome to come to the School, but for safety reasons they too are expected to report to the School Office and “sign in” and “sign out”.
WEBSITE
Please take advantage of the St. Margaret School website to be aware of activities and events, and to communicate with the teachers.
www.stmargaretschoollowell.org
Teachers may also direct parents and students to additional sites for information relative to a grade or grade level.
WRITING POLICY
SMS has instituted a writing policy to insure that students are learning to take responsibility for the editing process.
The practice of good editing skills will teach students that “rough” drafts are not passed in as “final” copies. It will also teach students to read their written work before they pass it in to the teacher for a grade.
We do want to emphasize that pre-writing is an essential part of the writing process – this includes graphic organizers, outlines, notes on main ideas. Teachers may require that pre-writing efforts be submitted with a completed writing assignment.
GRADES 1- 6:
The signature of at least one parent/guardian is to be on the “final” copy of one page or more reports, book reports, research reports, and any other reports that teachers assign to be completed at home.
The parent/guardian’s signature is to inform the teacher that the parent/guardian has read the report and has brought obvious grammar, spelling, and writing errors to their son/daughter’s attention.
GRADES 7 - 8:
The signature of the student and the statement, “I have read this paper/report, edited it to the best of my ability, and believe it is acceptable.” is to be written on the “final” copy of one page or more reports, book reports, research reports, and any other reports that teachers assign to be completed at home.