Saint Denis School

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Saint Denis School

300 E. Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083

Phone: 610-446-4608  
FAX: 610-446-5705

ADMINISTRATION

Pastor: Msgr. James J. Graham

Principal: Sr. Gerald Helene, OSF

FACULTY AND STAFF

January 9, 2012

Dear Parents,

The increased usage by students
of electronic devices, including cell phones, during school hours has resulted
in disruption in classrooms and has interfered with the school’s learning
environment. Accordingly, the following
policy regarding electronic devices is hereby implemented, effective
immediately.

No electronic devices, including
without limitation, Kindles of any kind, Nooks, IPads, IPods but excluding cell
phones, will be permitted in school unless they are provided by the
school. If any such device is used or
found in school in violation of this policy, it will be returned directly to a
parent(s).

Cell phones will be permitted in
school, provided that they are clearly marked with the owner’s name. The usage of cell phones by students in
grades 6, 7 and 8 shall be subject to the following additional limitations: (i)
every student in grades 6, 7, 8 will deposit their phone in a box located in
their homeroom each morning upon arrival to school and (ii)the phones will be
returned to the students at the end of each school day.

St. Denis School does not assume
responsibility for the loss of or damage to any cell phone or electronic
device.

Thank you!

God bless you!
Sr. Gerald

Dear Parents and Students,

Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person.

- Saint Therese of Lisieux

Welcome to St. Denis School! In choosing St. Denis School, you have demonstrated a commitment to the values and philosophy of a Catholic education.

The faculty and staff of your school look forward to working with you to promote academic excellence and spiritual development in the context of the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Together let us pray that God, who has begun this good work in us, may carry it through to completion.

God bless you,

Sr. Gerald Helene, OSF

Principal

SAINT DENIS SCHOOL

St. Denis School is committed to transmitting Jesus’ message of love and

service. It is equally committed to providing a comprehensive and outstanding

educational experience, one that enriches the whole student – mind, body and

spirit. Our graduates enter high school intellectually, morally and

spiritually prepared to meet with confidence the challenges and opportunitiesthat lie ahead. In this regard a St. Denis education is truly an investment in the future – the gift of a lifetime. St. Denis School is a Catholic, parochial school for boys and girls in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

History

St. Denis Elementary School, the first Catholic elementary school in Delaware County, was originally located on Powder Mill Lane between Haverford Road and Cobbs Creek. Although the exact dates of its opening and closing are unknown, it is recorded that in 1859 the faculty consisted of one lay teacher, with a total of fifty students.

The construction of a new school building was begun in 1923. The new school was opened in September 1924, with four classrooms, one hundred ninety-four children, and four Sisters of Mercy, who commuted from the Motherhouse in Merion. In 1930 four rooms were added to the rear of the building- two on the first floor and two on the second. The original building is the present Lower School building, which now contains grades one through three.

By 1955 enrollment was up to 778 children with an additional 780 preschool children in the Parish. Plans were then drawn up for another school building. Shortly after construction, a second floor was added. This gave the present Upper School building a total of fourteen classrooms.

In 1960 a renovation program, which lasted ten years, was undertaken on the Lower School by 100 men of the Parish. The act of personal sacrifice saved the Parish more than $100,000. This refurbishment was necessary as the enrollment by 1962 was up to 1,388 students, with a staff of thirteen Religious and eleven lay teachers.

In 2005, St. Denis School welcomed the faculty and students from Archbishop Ryan School for Deaf Children to its campus, and four classrooms in the Lower School building were transformed into classrooms and an office for the new faculty and students. Many of the students have been mainstreamed into classes at St. Denis School.

During the past years, Saint Denis School has seen many significant changes. Most recently, the introduction of a computerized library, updated Technology lab, Science lab and Art room, the replacement of outside doors, windows, and fencing, and a school sign.  

Secretariat for Catholic Education Mission Statement

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.

Those who minister in Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia strive to fulfill the Lord’s words. The Secretariat for Catholic Education, under the direction of the Archbishop, serves the children, the adolescents, and the young adults entrusted to us by proclaiming and teaching them the Faith. We do this in the parish elementary schools, in the parish religious education programs, in the schools of special education, in the diocesan high schools, in the campus ministry programs, and in the youth and young adult activities that comprise the different facets of the educational ministry in this archdiocese.

In each of these spheres of educational activity, we commit ourselves to the work of:

• catechizing all those young Catholics whom we contact;

• evangelizing wherever and whenever possible;

• providing sound academic education and personal formation;

• building up communities of faith and service;

• encouraging and forming others in roles of leadership and service.

Our goal is to help each person recognize his or her uniqueness in being chosen by God to be holy and blameless and to be full of love, and to respond freely and completely to that choice throughout their lives. We do this work with confidence, knowing that the Lord is with us in our efforts. In the words from Matthew’s gospel, by which we are charged with the work of Catholic education, we hear these words of encouragement:

Know that I am with you always until the end of the world.

St. Denis Parish Mission Statement

“We, the faith community of St. Denis believe that our Baptism calls us to life in community with God’s people and to growth in holiness by becoming more like Jesus. We welcome and invite all people to build and experience this community, which mirrors God’s love for us.”

Statement of Purpose of St. Denis School

              In accordance with the Mission Statement of St. Denis Parish

St. Denis School is its people and the Christian values by which it lives, educates and learns.

As a community of lifelong learners, the parents, administration and teachers are dedicated to the realization of the full potential of each student in spirit, mind and body by:

• nurturing our spiritual journey through the sacraments, prayer and service to those in need;

• striving for academic excellence while developing skills required for the 21st century;

• promoting physical wellness.

Our Baptism calls us to respond to the presence of Christ in others by livingour core values of Faith, Mercy, Integrity, Cooperation and Respect.

Philosophy

St. Denis School is its people and the Christian values by which it lives, educates and learns.

We are guided by the belief that home, school and parish are inseparable. Teachers and administrators collaborate with parents and parishioners to provide our students an outstanding educational experience, one that forms and enriches the whole person in mind, body and spirit. As we pursue this mission every member of the school community is called upon to give witness to the core values that we cherish: Faith, Mercy, Integrity, Cooperation and Respect.

Our Core Values

• Faith - We are a community of believers grounded in our Catholic faith. We trust in the Word of God and in each other’s desire to become more like Jesus.

• Mercy - We are inspired by the charism of Mercy. We share a compassionate love that is faithful, active, and concerned for the good of others.

•Integrity - We accept personal responsibility to be honest and to uphold the values of St. Denis School in word and action. We lead by example.

• Cooperation - We work together in a spirit of unity. We share our gifts and talents to strengthen our community.

• Respect - We encourage one another to discover, develop, and exercise our unique, God given abilities. We treat each other the way we want to be treated.

Each child’s journey of self-discovery unfolds in the midst of caring adults and peers who model and celebrate the love of God. Recognizing the parents as first educator, there is frequent and consistent communication between home and school. Teachers and parents cooperate and support each other as they share in the total development of each student.

St. Denis is committed to transmitting Jesus’ message of love and service. Classroom instruction, sacramental preparation, and communal worship contribute to an understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith. Strengthened in spirit, the students explore the breadth and depth of their own abilities, their unique relationship with God, and the role they are called to assume as baptized members of the Catholic family.

St. Denis is equally committed to providing its students a comprehensive and outstanding academic education. The principal, in consultation with the faculty, administers the development and implementation of our educational policies and procedures. The curriculum is based on the Philadelphia

Archdiocesan Guidelines but further enhanced by the faculty to insure that it meets the needs of our local student population. The faculty employs a variety of teaching methods and assessment strategies in an effort to maximize individual performance while instilling in every student a passion for lifelong learning. Our teachers place special emphasis on developing skills that are essential to one’s long-term success; namely, the skills to solve problems, to think critically and to listen, read, write and communicate effectively.

A wide variety of student activities, clubs and sports complement the classroom curriculum and contribute to the development of the whole person. These programs enhance knowledge of self and respect for others by fostering the skills of leadership, cooperation, compassionate service and good sportsmanship. They provide students of all ages unique and invaluable opportunities to favorably impact the community in which they live, work and play. Our students, both in and out of the classroom, are encouraged to exercise initiative, good judgment and self-control. They learn to face challenges with courage, to accept success and failure with grace, and to find meaning in all they do.

Continual improvement is a priority for all members of the St. Denis School community. The Faculty and Administration participate in a variety of supplemental classes and workshops specific to grade level and subject matter. In addition, they regularly exchange information and ideas with fellow teaching professionals. These experiences inspire them to continually evaluate and enhance policies, procedures, teaching methods, curriculum and materials. In so doing, the Faculty and Administration insure that our school accommodates the needs of our students and the demands of a technologically complex and ever changing world. We also rely on a number of parish and school organizations to assist us in identifying and securing our needs for the future. They include, but are not limited to, The Parish Finance Council, St. Denis School Advisory Board, Development Office, Endowment Board, Grant Writing Committee and Technology Committee.

In summary, our students mature in mind, body and spirit through the guidance and support of the entire St. Denis Parish School community. They acquire the knowledge, skills, moral foundation and strength of faith that is required to succeed academically and to enter society as responsible members of the Catholic family. Ultimately, our students find the inspiration and courage to respond to their baptismal call in word and action, continually engaging their gifts and talents in furthering God’s Church on earth.

Accreditation

St. Denis School is accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Nondiscriminatory Policy

St. Denis School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

Admission of Students

Registration in St. Denis Parish is required prior to School registration. 

Parents of children entering school must have the child’s birth certificate, Baptismal certificate, parish number, immunization records, and court ordered custody agreements when applicable. Verification of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation are required if the sacraments were received in a previous parish.

Age requirements for entering St. Denis School are as follows:

Preschool Program- 3 years old by September 1

Pre-K Program- 4 years old by September 1

Kindergarten Program- 5 years old by September 1

Grade 1- 6 years old by September 1

Students applying for Admission in Grades 1-8 must present a copy of the current report card and standardized test results. These will be reviewed to determine whether the program at St. Denis School will meet the educational needs of the students. An interview with the student is part of the admission process. Any important documents such as an IEP from a previous school should be presented at this time.

Testing in some academic areas may be held for new incoming students in Grades 3-8. 

Admission of Non-Catholic Students

The primary purpose of our school is religious. We exist for the purpose of evangelization and catechesis, that is, the proclamation of the Gospel and formation of the entire school community of Faith. Our School offers a complete Catholic religious education program and makes every effort to develop the Faith in all the students so that they may live a full Christian life.

Non-Catholic students may be admitted to our school under the following conditions:

a. The permission of the Pastor is obtained.

b. Adequate facilities and space are available, without denying the admission of eligible Catholic students.

c. The parents/guardians agree in writing to permit their child(ren) to attend Religion classes and Religious functions that are offered as part of the school program.

d. The parents/guardians commit themselves in writing to accept and to promote the philosophy, goals, objectives, and regulations of our School.

e. The parents/guardians agree in writing to assume responsibility for all financial obligations.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

THE CHURCH OF SAINT DENIS TUITION PAYMENT POLICY

Purpose

The timely payment of tuition is vitally important in order to ensure the financial viability of Saint Denis School. Payments are used to pay teacher salaries and benefits as well as other operating expenses associated with the education of each child. Payments made that are not in accordance with the agreed upon payment plan or those that are unexpectedly unpaid cause financial stress within the School and Parish. As a result, a policy is developed to identify the expected payment schedule as well as those steps that may be necessary to address unpaid tuition.

Tuition Payment Schedule

Payments can be made under one of three options; monthly, semiannual and annual.

• For monthly tuition payments, the first of ten payments of is due June 1 and the last payment is due March 1.

• For semiannual tuition payments, the first of two payments is due June 1 and the last payment is due November 1.

• The annual tuition payment is due June 1.

Payment plan options are selected by completing the Tuition Agreement. Option changes can be made by contacting the Parish Business Office. As noted in the Tuition Agreement, if a family’s finances change during the school year and problems meeting a tuition commitment result, the School Principal should be immediately contacted in writing.

Contributing Families

A contributing parishioner is a registered family who practices their faith by participating in the life of the Church on a regular basis, and who contributes at least $15 a week or $780 per school year (excluding special collections). Contributions dates fall between June 1 and May 31of the following year. Tuition rates are reduced for contributing parishioners because they are participating in parish activities and stewardship and are contributing to the financial support of the Church and School. Families who are not contributing will be required to pay the non-parishioner rate. Contributions will be monitored quarterly. Non-contributing families will receive a notice of their classification as a non-contributing family during the second semester specifying their new tuition rate.

Delinquent Tuition

The following steps will be taken with respect to delinquent tuition:

• No student will be permitted to start a new school year with any outstanding balance from a previous year.

• Registered students may not begin the first semester unless at least two monthly payments have been made.

• Registered students may not begin the second semester unless at least five monthly payments have been made.

• Students may be dismissed for non-payment of tuition. Non-Parishioner families who are three months in arrears will be asked to withdraw their children from the school and records will be withheld.

• Eighth grade students who have not fully met their tuition commitments may not participate in graduation ceremonies and all other eighth grade activities including dances, trips etc.

• Students who have not fully met their tuition commitments may not attend a class dance or participate in class functions.

• The Parish reserves the right to engage a collection agency to handle delinquent accounts.

• Families will be informed in writing if any of the above noted conditions have occurred.

PARENTS AS PARTNERS

As partners in the educational process at St. Denis School, we ask parents to:

• support the religious and educational goals of the school;

• meet all financial obligations to the School;

• support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school

• complete and return to school any requested information promptly

• read school notes and newsletters

• notify the school in advance when a student is tardy or absent and follow up with a note

• attend Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

• see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student;

• see that your child arrives at school on time, is dressed according to the school dress code, and arrives to school prepared with all necessary materials.

School Advisory Board

The School Advisory Board communicates the needs and concerns of the parents to the Principal, Parish Administration and Faculty Liaison. The Advisory Board is responsible for two fundraisers which offset direct expenses of the school or allow flexibility for extra-ordinary items for the school. The Board also assists in determining overall policies in matters relating to education at St. Denis School, including but not limited to: curriculum, personnel, budget, tuition and facilities. 

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Hours

Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 AM: 9:00-11:30

Pre-K 4 full day: 9:00-2:50

Grades K through 8: 8:10 AM – 3:05 PM. 

Students not in their homeroom at 8:10 AM are considered tardy.

CARES: 7:00-8:00 AM, 3:00-6:00 PM

Before-School CARES is provided in the cafeteria beginning at 7:00 AM. 

Teacher supervision of the schoolyard begins at 8:10. Any students arriving before that time are to report to CARES in the cafeteria. Parents will be charged for this service. Parents are to make arrangements for their child(ren) to arrive at school on time and be picked up at dismissal time. When parents do not pick up their children by 3:15 the school office will try to contact the parents. If parents cannot be reached or cannot arrive by 3:30, the student will be sent to CARES and parents will be responsible for the daily CARES rate.

School Office Hours

The school office is open on all school days from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

School Visitors

School visitors (volunteers, parents, etc.) must come directly to the Main Office. For safety and security reasons, each person is required to sign in at the office when he/she enters the building for any reason. All visitors and/or volunteers are required to wear a designated badge that may be picked up in the office. Visitors and/or volunteers are to return the nametags and sign out at the time of departure. If you are in the school for any reason without a badge, you will be directed to the Main Office to get one. This is very important to maintain the safety and security of all the students and staff of St. Denis School.

Forgotten Items

Parents are advised to bring forgotten lunches and birthday treats directly to the school office. All other items, including homework, projects, and school supplies are the student’s responsibility and may be brought in the following day. Parents may not deliver forgotten items to the classroom.

Attendance

When a student is absent from school, a parent should call the office by 8:30 AM each day of the absence. If the office does not receive a call, a parent will be contacted. This policy is for the protection of the students.

A written statement giving reasons for the absence or tardiness must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return. These notes are legal documents required by the state. Should absence for any reason other than illness be necessary, parents are requested to notify the School in advance when possible, and present a written reason for the absence.

Students who have been absent three or more days may not return to school without a doctor’s note.

The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate disruptions in instruction. Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility. No assignments will be given in anticipation of a student’s absence due to a vacation.

Excessive absence, including tardies, can be cause for a student to be retained in the current grade for another year.

Making up Missed Work Due to Absence

When a student is absent parents may make arrangements with an older sibling or neighbor to bring home the work that was missed each day. Students in primary grades should not be asked to carry a sibling’s or neighbor’s heavy text books.

When a parent calls to report a child’s absence in the morning, he/she can indicate that assignments and books will be picked up in the office between 3:00 and 3:30. This will be relayed to the teacher and the work will be sent to the office by 3:00.

If no arrangements have been made, nothing will be sent home and the student will make up the work when he/she returns in a timely manner as required by the teacher. Teachers in grades 1-4 will make these arrangements with their students; students in grades 5-8 are responsible for contacting their individual teachers to make up missed assignments and tests.

Absence during the School Day

Students needing medical appointments during school hours require a written note by the parent. Parents are required to sign out their children. Students will be called to the office once their parents arrive. Children are not permitted to sign themselves out or to wait outside. If a child returns to school during the school day, the child must be accompanied to the office and signed back in to school.

Lateness

The school day begins at 8:10 AM. It is the parent’s responsibility to see that their children arrive at school on time each day. When a child arrives late, it creates a disruption for the entire class and results in a loss of instructional time.

When a student arrives late, he/she must report directly to the office for a late slip. A note from home must be sent in within 24 hours stating the reason for the lateness. Habitual lateness constitutes a serious infraction and may warrant further investigation.  Any student who is late more than three times in any given trimester will be asked to make up this time after school with the Principal. Students who are habitually late may also be denied participation in certain activities, including but not limited to Student Council.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Academic Policies

Preparation for Class

The student is responsible for completing all class assignments and homework on time. Failure to do so indicates a lack of serious preparation for class. Incomplete homework assignments will result in consequences designed by each teacher as outlined in parent/teacher communications, and will ultimately affect the student’s grade on the report card. Student in grades 4-8 who have not handed in all assignments will receive an “Incomplete” on their report card for that subject area. Examination of copybooks and worksheets for neatness and completeness of work, as well as class participation, are parts of the overall report card grade.

All students are to use copybooks properly. Students should not tear pages from copybooks, skip pages, or use his/her copybook or book covers as a drawing or scribbling pad. Only bound composition books are permitted (no spirals).

Homework

Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class. Homework includes both written and study assignments. Ample time will be allowed for the completion of out-of-class research assignments or projects so that students may budget their time accordingly.

The following time per night is suggested for homework; this includes both written and study assignments:

Grades 1 and 2       30 minutes

Grades 3 and 4       60 minutes

Grades 5 and 6       90 minutes

Grades 7 and 8       120 minutes

CURRICULUM

The Archdiocesan curriculum guidelines are followed for the teaching of all subject areas. St. Denis School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects:

Religion

Our primary purpose is religious formation and deepening each child’s relationship with God. Catholic values are integrated into every aspect of the school day and all curriculum areas. Students and teachers are given opportunities for individual, small group, and community prayer. Our tradition of service is exemplified by our Mercy Ministers Program as well as many other outreach programs, collections and drives held throughout the year.

In each grade, the Liturgical Year (Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas, Christmas Season, Lent, Holy Week, the Triduum, Easter Season, Saints, Feast, and Special People) is developed according to its appropriate placement over the three trimesters. The importance of Sunday mass attendance is continually stressed over the entire school year.

Sacramental preparation is the focus of the religion curriculum for grades 2 and 6. Students in grades 3-8 receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the year, and all members of the School community celebrate monthly First Friday liturgies.

In each grade, instruction in prayer includes the purposes of prayer and the kinds of prayer. In every grade Social Justice is developed around the seven themes contained in the document from the United States Catholic Conference, Sharing Catholic Social Teachings, Challenges and Directions, 1998.

Integrated Language Arts

The Integrated Language Arts Curriculum reflects the Standards of the National Council of Teachers of English and the Pennsylvania Framework. Instruction in Integrated Language Arts has strong foundations in literacy: reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening, and visualizing. Skills are further developed in critical thinking, literary evaluation, methods of research, competency in self-expression, and metacognitive strategies. Integrated Language Arts includes instruction in reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, handwriting, and library/ reference skills.

Mathematics

The Elementary Mathematics Curriculum is a carefully planned program, consistent with Pennsylvania standards and standards of the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, for mathematics instruction. The Elementary Mathematics Curriculum is divided into eight levels of instruction beginning with Level 1 and extending to Algebra Readiness in grades 7 and 8. Students at all levels gain understanding in mathematics in a variety of ways through explorations and investigations involving hands-on manipulatives and technology. Problem solving within the major strands of the curriculum is emphasized

Honors Mathematics Program

Students capable of completing the prescribed curriculum in seven years are enrolled in the Elementary Honors Mathematics Program. The students in this program are identified in fourth grade and begin an acceleration of levels 5 through 8 in their fifth year. Having completed level eight in their seventh year, these students complete a course of Algebra I in their eighth year. The program is carefully monitored by the school administrator and the Archdiocesan Mathematics Coordinator with the use of admission criteria and management guidelines prepared by the Archdiocesan Mathematics Committee.

Students who complete this program and satisfactorily master the Algebra I curriculum according to criteria established by the Archdiocesan Mathematics Committee are able to begin their second year of secondary mathematics in the freshman year based upon the policies of the secondary school they elect to attend.

Social Studies

The St. Denis Social Studies Curriculum follows the Archdiocesan Guidelines, which are based upon the National Council for the Social Studies Scope and Sequence. The goals of the Social Studies Curriculum include the development of knowledge, skills, values, and social participation appropriate to the children’s age and grade level.

Grade 1: Understanding School and Family Life

Grade 2: The Neighborhood

Grade 3: The Community

Grade 4: Interdisciplinary Study of Pennsylvania

Grade 5: The Western Hemisphere- United States and its Close Neighbors

Grade 6: The Eastern Hemisphere- Representative World Regions

Grade 7: Building a strong and Free Nation: BC-1853

The United States: Early American Civilizations through Manifest Destiny

Grade 8: Building a Strong and Free Nation: 1850-1960

The United States: Road to the Civil War to the New Frontier

Science

LabLearner is a 100% hands-on method of teaching school science. The program was designed to specifically address state and national science, math, technology, health, and language arts standards, while at the same time developing students' cognitive "tools" in approaching science concepts, critical thinking, and problem solving. The hands-on, experiment-based LabLearner Elementary School program is divided into 30 developmentally appropriate units called CELLs. Each comes with its own complete list of national standards being addressed within that CELL.

Some standards addressed are: National Research Council Guidelines, National Science Standards, Project 2061 (Benchmarks for Science Literacy), and NCTM (Curriculum and Evaluation Standards and School Mathematics)

The LabLearner Middle School Science Program is designed around nine unifying scientific themes that represent essential scientific principles and highlight science standards. Within each grade, CELLs (Core Experience Learning Lab) present to students each of the scientific themes in progressively more complex, but related contexts. By experiencing the LabLearner program from 6th through 8th grade, students develop an increasingly coherent and complex understanding of essential scientific principles and scientific themes. Consequently, the curriculum spirals, building concept upon concept - linking the content presented throughout the unifying themes into a logical and understandable whole.

Library

Library skills and the ability to access information and use it appropriately are the basis of the Library curriculum at St. Denis School. The school library is the vehicle that provides opportunities for students to attain information literacy and to foster a lifelong interest in acquiring knowledge.

Technology

St. Denis School follows the Archdiocesan Technology Guidelines, which address the six major areas recommended by the International Society for Technology Education: 

1) basic operations and concepts,

2) social, ethical, and human issues,

3) technology and productivity tools,

4) technology communication skills,

5) technology research skills, and 6) technology problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Assignments and projects in Technology class are coordinated with classroom teachers and are assessed on both content and technology according rubrics. Students are expected to use Technology productively and appropriately as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy.

In addition to Technology class, students have access in the classroom to interactive Smart Boards and the Internet as teachers incorporate technology into content area lessons. Students in grades 6 to 8 also use laptops for in-class activities and assignments.

Fine Arts

Art and Music education allows students to experience that which is basic to their humanity: the ability to create, to express, and to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation, the masterpiece of which is themselves.

St. Denis offers a developmental music program where students are given the foundation for understanding basic principles and appreciating a variety of genres. 

In addition to classroom art lessons the school offers students exposure to a wide range of art, artists, and mediums through the monthly Art Goes to School program, which is taught by parent volunteers.

Physical Education

Physical Education is vital to the development of the whole child. The Physical Education program emphasizes the development of skills, physical fitness, sportsmanship, community building, wellness and nutrition, and health and safety.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued three times a year to students in Grades 2 through 8. Students in Grade 1 receive a Progress Report for the first trimester and they receive report cards for the remaining two trimesters. Each student is responsible for his/her own report card grade by satisfactorily fulfilling the following requirements:

• major testing (at least five assessments per trimester in the major subjects)

• quizzes

• oral and written reports

• independent classroom work

• active participation in classroom lessons and activities

• class/individual projects

Progress Reports are issued at mid-trimester intervals.

PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are held each year. Student attendance with parents is mandatory. Conference days for children will be counted as school days. School is not in session during conferences.

Conference schedules are prepared and issued by the teachers well in advance of the scheduled date. Parents requiring additional conferences during the school year may make arrangements with the individual teachers.  

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROBATION

Each student is responsible for the timely and satisfactory completion of projects, class work and homework. Grades on tests and quizzes should be commensurate with the student’s ability. A student who does not fulfill his/her academic responsibilities due to failing grades or missing assignments in a trimester will be placed on academic probation for the next four to five weeks. Academic probation is a designated time period during which evaluation of a student’s progress is monitored, as follows:

a. The teachers will note the student who is experiencing academic difficulties in either assignments or test scores, and contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) to inform them of the possibility of academic probation.

b. The progress report issued prior to the report card will include a written notification citing the possibility of academic probation.

c. Written verification that the child will be on probation will be forwarded to the parent/guardian.

Conditions and Consequences of Academic Probation

a. The parent(s)/guardian(s) and student will confer with the administration and the classroom teacher. The teacher and principal will outline the student’s program for improvement. 

b. The teacher will inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student’s progress. 

c. If a student is successful in meeting his/her academic responsibilities, the student will be removed from academic probation and the parent/guardian will be notified in writing.

d. If the student is unsuccessful in meeting his/her academic responsibilities, the administration will review the student’s continued enrollment in the School.

e. Academic Probation may affect a student’s ability to participate in athletic and extracurricular activities.

Promotion or Retention

Student progress is monitored throughout the school year. At the November conference, the parent/guardian is informed of the student’s academic, social and emotional progress. In January, the teacher and principal will contact the parent/guardian of a student who continues to experience difficulty, to discuss the possibility of retention and support services. By the end of May, the teacher(s) will schedule a follow-up meeting with the parent(s)/guardian(s). If retention is indicated, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive an official notification, which must be signed and returned to the school administration.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

The Terra Nova Standardized Assessment is administered each year to students in Grades K-8. The results are communicated to parents and are utilized by the school for curriculum planning. Students in grades 4-8 are tested in October and students in grades 2 and 3 are tested in March.

GRADUATION

Eighth grade students who have completed the prescribed course of study and maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible for graduation if all financial obligations have been met. Procedures for graduation are determined by the Administration and the eighth grade teachers.

Participation in 8th grade closing exercises and activities is a privilege, not a right. The School has the right to deny any student from participation if, in the view of the School, the student’s conduct or academic or disciplinary record indicates that the privilege should not be extended.

STUDENT RECORDS

St. Denis School adheres to the Buckley Amendment (Family Education Rights and Privacy) regarding access to student records. Records of students transferring to other schools will only be sent through the US Mail. No records will be given to parents to transport to the new school.

Students requesting records/transcripts/recommendations must submit a written request to the School Office. Completed forms will be sent via the U.S. Mail.Special handling will require that all postal fees be paid by the parents.

No records will be sent to transferring schools of students whose financial commitment is in arrears.

Dissemination of Education Records

To Non-Custodial Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Release of Records

Unless a court or custody agreement otherwise specifies, each parent/guardian is legally entitled to be provided access to all school records of the child or children. Only the parent/guardian or parent(s)/guardian(s) having “legal custody” of the child have the legal right to make religious and educational decisions. If there is joint custody, then both parents must agree on life decisions. Religion and education are life decisions.

Non-custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) who have legal custody, and therefore have the right to participate in the educational decisions affecting the child, are generally entitled to report cards, newsletters, and the like.

SUPPORT SERVICES

The following support services are available through the Delaware County Intermediate Unit: Reading and Math Remediation, Speech and Language Support, Counseling, and Educational/ Psychological testing.

In addition, the school has an Instructional Support Team. The Instructional Support Team (IST) is a process whereby a teacher utilizes the resources of a team of professionals to help a student who is experiencing academic, social or behavioral problems. The team consists of the classroom teacher, faculty who are members of the team, the student’s parents, the principal, and members of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit relevant to the case. In this way, educators with different expertise can address the problem and come up with intervention strategies for the teacher and parent to put into place. Monitoring of the child’s progress will be done on an ongoing basis and strategies will be adjusted accordingly.

BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCES

Students are welcome to celebrate their birthdays on the day of their birthday. If their birthday is in the summer they may celebrate their half-birthday. If a birthday or half-birthday falls on a weekend or holiday then the student may celebrate on the school day closest to that day.

Birthday treats are permitted and must be sent in with the student the morning they are celebrating. Parents may not bring in treats after school has started. The treats must be easy to distribute and not need special care such as refrigeration or freezing. If the treat needs plates and forks the parents must supply them also. The treats will be given out to the student’s class only, not to siblings, students or teachers in other classes, so as to not interrupt instructional time.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The Peacemaker Award is presented to one student in each homeroom each trimester. The 8th grade Peacemaker Award is reserved for distribution at Graduation.

Spirit, Achievement, and Effort Awards will be presented at the closing

liturgy.

BOOKS AND MATERIALS

Every student must carry his/her books to and from school in a suitable book bag. All books must be covered, with the exception of copybooks. Please cover workbooks with Contact paper and textbooks with paper covers or Book Sox. All covers must be neat and clean and free from inappropriate material. Books, copybooks, and materials are to be properly identified with a child’s name and grade. The student and parents/guardians must pay for all lost or damaged books in full. A charge will be made at the rate at which the books were purchased by the School.

Students are expected to take care of their personal belongings, their books and their clothing. They are also asked to help care for the school buildings and the adjoining property. Any malicious damage will necessitate compensation. Damage to neighborhood property on the way to and from school reflects on both school and home training.

CAFETERIA AND RECESS POLICIES

To promote physical wellness and to enrich the whole student, St. Denis school offers students their choice of a nourishing school lunch or one brought from home. Students develop socially by sharing meal and play time with their classmates. A sense of community and personal responsibility is encouraged through these guidelines:

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

Students should enter in an orderly fashion and go straight to their assigned seats or take their place in line to purchase lunch. Students wishing to purchase a la carte items should do so at this time. For the safety of all, students are to remain seated at all times and should speak in conversational tones when in the cafeteria. Students are responsible for throwing away all trash and wiping down the tables so that they are left in good order for the next group of students. No students may remain in the cafeteria unsupervised after the teacher on duty has dismissed the group for recess.

RECESS YARD

Students are expected to play in a fair, friendly, and inclusive way, and to respect the personal dignity of others by following the Golden Rule. The recess yard is divided into play areas for each grade and for the safety of all students, they are to remain in their assigned areas. Students must follow the directions of the adults on yard duty at all times. Safety Concerns: Students may not enter the school building without permission from an adult on duty. Students are never permitted to leave the school yard to retrieve a ball or other item from the street. Likewise, students may never climb the fences or crawl under parked cars to retrieve items. The adults on duty will arrange for retrieval when possible.

Injuries and Incidents: Students are to report accidents, injuries, and problems immediately to an adult.

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONICS

Parents may give their children permission to carry cell phones to school for emergency use. All cell phones must be turned OFF during the school day and may not be removed from the students’ book bags. Violation of this policy is considered a serious infraction.  If a child needs to make a call during the school day it must be made from the school office on the school’s telephone with permission from the appropriate school staff member. Beepers, pagers, handheld electronic games, mp3 players, and other items that, in the view of the School, may be distracting or disruptive to the learning environment are not permitted in school. St. Denis School does not assume responsibility for the loss, damage, or theft of any of these items.

CHILD ABUSE LAWS

St. Denis School abides by the Child Abuse laws of the State of Pennsylvania. This law mandates that all cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services.

Child Abuse

The protection and welfare of the students are the goals and responsibilities to which the administrator, teachers and school staff willingly dedicate daily efforts. The fulfillment of this responsibility requires constant vigilance and concern in all areas of the school operation. This is particularly true in the very sensitive and critical area of child abuse. Because of daily interaction with students, teachers and administrators are

in a position which permits identification of children who may be abused or neglected. If a teacher suspects that a child is being abused, the teacher must report this to the administrator who in turn, after investigation, must enlist the services of the school nurse in determining if child abuse may exist. The administrator must report cases of suspected child abuse to Child Line, the Office of Catholic Education, and the Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia immediately upon such determination. The school nurse in accordance with the provisions of Act 124 (Child Protective Services Law) should report cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities with proper documentation to follow.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We believe that discipline is fundamental to life. Discipline is a necessary reflection of the Philosophy of a Catholic School, which attempts to develop a fully committed Christian – a Christian committed to the observance of just rules and regulations, which will assist the individual in responding to his/her responsibilities and obligations to himself/herself and others. Correct training in discipline means that a child learns to accept rules and regulations presented by lawful authority. Students are expected to act in such fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on themselves and the school. They are expected to show consideration and respect for their fellow students and teachers, thus creating a harmonious atmosphere within the school. All students must recognize their individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Children who fail to comply with school policies and regulations must accept the consequences.

The discipline code applies to students and parents/guardians both in school and at school-sponsored events, as well as in the school/parish community and outside the school/parish community where the behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the School. The individual classroom teacher will customarily handle disciplinary procedures for PRE-K through Grade 8. Policies are developmentally appropriate for each grade level. Policies, expectations, and consequences of inappropriate behaviors (words and actions) are explained thoroughly in each new year to both students and families. Behavioral charts and strategies are displayed in every classroom where students collaboratively plan for personal growth and academic success with their teachers. The Principal, who promotes and encourages both consistency and ongoing parent communication in the growth of a healthy school environment, reinforces individual policies that are within the framework of this handbook. The Principal is available to all faculty, staff, students, and families on a consultative basis as needed in given circumstances, and acts as an additional resource for the strategies necessary to plan for individual student growth and learning.

Bullying

A safe, secure, and respectful educational environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards and build appropriate relationships with others. A Catholic School environment refuses to accept any such behaviors. Therefore, acts of harassment, hazing, intimidation and bullying (including cyber bullying and the like) are unacceptable behaviors and are prohibited in our Catholic schools. School personnel cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under their direct supervision. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school and the rights and welfare of the students and is within the control of the school in its normal operations, it is the school’s intent to prevent bullying. Administration, faculty, staff, and volunteers are to demonstrate appropriate behavior by treating others with civility and respect, and being aware of and not tolerating harassment, intimidation, hazing, and bullying, etc. If incidents do occur, students should be able to report and know that the inappropriate behavior will be dealt with promptly and effectively. There will be no retaliation against a victim, reporter, or witness.

Bullying involves actions or words against another person for the purpose of inflicting physical or emotional harm or discomfort or damage to a person’s reputation that is intimidating or threatening and affects the learning and school environments. If the bully is threatening harm, a student should tell a teacher or the principal immediately.

• According to Section 1303.1-A of the Pennsylvania School Code, non-public school students would be required to follow the bullying policy anytime they are in what is defined as the “school setting”

• “School setting” shall mean in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school

• Policy also applies to off -campus behavior that somehow brings discredit or scandal to the school and/or causes substantial disruption to the learning environment

Harassment

The School follows the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Policy prohibiting harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual Harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Any student or parent/guardian who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student.  A complete copy of the policy is maintained by the Principal and is available upon request.

St. Denis School provides a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously or in jest or online) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Harassment of any type is not tolerated. The Principal investigates all complaints of harassment. Students involved in harassing behavior face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Engagement in online blogs such as, but not limited to, MySpace.com®, Facebook, etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty, other students or the parish.

Violent/Threatening/Harassing and Inappropriate Conduct

It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from all forms of improper threats, intimidation, hostility and offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of unwanted verbal of physical conduct, verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements, and behavior not otherwise conducive to the educational and religious mission of the school. Unacceptable conduct – either by a student or a parent/guardian - includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Disrespectful behavior of any kind toward or about any staff, student, volunteer or parent;

• Insubordination;

• Fighting

• Bomb scares or triggering other false alarms

• Cheating or plagiarism;

• Use or possession of drugs or alcohol;

• Smoking

• Stealing

• Intimidation, harassment or threats of any kind; and

• Possession of any weapon.

These categories do not cover every possible situation. The school will determine which behavior is inappropriate. 

This policy applies both in and out of the classroom, in the school community generally and outside the school community, where the behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the School. Conduct by students or parents/guardians, or anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to the immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.

In addition, in the case of threats of violence or harassment, in any form, including oral, written or electronic, by a student against any member of the school community, the student, if suspended but not dismissed, may be required to have psychological or psychiatric clearance before returning to school.

Infraction Notification Slips

Infraction notification slips may be issued for a breach of classroom and/or school rules. The purpose of these slips is to maintain communication and to provide written notification and documentation of any consequences, including detention or the loss of privileges. Parents are provided with written notification when a detention is warranted. The day, date, and time of the detention are at the discretion of the teacher who monitors the detention. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, lessons, ballgames, etc.

When a student receives an infraction notification slip, the parent/guardian must sign it on the night issued. It must be returned the following day to the issuing school official. A parent/guardian’s signature on the slip indicates that it has been read by the parent/guardian; it does not indicate the parent/guardian’s permission for the student to receive the infraction slip. The teachers issuing the infraction slip and the principal have already made that decision.

A student’s report card may be seriously affected by the reception of an inordinate number of infraction slips. Choices made consistently against school policies would be considered inordinate.

Serious Infractions may result in an immediate suspension or dismissal and apply when students are on campus, on a bus, or at school-sponsored functions. Examples of Serious Infractions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Truancy – unexcused absences

• Violent behavior – any fighting or behavior that causes physical injury

• Blatant disrespect for authority – to any adult in the building

• Possession and/or use of drugs, narcotics, tobacco or alcoholic beverages on campus or on bus

• Irreverence

• Vandalism – destruction or defacing of parish or school property

• Profane/obscene language or gestures or engaging in immoral conduct

• Possession of any item which may present a danger to others in school or out

• Cheating or Plagiarism

• Leaving campus without permission from a school authority.

Violent/Threatening/Harassing Acts by Students and Parents

Any threatening, harassing, or violent acts by children or parent(s)/guardian(s) will constitute grounds for immediate dismissal of the child.  A student under investigation will be released to his parents or legal guardian and removed from the school pending the investigation.

If the acts involve a weapon, the school will report the incident to the local police. Items that are not by their nature weapons may become weapons depending on how they are used. For example, a baseball bat, if used to strike someone can be a deadly weapon. Guns and knives, for example, are deadly weapons in and of themselves.

Whenever physical harm results, the police will be informed. Threats of violence by use of a weapon are also crimes, and again the particular circumstances will dictate whether the police should be contacted. When a weapon is found, the police will be called immediately. If the police are called, school officials will make every reasonable effort to release the child to the police outside of the presence of other children, and, if at all possible, after the parents have been contacted and have arrived.

Suspension and Dismissal

Just, appropriate disciplinary policies are essential educational processes, which include procedures, which are more remedial than punitive, yet include the necessary provisions that protect the common good of the school community. Suspension may lead to dismissal. The Principal and Pastor will inform the parents/guardians of the seriousness of suspension and seek their immediate cooperation in a corrective program designed to resolve the student’s problem, if possible.

Procedures for student suspensions:

a. These procedures apply to infractions of a serious nature, as determined by the School.

b. Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the suspension as soon as practicable.

c. Suspensions will be implemented in school and/or out of School, at the discretion of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor.

d. Following suspension, the appropriate school official will interview parents or guardians. Students removed from the school community will not be readmitted before a parental interview has been conducted and all other conditions for readmittance have been satisfied.

e. Parents and student are to sign a formal agreement in which they signify their understanding and agree to assume responsibility for future behavior.

f. Where appropriate, a student will be referred to a counselor.

g. Signed agreement of parents and a written report of the suspension will be filed in the student’s record.

h. Suspension records are not a part of the student’s permanent or cumulative record. Ordinarily, suspension records only will be made available to authorized school personnel and parents. Students who are given an in-school suspension will be required to report to school each day and work with a substitute teacher paid for ($70.00) by the suspended student’s parents. Students who receive an out-of-school suspension will not be allowed on campus during the time of their suspension. Students must complete all class work and tests from the days of suspension.

Procedures for Dismissal of a Student:

a. After three (3) formal suspensions, a student may be dismissed.

b. Students who are dismissed may apply for readmission after one full year. The School will determine whether re-admittance is appropriate.

c. In certain instances the infraction may warrant immediate dismissal. 

The School reserves the right to dismiss any student at any time where the School considers the conduct of the student or parent/guardian to be inconsistent with School policy, the good of the School community or Catholic teachings. Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the dismissal as soon as practicable.

CRISIS PLAN

St. Denis School has implemented a crisis plan for emergency situations including fire drills, evacuations, lockdowns, and weather related emergencies. All teachers and staff are aware of the procedure to follow to keep your children safe. 

State Law and Archdiocesan Policies require us to conduct monthly fire drills as well as regularly scheduled practices for all emergency situations. Parents may not request that their children be excluded from these drills.

DISMISSAL

Children are dismissed from their classroom by their teachers at 3:00 P.M.  

When students need to change their normal routes to home, a parent must send a written note to the School office or call the office before 2:30 P.M. If the School has not been notified of any changes, students will be dismissed per their normal routes to home. For safety reasons, there are no exceptions to this policy.

Early Dismissal - Individual Students

No child will be excused early except in cases of emergency. To request an early dismissal, please send a note to the homeroom teacher who will forward it to the office. The student will be dismissed from the school office. The parent or guardian must report to the school office to sign the student out. Dismissal Procedures

GRIMES CENTER DROP OFF AND DISMISSAL GUIDELINES

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN

Morning Drop Off:

              All children are to be dropped off at the Grimes Center Parking lot.

              There is a crossing guard there to help them cross Eagle Road then

              Proceed down the Cemetery Path.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ONE ALLOWED TO PULL INTO THE SCHOOL YARD TO DROP OFF

THEIR CHILD.

Afternoon Pickup:

Please fill in the first available space after the reserved location.

Pull up to the front space if it is open so that a car may park behind you.

              Your car must be facing Saint Denis Lane and not the cemetery.

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN BACKING UP IS NOT PERMITTED.

              Exit by pulling out onto Saint Denis Lane.

Kindergarten pickup at Grimes:

If you are not waiting for an older child, please pull up to one of the front spaces with your car facing Saint Denis Lane so that you may leave when your child has arrived.

On occasions when it is necessary for someone else to pick up your child, please inform them of these procedures.

IT IS FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OUR CHILDREN.

Returning to School After Dismissal

Students are not permitted to return to the school building after the 3:30 PM dismissal unless accompanied by a teacher. Students who choose to return to school after 3:30 PM without a teacher, face detention, suspension, or expulsion.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

Emergency closings will be posted on the school website and announced on KYW 1060 News Radio. KYW also posts these listings on TV Channel 3. The emergency number for St. Denis School (Delaware County) is #481. Although the emergency phone chain will be activated through the “All Call” notification system, it is the responsibility of each family to listen and/or watch the designated radio and/or television station as weather related closings become imminent or seasonally expected. 

FIELD TRIPS

The purpose of every class trip is to broaden the intellectual, cultural, and social experiences of each child. There will be no overnight field trips or activities that the School deems to be high risk. Each student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide written permission for each trip in order for the student to participate. A field trip parent consent form must be signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student using the form provided by the School. [See Archdiocesan Consent Forms found in Appendix A of this document]

General Guidelines for Field Trips

• Field trips are designed to correlate with teaching units and to achieve curricular goals.

• All grades do not always have the same number of field trips.

• Field trips are permissible for all grades when advanced planning, location, and the experience insure a successful learning opportunity.

• A class trip is a privilege, which can be taken away if a teacher, with the consultation of the Principal, deems it appropriate. A telephone call will not be accepted in lieu of the proper field trip permission slip.

• Monies collected for the field trip are non-refundable.

• Cell phones are not allowed on field trips unless otherwise directed by the teacher and/or administration.

• If a parent/guardian does not wish a child to attend the trip for any reasons, he/she should notify the School. The child must attend school on the day of the trip or be marked absent.

GIFTS AND INVITATIONS

Students should not exchange individual gifts at school. This gesture only creates hurt feelings among other students.

Invitations for slumber parties or birthday parties should be sent to the homes of students via the U.S. Mail unless an invitation is being given to every student in the class.

HEALTH

Immunizations Required by PA State Law (required by state law – amended 9/2001)

The following immunizations must be completed and verified by the school nurse before a student may attend any classes.   

Children in ALL GRADES (K-12) need the following vaccines:

3 doses of tetanus

3 does of diphtheria 

3 doses of Polio

2 doses of Measles (given after 12 months)           

1 dose of mumps (given after 12 months)       

1 dose of rubella (given after 12 months)

Children ENTERING SCHOOL AT K OR GRADE 1 need the following vaccines:  

4 doses of tetanus (1 dose on/after 4th birthday)

4 doses of diphtheria (1 dose on/after 4th birthday)

3 doses of polio

2 doses of measles (given after 12 months)

1 dose of mumps (given after 12 months)

1 dose of rubella (given after 12 months)

3 doses of hepatitis B

1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the disease

Children ENTERING 7TH GRADE need the following vaccines:

3 doses of tetanus

3 doses of diphtheria

3 doses of polio

2 doses of measles (given after 12 months)

1 dose of mumps (given after 12 months)

1 dose of rubella (given after 12 months)

3 doses of hepatitis B

Age appropriate dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the

disease

Physical Examination:

Students must have a complete physical examination upon original entry into school (kindergarten or first grade) and in grade six. Students new to Pennsylvania schools must have an examination if the student’s record does not meet Pennsylvania requirements.

Parents are urged to take their children to their own physician for examinations to provide continuity of care. Your family physician is familiar with your child and is best able to detect any physical changes. He/She is able to begin immediate treatment if indicated, and to follow through with needed care and immunization boosters. You will be provided with the appropriate forms when examinations are required. If desired, the school doctor can perform the needed physical examination. There is no fee for a school exam.

Scoliosis Screening:  Scoliosis screening is done in grades six and seven.

­Vision Screening:  Vision screening is done in all grades each year.

Hearing Screening: Hearing screening is done in grades kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, & 7

Height and Weight: Height and weight measurements are done each year in all grades.

Emergency Cards

Each student must have a completed emergency card on file in the main office. This card designates parent/guardian or a substitute parent/guardian to be notified in the event of a serious illness or injury at school. The substitute parent should be someone who can assume responsibility in the parent’s absence. This is a serious undertaking and should be arranged by mutual consent. Please be sure this alternate person is a local resident.

Parents/guardians who plan to be away from home for an extended period of time are encouraged to notify the school in writing of alternate emergency phone numbers and persons.

Allergic Reaction to Insects

Parents/guardians of children with known bee or insect sting allergies must alert the school and provide medication with written instructions for emergency treatment.

When to Keep Your Child at Home

There are times when you are not sure it is necessary to keep your child home from school. Here are some symptoms that may mean your child is sick: excessive coughing, chills, lice, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged glands, fever, running or inflamed eyes.

A child should remain at home at least 24 hours symptom free after they have had any illness accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Notify the school that your child will be absent. When your child returns to school, he/she is expected to bring written excuse stating the date(s) and reason for absence. A parent or guardian must sign this excuse. For students absent in excess of three (3) days, a physician’s certificate must be provided upon child’s return to school. This is an Archdiocesan regulation.

By following these guidelines, you will protect not only the health of your child, but the health of his/ her classmates and school staff as well.

Communicable Diseases

Any student suspected of having any of the following communicable diseases must remain out of school for the indicated time, and must return to school with a parent’s/guardian’s or physician’s note indicating the type of treatment.

Disease: Exclusion from School

Any undiagnosed rash: Until diagnosis is established or symptoms are gone for 24 hours

Chicken Pox: 6 days from the last crop of vesicles. All scabs must be dry

Contagious Conjunctivitis: 24 hours after start of physician prescribed treatment or until eyes are free of discharge

Fifth Disease: No exclusion

Scabies: 24 hours after start of treatment

Scarlet Fever / Strep Throat: 24 hours after start of treatment

Skin Staph or Strep: Until skin is clear or under treatment for 24 hours

Impetigo: 24 hours after start of physician prescribed treatment

Pediculosis (Lice): Until treated and free of lice and nits

Pinworm: Until first dose of treatment is given

Ringworm: Until skin is clear of all scabs and crusts or under treatment for 24 hours

Cleanliness

Students are reminded of the importance of the frequent washing of hands as a deterrent to the passing of germs and as a matter of personal cleanliness. They are also reminded of the importance of neatness and cleanliness as regards their whole body and the condition of their clothing.

Medication Policy

Students are not permitted to carry prescription or over-the-counter medications to school. The parent or guardian must deliver the medication and any necessary refills to the office. No school personnel shall administer to any student nor shall any student possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed Medication Authorization Form* is filed in the school office. This form shall be completed by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and physician. This form shall specify the times at which the medication must be dispensed and the appropriate dosage. All such medication will be clearly marked with student’s name, doctor’s name, contents, and dosage in the original labeled pharmacy container.

The school will keep a record of all medications dispensed to students, specifying the time of dispensation, dosage and supervising personnel.

Under no conditions may permission for dispensation of medication be given by phone.However, a fax with signature may be accepted.

Students should not be in possession of any medication in school. Epipens and inhalers are considered emergency medications and may be carried by the student if a physician’s request form is on file in the nurse’s office

All medications required by students shall be given by parent(s), guardian(s) whenever possible. The school recognizes that there are occasions when it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours.

*This form will be sent home for a signature at the beginning of the school year.

Nurse

A registered nurse is provided by the public school district according to the school’s enrollment, on days selected by the public school district. The nurse is responsible for checking the height, weight, hearing and vision of every child and for making referral to parents when problems are found. The nurse maintains all health records. Care given in the school is limited to first aid in accidents or illness until the parents can be reached to take the child home, to the doctor, or to the hospital. In an emergency, the nurse will arrange to have the student transported to the hospital.

All students are screened yearly under the State-mandated program. Student physical examinations are required within three months of entry into school and the sixth grade. Student dental examinations are required within three months of entry into school and in the third and seventh grades. The sixth and seventh grade students are also screened for scoliosis.

If your child has a specific medical problem, please notify the homeroom teacher and the nurse of the problem. Medic-Alert bracelets are strongly recommended for any child with a medical problem. Emergency cards are kept on file for each student. Please be sure that we have an up-to-date emergency number on file in case of an emergency during the school day involving your child.

Accident/Illness at School

Accidents or unusual illness occurring at school are reported immediately to the principal or main office personnel. When a student becomes ill or meets with an accident, the parent or guardian is contacted. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called. Medications and School

Field Trips

The school nurse will recommend to the administration the appropriateness of each field trip and consideration of safety of the student with life-threatening allergies.

Medications including an EpiPen and a copy of the student’s Emergency Health Care Plan must accompany the student.

The adult carrying the EpiPen will be identified to the student as well as the other chaperones. A cell phone or other communication device must be available on the trip for emergency calls.

Peanut Policy

Food allergies are a growing concern in schools across America. Millions of children - children who are perfectly healthy and normal in every other way – must watch every single bite they eat, or risk suffering a severe or even life threatening reaction. In fact, food allergies claim over 200 lives and are responsible for over 30,000 emergency room visits each year. A major health issue such as this one needs to be taken very seriously, and it has always been the policy of this school to make the safety and well being of our students our top priority. Therefore, we are putting the following safety guidelines into effect:

• Please do not send any peanuts, peanut based products or foods containing peanuts or peanut based products to be distributed, shared, or eaten as snacks in the classroom. It is fine to send these products for lunch, which is eaten in the cafeteria.

• We will not be doing any classroom projects that involve peanut butter (like bird feeders) or peanut shells (art projects). Please do not send any of these projects into the classroom with your child.

• Birthday parties are a special time for children, but can be a difficult time for the food-allergic child. If you would like to send in baked goods, please do not prepare anything that includes peanuts or peanut based products. There are certainly children with other food allergies in many of our classrooms, and for this reason it would be especially helpful if you could let you child’s teacher know a few days ahead of when you’d like to celebrate your child’s birthday, so that the food-allergic child can provide his/her own safe treat.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Students and parents may access teachers’ web pages at www.saintdenisschool.com for calendars, homework assignments and other class news. While this information will be available on the website, students are still responsible for any assignments or directions that will be given in class. Edline accounts are activated at the beginning of the year and parents are asked to provide an email address. Email addresses will be used for both school and classroom notifications and reminders.

Parents and students will be able to view grades on www.rvsgradebook.com. User ID’s and passwords will be distributed at the beginning of the year. For security, passwords may not be changed and you will have up to three tries to enter your password. If you experience any difficulty logging in, please contact the Main Office to reset your password. Tests will still be sent home for parents review and signature. Gradebook is available so that students and parents will have a record of progress for the term.

LIBRARY POLICIES

The school has a well-equipped automated library and media center. Students are encouraged to use the library for curricular enrichment and pleasure reading. The following rules are observed:

• Borrowed books are to be returned on time and in good condition.

• A fine of $.10/day is required for overdue books. 

• Student must pay for books damaged or lost before any other materials may be checked out.

• Students who have lost or damaged books do not receive report cards until their account is cleared. 

LOST AND FOUND

Any items found in the school building or on the school grounds should be taken to the School Office to be placed in the Lost and Found. Items placed in the Lost and Found remain there for 30 days. After 30 days, items are donated to charity.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Saint Denis School offers a hot lunch program daily.  All students are issued a NutriKids card; however, use of the cards is not mandatory. Parents may deposit funds into their NutriKids accounts online or through the school cafeteria. All a la carte items must be purchased with cash only. Students may choose to bring their lunch each day. Students should not bring glass bottles, soft drinks or excessive amounts of candy. Parents may not bring lunches or drinks from carry-out restaurants. 

Students are expected to use the same manners required in the classroom during lunch. Courtesy toward other students and cooperation with lunch monitors are in order at all times.

OFFICE RECORDS

Parents/Guardians are requested to notify the School Office in writing of any change of address, home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, business phone numbers, e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers of emergency contacts. This will guarantee that office records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

SERVICE PROGRAMS

The St. Denis Mercy Ministers Program

A strong ethic of service to others shapes the spirit of St. Denis School and is woven into the curriculum from Pre-K to 8th grade. This charism of service and compassion flows from the Sisters of Mercy who headed the school for 80 years. It is the driving force of our core values. At the 7th and 8th grade levels, this Mercy spirit culminates in the Mercy Ministers Program, a vital St. Denis tradition now for fifteen years. Our older students voluntarily serve the greater community by visiting or tutoring off campus or with service here at school. The program enjoys100% participation each year. Faculty site moderators and parent drivers form the backbone of the service club by offering supervision and transportation for the monthly trips. The Mercy Ministers Coordinator, a member of the faculty, organizes and directs the program, with an eye towards improvement and expansion of its activities.

Service Assignments and Sites

Outreach sites host monthly visits for students who choose to interact with the elderly, tutor younger students, or befriend people with special needs. These sites include: Mercy Court Residence for the Elderly, Divine Providence Village, Project MERCY after-school program, Dunwoody Village, and Haverford Estates. Other students prefer to: lend a hand in the school office; assist faculty as classroom technology or Kindergarten aides, or as members of the Recycling Committee. A dedicated group of officers and group captains give their energy and assistance in maintaining the program throughout the school year.

Program Activities

Mercy Minister Officers and Captains take pride each November in collaborating with the Student Council to promote and organize the annual 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Thanksgiving food drive. Both teams enjoy packing and delivering the completed baskets to Project HOME in Philadelphia, where they are given to deserving families to brighten the holiday celebration. In December, all Mercy Ministers generously sign on as Santa’s helpers for the 48 children in the Project MERCY after-school program. Each child receives a gift as well as a hat, scarf and gloves. 8th grade “elves” put on the finishing touches at a “wrap party” on December 6, St. Nicholas Day! During

Catholic Schools Week, the Recycling Team sponsored a poster contest to keep us mindful of the importance of conserving and reusing our resources. The money raised through the recycling effort (initiated by an 8th grade student) helps support Program projects during the year. Our Mercy Ministers are role models for our younger students, who, in turn, actively engage in age-appropriate service of their own.

STUDENT DIRECTORY

Within the first month of the school year, each family receives a Student Directory listing students’ and parents’ names, addresses, home telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

The Student Directory should be used to acquaint parents with the names of their children(s) classmates and parents. These directories should not be used or sold for other purposes.

TELEPHONE

Permission to use the telephone must be obtained from the school secretary. Students must submit a note from their teacher. The office phone is a business phone and students are permitted to use it only in case of an emergency. The telephone in a teacher’s office is for the use of the teacher only. Forgotten homework, athletic equipment, etc. do not constitute emergencies. Arrangements for after-school visits with friends should be made at home.

UNIFORMS AND DRESS CODE

A student’s appearance is a reflection to both those inside and outside our school community of our beliefs and core values. We always want to clearly display our faith and beliefs, so we ask the students, along with the cooperation of their parents, to follow the dress code listed below to align their appearance with our Catholic beliefs. 

The uniform policy will be strictly enforced. If any infractions occur, it may directly affect the personal and social growth grade on the report card. 

Uniforms for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are to be worn from the first day. Please make sure that all girls’ skirts are kept at a modest length. The guidelines are listed below.

GIRLS

Grade K – 4 (Winter Uniform)

• White peter-pan collared blouse, white long sleeved golf shirt with logo, or white turtleneck with logo

• Navy and Prescott red and white plaid jumper (Jumper is to be no more than 2 inches above the knee.)

• Navy or Prescott red tights or knee-hi socks

• Sweater (optional) if it is worn it must be a Prescott red button down cardigan with the Saint Denis Logo, NOT a crew neck sweater

Grade 5-8 (Winter Uniform)

• White oxford cloth button down collar shirt or Saint Denis Golf Shirt or Turtleneck with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy, Prescott red and white plaid kilt (Kilt is to be no more than two inches above the knee.)

• Prescott red crew neck sweater with the Saint Denis Logo.

• Navy or Prescott Red tights or knee-hi socks

Please note that pajama pants may not be worn. On cold days, girls may wear their gym sweatpants under their uniforms; however, they must be removed upon entering the school building.

Grade K-8 (Warm Weather Uniform) 

• Saint Denis Golf Shirt with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy Blue Flynn and O’Hara Walking Shorts or ( skorts for girls in K-4)Belt

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

BOYS

Grade K – 8 (Winter Uniform)

• Solid Navy Pants (cargo pants and corduroy jeans NOT permitted; this include pants with stitching around the pockets or along the side of the pants). Dress corduroys are permitted. 

• Belt

• White turtleneck or long/short sleeve white golf shirt with Saint Denis Logo

• Solid Prescott Red V-neck Vest or Sweater with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy or white crew socks

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

Grade K-8 (Warm Weather Uniform) (Optional)

• Saint Denis Golf Shirt with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy Blue Flynn and O’Hara Walking Shorts

• Belt

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

Sweater Policy

The red St. Denis logo sweater is part of the complete winter uniform for all students; however, it may be removed on warm days. Sweatshirts and non-uniform sweaters may not be substituted for the St. Denis sweater. When students are not wearing sweaters all shirts must be tucked in. Boys are required to wear brown, navy, or black belts and girls may not roll the waistbands of their kilts.

The official school uniform may be purchased at:  

Flynn and O’Hara Company

Drexeline Shopping Center

5126 State Road

Drexel Hill, PA

610-259-3115

GYM UNIFORM Grades K-8 Boys and Girls

• Navy Blue Saint Denis shorts or St. Denis sweat pants

• Red Saint Denis “T-Shirt”

• Navy Saint Denis Sweat Shirt

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

• Sneakers

On the day of their Physical Education Class, the students are expected to wear the St. Denis Gym Uniform, shorts, sweat pants, St. Denis Tee Shirt and/or Sweat Shirt, white socks and sneakers.

The official gym uniform may be purchased at:

C & M Sporting Goods

West Chester Pike

Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 30

Havertown, PA 

610-449-5880

SHOES

Both boys and girls are required to wear a sturdy shoe with a soft rubber heel.  Please remember:

• Heels may be no more than 1inch.

• No clogs or Crocs

• No open toed shoes

• No slides

• Sneakers may only be worn on Gym day.

JEWELRY

Although jewelry is not a part of the school uniform, post earrings of a small and conservative style or hoops no larger than a dime may be worn by the girls. Girls may only wear one earring in each ear in the earlobes only. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Bracelets, both ankle and wrist, pins and buttons are not a part of the school uniform. This includes all rope, yarn and beaded neck, wrist and ankle bands. A religious medal or cross on a chain is permitted.

MAKE UP AND NAILPOLISH

Make up, nailpolish, and artificial nails are not permitted.

HAIR

Boys’ hair must be above the collar and out of the eyes. Girls are to refrain from the use of hair accessories that could be distracting to the learning environment (bandanas, scarves, hair wraps, etc)

Failure to comply with the dress code will affect the grade on "Personal Development and Behavior" based on the number of infractions.

Additionally, students who repeatedly violate the uniform policy will be denied participation in the next out-of-uniform day.

DRESS DOWN DAY GUIDELINES

Students may NOT wear:

• flip-flop sandals

• open back shoes

• tank tops

• clothing with inappropriate writing, graphics, or logos

• sneakers that convert to roller skates

• pajama pants

Other regulations may be made when the out-of-uniform day is to take place.

VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers, including field trip chaperones, are required to submit Pennsylvania Police Background Check and Child Abuse Clearances, as well as proof of attendance from a Safe Environment Training Session. For more information, please contact the school office.

For the safety and security of all in school, all volunteers are required to report to the main office to sign in upon arrival.

WELLNESS POLICY

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that student wellness, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity are related to a student’s physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. It also recognizes that schools can provide an environment in which students can learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. The Archdiocese is committed to providing a healthy school environment that promotes these concepts as part of the education of the whole child.

The Wellness Policy can be accessed at: http://www.catholicschoolsphl.org/parents/PE/SchWellnessPolicy.pdf

St. Denis School is committed to implementing the Archdiocesan Wellness Policy. As this policy states, our goals are to educate the whole child in body, mind, and spirit. This is most effectively achieved when home and school work together. Parents are encouraged to pack healthy snacks and lunches for their children. Treats brought in for the class should be limited to special occasions such as holiday parties and birthdays.

RIGHT TO AMEND

St. Denis School reserves the right to amend this Handbook. Notice of amendments will be sent to parents via the monthly newsletter. Changes will appear in green in the online edition of the Handbook.

School Policies

PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

Saint Denis School

300 E. Eagle Road, Havertown, PA 19083

Phone: 610-446-4608   FAX: 610-446-5705

Dear Parents and Students,

Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what you want me to be and becoming that person.

- Saint Therese of Lisieux

Welcome to St. Denis School! In choosing St. Denis School, you have demonstrated a commitment to the values and philosophy of a Catholic education.

The faculty and staff of your school look forward to working with you to promote academic excellence and spiritual development in the context of the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Together let us pray that God, who has begun this good work in us, may carry it through to completion.

God bless you,

Sr. Gerald Helene, OSF

Principal

SAINT DENIS SCHOOL

St. Denis School is committed to transmitting Jesus’ message of love and

service. It is equally committed to providing a comprehensive and outstanding

educational experience, one that enriches the whole student – mind, body and

spirit. Our graduates enter high school intellectually, morally and

spiritually prepared to meet with confidence the challenges and opportunitiesthat lie ahead. In this regard a St. Denis education is truly an investment in the future – the gift of a lifetime. St. Denis School is a Catholic, parochial school for boys and girls in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 8. It is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

History

St. Denis Elementary School, the first Catholic elementary school in Delaware County, was originally located on Powder Mill Lane between Haverford Road and Cobbs Creek. Although the exact dates of its opening and closing are unknown, it is recorded that in 1859 the faculty consisted of one lay teacher, with a total of fifty students.

The construction of a new school building was begun in 1923. The new school was opened in September 1924, with four classrooms, one hundred ninety-four children, and four Sisters of Mercy, who commuted from the Motherhouse in Merion. In 1930 four rooms were added to the rear of the building- two on the first floor and two on the second. The original building is the present Lower School building, which now contains grades one through three.

By 1955 enrollment was up to 778 children with an additional 780 preschool children in the Parish. Plans were then drawn up for another school building. Shortly after construction, a second floor was added. This gave the present Upper School building a total of fourteen classrooms.

In 1960 a renovation program, which lasted ten years, was undertaken on the Lower School by 100 men of the Parish. The act of personal sacrifice saved the Parish more than $100,000. This refurbishment was necessary as the enrollment by 1962 was up to 1,388 students, with a staff of thirteen Religious and eleven lay teachers.

In 2005, St. Denis School welcomed the faculty and students from Archbishop Ryan School for Deaf Children to its campus, and four classrooms in the Lower School building were transformed into classrooms and an office for the new faculty and students. Many of the students have been mainstreamed into classes at St. Denis School.

During the past years, Saint Denis School has seen many significant changes. Most recently, the introduction of a computerized library, updated Technology lab, Science lab and Art room, the replacement of outside doors, windows, and fencing, and a school sign.  

Secretariat for Catholic Education Mission Statement

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations. Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.

Those who minister in Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia strive to fulfill the Lord’s words. The Secretariat for Catholic Education, under the direction of the Archbishop, serves the children, the adolescents, and the young adults entrusted to us by proclaiming and teaching them the Faith. We do this in the parish elementary schools, in the parish religious education programs, in the schools of special education, in the diocesan high schools, in the campus ministry programs, and in the youth and young adult activities that comprise the different facets of the educational ministry in this archdiocese.

In each of these spheres of educational activity, we commit ourselves to the work of:

• catechizing all those young Catholics whom we contact;

• evangelizing wherever and whenever possible;

• providing sound academic education and personal formation;

• building up communities of faith and service;

• encouraging and forming others in roles of leadership and service.

Our goal is to help each person recognize his or her uniqueness in being chosen by God to be holy and blameless and to be full of love, and to respond freely and completely to that choice throughout their lives. We do this work with confidence, knowing that the Lord is with us in our efforts. In the words from Matthew’s gospel, by which we are charged with the work of Catholic education, we hear these words of encouragement:

Know that I am with you always until the end of the world.

St. Denis Parish Mission Statement

“We, the faith community of St. Denis believe that our Baptism calls us to life in community with God’s people and to growth in holiness by becoming more like Jesus. We welcome and invite all people to build and experience this community, which mirrors God’s love for us.”

Statement of Purpose of St. Denis School

               In accordance with the Mission Statement of St. Denis Parish

St. Denis School is its people and the Christian values by which it lives, educates and learns.

As a community of lifelong learners, the parents, administration and teachers are dedicated to the realization of the full potential of each student in spirit, mind and body by:

• nurturing our spiritual journey through the sacraments, prayer and service to those in need;

• striving for academic excellence while developing skills required for the 21st century;

• promoting physical wellness.

Our Baptism calls us to respond to the presence of Christ in others by living  our core values of Faith, Mercy, Integrity, Cooperation and Respect.

Philosophy

St. Denis School is its people and the Christian values by which it lives, educates and learns.

We are guided by the belief that home, school and parish are inseparable. Teachers and administrators collaborate with parents and parishioners to provide our students an outstanding educational experience, one that forms and enriches the whole person in mind, body and spirit. As we pursue this mission every member of the school community is called upon to give witness to the core values that we cherish: Faith, Mercy, Integrity, Cooperation and Respect.

Our Core Values

• Faith - We are a community of believers grounded in our Catholic faith. We trust in the Word of God and in each other’s desire to become more like Jesus.

• Mercy - We are inspired by the charism of Mercy. We share a compassionate love that is faithful, active, and concerned for the good of others.

•Integrity - We accept personal responsibility to be honest and to uphold the values of St. Denis School in word and action. We lead by example.

• Cooperation - We work together in a spirit of unity. We share our gifts and talents to strengthen our community.

• Respect - We encourage one another to discover, develop, and exercise our unique, God given abilities. We treat each other the way we want to be treated.

Each child’s journey of self-discovery unfolds in the midst of caring adults and peers who model and celebrate the love of God. Recognizing the parents as first educator, there is frequent and consistent communication between home and school. Teachers and parents cooperate and support each other as they share in the total development of each student.

St. Denis is committed to transmitting Jesus’ message of love and service. Classroom instruction, sacramental preparation, and communal worship contribute to an understanding and appreciation of the Catholic faith. Strengthened in spirit, the students explore the breadth and depth of their own abilities, their unique relationship with God, and the role they are called to assume as baptized members of the Catholic family.

St. Denis is equally committed to providing its students a comprehensive and outstanding academic education. The principal, in consultation with the faculty, administers the development and implementation of our educational policies and procedures. The curriculum is based on the Philadelphia

Archdiocesan Guidelines but further enhanced by the faculty to insure that it meets the needs of our local student population. The faculty employs a variety of teaching methods and assessment strategies in an effort to maximize individual performance while instilling in every student a passion for lifelong learning. Our teachers place special emphasis on developing skills that are essential to one’s long-term success; namely, the skills to solve problems, to think critically and to listen, read, write and communicate effectively.

A wide variety of student activities, clubs and sports complement the classroom curriculum and contribute to the development of the whole person. These programs enhance knowledge of self and respect for others by fostering the skills of leadership, cooperation, compassionate service and good sportsmanship. They provide students of all ages unique and invaluable opportunities to favorably impact the community in which they live, work and play. Our students, both in and out of the classroom, are encouraged to exercise initiative, good judgment and self-control. They learn to face challenges with courage, to accept success and failure with grace, and to find meaning in all they do.

Continual improvement is a priority for all members of the St. Denis School community. The Faculty and Administration participate in a variety of supplemental classes and workshops specific to grade level and subject matter. In addition, they regularly exchange information and ideas with fellow teaching professionals. These experiences inspire them to continually evaluate and enhance policies, procedures, teaching methods, curriculum and materials. In so doing, the Faculty and Administration insure that our school accommodates the needs of our students and the demands of a technologically complex and ever changing world. We also rely on a number of parish and school organizations to assist us in identifying and securing our needs for the future. They include, but are not limited to, The Parish Finance Council, St. Denis School Advisory Board, Development Office, Endowment Board, Grant Writing Committee and Technology Committee.

In summary, our students mature in mind, body and spirit through the guidance and support of the entire St. Denis Parish School community. They acquire the knowledge, skills, moral foundation and strength of faith that is required to succeed academically and to enter society as responsible members of the Catholic family. Ultimately, our students find the inspiration and courage to respond to their baptismal call in word and action, continually engaging their gifts and talents in furthering God’s Church on earth.

Accreditation

St. Denis School is accredited through the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

ADMISSION INFORMATION

Nondiscriminatory Policy

St. Denis School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or athletic and other school-administered programs.

Admission of Students

Registration in St. Denis Parish is required prior to School registration.

Parents of children entering school must have the child’s birth certificate, Baptismal certificate, parish number, immunization records, and court ordered custody agreements when applicable. Verification of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation are required if the sacraments were received in a previous parish.

Age requirements for entering St. Denis School are as follows:

Preschool Program- 3 years old by September 1

Pre-K Program- 4 years old by September 1

Kindergarten Program- 5 years old by September 1

Grade 1- 6 years old by September 1

Students applying for Admission in Grades 1-8 must present a copy of the current report card and standardized test results. These will be reviewed to determine whether the program at St. Denis School will meet the educational needs of the students. An interview with the student is part of the admission process. Any important documents such as an IEP from a previous school should be presented at this time.

Testing in some academic areas may be held for new incoming students in Grades 3-8.

Admission of Non-Catholic Students

The primary purpose of our school is religious. We exist for the purpose of evangelization and catechesis, that is, the proclamation of the Gospel and formation of the entire school community of Faith. Our School offers a complete Catholic religious education program and makes every effort to develop the Faith in all the students so that they may live a full Christian life.

Non-Catholic students may be admitted to our school under the following conditions:

a. The permission of the Pastor is obtained.

b. Adequate facilities and space are available, without denying the admission of eligible Catholic students.

c. The parents/guardians agree in writing to permit their child(ren) to attend Religion classes and Religious functions that are offered as part of the school program.

d. The parents/guardians commit themselves in writing to accept and to promote the philosophy, goals, objectives, and regulations of our School.

e. The parents/guardians agree in writing to assume responsibility for all financial obligations.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

THE CHURCH OF SAINT DENIS TUITION PAYMENT POLICY

Purpose

The timely payment of tuition is vitally important in order to ensure the financial viability of Saint Denis School. Payments are used to pay teacher salaries and benefits as well as other operating expenses associated with the education of each child. Payments made that are not in accordance with the agreed upon payment plan or those that are unexpectedly unpaid cause financial stress within the School and Parish. As a result, a policy is developed to identify the expected payment schedule as well as those steps that may be necessary to address unpaid tuition.

Tuition Payment Schedule

Payments can be made under one of three options; monthly, semiannual and annual.

• For monthly tuition payments, the first of ten payments of is due June 1 and the last payment is due March 1.

• For semiannual tuition payments, the first of two payments is due June 1 and the last payment is due November 1.

• The annual tuition payment is due June 1.

Payment plan options are selected by completing the Tuition Agreement. Option changes can be made by contacting the Parish Business Office. As noted in the Tuition Agreement, if a family’s finances change during the school year and problems meeting a tuition commitment result, the School Principal should be immediately contacted in writing.

Contributing Families

A contributing parishioner is a registered family who practices their faith by participating in the life of the Church on a regular basis, and who contributes at least $15 a week or $780 per school year (excluding special collections). Contributions dates fall between June 1 and May 31of the following year. Tuition rates are reduced for contributing parishioners because they are participating in parish activities and stewardship and are contributing to the financial support of the Church and School. Families who are not contributing will be required to pay the non-parishioner rate. Contributions will be monitored quarterly. Non-contributing families will receive a notice of their classification as a non-contributing family during the second semester specifying their new tuition rate.

Delinquent Tuition

The following steps will be taken with respect to delinquent tuition:

• No student will be permitted to start a new school year with any outstanding balance from a previous year.

• Registered students may not begin the first semester unless at least two monthly payments have been made.

• Registered students may not begin the second semester unless at least five monthly payments have been made.

• Students may be dismissed for non-payment of tuition. Non-Parishioner families who are three months in arrears will be asked to withdraw their children from the school and records will be withheld.

• Eighth grade students who have not fully met their tuition commitments may not participate in graduation ceremonies and all other eighth grade activities including dances, trips etc.

• Students who have not fully met their tuition commitments may not attend a class dance or participate in class functions.

• The Parish reserves the right to engage a collection agency to handle delinquent accounts.

• Families will be informed in writing if any of the above noted conditions have occurred.

PARENTS AS PARTNERS

As partners in the educational process at St. Denis School, we ask parents to:

• support the religious and educational goals of the school;

• meet all financial obligations to the School;

• support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school

• complete and return to school any requested information promptly

• read school notes and newsletters

• notify the school in advance when a student is tardy or absent and follow up with a note

• attend Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences

• see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student;

• see that your child arrives at school on time, is dressed according to the school dress code, and arrives to school prepared with all necessary materials.

School Advisory Board

The School Advisory Board communicates the needs and concerns of the parents to the Principal, Parish Administration and Faculty Liaison. The Advisory Board is responsible for two fundraisers which offset direct expenses of the school or allow flexibility for extra-ordinary items for the school. The Board also assists in determining overall policies in matters relating to education at St. Denis School, including but not limited to: curriculum, personnel, budget, tuition and facilities.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Hours

Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 AM: 9:00-11:30

Pre-K 4 PM: 12:20-2:50

Grades K through 8: 8:10 AM – 3:05 PM.

Students not in their homeroom at 8:10 AM are considered tardy.

CARES: 7:00-8:00 AM, 3:00-6:00 PM

Before-School CARES is provided in the cafeteria beginning at 7:00 AM.

Teacher supervision of the schoolyard begins at 8:10. Any students arriving before that time are to report to CARES in the cafeteria. Parents will be charged for this service. Parents are to make arrangements for their child(ren) to arrive at school on time and be picked up at dismissal time. When parents do not pick up their children by 3:15 the school office will try to contact the parents. If parents cannot be reached or cannot arrive by 3:30, the student will be sent to CARES and parents will be responsible for the daily CARES rate.

School Office Hours

The school office is open on all school days from 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

School Visitors

School visitors (volunteers, parents, etc.) must come directly to the Main Office. For safety and security reasons, each person is required to sign in at the office when he/she enters the building for any reason. All visitors and/or volunteers are required to wear a designated badge that may be picked up in the office. Visitors and/or volunteers are to return the nametags and sign out at the time of departure. If you are in the school for any reason without a badge, you will be directed to the Main Office to get one. This is very important to maintain the safety and security of all the students and staff of St. Denis School.

Forgotten Items

Parents are advised to bring forgotten lunches and birthday treats directly to the school office. All other items, including homework, projects, and school supplies are the student’s responsibility and may be brought in the following day. Parents may not deliver forgotten items to the classroom.

Attendance

When a student is absent from school, a parent should call the office by 8:30 AM each day of the absence. If the office does not receive a call, a parent will be contacted. This policy is for the protection of the students.

A written statement giving reasons for the absence or tardiness must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return. These notes are legal documents required by the state. Should absence for any reason other than illness be necessary, parents are requested to notify the School in advance when possible, and present a written reason for the absence.

Students who have been absent three or more days may not return to school without a doctor’s note.

The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate disruptions in instruction. Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility. No assignments will be given in anticipation of a student’s absence due to a vacation.

Excessive absence, including tardies, can be cause for a student to be retained in the current grade for another year.

Making up Missed Work Due to Absence

When a student is absent parents may make arrangements with an older sibling or neighbor to bring home the work that was missed each day. Students in primary grades should not be asked to carry a sibling’s or neighbor’s heavy text books.

When a parent calls to report a child’s absence in the morning, he/she can indicate that assignments and books will be picked up in the office between 3:00 and 3:30. This will be relayed to the teacher and the work will be sent to the office by 3:00.

If no arrangements have been made, nothing will be sent home and the student will make up the work when he/she returns in a timely manner as required by the teacher. Teachers in grades 1-4 will make these arrangements with their students; students in grades 5-8 are responsible for contacting their individual teachers to make up missed assignments and tests.

Absence during the School Day

Students needing medical appointments during school hours require a written note by the parent. Parents are required to sign out their children. Students will be called to the office once their parents arrive. Children are not permitted to sign themselves out or to wait outside. If a child returns to school during the school day, the child must be accompanied to the office and signed back in to school.

Lateness

The school day begins at 8:10 AM. It is the parent’s responsibility to see that their children arrive at school on time each day. When a child arrives late, it creates a disruption for the entire class and results in a loss of instructional time.

When a student arrives late, he/she must report directly to the office for a late slip. A note from home must be sent in within 24 hours stating the reason for the lateness. Habitual lateness constitutes a serious infraction and may warrant further investigation.   Any student who is late more than three times in any given trimester will be asked to make up this time after school with the Principal. Students who are habitually late may also be denied participation in certain activities, including but not limited to Student Council.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

Academic Policies

Preparation for Class

The student is responsible for completing all class assignments and homework on time. Failure to do so indicates a lack of serious preparation for class. Incomplete homework assignments will result in consequences designed by each teacher as outlined in parent/teacher communications, and will ultimately affect the student’s grade on the report card. Student in grades 4-8 who have not handed in all assignments will receive an “Incomplete” on their report card for that subject area. Examination of copybooks and worksheets for neatness and completeness of work, as well as class participation, are parts of the overall report card grade.

All students are to use copybooks properly. Students should not tear pages from copybooks, skip pages, or use his/her copybook or book covers as a drawing or scribbling pad. Only bound composition books are permitted (no spirals).

Homework

Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class. Homework includes both written and study assignments. Ample time will be allowed for the completion of out-of-class research assignments or projects so that students may budget their time accordingly.

The following time per night is suggested for homework; this includes both written and study assignments:

Grades 1 and 2        30 minutes

Grades 3 and 4        60 minutes

Grades 5 and 6        90 minutes

Grades 7 and 8        120 minutes

CURRICULUM

The Archdiocesan curriculum guidelines are followed for the teaching of all subject areas. St. Denis School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects:

Religion

Our primary purpose is religious formation and deepening each child’s relationship with God. Catholic values are integrated into every aspect of the school day and all curriculum areas. Students and teachers are given opportunities for individual, small group, and community prayer. Our tradition of service is exemplified by our Mercy Ministers Program as well as many other outreach programs, collections and drives held throughout the year.

In each grade, the Liturgical Year (Ordinary Time, Advent, Christmas, Christmas Season, Lent, Holy Week, the Triduum, Easter Season, Saints, Feast, and Special People) is developed according to its appropriate placement over the three trimesters. The importance of Sunday mass attendance is continually stressed over the entire school year.

Sacramental preparation is the focus of the religion curriculum for grades 2 and 6. Students in grades 3-8 receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation throughout the year, and all members of the School community celebrate monthly First Friday liturgies.

In each grade, instruction in prayer includes the purposes of prayer and the kinds of prayer. In every grade Social Justice is developed around the seven themes contained in the document from the United States Catholic Conference, Sharing Catholic Social Teachings, Challenges and Directions, 1998.

Integrated Language Arts

The Integrated Language Arts Curriculum reflects the Standards of the National Council of Teachers of English and the Pennsylvania Framework. Instruction in Integrated Language Arts has strong foundations in literacy: reading, writing, thinking, speaking, listening, and visualizing. Skills are further developed in critical thinking, literary evaluation, methods of research, competency in self-expression, and metacognitive strategies. Integrated Language Arts includes instruction in reading, writing, phonics, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, handwriting, and library/ reference skills.

Mathematics

The Elementary Mathematics Curriculum is a carefully planned program, consistent with Pennsylvania standards and standards of the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics, for mathematics instruction. The Elementary Mathematics Curriculum is divided into eight levels of instruction beginning with Level 1 and extending to Algebra Readiness in grades 7 and 8. Students at all levels gain understanding in mathematics in a variety of ways through explorations and investigations involving hands-on manipulatives and technology. Problem solving within the major strands of the curriculum is emphasized

Honors Mathematics Program

Students capable of completing the prescribed curriculum in seven years are enrolled in the Elementary Honors Mathematics Program. The students in this program are identified in fourth grade and begin an acceleration of levels 5 through 8 in their fifth year. Having completed level eight in their seventh year, these students complete a course of Algebra I in their eighth year. The program is carefully monitored by the school administrator and the Archdiocesan Mathematics Coordinator with the use of admission criteria and management guidelines prepared by the Archdiocesan Mathematics Committee.

Students who complete this program and satisfactorily master the Algebra I curriculum according to criteria established by the Archdiocesan Mathematics Committee are able to begin their second year of secondary mathematics in the freshman year based upon the policies of the secondary school they elect to attend.

Social Studies

The St. Denis Social Studies Curriculum follows the Archdiocesan Guidelines, which are based upon the National Council for the Social Studies Scope and Sequence. The goals of the Social Studies Curriculum include the development of knowledge, skills, values, and social participation appropriate to the children’s age and grade level.

Grade 1: Understanding School and Family Life

Grade 2: The Neighborhood

Grade 3: The Community

Grade 4: Interdisciplinary Study of Pennsylvania

Grade 5: The Western Hemisphere- United States and its Close Neighbors

Grade 6: The Eastern Hemisphere- Representative World Regions

Grade 7: Building a strong and Free Nation: BC-1853

The United States: Early American Civilizations through Manifest Destiny

Grade 8: Building a Strong and Free Nation: 1850-1960

The United States: Road to the Civil War to the New Frontier

Science

LabLearner is a 100% hands-on method of teaching school science. The program was designed to specifically address state and national science, math, technology, health, and language arts standards, while at the same time developing students' cognitive "tools" in approaching science concepts, critical thinking, and problem solving. The hands-on, experiment-based LabLearner Elementary School program is divided into 30 developmentally appropriate units called CELLs. Each comes with its own complete list of national standards being addressed within that CELL.

Some standards addressed are: National Research Council Guidelines, National Science Standards, Project 2061 (Benchmarks for Science Literacy), and NCTM (Curriculum and Evaluation Standards and School Mathematics)

The LabLearner Middle School Science Program is designed around nine unifying scientific themes that represent essential scientific principles and highlight science standards. Within each grade, CELLs (Core Experience Learning Lab) present to students each of the scientific themes in progressively more complex, but related contexts. By experiencing the LabLearner program from 6th through 8th grade, students develop an increasingly coherent and complex understanding of essential scientific principles and scientific themes. Consequently, the curriculum spirals, building concept upon concept - linking the content presented throughout the unifying themes into a logical and understandable whole.

Library

Library skills and the ability to access information and use it appropriately are the basis of the Library curriculum at St. Denis School. The school library is the vehicle that provides opportunities for students to attain information literacy and to foster a lifelong interest in acquiring knowledge.

Technology

St. Denis School follows the Archdiocesan Technology Guidelines, which address the six major areas recommended by the International Society for Technology Education:

1) basic operations and concepts,

2) social, ethical, and human issues,

3) technology and productivity tools,

4) technology communication skills,

5) technology research skills, and 6) technology problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Assignments and projects in Technology class are coordinated with classroom teachers and are assessed on both content and technology according rubrics. Students are expected to use Technology productively and appropriately as outlined in the Acceptable Use Policy.

In addition to Technology class, students have access in the classroom to interactive Smart Boards and the Internet as teachers incorporate technology into content area lessons. Students in grades 6 to 8 also use laptops for in-class activities and assignments.

Fine Arts

Art and Music education allows students to experience that which is basic to their humanity: the ability to create, to express, and to appreciate the beauty of God’s creation, the masterpiece of which is themselves.

St. Denis offers a developmental music program where students are given the foundation for understanding basic principles and appreciating a variety of genres.

In addition to classroom art lessons the school offers students exposure to a wide range of art, artists, and mediums through the monthly Art Goes to School program, which is taught by parent volunteers.

Physical Education

Physical Education is vital to the development of the whole child. The Physical Education program emphasizes the development of skills, physical fitness, sportsmanship, community building, wellness and nutrition, and health and safety.

REPORT CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS

Report cards are issued three times a year to students in Grades 2 through 8. Students in Grade 1 receive a Progress Report for the first trimester and they receive report cards for the remaining two trimesters. Each student is responsible for his/her own report card grade by satisfactorily fulfilling the following requirements:

• major testing (at least five assessments per trimester in the major subjects)

• quizzes

• oral and written reports

• independent classroom work

• active participation in classroom lessons and activities

• class/individual projects

Progress Reports are issued at mid-trimester intervals.

PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT CONFERENCES

Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are held each year. Student attendance with parents is mandatory. Conference days for children will be counted as school days. School is not in session during conferences.

Conference schedules are prepared and issued by the teachers well in advance of the scheduled date. Parents requiring additional conferences during the school year may make arrangements with the individual teachers.  

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND PROBATION

Each student is responsible for the timely and satisfactory completion of projects, class work and homework. Grades on tests and quizzes should be commensurate with the student’s ability. A student who does not fulfill his/her academic responsibilities due to failing grades or missing assignments in a trimester will be placed on academic probation for the next four to five weeks. Academic probation is a designated time period during which evaluation of a student’s progress is monitored, as follows:

a. The teachers will note the student who is experiencing academic difficulties in either assignments or test scores, and contact the parent(s)/guardian(s) to inform them of the possibility of academic probation.

b. The progress report issued prior to the report card will include a written notification citing the possibility of academic probation.

c. Written verification that the child will be on probation will be forwarded to the parent/guardian.

Conditions and Consequences of Academic Probation

a. The parent(s)/guardian(s) and student will confer with the administration and the classroom teacher. The teacher and principal will outline the student’s program for improvement.

b. The teacher will inform the parent(s)/guardian(s) of the student’s progress.

c. If a student is successful in meeting his/her academic responsibilities, the student will be removed from academic probation and the parent/guardian will be notified in writing.

d. If the student is unsuccessful in meeting his/her academic responsibilities, the administration will review the student’s continued enrollment in the School.

e. Academic Probation may affect a student’s ability to participate in athletic and extracurricular activities.

Promotion or Retention

Student progress is monitored throughout the school year. At the November conference, the parent/guardian is informed of the student’s academic, social and emotional progress. In January, the teacher and principal will contact the parent/guardian of a student who continues to experience difficulty, to discuss the possibility of retention and support services. By the end of May, the teacher(s) will schedule a follow-up meeting with the parent(s)/guardian(s). If retention is indicated, the parent(s)/guardian(s) will receive an official notification, which must be signed and returned to the school administration.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

The Terra Nova Standardized Assessment is administered each year to students in Grades K-8. The results are communicated to parents and are utilized by the school for curriculum planning. Students in grades 4-8 are tested in October and students in grades 2 and 3 are tested in March.

GRADUATION

Eighth grade students who have completed the prescribed course of study and maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible for graduation if all financial obligations have been met. Procedures for graduation are determined by the Administration and the eighth grade teachers.

Participation in 8th grade closing exercises and activities is a privilege, not a right. The School has the right to deny any student from participation if, in the view of the School, the student’s conduct or academic or disciplinary record indicates that the privilege should not be extended.

STUDENT RECORDS

St. Denis School adheres to the Buckley Amendment (Family Education Rights and Privacy) regarding access to student records. Records of students transferring to other schools will only be sent through the US Mail. No records will be given to parents to transport to the new school.

Students requesting records/transcripts/recommendations must submit a written request to the School Office. Completed forms will be sent via the U.S. Mail.  Special handling will require that all postal fees be paid by the parents.

No records will be sent to transferring schools of students whose financial commitment is in arrears.

Dissemination of Education Records

To Non-Custodial Parent(s)/Guardian(s)

Release of Records

Unless a court or custody agreement otherwise specifies, each parent/guardian is legally entitled to be provided access to all school records of the child or children. Only the parent/guardian or parent(s)/guardian(s) having “legal custody” of the child have the legal right to make religious and educational decisions. If there is joint custody, then both parents must agree on life decisions. Religion and education are life decisions.

Non-custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) who have legal custody, and therefore have the right to participate in the educational decisions affecting the child, are generally entitled to report cards, newsletters, and the like.

SUPPORT SERVICES

The following support services are available through the Delaware County Intermediate Unit: Reading and Math Remediation, Speech and Language Support, Counseling, and Educational/ Psychological testing.

In addition, the school has an Instructional Support Team. The Instructional Support Team (IST) is a process whereby a teacher utilizes the resources of a team of professionals to help a student who is experiencing academic, social or behavioral problems. The team consists of the classroom teacher, faculty who are members of the team, the student’s parents, the principal, and members of the Delaware County Intermediate Unit relevant to the case. In this way, educators with different expertise can address the problem and come up with intervention strategies for the teacher and parent to put into place. Monitoring of the child’s progress will be done on an ongoing basis and strategies will be adjusted accordingly.

BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCES

Students are welcome to celebrate their birthdays on the day of their birthday. If their birthday is in the summer they may celebrate their half-birthday. If a birthday or half-birthday falls on a weekend or holiday then the student may celebrate on the school day closest to that day.

Birthday treats are permitted and must be sent in with the student the morning they are celebrating. Parents may not bring in treats after school has started. The treats must be easy to distribute and not need special care such as refrigeration or freezing. If the treat needs plates and forks the parents must supply them also. The treats will be given out to the student’s class only, not to siblings, students or teachers in other classes, so as to not interrupt instructional time.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The Peacemaker Award is presented to one student in each homeroom each trimester. The 8th grade Peacemaker Award is reserved for distribution at Graduation.

Spirit, Achievement, and Effort Awards will be presented at the closing

liturgy.

BOOKS AND MATERIALS

Every student must carry his/her books to and from school in a suitable book bag. All books must be covered, with the exception of copybooks. Please cover workbooks with Contact paper and textbooks with paper covers or Book Sox. All covers must be neat and clean and free from inappropriate material. Books, copybooks, and materials are to be properly identified with a child’s name and grade. The student and parents/guardians must pay for all lost or damaged books in full. A charge will be made at the rate at which the books were purchased by the School.

Students are expected to take care of their personal belongings, their books and their clothing. They are also asked to help care for the school buildings and the adjoining property. Any malicious damage will necessitate compensation. Damage to neighborhood property on the way to and from school reflects on both school and home training.

CAFETERIA AND RECESS POLICIES

To promote physical wellness and to enrich the whole student, St. Denis school offers students their choice of a nourishing school lunch or one brought from home. Students develop socially by sharing meal and play time with their classmates. A sense of community and personal responsibility is encouraged through these guidelines:

CAFETERIA EXPECTATIONS

Students should enter in an orderly fashion and go straight to their assigned seats or take their place in line to purchase lunch. Students wishing to purchase a la carte items should do so at this time. For the safety of all, students are to remain seated at all times and should speak in conversational tones when in the cafeteria. Students are responsible for throwing away all trash and wiping down the tables so that they are left in good order for the next group of students. No students may remain in the cafeteria unsupervised after the teacher on duty has dismissed the group for recess.

RECESS YARD

Students are expected to play in a fair, friendly, and inclusive way, and to respect the personal dignity of others by following the Golden Rule. The recess yard is divided into play areas for each grade and for the safety of all students, they are to remain in their assigned areas. Students must follow the directions of the adults on yard duty at all times. Safety Concerns: Students may not enter the school building without permission from an adult on duty. Students are never permitted to leave the school yard to retrieve a ball or other item from the street. Likewise, students may never climb the fences or crawl under parked cars to retrieve items. The adults on duty will arrange for retrieval when possible.

Injuries and Incidents: Students are to report accidents, injuries, and problems immediately to an adult.

CELL PHONES AND ELECTRONICS

Parents may give their children permission to carry cell phones to school for emergency use. All cell phones must be turned OFF during the school day and may not be removed from the students’ book bags. Violation of this policy is considered a serious infraction.   If a child needs to make a call during the school day it must be made from the school office on the school’s telephone with permission from the appropriate school staff member. Beepers, pagers, handheld electronic games, mp3 players, and other items that, in the view of the School, may be distracting or disruptive to the learning environment are not permitted in school. St. Denis School does not assume responsibility for the loss, damage, or theft of any of these items.

CHILD ABUSE LAWS

St. Denis School abides by the Child Abuse laws of the State of Pennsylvania. This law mandates that all cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services.

Child Abuse

The protection and welfare of the students are the goals and responsibilities to which the administrator, teachers and school staff willingly dedicate daily efforts. The fulfillment of this responsibility requires constant vigilance and concern in all areas of the school operation. This is particularly true in the very sensitive and critical area of child abuse. Because of daily interaction with students, teachers and administrators are

in a position which permits identification of children who may be abused or neglected. If a teacher suspects that a child is being abused, the teacher must report this to the administrator who in turn, after investigation, must enlist the services of the school nurse in determining if child abuse may exist. The administrator must report cases of suspected child abuse to Child Line, the Office of Catholic Education, and the Victim Assistance Office of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia immediately upon such determination. The school nurse in accordance with the provisions of Act 124 (Child Protective Services Law) should report cases of child abuse to the appropriate authorities with proper documentation to follow.

CODE OF CONDUCT

We believe that discipline is fundamental to life. Discipline is a necessary reflection of the Philosophy of a Catholic School, which attempts to develop a fully committed Christian – a Christian committed to the observance of just rules and regulations, which will assist the individual in responding to his/her responsibilities and obligations to himself/herself and others. Correct training in discipline means that a child learns to accept rules and regulations presented by lawful authority. Students are expected to act in such fashion that their behavior will reflect favorably on themselves and the school. They are expected to show consideration and respect for their fellow students and teachers, thus creating a harmonious atmosphere within the school. All students must recognize their individual responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Children who fail to comply with school policies and regulations must accept the consequences.

The discipline code applies to students and parents/guardians both in school and at school-sponsored events, as well as in the school/parish community and outside the school/parish community where the behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the School. The individual classroom teacher will customarily handle disciplinary procedures for PRE-K through Grade 8. Policies are developmentally appropriate for each grade level. Policies, expectations, and consequences of inappropriate behaviors (words and actions) are explained thoroughly in each new year to both students and families. Behavioral charts and strategies are displayed in every classroom where students collaboratively plan for personal growth and academic success with their teachers. The Principal, who promotes and encourages both consistency and ongoing parent communication in the growth of a healthy school environment, reinforces individual policies that are within the framework of this handbook. The Principal is available to all faculty, staff, students, and families on a consultative basis as needed in given circumstances, and acts as an additional resource for the strategies necessary to plan for individual student growth and learning.

Bullying

A safe, secure, and respectful educational environment is necessary for students to learn and achieve high academic standards and build appropriate relationships with others. A Catholic School environment refuses to accept any such behaviors. Therefore, acts of harassment, hazing, intimidation and bullying (including cyber bullying and the like) are unacceptable behaviors and are prohibited in our Catholic schools. School personnel cannot monitor the activities of students at all times and eliminate all incidents of bullying between students, particularly when students are not under their direct supervision. However, to the extent such conduct affects the educational environment of the school and the rights and welfare of the students and is within the control of the school in its normal operations, it is the school’s intent to prevent bullying. Administration, faculty, staff, and volunteers are to demonstrate appropriate behavior by treating others with civility and respect, and being aware of and not tolerating harassment, intimidation, hazing, and bullying, etc. If incidents do occur, students should be able to report and know that the inappropriate behavior will be dealt with promptly and effectively. There will be no retaliation against a victim, reporter, or witness.

Bullying involves actions or words against another person for the purpose of inflicting physical or emotional harm or discomfort or damage to a person’s reputation that is intimidating or threatening and affects the learning and school environments. If the bully is threatening harm, a student should tell a teacher or the principal immediately.

• According to Section 1303.1-A of the Pennsylvania School Code, non-public school students would be required to follow the bullying policy anytime they are in what is defined as the “school setting”

• “School setting” shall mean in the school, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at any activity sponsored, supervised, or sanctioned by the school

• Policy also applies to off -campus behavior that somehow brings discredit or scandal to the school and/or causes substantial disruption to the learning environment

Harassment

The School follows the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Policy prohibiting harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, or requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual Harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Any student or parent/guardian who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student.   A complete copy of the policy is maintained by the Principal and is available upon request.

St. Denis School provides a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously or in jest or online) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Harassment of any type is not tolerated. The Principal investigates all complaints of harassment. Students involved in harassing behavior face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Engagement in online blogs such as, but not limited to, MySpace.com®, Facebook, etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty, other students or the parish.

Violent/Threatening/Harassing and Inappropriate Conduct

It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from all forms of improper threats, intimidation, hostility and offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of unwanted verbal of physical conduct, verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements, and behavior not otherwise conducive to the educational and religious mission of the school. Unacceptable conduct – either by a student or a parent/guardian - includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Disrespectful behavior of any kind toward or about any staff, student, volunteer or parent;

• Insubordination;

• Fighting

• Bomb scares or triggering other false alarms

• Cheating or plagiarism;

• Use or possession of drugs or alcohol;

• Smoking

• Stealing

• Intimidation, harassment or threats of any kind; and

• Possession of any weapon.

These categories do not cover every possible situation. The school will determine which behavior is inappropriate.

This policy applies both in and out of the classroom, in the school community generally and outside the school community, where the behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the School. Conduct by students or parents/guardians, or anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to the immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.

In addition, in the case of threats of violence or harassment, in any form, including oral, written or electronic, by a student against any member of the school community, the student, if suspended but not dismissed, may be required to have psychological or psychiatric clearance before returning to school.

Infraction Notification Slips

Infraction notification slips may be issued for a breach of classroom and/or school rules. The purpose of these slips is to maintain communication and to provide written notification and documentation of any consequences, including detention or the loss of privileges. Parents are provided with written notification when a detention is warranted. The day, date, and time of the detention are at the discretion of the teacher who monitors the detention. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, lessons, ballgames, etc.

When a student receives an infraction notification slip, the parent/guardian must sign it on the night issued. It must be returned the following day to the issuing school official. A parent/guardian’s signature on the slip indicates that it has been read by the parent/guardian; it does not indicate the parent/guardian’s permission for the student to receive the infraction slip. The teachers issuing the infraction slip and the principal have already made that decision.

A student’s report card may be seriously affected by the reception of an inordinate number of infraction slips. Choices made consistently against school policies would be considered inordinate.

Serious Infractions may result in an immediate suspension or dismissal and apply when students are on campus, on a bus, or at school-sponsored functions. Examples of Serious Infractions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Truancy – unexcused absences

• Violent behavior – any fighting or behavior that causes physical injury

• Blatant disrespect for authority – to any adult in the building

• Possession and/or use of drugs, narcotics, tobacco or alcoholic beverages on campus or on bus

• Irreverence

• Vandalism – destruction or defacing of parish or school property

• Profane/obscene language or gestures or engaging in immoral conduct

• Possession of any item which may present a danger to others in school or out

• Cheating or Plagiarism

• Leaving campus without permission from a school authority.

Violent/Threatening/Harassing Acts by Students and Parents

Any threatening, harassing, or violent acts by children or parent(s)/guardian(s) will constitute grounds for immediate dismissal of the child.   A student under investigation will be released to his parents or legal guardian and removed from the school pending the investigation.

If the acts involve a weapon, the school will report the incident to the local police. Items that are not by their nature weapons may become weapons depending on how they are used. For example, a baseball bat, if used to strike someone can be a deadly weapon. Guns and knives, for example, are deadly weapons in and of themselves.

Whenever physical harm results, the police will be informed. Threats of violence by use of a weapon are also crimes, and again the particular circumstances will dictate whether the police should be contacted. When a weapon is found, the police will be called immediately. If the police are called, school officials will make every reasonable effort to release the child to the police outside of the presence of other children, and, if at all possible, after the parents have been contacted and have arrived.

Suspension and Dismissal

Just, appropriate disciplinary policies are essential educational processes, which include procedures, which are more remedial than punitive, yet include the necessary provisions that protect the common good of the school community. Suspension may lead to dismissal. The Principal and Pastor will inform the parents/guardians of the seriousness of suspension and seek their immediate cooperation in a corrective program designed to resolve the student’s problem, if possible.

Procedures for student suspensions:

a. These procedures apply to infractions of a serious nature, as determined by the School.

b. Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the suspension as soon as practicable.

c. Suspensions will be implemented in school and/or out of School, at the discretion of the Principal in consultation with the Pastor.

d. Following suspension, the appropriate school official will interview parents or guardians. Students removed from the school community will not be readmitted before a parental interview has been conducted and all other conditions for readmittance have been satisfied.

e. Parents and student are to sign a formal agreement in which they signify their understanding and agree to assume responsibility for future behavior.

f. Where appropriate, a student will be referred to a counselor.

g. Signed agreement of parents and a written report of the suspension will be filed in the student’s record.

h. Suspension records are not a part of the student’s permanent or cumulative record. Ordinarily, suspension records only will be made available to authorized school personnel and parents. Students who are given an in-school suspension will be required to report to school each day and work with a substitute teacher paid for ($70.00) by the suspended student’s parents. Students who receive an out-of-school suspension will not be allowed on campus during the time of their suspension. Students must complete all class work and tests from the days of suspension.

Procedures for Dismissal of a Student:

a. After three (3) formal suspensions, a student may be dismissed.

b. Students who are dismissed may apply for readmission after one full year. The School will determine whether re-admittance is appropriate.

c. In certain instances the infraction may warrant immediate dismissal.

The School reserves the right to dismiss any student at any time where the School considers the conduct of the student or parent/guardian to be inconsistent with School policy, the good of the School community or Catholic teachings. Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the dismissal as soon as practicable.

CRISIS PLAN

St. Denis School has implemented a crisis plan for emergency situations including fire drills, evacuations, lockdowns, and weather related emergencies. All teachers and staff are aware of the procedure to follow to keep your children safe.

State Law and Archdiocesan Policies require us to conduct monthly fire drills as well as regularly scheduled practices for all emergency situations. Parents may not request that their children be excluded from these drills.

DISMISSAL

Children are dismissed from their classroom by their teachers at 3:00 P.M.  

When students need to change their normal routes to home, a parent must send a written note to the School office or call the office before 2:30 P.M. If the School has not been notified of any changes, students will be dismissed per their normal routes to home. For safety reasons, there are no exceptions to this policy.

Early Dismissal - Individual Students

No child will be excused early except in cases of emergency. To request an early dismissal, please send a note to the homeroom teacher who will forward it to the office. The student will be dismissed from the school office. The parent or guardian must report to the school office to sign the student out. Dismissal Procedures

GRIMES CENTER DROP OFF AND DISMISSAL GUIDELINES

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN

Morning Drop Off:

               All children are to be dropped off at the Grimes Center Parking lot.

               There is a crossing guard there to help them cross Eagle Road then

               Proceed down the Cemetery Path.

THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO ONE ALLOWED TO PULL INTO THE SCHOOL YARD TO DROP OFF

THEIR CHILD.

Afternoon Pickup:

Please fill in the first available space after the reserved location.

Pull up to the front space if it is open so that a car may park behind you.

               Your car must be facing Saint Denis Lane and not the cemetery.

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN BACKING UP IS NOT PERMITTED.

               Exit by pulling out onto Saint Denis Lane.

Kindergarten pickup at Grimes:

If you are not waiting for an older child, please pull up to one of the front spaces with your car facing Saint Denis Lane so that you may leave when your child has arrived.

On occasions when it is necessary for someone else to pick up your child, please inform them of these procedures.

IT IS FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL OUR CHILDREN.

Returning to School After Dismissal

Students are not permitted to return to the school building after the 3:30 PM dismissal unless accompanied by a teacher. Students who choose to return to school after 3:30 PM without a teacher, face detention, suspension, or expulsion.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

Emergency closings will be posted on the school website and announced on KYW 1060 News Radio. KYW also posts these listings on TV Channel 3. The emergency number for St. Denis School (Delaware County) is #481. Although the emergency phone chain will be activated through the “All Call” notification system, it is the responsibility of each family to listen and/or watch the designated radio and/or television station as weather related closings become imminent or seasonally expected.

FIELD TRIPS

The purpose of every class trip is to broaden the intellectual, cultural, and social experiences of each child. There will be no overnight field trips or activities that the School deems to be high risk. Each student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must provide written permission for each trip in order for the student to participate. A field trip parent consent form must be signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student using the form provided by the School. [See Archdiocesan Consent Forms found in Appendix A of this document]

General Guidelines for Field Trips

• Field trips are designed to correlate with teaching units and to achieve curricular goals.

• All grades do not always have the same number of field trips.

• Field trips are permissible for all grades when advanced planning, location, and the experience insure a successful learning opportunity.

• A class trip is a privilege, which can be taken away if a teacher, with the consultation of the Principal, deems it appropriate. A telephone call will not be accepted in lieu of the proper field trip permission slip.

• Monies collected for the field trip are non-refundable.

• Cell phones are not allowed on field trips unless otherwise directed by the teacher and/or administration.

• If a parent/guardian does not wish a child to attend the trip for any reasons, he/she should notify the School. The child must attend school on the day of the trip or be marked absent.

GIFTS AND INVITATIONS

Students should not exchange individual gifts at school. This gesture only creates hurt feelings among other students.

Invitations for slumber parties or birthday parties should be sent to the homes of students via the U.S. Mail unless an invitation is being given to every student in the class.

HEALTH

Immunizations Required by PA State Law (required by state law – amended 9/2001)

The following immunizations must be completed and verified by the school nurse before a student may attend any classes.   

Children in ALL GRADES (K-12) need the following vaccines:

3 doses of tetanus

3 does of diphtheria

3 doses of Polio

2 doses of Measles (given after 12 months)           

1 dose of mumps (given after 12 months)       

1 dose of rubella (given after 12 months)

Children ENTERING SCHOOL AT K OR GRADE 1 need the following vaccines:  

4 doses of tetanus (1 dose on/after 4th birthday)

4 doses of diphtheria (1 dose on/after 4th birthday)

3 doses of polio

2 doses of measles (given after 12 months)

1 dose of mumps (given after 12 months)

1 dose of rubella (given after 12 months)

3 doses of hepatitis B

1 dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the disease

Children ENTERING 7TH GRADE need the following vaccines:

3 doses of tetanus

3 doses of diphtheria

3 doses of polio

2 doses of measles (given after 12 months)

1 dose of mumps (given after 12 months)

1 dose of rubella (given after 12 months)

3 doses of hepatitis B

Age appropriate dose of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine or history of the

disease

Physical Examination:

Students must have a complete physical examination upon original entry into school (kindergarten or first grade) and in grade six. Students new to Pennsylvania schools must have an examination if the student’s record does not meet Pennsylvania requirements.

Parents are urged to take their children to their own physician for examinations to provide continuity of care. Your family physician is familiar with your child and is best able to detect any physical changes. He/She is able to begin immediate treatment if indicated, and to follow through with needed care and immunization boosters. You will be provided with the appropriate forms when examinations are required. If desired, the school doctor can perform the needed physical examination. There is no fee for a school exam.

Scoliosis Screening:   Scoliosis screening is done in grades six and seven.

­Vision Screening:   Vision screening is done in all grades each year.

Hearing Screening: Hearing screening is done in grades kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, & 7

Height and Weight: Height and weight measurements are done each year in all grades.

Emergency Cards

Each student must have a completed emergency card on file in the main office. This card designates parent/guardian or a substitute parent/guardian to be notified in the event of a serious illness or injury at school. The substitute parent should be someone who can assume responsibility in the parent’s absence. This is a serious undertaking and should be arranged by mutual consent. Please be sure this alternate person is a local resident.

Parents/guardians who plan to be away from home for an extended period of time are encouraged to notify the school in writing of alternate emergency phone numbers and persons.

Allergic Reaction to Insects

Parents/guardians of children with known bee or insect sting allergies must alert the school and provide medication with written instructions for emergency treatment.

When to Keep Your Child at Home

There are times when you are not sure it is necessary to keep your child home from school. Here are some symptoms that may mean your child is sick: excessive coughing, chills, lice, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, enlarged glands, fever, running or inflamed eyes.

A child should remain at home at least 24 hours symptom free after they have had any illness accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. Notify the school that your child will be absent. When your child returns to school, he/she is expected to bring written excuse stating the date(s) and reason for absence. A parent or guardian must sign this excuse. For students absent in excess of three (3) days, a physician’s certificate must be provided upon child’s return to school. This is an Archdiocesan regulation.

By following these guidelines, you will protect not only the health of your child, but the health of his/ her classmates and school staff as well.

Communicable Diseases

Any student suspected of having any of the following communicable diseases must remain out of school for the indicated time, and must return to school with a parent’s/guardian’s or physician’s note indicating the type of treatment.

Disease: Exclusion from School

Any undiagnosed rash: Until diagnosis is established or symptoms are gone for 24 hours

Chicken Pox: 6 days from the last crop of vesicles. All scabs must be dry

Contagious Conjunctivitis: 24 hours after start of physician prescribed treatment or until eyes are free of discharge

Fifth Disease: No exclusion

Scabies: 24 hours after start of treatment

Scarlet Fever / Strep Throat: 24 hours after start of treatment

Skin Staph or Strep: Until skin is clear or under treatment for 24 hours

Impetigo: 24 hours after start of physician prescribed treatment

Pediculosis (Lice): Until treated and free of lice and nits

Pinworm: Until first dose of treatment is given

Ringworm: Until skin is clear of all scabs and crusts or under treatment for 24 hours

Cleanliness

Students are reminded of the importance of the frequent washing of hands as a deterrent to the passing of germs and as a matter of personal cleanliness. They are also reminded of the importance of neatness and cleanliness as regards their whole body and the condition of their clothing.

Medication Policy

Students are not permitted to carry prescription or over-the-counter medications to school. The parent or guardian must deliver the medication and any necessary refills to the office. No school personnel shall administer to any student nor shall any student possess or consume any prescription or non-prescription medication until a completed and signed Medication Authorization Form* is filed in the school office. This form shall be completed by the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and physician. This form shall specify the times at which the medication must be dispensed and the appropriate dosage. All such medication will be clearly marked with student’s name, doctor’s name, contents, and dosage in the original labeled pharmacy container.

The school will keep a record of all medications dispensed to students, specifying the time of dispensation, dosage and supervising personnel.

Under no conditions may permission for dispensation of medication be given by phone.  However, a fax with signature may be accepted.

Students should not be in possession of any medication in school. Epipens and inhalers are considered emergency medications and may be carried by the student if a physician’s request form is on file in the nurse’s office

All medications required by students shall be given by parent(s), guardian(s) whenever possible. The school recognizes that there are occasions when it is necessary for a student to take medication during school hours.

*This form will be sent home for a signature at the beginning of the school year.

Nurse

A registered nurse is provided by the public school district according to the school’s enrollment, on days selected by the public school district. The nurse is responsible for checking the height, weight, hearing and vision of every child and for making referral to parents when problems are found. The nurse maintains all health records. Care given in the school is limited to first aid in accidents or illness until the parents can be reached to take the child home, to the doctor, or to the hospital. In an emergency, the nurse will arrange to have the student transported to the hospital.

All students are screened yearly under the State-mandated program. Student physical examinations are required within three months of entry into school and the sixth grade. Student dental examinations are required within three months of entry into school and in the third and seventh grades. The sixth and seventh grade students are also screened for scoliosis.

If your child has a specific medical problem, please notify the homeroom teacher and the nurse of the problem. Medic-Alert bracelets are strongly recommended for any child with a medical problem. Emergency cards are kept on file for each student. Please be sure that we have an up-to-date emergency number on file in case of an emergency during the school day involving your child.

Accident/Illness at School

Accidents or unusual illness occurring at school are reported immediately to the principal or main office personnel. When a student becomes ill or meets with an accident, the parent or guardian is contacted. If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called. Medications and School

Field Trips

The school nurse will recommend to the administration the appropriateness of each field trip and consideration of safety of the student with life-threatening allergies.

Medications including an EpiPen and a copy of the student’s Emergency Health Care Plan must accompany the student.

The adult carrying the EpiPen will be identified to the student as well as the other chaperones. A cell phone or other communication device must be available on the trip for emergency calls.

Peanut Policy

Food allergies are a growing concern in schools across America. Millions of children - children who are perfectly healthy and normal in every other way – must watch every single bite they eat, or risk suffering a severe or even life threatening reaction. In fact, food allergies claim over 200 lives and are responsible for over 30,000 emergency room visits each year. A major health issue such as this one needs to be taken very seriously, and it has always been the policy of this school to make the safety and well being of our students our top priority. Therefore, we are putting the following safety guidelines into effect:

• Please do not send any peanuts, peanut based products or foods containing peanuts or peanut based products to be distributed, shared, or eaten as snacks in the classroom. It is fine to send these products for lunch, which is eaten in the cafeteria.

• We will not be doing any classroom projects that involve peanut butter (like bird feeders) or peanut shells (art projects). Please do not send any of these projects into the classroom with your child.

• Birthday parties are a special time for children, but can be a difficult time for the food-allergic child. If you would like to send in baked goods, please do not prepare anything that includes peanuts or peanut based products. There are certainly children with other food allergies in many of our classrooms, and for this reason it would be especially helpful if you could let you child’s teacher know a few days ahead of when you’d like to celebrate your child’s birthday, so that the food-allergic child can provide his/her own safe treat.

HOME-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Students and parents may access teachers’ web pages at www.saintdenisschool.com for calendars, homework assignments and other class news. While this information will be available on the website, students are still responsible for any assignments or directions that will be given in class. Edline accounts are activated at the beginning of the year and parents are asked to provide an email address. Email addresses will be used for both school and classroom notifications and reminders.

Parents and students will be able to view grades on www.rvsgradebook.com. User ID’s and passwords will be distributed at the beginning of the year. For security, passwords may not be changed and you will have up to three tries to enter your password. If you experience any difficulty logging in, please contact the Main Office to reset your password. Tests will still be sent home for parents review and signature. Gradebook is available so that students and parents will have a record of progress for the term.

LIBRARY POLICIES

The school has a well-equipped automated library and media center. Students are encouraged to use the library for curricular enrichment and pleasure reading. The following rules are observed:

• Borrowed books are to be returned on time and in good condition.

• A fine of $.10/day is required for overdue books.

• Student must pay for books damaged or lost before any other materials may be checked out.

• Students who have lost or damaged books do not receive report cards until their account is cleared.

LOST AND FOUND

Any items found in the school building or on the school grounds should be taken to the School Office to be placed in the Lost and Found. Items placed in the Lost and Found remain there for 30 days. After 30 days, items are donated to charity.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Saint Denis School offers a hot lunch program daily.   All students are issued a NutriKids card; however, use of the cards is not mandatory. Parents may deposit funds into their NutriKids accounts online or through the school cafeteria. All a la carte items must be purchased with cash only. Students may choose to bring their lunch each day. Students should not bring glass bottles, soft drinks or excessive amounts of candy. Parents may not bring lunches or drinks from carry-out restaurants.

Students are expected to use the same manners required in the classroom during lunch. Courtesy toward other students and cooperation with lunch monitors are in order at all times.

OFFICE RECORDS

Parents/Guardians are requested to notify the School Office in writing of any change of address, home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, business phone numbers, e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers of emergency contacts. This will guarantee that office records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date.

SERVICE PROGRAMS

The St. Denis Mercy Ministers Program

A strong ethic of service to others shapes the spirit of St. Denis School and is woven into the curriculum from Pre-K to 8th grade. This charism of service and compassion flows from the Sisters of Mercy who headed the school for 80 years. It is the driving force of our core values. At the 7th and 8th grade levels, this Mercy spirit culminates in the Mercy Ministers Program, a vital St. Denis tradition now for fifteen years. Our older students voluntarily serve the greater community by visiting or tutoring off campus or with service here at school. The program enjoys100% participation each year. Faculty site moderators and parent drivers form the backbone of the service club by offering supervision and transportation for the monthly trips. The Mercy Ministers Coordinator, a member of the faculty, organizes and directs the program, with an eye towards improvement and expansion of its activities.

Service Assignments and Sites

Outreach sites host monthly visits for students who choose to interact with the elderly, tutor younger students, or befriend people with special needs. These sites include: Mercy Court Residence for the Elderly, Divine Providence Village, Project MERCY after-school program, Dunwoody Village, and Haverford Estates. Other students prefer to: lend a hand in the school office; assist faculty as classroom technology or Kindergarten aides, or as members of the Recycling Committee. A dedicated group of officers and group captains give their energy and assistance in maintaining the program throughout the school year.

Program Activities

Mercy Minister Officers and Captains take pride each November in collaborating with the Student Council to promote and organize the annual 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Thanksgiving food drive. Both teams enjoy packing and delivering the completed baskets to Project HOME in Philadelphia, where they are given to deserving families to brighten the holiday celebration. In December, all Mercy Ministers generously sign on as Santa’s helpers for the 48 children in the Project MERCY after-school program. Each child receives a gift as well as a hat, scarf and gloves. 8th grade “elves” put on the finishing touches at a “wrap party” on December 6, St. Nicholas Day! During

Catholic Schools Week, the Recycling Team sponsored a poster contest to keep us mindful of the importance of conserving and reusing our resources. The money raised through the recycling effort (initiated by an 8th grade student) helps support Program projects during the year. Our Mercy Ministers are role models for our younger students, who, in turn, actively engage in age-appropriate service of their own.

STUDENT DIRECTORY

Within the first month of the school year, each family receives a Student Directory listing students’ and parents’ names, addresses, home telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses.

The Student Directory should be used to acquaint parents with the names of their children(s) classmates and parents. These directories should not be used or sold for other purposes.

TELEPHONE

Permission to use the telephone must be obtained from the school secretary. Students must submit a note from their teacher. The office phone is a business phone and students are permitted to use it only in case of an emergency. The telephone in a teacher’s office is for the use of the teacher only. Forgotten homework, athletic equipment, etc. do not constitute emergencies. Arrangements for after-school visits with friends should be made at home.

UNIFORMS AND DRESS CODE

A student’s appearance is a reflection to both those inside and outside our school community of our beliefs and core values. We always want to clearly display our faith and beliefs, so we ask the students, along with the cooperation of their parents, to follow the dress code listed below to align their appearance with our Catholic beliefs.

The uniform policy will be strictly enforced. If any infractions occur, it may directly affect the personal and social growth grade on the report card.

Uniforms for children in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are to be worn from the first day. Please make sure that all girls’ skirts are kept at a modest length. The guidelines are listed below.

GIRLS

Grade K – 4 (Winter Uniform)

• White peter-pan collared blouse, white long sleeved golf shirt with logo, or white turtleneck with logo

• Navy and Prescott red and white plaid jumper (Jumper is to be no more than 2 inches above the knee.)

• Navy or Prescott red tights or knee-hi socks

• Sweater (optional) if it is worn it must be a Prescott red button down cardigan with the Saint Denis Logo, NOT a crew neck sweater

Grade 5-8 (Winter Uniform)

• White oxford cloth button down collar shirt or Saint Denis Golf Shirt or Turtleneck with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy, Prescott red and white plaid kilt (Kilt is to be no more than two inches above the knee.)

• Prescott red crew neck sweater with the Saint Denis Logo.

• Navy or Prescott Red tights or knee-hi socks

Please note that pajama pants may not be worn. On cold days, girls may wear their gym sweatpants under their uniforms; however, they must be removed upon entering the school building.

Grade K-8 (Warm Weather Uniform)

• Saint Denis Golf Shirt with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy Blue Flynn and O’Hara Walking Shorts or ( skorts for girls in K-4)Belt

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

BOYS

Grade K – 8 (Winter Uniform)

• Solid Navy Pants (cargo pants and corduroy jeans NOT permitted; this include pants with stitching around the pockets or along the side of the pants). Dress corduroys are permitted.

• Belt

• White turtleneck or long/short sleeve white golf shirt with Saint Denis Logo

• Solid Prescott Red V-neck Vest or Sweater with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy or white crew socks

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

Grade K-8 (Warm Weather Uniform) (Optional)

• Saint Denis Golf Shirt with Saint Denis Logo

• Navy Blue Flynn and O’Hara Walking Shorts

• Belt

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

Sweater Policy

The red St. Denis logo sweater is part of the complete winter uniform for all students; however, it may be removed on warm days. Sweatshirts and non-uniform sweaters may not be substituted for the St. Denis sweater. When students are not wearing sweaters all shirts must be tucked in. Boys are required to wear brown, navy, or black belts and girls may not roll the waistbands of their kilts.

The official school uniform may be purchased at:  

Flynn and O’Hara Company

Drexeline Shopping Center

5126 State Road

Drexel Hill, PA

610-259-3115

GYM UNIFORM Grades K-8 Boys and Girls

• Navy Blue Saint Denis shorts or St. Denis sweat pants

• Red Saint Denis “T-Shirt”

• Navy Saint Denis Sweat Shirt

• White crew or above the ankle (1/4 length) socks

• Sneakers

On the day of their Physical Education Class, the students are expected to wear the St. Denis Gym Uniform, shorts, sweat pants, St. Denis Tee Shirt and/or Sweat Shirt, white socks and sneakers.

The official gym uniform may be purchased at:

C & M Sporting Goods

West Chester Pike

Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 30

Havertown, PA

610-449-5880

SHOES

Both boys and girls are required to wear a sturdy shoe with a soft rubber heel.   Please remember:

• Heels may be no more than 1inch.

• No clogs or Crocs

• No open toed shoes

• No slides

• Sneakers may only be worn on Gym day.

JEWELRY

Although jewelry is not a part of the school uniform, post earrings of a small and conservative style or hoops no larger than a dime may be worn by the girls. Girls may only wear one earring in each ear in the earlobes only. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings. Bracelets, both ankle and wrist, pins and buttons are not a part of the school uniform. This includes all rope, yarn and beaded neck, wrist and ankle bands. A religious medal or cross on a chain is permitted.

MAKE UP AND NAILPOLISH

Make up, nailpolish, and artificial nails are not permitted.

HAIR

Boys’ hair must be above the collar and out of the eyes. Girls are to refrain from the use of hair accessories that could be distracting to the learning environment (bandanas, scarves, hair wraps, etc)

Failure to comply with the dress code will affect the grade on "Personal Development and Behavior" based on the number of infractions.

Additionally, students who repeatedly violate the uniform policy will be denied participation in the next out-of-uniform day.

DRESS DOWN DAY GUIDELINES

Students may NOT wear:

• flip-flop sandals

• open back shoes

• tank tops

• clothing with inappropriate writing, graphics, or logos

• sneakers that convert to roller skates

• pajama pants

Other regulations may be made when the out-of-uniform day is to take place.

VOLUNTEERS

All volunteers, including field trip chaperones, are required to submit Pennsylvania Police Background Check and Child Abuse Clearances, as well as proof of attendance from a Safe Environment Training Session. For more information, please contact the school office.

For the safety and security of all in school, all volunteers are required to report to the main office to sign in upon arrival.

WELLNESS POLICY

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recognizes that student wellness, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity are related to a student’s physical well-being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. It also recognizes that schools can provide an environment in which students can learn about and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. The Archdiocese is committed to providing a healthy school environment that promotes these concepts as part of the education of the whole child.

The Wellness Policy can be accessed at: http://www.catholicschoolsphl.org/parents/PE/SchWellnessPolicy.pdf

St. Denis School is committed to implementing the Archdiocesan Wellness Policy. As this policy states, our goals are to educate the whole child in body, mind, and spirit. This is most effectively achieved when home and school work together. Parents are encouraged to pack healthy snacks and lunches for their children. Treats brought in for the class should be limited to special occasions such as holiday parties and birthdays.

RIGHT TO AMEND

St. Denis School reserves the right to amend this Handbook. Notice of amendments will be sent to parents via the monthly newsletter. Changes will appear in green in the online edition of the Handbook.