All registered families who receive in-parish tuition rates must support St. Joseph Church with a minimum of $15.00 per week.  New families to the school must have supported the parish for a period of at least six months prior to school opening in order to qualify for in-parish rates.  In the case of families moving into the parish fewer than six months before the school’s opening, it will be necessary to provide the school office with a letter from their previous parish indicating that they were active and supporting members of that parish.

Parish support is monitored during the school year, and families who are not making an effort to support the parish will be notified that they will pay out-of-parish tuition rates.

Tuition Payments

Tuition is collected through an Electronic Funds Transferral (EFT) system if it is not paid in full by August 1.  Any family paying in full by August 1 will receive a 2% discount.  All other families must enroll in the FACTS Tuition Management Program.  Funds will then be transferred for ten consecutive months on the 5^th or 20^th of each month, depending on which date a family selects, beginning in August.  (Students entering school in September or after must pay tuition through the last month of school.)

If school payments of any kind (tuition, Before School Care, After School Care, etc.)  become past due for two months, and the responsible party has made no attempt to contact the office, the school bookkeeper will give the account over to the Finance Committee and contact the directors of Before and After School Care. If the debt incurred includes the non-payment of fees for services provided in Before or After School Care, then the family loses its privilege to utilize those services. If arrangements for past-due payments are not made immediately following contact by the Finance Committee, the family may not be accepted back for the next grading quarter, and all records will be held by the school until the debt is paid.  Should this become a repeated occurrence throughout the school year, be advised that your child’s position in St. Joseph School will be put in jeopardy.  All statements of past-due accounts are mailed to the custodial parent, and that person will be held responsible unless arrangements are made otherwise.

If any family becomes delinquent in its tuition payments due to serious financial difficulties caused by illness, death, involuntary job loss or some other serious family crisis, it is essential that the school be notified immediately so that the situation can be evaluated by the Finance Committee of the School Advisory Board.  The school and the parish will make every reasonable effort to assist families who encounter serious financial problems by providing limited financial assistance in the form of temporary tuition reductions. (This reduction does not include registration, general, lunch ticket or extended care fees.)  The Finance Committee will provide the necessary paperwork should the need arise for any family to request help.

Late Payment Fee

All payments for invoices mailed out at the end of each month are due before the 10^th of the following month.  This includes full and part-time extended care, borrowed lunch tickets, library fines, damages textbook fees, etc.  A late fee of $25 will be charged on the next business day after the 10^th of the month for unpaid balances.  New invoices that reflect added late fees will not be mailed mid-month.  Invoices are only sent at month’s end.

Return Check Policy

There will be a $25.00 fee for all returned checks.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM

After school care is available for St. Joseph students in grades K-7, and pre-registration is required.  The full-time yearly rate is as follows:  one child $1,250.00, two children $2,500.00, and three children $3,750.00.  This is a year-long commitment and may be  paid in full by August 1st or in monthly payments available through our FACTS Tuition Management Program, August through May.

Due to on-going construction during the 2008-2009 school year, part-time positions are not available at this time.

All students in After School Care must be picked up by 6:00 p.m.  Otherwise, a late charge of $20 per child will assessed every 10 minutes.

There is NO drop-in After School Care other than for an emergency need.  If an emergency arises, you  must call the office and give advanced notice that your child will need emergency After School Care.   A fee of $10.00 per hour per child will be billed at the end of the month. 

Non-registered students not picked up from dismissal by 3:10 p.m. will be sent to After School Care at a rate of $10.00 per half hour.  Likewise, students who remain at school after dismissal (for tutoring, help sessions, etc.) will be sent to After School Care at a rate of $10.00 per half-hour if not picked up within 5 minutes of the end of their session.  Students serving detention are NOT allowed to be taken to After School Care;  they must be picked up by their parents at the end of the detention session.

Early Dismissal Days:  Students not picked up by 11:40 a.m. or 1:10 p.m., depending on the time of dismissal, will be charged a late fee of $15.00 per child for each 10-minute increment that they are in the office.  There is NO After School Care available on early dismissal days.   

*Students in After School Care are expected to maintain the same level of acceptable behavior that they demonstrate in the classroom.  Misbehavior may be dealt with, if necessary, by the issuance of warnings, school detentions, or removal from the program.

**In the past, students not picked up at 3:10 p.m. had the option of sitting with Mrs. Mills for up to 15 nimutes prior to going to After School Care.   THIS IS NO LONGER AN OPTION.  These students WILL BE SENT to After School Care at 3:10 at the rate noted above.

Before School Care

Before school care is available for all St. Joseph students (K-8) from 6:50 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. in the Parish Center at a rate of $250.00 per year.  This full-time rate is due by August 1. The drop-in rate is $2.50 per morning, and part-time billing will be handled at the end of each month.  Payment is due upon receipt of invoice.  A late fee of $25.00 is assessed after the 10^th of each month.

There is no charge for any student dropped off between 7:30 and 7:40.

Book Rentals

Textbooks and CDs remain the property of the school.  Students are obligated to take very special care of them.  All textbooks must be covered throughout the year.  Contact paper and tape must not be used on rental books.  Rented books must be returned in as good a condition as they were received, allowance being made for wear caused by careful use.

During the school year, fees will be charged on any book that is lost.  At the end of the year, fees will be charged on any book that has been damaged or lost.

DAILY PROCEDURES

School Hours

Grades K-8:  7:55 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Early dismissal will be noted on the monthly calendar.

Students who arrive before 7:40 a.m. must report to Before School Care (drop off MUST be at the gym, not the chapel area), and parents will be billed at the end of the month.  Arrangements for afternoon pick-up should be timed for arrival promptly at 2:45 p.m. Parents who arrive before 2:30 create a burden on local traffic when the line of cars blocks the streets adjacent to Points A and B.  The dismissal process takes no longer than 15-20 minutes, so parent cooperation with the 2:45-3:00 time frame is greatly appreciated.  Any student not picked up by 3:10 p.m. will be sent to After School Care at the parents’ expense.

Attendance

A minimum attendance requirement of 37 days per each 45-day grading period should be maintained to qualify a student for a passing grade for that quarter.  Under conditions that warrant special consideration for extended absences, the administration will make the final decision after meeting with the parents and teachers.  We strongly discourage taking students out of class for family vacations during the school year.

If a student is absent, a written excuse must be presented to the homeroom teacher when the student returns.

Students recorded as absent for the day may not participate in any extra-curricular activities during that day.  This includes sports events, club activities and dances.

Tardy and Early Dismissal

Students should arrive a few minutes early to get prepared for the day.  Teaching begins promptly at 7:55 a.m. Students arriving after 7:55 a.m. must be taken to the office by their parents to obtain a tardy slip before going to class.  Make every effort for students to arrive on time to avoid classroom disruption.  Tardiness leads to the student’s being disorganized for the remainder of the day.  Excessive tardiness will be addressed by the homeroom teacher and/or the administration. Academic appointments will be given after 3 tardies within one quarter; detentions will be given after 6 tardies within one quarter.  If any student is tardy 9 times within one quarter, then that student will be given a “Saturday School” to attend.  This consequence consists of a 2-hour work detail, beginning at 8 a.m. on the assigned Saturday.  The cost for supervision will be $30 per child, which will be billed to the parents at the end of the month.  Failure to appear at Saturday school will result in a one-day suspension from school for the student.

Students who are tardy on Friday mornings must check in at the office first and then be driven over to church by their parents.  Parents must then wait WITH their child until his/her homeroom teacher arrives on the church property.

Early dismissal from class is strongly discouraged.  However, if extraordinary circumstances require your child to leave early, a parental permission note must be sent in the morning to the classroom teacher.  Since your child’s safety is a priority to us, parents must pick up their child from the school office and sign the child out.  No child will be dismissed to meet parents in the parking lot.

Dismissal

As of the posting of this handbook, dismissal patterns around the school building construction area have not been determined.  Below is our standard policy when both Pts. A and B are available.

Our dismissal procedure is divided into two pick-up points.  Point A will be used for Kindergarten and First Grade carpools.  Point B will be used for Grades 2-8 carpools.  (Diagram – Appendix A)  Students will need to know who is picking them up each day.  Have each child’s last name and dismissal room clearly displayed in the passenger-side window.  Students will have assigned classrooms at dismissal to assure a safe and efficient dismissal for all.

If you are parked on school property at the time of dismissal, please do not back out of the space and disrupt the traffic flow during dismissal time (2:45-3:00).  If you must park for any reason but cannot wait until 3:00 to back out, please park in the spaces beside the gym.  Dismissal is a very busy time, and, in order to move traffic along smoothly, we are asking that no one break into the regular flow pattern.  If items need to be put in the trunk, please pull into a parking space to ensure safety.  Also, at no point while in the carpool line should a child leave his/her car to return to a classroom for forgotten items or go to the office to make a delivery without the driver’s first pulling into a parking space to supervise the child’s safety. Students at Point A should never walk behind the cars parked along the west side of the circle driveway;  students at Point B should never walk between the moving vehicles.

Students are never allowed to return to a classroom if a teacher is not present there.  Furthermore, this is not a time to discuss concerns with your child’s teachers, as their attention will be focused on the safety of the children.

If a student is to ride home with someone other than his/her regular carpool, written notice must be sent to the homeroom teacher. If an emergency arises during the school day and a carpool OR driver change is needed, please call the school office as early as possible. We will not release any student without this note or call.  Your cooperation is appreciated.

*Safety patrol students should be shown the utmost of respect.  They take their jobs seriously and work hard to promote safety.

Lunch

The school provides a choice of either a hot entrée or a sandwich each day. 

            Hot entrée or sandwich/drink/snack - $3.50
            Entrée only - $2.10
            Sandwich only - $2.10
            Tossed salad only - $1.40
            Drink - milk (chocolate, white, low fat), orange juice, bottled water - $.70
            Snack (chips, ice cream, cookies) - $.70 

Snack and drink tickets are available and must be purchased on Monday, Wednesday or Friday mornings in the cafeteria before the student goes to class. Tickets will be sold in the cafeteria lobby on these days.  Tickets will not be sold on Tuesday and Thursday.

The office does not sell lunch tickets; students who do not have their lunch or meal ticket will be given a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, snack and drink and must repay the office $3.50 the following day.  Students will not be given permission to use the office telephone to contact parents about forgotten lunches.

Late lunches are to be delivered by parents to the cafeteria between 8:00 and 11:00 and placed on the front counter.  Parents wishing to eat lunch with their children must do so at the provided front table.

Please support our lunch program.  Its future growth will depend on the use of the program at present.  Daily menus will be published on the monthly calendar.

We strongly discourage your sending excessive amounts of candy and soda to school in your child’s lunch.  We also ask for your cooperation in sending items that can be easily opened by your child and are free from sharp metal edges.

Visitors and Deliveries

We welcome parents and other visitors who have a sincere interest in our school.  Non-adult visitors, however, must receive permission from the principal and homeroom teachers prior to their visits.   All visitors must check in at the office upon arrival.  All messages or materials needed by students should be delivered to the office. 

Student Council representatives make one delivery to the classrooms at 10:00 a.m. each day.  Items brought in after 10 a.m. may NOT be delivered to the classroom

Parents are asked not to interrupt a teacher during the instructional time (7:55 a.m.–2:45 p.m.). In particular, parents should refrain from classroom visits between 7:40-7:55 a.m; this is the time when teachers are solely focused on students preparing for the day, not  a time for unscheduled conferences.   In case of emergency, report to the office and necessary communications will be handled by school personnel.  Please respect our policy.

Volunteers

We appreciate the many volunteers who work in our cafeteria, art room, learning center, classrooms, etc.  All our volunteers will be asked to fill out character reference forms and must be fingerprinted so the Diocese of St. Augustine can complete a criminal background check.  Volunteering may begin only after the fingerprinting process is complete.  (This process may take several weeks.)  Furthermore, it is now required that all field trip chaperones must attend the diocesan-sponsored workshop “Protecting God’s Children” before being allowed to accompany any class on a trip.  A list of scheduled classes is always available on the diocesan website (www.dosafl.com), and participants must pre-register for the course at www.virtus.org.

PLEASE SIGN IN AT THE OFFICE EACH TIME YOU COME TO VOLUNTEER.  All parents are expected to wear a badge while on campus anytime between 7:30 and 2:45, whether they will be in a classroom for just a few minutes or an extended period of time. 

All volunteers should remember that, while on campus, they are visible to children and should therefore act in an exemplary manner that models Catholic behavior.  This includes being mindful of both appropriate language and appropriate attire.

Communications

Our aim is to help each student develop a positive attitude toward learning.  To succeed in this, close cooperation and openness between home and school are essential.  Our teachers are always ready and happy to hear from parents regarding questions and concerns.

If a parent would like to contact a teacher, please call the school secretary at 268-6688. She will give your name and telephone number to the teacher, who will return your call as soon as possible.  Please do NOT call teachers at home.

Some teachers will invite parents to e-mail them directly with questions that arise.  This is NOT a mandatory school policy enforced on the entire faculty, so please only use the e-mail option for a teacher who publishes his/her desire for this type of communication.

Moreover, please be advised that teachers may only view e-mail correspondence once or twice during the day, and you may not receive an immediate reply.

You may also contact the office using the following e-mail addresses:  information@stjosephcs.org and principal@stjosephcs.org.

Please read school communiqués, weekly paper packets, the principal’s message on the school website, and calendars to stay informed.  Contact the office if you fail to receive necessary information.

Each Friday, every student receives a packet of papers containing student work, important notices and a letter from the homeroom teacher.  This letter will contain a class’s test schedule for the following week; however, class progress sometimes necessitates a need to adjust that schedule.  Please take the time to review these papers with your child so you may monitor your child’s progress and stay well informed of school events.  The paper packet slip and any designated papers should be signed and returned on Monday mornings.

DRESS CODE

The uniform code of St. Joseph School is designed to encourage both neatness and good order.  School uniform regulations must be adhered to daily, and students are expected to wear  the uniform the way it is received from the manufacturer.   Students should observe the school uniform code at all times when on the school grounds.  All articles of clothing must be permanently labeled.  A note from the parent and/or a physician must accompany any exceptions to the following school uniform code.

Boys’ School Uniform

Girls’ School Uniform

All

Please note that P.E. sweatshirts are to be worn with P.E. clothes and that sweaters and dress sweatshirts are worn with dress uniforms. 

*Only Junior High students (6-8 graders) may wear the logo fleece jacket available at North Florida Uniform.  This jacket is only to be worn during the winter months.

*KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ONLY may wear tennis shoes as part of their school uniform.

P.E. Uniforms

P.E. uniforms must be ordered from North Florida Uniform Company. 

Kindergarten-5th grade students will have two P.E. periods each week.    P.E. uniforms are to be worn on the scheduled P.E. days each week in lieu of the regular school uniform. 

During P.E., students in Grades 6-8 are required to wear P.E. uniforms and sports shoes (no cleats).  Any student who fails to dress out more than four times during a nine-week grading period will receive an unsatisfactory grade for that grading period.  Students without the proper P.E. uniform will not be allowed to participate.

Non-Uniform Day Dress Code

Periodically throughout the school year, the students may be awarded a non-uniform day.  On these days student dress must be neat and non-distracting.  Boys should wear slacks belted at the waist and an appropriate shirt (sport jerseys are not dress shirts). Girls may wear dresses, slacks, nice capris, or skirts of appropriate length (comparable to uniform skirt length).  Jeans, overalls, shorts, and skorts are not permitted, nor are any inappropriately revealing shirts (halter tops, midriff tops, spaghetti straps, etc.)   Appropriate shoes are required.  (No flip-flops or shoes with excessively high heels.)  Students not adhering to these guidelines will be required to call home for appropriate clothing.

Occasionally throughout the year, Student Council offers the students a chance to buy a “non-uniform/jeans day.”  The money collected is donated to a local charity.  On these days, student dress must be neat and non-distracting.  Students may follow the above stated Non-Uniform Day Dress Code; however, jeans may be worn.  Sport jerseys are still NOT permitted.  The only shorts permitted are the blue dress uniform shorts (this does NOT include the P. E. uniform shorts).  Appropriate shoes are required.  (No flip-flops or shoes with excessively high heels.)  Students not adhering to these guidelines will be required to call home for appropriate clothing and will not be allowed to participate in the next non-uniform/jeans day.

CODE OF CONDUCT/DISCIPLINE

Student Conduct

Christian behavior is expected from all students.  Parents are expected to cooperate with the administration to maintain this standard throughout the year.  It is the student's responsibility to know and follow all school and classroom rules and regulations at all times.

If a student's behavior or level of performance is not acceptable, disciplinary action will be taken in the following steps:

1.             Academic Appointment - held after school for no less than 1/2 hour and given at the teacher's discretion for the following:

a.     Missing homework

b.    Make-up work not completed in a timely manner by a student after an absence

c.     Continual unpreparedness for class (supplies, text, assignments, etc.)

d.    Uncovered books

e.     Three tardies or unexcused early dismissals in one quarter

2.         Detention - held after school for at least one hour. A notice will be sent home to the parent, which must be signed and returned the following day.  Suspension will result after three detentions are served during a single quarter.  Saturday school will result after three detentions are served during a single semester.

            Detention will be given for, but not limited to, the following reasons:

a.     Disrespect to teacher or other students

b.    Bullying behavior - including, but not limited to, physical, verbal, or cyber-bullying

c.     Damage to school property (books, desks, etc.)

d.    Willful disobedience of classroom or school rules

e.     Cheating

f.     Use of profanity

g.    Inappropriate or dangerous behavior exhibited during morning drop-off or afternoon dismissal times

h.     Use of cell phone on school property during the school day

i.      Inappropriate displays of affection between students

j.      Excessive need for academic appointment

k.     Repeated uniform infractions

l.      Disregard for the school’s Acceptable Internet Usage Policy

m.   Chewing gum or eating candy during class

*Detention is always held on Tuesdays and is supervised by an assigned faculty member at all times.  Students MUST be picked up by their parents at the assigned detention classroom within FIVE minutes of the detention end-time, or they will be taken to After School Care and charged the emergency drop-in rate.  It is not an option for full-time registered ASC students to simply return to ASC after a detention;  the emergency drop-in rate will apply to these students, too, if they are not picked up on time.

3.         Saturday School – Work detail held on assigned Saturdays from 8 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at $30 per student to cover the cost of supervision.  These will    be given for excessive tardies in a quarter or excessive detentions served during a semester.  Failure to report to Saturday School will result in a 1-day out-of-school suspension.  (Parents will be billed at the end of the month for the cost of the Saturday School.)

4.         Suspension - A student may be suspended for any of the following offenses:

a.     Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, over-the-counter drugs, matches, lighters, a knife, or dangerous objects

b.    Smoking on the premises or the possession of cigarettes

c.     Possession of guns, toy or otherwise

d.    Use of physical force against a teacher, staff member or other student

e.     Open defiance of authority

f.     Repeated need for detention

g.    Threats of violence

h.     Sexual harassment

i.      Skipping class

j.      Any obscene conduct

k.     Leaving school grounds during the day or at any school function without written parental permission

l.      Any conduct in or out of school that reflects discredit on the school

Schoolwork and tests that are missed due to suspension may not be made up and will result in a grade of zero.  

Any student suspended will not be allowed to attend school events (i.e. dances, games) on any day while suspended.   Any 8^th grader suspended during the fourth quarter will not be allowed to participate in the class trip to Orlando.

5.         Expulsion - The expulsion of a student from a Catholic school is invoked only as a last resort.  A student may be expelled for an offense, which seriously undermines the school philosophy.

Internet Usage Policy

The Diocese of St. Augustine provides each Catholic School with an Internet Acceptable Use Policy.  Each student and parent is required to sign this at the beginning of the school year; the forms are kept on file in the Computer Lab.  In addition to this form, the following policy exists at St. Joseph Catholic School: 

Users may not post on personal internet sites (ex. Myspace.com) to which they have access away from school grounds, any pictures or inappropriate text  comments that reflect a negative image of the school or school personnel, other students, races, and/or ethnicities. 

The principal reserves the right to determine the consequences for any student participating in such behavior. 

Threats and Violence Policy

It is the desire and expectation of every administrator, teacher, parent, and student that all will be safe in our schools.  The Catholic teaching of respect for the dignity of each person because he/she is made in the image and likeness of God provides the basis for who we are.  It is important that this teaching permeates the Catholic school community.  This teaching should be modeled by faculty and students alike from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. 

However, there are times when some fail to measure up to this standard and we need to act accordingly.  All threats of violence that are verified will be taken seriously.  A threat is an expression of intent to cause physical or mental harm regardless of whether the person communicating the threat has the present ability to carry out the threat and regardless of whether the threat is conditional or future. Threatening behavior consisting of words or deeds that are intended to intimidate anyone in the school community is strictly forbidden.

Threats and other forms of harassment, other than sexual harassment, may include but are not limited to the following:

·         Verbal harassment or abuse

·         Physical harassment or abuse

·         Written Harassment or abuse

·         E-mail correspondence to or about a member of the school community (e.g. administrators, faculty, staff or students) which includes implied or explicit threats, whether this correspondence originates on school computers or elsewhere.

Sexual Harassment Policy

Catholic teaching recognizes that we are each made in the image and likeness of God and that we treat each person with dignity and respect.  Faculty and students alike from pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade should model this teaching.

Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other inappropriate oral, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Sexual harassment, as defined above, may include, but is not limited to, the following:

·         Verbal or written harassment or abuse

·         Pressure for sexual activity

·           Related remarks to a person with sexual involvement accompanied by implied or explicit threats 

Any student who alleges sexual harassment by another student should bring this matter to the attention of the principal, his/her teacher or guidance counselor immediately.  The principal should investigate the incident.  In determining whether alleged conduct constitutes sexual harassment, the totality of the circumstances, the nature of the conduct and the context in which the alleged conduct occurred will be investigated.

A substantiated charge of sexual harassment against a student shall subject the student to disciplinary action, which may include, but not be limited to, suspension or expulsion.

Dispute Resolution

Although the Constitutional requirement of dispute resolution does not legally apply to the private school system, Catholic schools, as a faith community, should impart fairness and a sense of justice in all actions and judgments made by administrators and teachers in dealing with their students.  While it is important to protect and maintain the rights of the students and their parents, it is also important that the students and their parents be made aware of their respective responsibilities, which arise from and complement these rights.

Students and parents are presumed to be aware of established school rules and regulations in effect at the time of registration and as subsequently amended.

Students and parents shall have the right to be informed either orally or in writing of the school rules which have been violated and of the specific grounds for disciplinary action.

The faculty and administration have consistently and diligently worked toward providing our students with a safe and wholesome atmosphere where education and values are taught and practiced.

In order to ensure this atmosphere, the following procedures will be enacted when necessary:

1.             When there is a major violation or multiple infractions of the student code of conduct which the handbook states results  in suspension or  expulsion, the student’s parents/guardians will be called and informed of the violation and will be required to immediately pick the student up from school.  The student will thereafter be suspended from school until a decision is reached on the violation and the consequences.

2.             A review board will be convened within 72 hours after suspension, excluding weekends and holidays, to consider the violation and the consequences.  The review board will consist of the assistant principal, a teacher chosen by the administration and a teacher chosen by the student. The student and at least one parent/guardian will be present during the board hearing at which time the student will be allowed to present his/her case.  The board will then make a recommendation to the principal.

3.             The principal will make the final decision and notify the parents.

4.             The disciplinary decision is not subject to appeal to the Diocesan Dispute Resolution Board.  Failure of the school to follow its discipline procedure as outlined here is appealable.  However, if the school has followed its procedures as outlined here, there will be no appeal.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Grading Scale

Students in Kindergarten-2nd grade receive a developmental report card each quarter.  Students in 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade receive letter grades on their report cards, while students in 6^th-8^th grade receive number grades.  The letters and numbers correspond in the following way:

Homework, quizzes, and tests are scheduled at the discretion of each teacher.  Efforts are made to coordinate test schedules with other teachers.  The administering of retests and extra credit is solely the decision of the teacher and in no way reflects the policy of the school.

Promotion Standards

When a school accepts a student, that school accepts the responsibilities of educating that child.  It is expected that the performance of each child will be directed toward maximizing the individual's abilities and talents.  The uniqueness and individual differences of each student are strong beliefs in the value system of our Catholic Schools, and every effort should be made to meet the varying needs among our students within the realm of local resources.  Full disclosure of any known problem or previous academic or psychological testing enables the teachers to immediately address areas of difficulty.

While we do not provide a special education program, we will try to make reasonable accommodations for students with special needs.  Those students must have specific professional documentation on file in the office before any accommodations can be made.

Factors to be considered in the promotion of a student should include the following:

·         class performance according to the grade-level requirements

·         student age, maturity level, and ability

·         student achievement on tests and examinations

·         successful achievement of required passing average

Retention

Pupil progression shall be based primarily on achievement of appropriate grade-level skills.  Other factors to be considered are mental and physical development, work and study habits, and maturation.

Most students will be able to follow the school's regular program of sequential learning. However, testing, diagnosis and actual performance may indicate that some students cannot complete a year's work in that time; therefore, it may become necessary to retain a pupil in a particular grade.  Should that be the case, school personnel should follow the Criteria for Retention.

Criteria for Retention

The list below indicates the specific criteria for each grade level that could result in retention:

Kindergarten:
Lack of readiness in reading, math and/or communications skills.

At the primary level, especially Kindergarten, special consideration in a decision to promote a student will be given to social, emotional and maturation levels.  Consideration is also given to chronological age.

Grades One-Three:
Unsatisfactory in Reading or Math (This should be reflected by an “U” on the student’s report card)

Any failed subject must be made up in a summer program approved by the principal.  Only one subject may be taken in summer school.  The principal reserves the right to retest any student who wishes to return the following year.

Grades Four–Eight:
For promotion in Catholic school, a passing grade must be achieved in all major subjects:  Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Social Studies and Science.

If one of the failed subjects is Religion, the student must make up the work if he/she wishes to return to the school or to enroll in any other Catholic school in the diocese.

Any failed subject must be made up in a summer program approved by the principal.  A maximum of two subjects may be taken in summer school.  The principal reserves the right to retest any student who wishes to return the following year.

When the probability of retaining a student arises, the parents are to be informed and a decision is to be made as soon as possible.  All necessary documentation is to be on file in the office of the principal, including Possible Retention Form (to be signed by parents) along with any written response of the parents.

Retention of a student is a serious responsibility and warrants a careful and complete examination of a student’s performance and achievement.  Not every academic problem can be remedied by retention.

Although the principal consults with teachers and parents, the final responsibility for retaining a student rests with the principal.

A student needing retention should be retained only once in the primary grades (K-3) and once in the other grades (4-8).

No pupil shall be permitted to remain in the same grade for more than two successive years.  A pupil who has failed to attain the Requirements for Promotion after spending two years in a grade may be given a Special Promotion or “Placed” in the next grade.  This entitles the student to undertake the work of the next grade.  In such cases, the parents are to be informed that the promotion is not based on achievement but on chronological age.  All school records are to be marked appropriately.

Summer School Criteria

When it becomes necessary for a student to attend summer school in order to be promoted to the next grade level, the following criteria must be met:

a.  Any student failing one major subject must receive 30 hours of tutoring                 in that subject area.

b. Any student failing two subjects must receive 50 hours of tutoring in those subject areas.

c.  The summer school tutor must be a certified teacher approved by the school’s administration.

d. The student must present a notebook with samples of all the work completed during the summer.

e.  Student may be required to take a test to prove proficiency.

Homework

Homework is to be completed on the assigned day.  Incomplete assignments will affect the student's grades.  Parents are encouraged to take an interest in the homework, but must remember that homework is only beneficial if done by the student.  Each teacher sets grades for and acceptance of late assignments.  Special consideration will be given for extended absences due to sickness.

Make-up Work

Phone calls requesting homework to be picked up or sent to a sibling must be made by 8:30 a.m.  There is no guarantee homework will be ready that day if the call is received after 8:30.  Requested homework will be sent to the office for pickup at the end of the day.  All requested homework is due on the day the student returns from his/her absence; however, for absences due to prolonged illness, make–up work arrangements should be made with the teacher.

Even though strongly discouraged, if additional days are taken off during the school year for family vacations, a written request for assigned work must be presented at least five days in advance of the student’s departure.  Failure to request the work prior to this type of absence or failure to submit the completed work on the day the student returns to school will result in zeroes being given as grades.  Additionally, tests missed for any reason OTHER THAN illness must be made up immediately upon return to school.

Progress Reports

In Grades 3-8, progress reports for students will be sent to the parents at mid-quarter.  These are to be signed and returned to the homeroom teacher as soon as possible.  In Grades 1-2, progress reports will only be sent home if needed.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued four times during the year.  The first report card will be given at a mandatory parent-teacher conference.  Report cards  (grades 3-8) or envelopes (grades K-2) are to be signed and returned to the homeroom teacher as soon as possible.

Honor Roll

To achieve Honor Roll recognition in 4^th-8^th grade, students must have academic grades that are all A’s and B’s and satisfactory grades in conduct and effort.  A "U" in either conduct or effort will keep a student off the Honor Roll.

Testing

A standardized test is administered in Grades 3-8 in the fall of each year and in Grade 2 each spring.  The results of these tests are recorded and sent home to the parents.

Individual Testing (Medical or Psychological)

All paperwork requiring teacher evaluation comments must be submitted through the office and will be mailed directly to the doctor who requested the evaluations.  We require that the results of testing be shared with the homeroom teacher and principal so that the individual child’s needs may be addressed.

Parent-Teacher Conference

If the need for a conference arises during the school year, a phone call placed to the school office is all that is necessary to obtain an appointment.  Occasionally, the teacher may request a conference with the parents.  Usually these direct meetings are more satisfying than conversations held over the telephone.  It is only through the closely coordinated efforts of the home and the school that the goals of our philosophy of education can be truly achieved.  Parents should not call teachers at home.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Art

The art program is a strong part of our curriculum at St. Joseph.  Students attend art classes on a weekly basis.  The program is designed to enable students to gain a basic understanding in the art forms through technique, terminology, and written and hands-on work.  This area of learning also encourages the uniqueness and originality of each student in his/her expression through various art media.

Computer

The Technology Program at St. Joseph is geared towards teaching the students about computers and related technologies, as well as how to use them as a tool for learning.  Keyboarding and computer applications, such as word processing, databases, and spreadsheets, are included in the curriculum.  Students attend regularly scheduled computer classes each week.  In addition, the lab is open throughout the school day and after dismissal by appointment.  Computers are also used to supplement the library and reading resource programs.

We currently have four servers running, which run the circulation program for the library, the Comcast and Florida Digital Network Internet service, and software for the computer lab and classrooms. The Accelerated Reader program is available in the classrooms and in the lab.  The lab is open every Wednesday from 3-3:30 for AR testing.

Guidance

A full-time guidance counselor is employed by the school for the welfare of our students.  This counselor is available to meet with students or parents regarding social, emotional, or academic needs a student may have.   Our counselor is available Monday through Friday.

Library

Students in Grades K-5 are scheduled for a weekly library time, and the Jr. High students visit the library during their English class time at least twice every month.  The library program reinforces library skills and research techniques.  To insure adequate and consistent services, the following policies will be observed:

·        Books should be handled carefully; fees will be assessed for any lost or damaged materials.

·        Grade K may check out one book for a period of one week.

·        Grade 1 may check out two books for a period of one week.

·        Grades 2-5 may check out two books for a period of two weeks.  Books may be renewed for an additional week and special arrangements may be made for research purposes.

·        Grades 6-8 may check out three books for a period of two weeks.  Books may be renewed for an additional week and special arrangements may be made for research purposes.

·        Reference books may be used during the school day, but they may not be checked out.

Please feel free to ask the Media Specialist for her assistance in solving your library needs.  The Learning Center will be open before school and after dismissal upon prior arrangement with the Media Specialist.

Mathematics

Occasionally a student may demonstrate, through classroom performance and standardized testing, the maturity to undertake the study of Algebra 1 in eighth grade. Students who wish to enroll in eighth grade algebra should meet the following criteria adopted by diocesan principals and approved by the superintendent:

Criteria:

1.     85% or above academic average each quarter in seventh grade mathematics.

2.     90 + national percentile mathematics composite score on sixth and seventh grade standardized test (ITBS).

3.     Recommendation of seventh grade mathematics teacher using the approved diocesan form.

All students enrolled in 8^th grade Algebra1 must maintain at least an average of 85% each quarter or they will be removed from the course.

Please be advised that completion of our 8^th grade Algebra1 course does not automatically guarantee a student’s placement in geometry as a freshman in high school.

*The same criteria exist for students who wish to undertake the study of pre-algebra in seventh grade.

Music

The music program is designed to teach the appreciation and enjoyment of music, as well as the understanding of music's role in the Catholic Church and our community.  It includes the study of melody, harmony, rhythm and beat, tone color, dynamics and tempo.

Classes are scheduled on a regular basis.  Additionally, students in Grades 5-8 may choose to join an after school choir and/or audition for a musical in the spring.  The choir sings at Masses throughout the school year as well as at special events.  Participation in the choir and musical assumes rehearsal and performance attendance by all members.

Because of the conflicting nature of the schedules for both the softball season and the spring musical, students may not try out for both.  Additionally, students participating in the musical will be removed from the cast if they are suspended from school at any time between auditions and the final performance. 

Physical Education

At St. Joseph physical education is an important part of your child's curriculum.

In Grades K-4, our emphasis is on movement education.  This program is designed to develop and enhance your child's motor skills at his or her own pace by using a series of skill stations that are individually stimulating and challenging. Non-competitive and semi-competitive games are also a part of this program, allowing your child the opportunity to put these developing skills to use.

In Grades 5-8, although movement education is still an intricate part of the program, a more traditional approach towards the familiar competitive games such as football (touch), basketball, volleyball, soccer, and softball is introduced. The emphasis is not so much on winning as on developing a love for the game.

Remedial Reading

A full-time Remedial Reading teacher is employed to provide remediation and enrichment to individuals and small groups of students in Kindergarten through 5^th grade.  The program is designed to meet individual student needs with the recommendation of the homeroom teacher.  Student tutoring, enrichment exercises and computer activities are incorporated in the program.

Religion

Basic Catholic Christian doctrine and ideals are taught in a regular religion class at each grade level.

Mass and special liturgical celebrations where students are active participants enhance these teachings.  Confessions, Stations of the Cross, Eucharistic Adoration, and the living Rosary are scheduled at regular intervals.

Students in Grade 2 prepare for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.  Students in Grade 8 prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Service Hours

Students in 7^th