Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Table of Contents
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK PURPOSE ........................................................................... 3
MISSION STATEMENT ............................................................................................................... 3
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY ............................................................................................................... 3
PARENTAL SUPPORT ................................................................................................................. 3
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION ..................................................................................................... 4
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL ................................................................................................ 4
PARENT / TEACHER ORGANIZATION .................................................................................... 5
FACULTY AND STAFF ............................................................................................................... 6
THE SPIRITUAL PROGRAM....................................................................................................... 7
THE ACADEMIC PROGRAM ...................................................................................................... 7
FORMAL COMMUNICATION PROBLEM RESOLUTION (Due Process) ............................ 10
FINANCIAL PROGRAM ............................................................................................................ 11
STUDENT ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................ 12
STUDENT CONDUCT ................................................................................................................ 12
THE SCHOOL PROGRAM ......................................................................................................... 17
STUDENT HEALTH, SAFETY, & WELFARE ......................................................................... 22
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES................................................................................................................ 24
COMPUTER & INTERNET ACCEPTABLE USE ..................................................................... 25
PARENT/STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM .............................................................................. 26
MISSION STATEMENT
St. Marys Catholic School is dedicated to the education of each student in a Catholic environment rich
in the love and philosophy of Jesus Christ. Our academic program develops responsible students who
possess personal confidence, academic mastery, and the moral and religious fiber to attain success in
life.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
St. Marys Catholic School is dedicated to the education of each student in a Catholic environment rich
in the love and philosophy of Jesus Christ. Our educational approach balances the spiritual, academic,
physical, and social development of our students in a safe and comfortable learning environment.
Parents are the primary educators of their children and are responsible to provide for the moral and
religious development of their children. St. Marys enters into an active partnership to facilitate this
end.
Our goal is to provide an academic environment in which our students are encouraged to achieve their
personal best. We strive to send forth responsible students who possess personal confidence, individual
academic mastery, and the moral and religious fiber to attain personal success in life.
PARENTAL SUPPORT
St. Marys Catholic School feels it is absolutely necessary that we have the support of all of our parents
in order to educate our students according to the high standards we advocate at St. Marys. Support
includes: positive words about our school, active participation in school activities, and honoring your
financial commitment. Support also means backing a teacher when your child has misbehaved or
broken a rule at school. Therefore, if deemed necessary, the principal may request that the children of a
family be suspended from St. Marys due to lack of parental support.
SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
The Diocese of Great Falls-Billings
Superintendent
PO Box 1399
P. O. Box 1729
Great Falls, MT
59403-1399
Helena, MT 59624
(406) 727-6683
(406) 727-6683
Pastor
Administrative Assistant
Diane Meyer
(406) 222-1393
(406) 222-3303
frleo@stmaryscommunity.org
stmarys@stmaryscatholicschool.net
Just as a parish council serves with the pastor on behalf of the total parish community, so too does
the School Advisory Council serve with the school administration on behalf of the total school
community. Todays Catholic school administrators, with the many demands that are made, need
assistance from a group of people who are committed to Catholic schools and are willing to work
for the good of the schools and Catholic community.
The Council is a consultative body to the pastor, school administration and to the Bishop, subject to
the regulations promulgated by the Bishop or the Diocesan Superintendent of Schools acting on
behalf of the Bishop.
MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL ARE:
Chair Person
Comments/e-mail
Vice Chair/Finance
Chair
Lori Case
Joe Hanser
Susie Felton
Nick Currie
Veronica Kokot
Vacant
Vacant
Vacant
frleo@stmaryscommunity.org
Secretary
Members
Ex Officio
Pat Walker
Vice President
Secretary/Treasurer
Peg Sundling
SAC Liason
Ex Officio
Title
Voice
Mail
ext.
Karen Meece
Preschool
kmeece@stmaryscatholicschool.net
350
Jane Larkin
Preschool-Aide
Stephanie Walker
Kindergarten/First Grade
swalker@stmaryscatholicschool.net
352
Melissa Beitel
Second/Third Grade
mbeitel@stmaryscatholicschool.net
353
Zack Knaff
Elementary Aide
zknaff@stmaryscatholicschool.net
Chuck Raymond
Fourth/Fifth Grade
craymond@stmaryscatholicschool.net
Mary Gilluly
Math/Science
mgilluly@stmaryscatholicschool.net
Cynthia Deurmeier
English/History/Spanish
mrsd@stmaryscatholicschool.net
Tiffaney Dierolf
P.E, Health
tdierolf@stmaryscatholicschool.net
358
Jenny Leinfelder
hotlunch@stmaryscatholicschool.net
307
Helen Stovall
JoAnn Harper
Bookkeeper
jharper@stmaryscommunity.org
Peg Sundling
Athletic Director
activities@stmaryscatholicschool.net
Kenny Lanning
Custodian
Priest/Religious Studies
Priest/Religious Studies
354
307
principal@stmaryscatholicschool.net
103
302
102
9:00 a.m.
School Mass
9:00 a.m.
Saturday
5:30 p.m.
Sunday
10:30 a.m.
Prayer Services
11:30 a.m.
Parents are welcomed to attend and are encouraged to worship with the children at school Masses.
As a part of our involvement with our parish community and participation in more complete
spiritual growth and development, we remind Catholic students of their responsibility to attend
weekend Mass on Saturday or Sunday. We encourage all of our non-Catholic students to attend the
church of their choice.
8:15 3:10
Students need to be in their desk by 8:15 a.m. or they are considered tardy.
Please refer to the school calendar for specific dates for teacher professional development days (no
school for students), and the dates for vacations, holidays and special activities.
ACADEMIC EVALUATION
Track your students progress online at Quickschools.com. See Diane for help signing on. Report
cards will be sent home with all students at the end of each quarter. These dates are indicated on the
school calendar. The object of these reports is to evaluate the student as accurately as possible in
accordance with their ability. The reports are not intended to be comparative. The detachable slip
on the report card is to be signed by the parents and returned to school as soon as possible.
Parents are encouraged to respond either by speaking with the teacher or by writing a comment.
If a student is absent for five consecutive days preceding a progress report, the progress report will
not be printed and sent home. The parent(s) will be called and encouraged to set up an appointment
with the teacher or teaching team to make a plan for completing the missing work. A follow-up
meeting to ensure completion of make-up work will be encouraged and scheduled at the close of
this first meeting at which time the progress report will be printed.
If a student is absent for five consecutive days preceding a report card, the report card will be
printed with the grade(s) listed as incomplete. The parent is encouraged to set up an appointment
with the teacher or teaching team to make a plan for completing the missing work. A follow-up
meeting to ensure completion of make-up work will be encouraged and scheduled at the close of
this first meeting. The new report card will be given to parent(s) at the follow-up meeting.
GRADING SYSTEM
The evaluation of student achievement is one of the important functions of a teacher. The marking
system in grades 4-8 is as follows:
A
100-90
89-80
79-70
69-60
59 and below
An incomplete is given only in those cases when because of illness, an emergency, or by prior
arrangement the student has not been able to complete their assignments. An incomplete on the
report card becomes an F four weeks from the date issued if the work is not completed. Make up
work is the complete responsibility of the student.
Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students are recognized for quarterly academic achievement
through St. Marys Honor Roll. Students must achieve a 3.3 grade point average in order to qualify
for the honor roll. The grades for religion, math, science, social studies, language arts, physical
education, computers, and Spanish are included in this average. Students with special needs will be
evaluated on an individual basis.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCE
Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences will be set up for all parents after the 1st and 3rd quarter of the
school year. The conferences will provide the opportunity for teachers and parents to discuss the
students achievement and ability. Classes will be dismissed to provide time for these conferences.
Although no other formal conference time will be set up, teachers and parents are strongly
encouraged to set up a special conference whenever the need is felt.
HOMEWORK
The purpose of homework is to complement and reinforce the learning process. It is the
responsibility of the student to see that it is completed and turned in on time. The teacher may deem
incomplete or late assignments unacceptable. Students are expected to pace the completion of longrange assignments.
It is recommended that a consistent schedule and time allotment for homework be established and
maintained throughout the school year. In the event of no assigned work, we strongly suggest the
student engage in alternate productive activities whether individually or with family.
Suggested time spent on homework each night:
Grades K-2
Grades 3-4
Grades 5-6
Grades 7-8
15-20 minutes
30-40 minutes
50-60 minutes
1.5-2 hours
If your child is spending more than the suggested time an evening on homework on a regular basis,
please confer with your childs teacher.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are privileges planned by teachers and approved by the principal with educational
purposes as the primary objective.
Field trips are considered an extension of the school day and the code of conduct will apply.
A student must give to the sponsoring teacher the schools permission form signed by a students
parent(s) prior to the student participating in each activity. Students who fail to submit the proper
standard school form prior to the events departure time will not be allowed to participate in the
field trip. Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of the proper forms.
In the event private automobiles/vehicles of students, or other authorized adults are to be utilized to
transport students on field trips, the drivers and/or vehicle owners must have a valid drivers license
and sufficient liability, medical and uninsured motorist insurance coverage as defined by the
school. Evidence to this effect must be presented to the school for review and approval prior to the
use of such vehicles.
The school shall have the right to prohibit for any reason a proposed driver from transporting
students on a field trip.
In case of serious disruption by the student, the school reserves the right to have the student
removed from the group. The parent will be called and expected to make arrangements to pick the
student up immediately.
BOOKS
Books taken back and forth between school and home must be covered at all times and transported
in book bags. A student will be held responsible for damage or loss of any book issued by the
school.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education activities are provided for all students as a required part of the school program.
Participation is required of all students and only a written note will excuse your child from class.
Tennis shoes specifically for this class are required for all students grades K-8. Students in grades
4th-8th will need a plain t-shirt, and basketball shorts. Failure to have clothes and/or shoes on
required days will negatively affect the P.E. grade.
BAND
Our students may participate in the band program at Sleeping Giant Middle School. Band is an
additional class and is figured into the students GPA as half of a credit. Class time missed while
attending band will need to be made up by the student on his or her own time. Information
regarding this program will be sent home to interested fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade
students.
10
FINANCIAL PROGRAM
Book and insurance fees must be paid by the first day of school. You may choose to pay your tuition in
full at the start of the school year; otherwise tuition must be paid in accordance to the agreement signed
by the parent and school representative at the time of registration. Monthly statements showing activity
will be sent out each month. These will also serve as a reminder that the upcoming months tuition is
soon due. If a student is removed from school for non-payment of tuition, the person who signed the
agreement is legally responsible to pay past due tuition and/or outstanding fees owed to St. Marys
Catholic School. Students transferring or graduating from St. Marys must have all tuition and fees paid
in full before school records will be sent. Eighth grade signed diplomas will not be issued unless all
tuition and fees are paid in full.
TUITION POLICY
Every family who enrolls a student at St. Marys Catholic School will sign a written agreement to
pay specified tuition and fees. These families will also be required to comply with all the tuition
policies and procedures stipulated in that agreement as well as those stipulated in this handbook.
Tuition and fees are set on an annual basis.
Students may not be allowed to continue attending St. Marys when tuition becomes delinquent 60
days, barring very exceptional reverses in family situations. In such a case, the family must inform
the principal or pastor immediately. Each emergency will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. We
look upon non-payment of tuition as theft of services, and these bills will be sent to collection.
The aim of St. Marys is to become increasingly self-supporting financially. Therefore, families
who have failed to meet their financial tuition agreements will not be readmitted to school until all
back tuition is paid in full.
St. Marys Catholic School reserves the right to refuse to provide any official school record,
including report cards and diploma to parent(s), student, or other educational institution until all
tuition, fees, and other financial obligations are fully met.
TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS:
Scholarship aid is available for grades K-8 for families that need assistance. Please contact the
office for more information.
FUNDRAISING
All families and students are to participate in fundraising projects. The monies realized from these
projects help defray the operating expense of our school the results of which benefit everyone. In
view of this, it is important for all of our families and students to assume the responsibility for these
projects.
SCRIP PROGRAM
The SCRIP program is an easy way to earn money for our school. You can have friends and family
purchase these cards as well! Scrip is simply substitute money. In other words, Scrip is gift
certificates from national and local retailers. They are the same gift certificates that you buy at
the store. Many retailers participate in our Scrip program. Please see the list posted in the school
office.
You are probably asking yourself how these stores help us raise money. It is simple Scripparticipating retailers agree to sell gift cards to our school at a discount. Families buy the gift cards,
available in the school office, for full face value. Retailers redeem them for full face value. Our
school keeps the difference as revenue.
11
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance in school is governed by Montana State Law (M.C.A. 20-5-103). Repeated absences
and tardiness negatively affect the continuity and depth of a childs learning and that of his/her
classmates. Regular absence or tardiness may contribute to the formation of undesirable character traits
and poor work habits. Parents are respectfully asked, therefore, to guide their children in forming
habits of faithful attendance and punctuality. Students having perfect attendance for the school year
will be recognized at the end-of-year school Mass.
ABSENCES
Parents must call the school between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. if their child will be absent that day.
A written excuse must accompany the student when he/she returns to school even though phone
contact has been made. A note of explanation must accompany students who are tardy. Continued
tardiness will necessitate a conference with the parent. If a student is to be absent from school, they
are responsible for making arrangements concerning class work with their teacher(s). These
arrangements must be made outside of class time. Failure to make up work within the time
specified by the teacher results in a zero for the assigned work. If a student is absent more than ten
(10) consecutive days in a given semester, a written doctors excuse must be presented in order for
the student to be readmitted.
STUDENT CONDUCT
DRESS CODE
The appearance of students attending St. Marys Catholic School will be neat, clean, practical,
modest and reflect due regard for legitimate sensibilities that support the mission of Catholic
education. We believe that children who are neat and well groomed have a better feeling about
themselves, and adherence to the dress code will enhance the learning atmosphere. Parents are
responsible for their childrens appearance at school; therefore, parents will be contacted if the
dress code regulations are not being met satisfactorily. Dress code policy will be overseen by the
classroom teacher. The school administration has final authority of an interpretation and
enforcement of the dress codes.
The following criteria are to be met in adherence with the dress code;
School attire should demonstrate that the student has both a sense of personal dignity and a
sense of what is appropriate for the St. Marys Catholic School environment.
Appropriate attire will take into consideration Christian modesty, health, comfort, and pride in
personal appearance, as well as avoidance of distracting influences.
Clothing and physical appearance should be an outward expression of the St. Marys Catholic
School community and should exemplify the schools distinction from other schools, while
allowing student freedoms as well as corresponding responsibilities.
Shorts may be worn in the fall until November 1 st and then again after Easter in the spring.
Shorts must conform to above guidelines related to neatness and modesty.
No lettering, words, or logos on pants below the waist.
No sweatpants are allowed. Nylon wind pants that are secured at the waist may be worn on
P.E. days ONLY by K-3.
12
Boys and girls must wear hair neat and well groomed. Hairstyles must be conservative. Hair
may be highlighted or dyed only natural colors.
Excessive make-up and jewelry are not permitted. Girls are permitted to wear tasteful earrings;
boys may not wear earrings. Other body piercing/tattooing will not be allowed.
Hats may not be worn in the school building or the church.
Since fashions tend to change over time, a list of additional guidelines is maintained in the
office and can be reviewed by parents, students, teachers, and administration. The list is not all
inclusive and reaffirms the administration has final authority. A separate list is provided as
conditions and fashions change, updating the list is easier than the policy itself.
Should a student arrive at school without dress standard on required days, the office will provide
the student with a temporary uniform to wear if possible. A parent will be called if this occurs
repeatedly.
PE Uniforms: Students in grades 4th-8th will need a plain t-shirt and basketball shorts to change into
for PE.
13
Harassment, hazing, and intimidation include but are not limited to any of the following:
Verbal: derogatory comments, jokes, or slurs. It can include belligerent or threatening words
between individuals and may include offensive, negative remarks concerning an individuals
gender, physical abilities, race, creed, and/or physical appearance. In addition, the willful or
unintentional spreading of rumors and gossip is considered a form of harassment.
Non-Verbal: exclusion of another student from a team or group, unwelcomed gestures.
Physical: unwanted deliberate touching, pinching, bruising, or patting. Additionally, any
deliberate attempts to impede or block ones movement (e.g. assaults of any nature), with
normal activities will be regarded as harassment
Visual: derogatory, demeaning, or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings,
novelties, or gestures
Sexual: sexually suggestive remarks, gestures, or jokes. Moreover, any unsolicited verbal or
physical conduct of a sexual nature (e.g. sexual assaults, etc.) will be regarded as harassment.
Cyber bullying: any unwelcome acts or gestures through the use of electronic communication.
Cyber bullying includes but is not limited to harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or
terrorizing another person by sending or posting inappropriate and hurtful e-mail messages,
instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or web site posting, including
blogs, whether accessed on campus or off campus, during or after school hours.
RESPONSIBILITIES
It is the responsibility of the Catholic school to:
Implement this policy and ensure that all students, employees, and volunteers understand the
policy and its importance.
Make all school employees, volunteers, students, and parents aware of this policy and the
commitment of the school toward its strict enforcement
Remain watchful for conditions that create or may lead to a hostile school environment
Establish practices designed to create a school environment free from discrimination,
intimidation, or harassment
14
No loud noises, talking, running, and disorderly conduct in the halls, or bathrooms.
No fighting.
No food on the playground.
No physical contact between students (i.e. wrestling)
No keep away games. Students will not take, hide, or interfere with the possessions of others.
No personal toys, (i.e. dolls, stuffed animals tape/CD players, etc.) may be brought to school
except with permission of the teacher like for show and tell.
No personal electronic equipment (C-personal electronic policy pg. 17).
No inappropriate/crude or profane language.
Children must ask permission to leave the playground. If a child is hurt and has to go in, he/she
must ask permission of the teacher on duty.
15
All students should go outside during recess unless other arrangements have been made by the
parents with the teacher. We prefer a written note. It is the childs responsibility to dress
appropriately for the weather.
No throwing rocks. No making and throwing of snowballs on or near the school premises.
No skateboards, roller blades, or heelies at school.
Objects associated with violence are not permitted. This includes but is not limited to firearms,
knives and weapons of any kind.
Students must not sit on desks, bookshelves, tables or the radiators in the classrooms. While
sitting in desks or chairs, all chair legs should remain on the floor. Use school furniture and
equipment in the manner it is intended.
STUDENT CONSEQUENCES
Discipline at St. Marys Catholic School is to be considered an aspect of moral guidance. The
purpose of rules and discipline are to provide an atmosphere conducive to learning and to build
character within the student. Consequences are not an end in itself, but a means through which a
student becomes a self-disciplined person. . Reinforcement of positive behavior is much more
effective than punishment of negative behavior. St. Mary's believes that approaching behavior
problems from a positive viewpoint and allowing the student to take responsibility for his/her own
actions will be most beneficial to student growth and the development of self-mastery skills.
All discipline will be kept confidential.
Partnership with teachers, parents and principal is vital to the educational success of our students.
The authority figures in our students lives must be supportive of one another for our children to
thrive and feel safe. When we unite for the sake of our children, they will benefit greatly. At the
beginning of the school year, rules of behavior will be spelled out by the individual teachers.
Parents and students will receive a copy of the classroom rules. Small infractions will be
handled by the teacher.
The following are examples of age appropriate consequences:
Grades K-3:
Children will be asked to miss one or more recesses according to the judgment of the teacher.
Grades 4-8:
Detention for intermediate and middle school students will be served after school and, to allow
parents to arrange transportation, will be served on the day or the day following the infraction.
Ordinarily, excuses for serving detention on the specified day, whether for doctor appointments
and/or for any after-school activities, sports-related or otherwise, will not be accepted. The first
incident of detention will be for at least 30 minutes. Subsequent detentions for a student may be
longer.
Detention:
Not to exceed 60 minutes after school. Detention is to be assigned by a teacher or the principal.
Student and parents are responsible for transportation.
Probation:
A specified period of time during which a student has the opportunity to improve behavior and/or
academic progress. At the end of the specified time, a decision will be made to extend or remove
the probation or take other action.
The authority for suspension resides with the principal or pastor.
In-school Suspension:
Parents will be notified and a letter will be sent home. Students will be given schoolwork and
placed in a classroom separate from their classmates for the entire school day.
16
Restitution:
Damaged or stolen items are to be replaced or repaired. The school has the right to withhold
grades until compensation has been received in the case of destruction of school property or
vandalism.
Confiscation:
Items inappropriate for school (i.e. cigarettes, lighters, matches, cap pistols, knives, noisemakers,
chewing tobacco, and other inappropriate and potentially dangerous items) will be taken away.
Confiscated items may be returned to the adult owners in person if requested.
Authority for expulsion resides with the principal or pastor.
Expulsion:
These are general situations which may lead to expulsion:
Prolonged and/or open disregard for school authority
Cooperation between parents and the school becomes impossible
Use, sale, distribution, or possession of drugs, alcohol, or any other legally controlled
substance.
Unauthorized absence or continual tardiness.
Moral or physical well- being of the student body is endangered
Assault with or possession of a firearm or lethal instrument or weapon on school property or
at a school-sponsored event will result in immediate expulsion.
Language or behavior which is seriously immoral, profane, or vulgar.
17
An EPA accredited inspector has inspected all buildings (including portables and support buildings)
owned or leased by St. Marys Catholic School. Based on the inspection, the school prepared and
the state approved a comprehensive management plan for handling the asbestos located within its
buildings safely and responsibly. Furthermore, St. Marys Catholic School is required to complete
re-inspections every three years.
The school's Inspection Report and Management Plan outlines in detail the methods used to
maintain the materials in a safe manner. In addition, as required by law, appropriate school staff
members have been trained to administer this program. Our district buildings, where asbestos
containing materials were found, are sealed, under repair, and/or removed from the facilities.
Federal law requires a periodic walkthrough (called surveillance) every six months of each area
containing asbestos.
In addition, short-term workers (outside contractors i.e., telephone repair workers, electricians and
exterminators) must be provided information regarding the location of asbestos in which they may
come into contact. All short term workers shall contact the lead maintenance person before
commencing work to be given this information.
St. Marys Catholic School has a list of the location(s) ; type(s) of asbestos containing materials
found in that school building and a description and timetable for their proper management, as well
as a comprehensive Asbestos Management Plan that is available for review in the school office.
BUS TRANSPORTATION
All parents requesting bus service must complete the proper forms at the public school bus barn
located east of Park High School football field. Please contact the bus garage at 222-1784 for bus
schedule information. Students who ride the bus to and from St. Marys Catholic School must
board the bus in the St. Marys parking lot under supervision and ride from here to their next
destination. They may not walk to another destination to catch the bus.
CHILD CUSTODY/VISITATION
Legal custody of a child, either solely or jointly, establishes the right of access to the
child
If a parent or family has a special court order concerning their childs custody or
visitation arrangements, that copy of the order must be filed in the school office
o In cases where a non-custodial parent, step-parent or other adult seeks access to the
student or seeks to act on behalf of a natural, custodial/parent, written authorization
from the natural, custodial parent is required.
o In cases of marital divorce and legal custody, when the school receives conflicting
instructions or requests that the school clearly is not authorized to honor, the
administration will request both parents to seek appropriate court instructions for the
school. The school will respect and comply with lawful court orders.
The Catholic school will not be used by a non-custodial parent for circumventing custody
orders or visitation rights
CLOSED CAMPUS/VISITORS
St. Marys Catholic School is a closed campus.
All visitors to St. Marys must report to the office and sign in with the office manager or principal
at that time stating the nature of the visit. At the discretion of the office personnel, the visitor will
be allowed to remain on the premises. While at St. Marys, the visitor will follow all behavior
guidelines expected of the students of St. Marys. Non-compliance will result in the visitor having
to leave the premises.
18
GROUNDS SUPERVISION
Supervision begins at 7:45 a.m to 8:10 a. m daily and continues until 3:30 p.m. Children are not to
report to school before 7:45 a.m., or remain after 3:30 p.m. unless they are involved in a school
program under the supervision of a teacher, coach, or other responsible adult.
Children will be allowed in the building when the temperature or wind-chill factor is at or below 0
F. At these times, children will report to a designated area of the building. Other than this, children
are not to enter the building before the first bell rings unless a teacher specifically requires it of
them.
LUNCHES
All students are expected to bring a lunch or buy a hot lunch unless they have a signed permission
slip to go home for lunch on file in the office. Hot lunch menus will be made available each month.
Lunch prices are as follows:
Child lunch
*Reduced child lunch
*Free child lunch
Adult lunch
Milk
Special Occasion adult lunch
Preschool Hot Lunch
$2.40
$0.40
$0.00
$3.40
$0.35
$5.00
$1.90
Lunch and milk tickets may be purchased in the office. A 10-punch or 20- punch lunch ticket is
available. A 20-punch milk ticket is available for $7. Milk is included with each hot lunch or it can
be purchased separately or in addition to hot lunch for $0.35 each. Please send all money to school
in envelopes marked with your childs name, grade, the amount enclosed, and the purpose of the
money. If you wish to enjoy a regular lunch with your child/children the cost is $3.40. Please
notify the office no later than 9 a.m. of the day you are joining us. Several times throughout the
year, special luncheons may be served following our prayer service: Thanksgiving, Christmas, preLenten and spring. Parents and family are encouraged to join their child/children for these special
occasions.
*St. Marys participates in the free and reduced lunch program. It offers free and reduced lunches
to children of qualifying families. Please check into this program. It benefits you and the
percentage of students registered in this program qualifies St. Marys Catholic School for other
resources. Applications are available in the school office. The FACTS application for scholarships
also qualifies as an application for free or reduced lunches.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Playground equipment is marked and available for recesses. No student is to go on the roof of the
building to retrieve a ball, etc. No students may remove playground equipment from the P.E.
equipment room without specific permission from the teacher.
MONEY SENT TO SCHOOL
All currency or checks must be sent to the school in a sealed envelope marked with the
students name and grade, the amount of money in the envelope and the purpose of the
payment. All money is to be turned in to the teacher who will, in turn, send it to the office.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost and found articles are to be turned in to the office. Children who lose items may claim them
there. Parents are encouraged to check with the office when their child/children losses something.
Found items are periodically placed on a table in the hall near the office. All parents and students
are encouraged to look at all items on the table each time they are displayed.
19
NEWSLETTERS
Newsletters will be emailed during the school year. Newsletters will be sent home with the
youngest child in the family for those who do not have email. We ask parents to impress upon their
children the importance of delivering such notices and letters. These letters give details of
upcoming events and activities. Please take the time to read each newsletter and share the
information with your children.
WITHDRAWING STUDENTS
Parents are requested to contact the office before withdrawing a child from school. Transcripts will
be mailed to the new school upon receipt of the parent release form and payment of fees and tuition
due.
PHONE CALLS
Teachers and students will not be called to the phone except in the case of an emergency. Students
will not be allowed to use a phone unless instructed to do so by a teacher and are in possession of a
phone pass. Arrangements for social, after school, or family activities should be made in advance of
the school day. Also, please be certain your child knows where they are to be after school.
PERSONAL EQUIPMENT POLICY
Student use of cellular phones, pagers, laser pointers, beepers, I-pods, MP3 players, and other
electronic devices on school grounds, at school-sponsored activities, and while under the
supervision and control of St. Marys Catholic School employees is a privilege, which will be
permitted only under the circumstances described herein. At no time will any student operate
electronic equipment during instructional hours (8:20 AM to dismissal), or at any time while under
the supervision and control of St. Marys Catholic School employees, without appropriate
authorization of school personnel.
Unauthorized use of such devices disrupts the instructional program and distracts from the learning
environment. Therefore, unauthorized use is grounds for confiscation of the device by school
officials, including classroom teachers. Confiscated devices will be returned to the parent or
guardian. Repeated unauthorized use of such devices will result in disciplinary action.
GUIDELINES ON DEALING WITH FOOD ALLERGIES
The number of children with severe food allergies has been on the increase over the past few years.
While the majority of these food allergies are easily manageable, many of them can be life
threatening. If your child has a serious food allergy, please inform us. We will provide you with
information about what we can (and cannot) provide your responsibility, and that of your child.
These responsibilities are clearly stated in our Food Allergy Policy. Please be advised that we
cannot guarantee a 100 percent allergen-free environment.
RESPECT POLICY
The good name, reputation and personal safety of each student, faculty and staff member is vitally
important. In order to protect students, employees, and St. Marys Catholic School itself, each
student is expected to treat the good name and reputation of other students, school employees and
the school with dignity and respect and not engage in any activity or conduct, either on campus or
off campus, that is in opposition to this policy and/or inconsistent with the Catholic Christian
principles of the school, as determined by the school in its discretion. Any derogatory, slanderous,
hostile or threatening remarks or actions directed towards any of the above by a student will be
seen as a violation of this policy and extremely serious matter, whether it is done physically,
verbally or electronically through the use of a home or school computer or by remote access during
school time or after hours. Some examples include, but are not limited to, text messages, blogging,
20
images or pictures, etc. Any student who violates any aspect of this policy may be subject to
disciplinary action according to school policy, including suspension or expulsion from the school
and the notification of appropriate law enforcement agencies.
21
Minimum of 3 doses of POLIO required (at least 1 of which is given after the childs 4th
birthday)
One (1) dose of live measles vaccine given after the childs first birthday or a history of
disease diagnosed by a physician.
Children entering kindergarten need to have received 2 doses of MMR vaccine since they
were 12 months old.
Students entering the 7th grade who are 11 years or older will need to show proof that
they have received a booster dose of tetanus/diphtheria vaccine within the past 5 years.
Students who start 7th grade before turning 11 will need to get a booster shot as soon as
possible after their 11th birthday unless they have already received a booster since turning
7.
The initial dose of medication must be administered at home in order to avoid adverse
reaction from occurring at school.
School personnel reserve the right to review and deny all requests for medication being
taken during school hours.
These must be sent to the SCHOOL OFFICE accompanied with the Permission for Medication
form. School personnel may not supervise ANY medication for a student unless the medication is
sent to school with written instructions included. Designated school personnel will supervise all
medication.
22
If a child must carry an inhaler in his/her backpack due to doctors orders, the Request for SelfAdministration of Inhalers form must be completed and returned to the office. If a student must
carry an epipen or insulin on his/her person, an Emergency Protocol Information form must be
completed. These requests must be on file in the school office before a child may have any
medication at school.
SELF-ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATIONS
The initial dose must be administered at home to avoid adverse reactions occurring at
school.
School personnel reserve the right to review and deny any requests for medication being
taken during school hours.
All medication (except those approved to be in the students possession) must be stored
in a designated area that is to remain locked when not in use.
School personnel may not accept or supervise the self-administering of medication unless
Permission for Medication form, signed by the parent/legal guardian, accompanies it.
Students will take all medication in the presence of designated school personnel
(exception: with consent form and original container for students with inhaler, epipen, or
insulin).
Teachers are responsible for informing the office in writing of any parent requesting a
child to take medication at school.
HEAD LICE
If live lice are found on a child, he/she will be sent home for treatment, and may not return to
school without proof of treatment.
ACCIDENTS OR ILLNESS
In case of serious accident or illness, 911 will be called. The school will make every effort to
contact the parent immediately. If this is impossible, we will contact the nearest relative or person
listed on the Emergency Form. For this reason it is the parents obligation to be sure that the school
Emergency Form is complete with names and numbers whereby this contact may be made quickly.
This Emergency Form is to be completed at the time of registration. As soon as there is a family
change of address or telephone number, please send the information to the school office. Parents
are required to pay the current annual rate at the beginning of each year for school insurance. An
insurance brochure and claims forms are available in the school office.
PLEASE DO NOT SEND A SICK CHILD TO SCHOOL, or one who has not recovered from a
contagious illness such as pink eye, strep throat (must be on medication at least 24 hours before
returning to school), chickenpox, measles, and vomiting/diarrhea. A student who has a running
fever may not be in school.
23
SMOKE FREE
Because we have children in our buildings for long periods of time
Because more and more research reveals that smoke affects our health, especially of children
Therefore, all schools in the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings will be smoke-free environments
during school hours and during school events. If there is a conflict between the policy of the parish
and the policy of the school in regards to a smoke-free environment, the parish policy will hold
sway in events, which are outside the school day. When a school activity is being held, then the
smoke-free policy will be evoked. No smoking will be tolerated inside the school building during
school hours or during school events.
CHEMICAL ABUSE AND DEPENDENCY
St. Marys Catholic School recognizes that chemical dependency is a treatable illness. Our school,
wishing to intervene early in the disease process, will have personnel contact parents whose child
manifests signs of misuse or abuse and make an effort to both educate and aid them.
The school recognizes that not all use of alcohol or other drugs by students indicates chemical
dependency. The possession and consumption of chemicals is a violation of the law, and as a result,
any student who is witnessed using a chemical, in the company of a user, caught in the possession
of a chemical, or is under the influence of a chemical in school or at a school related activity will be
subject to the following procedures:
Possible expulsion.
Initial contact made with professional counseling services for individual and parents.
Evaluation
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
ATHLETIC PROGRAM AND ELIGIBILITY
In addition to the regular physical education program conducted in the classes, our school offers an
organized and voluntary athletic program for students in grades 5-8. An athletic fee is required. It
is also necessary to have a signed insurance waiver and physical exam (signed by your physician)
in the office before the student is allowed to begin to practice.
Students are not in school for participation in extra-curricular activities. Extra-curricular activities,
despite their substantial benefits and popularity, are a supplement to the standard academic
curriculum. For this reason, and since participants represent St. Marys Catholic School, high
standards of conduct, sportsmanship, and academic achievement are expected of each individual.
All athletes are expected to follow the rules, guidelines, and expectations of our school. The coach
and/or principal have the right to suspend players who abuse school privileges or exhibit behavior
which is not in line with the standards of St. Marys.
24
Commitment to an activity carries with it the prerequisite to maintain scholarship, manage time
effectively, and balance priorities. The purpose of extracurricular activities is to develop a sense of
community and gain athletic experience. An attempt will be made to allow playing time for each
player, though it may not be possible to do so in each game. The effort and degree of commitment
exhibited to the team will affect the amount of playing time each player receives.
All players will follow the St. Marys Basketball Team Rules and Guidelines which will be
provided by the coach or athletic director at start of each season.
Students will not reveal any personal information, home address or telephone number,
or that of any other members of our school including students, faculty and staff.
Copying another persons work on the Internet and claiming it as a students original
work is a violation of the United States copyright law.
The consequence for any inappropriate use outlined in this policy is cancellation of Internet
privileges. It may also include the loss of computer usage within our school. Any student who
violates any aspect of this policy may be subject to disciplinary action according to school policy.
25
26