Table of Contents
2011 - 2012
St. Joseph Parish School
1909 Third St.
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
330-928-2151
Pastor:Rev. James Marsick
Principal:Dr. Patricia Nugent
School Sectretary/Administrative Assistant:Mrs. Veronica Gobrogge
St. Joseph School Mission Statement
The mission of St. Joseph School is to proclaim the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, to help the students apply it to their daily lives, and enable them to achieve their full academic potential.
St. Joseph School Belief Statements
We believe all children can learn.
We believe each child is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs. Therefore, we believe that all children should be supplied with a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning.
We believe students need to apply their learning in meaningful contexts.
We believe a student's self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and staff.
We believe parents are the first educators of their children; however, parents, teachers, administrators, and the community share the responsibility for advancing the student's learning both academically and spiritually.
Admission Policy
The admissions and readmission policy of St. Joseph School is on an annual school year basis. The school admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at St. Joseph School.
St. Joseph School is a Catholic Parochial school within the Cleveland Diocesan School System, built and supported by St. Joseph Parish. The first responsibility of the school is to serve the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish. (A Parishioner is one who is registered, attends Mass regularly, contributes to the support of the Parish, and shows an active interest in the faith development of his/her children through participation in Parish religious education programs.)
If the number of applicants exceeds the number of students that can be accepted while maintaining the quality of education at St. Joseph School, the following criteria will be used to determine which applicants will be admitted:
- The length of time a family has been registered in the Parish
- Faithful and regular attendance at the Parish's Sunday liturgy
- Financial support of the parish according to one's own means
- The child's readiness to start school
Students normally are admitted to St. Joseph School in the kindergarten or when families move into the Parish boundaries and transfer from another Catholic school. On rare occasions, the school will accept students transferring in from non-Catholic schools. Normally, no students will be accepted into the junior high grades (6, 7, and 8) unless they are transferring from another Catholic school and have just moved into the Parish boundaries.
A family that lives outside the parish boundaries and wishes to register in the parish or a family that has lived within the boundaries but failed to register until its children are ready for school will normally be charged the non-parish tuition rate for one school year.
Under no circumstances will a student be accepted if it appears that the reason for applying to St. Joseph is to avoid racial integration.
All applications for admission will be considered by the Admissions Committee which shall make the final decision.
Kindergarten Admission
A student must be five years old on or before September 30. Each student will be required to attend a screening which is not an "entrance exam," but a tool to help the teachers better understand the child. Because of the large number of applicants, only those who attend Kindergarten at St. Joseph can be guaranteed entrance into the first grade. Applications will be available the last week of January and are due with the application fee ($75) in the office on or before February 15.
Admission and Readmission
Students are admitted and readmitted on an annual school year basis. The principal's decision on each individual situation is final.
Tuition and Fees
The tuition for 2011-2012 will be $3925 per child. This is the actual cost to the parish for each and every child in the school. A practicing member of St. Joseph Parish (those who are registered, attend Mass every Sunday, and contribute regularly to the support of the Parish with regular offertory envelopes) may receive parish financial aid for their children to attend the parish school. (Please note—This is regularly the largest amount of financial aid awarded.) Payments are for 12 months beginning July 1.
Parishioner Rates/Parishioner Financial Aid
| 1 child |
$2825/year |
$235.42/month |
($1100 in aid) |
| 2 children |
$5320/year |
$443.33/month |
($2530 in aid) |
| 3 children |
$7609/year |
$634.08/month |
($4166 in aid) |
| 4 children |
$9705/year |
$808.75/month |
($5995 in aid) |
In addition to the tuition, there is a $60.00 instructional fee ($75 Kindergarten through grade 3) for each child. This fee pays for books and workbooks not purchased with state funds, classroom and teaching supplies, religious materials, art supplies, some equipment, and certain general operational expenses. A family that is over two months behind in their payment will normally be excluded from the school. If a hardship exists, the parents should write to the tuition committee and explain the situation.
Attendance
Students may not arrive at school before 8:00 a.m. unless they will be placed in the before-care program. All students must be in their seats and ready to begin school at 8:25 a.m. School is in session until 3:15 p.m. Regular attendance and punctuality are important not only for success in school, but also because it helps develop habits of responsible behavior important for life. If a child will be absent for any reason, the parent must call the school prior to 9:30 a.m. each day. If the office has not heard from the parent by the time the attendance is recorded, the office will contact the parents either at home or at work. If unable to contact a parent, the people listed on the emergency medical form will be called. Ten absences (or days tardy) per quarter are considered excessive. Students who have excessive absences (or days tardy) may be considered for non-admittance the following year. If a child is late, he/she must report to the school office before going to class.
All school work should be made up in a timely manner following the necessary absence. Upon return to school, the child must present to the teacher a written note explaining the absence. This must be done even if the parent calls the school or the teacher. In order to help the students realize the importance of school, vacations should be scheduled to coincide with the school vacations.
Leaving School Early
If a student must leave school early, it is necessary for the office to have a signed note from the parent stating the reason. All students leaving early must be picked up in the office by a parent or parent representative. The parent must sign out before leaving. If the student returns before the end of the day, the parent must sign-in at the office. No student is permitted to leave the school grounds during the day without written permission from the parent and approval from the office.
Once a student arrives on school property in the morning, he/she is not permitted to leave school grounds without following the above policy. If a child arrives before 8:00 a.m., the student must go the the before-school care program for which there is an additional charge.
Emergency Closings
School will be closed for inclement weather whenever Cuyahoga Falls Schools are closed. Information will be given on the radio station WAKR. Parents and students are asked not to call the school concerning a possible closing.
Transportation
Bus: Transportation is provided by the Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Tallmadge, and Woodridge School districts. (Parents must call the transportation director and make arrangements.) St. Joseph students are expected to exhibit courtesy and good behavior at all times. Students who misbehave on the bus are subject to discipline by the transportation authorities and St. Joseph School. Repeated or severe violations will result in the student losing the privilege of riding the bus.
Parents should not send requests to St. Joseph for non-bus riders to be permitted to ride the bus on a particular occasion or for a student to ride a bus other than his/her normal bus. St. Joseph cannot give such permission since the local public school determines its own policy in such matters. Please check with the transportation department well in advance to determine whether such an arrangement will be permitted.
Bicycles: Students may ride bicycles to school provided they follow common safety rules. Immediately upon arrival on school property, the student must walk the bike and lock it in the rack. Students are not permitted at the bicycle rack during the day. The school assumes no responsibility for damaged or stolen bikes.
Walkers: Because of the number of cars arriving at and leaving school grounds, walkers are asked to exhibit extreme caution. Students must leave the school grounds immediately when dismissed and not loiter on school property. They should obey the crossing guards, cross streets only at crosswalks, and walk on the sidewalks. Parents are asked to make sure that the walkers know safe procedures for getting home.
Cars: Drivers are asked to follow school rules carefully in order to ensure the safety of all students. Cars are to enter from Third Street and exit on Second Street in order to maintain one-way traffic.
Drop-off procedures: Parents should enter the parking lot from Third Street and drive to the end of the drop-off area. The students may enter the building after the 8:00 a.m. bell.
Pick-up procedures: Parents may park in the lot, walk to where the students are waiting, and escort them back to the car. Only older students may walk unescorted through the parking lot. Parents are not to stop by the cones to pick up their child. The area is too congested to allow this.
It is difficult to dismiss over 300 students quickly and safely. Parents and students are asked to follow the directions of the teachers on duty and the safety patrol students. Parents are asked to walk in the designated cross-walks. Complete cooperation will help ensure the safety of the students.
Custody Issues
St. Joseph School is finding an increasing number of families experiencing transitions in parental custodial relationships. For this reason we find it necessary to clarify and re-state the usual procedures followed by the administration and faculty in dealing with such situations.
In two-parent families it is assumed that both parents are living at the same address unless we have been notified otherwise. School personnel will, therefore, send home notices, communications, etc. with the child. It is assumed that both parents are communicating regarding the child and that all information is shared by and between the parents. This information includes but is not limited to conference appointments, report cards, mid-quarter reports, discussions with school personnel, and tuition statements.
In families experiencing separation of parents, or pending divorce, the above information will be sent home with the child to whichever parent currently has care of the child. It is assumed that this information is shared by the parents and between the parents. Since this situation frequently impacts on a child's achievement and interactions at school, parents are asked to inform both the principal and teacher of this fact so that appropriate support can be given to the child. St. Joseph School personnel cannot proceed on hearsay, rumors, or demands of a parent, but only with the appropriate documentation detailed below.
In cases of an actual divorce decree involving clear custody by one parent, the principal is to be informed by the custodial parent of this fact. A copy of the entire decree is to be submitted to the principal. Unless the decree indicates otherwise, school communications will be sent home to the custodial parent. Custodial parents should understand, however, that unless the divorce decree specifically limits the non-custodial parent's right to access to records, the non-custodial parent has a right to the same access as the custodial parent. We will, unless instructed by a Court Order, release such records upon request to the non-custodial parent. "Records" include official transcripts, report cards, health records, referrals for special services, and communications regarding major disciplinary actions. It does not include daily class work and papers, or routine communications sent through the children to the home of residence. In these cases the custodial parent is asked to cooperate with the school and share this information directly with the non-custodial parent. This avoids time-consuming duplication of services.
Further, it should be realized that unless restricted by Court Order, any non-custodial parent has the right to attend any school activity of their child which includes sports activities and school programs. Parents should keep each other informed as to these activities to avoid duplication of communications and to allow the school to better attend to the duty of teaching your children.
In cases of 'joint custody' (shared parenting agreements) entitling both parents access to school personnel and activities, it is assumed that one copy of communications and information will be sent home with the child and that this will be shared by and between the parents.
For normally scheduled parent-teacher conferences, it will be the general procedure that one conference appointment be scheduled ‘jointly' if both parents wish to be present. It is assumed that parents are able to set aside differences and to come together on behalf of their child for this time. A joint conference further insures that both parents are given the same information at the same time, thereby avoiding misunderstanding and misinterpretations.
Visitation should generally begin at the home of one of the parents and not at school. It is hoped that visitation arrangements would reflect the sensitivity of both parents to the consistency and routines that foster security in a child and allow for school responsibilities and homework to be taken care of during the school week.
Discipline
The School endeavors to strengthen the discipline that is taught at home. In order to be effective, parental cooperation is absolutely necessary. Parents shall fully support the teachers and the school in all disciplinary matters. The student shall refrain from any action (including but not limited to) which may endanger his/her health or that of another, disrupt or distract others from learning, show disrespect for another student or adult, damage school property or that of another, jeopardize the reputation of the school, or be contrary to Catholic values or morals.
Disciplinary Actions
Disciplinary action will be taken for misbehavior including, but not limited to:
- Improper language
- Disrespect shown to adults, students, and/or other visitors
- Unexcused or repeated tardiness
- Violating classroom rules
- Leaving school grounds
- Failure to comply with the dress code
- Defacing school property or the property of other students and staff
- Dishonesty in doing school work
- Disobeying recess rules
- Conduct contrary to the Catholic values
Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to:
- Demerits
- Detentions
- Conferences with the teacher, parents and/or principal
- Behavior contracts
- Suspension and/or Expulsion
Parents will be notified by the staff person when a detention is assigned. Parents are strongly urged to have a conference with the teacher, or at least to call the teacher on the phone to discuss the matter whenever a detention is assigned.
Detentions may cause inconvenience to parents. However, it is of the greatest importance that parents cooperate with the school when a detention is given and make any necessary arrangements.
Referral to the Principal: A student will be referred to the principal whenever a staff person feels that the offense is so serious that the usual demerit or detention is not a sufficient punishment, or when inappropriate behavior continues even after the student has received detentions and conferences with the parents have not brought about the desired behavior. Whenever a referral is made, personal contact will be made with the parent by the referring staff person, and a letter or call from the principal will follow.
Suspension and Expulsion: The student may be suspended or expelled at the discretion of the principal. Such action will result from violations of the school policies, for disregard for the rights of others, or for a serious infraction which includes, but is not limited to:
- Vandalism or theft
- Use, possession, and/or transmission of drugs (or look alike) or alcohol
- Use, possession, and/or transmission of tobacco products
- Possession of any weapon (or look alike)
- Possession of dangerous materials
- Defiance or disrespect to staff
- Conduct contrary to Catholic values
Radios, tape or CD players, cameras, i-pods and video games are not permitted at school without permission of the principal for some specific occasion. No spray or aerosol containers of any kind are permitted.
Cell phones are permitted on school property only with the permission of the principal and when a letter from the parent is on file in the office. Phones must be kept in the lockers, coat room or office. The school is not responsible for any cell phones that are lost or stolen.
The use, possession, sale, or discharge of any weapons or explosive devices in the school, on school grounds, or at school-sponsored activities is prohibited. This policy includes, but is not limited to, any weapon, object capable of causing harm or injury, firearm, knife, explosive or incendiary device. As defined by state law, a deadly weapon is "any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specifically adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon" (O.R.C. 2923.11A) Firearms shall include any loaded or unloaded gun of any caliber or type. This prohibition also includes any pistol, rifle or other device that uses air or gas-propelled projectiles. Violations of this policy may warrant notification of the police, immediate suspension, and possible expulsion. If it is determined that this policy has been violated, the parents of the offender shall be immediately contacted and must cooperate with the disciplinary process.
Youth gangs and gang-related activities are prohibited. A gang is defined as any non-school sponsored group, usually secret and/or exclusive in membership, whose purpose or practices include unlawful or anti-social behavior or any action that threatens the welfare of others.
The student must realize that it is a privilege to attend St. Joseph School; the School has no obligation to keep any student. Actions which interfere with a teacher's right to teach, and actions which interfere with a student's right to learn and grow in Faith will not be accepted.
Harassment Policy
The pastor, administrators, and staff of St. Joseph School believe that all employees and students are entitled to work and study in school-related environments that are Christ-centered and free of harassment. St. Joseph School will not tolerate harassment of any type. If harassment occurs, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Disciplinary action may include conferences with parents and students, demerits, suspension, or expulsions.
Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, verbal or written taunting; bullying (including cyber bullying); other offensive, intimidating, hostile or offensive conduct; jokes, stories, pictures, cartoons, drawings or objects which are offensive, tend to alarm, annoy, abuse, or demean an individual or group.
Threat Policy
Threats to impose physical harm upon another student, volunteer, or employee shall be handled in the following manner:
Threats made by children in grades K and 1: The parents of the child shall be contacted by the principal or assistant principal. The parent will be asked if the child exhibits other signs of aggression at home or if they have noticed a change of behavior on the part of their child. The parents will be asked if there are any weapons in the home which are accessible to the child. The parents will be encouraged to seek counseling for the child, and the school may require a parent to get a psychological evaluation of the child. The police and Children Services may be contacted by the school depending on the seriousness of the threat.
Threats made by children in grades 2-8: Any and all students threats to inflict any harm to self or others will be taken seriously immediately. Whoever hears the threat will report it to the principal and the police will be notified immediately. The student will be kept in the principal's office under supervision until the police arrive. The parent or guardian of the student who has made the threat will be notified immediately. If the threat is substantiated, the student will be expelled or suspended and not permitted back into the school until there has been a psychiatric evaluation and a written statement received by the school principal from a psychiatrist that the student is not/does not pose a danger to self or others.
Any adult or the parent/guardian of any students who have been verbally mentioned as potential victims or listed in writing as potential victims will be notified immediately. Additionally, should a threat be made, the school will make counseling available for students threatened after obtaining parental permission.
Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy
Purpose
St. Joseph School is firmly committed to providing a safe, positive learning and working environment for everyone in the school. For this reason, and in keeping with the goals and objectives of Catholic education, St. Joseph School expressly prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence in the school environment. This policy re-emphasizes the personal dignity of the individual and fosters positive sexual attitudes and respect for others.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following specific instances: verbal sexual abuse; disseminating obscene or sexually explicit material, whether in the form of music, written lyrics, pornographic pictures or other literature, or having such material in one's possession in the school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored activities; obscene or sexually explicit graffiti anywhere in the school or on the school/parish grounds, continuing and unwanted written or oral communications directed to another of a sexual nature; spreading sexual rumors/innuendoes; obscene T-shirts, hats, or buttons; touching oneself sexually in front of others; obscene and/or sexually explicit gestures; and any other inappropriate behavior of a sexually explicit or obscene nature that demeans or offends the recipient. The above list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but is intended to provide guidance as to what may constitute sexual harassment.
Allegations of sexual harassment are to be reported to the teacher and the principal. Parents/guardians of both the offender and the victim will be informed of the allegations. The matter is to be kept confidential by all parties involved, and every effort will be made to protect the alleged victim from retaliation to the extent possible. The parents of both the offender and the victim are obligated to cooperate in remedying the situation.
If the allegations are substantiated, disciplinary actions will be taken. These will depend on the nature, frequency, and severity of the action, the ages of the offender and the victim, the history of similar actions by this individual, and the circumstances in which the harassment occurred.
Possible disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to any or all of the following:
- verbal warning/reprimand and apology to the victim
- a parent/student/principal conference
- written warning/reprimand and parental notification
- detention or removal from selected school activities and/or extracurricular activities
- suspension
- expulsion
Sexual Violence
Some acts of sexual harassment are also criminal in nature. If an incident of sexual violence occurs, the principal, pastor, or other school authority is required under state law to report the incident. The Department of Children Services and the police will be contacted immediately if there is any reason to believe that sexual abuse or violence has occurred involving a child less than eighteen years of age. Generally, sexual harassment shall be construed as sexual violence when: the recipient is physically touched without his/her consent in a sexual manner; is expressly threatened or perceives a threat of physical harm for purposes of the offender's sexual gratification; or is the victim of sex offenses under Ohio Law. In each of the above cases, the Department of Children Services and the Police will be contacted immediately.
Dress Code
All Students:
Extreme styles or colors of haircuts are not permissible. This includes but is not limited to design cuts shaved into the hair and styles in which the hair is very short on the sides and long on the top. There must be no line dividing the hair on the sides and the top of the head, but rather the hair must be tapered. Boys' hair length must not touch the collar. The hair in front must be above the eyebrows. Hair must be clean and neatly combed at all times. We ask that all parents cooperate with this rule. Students and/or parents should inform the barber of this rule before a haircut is given. We would rather spend time and effort on instructional and curriculum areas instead of enforcing a haircut rule.
During cool weather students may wear a solid-color navy, white, gray or yellow uniform sweater (v-neck, crew neck, or button down cardigan, no zippers or hoods) or an embroidered St. Joseph sweatshirt (with the crest and school logo, no zippers) over the uniform blouse or shirt and tie. Shirt and blouse collars must be visible. All clothing must be neat and clean and fit properly. Oversized, baggy clothing is not acceptable. All clothing with belt loops requires a belt. All undergarments must be solid white in color.
Girls: Grades one through five
Uniform plaid jumper (modest length is mandatory); white, light blue, or pastel yellow uniform blouses with peter pan, tailored, or oxford style collars. White, navy, gray, or yellow knee socks only (no athletic socks); school dress shoes. No athletic shoes (including black), sandals, clogs, or work boots will be allowed. The shoelace color must match the shoes.
Girls may wear dark blue or black uniform slacks instead of the jumpers or skirts with uniform blouses (not knit blouses or polo shirts) during the cold weather, from November 1 through March 31.
During August, September, May, and June, girls may wear navy blue uniform shorts, crew or knee socks, and dress shoes. Shorts must be uniform shorts. Do not send your child to school in casual shorts. White, light blue, or yellow knit polo shirts may be worn instead of the blouses during these months with either shorts or the jumper.
Girls will be allowed to wear a maximum of two earrings only in the lobes of each ear. Only post earrings (no dangling or hoop earrings) will be acceptable. Jewelry that pierces other visible parts of the body is not allowed. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and not pose a distraction in the classroom.
Kindergarten
Kindergarten students do not wear uniforms. Play clothes are recommended. Jeans and tennis shoes are acceptable. Socks must be worn. Sandals, Crocs, and flip flops are not permitted. The haircuts and jewelry, however, must follow school regulations.
Grade six through eight
Uniform plaid, pleated skirt (modest length is mandatory); white, light blue, or pastel yellow uniform blouses with peter pan, tailored, or oxford style collars; white, navy, gray, or yellow knee socks only (no athletic socks); school dress shoes. No athletic shoes (including black), sandals, clogs, or work boots will be allowed. The shoelace color must match the shoes.
Girls may wear dark blue or black uniform slacks instead of the jumpers or skirts with uniform blouses (not knit blouses or polo shirts) during the cold weather from November 1 through March 31. Blouses must be tucked-in with the waistband showing. During August, September, May, and June girls may wear navy blue uniform shorts, crew or knee socks, and dress shoes. Shorts must be uniform shorts. Do not send your child to school in casual shorts. White, light blue, or yellow knit polo shirts may be worn instead of the blouses during these months with either the shorts or the skirts. Jewelry guidelines are the same as grades one through five. Make-up is not encouraged, but subtle use will be accepted. Excessive make-up will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Boys:
Boys are permitted to wear navy blue or black uniform slacks (not corduroys). These are to be plain with no outside zippers, cargo pockets, logos, or elastic at the bottom. A belt must be worn and the shirt must be tucked-in with the belt showing. Shirts are to be white, light blue, or pastel yellow with a tailored or oxford style collar. White, navy, gray, or black socks (no athletic socks) must be worn. Dress shoes will be required. No athletic shoes (including black) will be acceptable. Boys in grades one through five will wear a uniform plaid pre-tied tie. Boys in grades six through eight will wear a solid navy self-tied tie. During August, September, May, and June, boys may wear navy blue uniform shorts, socks, and dress shoes. Shorts must be uniform shorts. Do not send your child to school in casual shorts. White, light blue, or yellow knit polo shirts may be worn instead of the dress shirts. Ties are not required during these months. Boys will not be allowed to wear earrings. They must be clean- shaven.
Physical Education - Grades one through eight
Proper attire for gym class is shorts, an acceptable T-shirt, and athletic shoes with socks.
Liturgical Celebrations
On First and Third Fridays, Holy days, and various other feasts throughout the year, all students will celebrate Mass together. Individual classes will celebrate Mass in the chapel and will hold prayer services at various times throughout the year.
Curriculum and Instruction
St. Joseph School follows the curricula and courses of study that have been developed by the Diocese of Cleveland. Each faculty member is fully and properly certified by the State of Ohio.
Homework: Regularly assigned homework is necessary to instill responsibility and reinforce what is being taught in the classroom. Because the work habits of the children vary considerably, parents are encouraged to talk with the teacher if the amount of homework normally takes an unusually small or an excessively large amount of time.
Report Cards: Students receive a report card four times a year. Class participation, homework, class assignments, tests, and effort of the student are some of the guidelines used by the teacher to determine the grade.
Interim Reports: A student's proficiency may be checked at any time on Edline. A written report will be sent around the midpoint of the grading period when requested by the parent.
Conferences: Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled twice a year. These conferences are necessary to help the parents and the teachers get to know one another, and they help the teachers and the parents reach a mutual understanding regarding the student's progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Parents are urged to attend both conferences every year. Conferences are not only for children "having trouble in school."
Additional conferences may be scheduled with the teacher. However, these are by appointment only, and not during a time when the teacher is responsible for students in the classroom. Under no circumstances should a parent interrupt a teacher when a class is in progress. Parents should always report to the office. If a parent wishes to contact a teacher, he/she should leave a message at the office. The teacher will return the call before school, during a planning period, or after school.
Honor and Merit Rolls
For grades six through eight, a student will be on the honor roll if he/she has an average of 95%-100%. A student will be on the merit roll if he/she has an average of 87%-94%. For both rolls, a student may not have more than 2 C's and may not have a U in conduct or effort for any subject.
Visitors
In order to insure the safety of the students and in compliance with Ohio law, all visitors, including volunteers, must report to the office upon entering the building.
Health Services
A nurse or health-aide is usually available from 9:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. In addition to the routine health screenings, they will take care of health needs and give a little TLC when needed. Parents are asked to inform the nurse of any special health needs of the students. Parents should try to administer necessary drugs to the student before or after school if possible. Specific regulations must be followed before the school will administer medication to a student. Both prescription and non-prescription drugs must be sent to the school in the original container and the parent must furnish a note from the doctor. In addition, a permission and instruction form must be signed by the parent.
If your child has been absent from school due to a fever, he/she should not return to school until the fever has been gone for 24 hours.
The Emergency Medical Form will be given out at the Open House in August. It is extremely important that the parents complete the form as soon as possible and return it to the school. Every child must have a completed emergency medical form on file.
Parental Concerns
Parents are encouraged to bring concerns to the attention of the teacher and the principal. Parents are encouraged to speak to the teachers first if a concern deals with a classroom issue. Appointments with the principal may be made through the office.
Lunches
St. Joseph school participates in the diocesan lunch and milk programs. Menus will be sent home monthly.
The lunch times are as follows:
- Grades 6, 7, 811:27-11:47
- Grades 3, 4, 511:47-12:07
- Grades K, 1, 212:12-12:32
Recess: The safety of each student is of utmost importance. Because of this, only soft (Nerf or "playground") balls will be permitted. Rough play is prohibited. If a teacher or playground supervisor feels that the play might injure someone, it must be discontinued. Students are expected to exhibit proper behavior and respect to both other students and supervisors at all times. Students who do not follow the playground rules will be subject to disciplinary action. The children must dress appropriately for the weather. Unless it is raining, or unless the wind-chill temperature is below 10 degrees, the students will be outside.
Auxiliary Services
Through funds provided by the State of Ohio, the following materials and personnel may be provided by the Cuyahoga Falls School District:
- Remedial Reading
- Remedial Math
- Learning Disabilities
- Speech Therapist
- School Psychologist
- Clerk
- Nurse
- Math and science materials
- Some textbooks
- Computers and software
If you feel that your child would benefit from the auxiliary services personnel, please call the principal or psychologist to discuss this.
In addition to state aid, some federal grant money is used in the school.
Band
All students in grades five through eight may participate in the St. Joseph band. There is an additional fee for this program. Information will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.
After/Before School Care
An after school program is provided for our school children each day that school is in session from 3:15-6:00 p.m., and before school from 7:00 to 8:00. Its purpose is to provide a safe, happy, and healthy environment for the children. The cost and other additional information may be obtained by calling the school office.
Home and School
St. Joseph School has a very active parents' association. Many valuable services are available through the efforts of these dedicated parents. Information will be sent home asking for support of this organization and asking parents to volunteer their services. Not only does this volunteer program keep down the cost of providing a quality education, it forms a partnership between the school and parent that certainly benefits each child. All parents, both moms and dads, are encouraged to see how their talents can be utilized by the school.
Mass Attendance
We cannot overemphasize the importance of regular Mass attendance and the practice of the Catholic Faith. You have chosen a Catholic school because you believe in the values that are being taught. For Catholic families, it is the expectation that the parent(s) and the child will be at Mass on Sunday. You are the primary teacher of your children. Do not, by your actions, give messages that are contrary to what your child is learning at school.
Sacramental Preparation
Children in St. Joseph Parish usually receive the sacrament of Reconciliation in the winter of the second grade, Eucharist in the spring of the second grade, and Confirmation in the eighth grade. It must be emphasized that these are not automatic, and that attendance at St. Joseph School does not necessarily qualify a child to receive the sacraments. An application will be available in the spring of the preceding year that must be completed and returned to the parish. All Church laws and parish regulations must be satisfied before a child is eligible to receive the sacrament. If there are any unusual circumstances, the pastor should be contacted well in advance. More information will be given in the Parish Bulletin and sent home with the children.
Volunteer Policy
St. Joseph Parish is in full compliance with the diocesan policy for the prevention of sexual abuse. In accordance with this policy, every volunteer 18 years of age and older who has any contact or access to children is required to read the Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of sexual Abuse '07, sign a statement attesting that this policy was read, and complete an application that provides information and references. In addition, the volunteer must attend a three-hour training session, participate in a one-year internet-based child abuse tutorial, and complete a background check through the State of Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation or the FBI if the volunteer has not lived in Ohio the past five years. The complete policy and all forms are available in the office or on this web site under "Policies --- Volunteering and Virtus."
Virtus Training
www.virtus.org
Note
The rules and regulations in this HANDBOOK are subject to change. These rules and regulations are not all-inclusive. It is the right of the principal, after consultation with the pastor, to make the final decision about an issue/incident that may not be specifically stated in these pages.
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