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The Parent-Student Handbook has been compiled to provide information necessary for effective communication between the school and the families of children attending St. Katharine of Siena School. School rules contained in this handbook express our code of discipline necessary to achieve maximum growth for each student. Pupil-Parent-Teacher relationships are integral parts of the child’s learning experience. It is hoped that the handbook contributes to this end and serves as a single source of valuable information for you, the parents. We at Saint Katharine of Siena School believe that each child is a unique person, loved by God and involved in a lifelong process of personal development, learning, and growth in our Catholic faith. Parents are the most influential teachers of their children. The faculty works in partnership with the family, extending and enriching the values and education a child receives at home. Dedicated teachers and staff model and share their faith and knowledge in a profoundly nurturing, spiritual and disciplined environment. Our school family is a community of Christians who care about others first, and then themselves. With Jesus as model, each child will grow in the realization that a Christian is a person of faith and prayer, as well as a person of service. An atmosphere of intellectual growth, curiosity, and respect for knowledge shall help each child to develop his talents to the fullest, share these talents joyfully, take pride in worthwhile accomplishments, appreciate the distinct gifts of others, and rejoice in their successes. Saint Katharine of Siena School fosters the moral, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical growth of its members in a spirit of dedication, freedom, and love based on the gospel message. Each student is a child of God. The students are encouraged to become responsible leaders. They are supported as they grow in wisdom, age and grace to assume their roles as informed, responsible citizens of our Church, our country and our world. “In Catholic school, there is no separation between time for learning and time for formation, between acquiring knowledge and growing in wisdom. The various school subjects present not only knowledge to be attained, but also values to be acquired and truths to be discovered.”
Catholic education hopefully directs our children to a lifetime of accomplishment, fulfillment and faith in action. This handbook is designed to assist both the student and the family in understanding the high expectations of the school. It is our genuine hope that the policies expressed in this document will promote a unified student body and an effective educational environment. This book is a guideline and is not intended to address every situation that arises. It is offered, however, as an indispensable tool. Please read and consider it in the spirit which gives it life: a profound caring for our students’ well being and trust in their potential. Sincerely, The Administration and Faculty of Saint Katharine of Siena School The home is the first school. Values essential to a well-ordered society are established first within the family setting. Parents have an obligation to continuously educate their children in an atmosphere of love and respect for God and man. The sacrifices parents make to provide a Catholic education for their children honor both God and the community of man. Parents are the primary educators of their children and, remaining faithful to the Baptismal promises, must see that their children participate at Mass on Sundays and the Holy Days of Obligation. Parental support of the school’s regulations and procedures is vital to ensure that children may develop to their greatest potential as Catholic Christians. The partnership of family and school is reinforced by committed parents who
St. Katharine of Siena School is operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Philadelphia, a corporation sole, in the Philadelphia Archdiocese. All schools in the Archdiocese admit students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students in these schools. St. Katharine of Siena School will not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, loan programs, athletic, or other school-administered programs. Admission Policy – Grades 1 to 8 – the order of priority
Admission Policy of Kindergarten
School AgeChildren entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 30 of the year for which admission is sought. Children entering first grade must have successfully completed kindergarten, and be six years of age on or before September 30 of the year for which admission is requested. Before acceptance, the following documents are required:
Tuition & Fees
The following is a list of the set annual fees:
Arrival time at school begins at 7:50 A.M., when the supervision of students begins. We cannot be responsible for any student entering the building before this time. There will be supervision of the children in the cafeteria between 7:50-8:15 A.M. The start of the school day is 8:10 A.M. Students arriving after 8:20 A.M. are late. If a student receives 2 unexcused late slips a demerit will be issued. Students in kindergarten through fourth grade enter school and go directly to the cafeteria. Teachers will meet their classes in the cafeteria following faculty prayer. Fifth through eighth grade are to report directly to the cafeteria; at 7:50am those students will be permitted to go to their homerooms. No student is permitted on the second floor before 7:50am unless a teacher accompanies them.Lateness and irregular attendance interfere with the student’s progress. It is vital, therefore, for all students to be present and on time every day. Parents are asked to call the office before 7:30 A.M. if the student will be late. A late arrival (after 8:20 A.M.) must be acknowledged by a note on an index card from the parent, physician, or dentist indicating the reason for the lateness. Bus delays are the sole exception. Unexcused lateness may include: student overslept, missed the bus, etc. After the second unexcused lateness, the student will receive a demerit. Repeated lateness demonstrates a failure to cooperate with school policy.Parents are required to leave a message before 7:30 A.M. to report an absence, and to request assignments. This is to be done for each day that the student will not be present. Upon a student’s return to school, and before readmission to class, a note must be presented to the homeroom teacher. NO STUDENT WILL BE ADMITTED WITHOUT A WRITTEN NOTE. Children absent for three or more consecutive days are required to present a physician’s note. A student who is absent from school due to illness may not participate in athletic practices, events or games scheduled for that day. Parents are asked to make a sincere effort to schedule doctor and dental visits after school hours or on school holidays. A written request from a parent is required for an early dismissal. No pupil will be permitted to leave school without permission. Please come to the office to pick up your child and complete the sign-out book. This procedure must be followed at all times. Do not go to the classroom. Your child will be called to the main office. A student may be dismissed early for a serious reason. A written notification from the parent is necessary. Only an authorized person may call for the student at the office; the sign-out book must also be completed. The lunch period is also recognized as a part of the normal school day. Unaccompanied children may not walk home to keep these appointments. We do not encourage vacations during the school session; repeated absences hinder student progress. Parents planning a vacation, which requires a child’s absence from school, must discuss the matter with the principal and the child’s teacher well in advance of departure. A written note is required from the parent to the school principal and teacher(s). It will be the parent’s responsibility to have the child make up the work missed during these absences upon the child’s return. Teachers are not required to give advance assignments. Global Connect Snow Code Numbers:
Family Envelope Beginning September 2008 we will no longer communicate via Tuesday Envelope. As of May 2008 our website: stkatharineofsienaschool.org has been in effect. All information, forms, and flyers will be available on the website. For Tuesday Envelope communication please refer to the link on our website. If any family does not have access to the Internet please contact the school office. Lunch forms, both weekly and monthly, will be available on the website! It is the parent’s responsibility to print and complete lunch forms and return to school according to the deadline printed at the TOP of the form. Parent-Teacher Conferences Conferences give parents and teachers an opportunity to discuss each child’s particular strengths and weaknesses. During the dialogue parents are able to develop a better understanding of the child in relation to the school program. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled in the fall, during the first trimester, and on an as needed basis during the school year. Kindergarten conferences are scheduled in January or before hand if needed. Parents are advised first to bring matters pertaining to discipline, grades, classroom procedures, etc., to the direct attention of the classroom teacher before involving the principal.Appointments with Teachers A parent may request a conference by sending a note to the teacher. The courtesy of advance notice is expected, and scheduling an appointment is essential. A parent who has a concern is encouraged to discuss the issue directly with the teacher. If a mutual agreement cannot be achieved, then an interview with the principal may be arranged. School-Wide Assertive Discipline St. Katharine of Siena School features a school-wide assertive discipline policy. A student enrolled at St. Katharine of Siena School assumes total responsibility for personal conduct. The student is expected
Catholic School discipline is considered an aspect of development, not a form of punishment. It is, however, intended
Detention A detention is issued after three demerits. Automatic detention is issued for disrespect of any kind towards teachers, staff or volunteers, or other students unsafe or inappropriate bus conduct, inappropriate dress code, teasing, or lack of Christian behavior. Serious offenses will require a parent conference with the principal. Parents will be notified of the detention, and receive at least twenty-four hours notice to arrange for transportation. Demerits are cumulative and totaled throughout the school year.Disciplinary Actions For serious offenses or for consistent misbehavior, it may be necessary to use one or more of the following procedures to ensure positive behavior:
School Violence and Weapons Possession Saint Katharine of Siena School will comply with Act 26 of 1995. Act 26 creates a mandatory one year expulsion for the possession of weapons on school property, including buses and school sponsored events. It requires the parent to provide a sworn statement upon registering their child in school as to whether the child had previously been suspended or expelled from another school. Act 26 mandates schools to maintain records on acts of violence and weapon possession and to forward student discipline records when a student transfers to another school. It continues to be the policy of St. Katharine of Siena School and Parish that harassment in any form is unacceptable conduct which will not be tolerated. Anyone who feels that he or she is a victim of harassment should report the matter to a teacher or school administrator. Anyone who is uncomfortable for any reason in reporting to the school may report the matter to the appropriate parish advisory board member. Anyone who engages in harassment and violates this policy will be subject to appropriate sanctions, up to and including expulsion. The harassment of any member of St. Katharine of Siena School’s administration, faculty, staff or students by anyone will not be tolerated. Compliance with the directives of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and St. Katharine of Siena School is unequivocal.
Winter - Girls (K-4 Required Uniform)
Winter - Girls (5-8 Required Uniform)
A student emergency form, listing pertinent family and medical information and emergency contacts, is maintained in the principal’s office. This data is vital to the safety and well being of each child. Parents must notify the school office of any change in address, telephone numbers, employment, or other vital emergency information. Emergency forms with parents’ signatures are on file in the school office. In case of an accident at school, first aid will be administered. When neither parent can be reached, persons listed as emergency contacts will be notified. If the parent, guardian, or emergency contact cannot be reached, the principal shall call the police or paramedics and place the matter of necessary and reasonable medical treatment into their hands. All students’ personal items and school materials must be labeled with name, grade, etc. A Lost and Found bin is located in the cafeteria. Please have children check this location whenever lost materials are sought; this bin’s contents will be emptied periodically. School telephones are for school business only. Children will be permitted to use the school phone for an extreme emergency only; permission must be granted in the office. We ask that the students check their daily needs each morning – books, lunch, art equipment, Permission will not be given to call home to have forgotten items brought to school homework, musical instruments, etc. It is our obligation to teach the children a sense of responsibility; careful preparation of all work and supplies is a significant responsibility. for grades 5-8. Items brought in during the school day are to be left on the front bench; they will be delivered to the respective classroom. Cell phones may not be on or used during school hours without the authorization from faculty/principal. A cell phone used without permission will be confiscated, a parent will be requested to pick up the cell phone and a minimum of one demerit will be assigned. Students should not bring toys or games to school. Electronic systems (i.e. ipods, game systems, etc.) may not be used during school hours. The school is not responsible for any personal property brought to school by students. Parents must provide written notice to the principal in advance of their plans to transfer students. Name, address, and telephone number of the new residence and school are needed to complete transfer papers. It is also necessary to sign a release of records form, and to state the reason for the withdrawal. Medical and academic records will be sent to the new school after an official request from the receiving school arrives.
School Health Program (required by state law)
School Health Program (required by state law) State law requires, as a condition of entry into school, that all new students be immunized against Varicella (or documentation of student having had varicella), Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella and Mumps and Hepatitis B. Parents are responsible for these inoculations before the child enters Kindergarten. Students who are not immunized may not attend school. All health and medical records must be in compliance with Pa. mandates. All New students and those entering Kindergarten and Sixth grade must provide proof of current immunizations no later than September 15th. Any student NOT IN COMPLIANCE will not be admitted to school after Sept. 15th. A Pennsylvania State Department of Health regulation requires that all students entering school for the first time receive a tuberculosis test. When to Keep a Child at Home A student should remain at home if any of the following symptoms appear:
Communicable Diseases A student may return to school after having a common, communicable illness. These circumstances and guidelines will apply.
These guidelines must be heeded for the well being of the sick child and for the sake of the other students. After an absence of three or more days, the student must present a physician’s note. Any student in school suffering from fever, vomiting, skin eruption, or unusual swelling will be removed from the classroom until a diagnosis of non-communicable disease is made, or the child is fully recovered. Medication All medication should be given at home by the parent whenever possible, such as at breakfast, after school, at dinner or at bedtime. This allows for up to four doses of prescribed medication. No medication is to be sent to school unless prescribed by a physician for an acute illness, chronic condition, or emergency use. Medication will be given to a student in school only when these items are provided to the school nurse:
For the safety of all children, parents must ensure the safe delivery of medication to school. Students are not permitted to carry either prescription or over the counter medication on their person. Fire and Severe Weather Drills Fire and severe weather drills are held periodically. If, at dismissal time, a severe weather alert is in effect, students will be kept in school until it is safe to leave. Students are required to be silent during drills; it is important that emergency instructions be heard without any confusion. SnowballsStudents have a responsibility to respect the personal rights, safety and personal property of others. Throwing snowballs on or off school property is forbidden. A violation of this directive will warrant immediate suspension. SkateboardsStudents may not ride, nor bring, skateboards to school. Skateboards are prohibited on school and parish grounds.
St. Katharine of Siena School recognizes that student wellness and proper nutrition and physical activity are related to students’ physical well being, growth, development, and readiness to learn. We are committed to providing a school environment that focuses on a positive atmosphere, promotes choices and provides opportunities to students that will increase student wellness. To educate the whole child, spirit, mind and body we will strive to have our students well informed to make healthy choices and increase student achievement. To ensure the health and well-being of all students, the Wellness committee establishes goals and practices that the school shall provide to all students:
Objective: The goal of nutrition education is to teach, encourage and support healthy eating by students. Promoting student health and nutrition enhances readiness for learning and increases student achievement.
Objective: Saint Katharine's goal is to strive to provide opportunities for physical activity during the school day for all students. SKS shall contribute to the effort to provide students opportunities to accumulate at least 60 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. That time will include physical activity outside the school environment, such as outdoor play, sports, clubs, etc.
Objective: Quality physical education instruction that promotes lifelong physical activity and provides instruction in the skills and knowledge for maintaining physical fitness shall be provided.
Objective: SKS will create a total school environment that provides consistent wellness messages and creates a balance of healthy eating and being physically active.
At Saint Katharine's we would like to provide healthy alternatives to our students along with traditional birthday treats. Variety is the spice of life and children like adventure and something new. Promoting a school with a healthy environment helps students to learn better, creates excitement about nutrition and protects children with food allergies. To see the good news in wellness across the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, click here. The following ideas and suggestions were reviewed and chosen by the SKS Wellness committee from work done by the Archdiocese on wellness:
Other suggestions for teachers to use in the classroom in place of birthday parties. Make it a birthday day!
Snack suggestions for parents: This can be provided as an option or as a substitution for the traditional treats.
Inexpensive items that can replace food as a birthday treat:
Lunch time should be pleasant and relaxing for everyone. These guidelines are paramount to the good order of the day and safety of the children.
Cafeteria Rules
Lunch The lunch program is outlined on the school website. Playground Rules
The primary goal of Catholic education is the spiritual development of every student. We want our students to exemplify the virtues of faith, hope, and charity. We want our students to learn the values of respect, responsibility, perseverance, and compassion. Our school also places an emphasis on academic excellence. Our students are expected to:
Our students are required to maintain academic, effort, and conduct grades that reflect the high standards of our school. Participation in school related activities such as field trips, CYO dances, and CYO sports requires the student to maintain satisfactory academic standing. Wearing the SKS uniform and representing our school and parish at school related functions is a privilege. Participation is restricted for any student on suspension or disciplinary probation. Likewise, any students who are failing to meet the requirements in effort, conduct, or any subject (major subjects are below a “70” or special subjects are “1”), for a progress report or a report card is ineligible to participate in any CYO sports practices and games, and any school related activity such as, but not limited to, field trips and dances. There must be a minimum of 3 assessments for a student to be determined as “failing to meet the requirements.” Although progress reports are usually given midway through a marking period, they may be given at anytime during a trimester after 3 student assessments such as test, quizzes, projects, and homework. The academic probationary period is for ten school days. When the student demonstrates improvement, the principal or teacher may initiate permission for reinstatement after ten school days. Homework Policy Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class and includes both written and study assignments. Parents are asked to check and sign the child's work according to the request of the teacher. HomeworkSuggested time allotments are as follows:
Each teacher's policy will be presented at the September orientation meetings. Since each child is a unique individual, the time needed for specific assignments may vary with each student. Teachers will endeavor to accomplish several of the following objectives through homework assignments:
Homework is given at the discretion of each teacher and may include weekend assignments, studying, long-term projects and research. Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) Services The DCIU through state government funds offers St. Katharine’s the following services:
Honors Math Program
Saint Katharine of Siena Parish participates in the CYO interscholastic athletic program for students. The Athletic Ministry directs this program, for which guidelines are prepared and provided for athletes and their parents on the CYO website. This organization is self-supporting and works in complete cooperation with the administration and faculty of Saint Katharine of Siena School. Click here. to see the CYO section on the school website for all pertinent information and forms. We, the community of Saint Katharine of Siena, believe that the all-too-common use of drugs and alcohol by adolescents is not consistent with the most important responsibility of our humanity--the support and encouragement of human life. We, therefore, define ANY student’s use, possession, or distribution of cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs at school or school-sponsored events as an abuse of our freedom and denial of our responsibilities for one another. Parents will be called immediately if any student is found to possess, use, or distribute cigarettes, drugs or lcohol. Students who fail to cooperate fully with this policy will be subject to disciplinary action, which shall include expulsion. Students may borrow books from the school library during their weekly visit. Library books will be charged out for one week. Additionally, research and reference materials are available. It is the responsibility of the student to return or renew the borrowed items on the date due. Overdue books have a fine attached; this amount is also the sole responsibility of the student. Replacement charges will be made for lost books. Textbook Policy All textbooks and workbooks must be covered. Workbooks are to be covered with clear contact paper, and labeled with the student’s name on the outside cover under the contact paper. Textbooks are to be covered with brown paper or other appropriate book covers. Lost or damaged books are the student’s responsibility, and reimbursement is to be made to the school for items placed in the care of the student.The objective of the Home and School Association, as defined in its by-laws, is the advancement of Catholic education and the welfare of all the school children of Saint Katharine of Siena parish; to promote parent-school activities and increase, on the part of its members, interest in educational and civic affairs, and to increase the knowledge of education and its processes on the part of parents and teachers by increasing mutual understanding of children, and by providing an opportunity for parents and teachers to work together for the good of the child. Volunteers are asked to assist in the school library, computer room, recess yard and cafeteria, and in a variety of ways. Forms are distributed during the first weeks of school. All visitors and school volunteers must use the main entrance, record the reason for the school visit on the sign in sheet, and receive a visitor badge. The sign in sheet is located at the school secretary's counter. It is important to know the exact number of children and adults in the facility at any time, but most especially in case of an emergency. Library aides are needed to read to the students. Assistants prepare new books and materials for circulation, mend books, check in periodicals and newspapers, plan and set up displays, and circulate books and other library resources. Aides also assist students who may require help in using various materials. Their other duties are the preparation of statistical data, proper rearrangement of books, and inventory assistance. Home room parents work with the teacher to organize activities, assist with class trips, welcome new families, and assist at social functions of the Home and School. In the event of an emergency school closing, homeroom parents may be asked to activate the phone chain. Homeroom parents' supplies for activities will be paid from the activity fee. Your willingness to become a part of this program will be of vital importance to many children and of great assistance to the faculty. C.A.R.E.S. stands for Children Are Receiving Extended Services. It is an after school program open to any student of St. Katharine of Siena School; full and part time hours (e.g. by the day, month) are available, but the director must be notified in advance to make the necessary arrangements. The program will be open on all full and half days of school. The hours of operation are:
Information regarding the cost of the C.A.R.E.S. program can be obtained in the school office. Please note the following regarding all forms of transportation: A note must accompany any change in a student's means of afternoon transportation. The note should be addressed to the child's teacher. BusBus transportation is provided as a service to taxpayers by the transportation department of the school district of residence. No child is permitted to ride on a different bus even with a letter giving parental permission. Neither the bus driver nor the school office can grant permission or assume the responsibility for such change. For any matter regarding transportation, please contact the transportation office of the school district in which you reside. Students will be expected to cooperate fully with the bus driver and to observe all safety rules.
A student whose behavior is inconsiderate or unacceptable may be suspended from riding the bus. Cars Cars may drive in the bus loop to drop off students in the morning before school only. Please do not drop off students on Aberdeen or Windermere Avenues. For afternoon pickup, cars should be parked in a line on Midland Avenue. Cars then enter the bus loop after all buses have left, as directed by a member of the staff. Parents are asked to have the family name clearly displayed on the windshield. The faculty and staff are available to assist the students into the cars; after your child is in the car kindly move forward to avoid long delays. It is the parents' responsibility to determine their child's readiness to ride a bike to school. Students should know and practice bicycle safety rules before being permitted to do so. Riding bikes to school is allowed for those children in grades 4 and up. Bicycles must be crossed at the corner of Aberdeen and Midland Avenues and be "walked" on all sidewalks bordering the school grounds and on the playground. Bicycles are placed in the racks and should be locked. The school will not assume responsibility for students who may receive injuries while bike riding or for stolen bicycles. Safety helmets are strongly recommended. Bike racks are located beside the cafeteria of the school building. Walkers Students walking to and from school should do so along the safest routes, observing proper safety rules for pedestrians. The crossing guard is on duty at Midland and Aberdeen Avenues. Walkers will cross the street with the assistance of the crossing guard. Students may not cross the street in the middle of the block. For safety reasons car riders are not permitted to go in the walker line. Acceptable Technology Use Policy Technology is a valuable educational tool. One of this school's purposes is to encourage the proper use of computer related technology including the Internet. Students and all users of computer technology have a responsibility to use these tools properly and in accordance with the policy set forth. To provide a variety of electronic tools to help students and teachers develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources and enable them to work effectively with various computer/communications technologies. To encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills which will be needed in this increasing electronic and global society. With right of access comes the responsibility to use the source both correctly and wisely. Access to the Internet for instance, may mean that some material found will not meet guidelines set in our Acceptable Use Policy. Monitoring and controlling all such material is impossible. The school will make every effort to discourage the appearance of such material. However, the opportunities and information made available by the Internet make it necessary to provide access in order that our students can take advantage of the many resources on the information superhighway. General Guidelines for Use of the Internet
Violations of these rules will be dealt with by the administration of the school. Students' rules (to be posted at the Internet Access stations)
Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:
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