St. Mary School Parent Student Handbook 2008-2009

Philosophy of Education

St. Mary School, a Catholic educational community, is an integral part of St. Mary Parish Community embracing the values and traditions of the Catholic faith.

We believe that children learn best when they are fully involved in learning activities.  Through our educational programs and various teaching methods, we strive to enhance positive self-concepts in each student, incorporate aspects of values education, teach the basic skills and augment skills of critical thinking, and self-direction necessary to function as a contributing person in society.

We believe that faculty in partnership with parents, who are the primary educators, recognize the uniqueness of each child.  We seek to provide an atmosphere where students develop a wholesome self-image that they may reach their full potential.

All faculty, staff, contracted employees, and volunteers of St. Mary School are expected to act in accordance with our stated Philosophy of Education.

Mission Statement

St. Mary School is called to its mission by Jesus, the Divine Teacher, who entrusts to parents the education of their children.  We are committed to supporting and reinforcing the role of parents as primary educators.

It is our aim to help the children see the dignity of human life with the vision of Jesus Christ and involve them in a search for solutions which reflect the principles of Jesus.

We acknowledge the individual as a member of many communities.  As the educational arm of St. Mary Parish, we recognize the importance of educating the whole child as a Christian person in the community.  We are always aware of the responsibility to treat and respect each child as a unique individual, while providing a quality education that develops the child’s physical, moral, and intellectual talents.

It is our goal to educate a child with recognizable Christian values who will continue to grow in knowledge, grace, and wisdom. 

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents,

Greetings and welcome to the 2008-2009 School Year! We are about to embark on another stimulating and challenging year for children, teachers and parents.

You are your child’s first educator and we carry on to build on your foundation.  Your example is an essential element of our collective hard work to provide for your child’s moral and academic progress.  Thus, it is so important that we work together.

This handbook has been compiled and revised to serve as a reference for you.  It contains the current policies and procedures of St. Mary School as well as a calendar of important events.

May the Lord bless our endeavors throughout this school year.

In Christ,

 

ST. MARY SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

 

Pastor

Rev. Marc Reszel

847-541-1450

Principal

Mr. Gary Campione

847-459-6270

Vice Principal

Mr. Frank Schmitt

847-459-6270

Asst. Principal

Mrs. Joy Barr

847-459-6270

DRE

Mrs. Sharon Pawula

847-537-9423

 

FACULTY AND STAFF

 

Faculty Certification

 

Saint Mary School is staffed with professional teachers who are certified by the Illinois Department of Education, and by the Archdiocese of Chicago

 

Faculty and Staff List

Position and Room Number

Faculty/Staff Member

Preschool 3 year old (133)

Mrs. Laura Georgen

Preschool 4 year old (132)

Mrs. Susan Snell

Kindergarten Full Day (135)

Miss Juliana Falato

Kindergarten Full Day (136)

Miss Jennifer Breen

Grade 1  (243)

Ms. Cathy Witt

Grade 1  (248)

Mrs. MaryAnn Stehling

Grade 2  (253)

Ms. Elouise Hagberg

Grade 2  (255)

Mrs. Joy Barr

Grade 2  (256)

Mrs. Ellen Singsank

Grade 3  (111)

Mrs. Joyce Carani

Grade 3  (109)

Mrs. Jane Moy

Grade 3  (107)

Grade 4  (106)

Ms. Toni Tomczak

Grade 4  (108)

Ms. Elouise Hagbergo:p>

Grade 4 (110)

Miss Rachel Kelleher

Grade 5  (235)

Mrs. Sharon DiDomenico

Grade 5  (236)

Mrs. Barbara Haravon

Grade 6  (230)

Mr. Conrad Wojnar

Grade 6  (231)

Mrs. Megan Connors

Grade 6  (233)

Mrs. Susan Casanover

Grade 7 (208)

Mrs. Carol Cantwell

Grade 7  (209)

Mr. Ronald Lewis

Grade 7  (210)

Mrs. Christa Carson

Grade 8  (206)

Mrs. Mary Burke

Grade 8  (211)

Mrs. Karole Marienthal

Physical Education (AC)

Mrs. Mary Olson

Computer  Sec. A  (244)

Mrs. Joyce Campobasso

Computer Sec. B   (244)

Mrs. Marie Aranas

Music

Mrs. Brigid Cantagallo

Art

Mrs. Joyce Zueck

Spanish

Mr. Conrad Wojnar

Special Services

Mrs. Brenda Rengers

Special Services

Mrs. Christine Kujanski

Administrative Assistant

Ms. Bonnie Rusin

Library

Mrs. Terrie Bonestroo

Band

Mr. Richard Case

Before/After Program

Mrs. Lina Anderson

Receptionist

Mrs. Mary Lynn Kempf

Hot Lunch Program

Mrs. Mary Zenzola

Maintenance

Mr. Thomas Healy

Assistant Maintenance

Mr. Bob Lauten

ACCREDITATION

St. Mary School participates in an ongoing evaluation process by the State of Illinois and the Archdiocese of Chicago.  Evaluation by both the State and Archdiocese took place in 2002 and the school received full accreditation in all aspects.

ADMISSION

Enrollment Policy

St. Mary School has an enrollment policy to be used at the time of registration by the administration in the case of maximum enrollment.  The following sequence will be used for admission:

1.         Children of St. Mary’s/St. Edna’s active parishioners who have siblings enrolled in St. Mary School.

2.         Children of St. Mary’s/St. Edna’s active parishioners who are new to St. Mary School.

3.         Children of parents who are registered in neighboring parishes without parochial schools.

4.         Children of parents who are registered in neighboring parishes with parochial schools where enrollment is at capacity.

5.         Children of parents who are registered in neighboring parishes with parochial schools where enrollment is not at capacity.

6.         Non-Catholic children are welcome at St. Mary School.

Applicants for grades seven (7) and eight (8) are interviewed by the principal as part of the entrance procedure.

AGE OF ADMISSION – ENTRY LEVEL

State Law requires that a child has reached the entry age by or on September 1st of the given year.

·        Preschool       Age 3 and Age 4

·        Kindergarten  Age 5

·        Grade 1          Age 6

·        There is NO underage testing for Preschool, Kindergarten and Grade 1.

·        Admission age is in accordance with state law.

Required Documentation

1.      Birth Certificate issued by the County, State or National Agency evidencing that the child meets the age requirement and containing the Live Birth number.

2.      Evidence of a physical examination and required immunizations for grade P, K, and 6.

3.      Social Security Number

4.      Baptismal certificate, if baptized.

5.      Official copy of the transfer (if a transfer student)

6.      The cumulative record file of a transfer student will be requested in writing from the school of which the child is transferred.

7.      Dental exam forms are required in grades Kindergarten, two and six.

8.      An eye exam is required before entering St. Mary School.

PLACEMENT TESTS AND SCREENING

Kindergarten screening is given to all incoming students.  Placement testing may be required for transfer students.

WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL

When transferring to another school the office must be notified as soon as possible.  All student records, psychological testing results, etc., will be released upon notification by the parent or legal guardian.

School policy stipulates that all outstanding tuition and fees must be paid in full or suitable arrangements made with the school administration.

EXCLUSION

If any student, after due consideration, adequate testing, conferring with parents, and/or psychologist, is deemed unable to function within the educational opportunities afforded at St. Mary School, the Principal shall request a transfer into a situation which may better ensure maximum growth of the student.

The St. Mary School Board holds the Principal responsible for executing the above policy.

STUDENT PLACEMENT

Preschool

Upon registration for preschool, parents/guardians may request a preference for placement in the 7:30 or the 9:00 am session for four days.

Kindergarten

Upon kindergarten registration, parents/guardians may request a preference for placement into the all day or half day session.  School administration will determine final placement of all students based upon parental preference and efforts to balance class size and gender.

Grades 1-8

When multiple classrooms per grade level exist, the principal in consultation with the teachers will determine student placement.  This decision will be made in the best interest of individual student growth and development with efforts to maintain a classroom environment of balanced size, gender and ability level.

Specific requests for teachers with the reason from parents/guardians will be accepted in writing only and must be received in the school office by April 15th.

Careful consideration will be given to all requests.  The final decision for placement rests with the school staff and administration.

ATTENDANCE

To receive the maximum benefit from classroom and instructional participation, it is important that a child report to school on time and each day.  Parents are urged to enforce this habit.  Illness of pupil, death in the family, and exceptional instances that affect the child are legitimate excuses for absence from school.

The State of Illinois by Law provides for compulsory attendance of all children between the ages of seven and sixteen.  Regular attendance is necessary for a student to benefit fully from our school programs.  A child is considered tardy if he/she is not in their homeroom by 7:40 a.m.  A child who is tardy must come to the school office first before entering his/her classroom.  If a child is tardy three times in a trimester, he/she will be issued a conduct referral.

ABSENCES

For your child’s protection, a parent is requested to call the School Office by 8:15 am to report a student’s absence at 847-459-6270. A recorded message may be left at any time.  If a child is absent and the parent does not notify the school, the school receptionist will attempt to contact the parent to question the absence. Homework requests are made at the time of the call reporting a student’s absence, and only for those who will be absent for more than one day.  It may not be picked up until 2:45 P.M. and no later than 3:15 P.M.

If a child is absent for five (5) or more days, a doctor’s note should be presented to the office.  All contagious diseases must be reported as soon as diagnosed.

A student who participates in a St. Mary Athletic sponsored program and who is absent at any reported time during the school day is NOT allowed to participate in the program that day.  An exception to participate would be a funeral, a written notification of an appointment provided by a doctor, i.e. dentist, orthodontist, pediatrician on the day of absence.  Failure to comply with the above mentioned rule will result in a suspension from the program for one week.

EARLY DISMISSAL

Requests for early dismissal of a pupil must be in writing by the parents.  A child will not be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian unless there is permission given by a parent.  When picking up a sick child, the parent must come to the office.  All children leaving early must be signed out in the office before leaving.  We ask your cooperation with this so that we may ensure the safety of all of our students.

Doctor or other appointments should be scheduled outside school hours whenever possible.  A written notification from the parent must be submitted to the homeroom teacher before the requested day of early dismissal stating the reason for this request.  The note should include the child’s name, grade and room number, day and time of dismissal, destination, name of adult coming for the child and signature by the parent  The parent or parent/designated adult is to meet the child in the school office and sign the register.  Students are not permitted to leave the building without fulfillment of the above procedure.

TARDY

Punctuality is very important to the education of a student.  Tardiness is a practice, which is disruptive for the given student, for the class, the teacher, and routines necessary for the functioning of the school.  Occasional tardiness for some unforeseen and valid reason should be accompanied by a note or phone call from the parent.  A student who is late must report to the office and obtain an admittance slip to class.  Students must be in their homeroom when the bell rings at 7:40.  If a child is tardy three times in a trimester, he/she will be issued a conduct referral.

EMERGENCY CLOSING

School closing because of unforeseen circumstances, such as heavy snowfall, water or electrical problems, will be announced between 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. on the following radio and television stations:      WMAQ 670    WBBM 780      WGN 720       

WGN-TV Ch. 9           WLS-TV Ch. 7            School Web Page         www.stmarybg.org

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE OR RECTORY!

VACATIONS

Parents who are planning a vacation which will require a student to be absent from school are asked to discuss the matter with the teacher and principal well in advance of the date of absence.  We feel that travel is educational, however, teachers should not be requested to work out a program of study in advance for such an absence.  After the student returns, it is his/her responsibility to determine what work has been missed and what back assignments are due.  It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure that the work is completed within the time frame determined by the teacher.

DAILY SCHEDULES

School Day – Grades 1-8

 

7:15 A.M.

School Doors Open

7:40 A.M.

Home Room Bell/Attendance Check

7:45  A.M.

Prayers/Announcements

10:45 A.M.

Kindergarten Lunch (ends at 11:30)

11:25 A.M.

Lunch – Grades 1-4  (ends 12:00 P.M.)

12:10 P.M.

Lunch – Grades 5-8  (ends 12:40 P.M. homeroom attendance check.)

2:10 P.M.

Bus Dismissal

2:10 P.M.

Announcements

2:20 P.M.

All School Dismissal

KINDERGARTEN SCHEDULE

7:15 A.M.

School doors open

7:45  A.M.

Prayers/Announcements

7:45-11:30 A.M.

½ Day  Kindergarten begins

2:10 P.M.

Bus Dismissal

2:20 P.M.

All Kindergarten

PRESCHOOL SCHEDULE

7:15 A.M.

School doors open

7:45 A.M. - P-4

10:15 dismissal

9:00 A.M. - P-3

11:15 dismissal

9:00 A.M. - P-4

11:45 dismissal

To maintain a proper learning environment, it is imperative  that students be in school on time.

Communication

THURSDAY ENVELOPE

The “Thursday Envelope” facilitates communication between the school office, classroom teacher and home.  Each child will have their own envelope, however, the “oldest” child will be designated to take home selected material.  This information can be found on the website and is updated regularly. Organizations that wish to include material must have the approval of the principal and then submit it in an electronic form such as a .doc or .pdf file. NOTE: Please send any documents (.doc files) or .pdf files that you would like to have distributed to garycampione@hotmail.com.

 Encourage your child to bring home all of the material available. Urgent information is sent home via first class mail.

PRINCIPAL’S NEWSLETTER

A newsletter will be mailed home to each family monthly.  This communication will enable the Principal to inform parents of school happenings and forthcoming events that were not listed on the annual calendar.  Make sure you add these new events to your yearly calendar.  If for any reason you do not receive a copy, please call the office so a copy can be sent to you.  View our web page at (www.stmarybg.org )   

FAMILY/SCHOOL ORGANIZATION NEWSLETTER

The Family/School Organization also writes a monthly newsletter within the Principal's Newsletter. It contains news from teh Association officers. Please be sure to take the time to read the newsletter. This is another way for you to learn about what is happening in school.

SCHOOL BOARD MINUTES AND AGENDA

At the main entrance of the school or office window, the agenda for each upcoming School Board meeting is posted a week prior to the meeting.  Approved minutes from the previous month’s meeting are posted as well as kept in a binder in the school office for your perusal.

PARENT DIRECTORY

Each year, St. Mary School publishes a Parent Directory that is distributed to all school families.  The following information appears in the Parent Directory:  Parent’s Last Name,  Father’s First Name/Mother’s first name, Address(s), City, State, Zip Code, Telephone numbers, Student’s name and Grade.

This information will appear in the Parent Directory unless specific notification is given to withhold that information.  Inform the school office by September 1st if you want to remove any or all personal information from the Parent Directory.  Unless notified, the information will appear in the next school year’s distribution of the Parent Directory.

REPORT CARDS

All students of Grades K-8 receive a trimester report card.  The first trimester and second report period are followed by Parent-Teacher Conferences.  At other times, parents may arrange for a conference with the teacher.  In the interest of time management, it is important that parents either come together for conferences or when one parent represents both parents that communication between the parents takes place.  Individual requests for conferences, particularly for parents living in the same household, are strongly discouraged.  Parents will be notified during the year of unsatisfactory, failing or incomplete work.  This may take the form of a deficiency notice, a progress report, or a phone call.

If a student is absent ten or more days during a marking period, an INCOMPLETE       may be given for work until the assignments missed have been completed.

GRADING STANDARDS

Grades  1-2

The report card follows a letter system in evaluating student achievement.  The code is as follows:  E = Excellent

                        V = Very good

                        G = Good

                        S = Satisfactory

                        N = Needs improvement

The code for personal and social development is:

                        + = Making good progress

                        0 = Making satisfactory progress

                        N = Needs improvement

Grades 3-8

The following code, criteria and equivalent are used in evaluating the work of the students.

Achievement Code

            A+ = 100 – 97%

            A   =    96 – 94%

            A-  =   93 – 91%

            B+  =  90 – 88%

            B    =  87 – 84%

            B-   =  83 – 81%

            C+  =  80  - 78%

            C    =  77 – 74%

            C-   = 73 – 71%

            D+  =  70 -68%

            D    =  67 -  64%

            D-   =  63 – 60%

            F    = 59

 

Grades K-4    

            Pass/Fail        Music – Physical Education – Computer

           

Grades 5-8

            Pass/Fail        Physical Education

 

ACADEMIC STANDARDS, GRADE REPORTS AND HONOR ROLL

All students of Grades 5-8 have an opportunity to be recognized for their achievements through a trimester honor roll system.  A suspension makes a student ineligible for an award during that trimester.

Honor Roll presentation is at the end of each trimester.  Students who have met the following criterion are recognized.

Honor Roll certificates will be presented at the end of each trimester with report cards. At the end of the school, grades 4 through 7 will have an awards presentation assembly for other accomplishments throughout the year.

A Honor Roll (without Spanish) 25-28 points (with Spanish)28-32 points

B Honor Roll (without Spanish) 21-24 points (with Spanish) 24-27 points

Any student who receives an F or a D in any subject is not eligible for the Honor Roll.  Point System:    A = 4,  B = 3,   C = 2,  D = 1

PROMOTION

Promotion and the opportunity to graduate take place when a student demonstrates satisfactory completion and mastery of the work of the previous grade level.

Promotion and graduation are conditioned upon receiving a passing grade in all major subject areas as indicated on the trimester report card.

Major subjects include:  Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Science,  Social Studies and 7th and 8th grade Spanish.   Promotion and graduation will be contingent upon:

1.            Successfully completing assigned summer work in the area of deficiency,

2.            And/or upon the degree of ability to manifest expected proficiency,

3.            And/or upon natural ability and other subjective circumstance.

Students at the eighth grade level are required to pass an examination on the Constitution of the United States and of the State of Illinois.

Parents will be notified in writing at the end of the second trimester if a student appears to be in danger of not being promoted or graduating.

PARENT CONCERNS

The normal channel of communication between a parent and the school will be through the teacher first.  We feel strongly that there must be a communication of concerns back and forth in order to meet the needs of each child.  Call for an appointment with the teacher.  After contacting the teacher with your concerns, you may contact the Principal for an appointment if further discussion is needed.

The same channel of communication applies to staff, contracted employees, and volunteers.  After contacting that person with your concern, you may contact his/her supervisor or the Principal if further discussion is needed.  If the matter is still unresolved, you may submit a written, signed summary of your concerns to the Principal.  The Principal may investigate and/or respond as the Principal sees fit.  The Principal will keep a record of the communication.

PARENT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

In choosing to register at St. Mary School, and with acceptance of the application, it is reasonable to expect that academic and discipline standards are compatible and that parent and school will work together to assist the child to become the person described in the philosophy and mission of the school.

Teachers and the principal will communicate with parents by standard means:  phone calls, progress reports, and/or conferences, particularly as concerns mount.  It is the school’s intent and desire to work with the parents in meeting the needs of the student and to assist the child to be self-motivated and self-disciplined.

If a parent has a concern, the parent should contact the teacher.  If the parent then feels that further action and/or communication is necessary, the vice-principal or assistant-principal should be contacted.  If necessary, a meeting will be arranged with the teacher(s) and principal present.  If these steps do not bring satisfaction, then a meeting with the pastor should be requested.

Non-cooperation on the part of a parent could result in the application for registration or re-registration being denied.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

St. Mary School health office is located within the school office.  A child who becomes ill or injured during the school day is to approach the teacher or staff member in charge who will send the child to the Health or School Office.  Should it be judged necessary for the student to be taken home, the parent will be notified.  If a parent cannot be reached, the designees listed on the Emergency Card will be called.  Should those persons not be available and if the nature of the illness or injury is considered serious for the place and circumstances, the fire department (911) will be called to assume the responsibility for the sick or injured student.

SICK CHILD PICK UP

A child will not be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian unless there is permission given by the parent.   When picking up a sick child, the parent must come to the office.  All children leaving early must be signed out in the office before leaving.  We ask your cooperation with this so that we may ensure the safety of all of our students.

CHILD ABUSE

State of Illinois requires school personnel to inform the Department of Children and Family Services of any allegation/suspicion of child abuse/neglect.  Abuse may include physical abuse, sexual abuse or psychological abuse.  By Law (P.A. 81-1077) school personnel are required to report reasonable cause to believe that a student may be abused or neglected.

HEALTH RECORDS

Health records are kept in the school office on each child.  Physical examination is required by State Law for all students new to Lake County, all Preschool, Kindergarten, and students entering 6th grade.  For the safety and well being of all children, each student is required by the State of Illinois School Code to furnish documented evidence of physical examination and proof of immunity against Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio myelitis, Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, Hepatitis B and Lead poisoning screening when indicated, and in compliance with the HIB vaccination schedule.  All immunization records must be up to date and in compliance with State health laws.  The school is required by the State Board of Education to use a standard form furnished by the state to record and verify the physical examination and immunization data which is available