300 Leonard Street, Hellertown, PA 18055

610-838-8161

The St. Theresa School Community’s vision is to live Catholic values, achieve academic excellence and develop leaders.

The mission of St. Theresa School is to provide a Catholic education consistent with the fundamental beliefs of the Church. Following the Gospel of Jesus and the example of St. Theresa’s Little Way, our school emphasizes personal growth, social responsibility, and moral character development to create independent life-long learners for the modern globally connected world.

Belief Statements:

• Our primary responsibility is to educate the whole person: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and physically.

• We embrace and respect diversity as a positive influence on the development of moral character.

• Differentiated instruction enhances student achievement because children learn at various rates and in multiple modalities.

• Life-long instruction is essential for personal growth and future success in a changing global society.

• Parent-school partnership is critical in educating the whole person.

• As followers of Jesus, our educational community is called to model the Catholic identity through work and example.

The St. Theresa of the Child Jesus School Advisory Board

The St. Theresa School Board is advisory in nature to the Pastor and is responsible, but not limited to: suggesting general policies pertaining to the school; helping to support the religious and spiritual programs; identifying long-range needs and goals; encouraging student enrollment, school publicity, school marketing, and seeking general support of the school from the parish and civic communities; reviewing the annual budget; encouraging the Home and School Assoc. in support of Catholic education; supporting the school administration in obtaining any governmental and/or privately funded programs.

St. Theresa School

2012-2013

Pastor Rev. Jerome A. Tauber

Principal Mrs. Linda M. Schiller

Teaching Staff

Pre-School 3 and 4 year-olds Mrs. Donita Williams

Pre-School Aide Mrs. Joan Maes

Kindergarten Mrs. Judy Kelly

Grade 1 Mrs. Karen Jamann

Grade 2 Mrs. Dolores Fartel

Grade 3 Mrs. Anne Heavilon

Grade 4 Mrs. Marybeth Okula

Grade 5 Miss Sharon Gillespie

Grade 6 Miss Alyssa Wagner

Grade 7 Mrs. Karen Peters

Grade 8 Miss Constance Sisko

Computer/Library Mr. Ken Westgate

Physical Education Mrs. Alice Fowler

Music Mrs. Jean Cunningham

Art Mrs. Ann Marie Hagenbuch

Religious Enrichment Sr. Marie Eugene

I.U. Remedial/IST Mrs. Bohanan

Instrumental Music/School Band Mrs. Pam Kopack

Speech Therapist Mrs. Liz Nuernberger

Psychologist Mrs. Karen Sternat

School Nurse Mrs. Sue DeSmit

Secretary Mrs. Rose Koslap

Tuition/Bookkeeper Mrs. Rosemary Benner

Hot Lunch Mrs. Sue Glovas

Hot Lunch Aide Sr. Dennis

IHM Sisters

Sr. Anita

Sr. Bernadette

Sr. Dennis

Sr. Lorraine

Sr. Marie Eugene

Sr. Therese

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Absence …….…………………………………………………………………………page 11

Academics …..…………………………………………………………………….…page 14

Admissions/Registration ….……………………………………………….……..… page 6

Appointments During School Hours ……………………………………………… page 11

Arrival/Dismissal Procedures …………………………………………….…………page 12

Attendance Daily Information ……………………………………..……………..page 11

Busing ….………………………………………………………….……………………page 12

Care of Books & Supplies ……………………………………..……………………page 17

Casual Days …………………………………………………………………………..page 18

Change of Address …………………………………………….……………….……page 6

Closing of School …………………………………………………………………….page 12

Communicating with Administration & Faculty ……………………………….page 13

Communications Folder ……………………………………………………………page 13

Computer & Internet Access Policy ……………………….…………………….page 17

Conferences [Parent/Teacher] …………………………………………………..page 15

Confidentiality ………………………………………………………………………..page 16

Contacting Students ………………………………………………………………..page 14

Court Orders …………………………………………………………………….……..page 7

Daily Schedule ……………………………………………………………………….page 11

Delayed Start …………………………………………………………………………page 12

Discipline Policy ………………………………………………………………………page 10

Dress Code …………………………………………………………..……..…………page 21

Dropping off Items …………………………………………..….……………………page 14

Early Dismissal ………………………………………………..……………………….page 12

Emergency Information …………………………………..………………………….page 6

Exams …………………………………………………………..………………………page 15

Expectations for Student Behavior …………………………………………………page 8

Extended Care ………………………………………………………………………..page 13

Field Trips ………………………………………………………………………………page 17

Grading System ………………………………………………………………………page 16

Grandparents’ Lunch …………………………………………….…………………page 19

Home & School Association (H.S.A.) ………………………….………………….page 19

Homework ……………………………………………………….……………………page 15

Honor Roll ………………………………………………………..……………………page 16

Illness & Injury ………………………………..………………………………………… page 7

Immunization/Vaccinations ……………………………………..…………………page 8

Instructional Support Team (IST) ……………………………………………………page 16

Lateness ……………………………………………………………….………………page 11

Library …………………………………………………………………………………..page 18

Lunch ………………………………………………………………..…………………page 19

Medication Policy ……………………………………………………………………..page 7

Mission/Belief Statements ……………………………………………………………page 1

Non-Public School Services ………………………………….…………………….page 17

Nurse ……………………………………………………………………………………..page 7

Parties/Special Occasions ……………………………..………………………….page 20

Playground Supervision ………………………………..……………………………page 18

Promotion/Retention …………………………………..……………………………page 16

Requirements for return to school …………………………………………………..page 8

School Faculty & Staff …………………………………………………………………page 2

School Pictures ……………………………………………………………………….page 19

School Supplies ………………………………………………………………………page 17

St. Theresa School Advisory Board ……………………………………………….page 1

Student Council ………………………………………………………..……………page 18

Table of Contents …………………………………………………..…………………page 3

Tests/Quizzes/Grade Assignments …………………………..……….…………..page 15

Tuition/Fees/Mandatory Fundraising …………………………….………………page 6

Uniform Exchange …………………………………..………….……………………page 18

Use of Student Information/Pictures ………………………..……………………page 19

Vacation ………………………………………………………………………………page 12

Visitors ………………………………………………………………………………….page 14

Volunteers – “Clearanced” Process/Mandate …….…………………….……page 14

Walkers & Car Riders…………………………………………………………………page 13

ADMISSIONS/REGISTRATION

New kindergarten students must be five (5) years old on or before October 15 of the school year in which they are enrolling. New first grade students must be six (6) years old on or before October 15. A physical examination is required when a student enters school for the first time. New students are admitted under a 90-day probationary period.

 

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• Completed registration form
• Birth Certificate
• Baptismal Certificate
• Proof of Immunization
• Medical History Form
• Report Card and Standardized Tests (students transferring to our school)
• Registration Fee (non-refundable)

 

TUITION/FEES/MANDATORY FUNDRAISING

Tuition is set in 2 categories: Parishioner (a registered member of the parish who actively participates in the life of the parish) and Non-parishioner. Tuition and fees are determined EACH SPRING. Payment is an automatic (monthly) electronic transfer or is paid in full prior to the start of the school year.

A fundraising quota is assessed to each family. Each family has the option of buying out this quota at the beginning of the school year. Fundraising will be monitored on a quarterly basis. Half of the mandated fundraising fee is collected with tuition. Financial obligations must be met in order for the following to occur: participation on field trips, receipt of report cards, re-registration for the upcoming school year, participation in graduation activities and issuance of transfer records.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Each school year the students will receive a form to update their emergency records. Please notify the school immediately of any changes in the student’s address, telephone number, court orders, etc. (including parent/guardian work numbers, cell numbers, e-mail addresses, and emergency contacts). Accurate contact information regarding your child is essential. This is information that only you as a parent or guardian can provide.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

 

It is very important for emergency and administrative reasons that every student maintains an up-to-date address record at the school office. Please notify the school immediately if you have a change of address during the school year.

In case of emergency, each student is required to have on file at the school office the following information:

1. Parent’(s) or guardian’(s) names(s)

2. Complete and current address

3. Home telephone, parent’(s) or guardian’(s) work telephone number, cell phone number, and e-mail address (if available).

4. Emergency telephone number of a friend or relative

5. Physician’s name and telephone number

6. Medical alert information

COURT ORDERS

St. Theresa School complies with the provisions of the Buckley Amendment:

“Non-custodial parents will be given access to unofficial copies of the student records and the staff will be available to discuss the records, unless a court order stating otherwise is filed with the school.”

Divorced parents are required to file a copy of the custody section of their divorce decree with the school.

NURSE

The school nurse’s area is located in the Main Office, which is located adjacent to the main entrance to the school. The nurse is responsible for the maintence of health records, routine health checks, parental contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries, assistance in health teaching, and vision screening. Please be sure to contact the nurse if your child has any unusual and/or ongoing health problems.

 

MEDICATION POLICY

 

St. Theresa’s school strictly follows the Diocesan policy for the administration of medication. Prior to dispensation of any medication, both parents and the attending physician must complete a request for administration of medication form obtained from the school office. This applies to over-the-counter as well as prescription medication.

These forms will be kept on file with the school nurse. Under no circumstances will any medication be administered to your child without these forms being properly prepared and on file with the school nurse. At no time will your child be permitted to self-medicate.

 

MEDICATIONS

 

Any medication that your child is taking MUST be listed on the Emergency Medical Card. If any changes occur, parents are responsible to notify the office. Subsequent changes will be noted on the Emergency Medical Card.

 

ILLNESS OR INJURY

 

The school nurse or a member of the school staff will provide care in the event a child becomes ill or is injured at school. School personnel will render first aid treatment only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary, the parents or guardians will be contacted. If the parents or guardians are not available, the

child will be taken to the emergency room at the nearest hospital. A current emergency telephone number where parents or guardians can be reached, and the name and telephone number of the student’s family doctor MUST be on file at school.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS AND VACCINATIONS

 

State Law requires that every child who is admitted to a school must have evidence of a successful vaccination for diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis-B, and polio. Also required are rubella/rubeloa, chicken pox vaccinations, and a tuberculin skin test. The law makes exceptions for those who cannot be immunized for medical reasons or on religious grounds. If there is any medical reason why your child is not fully immunized, you must submit a statement authorized by your physician stating the reason. If you object to immunizations for religious reasons, the state requires that you sign a form to this effect. (Students will not be permitted to begin school until all immunization and vaccination requirements have been fulfilled.)

 

The following regulations are for the control of communicable and infectious diseases:

Chicken Pox

Communicable…6 days from the last crop of vesicles

Incubation Period…2-18 days

German Measles

Communicable…4 days from the onset of rash

Incubation Period…10-18 days

Measles (Rubella)

Communicable…4 days from the onset of rash

Incubation Period…8-14 days

Mumps

Communicable…9 days and until all swelling has subsided

Incubation Period…14-21 days

Respiratory infection, strep, and scarlet fever

Communicable…First 24 hours after instillation of antibiotic

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Communicable…First 24 hours after instillation of antibiotic

Impetigo/Pediculosis

Communicable…until judged non-infectious by school nurse or physician

Ringworm

Communicable… Until judged non-infectious by school nurse or physician

 

Scabies

Until judged non-infectious by school nurse or physician

 

Requirements for return to school following a communicable/infectious disease:

A note from the attending physician is desirable, but students may return to school after the interval specified as communicable by the Bureau of Health.

 

EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENT BEHAVIOR

 

Students are required to see themselves and others as children of God. Therefore, a basic expectation for behavior is that everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

 

1. Every student has the responsibility for the safety of himself and others and, as such, verbal and social interactions should be based on the Ten Commandments.

 

2. Every student has the responsibility for increasing not only his or her knowledge of faith, but also the practice of it. Through daily prayer, weekly participation in liturgy, and reception of the sacraments, all should strive to see Jesus in others and have others see Jesus in them.

 

3. Every student has the responsibility to help create a peaceful learning environment in the classroom for themselves and others throughout the school day.

 

4. Every student has the responsibility to obey and respect authority figures in order that proper supervision may occur to protect the safety, health, and welfare of everyone in our building.

 

5. Every student has the responsibility for respecting his/her own body and also the bodies of other students. Inappropriate physical contact and bullying of any kind will be viewed as serious violations of God’s intention for us to “love our neighbor as ourselves.”

 

6. Every student has the responsibility for taking care of his or her own physical appearance and personal space. Students should take pride in keeping their bodies clean and their appearance neat by following the dress code guidelines. Also, students’ desks, lockers and belongings should be organized, maintained, and handled correctly. (Parents may be charged for repairs or replacements.)

 

7. Every student has the responsibility for keeping the school’s physical environment clean and attractive. All students should be proud of our facility and take ownership of its appearance.

 

If a student does not live up to these behavior expectations, the teacher, principal, or other staff member in authority will attempt to discuss the infraction with the student. Depending on the infraction a written disciplinary notice may be issued which requires a parent signature. The signed notice is required to be returned to the teacher within 2 days. Repeated offenses or serious infractions may include the loss of certain privileges, or detentions. In some cases, suspension or possible expulsion may be necessary. In dealing with misbehavior, it is desired that teachers, students, and parents work together to ensure a positive outcome.

 

• The lunchroom requires respectful and orderly management. Students must remain seated, use inside voices, and follow directives.

• The library is a quiet place. Its main purpose is for selecting and reading books. Talking should only occur when performing group research or when instructed by a teacher or librarian.

 

• The play yard regulations must be followed in all areas so everyone can enjoy recess. Safety is a priority.

 

• Bus transportation is a privilege. Bus behavior includes remaining seated and having quiet conversations. The bus driver’s job is very difficult. Please respect the driver and be kind and courteous to everyone on the bus.

 

• Restroom conduct should always display respect for our bodies and the privacy of others. Food or drink is not permitted in these areas.

 

• Dismissal times are quiet times. Following prayers, students will receive specific dismissal instructions. Students are to remain in their classroom until it is their turn to leave. Students will carefully walk to the line and exit as a group when instructed by the teacher and safety monitors.

 

• Prayer times are times of peace. Once prayers are announced, all other activity ends.

 

 

DISCIPLINE POLICY

 

Discipline is taught at home and reinforced in school. Without discipline, learning cannot effectively take place. Therefore, it is important for your child to know that your authority and the school authority are one. The climate presented by faculty and staff expresses the belief that we are all children of a loving and forgiving God. The essence of Christian discipline is self-discipline. A child is free to choose one behavior over another and to accept the consequences of the chosen behavior. The students who attend St. Theresa School are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous, and self-disciplined manner.

The students in grades K-8 are developing skills in: responsibility, maturity, decision-making, conflict resolution, etc. The degrees of disciplinary action taken are based on the age, development level, and maturity of each student. All teachers review the grade-appropriate code of conduct and discipline policies at the beginning of the school year.

Discipline problems are best resolved through proper communication between the home and the school. If a problem arises, parents should always first consult with the teacher. If the situation needs to be further addressed the principal is consulted.

Effective education of a student is achieved when the home and the school work in partnership. Just as the parent has the right to withdraw a child if desired, the school administration reserves the right to require the withdrawal of a student if the administration determines that:

 

1. The partnership is irretrievably broken.
2. The student’s offense questions his/her safety or the safety of the school community.

 

The school will not tolerate the following offenses:

 

1. Disregard or disrespect for authority and insolence to teachers or adult volunteers
2. The use of profanity, obscenities and abusive language toward staff or other students at any time
3. Making statements that insult, ridicule, threaten or hurt another’s feelings
4. Any type of physical assault towards another individual
5. Stealing, destruction of school or personal property of teachers or students, (which will further require restitution)
6. Truancy, cutting classes, excessive tardiness
7. Alcohol, drugs, smoking
8. Lying, forgery, cheating, plagiarism
9. Possession of a weapon, or threat of bodily harm
10. Leaving school property without permission
11. Any serious unwarranted act affecting the safety of self or others

 

Conduct in or out of the school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school is reason for expulsion. Suspensions and expulsions will be issued when deemed necessary. The directives in the Diocesan Crisis Manual, in conjunction with the Diocesan Office of Education, will be followed. The principal has the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his/her discretion.

 

 

DAILY ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

 

DAILY SCHEDULE

Elementary …8:20 AM – 3:00 PM

 

 

LATENESS

Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instruction time. In order for teachers and students to begin the day properly, all students are required to be in the classrooms on time. Students are expected to arrive no earlier than 8:00 AM and no later than 8:20 AM.

A student who arrives after the 8:20 AM bell is considered tardy, (unless arriving late by bus). A parent/guardian must accompany the student to the office where a late slip will be issued which in turn, must be given to the homeroom teacher. Tardiness is recorded on the report card. In the interest of safety any student not picked up by their parent/guardian following a missed bus, a detention, or school activity will be transferred to Extended Care and the parents will be billed accordingly.

 

ABSENCE

Please telephone the school (610-838-8161) by 9:15 AM if your child is going to be absent from school. If possible make arrangements with a sibling or neighbor to take schoolwork home. The office is open following dismissal, until 4:00 PM. Parents may pick up work if other arrangements cannot be made. If your child has a fever, he/she must be fever free, (without the use of fever reducing medication, such as Tylenol), for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. Upon returning to school your child must have a written note with a parent’s signature explaining the child’s absence. If a child is absent three or more consecutive days due to illness, a written note from a doctor must be presented upon return to school. If the respective excuses are not received within 2 days of the student’s return to school, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

 

APPOINTMENTS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Please try to schedule your child’s dentist and orthodontist appointments after school hours. If this is not possible, your child must bring a written note to school in order to be dismissed during school hours. Parents must come to the school office, sign the child out and escort the child from the building. Upon returning to school, the student must be signed in by a parent, at the school office and present a written notice from the doctor, dentist or orthodontist. Your child is responsible for obtaining and completing all missed assignments, in a timely fashion.

 

VACATION

The school administration and faculty realize that it is sometimes necessary to plan for vacations during the school year, resulting in student absence for many days. Please consider the following guidelines when planning for your vacation:

• Notify the teacher as soon as vacation plans have been made or at least one week in advance.
• Notification will enable the teacher to plan for compiling a list of homework and test study material for the dates absent.
• All written assignments will be given to the student on his/her first day back from the vacation.
• The student will have 1 calendar day for each day of school missed to complete the assignments. (For example: if a student returns on Thursday after missing 4 days of school, he/she has until Monday to complete and hand in all assignments).
• All tests will be administered according to a schedule determined by the teacher. (Students may be required to complete up to three make-up tests in one day).

 

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

 

CLOSING OF SCHOOL

If severe weather causes the school to be closed, start late or have an early dismissal, please do NOT call the school. Phone lines must be open to communicate with school districts and the media. Parent notification includes:

* SchoolReach- This service will call all phone numbers in our selected parent contact lists and will deliver a message from an office staff member. The service will deliver the message to your answering machine, if you are unavailable.

* WFMZ/TV Channel 69orwww.WFMZ.comto check our status, (and/or to register for WFMZ’s free email/text notification service)

* Any of the following local radio stations: WLEV-FM 100.7 WCTO-FM (Cat Country 96) WBYN-FM 107.5 WRFY-FM Y102 WBYN-AM 1160 WODE-FM 99

 

If St. Theresa School is not specifically mentioned, the decision of the Saucon Valley School District will be followed.

 

DELAYED START:

One hour delay…Children should not arrive before 9:00 AM

Two hour delay …Children should not arrive before 10:00 AM

There will be no adult supervision before the above times.

EARLY DISMISSAL:

Early dismissal days are noted on the monthly school calendar. Dismissal time is usually 12:00 noon. There is no lunch period on early dismissal days.

BUSING

Busing of our school children in Grades K-8 is provided by the school district in which the child resides. Arrangements to provide approved busing are made through the school office. The public school districts servicing our school determine bus routes and stops. Therefore in order to insure the safety of all student bus riders, St. Theresa’s students are required to follow the rules established by the school district. Infractions of these rules will be brought to the attention of the principal and parents. Any abuse of bus privileges may result in the denial of transportation.

Buses drop off/pick up in front of the school in the area of the chain-linked fence. This area is for buses only.

Students who are not scheduled as bus students are not permitted to ride the buses to and from school at anytime during the school year. If, on occasion, a scheduled bus student wishes to ride with another scheduled bus student, a bus pass may be issued. To obtain a bus pass, a note must be sent to school from the parent of the child wishing to ride an alternative bus. Students may only ride on a bus from the school district in when he/she resides.

WALKERS AND CAR RIDERS

If you drive your child to/from school, please do not arrive before 8:00 AM. Do not park or stop in the bus area (along the chain link fence). Children arriving by car must be escorted to the playground area.

All students enter/exit from the playground gathering area. On days of inclement weather children are dropped off at the main entrance door of the school. They will proceed to Friendship Hall on their own.

EXTENDED CARE

The Extended Care Program is designed to assist parents who need supervision of their children before and/or after normal school hours and is offered at an hourly rate. The program runs from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM in the morning and from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the afternoon. These hours are modified for late starts and early dismissals, (please contact the office for specific hours).

Students who either arrive before 8:00 AM on a regular day, or are not picked up at dismissal, will go to Extended Care, and the current fee will be charged. A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged after 6:00 PM.

There is NO EXTENDED CARE: when school is closed, if school dismisses early (weather related or emergency), and on the last day of school prior to a holiday.

COMMUNICATING WITH ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY

Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s teacher. Please send

a note or call the school office and a message will be relayed to the teacher. Teachers will return the call as soon as possible. If an appointment for a conference is needed, it can be made at that time.

Parents with a concern about their child should first attempt to address this concern with the teacher. If attempts to contact the teacher have failed, or the issue at hand has not been resolved, the principal should be contacted. Please DO NOT initiate a conference during school hours. Teachers devote the hours between 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM to all their students. Teachers are better able to focus on your concerns when you have an appointment after school hours. If you are not able to keep a scheduled appointment, or are running late for the appointment, please call the school office as soon as possible.

COMMUNICATION FOLDER

A Communication Folder is used to convey important communications, notes, updates, etc. Communications Folders will be sent home with the youngest child each Wednesday and are to be returned to school the next day, in order to prepare communications for the upcoming Wednesday.

Any money, notes or communications returned to school should be placed in separate envelopes. Each envelope MUST be clearly marked or labeled indicating your child’s name, grade and contents.

VOLUNTEERS . . . “CLEARANCED” PROCESS/MANDATE

St. Theresa School considers its volunteers a very special resource. All of our volunteers must cleared by: obtaining a Background Check, attending the Diocesan Program for Protecting God’s Children, signing the Diocesan Code of Conduct acknowledgement and signing the Diocesan Sexual Abuse Policy acknowledgement. Please call the school office if you are able to donate your time and/or skills. Volunteers are encouraged to help in all classrooms, school programs, and extracurricular activities. Volunteers are appreciated. You do make a difference!

VISITORS

All visitors, parents, guardians and volunteers are to report to the main office upon entering the school building where they must sign in and out. All visitors, parents, guardians and volunteers must wear a VISITOR’S BADGE while on school property. Students being picked up during the school day are signed out and picked up in the school office. Parents must supervise/accompany younger children at all times.

For safety reasons, under NO circumstances are parents or visitors allowed to go directly to the classrooms or Friendship Hall. ALL visitors must be announced.

CONTACTING STUDENTS

In case of EMERGENCY, parents or guardians should contact the school office. A message will then be relayed to the student. (Please note: all students who carry a cell phone must have them turned off and the phone must remain in their respective lockers/backpacks during the school day.)

DROPPING OFF ITEMS

If it is necessary to drop off emergency items, special occasion treats, lunches, etc. for students, these items must be brought to the school office. Lunches must be dropped off prior to the student’s assigned lunch session. Parents/guardians are not permitted to deliver items to their child.

 

 

ACADEMICS

 

While a primary goal of St. Theresa School is academic excellence, the academic and all other programs of the school exist within the framework of the Catholic Church. We follow the curriculum guidelines promulgated by the Diocese of Allentown, which meet PA State Standards. We follow the Diocesan procedures for grading and use of curriculum modifications. St. Theresa School remains accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools since 1989.

 

HOMEWORK

Homework is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. Its purpose is to provide practice, drills and reinforcement. Homework also provides the teachers with an indication of what a student understands and potential areas of difficulty. It is also designed to provide opportunities for the development of responsibility, independent study, research, and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging for a quiet, comfortable place for them to work. Reviewing assignments together insures that assignments are accurately completed. Generally, parents can expect his/her child to have schoolwork assigned each night.

 

Grades 1-4

The homework policy for Grades 1-4 is teacher directed. Parents and students are informed at the beginning of the school year regarding homework and expectations.

 

Grades 5-8

A homework grade will be considered a major test grade in every major subject area. All students begin each quarter with 100 as their homework grade in every area. Any homework assignment that is missed, forgotten, or not completed [according to the teacher’s directions and standards for neatness, legibility, and quality of work] will result in a No Homework grade book notation for that day. Example: Each No Homework will result in a 5 point deduction from the homework grade (e.g., one No Homework: 100 – 5 = 95 points). Consistent No Homeworks in a major subject area during the academic quarter may result in an after school detention. Failure to return a test or academic paper with a parental signature after the allotted time will be considered a No Homework.

TESTS, QUIZZES, AND GRADED ASSIGNMENTS

Major tests will be given with several days prior notice to allow the child sufficient study time. Quizzes may be given regularly. To keep parents informed of the child’s progress, all graded tests, quizzes, assignments, etc. must be signed by parents. Each child will have a test take-home folder. The child will take the folder home when directed by the teacher. All signed material will be collected, checked, and kept on file in the teacher’s room.

 

EXAMS

Exams are given in January and June in all major subjects. All students receive an exam schedule and an outline of the specific areas to study at least one week prior to exams. Exams count as a major test grade.

 

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

Formal parent/teacher conferences are scheduled when the 1^st quarter report cards are issued in November. Additional conferences may be scheduled at the request of the parents or teachers on an as-needed basis. Written notes and phone conversations are also considered an important part of our communication system.

 

 

GRADING SYSTEM

The grading systems administered by the school are determined by the Diocesan Department of Education.

Kindergarten receives a formal Diocesan Progress Report, using a numeric development code, only in quarters 2, 3, and 4. Report cards for grades 1 – 8 are issued four times a year. The First and Second Grade report card, using a developmental code (O,VG,G,S, etc), is an assessment designed to inform parents about individual skill development. Grades 3 thru 8’s numeric’s assessment is as follows: 95-100…Excellent; 90-94…Very Good; 85-89…Good; 75-84…Average; 70-74…Below Average; 69 and under…Failure

Progress reports are sent home once each quarter to communicate mid-quarter progress. If a student is having academic difficulty it is the responsibility of the student, parents, teachers, and administration to work cooperatively to overcome academic obstacles or determine the school’s ability to meet the needs of the child.

 

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

Students are promoted from one grade to the next at the end of each academic year. If promotion is not recommended the parents may appeal that recommendation to the principal, whose decision is final.

 

HONOR ROLL

Students in grades 5-8 are recognized quarterly for their academic achievement. If a child earns a detention during the quarter, or has received an N (needs improvement) or U (unsatisfactory) in a minor subject he/she is not eligible for Honors.

 

Distinguished Honors First Honors Second Honors

 

* 96% or higher in all * 93%-95% in all * 88%-92% in all

major subjects major subjects major subjects

 

* Satisfactory or above * Satisfactory or above * Satisfactory or above

in all minor subjects in all minor subjects in all minor subjects

 

* Satisfactory or above * Satisfactory or above *Satisfactory or above

in Conduct and Effort in Conduct and Effort in Conduct and Effort

 

INSTRUCTIONAL Support TEAM (IST)

The Instructional Support Team is an extension of our mission to view every student as a unique creation of God. The goal of the Support Team is to promote a successful, positive learning experience for all students. Members of the team include: the school psychologist, the remedial teacher, the principal, the classroom teacher and the parent/guardian. The team has the professional responsibility to meet the particular needs of students who may be experiencing difficulties in academic, social, or behavioral developmental areas.

 

CONFIDENTIALITY

Teachers will keep confidential information entrusted to them so long as no one’s life, health, or safety is at stake. Parents will be promptly notified of teacher concerns.

 

 

 

NON-PUBLIC SCHOOL SERVICES

The Colonial Northampton County Intermediate Unit provides the school with the following services:

 

• Remediation in reading and math
• Psychological services (does NOT include testing to diagnose a learning disability)
• Speech therapy

 

Parents or teachers may request the above services for a child. Parental permission is always required before a child is assigned to a program. Questions concerning these services should be directed to your child’s teacher or the principal.

 

FIELD TRIPS

 

Field trips are privileges given to students. Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academics and/or behavioral requirements. Parents will receive notice of field trips well in advance of the scheduled trip date and will be asked to sign

the standard field trip permissions form. A fee may be required from each student to defray transportation or facility use costs. Students who fail to submit the proper form or fee will not be allowed to participate in the field trip. Phone calls will not be accepted in lieu of the written permission form. There is no reimbursement of fees charged if a student misses a field trip for any reason.

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

 

The teacher of each grade compiles a list of supplies needed for their grade. The list for the upcoming school term is sent home in the final Wednesday Communication Folder in June. As noted on that list, certain supplies must be purchased at the school. Prices for those items will be found on the supply list. Money for stationary supplies should be sent to school the first day of school in a marked envelope, including the child’s name, grade and the amount enclosed. Students are responsible for having the necessary supplies every day in class. To enhance proper study habits, student copy books should be kept neat and organized according to teacher directives.

 

CARE OF BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

 

All students must have a book bag. Textbooks are to be covered at all times. No hard covered textbook is to be covered with contact paper. Workbooks and copybooks must be covered with clear contact paper or book socks. Students must make sure their names are on all their belongings. All students are responsible to have required supplies with them at all times.

 

COMPUTER AND INTERNET ACCESS POLICY

 

St. Theresa School employs the FCC Policy and the Diocesan Acceptable Use Policy for Computing and Internet Access. Every family will receive a copy of this policy at the beginning of each school year. Parents and each child in the family must sign and return the consent forms before gaining access to the computers and the internet.

 

LIBRARY

 

The school library is available to the students. Individual classes are scheduled to visit on a weekly basis. Students are required to abide by the rules. Fines are charged for overdue books. Parents will be billed replacement costs for any damaged or unreturned book or library materials.

 

CASUAL DAYS

 

Approximately once a month, Student Council holds a “Casual Day” for a minimal fee. This fee is used by Student Council for its school spirit events and outreach programs. These days are marked on the monthly calendar.

“Casual” means that jeans and other appropriate casual clothes are permitted. However, torn jeans, short shorts, clothing with messages or styles contrary to our mission

as a Catholic School are not permitted. Shoes that are deemed unsafe, for example– clogs, flip flops, sandals, heels, are NOT permitted.

UNIFORM EXCHANGE

 

Parents wishing to donate outgrown uniform items in good condition may bring the items to the school office. There is a bank of uniforms available at reduced costs. Parents are informed when the clothing bank is open for perusal.

 

PLAYGROUND SUPERVISION

 

School staff and/or parent volunteers supervise the playground beginning at 8:00 AM. Additional supervised playtimes are the morning and afternoon recesses. The playground is not supervised after school and students are expected to leave for home immediately following dismissal, unless they are participating in a scheduled school activity.

 

STUDENT COUNCIL

 

The Student Council of St. Theresa School: is dedicated to the call of our faith, seeks to promote good citizenship, encourages a high standard of scholarship and leadership, promotes a spirit of pride within our school, and contributes to the general welfare of the school and the community.

All elected representatives must remain academically stable, and maintain a minimum grade of satisfactory in conduct and effort. Through participation in the work of the Council, representatives and elected officers have the opportunity to develop positive leadership skills. The Teacher Advisors are appointed by the administration. An advisor is present at all meetings and events of the Council.

The Student Council representatives gather for a regular meeting once a month. Other meetings are held when necessary to implement plans for special events or service activities. St. Theresa’s Student Council events involve the entire school population.

 

 

 

 

 

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION/H.S.A

 

The Home & School Association (H.S.A.) serves as a facilitator of communication between home and school. Its primary function is fundraising in order to assist the school in providing income for the school budget, performing facility upgrades, sponsoring school assembly programs, etc.

The H.S.A. has been highly involved in school activities. All parents are encouraged to actively participate. All families, (active and non-active participants) are expected to pay their H.S.A. dues. Meetings are scheduled four times during the year and are announced several weeks in advance.

Each year the H.S.A. sponsors several fundraising projects. With the help of all parents, these projects can be very successful, allowing our H.S.A. to fund many important activities at the school, while helping maintain minimal tuition increases.

 

SCHOOL PICTURES

 

School pictures are taken in the fall and spring. The fall photographs are taken wearing school uniforms only-(pictures are used for the yearbook). Students being photographed in the spring, (this is an optional service), are not required to wear school uniforms for their picture on that day. No jeans, sweatshirts, sneakers or inappropriate attire is permitted. Details about school pictures will be sent home early in the school year and again in the spring.

 

USE OF STUDENT INFORMATION/PICTURES

 

The school reserves the right to use student pictures in publications, including the school website. In order for your child’s photo to be considered for publication, (local newspapers, school bulletin boards, etc.), the school requires an annual current signed consent/release form to be on file in the school office. The form is sent home the first week of school.

 

LUNCH

 

Lunch is served in three sessions: (K-1-2, 3-4-5, and 6-7-8). Students may pack a lunch or purchase a pre-ordered hot lunch. Beverages are also available, (purchased daily or pre-ordered milk card). Hot lunch and milk card order forms are sent home in the Communication Folder. (Lunches dropped off by parents must be delivered to the Main Office prior to the student’s assigned lunch session.)

 

 

GRANDPARENTS’ LUNCH

 

Throughout the school year, each grade is given the opportunity to have lunch with their grandparents or other significant adult. Detailed information on these lunches is sent home by the host grade level in the Communication Folder.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PARTIES/SPECIAL OCCASIONS

 

Invitations for parties held outside of school cannot be distributed in school unless all children in the class, or all children of the same gender as the child having the party, will be receiving an invitation. If a special occasion is to be celebrated in school, please supply the school with enough party snacks to insure an equal share for each child in the class. Please be considerate of students who have food allergies when sending in a party snack.

 

DRESS CODE

 

The school uniform contributes to a simple lifestyle for your child and serves to encourage full attention on religious and academic development.

 

[GYM UNIFORM: GRADES K-8 –BOYS AND GIRLS (GYM DAYS – grades 1-8)]

• Flynn & O’Hara/ST. Theresa logo only:

maroon shorts (August to October, April to June)

maroon T-shirt, maroon sweat shirt and sweatpants (Nov. 1 to March 31)

• Predominately white sneakers [no high tops/no fad (e.g. light-up) sneakers, etc. with white socks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[KINDERGARTEN- BOYS AND GIRLS – GYM UNIFORM, (daily), August thru June]

 

[BOYS UNIFORM– GRADES 1-8]

Summer uniform: worn first day of school to October 31/April 1 to last day of school

• Flynn & O’Hara khaki walking shorts, with black or brown dress belt
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon golf shirt with logo
• Sneakers, [no fad (e.g. light-up)sneakers, etc.], with white socks
• OPTION TWO: uniform khaki slacks, with black or brown belt/uniform golf shirt, with logo/uniform buck-skin style shoes, with white or khaki socks

Winter uniform: worn November 1 through March 31

• Flynn & O’Hara dress khaki slacks, with black or brown dress belt
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon tie, with white dress shirt OR Flynn & O’Hara turtleneck with St. Theresa logo or uniform golf shirt, with logo
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon, embroidered logo, sweater (choice: vest, V-neck, or pullover)
• Black or brown buckskin-styled shoes with white, brown, khaki or black dress socks (No sneakers permitted)

 

[GIRLS UNIFORM – GRADES 1-4]

Summer uniform: worn first day of school to Oct. 31/April 1 to last day of school

• Flynn & O’Hara khaki walking shorts, with black or brown dress belt OR skort
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon golf shirt with logo OR white blouse (oxford or Peter Pan collar)
• Sneakers [no fad (e.g. light-up)sneakers, etc.], with white socks
• OPTION TWO: uniform plaid jumper/white blouse (oxford Peter Pan collar)/gray, black, maroon, or white socks/ black or brown buck-skin or mary-jane style shoes (No sneakers permitted)

Winter uniform: Worn November 1 through March 31

• Flynn & O’Hara maroon plaid jumper (no shorter than 2 inches above the top of the knee)
• White long or short sleeve blouse (oxford or Peter Pan collar) OR Flynn & O’Hara white turtleneck with St. Theresa logo
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon sweater with St. Theresa logo
• Gray, white, khaki or maroon knee socks or tights
• Black or brown buck-skin or mary-jane style shoes (heels and/or soles no higher than 1 inch),

(No sneakers permitted)

• OPTION TWO: Flynn & O’Hara khaki dress slacks, with black or brown dress belt /above white blouse or uniform golf shirt/uniform maroon embroidered logo sweater / gray, black, maroon or white dress socks/black or brown buck-skin or mary-jane styled shoes (No sneakers permitted)

 

[GIRLS UNIFORM – GRADES 5-8]

Summer uniform: worn first day of school to Oct. 31/April 1 to last day of school

• Flynn & O’Hara khaki walking shorts, with black or brown dress belt OR skort
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon golf shirt with logo OR white blouse (oxford or Peter Pan collar)
• Sneakers [no fad (e.g. light-up)sneakers, etc.], with white socks

• OPTION TWO: uniform plaid skirt/uniform golf shirt OR white blouse (oxford or Peter Pan collar)/ gray, black, maroon, or white socks/ black or brown buck-skin or black mary-jane styled shoes (heels no higher than 1 inch)

 

Winter uniform: Worn November 1 through March 31

• Flynn & O’Hara maroon plaid skirt (no shorter than 2 inches above the top of the knee) OR Flynn & O’Hara khaki pants, with black or brown dress belt

• White long or short sleeve oxford shirt OR Flynn & O’Hara white turtleneck with St. Theresa logo OR Flynn & O’Hara golf shirt
• Flynn & O’Hara maroon sweater with logo (choice: vest, v-neck, or pullover)
• Gray, white, khaki, or maroon knee socks or tights

• Black or brown buck-skin or mary-jane style shoes (heels and soles no higher than 1 inch),

 

OTHER IMPORTANT CONCERNS

• Hair must be kept neat and one’s own natural color (no fad hairstyles, etc.)

*Boys’ hair length may not extend beyond top of collar and bangs must remain above eyebrows

• No baggy or low riding pants or shorts are permitted

* Shorts must be of “walking short” length

• Sandals and flip-flops shoes are not allowed at any time
• Make-up and/or nail polish are not permitted

Girls are permitted to wear one pair of small earrings (no fad earrings). *No other body piercing is permitted *Boys may not wear earrings

• Jewelry: no extreme or fad jewelry is permitted. A simple bracelet and/or necklace is acceptable.
• No tattoos of any type are permitted.

• In the interest of ensuring a safe environment for all our students, faculty, and staff and due to the increased number of known allergens, we ask that you do not bring your pet(s), (dog, cat, bird, or any animal with dander), on the school grounds during the school day. This includes while dropping off and/or picking up your child. We have many children and adults who have pet allergies and have experienced difficulty in breathing. We always want to observe maximum precautions in preventing unwarranted scratches, bites, etc.

• The teachers, together with the administration, reserve the right to deem something inappropriate.

 

Flynn & O’Hara Uniform Company may be reached at:

Main office: 1-800-441-4122 Valley Plaza Shopping Center

Fax: 215-637-6392 or 1876 Catasauqua Road

www.flynnohara.com Allentown, PA 18103

610-231-3788

 

The administration of St. Theresa School reserves

the right to amend this handbook as situations warrant.

A copy of St. Theresa School’s Handbook can be found on the school website at:

http://www.sttheresaotcj.org/

Updated: August 2012