SCHOOL HANDBOOK
ABSENCES: Absences should be kept to a minimum since even occasional absences constitute handicaps to the progress of the student. Parents should report a student’s absence by calling the school between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. to give the reason for the absence and the anticipated number of days the child will be out. A written excuse must be submitted to the teacher when the child returns to school following the illness. Unless certified tutoring is provided, a student who misses 30 or more days in a given school year can be retained.
It is the responsibility of each child to complete all work that may have been missed when he/she was absent and each parent to see that all the work is made up. Depending on the number of days of absence and the nature of the illness, the homeroom teacher will determine the day all makeup work must be in.
Usually, if a child is absent for a day or two, he/she would have one or two days to complete all missing work. If the absence is longer, more time will be given. If all the make up work is not completed by the designated day, the assignments will be considered missing and result in a zero for those assignments. If a child is absent for a prolonged period of time due to illness, special arrangements will have to be made with the teacher.
ADMISSIONS: St. Lawrence O'Toole School is operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a corporation sole, in the Archdiocese of Chicago. St. Lawrence O'Toole School admits students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to the students in the school. St. Lawrence O'Toole School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of education policies, athletic or other school-administered programs.
A child entering first grade must be six years of age, Kindergarten, five years of age – on or before September 1 of that year. Parents must present: (1) child’s birth certificate; (2) baptismal record; (3) health record, and (4) a transfer from the school previously attended.
Before students are admitted to grades 1-8, parents must meet with the principal. At that time, it will be necessary to submit the child’s latest report card as well as two prior years’ report cards, the results of the latest standardized tests and two prior years’ results, and any other educational materials that will help the school in placing the child. All new students will be accepted conditionally for one school year.
BIRTHDAYS/PARTY INVITATIONS: Students may bring a small treat to school for all the children in the classroom to celebrate their birthday if they wish. No balloons, flowers, etc. are to be sent to school for students – they will not be delivered to the students.
Party invitations may be passed out at school only if everyone in the class is invited, that is, all the boys, all the girls, or the entire class. If only a few students are to be invited, the invitations must be distributed in another manner, ex: mailed. Parents are asked to be sensitive to this issue, which is so important to the children.
BUS: St. Lawrence O'Toole School is located in School District 162 and receives bus service for residents of this district only. Students who ride the bus must abide by the rules and regulations set by School District 162. Families who reside in other districts must make arrangements for their own transportation.
CHILD ABUSE: The Illinois Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act mandates that school personnel promptly report alleged or suspected child abuse and/or neglect to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) when the alleged abuser is a parent, guardian, relative, or other caretaker who has some responsibility for the child’s welfare at the time of the abuse or neglect. This includes professionals such as teachers who are responsible for the care of the child.
Illinois law requires school professionals to notify DCFS even if there is a suspicion of child abuse or neglect. Thus, the school professional need not have proof or convincing evidence of the abuse; merely suspicion of abuse makes a call to DCFS necessary. Furthermore, Illinois law protects school professionals from litigation if the DCFS call was made in good faith.
Types of child abuse include physical abuse (such as corporal punishment), sexual abuse (such as inappropriate touching), or psychological abuse (such as name-calling or intimidation), or other emotional inappropriateness.
School personnel shall follow Archdiocesan procedures, which have been developed in accord with Illinois law. The school administrator shall maintain confidentiality for the benefit of all those involved.
DISMISSAL: School is dismissed at 2:15p.m. Parents, or their designated driver, need to be at school in time for dismissal. If parents are late in picking up, the students will be sent to the Extended Day Program and parents will be charged accordingly.
EARLY DISMISSAL: No child will be excused prior to regular dismissal time unless a written note is presented to the principal for approval. The parent should personally call for the child at the school office and sign the child out. If the child will be returned to school, the parent must bring the child back into the school office and sign him/her in. Dental or doctor appointments should be made outside of school time so that they do not interfere with the child’s schoolwork.
EMERGENCY CLOSING: During severe weather, please listen to radio stations WGN, WMAQ (AM & FM), WGN-TV AND WFLD-TV. Parents will also be notified by a telephone call from room mothers. If no announcement is made concerning St. Lawrence O'Toole School or you do not receive a telephone call, school will be in session. Please do not call the school or rectory.
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM: St. Lawrence O'Toole School provides an Extended Day Program for students enrolled in school. The Extended Day Program runs from 6:30 a.m. to 7:40 a.m. and from dismissal time to 6:15 p.m. Additional information is available at the school office.
EUCHARISTIC LITURGY: The homerooms alternate in preparing the liturgy and serving as commentators, lectors, and song leaders for participation in a weekly all school Mass.
FIELD TRIPS: Students participating in field trips will be given a permission form for parents to sign. A student who does not have a signed permission form will not be allowed to go on the field trip. A phone call from a parent will not be accepted in place of the signed form. Students will not be allowed to call for forgotten permission forms. The principal reserves the right to exclude a student from participation in a field trip because of unacceptable behavioral patterns. The teacher will notify the parent/guardian of this possibility prior to the scheduled trip and will confirm attendance or not-attendance prior to the scheduled trip. If a student does not go on a field trip, he/she is to come to school. It is not a free day for the student.
FUNDRAISING: There is a mandatory fund raising fee of $350.00 per family.
GANGS AND GANG ACTIVITIES: St. Lawrence O'Toole School feels that the presence of gangs and gang activities can cause a substantial disruption of, or material interferences with school and school activities. A “gang” as defined in this policy is any group of two or more persons whose purposes include the commission of illegal acts. By this policy, St. Lawrence O'Toole acts to prohibit existence of gangs and gang activities as follows:
No student on, about school property, or at any school activity:
1. shall wear, possess, use, distribute, display or sell any clothing, jewelry, emblem, badge, symbol, sign, or other things which are evidence of membership or affiliation in any gang.
2. shall commit any act or omission, or use any speech, either verbal or non-verbal (gestures, handshakes, etc.) showing membership or affiliation in a gang.
3. shall use any speech or commit any act or omission in furtherance of the interests of any gang or gang activity, including, but not limited to:
a. soliciting others for membership in any gangs;
b. requesting any person to pay protection or otherwise intimidating or threatening any person;
c. committing any other illegal act or other violation of school policies;
d. inciting other students to act with physical violence upon any other person.
4. Penalties for violations:
a. Any student who is first suspected of violating paragraphs 1 or 2 of the Policy will be required to surrender any material or thing alleged to violate the Policy to school officials and attend a parent conference. Subsequent violations of the Policy will subject the student to a hearing and suspension or expulsion as described in sub-paragraph “b”.
b. Any student alleged to have violated paragraph 3 of the Policy, upon a finding of a violation, shall be subject to expulsion.
c. When a student’s behavior is identified as gang-related, the school administration will determine if counseling by school staff or by others will be recommended to discourage gang involvement, enhance self-esteem, and encourage interest and participation in school or other positive activities.
d. Local police may be notified.
GUARDIANSHIP: In the event that the parents must leave town on vacation or business and it becomes necessary to leave the child/children in the care of another, written notification must be sent to the school to inform the school who would assume responsibility and that they have the parent’s permission to act in their behalf.
GUM: Gum is not permitted to be chewed on school premises at any time. This includes class time, lunchtime, recess, after school, bus, etc.
GRADING SYSTEM: A-4 points B-3 points C-2 points D-1 point F-0 points
A (93-100) Consistently does superior work in accomplishing goals, objectives, and requirements.
B (85-92) Consistently does above average work in accomplishing goals, objectives and requirements.
C (76-84) Usually does average work in accomplishing goals, objectives and requirements.
D (70-75) Usually does below average work in accomplishing goals, objectives and requirements.
F (69 and below) Consistently does unsatisfactory work in accomplishing goals, objectives and requirements.
HIGH HONORS: Grade Point Average of 4.0
FIRST HONORS: Grade Point Average of 3.50 to 3.99
SECOND HONORS: Grade Point Average of 3.16 to 3.49
HATS: Hats and caps are not allowed to be worn in the building. If hats or caps are worn to school, they must be worn properly, with the bill in front.
HOMEWORK: The assignment of homework flows from the nature of the material under study; therefore, though homework might not be assigned daily, it provides the parents with an opportunity to follow what and how their children are doing in school. Cooperation of parents in supervising homework is a vital element in the learning process of the child. If a child is finding it necessary to spend unreasonable amounts of time on homework, there is a problem; the teacher should be consulted. Written homework is not the only type of homework – study and oral assignments are also given. Whatever type of homework is assigned, the children should realize early that homework is their responsibility and must be done consistently with emphasis on completeness, accuracy, and neatness.
IMMUNIZATION AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS: All children entering Kindergarten and fifth grade are required by state law to present a record of physical and dental fitness. The Kindergarten examination will suffice for the requirements in first grade. These medical records must be on file in the school office by the opening of school. If records are not on file by October 15th, by state law students are excluded from school until such time as the forms are returned. Preschoolers are also required to have a physical exam.
INSURANCE: Insurance envelopes are given to each student at the beginning of the school year. Insurance is optional. It is required that each student return his/her envelope to the school regardless of whether or not he/she wishes to enroll in the plan.
LUNCHES: All students in grades Preschool-8 stay for lunch. If a student forgets a lunch, parents may drop it off at the school office. Bringing fast food lunches to school is not acceptable. Hot lunch is served every Wednesday. Order forms are sent home monthly.
MANNA PROGRAM: The Manna Program helps families reduce their tuition. St. Lawrence O'Toole School purchases local store certificates at a discount and then sells these certificates at full value to each participating family. The profit is then credited to your individual tuition account. You can lower your tuition by participating in the MANNA Program. More information is available in the school office about this program.
MEDICATION: State law forbids school personnel to administer any type of medication to students. When a child is on medication for a short term, immediately following an illness, the parent must determine if it is in the child’s and the school’s best interest to keep the student at home during this period of recuperation.
If medication is necessary to maintain the student in school, parents are asked to consult their physician in order to determine if the administration of the medication can be scheduled outside of school hours. If this is not possible, the ideal situation would be to have the parent or a responsible adult appointed by the parent, come to school to administer the medication. In the event that this cannot be done, the parent must adhere to the following regulations.
1. A written order for administration of the medication must be obtained from the student’s licensed prescriber. This order must include:
Student’s name
Date of birth
Licensed prescriber and signature
Licensed prescriber phone/emergency phone
Name of medication, dosage, frequency and time of administration
Date of prescription and date of order
Discontinuation date
Diagnoses requiring medication
2. All medication must be brought to school in the original packages or an appropriately labeled container, which includes the following:
Student’s name
Prescription number
Medication name/dosage
Administration routine and/or other directions
A written request shall be submitted to the principal asking that the medication be allowed during school hours. This request must include the above information. Ordinarily, medication should be delivered to the school by a responsible adult, not by a student. The medication is stored in a locked cabinet in the school office.
Students may not have any type of medication in their possession at any time. All medication must be sent to the school office.
The only exception to this is an inhaler for asthma – if the necessary paperwork is on file in the school office.
MESSAGES: All messages, deliveries, and lunches must be taken to the school office. No one is to go to a classroom during school hours without permission from the office. No child will be called out of a class to accept a phone call unless it is an emergency call from a parent.
MILK: St. Lawrence O'Toole School is under the Federal Milk Program. The purchase of milk for lunch is optional. If milk is desired, the fee is paid for the entire school year at the time of June registration.
PARENTS-IN-ACTION: St. Lawrence O'Toole School has a Parents-in-Action Association whose function is to promote a better understanding and cooperation between home and school, with assistance in social interests as well as with material aid. Information is sent home throughout the year concerning different activities sponsored by the Parents-in-Action Association.
PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT CONFERENCES: Conferences are scheduled once a year, usually in November at the end of the first quarter. Parents wishing conferences with a teacher at a time other than those scheduled in November, should make arrangements with the teacher.
PLAYGROUND/OUTDOOR RECESS: Our limited PE schedule makes it essential that students have some other form of exercise daily. Even during the winter, some outdoor exercise is beneficial. All children will play outside unless it is raining, there is a dangerous wind-chill factor, or it is severely cold outdoors. If a child is well enough to be in school, he/she is well enough to go outside for recess. Under special circumstances, a child may stay indoors during recess provided a doctor’s written note has been given to the principal stating the reason the child is to stay in from recess and the number of days.
The principal will make the decision on a daily basis whether or not the students will go outside for recess or to shorten the recess period.
PRESCHOOL: St. Lawrence O'Toole School provides an all-day preschool program (with an optional half-day), for 4 year olds. Additional information is available at the school office.
REGISTRATION: It is necessary to have a registration early so that plans can be made for the next school year. Final registration and payment of fees is held later in the year – dates will be announced. Registration of new students usually takes place in early February. There is a non-refundable fee due at the time of registration. If you do not register at the time of final registration, there will be a $50.00 late fee assessed. After June 15th, the late fee will be $100.00.
REPORT CARDS: Report cards are issued four times a year for students in Grades 1-8. Preschool and Kindergarten students receive report cards twice a year. When a report card is received, parents are to sign the envelope and return it to school within three days. Should a need arise, a Deficiency Report is sent home by the teachers to inform parents of a significant change in a student’s grade. These reports are meant to update parent information regarding areas of concern. Deficiency reports are sent to parents of students in grades 3-8 at mid-term.
RETENTION: Occasionally we are faced with deciding to retain a child in a grade. If a child is having difficulty in school, the teacher will keep the parent informed and work closely with the parent and other professionals to help solve the problems. If a child is to be retained, a parent will be informed of that possibility early. Archdiocesan guidelines for retention will be followed.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE: St. Lawrence O'Toole School has an active School Advisory Committee. Open meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. Check the parish calendar for the location of the meeting. Minutes are available in the school office.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE: School personnel are charged with protecting the health and safety of all students. Fulfillment of these duties may conflict with a student’s right to the need to privacy. The interest of individual students in securing personal privacy must be balanced against the interest of society in protecting students against disruptive or illegal conduct.
While lockers, desks and other storage areas are provided to students by the school, the school retains control and access to all lockers, desks and other storage areas. These areas are assigned to students for their use on the condition that they will be used in a manner consistent with the law and school rules. School personnel may conduct inspections of these areas at any time, with or without the student present, in order to fulfill their responsibility of maintaining proper safety, control, and management of the school.
Searches of school property
All property of the school, including students’ desks and lockers, as well as their contents may be searched or inspected at anytime without notice. Authorized school personnel have an unrestricted right to search these structures as well as any containers, book bags, purses or articles of clothing that are left unattended on school property.
Searches of student’s person and personal property
The search of a student’s person or personal property currently being carried is permissible when there is any suspicion that the student may be carrying contraband. Contraband, for purposes here, shall be defined as any weapon, illegal drug paraphernalia, or other item, the possession of which is prohibited by law or by school policy.
Conducting the search
SCHOOL VISITATION: No parent may go directly to the classroom during school hours. All must first report to the school office.
A 24-hour advance notice is required for all visitors. All parents/visitors should report to the office prior to a prearranged visit. The teacher will be busy with class work and will not have time for a parent/teacher/student conference during these times. Younger children should not be brought for a classroom visit – please arrange for a sitter.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Sexual harassment by one employee to another, by an employee to a student, by a student to an employee, or by one student to another is unacceptable conduct. Employees or students who engage in any type of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate discipline, including suspension and/or dismissal.
Retaliation in any form against an employee or student who exercises his or her right to make a complaint under this policy is strictly prohibited, and will itself be cause for appropriate disciplinary action.
Any employee or student who knowingly makes false charges against an employee or student in an attempt to demean, harass, abuse, or embarrass that individual shall be subject to the sanctions for misconduct set forth above.
The school will determine the facts regarding all allegations of sexual harassment in as prompt and confidential a manner as possible and will take appropriate corrective action when warranted.
SICKNESS OR INJURY: If a child becomes ill in school, a parent or person authorized by the parent will be notified before the child is permitted to leave school. The family emergency card, which is kept on file in the office, lists the names of persons to be contacted in the event that parents are not available. Parents should be certain that one person listed on the emergency card is available. Students are to be picked up in the school office.
STUDENT GRADE LEVEL AND HOMEROOM PLACEMENT: It is the responsibility of the Principal, in conjunction with the faculty, to place students in the proper grade level and to assign them to their respective homerooms. Among the criteria used for placement will be the previous academic record of the student in this or another school, test results and previous teacher input. Grade placement for new students will be assigned upon receipt of school records. A parental request for a specific teacher is not one of the criteria used in placing students in classrooms.
STUDENT RECORDS: Student records will be released according to the Guidelines for School Records. If a child transfers to another school, a parent must sign a release of record form either at St. Lawrence O’Toole School or the child’s new school before records will be released. All financial obligations, fees, etc., must be fulfilled in order for official records to be released to a new school. If all financial obligations are not met, unofficial records will be sent to the new school until such time as financial obligations have been completed.
TARDINESS: A child is considered tardy if he/she enters the building after the 7:55 am. bell. If a child is tardy an excessive number of times without a good reason, the parents will be contacted.
TIME SCHEDULES:
Morning Preschool and Morning Kindergarten: 7:55-a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Full-day Preschool, Kindergarten – 8
Classes begin…………………….. 7:55 a.m.
Lunch and recess………………… 11:30 a.m.
Classes resume…………………...12:10 p.m.
Afternoon dismissal…………………2:15 p.m.
The school is not responsible for students dropped off before 7:40 a.m. and not picked up after 2:30 p.m. (unless students are enrolled in the Extended Day Program). The school reserves the right to send students to Extended Day, at the parent expense, if the student has not been picked up by 2:30 p.m.
TRAFFIC: AM Drop Off
1. Children are to be dropped off in the designated drop off zones. (The Circle Drive or The Breezeway Doors at Unit A) or escorted from the parking area to the school.
2. The Sullivan Center circle is not to be used to drop children off for school. It may, however, be used for Extended Day, (before 7:30 a.m.)
3. The Handicap parking spots are 2 spots wide. Handicap parking will be strictly enforced.
4. When dropping off in the Circle Drive enter through the left side of the East Gate.
5. When dropping off at Unit A enter through the West Gate and exit the East Gate.
6. If parking on the lot enter through the West Gate and exit the East Gate.
PM Pick Up
At no time during school hours is there to be parking along the sidewalk by Unit A or in the Circle Drive.
TUITION RATES – 2006-2006:
PRESCHOOL:
4 Year Olds Half Day Program $1790
4 Year Olds Full Day Program $3600
PARISHIONER:
Kindergarten Half Day Program $2240
Kindergarten Full Day Program $3600
1 Child $3390
2 Children $5850
3 Children $6990
4 Children $7900
NON-PARISHIONERE TUITION RATES:
Kindergarten Half Day Program $2820
Kindergarten Full Day Program $5450
1 Child $5140
2 Children $7810
3 Children $10,270
4 Children $12,000
FUND RAISING FEE $350 per family
TUITION REFUND: If a student transfers to another school during the school year, a tuition refund will be pro-rated for the time the student has been enrolled at St. Lawrence O’Toole School.
UNIFORMS: Uniforms are to be purchased from Schoolbelles Uniform Company.
GIRLS: Gray/Maroon Plaid Jumper Grades 1-3
Gray/Maroon Plaid Skirt Grades 4-8
Gray Skirt Grades 7-8
Blouse: White Peter Pan collar blouse Grades 1-3
White knitted uniform shirt
or White pointed collar blouse Grades 4-8
BLOUSES MUST BE TUCKED IN AT ALL TIMES
Tee Shirt If worn under blouse, must be plain white only.
Sweater Maroon sweater or sweatshirt purchased from Schoolbelles only.
Slacks Gray twill or corduroy – purchased from Schoolbelles (worn Nov. – March)
Short: Gray uniform walking shorts purchased from Schoolbelles only – (May be worn from the first day of school until October 15th and from May 1st to the end of school).
Socks/Tights White, gray, or maroon only – knee or ankle socks or tights
No athletic socks may be worn. Socks must cover the ankle.
Jewelry None except small silver or gold post earrings. No more than one earring in each ear.
Hair Acceptably styled for school; no hair coloring or colored streaks; hair ornaments must match uniform colors.
Shoes No high top shoes may be worn.
NO MAKEUP OR NAIL POLISH IS ACCEPTABLE AT ANY GRADE LEVEL
BOYS Gray or black uniform pants
Shirt White long or short sleeved shirt or knit uniform shirt
SHIRTS MUST BE TUCKED IN AT ALL TIMES.
BOYS IN GRADES 6-8 MUST WEAR A BELT
Tee Shirt If worn under shirt, must be plain white only.
Sweater Maroon sweater or sweatshirt purchased from Schoolbelles only.
Shorts Gray uniform walking shorts purchased from Schoolbelles only – (May be worn from the first day of school until October 15th and from May 1st to the end of school).
Jewelry NONE
Hair Acceptably styled for school; no hair coloring or colored streaks.
Socks No athletic socks may be worn. Socks must cover the ankle.
Shoes No high top shoes may be worn.
Unacceptable for boys and girls:
GYM CLOTHES:
Shorts or Sweatpants: Maroon gym uniform shorts or sweatpants with school logo purchased from Schoolbelles. Gym shorts will be worn in spring and fall and sweatpants during the winter.
Shirt School uniform shirt.
Shoes Athletic shoes/gym shoes – laces must be tied in traditional manner; no type of boot.
Students not in compliance with the uniform policy may be sent home until such time as they are in compliance.
VACATION DURING SCHOOL: Vacations during the school year are discouraged, but in the event that such arrangements are necessary, notice should be given to the Principal at least one week prior to the vacation. The teachers are not responsible for make up work – the students and parents are. Despite prior notice, vacation related homework is not always available prior to departure. Work will be kept for the student and can be made up when he/she returns to school.
ST. LAWRENCE O’TOOLE SCHOOL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
FINANCIAL POLICY
PLAN 1:
ANNUAL PAYMENT Tuition for the entire year must be paid by August 1st. A discount
of $50.00 per child per year may be deducted under the annual plan.
PLAN 2:
SEMI-ANNUAL PAYMENT: Tuition for the year must be paid in two installments.
60% of the yearly tuition must be paid by August 1st. The balance must be paid by February 1st. A discount of $25 per child may be deducted from the August Payment.
PLAN 3:
MONTHLY PAYMENT: Tuition paid in ten monthly payments beginning in May and
then August with the final payment due in April. Tuition payment(s) are due by the 1st day of the current month. Families requesting a payment due date after the 1st will be required to make their first payment in July, (on the prescribed date agreed upon), and each succeeding month thereafter, thus making your last tuition payment in March. These arrangements can only be made at the time of registration.
Every family is required to pay a mandatory fund raising fee of $350.00.
A. If your monthly tuition is not received by the 10th of the month, a $25.00 late fee will be assessed to your tuition.
B. Each NSF check will be charged a $25.00 fee.
C. We reserve the rights to deem any payment by cash, money order, and/or certified check when this method is deemed appropriate to guarantee required payment.
DEFINITION OF PARISHIONER
“In order to be classified a parishioner and receive the Parishioner Tuition Rate, one parent must be a baptized Catholic who is registered at St. Lawrence O’Toole Parish. It is anticipated that parishioners, with their families, regularly participate in weekly Worship at Sunday liturgy, and demonstrate support to the parish community by sharing of their time, talent, and financial resources. Registered parishioners are required to use their envelopes in the Sunday offertory collection as a means of financial support to the parish. Families actively involved in the parish will receive parishioner rates for tuition at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic School if they demonstrate active participation as outlined above, giving of their time, talent and treasure to St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church. Being a registered parishioner has greater implications than just sending a child to the school and fulfilling the tuition obligation. The parish community is sustained and enriched as we gather in prayer and use the gifts and abilities God has given us for the building up of the community and the Kingdom of God.”
DISCIPLINE POLICY
The distinctive purpose of a Catholic School is to create a Christian Educational Community where human culture and knowledge is shared among teachers and students in a spirit of freedom and love. In this atmosphere, the children will learn to exercise self-control and be self-disciplined. In guiding the children’s growth, the positive, rather than the negative, will be emphasized.
Helping a child grow in self-discipline should be the constant aim of both parent and teacher. We at St. Lawrence O’Toole School feel a strong need for a Christian atmosphere. By our example and through our teaching we try to instill a genuine care of, and respect for others and their property.
When necessary, discipline will be administered. Full, cooperation between teachers and parents is needed in order for discipline to be effective. It is the right and responsibility of each teacher at St. Lawrence O’Toole School to discipline all students, not only those in his/her homeroom.
The following are responsibilities that apply to all students of St. Lawrence O’Toole School:
1. To obey all the rules of the school.
2. To show respect to all teachers and adults at all times.
3. To respect the rights of other students.
4. To respect the property of the school and other students.
5. To conduct himself/herself properly in school, on school grounds, and on the bus.
6. To be on time for school and attend school regularly.
7. To complete school and home assignments on time.
The following behavior will not be accepted:
1. The use of foul language or obscene gestures in the classroom or on the playground.
2. Disrespect towards teachers or other adults.
3. Talking back to a teacher or other adult.
4. Damage, theft, or destruction of school or private property.
5. Fighting in school, on school property, or on the bus.
6. Repeated violations of school and bus rules.
St. Lawrence O’Toole School does not allow weapons of any kind, guns, knives, etc. to be brought to school-whether real or fake. Also not allowed are: water guns, radios, Walkman, Discman, Watchman, Gameboy, beepers, laser pointers, or cell phones. If any of these articles are brought to school they will be confiscated and become the property of the school. Parents will be notified and appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken.
POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING RULES:
1. Parent Note
2. Detention
3. Call to Parent
4. Meeting with Parent and Teacher
5. Meeting with Parent, Teacher, and Principal
6. Not attending field trips
7. Probation, suspension, or expulsion
EXPULSION AND SUSPENSION:
As Archdiocesan Policy indicates, when appropriate, the Principal may impose disciplinary measures such as probation, suspension and expulsion.
The expulsion of a child from school is a serious punishment and is used rarely. However, there may be situations, which demand removal of a student from school.
CAUSES FOR IMMEDIATE AND PREMANENT EXPULSION FROM SCHOOL:
1. Possession, use, distributing or selling of illegal or controlled substances as well as any paraphernalia related to the above, on school grounds or at school related activities.
2. Possession and/or use of alcohol on school property or at school related activities.
3. Possession and/or use of a gun and/or other weapons on school property or at school related activities.
Before a child is expelled, the following steps will be followed:
1. A meeting with the principal, pastor, parent, and child will take place.
2. The principal and pastor will make the final decision as to whether or not a child will be expelled. The parents will be informed of the decision in writing.
Each case will be handled individually according to the nature and seriousness of the violation. Once a child is expelled from St. Lawrence O'Toole School, he/she will not be accepted back into the school at any time.
POSSIBLE OFFENCES FOR PROBATION, SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION:
1. Truancy from school
2. Leaving school grounds during school hours
3. Threatening or seriously harming another child
4. Possession of any weapon or item deemed dangerous, or use of such on school property or at school related activities.
5. Smoking, carrying cigarettes or matches on school grounds or at school related activities.
6. Stealing, lying, cheating, forgery
7. Damage to school property
8. Chronic disregard for school rules
Probation and suspension (in-school and out-of-school), are punishments that may be used for violation of important school rules. They are used after other means of discipline fail. Probation and suspension are considered warnings for possible expulsion. Each case will be handled individually according to the nature and the seriousness of the violation.
The length of the suspension will be determined by the principal according to the severity of the offense. The parent will be informed as to the nature of the suspension. The suspension can either be an in-school or out-of-school suspension (according to the principal’s discretion and/or severity of the offense). For an in-school suspension, the student will report to the school office and remain there under the supervision of an adult. The student will be expected to do school work during the time of the suspension. Students will not be given credit for work done during a suspension – either an in-school or out-of-school. During an out-of-school suspension, it will be the parent’s responsibility to supervise the student and see that he/she does the assigned work. If work from the time of suspension is not completed when the child comes back after suspension, the child will be sent home until such time as all work is completed and handed in to the teacher(s).
DETENTION
Detention is provided for upper grade students (grades 5-8) whose conduct warrants this penalty. It is given after other means of discipline have failed, primarily a verbal warning. In some cases, however, an automatic detention may be given with no verbal warning. Detention is served on Wednesday from 2:15 – 3:15 p.m. A detention slip will be sent home stating the reason for the detention and the date the detention is to be served. If a detention cannot be served on the assigned day, A WRITTEN NOTE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE TEACHER FROM THE PARENT STATING THE REASON WHY THE DETENTIN CANNOT BE SERVED. Arrangements will be made to serve the detention on another day. DETENTIONS CANNOT BE SERVED DURING LUNCHTIME OR GYM PERIOD EXCEPT IN AN EXTREME EMERGENCY. Parents will be given a day’s notice or longer if a student is to serve a detention. The slip is to be signed by the parent or legal guardian and returned to the teacher who issued the detention the next day. Failure to return a signed detention slip before the day the detention is to be served and not serving a scheduled detention will result in a second detention (3:15 p.m.).
Detentions may be issued for:
1. Inappropriate language
2. Insubordination
3. Physical or verbal fighting
4. Inappropriate behavior in church
5. Inappropriate behavior in the classroom
6. Late, incomplete, or missing assignment
7. Disrespect toward teachers or other adults
3 detentions will result in a half day in-school suspension, 6 detentions (total accumulated from one or several teachers), will result in a one day in-school suspension.
9 detentions (total accumulated from one or several teachers), will result in a two day in-school suspension. At this point, a parental conference will be requested to discuss appropriate future action.
AMENDING HANDBOOK:
Statements in this handbook are subject to amendment with or without notice. The school will attempt to keep you informed off all changes as soon as possible. Some changes might be made immediately due to unforeseen circumstances.
The principal retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause and parents will be given prompt notification if changes are made.
Policies reviewed and revised June, 2005.