St. Helen Catholic School
Parent/Student Handbook 2009-2010
We are pleased and proud that you have selected St. Helen Catholic
School for your child. The mission of St. Helen Catholic School is to
provide a well-rounded education emphasizing Catholic ideals of academic
excellence, personal integrity, Christian service, and enduring faith. St.
Helen Catholic School is a culturally diverse community composed of the
clergy, parishioners, parents, students, school personnel, and all who help
to fulfill the school’s mission. St. Helen Catholic School promotes high
academic standards within a Christ-centered, spiritual environment. Members
of the St. Helen community seek to teach Catholic values, strengthen
students in the Catholic faith, focus on the education of the whole person,
and witness to the presence of Jesus Christ in the world.
GOALS
• Educate and form the total person spiritually, intellectually, personally,
socially, and physically while recognizing the dignity of each student as a
member of the Catholic educational community.
• Celebrate Catholic traditions through daily prayer, regular liturgical and
sacramental experiences, a solid program of Catholic religious studies, and
the teaching of Catholic moral standards.
• Promote traditional Catholic educational values by emphasizing high
academic standards and achievement.
ACADEMICS
St. Helen Catholic School (SHCS) is accredited by Texas Catholic Conference
under the auspices of Texas Education Agency (T.E.A.). Our school strives to
provide an exemplary learning environment to educate the whole child: body,
mind, and spirit. We attempt to provide students with opportunities for
success by fostering a positive learning atmosphere, providing a supportive
atmosphere from all members of the school community, nurturing a Christ-like
community, and celebrating our Catholic traditions through a solid program
of religious studies. Curriculum is enhanced with fine arts, foreign
language, and other extra-curricular activities, as well as, offering multi-
dimensional experiences in physical education, self-esteem building
activities, and culturally diverse programs.
CURRICULUM
Core curriculum at SHCS is an Archdiocesan curriculum based on Texas
Education Agency (TEA) essential elements as part of the Texas Essential
Knowledge Skills (TEKS). It is our philosophy and belief that our curriculum
demonstrates “excellence” rather than merely “essential” since curriculum is
based on national standards. Our curriculum includes English/Language Arts
(reading, grammar, phonics, spelling, creative expression, and writing),
math, science, social studies (history and geography), and religion. These
subjects are taught in a self-contained classroom setting with
departmentalized settings for special programs such as physical education
and Spanish.
STUDENT SUCCESS
All available school resources shall be utilized to promote student success.
Lines of communication will be kept open to inform parents of student
progress in all areas. Concerns about a student will be addressed initially
by the classroom teacher and parent. School success can only be attained
through cooperation between parents and educators. Parents are expected to
disclose any pertinent information from private resources (diagnoses and
recommendations) that would be of specific educational value in programming
adequately for their children. If it is determined that the school’s
resources cannot meet the needs of a student, or if parent(s)/guardian(s)
fail to act on the school’s recommendations for remediation or diagnostic
evaluation, the principal will request withdrawal of the student or deny
admission for the following year.
ACADEMIC MASTERY
In many instances, accommodations can be made for students with special
needs. Students who are diagnosed with a learning difference or who are
diagnosed with a special need through the public school system, private
doctors, or through special agencies can be referred for special assistance
with the SHCS Academic Mastery Center (AMC) teacher(s) once the
administration has verification of the student’s recommended individualized
education plan (I.E.P.). The number of sessions per week, length of
sessions, and goals will be determined by the Academic Mastery tutor,
counselor, principal, and teacher after reviewing all available information.
Students who meet any of the following criteria must be enrolled in the
Academic Mastery program:
*IEPs from public, private, or local services.
*Scores below the 50th percentile in reading, language, or math on the
Stanford Achievement Test or other national achievement test.
*Failing grades on report card at the end of the quarter.
ENRICHMENT
SHCS students have many opportunities for enrichment including the following:
• Accelerated Reader
• Archdiocesan Spelling Bee
• Camp Kappe School for Environmental Education
• Archdiocesan Science Fair
• Student Council
• Academic Electives
• Athletics
• After school classes (With contract teachers)
GRADING/REPORT CARDS
Students receive Report Cards quarterly (every nine weeks). A conference is
scheduled for parents of students in Kindergarten where a verbal explanation
of the student’s progress is discussed instead of a formal report card at
the first nine-week reporting time. A formal report is issued for the
remaining quarters. Parents are encouraged to attend scheduled report card
conferences. Report Cards are to be reviewed and signed by the parent with
the classroom teacher during scheduled conference times.
The marking code on the Report Cards for grades 1st-8th grade is as follows:
Academics
100 – 93 A Outstanding
92 – 86 B Above Average
85 – 78 C Average
77 – 70 D Below Average
Below 70 F Failing
Kindergarten Academics
S Satisfactory
NA Needs Attention: Child is not able to complete goal.
T Transition: Child is in the process of learning.
Conduct Grades K – 8th
E Excellent
S Satisfactory
N Needs Improvement
U Unsatisfactory
HOMEWORK
Homework assignments are given to reinforce the material taught to the
students during the day and to foster a habit of independent study. The
student is responsible for written and study assignments. Parents cooperate
by providing the necessary quiet time and a designated location for
homework. It is especially important for parents to encourage their children
to put forth their best effort and together examine assignments.
Assignment/student planner notebooks are used in grades 3– 8 to record class
work and homework assignments. These notebooks encourage students to learn
responsibility and organizational skills. They are to be signed by the
parents. It is essential that parents allow students to be responsible for
their own homework assignments and consider the consequences when
assignments are not done. Grades K-2 use “Peek of the Week” to inform
parents of upcoming assignments, events, and projects.
Five points will be deducted from the quarterly homework grade in each
subject area for each instance of un-submitted or missing homework. Homework
is to be submitted on time. The following times reflect the average time
frame for homework at each grade level.
Homework Time Allotment
Grades 1-2 30 minutes
Grades 3-4 45 minutes
Grades 5 60 minutes
Grades 6-8 90 minutes
HONOR ROLL
The Honor Roll is awarded to students who maintain their academic grades in
all subject categories. The “Highest Honor Roll” is awarded to students who
maintain all A’s and all E’s. The “High Honor Roll” is awarded to students
who maintain all A’s and B’s with a minimum of a 93 average in all subject
categories. A student receiving an “N” or “U” conduct grade in any class,
including extracurricular classes, is not be eligible for any Honor Roll.
COMMUNICATION
Open, honest, and constructive communication is essential in creating a
positive school
environment. Various methods of communication exist to communicate school
business with families including school newsletters, administrative letters,
schedules, and the school website. Parents are expected to read and to be
aware of the enclosed information from the principal, teachers, and
school/parish groups. Communications are usually sent home on Mondays;
however, please check daily for memos in the folders and/or your child’s
backpack. If you wish to communicate a question, problem, or concern with
another individual, you should go directly to that person before going to
that person’s superior. If parents have a complaint about a teacher, they
must discuss the difficulty first with the teacher. Parents or teachers may
request the principal to be present at a conference.
CONFERENCES
Appointments with administration and/or with teachers need to be requested
in writing and scheduled in advance. Teachers will attempt to return phone
calls within 48 hours of receipt of the message. Messages left for teachers
may not be retrieved until the close of the school day. Your child’s
progress is important to us. Teachers are available to discuss issues during
the regular school day by appointment only. Contact the school office to
request a conference, a phone call, or send a note with your child. Please
respect the personal life of all staff members and do not call a staff
member at home.
Report card conferences are held twice a year with the homeroom teacher.
These conferences are meant to be positive in nature and constructive toward
a child’s education. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these student-
led conferences. These conferences provide students an opportunity to
discuss their accomplishments and goals for the upcoming academic quarter.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS
Any student who does not maintain a 78% average or above may be placed on
academic probation for a period of time designated by the principal.
PROMOTION – RETENTION – PLACEMENT
School Board Policy Effective April 14, 2004
“Student-to-class placement decisions are made by the
administrator/principal of the school. In the case of special needs
students, the principal may consult with the parents or guardian before
placing the student with a particular teacher who has proficiency in the
area of the student’s needs. The principal reserves the right to change any
student from class to class, also according to the student’s needs, if
necessary during the course of the school year.”
SHCS administration and teachers reserve the right to “place” any student in
the appropriate grade. In addition, if a student is “placed” in a grade, a
probationary period in a particular grade level will be in effect for 5
weeks at which time a final placement decision will be made. A student is
promoted to the next grade pending satisfactory completion of the work of
the current grade. Promotion shall be based upon accomplishing the required
essential curriculum elements as well as progress made in social, emotional,
and physical growth. Just as the principal reserves the right to “place” a
student, the principal also reserves the right to recommend retaining a
student who does not show developmentally appropriate social skills for
promotion to the next grade.
If a student receives a grade below 70 for the year, the student fails the
subject. If two major subjects are failed, the child is recommended for
retention. The major subjects are Religion, Reading, English/Language Arts,
Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. If a returning student fails one
academic subject for the year, he/she must attend summer school or tutoring
in the area failed and complete the remediation/summer school with a passing
grade. If parents of a child, recommended for retention, do not agree with
the recommendation of the teacher(s) and administrator(s), they have the
option of withdrawing their child and placing them in another education
environment.
RELIGION PROGRAM
Central to SHCS’s curricular goals, and to the mission of the school, is the
teaching of religion. The religion curriculum stresses the catechetical and
moral dimensions consistent with the developmental stages of students.
Religion is taught on a daily basis to all students regardless of religious
affiliation. Other methods of integrating religion into the curriculum
include:
• Participation in weekly Mass for all students regardless of religious
affiliation.
• Participation in classroom or grade level paraliturgies.
• Regularly scheduled opportunities for Sacramental Reconciliation for
Catholic students.
• Reflection and/or retreat for students.
• Service field trips.
All school Masses are celebrated in the Church. Students are tardy at 7:50
A.M. on Mass days since Mass begins at 8:00 A.M. Students must be in full
dress uniform for Mass. Shorts are not allowed in the Church or Chapel.
Students not properly attired are in violation of the dress code.
Sacramental preparation for First Reconciliation/First Eucharist is provided
for students in second grade with parental assistance. Mandatory parent
formation/information meetings are provided by your family’s home parish to
assist families in these sacraments. To be eligible, students must be
attending the day school regularly. For additional information, contact the
C.C.E. office: 281-485-5457.
Junior High students (grades 6–8) are required to attend retreats and/or
days of prayer. As part of our Religion curriculum, students are taught
about human sexuality by an Archdiocesan approved curriculum program.
Parents are encouraged to preview this program and talk with their child’s
teacher if there are any questions about the program.
SERVICE HOURS
In keeping with the mission of St. Helen Catholic School: "to provide a well-
rounded education emphasizing Catholic ideals of academic excellence,
personal integrity, Christian service and enduring faith", the guidelines
below must be followed:
* 6th-8th Graders must complete 10 hours of service within the school or
community.
• Of these 10 hours, at least 5 must be performed outside of the school.
*4th-5th Graders must complete 6 hours of service within the school or
community.
Hours accrued during the summer months prior to the beginning of school will
be accepted. At least one-half of the hours are due at the end of the 1st
semester. Altar serving for funerals/weddings outside the school day will be
accepted as service hours. If a student takes a financial blessing, he
cannot “double dip” and take the gratuity and call it “service hours.” The
signature of the person supervising the work/service being done is required.
Service opportunities will be posted in The Happenings as they arise.
Service hours will be counted as a major test grade in Religion at the end
of each semester. All hours earned and verified should be turned in to the
student's Religion teacher as soon as they are completed.
A few acceptable examples of service:
*Altar serving/choir (outside of the school day)
*St. Vincent de Paul (helping stock/organize shelves)
*Helping with the set-up/clean-up of the Dinner Dance or other school
functions
*Helping in any aspect of a church bazaar
*Helping with Vacation Bible School
*Helping as an aide in any of the CCE classes
These student service hours are independent and in addition to the Family
Service Requirement.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
Standardized tests, the Stanford Achievement Test, and the Otis-Lennon
School Ability Test, adopted by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, are
administered to students each year. The tests are a means to give teachers
and the administrator a certain amount of information regarding the
educational growth of the students. A majority of all SHCS students score in
the high average or above average range of the testing.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are selected from the State of Texas Adopted Textbook List or from
other publishers with Archdiocesan approval. Textbooks are provided on a
rental basis and are distributed to students at the beginning of the school
year. Students will be fined for damages beyond the normal wear or asked to
pay full replacement cost for lost books. Supplementary material is used to
enrich and expand the curriculum.
BUCKLEY AMENDMENT
St. Helen Catholic School abides by Buckley Amendment provisions with
respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court
order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with
access to the academic records and to other school-related information
regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to
be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to
provide the school with an official copy of the court order and/or copy of
the custody section of the divorce decree.
CHRISTIAN CODE OF CONDUCT
Christian behavior and respect shall be observed during any verbal and
nonverbal communication at all levels within the school community. The
following actions will be termed in violation of Christian charity and may
result in dismissal from the school:
• Public criticism of school personnel, policies, or procedures
• Threats of any nature toward personnel or families
• Verbal/nonverbal acts of aggression including yelling, screaming, pushing,
etc.
• Public discussion/generation of rumors about students, family matters,
staff, faculty, or
procedures.
• Blatant disregard to follow and support the requirements and expectations
of all handbook policies.
We acknowledge that we are not the school for all families, and we will
exercise the right to ask families to leave.
School Board Policy dated April 13, 2000
“St. Helen Catholic School reserves the right to enact withdrawal of any
student and/or students who they, themselves, or their parents, create
situations considered to be detrimental to the welfare and/or learning
process of the other students within the school.”
PROBLEM RESOLUTION
Every effort shall be made to resolve situations so that the education
process can continue. Before differences become formalized grievances, both
parties shall make every effort to resolve problems through open
communication. If a parent seeks resolution of a situation relating to a
student, the following steps should be taken:
• The parents should request a conference with the teacher to check their
understanding and try to resolve the problem.
• If the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved with the teacher, the
parent may then discuss the issue with the teacher and principal.
• After discussion with the teacher and principal, if the case is still
unresolved, the complainant may then present the grievance in accordance
with the Archdiocesan Appeals Process.
ADDRESSING THE SCHOOL BOARD
Persons may wish to address the St. Helen School Board at regularly held
board meetings. Persons may address the Board on an issue or policy of the
school. Grievances are handled through the Archdiocesan Grievance Procedure
discussed below. Persons who desire to address the School Board should
contact the president of the school board or the principal in writing at
least 10 days prior to the next meeting. The board president and the
principal shall decide if the issue is appropriate for consideration and at
which meeting of the Board the issue will be presented. Persons who attend a
meeting of the School Board without first having been placed on the agenda
will be allowed to address the School Board only if the president determines
there is time to hear the issue. During and following the presentation,
questions of clarification can be asked. The Board will give no response
during the board meeting. In executive session board members discuss the
presentation and assist in formulating the response that the board president
will send in writing to the person making the presentation.
APPEALS PROCESS/GRIEVANCE POLICY
Although the Archdiocese endeavors to establish a harmonious Christian
atmosphere within its schools, it recognizes that misunderstandings or
differences of opinion sometimes occur. Ideally, such matters can be
resolved informally by a parent or guardian meeting with the immediate
authoritative person to discuss the matter. If, however, the matter is not
then settled to the parent or guardian’s satisfaction, the parent or
guardian may institute a formal grievance. A formal grievance must be in
writing and must be received in five (5) working days following the
occurrence of the event on which the grievance is based. Contact the
principal for a copy of the Archdiocese’s current appeals process/grievance
procedure for further details. Also note that the current policy supersedes
and replaces all previous policies and statements regarding institution and
processing of formal grievances within Archdiocesan schools.
STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION
No person shall be discriminated against, and no reprisals of any kind shall
be taken against any person solely because of participation in the conflict
resolution process.
ADMISSIONS
The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston admit all
students to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities made available
to the student body. They shall not discriminate based on race, color, age,
national, or ethnic origin in the administration of its admission,
financial, athletic, or scholarship programs. Children must meet the age
requirements as outlined by the Archdiocese. Typically, students must be
five years old by September 1 to enter Kindergarten and six years old by
September 1 to enter first grade. The child’s birth certificate must be
presented for proof of age. The principal reserves the right to contact any
former schools. It is SHCS policy that the principal has the authority to
accept or refuse admittance of any individual as a student at this school.
This decision is based on the State and Archdiocesan policies for admittance
and on all information received from the applicant at the time the
application for admittance is made. All new students are accepted on a
probationary basis. A complete immunization record indicating that
requirements are met with a physician’s signature is required at the time of
registration. Archdiocesan policy requires that any new student present
written evidence of TB testing and the results.
All new students are required to take an entrance test and have an interview
with the principal. At the time of pre-registration, a packet is provided to
each family. This packet contains a registration form, tuition schedules,
payment plans, health record, information sheet, etc. These papers should be
filled out completely, signed, and returned by the appropriate date. Re-
enrollment is not automatic. Families with outstanding financial obligations
will not be issued registration packets until all accounts are clear.
SHCS considers the following priorities when setting timelines for accepting
admission applications:
1. Students currently enrolled in SHCS and their siblings
2. Early Childhood Center (E.C.C.)
3. Parishioners
4. Open
As part of new student registration, all new students are required to take
an entrance test and have an interview with the principal. Test dates and
times are announced before Catholic Schools’ Week held the last week of
January.
PARISHIONER TUITION STATUS
Parishioner tuition status is offered to contributing and tithing members of
St. Helen Catholic Church and we wish to offer this rate to as many families
as possible. Active membership in St. Helen Catholic Church is defined as a
stewardship commitment of “time, talent, and treasure.” A calendar year must
show a consistent stewardship contribution to qualify for the parishioner
tuition rate. In addition, qualifying parishioners must be registered for at
least six months and show active participation in service to the ministries
of St. Helen Catholic School. Parishioner tuition status is granted annually.
Tithing statements are prepared and issued by the parish, evaluated
annually, and used to determine “parishioner tuition status” for tuition
purposes. Parishioner tuition status is granted annually by the pastor to
those families who meet and/or exceed stewardship requirement for the school
year. One must make verifiable contributions by check or envelopes. Loose
cash is not verifiable by the Church office. Those families not meeting the
contribution requirements are classified by the Catholic tuition rate for
the school year. All families are eligible for sibling discounts. Because
parishioner tuition status is evaluated every year at registration, a change
in parishioner tuition status may result in a change in registration
priority and tuition rate.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
Registration is complete when the principal has approved the applicant, all
forms have been returned, and the registration, books, lab, and other fees
have been paid. All previous school records must be on file for the
registration process to be considered complete.
School Board Policy dated June 14, 2001
“All fees, including but not limited to registration and book fees, are non-
refundable and nontransferable to any other accounts or fees due. The
principal reserves the right to refund or withhold any fees according to
his/her discretion as the particular situation warrants. If the principal
sends a letter of non-admission, funds are refunded.”
RELEASE OF REPORT CARD/SCHOOL RECORDS
Students and parents need to reconcile all obligations before the end of
each nine weeks, as well as the end of the school year; i.e., discipline,
financial, make-up work, library fines, return of all library books,
textbooks, equipment and/or media materials. The report card is not issued
to parents, nor is it forwarded to another school until all obligations are
fulfilled including, but not limited to, discipline and/or financial
obligations. Students’ records are not released before all tuition, fees,
and fines owed to the school are paid in full. Parents are obligated through
their signed contracts for the fulfillment of the year’s tuition. The
school’s budget is based on the commitment of each child completing his/her
attendance for the entire school year.
TUITION
Tuition payments can be paid annually or in 10 equal installments. St.
Helen School has partnered with FACTS Tuition Management to automatically
withdraw tuition payments according to the scheduled payment dates beginning
in July through the month of April. If the installment option is selected,
payments must be automatically withdrawn through FACTS. The accounting
office does not accept tuition payments except to clear delinquencies. To
learn more about FACTS or to sign up for tuition payments, visit their
website at: https://ecashierk12.factstuition.com/ecashierk12/Controller?
&query=83434/77581
Invoices are only sent for Extended Day Drop-ins. Tuition payments not
posted by FACTS on or before the 20th of the month is assessed a $25.00 late
charge by the SHCS accounting office. Re-admission for the following school
year is not allowed for the children of families who are not current with
any obligations and fees. School records of students who have any unpaid
balances are not released. Students are placed on financial suspension if
tuition is 60 days delinquent. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact
the principal and/or accounting office for acceptable payment arrangements.
Report Cards are held until accounts are current. Checks for tuition/fees
that are returned for insufficient funds are subject to a penalty charge of
$25.00. Issuance of three insufficient checks requires that all future
payments be made in cash or by money order.
New students enrolling during the current school year will pay full month
tuition if they enroll from the 1st through the 15th. If they enroll from
the 16th through the end of the month, a ½ month tuition payment will apply.
School Board Policy dated May 9, 2002
“If a family’s tuition and/or any fees are ten days, or more, late three
times during the school year, the family must agree to prepay the year’s
balance of said tuition and/or fees. If a student’s/students’ family does
not agree to prepay the balance of the tuition and/or fees, the
child/children will be immediately withdrawn.”
ATTENDANCE POLICY
In compliance with the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department and
the State of Texas Family Code, schools of the Archdiocese of Galveston-
Houston follow compulsory attendance laws. Daily school attendance is the
only effective way to assure continued academic progress. SHCS recognizes
the following as valid reasons for an absence:
• Student illness
• Family emergency such as death or serious illness
If a student has been absent for three days or more or is under a doctor’s
care, the school needs a Student Return to School form from the doctor.
Requests for homework are honored for a 3:15 P.M. pickup only if the request
is received before 9:00 A.M. on the day of an absence. Teachers must have
time to assimilate the papers necessary due to variances in daily schedules.
Unless a child is absent for two or more
days or has a difficult time with make up work, request for homework for one
day’s absence is not necessary. When a student is absent from school for any
reason other than illness or family emergency, parents are contacted and the
consequences discussed. The school staff is not obligated to provide special
services when a parent opts to schedule activities that warrant student’s
absence on compulsory attendance days as indicated on the school calendar.
When a student is absent, the parent/guardian is expected to call the school
office by 9:00 A.M. and send a written note upon the student’s return to
school.
School Board Policy dated May 9, 2002
“Students are required to be in attendance. If a student has 10% or more
absences, excused or unexcused, in a semester, the principal and/or the SHCS
Attendance Committee may retain the student in his/her grade for another
year.”
CAMP KAPPE
Camp Kappe, School for Environmental Education, is located in Plantersville,
Texas and is designed for fifth grade students. The students, their
teachers, and chaperones learn about food chains and life cycles. They study
botany, wild-life, farm animals and gardening. Students are introduced to
environmental issues and concerns. In addition, they learn about the effects
of the environment on mankind and the effects that humans have on the
environment. Stewardship principles of God’s creation is taught, which
encourages the students to protect our God-given resources and to use them
wisely. If Camp Kappe is selected as a field trip, all students will be
expected to participate in this overnight experience, and absences from camp
are unexcused and students who miss the experience are given zeroes. In
order for a student’s absence from Camp Kappe to be considered excused, the
following must occur:
1. The student’s doctor must call Camp Kappe personally and speak directly
to the camp director, Sr. Thomas Ann LaCour, to express his/her objections
for the student attending camp. If after the dialogue with Sr. Thomas Ann
and the doctor believes a waiver should be given to said student, the doctor
must write a letter to the principal stating the conditions that prohibit
the student from attending Camp Kappe from said Tuesday through Friday. Once
the doctor has spoken with Sr. Thomas Ann and the school is presented with
the doctor’s written letter or recommendation to waive the Camp Kappe
requirement, the principal gives the student an excused absence for four
days.
2. If the principal approves the waiver, the student is given makeup work
and is required to pass a comprehensive major test. Any other absences are
considered unexcused and student receives zeroes in the content areas.
TARDINESS POLICY
Tardiness has a direct impact on self-discipline and the overall discipline
of the school. To ensure an orderly, disciplined environment, school starts
at 8:00 A.M. sharp, Monday –Thursday, and 7:50 A.M. on Friday. A student is
tardy if he/she arrives after the designated time set by the school
schedule. A student who is late is required to report to the school office
before being admitted to class. Habitual tardiness seriously affects school
performance. In addition, accreditation depends on adhering to a “Bell to
Bell” schedule and requires a specific number of minutes per day for
instruction. Please be supportive of the 8:00 A.M. (Mon.– Thurs.)/7:50 A.M.
(Fri.) start of school so that we may provide your child with an exemplary
education. If your child is not in the classroom at 8:00 A.M. (Mon. –
Thurs.)/7:50 A.M. (Fri.), he/she is tardy and must have a tardy pass from
the Receptionist’s office to enter the classroom. Students may not be in the
halls, at lockers, etc. when the bell rings. Tardiness is neither excused
nor unexcused. Students must be in their classroom when the bell rings. If
the student is still in the hallway, he/she is considered tardy. Parents
must walk tardy students to church on Fridays. On the fifth and subsequent
tardies in a nine-week period, a student’s parents may select one of the
following:
• One hour detention
or
• $10.00 administrative fee
Parents make the decision on whether the tardy is the child’s fault or the
parents’ fault. A parent-principal conference may be called each nine weeks
for excessive tardies of ten or more.
Junior High Tardies
If a student is tardy during the school day, during the change of classes,
the student’s homeroom teacher is responsible for tallying tardies and
assigning consequences.
CARPOOL TRAFFIC PATTERN
Arrival and dismissal will be under the carport in an orderly fashion. Four
stacked lanes will feed into one lane for dismissal. We will be unloading
and loading four cars at one time. Please pull as far forward as you
possibly can so that we can successfully help four cars at one time. To
avoid delays in the carpool line, please pull out of the car line completely
before putting books in the trunk of the car or helping your child adjust
their seat belt. If your child is not ready or listening to their name
being called, the carpool loaders will ask you to go around and get in line
again. For the safety of all students, all parents must follow carpool line
procedures and are not allowed to walk their child up to or into the school
building due to the moving traffic line in front of our building. After
dropping off or picking up your child from under the carport, you must exit
toward the back of the FLC building and church.
ARRIVAL
Students enrolled in Extended Day are not to arrive before 6:30 A.M.
Students arriving between 6:30 A.M. – 7:30 A.M. must be enrolled in the
morning Extended Day Program. Teachers are not on door duty until 7:30 A.M.;
therefore, please park your car and walk your child to the computer
room/library. Students not enrolled in Extended Day may not arrive before
7:30 A.M. Beginning at 7:30 A.M., a teacher is on door duty. Parents may
drop his/her child off at the porte cochere. The students go directly to the
computer/library where there is faculty supervision.
DISMISSAL
Afternoon announcements are made at 2:50 p.m. for all students in
Kindergarten – 8th grade. In order to help us maintain a safe and orderly
dismissal, please schedule your business with the school between 7:30 A.M. –
2:30 P.M or 3:15 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. All students sit according to grades in
the hallway before they are dismissed to their rides. Please place your
family’s name card in the bottom right section of the windshield Students
are dismissed and escorted to the car by a teacher on duty. If you are at
the front of the line, and your child is not outside, you may be asked to
pull around the circle to prevent traffic build up. Remain in your vehicle.
If you need to pick your child up early, you may pick up your child in the
office before 2:50p.m. Students picked up after 2:50p.m. must be picked up
through the regular carpool line. Elementary students walking or riding
bikes will be crossed over to the nearest sidewalk and require parents’
written permission. Students will not be allowed to leave with anyone other
than their assigned carpool without written permission from a parent or
guardian. In order to keep calls to the school office to a minimum, carpool
changes must be of an emergency nature only. Requests for early dismissal
should be made in writing and submitted to your child’s teacher in advance.
A late charge of $1 per minute will be billed to parents when students are
not picked up within the 15 minute window of time which begins with the
dismissal bell. This policy also applies to dismissal from detention,
athletic events, and after school classes. We respectfully request your
cooperation with the teachers on duty. Because safety of our students at
SHCS is of utmost concern to us, please do not use this time to engage the
teachers in a parent-teacher conference. If you need to talk with a teacher,
call the office to request a conference. At the beginning of the school
year, walkers badges will be issued only to those students who reside near
the school and who regularly walk home. Students who are walking home will
be released at 3:15 and will be escorted to the nearest sidewalk. All other
students are to use the carpool line. All walkers and bicycle riders must
have a carpool number and alternate plans for inclement weather days.
EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM
The Extended Day Program is held in the computer, library, and other rooms
as needed. All students attending the Extended Day Program must be
registered in the Day School. This is not a drop-in program. If parents know
they will use the services of the Extended Day Program occasionally, they
must register their children. This requirement complies with state law.
EXTENDED DAY HOURS
Extended Day hours are as follows:
Monday – Friday 6:30 A.M. – 7:30 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.
On early dismissal days: Early dismissal time – 6:00 P.M. unless otherwise
stated.
EXTENDED DAY REGISTRATION
Separate tuition rates apply for extended day. All children in the Extended
Day Program must be picked up by 6:00 P.M. Staff work hard and want to feel
confident that their work day will be over by six o'clock. Staff members
have their own families along with having evening commitments. Arriving late
interferes with their family time and previous plans. Any child being picked
up after 6:00 P.M. will have a $5.00 late fee charge plus $1.00 per minute
fee assessed. Three occurences of being five or more minutes late will be
grounds for termination of privilege to use the extended day service.
Extended Day payments must be paid to the accounting office. It is due on the
1st of each month and is considered late after the 10th of the month. A late
fee of $25.00 will be assessed after the 1st.
EXTENDED DAY DISCIPLINE
Students will be under an Extended Day Discipline Management Plan that will
be based on our Day School discipline for their grade level listed in the
next section of this handbook. The Principal will only handle the discipline
if there is an emergency or if an Extended Day Coordinator is unavailable.
The Extended Day Coordinators, therefore, have the authority to exact
consequences in accordance with the Discipline Management Plan.
DISCIPLINE
SHCS uses a formative right choice discipline program that encourages self-
discipline. The intent of this program is to form responsible individuals
with values rooted in Christian precepts. The program is corrective in
nature rather than being merely punitive. It is modeled after the
sacramental life of the Church, in particular the sacrament of
reconciliation. In this sacrament, a faith-filled person acknowledges and
takes responsibility for the wrongful actions he or she has chosen, atones,
and makes a sincere effort to do better. Similarly, in the formative
discipline program, a student is challenged to acknowledge and to take
responsibility for the wrong behavior, learn from this mistake, and make
amends by consistently trying to avoid this behavior in the future.
RESPECT FOR GOD
Students are encouraged to practice the Catholic-Christian faith through:
• Active participation in liturgies
• Sharing of oneself through community activities
• Reverence to God through their actions
RESPECT FOR SELF
Each individual is a child of God. Each student’s behavior reflects this
self-respect through:
• Propriety in dress
• Use of proper body language, including posture and facial expressions
• Fulfillment of all student responsibilities
RESPECT FOR OTHERS
Each student, parent, teacher, staff member, and visitor are treated as a
child of God. Each student’s behavior reflects this respect for others
through:
• Cooperation with students, parents, teachers, staff members, and visitors
• Treatment of others with kindness in word and actions
• Modulation of one’s voice
• Promptness
• Preservation of the privacy of others
• Preservation of other’s personal space, that is a “hands-off requirement.”
RESPECT FOR PROPERTY
Students are expected to use facilities and materials properly through:
• Use of school property and equipment in the manner for which they were
intended
• Preservation of all areas of the church and school campus by keeping them
clean, neat, and tidy (including, but not limited to the cafeteria,
restrooms, hallways, pavilion, chapel, church, etc.)
• Compliance with “hands off” requirement that extends to the personal
property of others (including, but not limited to purses, lockers,
backpacks, lunches, supplies, books, zipper bags, etc.)
When a student chooses not to follow the prescribed rules, teachers assist
the student in identifying the behavior, discuss the inherent problems the
behavior causes, and focus on what the student can do to prevent a
reoccurrence.
RESPONSIBILITIES
St. Helen School has high expectations of appropriate behavior for its
students. To facilitate an orderly and productive atmosphere, it is
necessary to provide guidelines and present responsibilities for all those
involved in achieving a positive learning environment. It is through the
combined efforts of the educational trinity: student, parent, and teacher,
that a student can become truly successful. By reviewing the guidelines for
conduct and listed responsibilities, parents and teachers can assist and
guide the student’s efforts toward behavioral and academic success.
Christian principles of respect for the rights of others govern the actions
of all. Students are expected to follow all the explicit and implicit rules
of good order. An important key for developing responsibility in children is
by allowing them to experience logical and natural
consequences. Teachers communicate with parents by note discipline form, or
telephone call when the student’s behavior does not meet these standards.
The parents’ cooperation is essential for effective resolution.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
While recognizing that students first learn appropriate behavior at home, it
is understood that parents, teachers, and students are all responsible for
creating and maintaining an environment that encourages growth and learning.
Each teacher will display a discipline plan that includes positive
recognition for appropriate behavior. Positive reinforcement plays a key
role in maintaining discipline each day and can take many forms from verbal
praise to more tangible rewards.
DISCIPLINARY NOTICE
Specific breaches of discipline in the classroom are under the authority of
the supervising teacher. However, all teachers have jurisdiction over all
students, regardless of age or grade. Parents will be notified when their
child has seriously misbehaved within the classroom or during
extracurricular activities. Disciplinary notices are issued to students who
do not follow class or school rules.
Rules that will be posted in each classroom are:
1. Respect yourself and others, while taking responsibility for your actions.
2. Be prepared by bringing all required supplies and homework to class.
3. Be on time.
4. Choose your attitude.
5. Be a consistent learner.
According to the SHCS discipline plan, the following steps will be taken to
improve student behavior:
1. Warning
2. Sign discipline form taking responsibility for discipline choice
3. Lunch Isolation
4. Teacher contacts home
5. Visit to the Principal’s office
It is important to be aware that the student’s conduct grade will be lowered
to an “S” after the first three discipline forms and then lowered to an “N”
after six discipline forms during the nine week quarter. After nine
discipline notices, the student's conduct grade will be lowered to a "U"
grade. These discipline forms notify both the student and his/her parent of
a need for improved behavior. These notices must be signed by the parent and
student and returned to the teacher. After six discipline notices, a student
will serve detention after school on an assigned date. After nine discipline
notices, a student will have to serve an in school suspension and the family
will incur the cost for the substitute. A visit to the principal will result
if a student does not respond to repeated efforts by the teacher to encourage
appropriate behavior or when a major offense occurs. A student will have
lunch isolation if they receive two discipline forms in one day.
SUSPENSION
Suspension is a serious punishment that shall be used when a student is in
serious violation of the Discipline Code or commits a major offense. Should
it be necessary to suspend, both oral and written notice will be given to
the student and parents. The suspension may be either “in school” or “out of
school” suspension. This is at the discretion of the principal. In-school
suspension: means that the student will not be allowed to attend classes
with fellow students and is required to complete all regular class work in
another setting. A substitute teacher will be hired at the parents’ expense.
An in-school suspension may last up to five days. Out of school suspension:
requires that the student remain away from the school under the parents’
supervision. Schoolwork will be assigned and completion required.
Major offenses include but are not limited to:
1. Destruction of property, vandalism of any kind
2. Smoking or use of tobacco, alcohol or other harmful substances, or
possession thereof (See Diocesan Policy below)
3. Theft/cheating
4. Fighting
5. Harassment (including sexual harassment)
6. Intimidation or defiance
7. Leaving school grounds without authorization
8. Repeated acts of incorrigible behavior
9. Possession of weapons and/or other potentially dangerous item
10. Other acts of behavior unbefitting a St. Helen student
All student lockers are the property of the school. Students will abide by
the school’s rules regarding usage and care. Students are advised that
lockers can be searched for just cause and without prior notice.
EXPULSION
Expulsion is an extremely serious matter and generally every other possible
solution will have been explored with the student and his/her parents prior
to taking this action. A student’s continued enrollment at the school will
be subject to his meeting the scholastic and behavioral standards set by the
school’s administration. If any student fails to meet these standards, and
if the principal believes that continued enrollment of the student is not in
the best interest of the student or the school, the principal shall so
advise the pastor. A written notification of the expulsion, stating the
circumstances and dates of the matter shall be sent to the Diocesan
Superintendent of Schools. Parents may appeal the expulsion to the School
Board. Immediate expulsion can take place when a student:
• Participates in disruptive activities by a group, including but not
limited to gangs
• Possesses, uses or delivers narcotics, dangerous drugs, harmful
substances, or alcohol on school campus or school sponsored activities
• Smokes or uses any tobacco product on school property or at school-related
activity
• Possesses, uses or conceals a weapon or any item construed to be a weapon
on school property or at a school-related activity (a weapon is any
instrument which might produce bodily harm or death)
• Threatens bodily injury or harm to a student/school personnel
• Assaults a student or any school personnel that results in serious
physical injury
• Vandalizes school property or the property of others
• Commits persistent acts of incorrigible behavior
Disruptive, threatening or illegal behavior of a parent/guardian may result
in the expulsion of that student. The authorities will be immediately
notified if parents disrupt, threaten or engage in illegal behavior
including but not limited to assaulting a student or school personnel.
Assault is a crime that occurs when one person tries to physically harm
another in a way that makes the person under attack feel immediately
threatened. Actual physical contact is not necessary; threatening gestures
that would alarm any reasonable person can constitute an assault.
ARCHDIOCESAN POLICY REGARDING USE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
The use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is
wrong and harmful. A student is subject to removal from class which may
result in suspension, expulsion, or referral for prosecution. This policy is
in effect whether the student is on school property or attending a school
sponsored or school-related activity on or off school property, in the event
there is a question of one of the following situations:
• Chemical substance use, possession for consumption, sale or dispensing of
illegal drugs and narcotics.
• Acting under the influence of an illegal drug alcohol, narcotic,
marijuana, or a controlled
substance.
• Medication misuse or over-dosage.
GUNS AND WEAPONS
We are a weapons-free campus. Guns and other weapons are clearly a hazard to
the welfare of human beings and a safe learning environment. They will not
be permitted nor tolerated on our campus. Possession of such results in
immediate notification of the appropriate authorities. This disciplinary
program supersedes all previous plans. By no means is it all-inclusive.
Administration and staff will exercise professional judgement and
discretion so as to address each situation fairly and consistently.
CELL PHONES/OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Cell phones are not allowed to be used at any time during the school day.
A fine of $30.00 will be imposed if a student is found with a cell phone,
ipod, camera, game machine, or other electronic device on campus. Any
electronic device that is found on or with a student at school will be
confiscated. The $30.00 fee must be paid in the presence of a parent and the
electronic device will be returned only to the parent.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
It is the policy of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston that all students
should attend school in an environment free of gender discrimination that
encompasses freedom from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is immoral and
reprehensible and will not be tolerated in the Catholic school. In both
obvious and subtle ways, the very possibility of sexual harassment is
destructive to individuals and to the Church/School community as a whole.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for
sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature when:
• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term
or condition of a student’s education;
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as the basis for
academic decisions
affecting the student;
• Such conduct has the effect of substantially interfering with the
student’s academic
performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or demeaning educational
environment;
or
• Such conduct directly impacts the student’s physical or mental health or
welfare.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to the following behaviors:
• Unwelcome sexual advances
• Physical contact such as attempted or actual assault, unwanted touching,
including
pinching or brushing against another’s body; blocking normal movements or
interfering
with work, study, or play because of sex;
• Verbal conduct such as: sexually-oriented kidding, teasing, joking or
flirting;
• Verbal abuse of sexual nature;
• Leering, whistling, sexually suggestive gestures or sounds; or
• Displaying pictures that are sexual in nature
In addition, retaliation against students who report sexual harassment or
who assist the
Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston in an investigation of sexual harassment
complaint is strictly prohibited. Acts of retaliation will results in
disciplinary action.
ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL PROBATION
All newly enrolled students are automatically accepted with a status of
academic and behavioral probation for the first nine-weeks quarter. At the
end of the first quarter, the administration will send a parent letter
indicating the conclusion or extension of the probationary period. This
procedure is followed for students enrolling mid-year. A student can be put
on probation at any time during the school year for academic or behavioral
reasons. The principal reserves the right to put the student on probation or
home study or to suspend or expel as deemed appropriate to the
circumstances. The pastor will be consulted in cases of expulsion. The
pastor’s decision in these cases will be final.
In as much as it is true that loopholes may be found in any code, it is the
expectation of SHCS that parents/guardians and students will use good
judgment in complying with the behavior code, dress code, and/or policies.
The finding of a loophole and the exploitation of that loophole to avoid
compliance with the spirit of the code will not be considered valid; rather,
such incidents will be treated as violations of the code. To avoid such a
misunderstanding, use the following rule: If you are not sure that it is
allowed, do not do it!
UNIFORM DRESS CODE
Parker Uniform is the exclusive supplier for uniform items. All students
must wear the required uniform from the first day of school until the close
of the school year. Notice of exceptions to this rule is sent home in
advance. The SHCS emblem must be on the left side of all shirts for the
boys, the girl’s polo shirts, and school V-neck sweater.
Shirttails and blouses must be tucked into pants so the belt loops are
visible. Belts must be worn on clothing that have belt loops. Belts are to
be black, dark brown, or navy blue.
All buttons on blouses or shirts (except the collar button) must be
buttoned. Collar buttons must be buttoned with a tie. Blouses or shirts are
not allowed with missing buttons. Girls’ hemlines must not be shorter than 2
½” above the knee for culottes, jumpers, or skirts.
GIRLS UNIFORM:
Kindergarten – 3rd grade girls can wear Parker plaid culottes with a green
or yellow Parker polo shirt with emblem. Official Mass uniforms must be
worn for Friday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Required Mass uniforms
include plaid jumper and white blouse with navy trim and peter pan collar.
4th-8th grade girls can wear Parker plaid skirt with a green or yellow polo
shirt with emblem. Required Mass uniforms include plaid skirt with white
buttoned down blouse with emblem and plaid tie. Privacy shorts are required
to be worn under the skirt but must not be able to be seen.
BOYS UNIFORM:
Kindergarten-8th grade boys can wear Parker blue pants or shorts with a
green or yellow Parker polo shirt with emblem. Official Mass uniforms must
be worn for Friday Mass and Holy Days of Obligation. Required Mass uniforms
include Parker blue pants, white buttoned down shirt with emblem, and Parker
plaid tie. V-Neck sweater vests and pants are required on Mass days
November 1st-March 1st. A black, dark brown, or navy blue belt is required
if pants are designed with belt loops.
SOCKS AND SHOES:
Students may wear white or navy socks (socks must be worn 1 inch above the
ankle bone.) Girls may wear white or navy tights during winter months.
Tennis shoes must be navy blue, black, brown, white, or gray. No other
accent colors may be present on a student’s shoe. Shoes must be “non-skid
soles.” For safety reasons, thongs, open toed, open back, high-heeled, or
high-top shoes are not permitted. Heels must be two (2) inches or less.”
Shoes with characters or lights are not permitted. Socks must be worn 1 inch
above the ankle. Boots are not allowed.
JACKETS AND COATS:
A Parker navy blue cardigan or V-neck sweater with emblem can be worn in the
classroom. This is required for cold weather when a sweater is needed inside
the school. These Parker sweaters are the only sweaters that can be worn at
Mass or inside the school building. Students can purchase a navy polar
fleece with the school emblem from Parker to wear at Mass or
inside the school building. Only these approved sweaters and vests will be
allowed in the church and school building. Students may wear other jackets
and sweaters to and from school and on the playground but not inside the
school and church buildings.
P.E. UNIFORMS FOR BOYS AND GIRLS GRADES 5th-8th:
Students change into shorts and a t-shirt for p.e. class. Navy blue, black,
or gray gym shorts are required for grades 5-8. Shorts must be fingertip
length (approx.4 inches above the knee.) Students may wear a St. Helen t-
shirt, Parker gray t-shirt, Christian t-shirt or solid color t-shirt. Sweat
pants approved by the coaches are allowed during cold weather. Cargo pants
and pants with large pockets are not allowed. No jewelry should be worn
during p.e. class. Not wearing appropriate shoes, socks, or dress will be a
dress code violation.
WEDNESDAY SPIRIT DAYS
Spirit Day is on Wednesday unless it is a Holy Day or special occasion.
Spirit shirts are St. Helen Catholic School t-shirts, a Christian t-shirt,
such as one that may have a scripture on it, or a t-shirt from a high school
in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
Shirts from other Catholic schools are not allowed unless the Principal
gives special permission. During Catholic Schools’ Week, only St. Helen
Catholic School Spirit Shirts are allowed (no high school t-shirts). We are
to promote St. Helen Catholic School specifically that week.
DENIM DOLLAR DAY
As determined by the school calendar, students may choose to donate $1.00 to
the Athletic Department on Denim Dollar Day so that they can wear jean
pants. Jean skirts, capris, and jean shorts are not allowed to be worn.
SCOUT UNIFORMS
Students participating in scouts are allowed to wear scout uniforms on
meeting days.
GROOMING
The way a student dresses affects the way the student behaves. To maintain
an atmosphere that is conducive to learning, we expect our students to be
neat, clean, tidy, and modest in appearance. Hairstyles for boys and girls
should meet the standards of good taste for the classroom. Boys’ hair length
must be above the collar and must not cover the ears. All students’ bangs
must be above the eyes. Severe haircuts and styles that are disruptive to
the learning environment are not allowed. Hair color must be of a natural
color. The teacher and/or principal will contact parents regarding their
child’s hairstyle when not approved. Students may be sent home to remedy the
situation. Girls with pierced ears may wear single stud, small ball
earrings, or small religious earrings. Boys are not allowed to wear
earrings. Earrings may only be worn in the ear lobe. One earring per lobe is
allowed. Body piercing and tattoos of any type are not allowed. Jewelry
should be minimal and religious in nature. Students may be asked to remove
any jewelry that might be disruptive to the learning environment. Makeup,
nail polish, or artificial nails are not allowed; however, minimal makeup in
good taste is allowed with parent and staff approval for girls in grades 6 -
8. The principal is the final authority of what is appropriate.
FREE DRESS DAYS
Free Dress days are announced in advance in The Happenings or separate
handouts sent home. These particular days are reserved for Spring Pictures
Day or rewards determined by the Principal.
Expectations are as follows:
• Tank tops, t-shirts with distasteful slogan/pictures, see through tops,
crop tops, halter tops, and mini skirts are not allowed. Skirts are to be 2
½ inches above the knee.
• Shoes and socks must be worn (i.e., bobby socks and knee socks but not
socks below the ankle. Sandals are acceptable only on free dress days.
• Clothes are to be in good taste. This includes no tight blouses, tight
fitting pants, etc.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS
Parents are responsible for compliance with the dress code of SHCS. Faculty
members share the responsibility for enforcement. The school reserves the
right to decide whether a student’s grooming is in accordance with the
school’s high standards. Those students in violation of the uniform and
personal appearance code are given notice of the violation. The consequences
of a violation to the dress code are as follows:
1st offense: Written warning and/or telephone call to parent.
2nd offense: Written notice of violation will be sent home. If parent can be
reached, the parent may opt to bring the appropriate uniform and/or clothing
by 8:20 A.M., otherwise parent/student pays a $10.00 fee.
3rd & subsequent offenses: Written notice of violation will be sent home and
the parent/student pays the required $10.00 fee. Parents may be required to
pick their child up from school so that the student can change into the
appropriate uniform for school.
HEALTH ISSUES
As Christian parents, we are responsible for the health and welfare of our
children. Please assist us in keeping a healthy environment by not sending
children to school with any symptoms of illness.
HEALTH SCREENING
Vision, hearing, and spinal screenings are conducted each year on students
per State of Texas Health Department requirements. Students who do not pass
the screenings are referred to their family doctor or specialist.
ILLNESS
When the school determines that your child is ill, we expect you or a
representative to arrive within 30 minutes to one hour maximum. It is
paramount that you give us current telephone numbers as well as emergency
contacts’ names and telephone numbers. If the parents cannot be reached,
then the emergency contacts will be called to pick up your child. Any child
with a temperature of 100° or above or vomiting is sent home. A student
should be fever free without the aid of medication for 24 hours before
returning to school following an illness. Students are to be kept home when
they have a cold, sore throat, temperature, eye infection, skin eruptions,
swollen glands, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Any child exhibiting such
symptoms is sent home. Parents are required to notify the office if a
student is ill. Please notify the school if your child has a communicable
disease. When a child returns to school after having a communicable disease,
he/she must present himself/herself to the office with a written note from a
doctor saying he/she can be readmitted to class. Any child sent home with
lice may not return until all signs of lice are gone. The Archdiocese of
Galveston-Houston follows a nit-free policy. The school nurse aide must
check the student before he/she is allowed to return to class. A student
sent home with lice may not return to school until all signs of lice are
gone, approximately 48 hours.
MEDICATION
If possible, all medication should be given outside of school hours. “Three
times a day” medications should be given before school, after school, and at
bedtime. Only medication, which is necessary for the child to remain in
school, will be given during school hours. Stock medications are not kept in
the clinic. The parents are responsible for bringing all medications for
their child to the clinic and to pick up unused medicine or it will be
destroyed.
Prescription Medications
Law prohibits the school faculty from administering any kind of medication
to the students without authorization. The student will need a “Request for
Medication Administration” form signed by the physician and parent. Please
obtain this form from the school office. The medication is to be brought to
the school nurse in the original container. Prescription medication must be
properly identified with the prescription label from a pharmacy. The school
will not be held responsible for any medication that is taken by the child.
The use of nebulizer treatments in schools, for the treatment of asthma
should be done with extreme caution. Non-medical personnel should not be
responsible for the administration of the nebulizer treatment. The parent is
ultimately responsible for the care of their asthmatic child.
Non-Prescription Medications
All fever reducers or over-the-counter pain relievers, cough drops,
ointment, vitamins, and other over the counter medications are
considered “medication” and may not be given to your child unless a
permission slip signed by your physician and a note giving your consent is
on file. A parent’s signature alone is not sufficient. Non-prescription
medications must be labeled with the child’s name.
IMMUNIZATIONS
Each child entering SHCS must have received the basic series of
immunizations against whooping cough, diphtheria, typhoid, polio, measles,
mumps, and all other diseases as required by state law and Archdiocesan
policy. The state requires that all students entering public or non-public
schools have at least 5 doses of DPT, DT, and or TD vaccine, provided that at
least one dose of DPT/OPV has been received on or after the fourth birthday.
For the health and safety of the entire student body, the required
documentation of immunizations, including the doctor’s signature must be on
file for a student’s registration to be complete. All new students entering
the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston school district are required to present
written evidence of T.B. testing and results. Students with incomplete
immunization records are not admitted to class until their record is
current. It is the parent’s responsibility to keep their child’s
immunization record current.
SUSPECTED ABUSE
SHCS abides by the Child Abuse Prevention, Adoption, and Family Services
Act. This law mandates that all cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect is
reported to Child Protective Services.
FIRST FRIDAY BREAKFAST CLUB
It has been a tradition that all students receive a breakfast snack and milk
in the school’s First Friday Breakfast Club. The students receive this
breakfast after the First Friday Mass each month.
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
The school provides a nutritious hot lunch every day. The Cafeteria Manager
and her staff cook meals on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The school has
contracts with local restaurants for Wednesdays and Fridays. Students may
not bring glass containers or any carbonated beverages. Please provide your
child a nutritious meal for lunch. If a student forgets his/her lunch, the
school will immediately provide a sack lunch to your child and a lunch
voucher will be sent home. Once a lunch is handed to your child, parents are
obligated to pay the voucher. Lunch menus are sent home monthly with the
student. Lunches are ordered and paid in advance by the predetermined
deadline. Late orders are not accepted. Refunds cannot be given because menu
items are ordered and purchased in advance. If a student is absent for a
minimum of five days and misses at least five days of hot lunch, a credit is
issued; however, a request must be made in writing. Each student in the
family must turn in an order form to the classroom teacher with the exact
change or separate checks. For accounting purposes, please do not add other
funds into lunch checks. Because of separate accounts, checks should be
separate from other purchases such as book orders, t-shirts, etc.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER
Please notify the school in writing when there is a change of address and/or
a change in telephone numbers (home or business). It is important to keep
this information current for the student’s safety in case of emergencies.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Each school year a Student Directory is published. Parents must contact the
office if they choose not to have their phone numbers and address listed.
Please do not call the school to request any phone numbers or addresses for
any SHCS family or employee.
DELIVERIES
SHCS will not accept delivery of restaurant food, flowers, balloons, etc.
for students.
EMERGENCIES
Lock Down Drills
We have periodic lock down drills or other crisis management drills to
ensure safe and orderly procedures in case of a crisis.
Fire & Tornado
Fire drills are held in accordance with the Pearland Fire Department
regulations. These drills are worked out with the faculty and the Fire
Department to ensure safe and orderly evacuation and precautionary measures.
Tornado drills are also held periodically.
Severe Weather
In case of severe weather, SHCS will follow Pearland Independent School
District closings. Parents should listen to local news stations for any
school closings.
FIELD DAY
Field Day events incorporate team-building skills for all students. All
students participate in this fun-filled day. Because safety is the utmost
concern of all students and due to the physical activities of Field Day
events, we ask parents not to bring younger siblings. Volunteers are welcome
to work the concession stand.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are taken to enrich the instructional program by taking
advantage of the educational resources of the community and supplement
classroom work. No student has an absolute right to a field trip. A child
who is not allowed by the school to attend the field trip must attend school
that day; supervision will be provided by a substitute teacher and parents
must pay the necessary fee for the substitute teacher. Parents will be
requested to sign a field trip permission slip to indicate their willingness
for their child to participate in class trips. According to state law,
children are not allowed to attend a field trip without the completed field
trip permission form from the parents or guardians. No exceptions will be
made. Permission cannot be given over the telephone. Middle school students
may be given an opportunity to participate in extended and/or overnight
field trips. Some field trips may require payment of an additional fee.
Financial restraints should not keep a child from attending a field trip and
should be discussed with the administration. Teachers shall coordinate field
trip plans and arrange for additional parent chaperones. Student attire will
be specified for each trip. Parents/Chaperones who participate on field
trips must have attended a Virtus Workshop.
FUNDRAISING
To provide a quality Catholic education for children, the school must have
the necessary funds to provide the best-qualified teachers possible as well
as current technology and textbooks. Tuition does not cover the cost per
pupil to educate our students. SHCS respectfully requests positive parental
participation in required school fundraising activities and in serving the
school. The school holds fundraisers such as: magazine drive, Haak Winery,
and the Dinner-Dance. Parents are expected to contribute by buying, selling,
or contributing at least $200.00 net for one child or $300.00 net per family
per school year. One half of this net obligation is due on or before
December 31 and the other one half is due on or before April 15. Parents may
opt to a buy out. Since St. Helen Catholic Church has been generous in
investing in our school, we ask that prior to April 15, each family buy or
sell $50.00 of raffle tickets per family for the St. Helen Bazaar in June.
This is not in addition to the tickets the parish mails each family. This
$50.00 does not count towards the fundraising obligation.
FAMILY SERVICE REQUIREMENT
Each family must complete 25 mandatory service hours within the given school
year or must pay the equivalent of $7.00 per service hour that they are
unable to complete.
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
When a student’s registration is accepted, parents become members of the
Home and School Association (HSA). This organization consists of parents,
teachers, clergy, and any parishioners interested in SHCS and the
enhancement of student potential. We encourage all parents to become active
participants in the HSA to provide the necessary link between home and
school.
PARKING
No child is to be left in an unattended car. Children are unsafe left in a
parked car running. Park your car in designated spaces, not under the porte
cochere. When it is raining, you may drive under the patio to pick up or
drop off students. Unattended cars are a serious safety concern.
PARTIES
Classroom parties are allowed for All Saints Day, Christmas, Valentine’s
Day, and the year end party. The Principal will announce any other parties
in advance.
BIRTHDAY CLUB
To ensure that all students are treated special and fairly, individual
parties are not held at the school. Instead, all students participate in a
Birthday Club party held monthly with the Principal during his/her birthday
month. July and August birthdays are celebrated in late August and May and
June birthdays are celebrated in May. The guests of honor are seated with
the Principal at a specially decorated table in the Family Life Center.
Celebrants receive pizza, cupcake with a candle, ice cream, drink, and a
special remembrance. All other individual parties for students must be
conducted off campus. Snacks, favors, gifts, will not be distributed. If a
child is absent on the date of the Birthday Club celebration, the child may
join the next month’s celebration.
PARTY INVITATIONS
Party invitations may not be given out at school unless all students in the
class or all students of the same gender in the class are included. If that
is impossible, then invitations must be mailed or handed out off campus.
This includes not handing out invitations before or after school when
everyone is not invited. It may be impossible to include all classmates in
outside parties. Christian behavior and proper etiquette as well as good
manners require that those hosting or attending the party refrain from
discussing those parties at school. Not only is it hurtful to those who were
not included, it is considered unchristian and ill mannered.
ROOM PARENTS
The Room Parents are volunteers whose duties are to assist the Principal,
teachers, and students in various ways. Please contact the classroom teacher
to volunteer as a Room Parent.
SCHOOL PICTURES
Individual school pictures are taken in the fall and spring. Mass uniforms
are required for fall individual pictures. Students have a free dress day
(school uniform may be worn) for spring pictures.
TELEPHONE USE AND MESSAGES
Students may not use the school’s telephones unless it is an emergency.
Forgetting one’s homework, P.E. uniform, lunch, etc. is not considered an
emergency. Students and parents must arrange after school rides ahead of
time. The office staff is available to serve you in an emergency, but is not
responsible for nonemergency messages. Please limit your requests for
messages to be delivered to your child unless it is an emergency.
TRANSFER
When a student transfers to another school, the parents notify the front
office. All textbooks are returned to the teacher. Transcripts and other
school records are sent to the child’s new school by post office mail as
requested by the new school. Records are released to the new school’s
registrar after all previously required SHCS tuition and fees are paid.
Parents wishing to view student records must submit a written request twenty-
four hours in advance.
VISITORS
To insure the safety of all children, staff, visitors, and volunteers of
SHCS, all visitors must sign the logbook at the Receptionist’s desk. A
visitor’s pass must be worn at all times while on campus. The staff has been
instructed to send anyone without a visitor’s pass to the Receptionist’s
office. This is a safety issue that must be observed for the sake of our
students and staff.
CLASSROOM VISITS
We strive to minimize classroom distractions and to increase attentiveness
of the child towards a positive, child-centered learning environment. All
requests for classroom visits must be arranged with the principal. Siblings
are not permitted in the classrooms during visits. Visitors should refrain
from conversation with the teacher or students. Visits will be restricted to
Mondays and will not exceed 30 minutes.
LUNCH AND RECESS
After obtaining a visitor’s pass, parents are welcome to have lunch with
their child (not more than once per week.) Siblings are welcome to come to
lunch as long as their parent is not volunteering in some capacity. Please
support our Hot Lunch program or bring a lunch from home to share with your
child. If you wish to bring fast food to your child, please do so on
Wednesday or Friday. The school contracts with outside vendors on these days.
VOLUNTEERING
All junior high students have a 10 hour required yearly service hour
commitment. This can be done easily in a variety of ways, such as assisting
in the office, classrooms, cafeteria, library, etc. Another way to serve is
to volunteer on committees. This includes, but is not limited to, the Dinner-
Dance Committee and its subcommittees, Home and School Committees, Board of
Education Committees, and making phone calls or assisting from your home.
Other ways of volunteering are to chaperone field trips or work at the church
bazaar. Anyone in the family including students, siblings, grandparents,
aunts, and uncles may assist in earning the family’s hours. Please contact
the front office or our volunteer parent coordinator to volunteer service to
your child’s school. All SHCS volunteers must sign the Volunteer Handbook
Acknowledgment sheet, pass a criminal background check, and attend VIRTUS
training.
School Board Policy dated June 2002
“All new volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation session, sign an
ethics policy and confidentiality agreement, and pass a criminal background
check. All returning volunteers must sign an ethics policy and
confidentiality agreement at the beginning of each school year. If a
volunteer returns after a year or more break in his/her service, he/she must
repeat the initial requirements as a new volunteer. SHCS would appreciate
each volunteer paying for his/her own criminal background check. In return,
SHCS will be happy to provide the necessary form for tax deduction.”
Volunteers may not take younger siblings along on field trips or other
school sponsored activities. Due to liability and supervision concerns,
siblings are never allowed to accompany a parent who is volunteering service
to the school. All SHCS volunteers are expected to be dressed appropriately.
No shorts are allowed unless you are working in the garden, landscaping, or
helping at P.E. classes. Volunteers are expected to have the same standard
dress code as teachers and staff.
ST. HELEN CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Communities are successful to the degree to which the members are
knowledgeable and in accordance with the rules, regulations, and policies
that govern them. Parents assist and support the teachers and administration
in the implementation and enforcement of the student code of conduct, school
policies, and regulations. It is expected that families to abide by the
policies, procedures, and regulations set forth in this handbook. The school
and/or the principal retain the right to amend this handbook for just
cause. Parents and students are expected to sign the Handbook
Acknowledgement Form. If you have any questions about the contents of this
handbook, please contact the front office of the school at 281-485-2845.