St. Philip School

I. PHILOSOPHY

In light of the Christian message of the value inherent in each person, we recognize the importance of religious education, intellectual advancement , and social growth. This is to be accomplished through the three-fold thrust of Message, Community, and Service.

In the MESSAGE of education each child will develop intellectual growth. He/she has the right to a basic understanding of the truth presented in a relevant body of knowledge; also the right to express his/her perception of the truth within the framework of self-discipline.

Through the discovery of COMMUNITY each child will hopefully grow spiritually. He/she has the right to experience mutual respect and trust, to foster a reasonable pride in himself/herself, in his/her community, and in a nation.

As a result of rendering SERVICE, a social growth will occur. Each child has the right to develop a set of just values, to make capable decisions, to act responsibly, and to realize his/her potential.

As educators of youth of St. Philip School, we believe in these articles of education:

1) That students be taught the basic doctrines of the Catholic Church and of Christianity in general, that a Christian is one who totally integrates religion with living and has a respect for all life.

2) That students are expected to become involved in the Christian Community by service to others; that Christian life is living, sharing, and example. They are to be made aware that they are responsible members of society.

3) That students be given the opportunity to gain a knowledge of, and an appreciation of, our country’s democratic heritage.

4) That students be taught self-discipline, which is

the best discipline; that students be taught responsibility; that teachers encourage creative thinking as the highest form of intellectual activity.

5) That teachers are expected to witness Gospel

Message of Christ by word and example.

6) That basic skills in all areas be taught in sequence; that multi-aids be used at all levels to meet individual difference; that single standards not be used in the evaluation process because of individual differences.

7) That the immense importance of home training not overlooked by the school; the teachers realize the child’s first and greatest acquaintance with God and community takes places in the home; that the teacher endeavor to create and atmosphere in which parentswill feel free to share the task of educating the child Entering into discussion or seeking advice when necessary.

II .MISSION STATEMENT

In the light of the CHRISTIAN MESSAGE of the value inherent in each person, we the spiritual leaders, Principal, Faculty and Staff of St. Philip School are committed to recognize the importance of religious education, intellectual advancement, and social growth of each child under our care.

This is to be accomplished through the three-fold thrust of:

1.In the MESSAGE each child will develop intellectual growth.

2. Through COMMUNITY each child will hopefully grow spiritually.

3. In rendering SERVICE each child will be better able to enhance Social Justice.

III. ADMINISTRATION

A. EDUCATION COMMISSION

St. Philip Board of Total Catholic Education is a policy making group of interested people elected by the parish members at large.

B. ADMISSION POLICY

1. All eligible children are accepted to St. Philip School regardless of race, color, or national origin. St. Philip parishioners will be given first preference in cases of overcrowding.

2. Children must be five years of age by October 1^st. to enter Kindergarten and six by October 1^st. to enter Grade 1. Children must have completed Kindergarten to enter Grade 1.

3. Registration forms and health certificates must be presented before the child enters school. Any and all updated booster inoculations must be added to the students’ health records.

4. Fees: Book Bill, Diocesan and Cafeteria Fees, as stipulated in the Parent’s Packet, is required to be paid at the beginning of the year.

5. There is an additional Parish fee required as explained on yearly registration form.

6. Kindergarten (Omit No.4 & 5) There is a yearly nonrefundable Registration Fee payable at the time of registration. Tuition and snack fees are to be paid weekly or monthly. The amount is stipulated on your Registration Contract.

C. RELIGIOUS ADVANTAGES

The opportunity to participate in religious activities is one of the greatest benefit of a Catholic School.

In addition to daily Religion Class:

1. Students attend Liturgy regularly.

2. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is received seasonally.

3. First Confession and First Communion are received by the second grade students. The date is set each year.

4. Confirmation is received by seventh and eighth grade students on an alternating yearly basis. This is preceded by a Day of Recollection.

5. Graduation consists of a well-planned Religious Ceremony for the graduates and families. A celebration in the school hall follows the Liturgy.

D. SCHEDULING

1. The school day for Grades 1-8 is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15p.m. Kindergarten, 8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m.

(Note: Snacks for Kindergarten will be supplied by the

school for a nominal monthly fee. Healthy snacks are for sale prior to 8:25a.m. for grade school students.)

2. Morning break (15 minutes) from 10:15a.m. to 10:30a.m. for Grades K-2. Lunch break ( 45 minutes) from 12:15p.m.-1:00p.m. for grades 1 through 8.

E. TRANSPORTATION

1. The majority of our students ( K-8) ride Campbell County School buses.

Bus service begins the first day and ends the last day of school. Contact Campbell County Office of Transportation at 635-2161 at least two weeks prior to school starting if you have not heard from the bus office. It is expected that the children follow all the rules of safety as bus riders.

2. Students are free to ride home only with a family member or a pre-authorized person. ( Dismissal forms are on file.)

3. Calamity Days:

a. School will be closed due to severe weather conditions if Campbell County Schools are closed and the buses are unable to run. Listen to the radio or television for the announcement of such closings.

b. There are times when school can be in session but the buses are not running. On these days, each family will be notified by a telephone call or written notice.

4. If it is necessary for your child to get off the bus at a stop

not of normal routine, a note must be submitted to the Principal for her signature.

F. ATTENDANCE

1. ABSENCES

It is necessary for progress in learning that attendance be regular. In accordance with state regulations a child must present a note explaining the reason for his/her absence when he/she returns to school.

2. APPOINTMENTS

Appointments are to be made for after school hours only, if possible. However, if it is necessary to take a child out of school for an appointment a written note must be submitted and signed by the Principal.

3. VACATION

Vacation time is not school time. The school personnel cannot give permission for students to take vacation during school days. It is the parents’ decision to do so. The school is not responsible for class work missed by the child because of vacation taken.

G. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

1. If a child becomes ill or is injured while at school every effort will be made to notify the parent or person to be contacted. A child is sent home only if the person responsible can be reached.

If not, the child will be kept at school and be made as comfortable as possible.

2. An Emergency Plan is in place for the school for any unusual happenings. The teachers will instruct the students as to each procedure to follow.

H. LUNCH PROGRAM

Lunches are provided for a reasonable fee which is to be paid for the week on Mondays. A weekly menu is sent home the Thursday before the week begins. Information regarding the regular reduced and free lunch program will be sent home at the beginning of the school year.

I. COMMUNICATION TO PARENTS

1. Progress Reports are sent home mid-way between the first, second, and third report card period for Grades 1-8.

2. Report cards are issued quarterly. Arrangements are made for a brief conference time with the teacher at the time of distribution in late October.

3. Parents are welcome to visit teachers by appointment whenever they think it will be helpful to the child. Calls and visits are not to be made during the school time.

4. If a problem arises, the parents shall contact the teacher. In a case where there is no solution, the parent will contact the Principal. If after consulting with the Principal there is still no resolution, the problem should then be presented to the Board of Total Catholic Education by the parents and/or the Principal. This must be done as a written notice to the Board.

5. Parents will be notified regularly of their financial contribution reports from the Pastor.

IV. SCHOOL REGULATIONS

A. DRESS CODE

Since school is considered as a work-place of learning they should be dressed accordingly. All students must come to school properly attired according to the dress code. Any students found to be out of dress code as stated below will receive one warning. If a second offence occurs the students will be responsible for the consequences. If an out-of uniform incident needs to occur, a note should be submitted to the Principal for her signature.

BOYS:

1. Dress pants of navy blue or gray. No baggy pants are permitted. Pants must be belted at the waist.

2. Solid colors knit shirts of white, red, blue, yellow, or gray with a collar. Shirt tails must be tucked in at all times. If not tucked in, consequences will follow.

3. Pullover or cardigan sweaters of gray, red, white, and navy blue may be worn.

4. Official St. Philip sweatshirts ( only) may be worn over a school approval shirt as noted in #2.

5. Socks must be white or navy blue ankle socks with no deviation.

6. Hair style is to be of normal, reasonable length.

GIRLS:

1. Grades 1 thru 4 uniform jumper of reasonable length.Grades 5 thru 8 uniform skirts of reasonable length.

2. Navy blue or gray slacks.

3. White blouse (not shear nor sleeveless). Tails must be tucked in at all times. If not tucked in, consequences will follow.

4. Pullover or cardigan sweaters of white, red, navy blue or gray.

5. Official St. Philip sweatshirts ( only) may be worn over a white blouse.

6. Knee socks or ankle socks of white, red, or navy blue may be worn with no deviation.

7. Post earrings ( no dangling) only are acceptable.

WARM WEATHER ATTIRE FOR ALL GRADES:

Uniform style running shorts ( no shorter than right above the knees ) may be worn on all days of school during the months of August, September and May. Solid colors of navy blue or gray.

B. HOMEWORK

Study habits are essential for intellectual growth and develop-ment. Home assignments are expected to be done properly and completely on the date due. Homework books will come home daily with each student. The following should be considered:

1. A time and place for home study.

2. The necessary equipment : pencil, paper, etc.

3. A definite time schedule.

4. A method of study to be followed.

5. Time allotment for homework. There is some consideration made as to the length of day, early arrival and late departure of the students. Time specified is for an average student.

Grades 1-2 30 minutes

Grades 3-6 50 minutes

Grades 7-8 90 minutes

The parents are encouraged to be aware of these times and to set them aside for the students to be able to do their work efficiently.

C. FUND RAISING

An activity for students to develop a spirit of giving to worthwhile projects is the gifts of sacrifice to Ghana and the Holy Childhood Association. This fund is collected during Lent each year.

D. CLASS FIELD TRIPS

1. The classes are permitted to take educational field trips, Grades K-6: reasonable distance during the school day. Grades 7 & 8: distance of a full day trip.

2. These field trips are of such a nature that they enhance both the educational and cultural aspect of the child’s life.

3. A permission slip signed by a parent must be submitted

before a child is permitted to participate.

V. SCHOOL PROCEDURES

A. DISCIPLINE

St. Philip School strives to help each child respect one another dignity and worth by instilling in them certain responsibilities in this respect and learning process. Since the education of your children is our primary concern, your full cooperation with your children’s discipline would be greatly appreciated.

1. General disturbances within the classroom will not be tolerated. All general classroom rules stipulated by the teacher, must be followed. All major disturbances will be brought to the attention of the principal.

2. Respect and Courtesy to the teacher or other fellow classmates is expected.

3. Property of the school and the other students is to be cared for in a proper manner. Textbooks are to be covered all year and they are not to be written on or in. Fines will be collected for any infraction. The private property of the teacher or fellow classmates is not to be taken without permission of the owner.

4.Honesty ( not cheating on home assignments or test) is a moral virtue strongly supported by St. Philip School. Teachers will respond to cheating by giving the student a zero and no opportunity to make up the work. The principal will deal with chronic offenders.

5.Chewing gum is not permitted in the building or on the school grounds during school hours. A fine of $1.00 will be issued for any infraction.

6.Obscene language / gestures in the classroom or on the playground is totally unacceptable.

7.Harassment of any sort, physical , verbal or non-verbal will not be tolerated. Playing is to be in such a manner that no clothing is grabbed or torn and there is to be no kicking, pushing or jumping on other’s back. Name calling and group isolation is considered verbal and non-verbal harassment.

8.Controlled substances( tobacco, alcohol,) and weapons on school property at any time is absolutely prohibited. Any medication that is needed to be taken by a student is to be given to the teacher with a note from the parents. Objects , such as : chains, knives , guns are considered as weapons.

Any infractions to Sections 6,7,8 ,above will lead to an automatic suspension or possible expulsion.

B. SUSPENSION and EXPULSION

If a child is consistently a source of disturbance or there is a lack of cooperation as to regulations, assignments, etc. some procedures will follow:

1. Parents will be notified of the situation.

( Suspension means Not being permitted in the classroom.)

2. If there is no improvement following parent notification, an “In School” suspension may be issued: that means the child will be out of the classroom under the supervision of an adult. Any work done during that time will be done without the direction of the teacher. He/she will be permitted back into the class at the discretion of the teacher. The teacher or parents or both have the option of calling a conference.

3. If there is another serious infraction, it could be necessary to follow an “Out–of-School” suspension. The child will not be permitted back into the building until the school personnel is guaranteed that the students in question will follow all regulations as stated in the handbook.

4. EXPULSION means a student is permanently removed from the school’s student roster.

This action takes place:

a. By means of a letter to the parents and a copy to the School Board.

b. Only for extreme cases where there is no possibility of dealing with the situation.

c. After an “Out of School” suspension has brought no change in conduct.

d. Notification is signed by the Pastor.

In cases where parents feel there is an injustice they may request a review from the Board of Total Catholic Education before any decision is finalized.

VI. EXTRA CURRICULAR

A. The St. Philip School sports program is sponsored by the Parish Boosters Organization. The program consists in basketball for all grade levels.

1.Each child must prove himself/herself worthy of the honor of representing the school in order to be on the team.

2.This is a privilege that can be revoked due to failing grades or misconduct.

B. Service projects such as :Saving General Mills Box Tops, Krogers’, Meier’s Bags, Aluminum cans , Campbell Soup Labels, Christian Leaderships Conferences and Pro-Life Walk are all aspects of a child’s school life.

VII. PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

Parents should make every effort to be involved in school organizations and fund raisers.

A. PTC (Parents Teachers Club)- All parents ( Mothers and Fathers) are encouraged to attend monthly PTC meetings. PTC hosts annual fund raisers: Turkey Festival, Stagette, Candy Drive, etc., for the purpose of helping with school finances.

B. BOOSTERS ORGANIZATION – Parents, especially those

with children involved in sports, are encouraged to join and participate in the Boosters Organization. The Boosters meet monthly. They host gatherings and dances during the year, for the purpose of the teams’ expenses. They sponsor our athletic teams, run the concession stand during baseball and soccer seasons and provide playground equipment for the school children.

VIII. CONCLUSION

The success of any endeavor takes the cooperation of all involved . Therefore, with God’s help and with the parents, teachers, and students working together each year will be a successful endeavor.

Parents need to review with their children all aspects of the Handbook pertaining to the Students.

Revised - Summer, 2001