Parent/Student Handbook
Volunteer Handbook
Athletic Handbook
2010-2011
Sacred Heart Catholic School School Office 634-5673
2700 S. Shartel School Fax 634-7011
Oklahoma City, OK 73109 Church Office 634-2458
Website: www.sacredheartokc.org
Parent/Student Contract with Sacred Heart Catholic School
This is your copy of the Parent/Student Handbook for Sacred Heart Catholic School. This handbook explains the school policies and procedures associated with attendance at Sacred Heart. This handbook defines the relationships among the school, students, and parents. Please keep the handbook handy to use as a reference; replacement copies cost $5. By enrolling your student(s) at SHCS, parents and students agree to abide by the rules and regulations contained in this Handbook.
The information presented in this handbook follows the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Catholic Schools Policies and Guidelines Handbook and Oklahoma School Law. The administrative rules and procedures that follow are intended to be fair and reasonable. The Principal, in consultation with the Pastor and Faculty, reserves the right to amend this Handbook at any time. Additionally, the principal reserves the right to waive and/or deviate from any and all disciplinary regulations for just cause at her discretion. Notice of amendments will be communicated in writing to parents and guardians.
SHCS is in compliance with the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Act of 1986, which requires schools to be inspected for asbestos and a management plan is written as documentation. A copy of the plan is available in the school office for review.
DAILY SCHEDULE
7:25 a.m. Mass at Mount St. Mary High School Chapel (Tues., Wed. and Thurs.)
7:30 a.m. Teacher supervision of students begins
7:30 a.m. Breakfast service begins
7:55 a.m. Breakfast service ends
7:55 a.m. Morning assembly (school gym)
8:00 a.m. Classes begin
8:15 a.m. School Mass at Sacred Heart Church (Friday)
10:50 a.m. PK-2nd grade lunch period begins
11:25 a.m. 3rd-5th grade lunch period begins
12:00 p.m. 6th-8th grade lunch period begins
3:15 p.m. Dismissal
3:15–5:45 p.m. After School Care
Office hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Appointments may be made for other times.
CODE OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT for PARENTS/GUARDIANS and VOLUNTEERS
The students’ interest in receiving a quality, morally based education can be served if students, parents/guardians and school employees work together. Normally, differences among these individuals can be resolved with open and honest communication. It shall be the express condition of enrollment that the parents/guardians of a student shall conform themselves to standards of conduct that are consistent with the Christian principles of Sacred Heart Catholic School. These principles include, but are not limited to, any policies, principles or procedures set forth in any student/parent handbook of the school.
These Christian principles further include, but are not limited to, the following:
· Parents/guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively with school personnel to assist the student in meeting the academic, moral, and behavioral expectations of the school.
· Parents/guardians may respectfully express their concerns about the school operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile or divisive.
· These expectations for parents/guardians include, but are not limited to, all school programs and events (i.e., after school care, athletics, field trips, etc.).
The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, which actions fall short of meeting the Christian principles of the school. The result of failing to abide by these principles may result in:
· a verbal or written warning to the parent/guardian.
· limiting or refusing permission to enter or use school grounds or facilities.
· asking someone other than the person not abiding by the Code to represent the child’s interests on school matters.
· suspension of parent/guardian’s privilege to participate in school activities, volunteer work, etc.
· refusal to allow the student to re-register.
· in extreme cases, parents will be required to make other arrangements for the education of their child.
PHILOSOPHY
Sacred Heart Catholic School is a ministry of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. SHCS’s philosophy of education challenges students to develop their talents to their potential and to exercise personal responsibility for their actions. SHCS supports the parents as the primary educators in the spiritual/moral formation of their child. SHCS strives to build on past accomplishments and to implement the best educational programs within a safe, orderly, and culturally enriched environment. SHCS respects and celebrates the dignity and uniqueness of each person.
MISSION STATEMENT
Sacred Heart Catholic School’s mission is to provide a Christian atmosphere in which children can grow in love of God and neighbor as they achieve educational excellence within a culturally diverse community.
GOALS
Sacred Heart Catholic School’s goals are to:
· develop students who are life-long learners.
· motivate students to develop to their full potential.
· develop a partnership between home and school.
· promote service to others.
· instill respect and reverence for all life from conception to natural death.
· encourage participation in the sacramental life of the Church.
· instill in students a commitment to peace and justice.
· promote religious vocations.
· develop the understanding and practice of stewardship of time, talent, and treasure.
Students of Sacred Heart Catholic School share in the benefits of a spiritual and moral formation presented through religious instruction, celebration of the Mass, and other opportunities for prayer and reflection. All students, regardless of their denomination, participate in religion classes and other religious activities with the entire student body.
MASS: Students in grades first through eighth attend Mass each week usually on Fridays at 8:15 a.m. Preschool and kindergarten students attend Mass later in the school year. Mass is the most important time that we spend together each week and provides the foundation of our school’s mission. Parents are encouraged and invited to attend school Mass. Mass is one way that we form the faith community of Sacred Heart. Parents are asked not to make routine doctor and dental appointments during the scheduled school Mass time. The school office is closed during Mass. If a student is tardy, parents are responsible for ensuring that the child goes inside the church. Do not leave the student unattended in the parking lot or church stairs.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION: The sacramental life of the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religion program. Instruction and preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion take place in second grade. Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments and must demonstrate regular Mass attendance in order for the child to receive the sacraments at SHCS. A copy of the child’s baptismal record is required at the time of enrollment (Catholic students only).
Catholic students in grades three through eight who have already been baptized, but have not made their First Reconciliation or First Holy Communion have the opportunity to receive instruction to receive these sacraments at SHCS. Classes are held after school one day a week. Notification for registration will be included in the weekly principal’s bulletin.
Sacred Heart Catholic School is accredited by the Oklahoma Conference of Catholic Schools Accrediting Association (OCCSAA). OCCSAA accreditation is recognized by the Oklahoma State Department of Education.
ADMISSION
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY: As a Catholic school, Sacred Heart is dedicated to the dignity of each human being. Our admission policy shows no discrimination with regard to sex, race, ethnic background, social, or economic status. Since we are a parish school, sponsored and supported by Sacred Heart parish for the Catholic community, we will give first preference to active members of Sacred Heart parish and then all others. SHCS welcomes students of all faiths.
ENROLLMENT PROCEDURES: Enrollment is ongoing beginning in early spring. Families currently enrolled will receive enrollment packets through the school provided that their financial account is current.
To enroll the following items are required:
· completed enrollment form
· updated immunization record (must continue to stay current)
· birth certificate
· baptismal certificate (Catholic students)
· half the total non-refundable registration fee with the balance paid by June 1st.
· The principal may interview a prospective student and family prior to acceptance and request the student’s latest report card for review.
· A reading and/or math screening test will be administered to students transferring from a school that is not an Oklahoma City Archdiocesan school.
SHCS will request a student’s record from the previous school. A child must be 4 years of age on or before September 1st to enter preschool. A child must be 5 years of age on or before September 1st to enter kindergarten. A child must be 6 years of age on or before September 1st to enter first grade.
Acceptance of students will be in the following order of priority: currently enrolled students in good standing, active parishioners of Sacred Heart, all others.
All students entering SHCS for the first time will be enrolled on a nine-week probationary period. The student’s academic progress and conduct will be evaluated during the period. Parents may be asked to withdraw the student if it is determined that the program offered by SHCS is not meeting the needs of the child.
Currently enrolled students may not enroll for the following school year if there is a financial balance on the account. Enrollment for the new school year is not final until the balance from the previous school year is paid in full. Currently attending students who do not enroll for the new school year during the current student enrollment period are not guaranteed a space.
FINANCIAL POLICIES
Sacred Heart Catholic School is a non-tax supported school and is governed by contract. Financial obligations to the school are legally binding. All financial obligations must be paid in a timely manner.
TUITION CATEGORIES: There are two tuition categories.
· Active Sacred Heart parishioner – a Catholic registered at Sacred Heart parish who attends weekend Mass and Holy Days at Sacred Heart and practices verifiable stewardship of their time, talent and treasure, the latter by means of church envelopes in the weekly collection. The participation and giving of those receiving the preferential active parishioner tuition rate will be reviewed by the Pastor periodically to verify that those in this preferential tuition category continue to qualify for this reduced rate. The active Sacred Heart parishioner rate is extended to parishioners of Catholic parishes without a parish school.
· All others – non-members of Sacred Heart parish.
REGISTRATION FEE: The registration fee is non-refundable and applies to all grade levels. Half is due at the time of registration to ensure a placement for the student. The balance is due by June 1st. The registration fee is per student.
TUITION: A current tuition schedule is available in the school office Tuition and fees are determined each year by the Parish Finance Committee and approved by the Parish Council.
LATE PAYMENTS: Payments made after the 10th of each month should include a $25 late fee. In the event of failure to pay all tuition, fees, and charges on or before specified due dates, a student may be refused continued enrollment if the unpaid account balance is over two months behind or one month behind in April or May. SHCS shall in no way consider such suspension a breach of contract, nor shall it relieve the financially responsible party of the obligation to make overdue payments and other agreed charges for the school year. The School reserves the right to withhold grades, diplomas, and student records until all amounts due to the school are paid in full.
PAYMENT METHOD: Payments may be made by check, cashier’s check or money order payable to Sacred Heart Catholic School or by cash. We do not accept post-dated checks. Do not send cash payments with students; the school is not responsible for it. Be sure the correct amount is written on the receipt before leaving the office.
RETURNED CHECKS: Checks returned for non-payment will be returned to the parent/guardian. The return check charge is due in addition to the tuition. If two checks are returned for non-payment from the same party, payment will then be required to be in the form of a cashier’s check, money order, or cash for the remainder of the school year.
Financial assistance for tuition is available to all families wishing to apply and attend SHCS. The form of assistance will be in a reduction of tuition and/or fees. The amount of tuition assistance given each year is dependent on the financial status of the parish and the need for assistance. Assistance requests are considered in the spring for the following school year. To request financial assistance you must:
· Complete the Financial Assistance application form, available in the school office.
· Attach a copy of previous two years income tax return (federal and state).
· Return the information to the principal in a sealed envelope marked confidential.
The principal will notify each applicant of the amount of tuition assistance granted. Tuition assistance must be applied for yearly and receipt one year does not guarantee receipt for subsequent years. The information provided is kept confidential. Families who receive financial assistance are required to work service hours to help prepare the school for the new school year.
The Oklahoma Scholarship Fund – This financial need-based scholarship is open to ALL families with students entering 2nd – 8th grade. Application forms are available in the school office after February 1st or by calling 942-5489.
ACADEMICS
CURRICULUM: The teachings and traditions of the Catholic Church and the values of Christian living permeate the school day. This high priority is expressed through worship, prayer, religious education classes, and the general climate of the school. Sacred Heart Catholic School offers a balanced academic curriculum that includes the following subjects: religion and liturgy, science, art, music, language arts, math, social studies, computer science, Spanish, and physical education. SHCS follows the curriculum provided by the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Office.
Students also have opportunities to extend the challenge of the curriculum by participating in academic competitions such as the spelling bee, science fair, geography bee, speech tournaments, and essay contests.
A program of family life and human sexuality education according to the level of the students’ maturity and understanding is included in the curriculum. Family life education refers to the broad program in family living designed to impart knowledge regarding practices, values, and attitudes affecting family life in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Human sexuality is treated as an important element of the human personality including all dimensions of the topic: moral, spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical.
There is an Archdiocesan curriculum for students PK – 8 on safe environment. Its goal is to give students the tools needed to help protect them from the many forms of abuse. The curriculum is available for review by contacting the school office. Parents will be notified before classes begin and parents who object to their child’s participation should contact the principal. Parents may opt for their child not to participate.
ACCELERATED READER – Students in grades 1-8 participate in the AR program with students in kindergarten participating as they are ready. The program is an excellent tool to increase a student’s reading fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary. Reading goals will be determined between the student’s homeroom teacher and student. A grade will be earned and recorded on the report card for grades four through eight.
HOMEWORK: Homework is a positive tool used to reinforce classroom learning. It is assigned as a means for students to review, drill, comprehend, prepare for the next day’s schoolwork, and enrich subject matter taught in the classroom. Homework that is illegible will be returned to the student to redo. All math homework must be completed in pencil. Homework requirements vary from teacher to teacher. If your child is spending an excessive amount of time on homework, or no time on homework, the teacher should be consulted. As a general rule, barring interruptions, the following is the approximate time students should be spending on homework:
Grades 1 and 2 20-30 minutes
Grades 3 and 4 30-40 minutes
Grades 5 and 6 45-60 minutes
Grades 7 and 8 60-90 minutes
Parents should provide a proper study environment in the home. Each student is encouraged to read twenty to thirty minutes a day at home. A teacher may assign homework over the weekend.
Homework is due the following school day unless an alternate due date is assigned by the teacher. Students in grades four through eight who have incomplete homework will stay after school from 3:30 to 4:00 P.M. to complete. The maximum grade that may be earned on an assignment is a 75%.
LIBRARY: Students have the opportunity to check out library books. Students who have overdue books may not borrow additional books until the overdue books are returned. If a book is more than 2 weeks overdue or lost, the student’s account will be charged a minimum replacement cost of $20.00. Students who continue to lose books will lose library privileges (at the principal’s discretion) and students will need to use the public library to check out books.
A library fine of 25 cents is charged each day a library book is not returned by the due date (a maximum of $2.50). If a misplaced book has not been found within two weeks, the book will be presumed lost and $20 will be charged to replace it.
LIBRARY MATERIALS – The objective of the SHCS library is to provide access to a collection of materials that enrich and support the curriculum, presents a variety of points of view, and meets the wide-ranging needs and interests of the school community. Occasionally, however, objectives or challenges to materials may be made. Challenges to the inclusion of materials are only considered on the understanding that no parent or guardian has the right to determine instructional or recreational materials for students other than their own. The procedure to challenge library material in circulation includes the completion of a Request for Reconsideration of Library Material and the form is available from the principal. While the complaint process is at work, the material challenged will continue in circulation.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION: All students are required to participate in physical education class. If the student has a health problem that permanently does not permit him/her to participate, a written release must be sent from the doctor to the principal. Girls should wear modesty shorts under skirts/jumpers. All students MUST have non-marking tennis shoes/sneakers to preserve the gym floor.
TEXTBOOKS: Each child will be issued the required and necessary textbooks for classes. Each textbook should be covered at all times with brown paper. Fines may be imposed for uncovered textbooks. Parents are financially responsible for the replacement cost of lost or damaged books.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Coverage is with the Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company. Coverage is only during school hours and includes sports.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM
The purpose of the After School Care (ASC) program is to provide childcare for working parents who are unable to pick-up their children by 3:30 p.m. Parents/guardians must register their child for ASC to use the service.
The children are served a snack each day. The hours are from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. on days when school is in session. When picking up your child, it is extremely important that you sign him/her out. Only designated persons on the after school care registration form may pick up children. You may be asked for photo identification. There is a $1.00 per minute charge for children who are not picked up by 5:45 p.m. The school clock determines this time. Each child is responsible for cleaning his/her area before leaving ASC. Please allow ample time for your child to accomplish this task when picking him/her up at the end of the day. Financial obligations for ASC are the same as obligations to the school.
If someone other than the persons listed on the registration form will be picking up your student, parents should call the school office before 3:00 P.M. or after school care after 3:00 P.M. (634-5699).
Continued participation in the program requires appropriate behavior, a cooperative/respectful attitude toward employees, other students, and all property. All ASC fees must remain current in order to use the service.
The tornado shelter during after school care is in the gym under the gym bleachers. Occasionally due to functions/events in the parish, ASC’s location of the cafeteria must be moved. The secondary location is the school library.
ATTENDANCE
Oklahoma Law requires compulsory attendance of all children reaching age 5 on or before September 1st. Students who are absent more than 20% of the required 175 school days of instruction may be retained in the current grade level.
ABSENCES: If your student is absent from school, please notify the office by 9:00 a.m. the first day and each day thereafter. A written excuse, signed by the parent/guardian, should be given to the homeroom teacher upon the child’s return to school. A student who is not present two or more hours will be marked a ½ day absent (A.M. or P.M.).
ARRIVAL: Staff supervision of students begins at 7:30 a.m. in the cafeteria. Please do not drop off students when there is no adult supervision. Students arriving after 8:00 a.m. are to report to the school office for a tardy slip. Parents of PK, K and 1st grade students must walk the student to his/her class after receiving the tardy slip.
DISMISSAL: Students not picked up by 3:30 p.m. will be taken to ASC and a fee will be charged.
DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS: Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours if at all possible. Parents should report to the office at the appointed time to check the student out. Do not go directly to the classroom to check your student out. Upon returning your student to school or the following day, please turn in the doctor or dentist’s return to school slip.
INCLEMENT WEATHER DISMISSAL: When the weather is severe (very heavy rain, extremely cold temperatures, etc.), students will be dismissed from the gym. Parents should park their car and enter the gym through the cafeteria to pick up students beginning at 3:10 p.m. By 2:45 p.m. the principal will make the decision from where to dismiss students.
MAKE-UP WORK: Regardless of the reason for the absence or tardiness, it is the student’s responsibility to make up any work missed during the absence. As a general guideline, for each day absent, a student has one day to make up assignments. Students absent for more than two days should work out an agreement with the teachers regarding making up missed work. Work not made up by the agreed time will be recorded as a zero. Students in grades 6-8 have the responsibility to ask the teacher for all missed assignments. Parents may request to pick up a student’s work if the absence is more than one day. Requests should be made by 10:00 a.m.
PICK-UP – If your child will be picked up by someone not on your authorized pick-up list or someone who does not regularly pick him/her up, please call by 3:00 p.m. or write a note to inform the teacher/office. Remember to inform persons picking up your child of the dismissal line procedure.
TARDINESS: Students are tardy if they are not in the cafeteria for morning assembly by 8:00 a.m. When students are tardy for school they start the day behind, have trouble being in sync with the rest of the class and they disrupt the class already in progress. Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children arrive to school on time. Children who are chronically late miss out on important daily instruction. The principal will impose a consequence, at her discretion, for excessive tardiness. Traffic, car trouble, and oversleeping are not excused tardies. Students who are checked out of school for any reason including being checked out during the lunch/recess period are marked tardy. A tardy is for a period of fewer than two hours.
TRUANCY: Students in kindergarten through eighth grade who have excessive unexplained absences may be considered truant and may be reported to the proper authorities. Sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who withdraw, for whom the school has not received a request for records from the new school, will be included in the state’s drop-out-report. Parents of students in Kindergarten through fifth will be reported to the district attorney. SHCS follows the Oklahoma statues in reporting truancy.
VACATIONS-FAMILY TRIPS: Vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged. The school office should be notified before leaving. Teachers will NOT prepare a student’s work ahead of time. Students are expected to complete make-up work upon their return to school, and the classroom teacher will determine the make-up time.
WALKERS – Parents who give permission for their student to walk home or to Mount St. Mary after school dismisses must indicate permission on the enrollment form.
CAFETERIA
Sacred Heart Catholic School operates a breakfast and lunch program. The cost of lunch is $2.25 and breakfast is $1.10. Please send payment in an envelope with each child’s name and grade marked on it. Families may send one check and it will be divided among siblings. If you would like to eat with your child in the cafeteria, please call the office by 9:00 a.m. to reserve a lunch. Remember to sign in at the school office before going to the cafeteria. Payment for the adult lunch should be made in the office and is $3.00. Guests may not charge their lunch to their child’s account. Occasionally the lunch menu may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances.
A student will be allowed to charge meals. Students will not be allowed to call home for a forgotten lunch. If a student has excessive charges, parents will be notified that the child must have a lunch from home until the financial obligation to the cafeteria is paid. Financial obligations to the cafeteria are the same as financial obligations to the school.
Sacred Heart participates in the federal lunch program sponsored by the United States government. This program provides for free or reduced breakfast and lunch to qualifying families. The application is available through the school office. You must apply each year. Until the application is approved and parents are notified, the cost for lunch is $2.25 and breakfast is $1.10. Parents are advised to complete and turn in the application before school starts.
Fast food lunches (McDonald’s, Sonic, etc.) may not be brought to school for lunch. Students may not bring glass containers or carbonated beverages. All food must be consumed in the cafeteria unless the classroom teacher gives permission. Breakfast from home must be consumed before entering the cafeteria.
The federal lunch program requires that milk be served with the meal. Students who are allergic to milk must provide the school cafeteria with a doctor’s note indicating the allergy. Juice will be substituted for milk in those cases. This must be provided each year. There is not a microwave oven available for student use.
Students in grades 6 – 8 may purchase extra items from the cafeteria. Students on the free or reduced lunch program may also purchase extra items; however, the extra items must be paid for at the full cost. Students on the free or reduced lunch program who bring a lunch from home and take milk or juice will be charged the full price for the milk or juice.
Communication among parents, students, and staff is welcomed and encouraged. If a parent needs to talk with a teacher or the principal, please call the school office during office hours (7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). Appointments and return calls will be made as soon as possible. Please do not confer with teachers during class time, on the playground, or in the cafeteria, etc. They are responsible at these times for the instruction, supervision, and safety of the children. Please keep in mind that teachers and other school personnel attend outside functions for enjoyment, not for the discussion of school matters and concerns.
Parents who have a concern should first contact the teacher directly. Please send a note or leave a telephone message for the teacher in the school office. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, then a conference with the parent, teacher, and principal will be scheduled. The student will be involved in most conferences and problem solving decisions.
If a teacher needs to discuss a matter with a parent/guardian the initial contact may be in the form of a note or phone call. Please respond as soon as possible. It is important that the telephone numbers and addresses the office has for you are up-to-date.
WEDNESDAY FOLDER- Each Wednesday, students receive their graded work for the week, newsletter, café and after school care receipts, etc. Parents/guardians should review students’ work, sign the sheet indicating that they have done so, and return the empty folder to school the following day.
PARENT/TEACHER/STUDENT CONFERENCES: Conferences are scheduled in the fall after first quarter. Every effort should be made to attend. Appointments, which cannot be made, should be rescheduled. The student attends the conference. Report cards for first quarter are distributed during the fall conferences.
Conferences may be requested at any time by a parent/guardian, teacher, student or the principal. The scheduling of these conferences will be at a time convenient for all parties involved.
NEWSLETTER: The school community is kept informed of upcoming events through weekly bulletins, flyers, and notes sent home with the youngest or only student in the family. The principal must approve all flyers, letters or other communications before distribution. If you have an e-mail address, please inform the school secretary so that information may be sent via e-mail.
TELEPHONE CALLS: Only in emergency situations are teachers or students called to the telephone during class. Classes in session will not be interrupted for miscellaneous messages. Students may use school phones only with permission from school personnel. Plans/arrangements for after school social activities should be made at home.
CONFIDENTIALITY: At times students may confide personal information to school personnel. School personnel will keep confidential information entrusted to them so long as no one’s life, health, or safety is at stake. School personnel will encourage students to discuss the information with parents/guardians. Parents/guardians will be promptly notified if there is a concern over the information confided.
COMPUTER USE
Computers are available for student use. Users may not move, repair, reconfigure, modify, or attach external devices to the system, load or download software to or from the school computer system. Unauthorized copying or use of the software is against federal law. Any student who violates computer policies will lose privileges for computer use. All students and their parent must sign a Technology Use Agreement form. Internet filtering software is in use on all computers accessible by students.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Families in need of counseling services may contact Catholic Charities at 524-0969. The address is 1501 N. Classen, OKC, OK 73106.
Sacred Heart Catholic School has a comprehensive school crisis management plan to follow in the event of emergency. Fire, tornado, and lock down drills are conducted during the course of the year in compliance with Archdiocesan requirements. Evacuation routes are posted in each classroom. Students are to move to the designated areas quickly, silently, and in an orderly fashion. The school tornado shelter is under the bleachers in the gym. Should the school need to be evacuated, the first location is the Mount St. Mary’s field (tennis court area).
ALTERNATE SCHOOL LOCATION
When Sacred Heart Catholic School is unable to operate school in its building for an extended period of time, school will operate at Holy Angels Catholic Church, 317 N. Blackwelder. The phone is 232-6572. Directions: From Sacred Heart Catholic School, turn right on Western, left on Reno and right on N. Blackwelder. School Day: 7:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. Food service: There will be no breakfast or lunch service available. Students will need a sack lunch and drink. After school care: ASC will not be available.
Notification: The TV stations will indicate that SHCS is open at the alternate site of Holy Angels Catholic Church. The School Reach automated phone tree will be initiated. Arrival: There will be an arrival line formed at Holy Angels similar to the one at SHCS. Dismissal: There will be a dismissal line formed at Holy Angels similar to the one at SHCS. Student medications: Student medications administered at school will be taken to the alternate site and administered to students, if possible.
CUSTODY ISSUES
If separated or divorced parents cannot agree on visitation and/or custody issues and this disagreement unnecessarily involves Sacred Heart Catholic School and creates a disruption, the school may require parents to make other arrangements for the education of their child. The school will not be used for the purpose of exercising visitation rights. If parents are divorced or separated, the school presumes that both parents have access to the children and their records unless one parent can provide a notarized legal court order as evidence to the contrary. Any changes to the custody decree require a notarized copy to be given to the principal.
DISCIPLINE
All students have the right to learn. Good behavior by all students is necessary so that the time needed for teaching and learning is not wasted. Good behavior is everyone’s responsibility. Students, parents, teachers and the principal must work together to maintain the best possible learning environment. The staff of Sacred Heart Catholic School respectfully expects complete parental cooperation in matters pertaining to correction of disruptive and/or inappropriate student behavior. The Expectations for Behavior are intended to teach students appropriate behavior and encourage them to accept responsibility for their actions.
Many problems are minor and will be handled by the classroom teacher. Each classroom teacher maintains a set of classroom rules. The consequences will have a progression in their severity. At some point the student will be referred to the principal. These classroom rules and consequences will be communicated to parents during the first week of school. The teacher will explain and review periodically the classroom rules and consequences with students.
EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR: The purpose of the Expectations for Behavior is to communicate to students and parents the general expectations for students at SHCS. The student must learn to accept responsibility for his/her own actions and words.
EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS:
· Be kind, honest, courteous, cooperative, helpful and responsible.
· Follow all school and classroom rules.
· Study and do class assignments and homework on time.
· Come to school prepared to learn.
· Play fairly.
· Dress appropriately.
STAR CARD: In grades 4-8, students will be held responsible for their behavior by utilizing the STAR card. The students carry the Students Accepting Responsibility Card. When the student is found in a violation of the Expectations for Behavior, the student will receive a teacher’s signature on their card. A teacher signature will be given for such things as no homework or poor behavior. On the third signature in a one-week period students in grades 4-8 will be issued a Saturday detention. A parent is required to attend the detention with the student.
The students take home the STAR Card each week for the parents’ review. Parents are to sign the card to indicate that they have seen and discussed the card with the student. Parents should sign only one week at a time.
CONSEQUENCES: Each student will be held to these expectations. When expectations are not met there are consequences. As with all matters of discipline there are differences in severity of an infraction. Therefore, it will be up to the teacher or principal to determine the severity of the infraction. The teacher through conferencing will handle most infractions with the student. The principal will handle more severe infractions. Students, at the discretion of the principal, may be placed on a behavior contract.
The principal, in dealing with infractions, will seek the consequences that best meet the needs of the student. More serious consequences include detention, suspension, and expulsion.
HOMEWORK DETENTION: Students in grades 4-8 who do not complete a homework assignment will stay after school the same day from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. in order to complete the assignment(s). Students will call home to let parents know they will be staying after school to finish the incomplete assignment. The maximum grade a student may receive on the homework completed in detention is a 75%.
SATURDAY DETENTION: A parent is required to attend the Saturday detention with the student. For Saturday detentions students are to wear the school uniform. The detention time is 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. During the detention the parent will help the student with incomplete homework, studying math facts, reading AR books, etc. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, athletic games, extracurricular, etc. Students who are late for the detention or who do not show may have another Saturday detention issued or may be required to stay later than 8:30 a.m. The school should be called and a message left on the answering machine if a student will not be there for any unforeseen reason.
SUSPENSION: Suspension from school and school activities is a serious degree of disciplinary action in which a student is removed from the school for a specified period of time. During the period of suspension, which may last from one to five days, the student will not be allowed to participate in any school activities (i.e., sports, scouting). The parents/guardians are responsible for providing adequate supervision for the period of suspension. All assignments and tests given during the suspension period will be recorded as a zero and students are marked absent.
EXPULSION: Expulsion is the most serious form of disciplinary action. It is a last resort form of disciplinary action. Students can be expelled for any cause that is in serious violation of the policies and regulations of SHCS.
POSSESSION OF: Weapons/Illegal/Controlled substances: The possession of a weapon or an illegal controlled substance while on school property immediately becomes a police matter, with the student subject to immediate expulsion. Threats or acts of vandalism or violence, whether real or perceived, including claims of “teasing” or “joking” will be taken seriously. Toy weapons or lunch box cutting utensils are prohibited.
Items such as, but not limited to, inappropriate books, pictures or magazines, white-out, cigarettes, matches or lighters, weapons (either toy or real), or other items deemed harmful by the school are not allowed at any time. Allegations of students exhibiting behaviors, which are in contradiction to our policies and mission, will be investigated with appropriate disciplinary action imposed. These actions may include suspension or expulsion. Each allegation will be dealt with on an individual basis.
BULLYING, INTIMIDATION or HARASSMENT: Any action based on lack of respect for others, including sexual and physical abuse or the creation of a hostile environment by students, parents, faculty, or staff will not be tolerated at SHCS. Bullying, intimidation, or harassment means any gesture, written or verbal expression, or physical act that a reasonable person should know will harm another person, damage another person’s property, place another person in reasonable fear of harm to one’s self, property or reputation, or insult or demean any person or group of people in such a way as to interfere with the school’s educational mission or the education of any student. Bullying, intimidation and harassment include, but are not limited to the following acts:
· statements such as epithets, derogatory jokes or comments, slurs, unwanted sexual advances, intimidation, imitation or comments
· visual contact such as derogatory and/or sexually oriented posters, photographs, cartoons, drawings or gestures
· physical contact such as assault, unwanted touching, blocking normal movements or interfering with work, study or play
· threats and demands to submit to sexual requests for certain benefits
· retaliation for having reported harassment of any type
· a gesture, written or verbal, or physical act
Electronic communication used to bully, intimidate, and harass is not acceptable. Electronic communication is defined as the communication of any written, verbal, or pictorial information by means of an electronic device, including, but not limited to, a telephone, a cellular telephone, or other wireless telecommunication device, or a computer.
All complaints will be investigated promptly and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
GANGS: Students that indicate, advocate, or promote activities, which threaten the safety or well being of persons or property on school grounds or school activities, disrupt the school environment and are harmful to the educational process. The use of hand signals, graffiti, or the presence of an apparel, jewelry, accessory or manner of grooming which, by virtue of its color, arrangement, trademark, symbol, or other attribute indicates or implies membership or affiliation with a gang are forbidden.
Any student wearing, carrying or displaying gang paraphernalia, or exhibiting behavior or gestures which symbolize gang membership, or causing and/or participating in activities which intimidate or affect the attendance of another student will be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion.
SCHOOL JURISDICTION: School desks and other storage areas are the property of the school. Students are allowed to use them with the understanding that the school may search these areas. Desks, backpacks and all personal items brought to school may be searched at any time for the health, safety or welfare of the school community.
Students may be required to empty the contents of their clothing pockets when a staff member has a suspicion that the student has an item(s) not permitted at school. An adult witness will be present.
Should Sacred Heart Catholic School become aware of behaviors that endanger a student’s own physical or emotional health, safety or reputation or those of another person when the student is not directly in the jurisdiction of the school, SHCS reserves the right to inform the student and his/her parent/guardian of what is learned. The student is a representative of SHCS at all times. They are to exhibit the behaviors expected of SHCS students. A student who engages in conduct, whether during or outside the school day, which is detrimental to the reputation of the school, may be subject to disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion.
The Catholic Community of Sacred Heart is committed to developing in our students a strong sense of identity. A school dress code compliments the teaching of order and discipline, provides for a less distracting environment, and builds community. Uniforms promote a sense of belonging and unity among the student body of SHCS. Students must be in uniform every day unless otherwise determined by the principal. The school uniform is available at Parker School Uniform in Oklahoma City. Any clothing items not purchased from Parker must be similar to the regulation uniform. All uniforms must fit correctly, be clean, pressed and in good repair. While on campus, shirts and blouses must be buttoned and tucked so that the belt shows. For school Mass, the uniform shorts may be worn. The principal reserves the right to send home any student who is inappropriately dressed. The principal is the final recourse to determine what is acceptable. The regulation uniform code is as follows:
Girls
Plaid jumper (PK-4) – only available through Parker Uniform Co.
Plaid skirt (5th – 8th) – only available through Parker Uniform Co.
Short or long sleeve white or light blue button-down oxford blouse (NO logos or colored trim)
Short or long sleeve white or light blue “polo” blouse with collar (NO logos or colored trim)
White turtleneck/mock turtleneck blouse (NO logos or colored trim)
*Navy blue cotton twill slacks, pleated or flat (any quarter) – No cargo pockets
*Navy blue cotton twill shorts, pleated or flat (1st and 4th quarters only) – No cargo pockets
Navy blue or white socks (above the ankles), knee-highs or tights
Brown, navy blue or black belt (grades 2-8) – plain, simple with no large belt buckles
SHCS sweatshirt (worn with collared uniform blouse)
Navy blue cardigan sweater (No logo or adornment)
*Pants should fit on the waist. PK, K & 1st may have an elasticized waistband.
Boys
Short or long sleeve white or light blue button-down oxford shirt (NO logos or trim)
Short or long sleeve white or light blue “polo-type” shirt with collar (NO logos or trim)
White turtleneck/mock turtleneck shirt (NO logos or trim)
*Navy blue cotton twill slacks, pleated or flat (any quarter) – No cargo pockets
*Navy blue cotton twill shorts, pleated or flat (1st and 4th quarters only) – No cargo pockets
Navy blue or plain white socks (above the ankles)
Brown, navy blue or black belt (grades 2-8) – plain, simple with no large belt buckles
SHCS sweatshirt (worn with collared uniform shirt)
Navy blue cardigan sweater (NO logo or adornment)
*Pants should fit on the waist. PK, K & 1st may have an elasticized waistband.
Students who choose to wear a T-shirt under the uniform shirt or blouse must wear a white one. Any design or printing may not show through the uniform shirt.
Tennis shoes/sneakers with non-marking soles are required for PK-8. They may be of any color. No other type of shoe may be worn. They must have a closed toe and heel (including on Free Dress Day).
The length of the jumper, skirt or shorts is to be no shorter than the width of a dollar bill above the top of the knee and no longer than the width of a dollar bill below the top of the knee. Pant length should not be excessively long.
A change of clothes should be sent for preschool and kindergarten students to keep at school should they have an accident. The change of clothing does not have to be uniform clothing.
SHCS T-SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS – The SHCS T-shirt may be worn any day of the week except on Mass days. Sweatshirts may be worn any day, but must be worn with a collared uniform blouse/shirt. Current year or previous year versions are acceptable providing they are in good condition (not faded or frayed) or are not athletic T-shirt versions.
MASS UNIFORM/FIELD TRIP UNIFORM – All students are required to wear the SHCS embroidered logo shirt for Mass, field trips, or competitions (unless otherwise indicated). An order form is included in the Handbook folder.
OUT OF UNIFORM – Out of uniform days may be declared at the discretion of the principal. The following guidelines should be followed:
· Clothes should be appropriate, clean, modest, and in good taste for a Catholic school.
· Shorts, pants, jeans and shirts must be without holes. Shorts and jeans must be worn on the waist.
· Blouses and shirts must have sleeves.
· Shorts and skirts are to be no shorter than the width of a dollar bill above the knee.
· T-shirts with sleeves may be worn, however the logo and graphics must be appropriate for a Catholic school. Skull and crossbones are not appropriate.
On occasion a day is designated as $3.00 out of uniform day. The money collected is donated to various ministries such as SH Food Pantry, Birth Choice, Catholic Relief Services, etc.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION CLASS: Only non-marking tennis shoes/sneakers are permitted. Girls who wear the skirt or jumper must wear modesty shorts underneath.
HAIR: Hair should be neat with bangs not longer than above the eyebrows (girls and boys). The hair length for boys should be no longer than the top of the shirt collar. Hair coloring, highlighting or bleaching are not permitted (including on Out of Uniform Day). Extremes in hairstyles are not permitted. The principal will determine what is or is not extreme. Scrunchies, hair ties, etc. must be in the hair not on the wrist.
MAKE-UP: No cosmetics including lip-gloss, colored Chapstick, or nail polish may be worn. Artificial nails or nail tips may not be worn (all grades) (including on Out of Uniform Day).
JEWELRY: Jewelry is limited to one watch, one small bracelet, one ring, and one small, simple pendant on a narrow chain. Watches with a beeping device should be disconnected during the school day. Earrings are not an approved item for boys. Girls may wear one pair of earrings not larger than a dime (including on Out of Uniform Day). The entire earring must fit on the dime and earrings may not be dangling ones.
MISCELLANEOUS (including on Out of Uniform Day)
· Tattoos (temporary or permanent) and body piercing (other than earrings for girls) are not permitted.
· Hologram contact lenses are not permitted.
· Outerwear such as coats, jackets, hats, etc. may not be worn in the classroom.
· Slacks may not be worn under jumpers or skirts.
· Modesty shorts should be worn under jumpers or skirts.
· Shoestring must be laced, pulled, and tied.
· Baggy, oversized, ripped clothing/uniforms or clothing/uniforms with holes may not be worn.
SCOUTING – Scout members may wear the complete scouting uniform or scouting shirt and school uniform pants/shorts to school on meeting days.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS
PROGRESS REPORTS: Mid-quarter progress reports are sent home for students in grades PK-8. Dates for distribution are included in the weekly bulletin.
REPORT CARDS: Report cards are issued four times a year, approximately every 9 weeks. First quarter report cards will be issued at the parent/teacher/student conferences for grades PK – 8. The report card should be reviewed by parents/guardians, signed and returned to the school as soon as possible. If a report card is lost or misplaced, a replacement fee of $5.00 will be charged. Any questions or concerns over information included on the report card should be directed to the teacher of the particular subject.
The fourth quarter report card may be picked up in the school office or parents/guardians may stamp (two first class stamps) and self-address the grade card envelope prior to returning following third quarter report cards. Those report cards will be mailed.
GRADING SCALE: The music, Spanish, PE, art, and conduct/study habits grading scale used:
E – Excellent; G – Good; - Needs improvement; I – improving; U - unsatisfactory
All other courses use the following grading scale (1st-8th grades):
99-100 A+ 92-91 B+ 84-83 C+ 74 D+ 68-0 F
98-95 A 90-87 B 82-77 C 73-71 D
94-93 A- 86-85 B- 76-75 C- 70-69 D-
HONOR ROLL: Students in grades three through eight qualify for the Pastor’s Honor Roll by earning all A’s in all subjects, a Good or Excellent in conduct and study habits and a Good or Excellent in P.E, Art, Spanish, and Music. To qualify for the Principal’s Honor Roll, students must have A’s and B’s in all subjects, a Good or Excellent in conduct and study habits and a Good or Excellent in P.E., Spanish, art, and music.
PROMOTION/RETENTION: Promotion to the next grade level at SHCS is based on the successful completion of academic goals in a given grade level. A student, who has an F average at the end of the year for a subject, must attend and pass summer school with a 75% or higher average to be promoted.
STANDARDIZED TESTING: Each fall, the academic skills of students in grades 2-8 are tested. A printed result of the test is provided to each parent/guardian. Grades 2-8 take the ITBS standardized test. Grade 8 also takes the ACT Explore standardized test, which is required for admission to Mount St. Mary or Bishop McGuinness Catholic High Schools.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a privilege, NOT a right. Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet the academic or behavioral requirements of the class. These trips are planned by the teachers, in consultation with the principal, and are educational in nature. All grade levels do not always have the same number of field trips. Information and parent/guardian permission slips are sent home prior to any trip. Chaperones (usually parent/guardian volunteers) may be needed and must be an approved volunteer.
The parent/guardian will be required to sign the permission form permitting their child to attend the field trip. Permission CAN NOT be given over the phone, nor will a written note, e-mail or fax suffice. Parents/guardians have the right to refuse to allow their child to go on the field trip. If the student is kept home, he/she is marked absent. Any student without permission for a field trip will be placed in another classroom for the time that the class is on the field trip. Transportation for the field trip is usually by the school’s bus.
The following rules apply to volunteer drivers (if private cars are used) and chaperones:
· Must be an approved volunteer.
· Volunteer drivers must have a valid Oklahoma driver’s license and verified insurance information in the school.
· Students must remain seated wearing seat belts at all times.
· Drivers must adhere to the pre-determined route of travel.
· Drivers must not stop for refreshments, gas, stop at a private residence or make any unplanned stops.
· Transport only the students assigned to them unless the supervising teacher makes a change.
· Volunteer drivers must be at least 21 years of age.
· Because chaperones are responsible for the supervision and safety of SHCS students in their care, siblings or other children may not attend field trips.
Parents will be required to pick up a student from a field trip location if the student engages in any behavior that endangers the student, others, or jeopardizes the reputation of SHCS or if the student becomes ill.
EIGHTH GRADE END OF THE YEAR FIELD TRIP: All of the above regulations apply to the eighth grade end of the year field trip. However, there are additional regulations as outlined below:
· The trip cannot be scheduled overnight.
· Activities that expose the students to serious injury will not be permitted (skate boarding, rock climbing, etc.). Swimming is not an approved activity.
· Plans must provide for all students to participate.
Plans are made in consultation with the students, teacher, and principal.
GRADUATION
Graduation activities will consist of Mass where diplomas and awards will be distributed. A reception will follow for family and friends. The principal determines the required attire for graduation.
Sick children are to be kept at home to promote a quick recovery and to protect classmates and employees from illness. PLEASE DO NOT SEND SICK CHILDREN TO SCHOOL. Students with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher may not remain at school. Parents will be contacted to pick up the student. Students recovering from pink eye (conjunctivitis) must be on medication for at least 24 hours before returning to school. If your child is too sick to go out for recess, please keep him/her home. He/she may not stay in the office or classroom for recess.
If a student becomes ill or has an accident at school, school personnel will provide basic first aid and then notify the parent/guardian. In an extreme emergency AND/OR if the school cannot reach the parent/guardian, EMSA or other emergency medical service will be called. A representative from the school will accompany the student to the hospital. The parent/guardian is responsible for the expense for emergency transportation and care. It is extremely important that the school office has current emergency information on file.
CHICKEN POX – If your child has chicken pox, he/she should not return to school for 7 days from the time he/she is completely broken out. This is the least amount of time.
CHILD ABUSE and NEGLECT: SHCS employees and volunteers are bound by law to report to the proper authorities any suspected case of child abuse and/or neglect.
DISPENSING OF MEDICINE: SHCS does not have a school nurse on staff. As a general rule, medication should be administered by the parent/guardian before or after school. Parents may come to the school to administer the medication. School personnel will not administer over the counter medications (Tylenol, Advil, cough medicine, etc.) without a written doctor’s note. Parents must supply the over the counter medications. Guidelines for school personnel to dispense medicine are as follows:
· Prescription medication will be dispensed ONLY if it is in its original container with the student’s name, name of student’s doctor, frequency, dose, and date. The parent/guardian must sign a SHCS medical consent form.
· If a student has a serious illness that might require emergency medicine to be administered, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide training to school employees regarding its administration.
· Parents/guardians are required to deliver the medicine to the school office. Medicine should not be sent with the student.
· All medicines are kept out of the reach of students.
· A designated school employee/volunteer who administers medicine in accordance with state guidelines shall not be liable for civil damages for any personal injuries incurred by the student as a result of administering the medicine or failure to administer the medicine.
EPINEPHRINE INJECTOR – Students may carry and self-administer an epinephrine injector (epi-pen). To do so, parents must each school year complete the Asthma Medication Authorization form (available in the school office).
INHALERS – Students may carry and self-administer an inhaled asthma medication. To do so, parents must each school year complete the Asthma Medication Authorization form (available in the school office).
FIRST AID – For minor cuts and abrasions, students will be directed to wash the wound with soap and water. Employees will not apply any kind of ointment or antiseptic to the wound in case of an allergic reaction. A bandage will be applied. Employees will not remove splinters.
HEAD LICE: Remind your child not to share scarves, combs, brushes and hats. A child with head lice will be sent home to have the lice treated. They will not be permitted at school or school functions during this time. To re-enter school, a student may have NO nits left in the hair. For recurring episodes, the principal may require that parents present a certification from a health professional that the student is no longer has head lice before he/she may re-enter school.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Students will not be permitted to start school the first day unless all required immunizations are complete and a record given to the school secretary.
MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASE AND VACCINE: The following information is provided to families in compliance with Oklahoma State Law. Meningococcal disease is a rare, but sometimes-fatal disease caused by a bacterium called Neisseria meningitides. The disease causes either meningitis, severe swelling of the brain and spinal cord, or meningococcemia, a serious infection of the blood.
Teenagers and young adults, aged 15 to 22 years, are at increased risk because of behaviors that spread the disease. On average two to three people in this age group get meningococcal disease every year in Oklahoma. More than half of these could be prevented by vaccine.
Vaccines can prevent many types of meningococcal disease, but not all types. There are two vaccines available in the United States that protect against four of the five most common strains of the meningococcal bacteria. The newest vaccine, called Menactra, or MCV4, is currently available for:
Adolescents entering high school (15 years of age),
College freshmen who live in dormitories,
Other people at high risk eleven through fifteen years-of-age.
This vaccine is not required to attend kindergarten through the 12th grade in Oklahoma. However, it is required for students who are enrolling in colleges and other schools after high school who will live in dormitories or on-campus student housing.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC): The SAC is established by the Pastor, in accordance with Archdiocesan policy, to advise him and the principal in the governance of the parish school. Members cannot act apart from the pastor and the principal and cannot make decisions that are binding on the parish school without the approval of the pastor and principal. Advisory also means that decisions will not be made in major matters until and unless the council has been consulted. The areas in which the SAC has responsibility and shall be consulted include: planning, policy development, finance, development and public relations, selection of the principal, evaluation of the principal’s relationship with the SAC, and major curriculum changes, especially in the area of education in human sexuality and religious education. New members must complete the required two-hour orientation training conducted by the Archdiocesan Superintendent.
The SAC holds regular meetings from August to May. All meetings are open to the Sacred Heart community except for those designated as executive. Meeting dates and times are published in the parish bulletin and school newsletter. Non-council members who would like to address the SAC may make a request to the chairperson, pastor or principal in writing at least 10 days prior to the next meeting. The written request shall include the topic to be discussed. The request to address the council may be denied if it involves areas in which SAC has no jurisdiction. If the request is denied the person making the request will be informed of the decision.
PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION (PTO): The PTO is an organization of parents/guardians and teachers established to support SHCS. Its mission is to support the educational mission of SHCS. The PTO’s goals include encouraging positive relationships between the parish and the school community,
encouraging involvement of parents/guardians in school activities, acting as positive public relations for the school, and coordinating activities/events to enhance a sense of community. The PTO works under the direction and guidance of the principal.
Each parent/guardian of a student at SHCS is automatically a member. There are no dues. The organization coordinates activities and other events throughout the year in support of the school.
SACRED HEART ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (SHAA): The SHAA sponsors and coordinates the sports program for the school. It is comprised of volunteers who are willing to give their time to organize athletic activities for the students. SHCS is a member of the Catholic Grade School Athletic Association (CGSAA). Each parent/guardian is automatically a member of the SHAA. The SHAA works under the direction and guidance of the principal.
STUDENT RECORDS
The contents of a student’s official permanent file (academic transcripts, academic testing, and health records) may be reviewed by parents/guardians in the school office in the presence of the principal. Requests shall be made in writing and a 24-hour notice given.
SHCS complies with the Buckley Amendment, which gives access of academic records to the non-custodial parent. In the absence of a notarized 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 when requested. 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 principal with a notarized copy of the court order.
TRANSFERS: SHCS will request school records for new students from the school previously attended.
WITHDRAWAL: Parents withdrawing their student from SHCS must do so in the school office. Records will be sent to the new school only upon written request from the registrar of the next school. All financial obligations must be made in full before a student’s record will be sent to the new school. Accounts will continue to incur charges as long as a student remains on the class roll.
Parents and visitors are welcome at SHCS. Parents/Guardians or visitors who come to school must first report to the office. They will be issued a visitor badge. Parents are responsible for siblings and other children in their care while on campus.
Entrances to the school are locked at all times. Parents and visitors may gain access to the main building by pressing the intercom button. The secretary will “buzz” the left door for guests to enter. Forgotten items brought from home should be dropped off at the main office. Items will be delivered to the student.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are an important part of SHCS. All volunteers working directly with students or in their presence, including field trip drivers, sports coaches, and substitutes are required to have completed the volunteer screening process. Only the principal will notify you when you are an approved volunteer. Volunteers are expected to abide by the Code of Christian Conduct for Parent/Guardians and Volunteers.
BACKPACKS – Backpacks with wheels are not permitted except with a doctor’s note indicating it is necessary for medical reasons. A new doctor’s note is required each school year. Backpacks should be reasonably sized and may not be decorated with dangling key chains, stuffed animals, etc. Preschool, kindergarten, and first grade students do not carry backpacks.
BIRTHDAYS: Your child’s birthday is an important event. Please notify your child’s teacher before sending birthday treats to share with classmates. Refreshments must be limited to cup cakes, cookies, brownies and individual drink containers. Please no cakes. The refreshments will be distributed at a time determined by the classroom teacher. Birthday party invitations may not be distributed in class unless all students are invited or only all boys or all girls are invited.
BREAKFAST: Breakfast from home should be finished before entering the school. Parents and younger siblings may purchase breakfast for $1.75. Breakfast service is from 7:30 a.m. until 7:55 a.m. and the cost is $1.10. The school clock dictates the ending service time.
CELL PHONES: Cell phones are not permitted at school without approval from the principal. There are few situations in which approval will be given to have a phone. If permission is given, the cell phone must be turned off and given to the school office each morning and picked up at the end of the school day. The consequence for having a cell phone is that the principal will keep the cell phone in the office until a parent/guardian picks it up from the office. The second time a student has a cell phone, the principal will keep the phone for two weeks and a parent/guardian must pick up the cell phone. If there is a third offense, the cell phone will be kept in the office until the end of the school year and a parent/guardian must pick up the cell phone. The principal may assign additional consequences at her discretion for repeated offenses.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE: All changes of address and phone numbers (home, cell, and work) should be provided as soon as possible to the school office. In the event of an emergency, updated information is needed in order to notify a parent or guardian.
DELIVERIES TO STUDENTS: Because of the distraction, students are not allowed to receive deliveries of flowers, balloons, etc. during the school day. If sent, they will not be delivered to the student.
FACILITIES – Various groups in the parish and school use the school facilities. Use of any school facility requires the approval of the principal.
GIFT EXCHANGE: Students should not exchange gifts with other students at school. This gesture may create hurt feelings.
GUM: Gum is not permitted at school. A $5.00 fine will be assessed. The second offense is a $10.00 fine and the third and subsequent offenses are $15.00. The principal may assign additional consequences at her discretion for repeated offenses.
HOMEROOM PARENTS: A request for volunteers to serve as homeroom parents is conducted at the beginning of the school year. Homeroom parents coordinate the end of the year class party, school activities/events, and may assist the teacher in accomplishing other tasks throughout the year.
LOST AND FOUND: Names should be on all student items, especially uniforms. Eyeglasses, watches and other valuable items that are found are kept in the office until claimed by the owner or until the end of the school year. SHCS does not have a lost and found for other items.
MEDIA: The principal’s authorization is necessary prior to contacting the media to publish news releases and photographs concerning SHCS. This regulation includes all school-sponsored organizations and events, and events scheduled at the school. All media relations are handled through the school office.
MONEY: Students should not bring money to school over and above the amount needed for lunch, field trip or a special classroom request.
NUISANCE ITEMS: Toys, make-up, etc. are to be left at home. If taken by a school employee, the nuisance item will be kept in the school office and only will be returned when it is picked up by the parent/guardian. Items unclaimed by the end of the school year will be thrown away or given to charity. Any “craze” which can be traded, swapped, etc. is considered a nuisance item and may not be brought to school.
PARTIES: There is one party each year at the end of the school year. Students in grades PK – 3 may, at the teacher’s discretion, have a Christmas party which will be held in the cafeteria or church basement. Planning classroom parties is the responsibility of the classroom teacher with the assistance of the homeroom parent. The planned activities must be inclusive of all students. Parties are usually scheduled for the last hour of the school day.
RECOMMENDATIONS – Recommendations for students to attend other schools will only be completed/written for graduating eighth grade students.
SCHOOL PICTURES: Although all students are asked to have pictures taken, the purchase of these pictures is optional. The principal will determine the dress code for pictures.
STUDENT ASSEMBLIES AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS: School assemblies are scheduled during the school year to foster school-wide community spirit. These assemblies may include, but are not limited to, special guests, musical and dramatic performances and other educational experiences. Each month students will be recognized in an assembly for meeting AR goals, good behavior, student of the month, athletics, attendance, etc. Parents are welcome to attend.
STUDENT OF THE MONTH: Each month one or two students in a class will be selected by the teacher for living the gospel value highlighted for the school year.
VALUABLES: Students should not bring or wear items of great value to school.
WATER BOTTLES – Students may have water bottles at school to drink during the day. They may not be taken to the computer and music classrooms, library, or playground. They may only contain water (no sports drinks, sodas, etc.). Students should fill them at home. They may be refilled at school as needed. Water bottles should be taken home each day.
WEBSITE – The school’s website address is www.sacredheartokc.org. Menus, calendars, pictures, handbook, etc. are available on the website.
VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Research indicates that parent volunteerism in schools enhances student self-esteem, increases academic achievement and improves student behavior and attendance. The faculty and staff look forward to working with you to promote the value of service as you join in the teaching ministry of the Church. We encourage you to ask for help, direction, or advice as you participate in the numerous opportunities to volunteer.
The volunteer application forms are available in the school office. Please fully complete the forms, which consist of the application and code of conduct form, and return them to the school office. We thank you for your priceless gift of volunteer service.
PROCEDURES AND POLICIES
APPLICATION PROCESS – All volunteers are required to complete the volunteer screening process, which consists of a completed application, references check, completion of the code of conduct acknowledgement form, safe environment training, and a criminal background check. The principal will notify each applicant when he/she is approved to begin volunteering.
SIGN IN PROCEDURE – School visitors (parents, volunteers, guests, etc.) must come to the main office and check in. A visitor badge will be issued and visitors and/or volunteers are required to wear a designated badge while on the school grounds.
CONFIDENTIALITY – A volunteer operates in a position of trust. Personal information pertaining to students must be kept confidential. Children’s actions, responses, progress or problems at school are not for sharing in the community. Conversations among parents, teachers, and students in the school are confidential. Volunteers should not discuss these conversations.
There may be times a student wants to talk about problem he or she is experiencing. Let the student know that you cannot promise you will not share the information that they tell you with someone else, because there may be times when it is in the best interest of the student that you do so. Do all you can to encourage the student to share any serious problems with his/her parent/guardian. Refer any concerns to the principal.
CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT REPORTING – Every person having reason to believe that a child under the age of 18 years has had physical injuries or injuries inflicted upon the child by other than accidental means, where the injury appears to have been caused as a result of physical abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect, shall report the matter promptly to the county office of the Department of Human Services. Any report of abuse or neglect shall be made in good faith. Such reports may be made by telephone, in writing, or personally. The number is 767-2800. You do not have to determine if the situation is a report of child abuse or child neglect; the Department makes the determination. A report should also be made to the police.
No one is exempt from the obligation of reporting such matters and no one (employer, supervisor, pastor, principal, teacher, etc.) may impede any individual from doing so. Anyone who knowingly and willfully fails to report promptly any such incident may be reported by the Department of Human Services to local law enforcement for criminal investigation. If convicted, that person shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Too, any person who knowingly and willfully makes a false report of child abuse or neglect shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Section 7105 further notes that anyone participating “in good faith” and exercising due care in making such a report shall have immunity from any liability (civil or criminal) that may otherwise be incurred or imposed.
CORPORAL PUNISHMENT – Corporal punishment or handling students roughly is never allowed under any circumstance. If you find yourself getting extremely angry or frustrated with a child, walk away from the child. Do not touch a child under these circumstances. Uncooperative students should be referred to the teacher or the principal.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS – The following guidelines should be followed when supervising students:
· Students should not be left unattended.
· Supervision of students is a physical and mental task. For example, while supervising students in the cafeteria or playground, the volunteer should not be reading, talking on a cell phone, etc.
· Volunteers should periodically circulate through the area they are supervising students.
· Volunteers should escort a class of students to and from all locations (cafeteria, playground, dismissal location, etc.).
· Any problems should be reported to the classroom teacher or principal.
DRESS CODE – Volunteer dress should be modest.
SMOKING – SHCS is a smoke-free campus.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Book Fair
*Café serving line (breakfast and/or lunch)
*Café monitor
*Health screenings (vision/hearing)
Homeroom parent
*Picture day
Concession stand
*Coaching
Used uniform sale
Back to school night
Box Tops
Communion Minister for school Masses
Halloween carnival
Class party
Butterfly garden
Graduation reception
*Recess monitor
*Substitute teacher
*Scouting
*Tutoring
Track meet
Yearbook
Other ideas – contact the principal
* Requires the completion of the volunteer screening process.
ATHLETICS
PHILOSOPHY
The Sacred Heart athletic program strives to teach the Christian values of teamwork, mutual respect, enjoyment, development of talents, a healthy sense of competition, self-discipline, honesty and positive name recognition in the community in a religious/academic environment that remains the primary focus.
GOALS OF ATHLETIC PROGRAM
- Encourage teamwork.
- Promote healthy life style choices for students while having fun.
- Encourage the learning of sports skills.
- Teach self-discipline, good sportsmanship, fairness, and to instill in students Christian values and behaviors.
- Encourage positive relationships between parish and school community.
- Encourage involvement of parents/guardians in school activities.
- Be positive public relations for the school.
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
SHCS’s athletic program admits any student of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students within the Association. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its participatory policies, admissions policies, or athletic programs.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Students wishing to participate in a sport must complete the sport’s registration form. Registration forms must be completed and returned, with the related fees, on or before the designated due date. All fees may be paid on “Back to School Night” or in the school office only. Please do not give payment to Athletic Director or coaches.
Deadlines for registration are not intended to prevent any interested student from participating on a sports team, but they are necessary to meet registration deadlines set by the Catholic Grade School Athletic Association (CGSAA).
REFUND POLICY
Any student who has registered to participate in a sport and is unable to play for any reason may receive a refund. The school office should be notified. A fee is 100% refundable if the official roster for CGSSA has not been prepared and sent to CGSSA. No refund is made after the official CGSSA roster has been prepared and sent. Money paid to order a soccer uniform is non-refundable once the school order has been placed.
AFTER SCHOOL CARE POLICY
Students who use after school care waiting for practice to begin will be charged the after school care rate.
COACHING EXPECTATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
Sacred Heart Athletic Association is committed to securing the best-qualified coaches for all its sports teams. Final coach selection rests with the principal. These qualifications include, but are not limited to:
Acceptance, integration, understanding, and implementation of SHCS’s athletic philosophy and goals.
Ability to teach all participants constructively, regardless of skill level.
Ability to organize, run, and control practices.
Positive attitude and coaching style
Good communication skills
Coaching ability to teach the sport effectively
Adequate knowledge of the sport
Ability to provide a safe physical environment for all.
Completion of the Volunteer Screening process.
Coaches are required to have and attend practices, games, and meetings related to their team within the CGSAA league and/or called by the SHCS Athletic Director or Principal. No practices may be scheduled during Holy Week, on holy days of obligation (includes all Sundays), parish penance rites, or during weekend Mass times. There are no practices during Thanksgiving, Christmas or spring breaks. Coaches are responsible to notify participants of a practice cancellation when they are unable to attend a practice.
ALL COACHES, SUBSTITUTES, ASSISTANTS, AND VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE FULFILLED ALL REQUIREMENTS ESTABLISHED BY THE ARCHDIOCESE OF OKLAHOMA CITY SAFE ENVIRONMENT OFFICE PRIOR TO ANY INVOLVEMENT WITH THE STUDENTS.
A coach is expected to provide constant supervision of student athletes. The coach is expected to be at practice before any student arrives and must make sure that all children have left before he/she leaves practice or must designate another adult, who has fulfilled all Safe Environment requirements, to take on those responsibilities. Coaches also must not tolerate any abuse or mistreatment of players, parents or others by any member of the team.
Coaches should attend every game and show up at least twenty minutes prior to the start of the game to prepare their team. It is important, and required, that coaches report any problems with equipment, players, parents (or others) to the Athletic Director, within 24 hours of a problem. This will ensure the safety of all participants and allow for appropriate action to be taken by the Athletic Director when necessary. The Athletic Director is responsible for reporting all problems and actions taken to the Principal, who shall make the final decision regarding any actions taken.
Coaches should be patient and tolerant of all children, and understand the level of maturity at which they coach. They must be cautious not to have unrealistic expectations, but be willing to challenge each participant to reach potential goals not before attained. Coaches must understand that their impact on the lives of their athletes is of incredible importance and thus must display good moral and ethical behaviors.
COMMUNICATION
Coaches will discuss with parents at the first practice expectations for student athletes and parents, scheduling of practices and times, behavior expectations for all involved persons, and the inherent risk factors of each sport.
No parents, coaches, players, staff or other individuals should contact the media directly. All releases of information are subject to SHCS’s information privacy policies and must be approved by the principal.
Coaches will communicate with parents the dates and times of games. This information is available on the CGSAA website: www.cgsaa.org.
CONCESSION
All school parents are asked to participate in the work of the concession stand during the volleyball and basketball seasons.
CONDUCT: Parent, Coach, Student, and Spectator
All players, coaches, parents, spectators and staff are required and expected to:
· Act in accordance with the stated philosophy and goals of the program.
· Cooperate with the spirit and policies of the school.
· Be polite and courteous to all coaches, officials, and participants, which includes appropriate conduct at all events, practices, and games.
· Avoid engaging in any situation that could result in a negative representation of the program and school. This includes arguing with any coaches, officials, players, parents or spectators, verbally criticizing or reprimanding others, and any inappropriate verbal remarks or verbal abuse.
· Support all teams with equal respect and courtesy, regardless of their level of skill.
· Abide by the guidelines and rules set forth by the CGSSA and SHCS athletic program.
· Parents should not coach from the sidelines at games or practices and should not take student from practice/game until the coach has released the team.
· Students should work to the best of their ability, follow directions and instructions from the coaches, and be punctual to practices and games.
· Students should complete all schoolwork and assignments and have an excellent attitude and behavior.
· Take care of athletic uniform and equipment.
· Parents should pick students up from practices on time.
· Parents should contact the coach if student will not attend practice or a game.
· Support your child’s coach by your speech and actions. If you have any questions regarding his/her coaching methods or philosophy, please ask the coach.
· Parents may attend all practices, but may not assist without having completed the Volunteer Screening process and have permission from the team coach.
Items such as, but not limited to, questionable books and pictures, knives, matches, cigarettes, radios, toys, pagers, cell phones, laser lights, or anything that will detract from a learning situation or in any way endanger anyone are not allowed at practices or events.
During practices all ordinary discipline matters are the responsibility of the coach(es). The following procedures help set an atmosphere necessary for learning:
· At the beginning of the sport season, coaches outline expectations for student conduct, practice and game attendance.
· Coaches set practice rules.
· Well-planned practices that keep students on task decrease the time available for misconduct.
· Physical punishment, other than reasonable additional running or other appropriate exercise, is not an acceptable form of disciplining any athlete and will be grounds for immediate termination of the coach.
· Coaches must be consistent in their disciplinary methods with all children. No athlete should ever be given special treatment regardless of their talent level. Coaches who are models of fairness help children to learn values of equity.
· Coaches should contact the Athletic Director and/or Principal regarding any issues or problems that are questionable in nature for further direction and/or actions to take regarding the situation.
Behaviors which are not conducive to good discipline include:
· Screaming done by a coach or assistant. This behavior is unacceptable.
· Threats of unrealistic punishments.
· Repeated warnings with no follow-up.
· Inconsistent adherence to rules.
· Foul language.
If misconduct occurs, any or all of the following may occur. (Consequence should be for behavior and not for athletic performance.)
· Private discussion with the student.
· Loss of privileges for the athlete.
· Running consequences of reasonable length.
· A time out in the gym, with the student being placed apart from the other students. Students should never be placed outside the gym for time out.
· Discussion with the parents to alert them and discuss possible strategies for behavior improvement.
· Students should be notified that the Principal will be notified about their behavior.
· For repeated misbehavior, the principal may remove the student from the team and no refund of athletic fees or uniform fees will be issued.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
Drugs and alcohol are prohibited at all SHCS athletic events. Students, spectators, or parents who possess drugs or alcohol at a SHCS athletic event are subject to suspension, expulsion or police action.
EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS
Soccer – Shirts are ordered during sports registration. The registration fee does not include the cost of shirts. Black soccer shorts are purchased separately at any sporting goods store. The athlete also needs shin guards, athletic shoes, and a water bottle.
Volleyball – The school provides the jersey for the student to use which is returned cleaned at the end of the season. Black shorts should also be worn and appropriate sneakers. Knee pads are recommended.
Basketball – The school provides the uniform. There is a $25 non-refundable fee. Appropriate sneakers are also required.
Athletes may not wear any jewelry, including watches, for practices or games. The team uniform should not be worn for practices. Equipment will be issued to each coach and should be returned at the end of the sporting season.
Uniforms not returned in the same condition as issued must be replaced at the current replacement cost.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES
A grievance should be handled in the following manner:
· Set up a time to discuss the issue with the coach. If the situation is not remedied, then
· Set up a time to discuss the issue with the Athletic Director. If the situation is not remedied, then
· Set up a time to discuss the issue with the Principal. Decisions of the Principal are final.
· Parents should note that the coach is in charge of playing time, starting lineups, etc.
HEALTH/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Parents must understand the requirements for each sport and make sure that their students are in appropriate physical condition to safely play the sport. Unless there is a medical condition that prohibits a participant from doing a certain drill or activity, all participants will be expected to follow drills and physical activity requirements requested by the coach(es). If there is a medical condition present that prevents participation in these activities, the Principal must be notified as to the nature and extent of the condition. Based on the information presented, the principal may deny a student from participating if in her judgment it is in the best interest of the child and/or other participants.
KEYS
Depending on the scheduled practice time, basketball and volleyball coaches are issued a key to the school cafeteria. They may not be copied or loaned to others without the principal’s permission. They must be returned at the end of the season.
LEAGUE AFFILIATION
SHCS sports teams participate in and are only affiliated with the Catholic Grade School Athletic Association (CGSAA).
MANDATORY PLAYING TIME
There is a minimum playing time of one continuous period for soccer, basketball, and volleyball for all students through grade six. Coaches of students in grades seven and eight are highly encouraged to follow the same minimum continuous quarter playing rule.
RIGHT TO AMEND
The Principal reserves the right to amend this handbook. Parents and students will be notified of any amendments.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Parents who are unable to pay the required fee should contact the principal. If a family qualifies, parents will be required to help by working in the concession stand, clean the gym, or some other mutually agreed upon service.
SUSPENSIONS
Students who are suspended from school may not participate in practices or games during the period of suspension.
TOURNAMENTS
Before coaches sign up their team for a CGSSA tournament, the principal’s permission is required. Tournaments outside of the CGSSA are not permitted.
WEATHER POLICY
If school is closed due to inclement weather, practices are automatically canceled.