FAMILY HANDBOOK
We are a Catholic School Community primarily serving the suburban people of Warminster, Jamison, Richboro, and Churchville, under the guidance and direction of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Parish. We provide self-contained and departmentalized instruction employing flexible grouping and cooperative learning. While striving to motivate students toward self-learning and the ability to work with and learn from others, we emphasize the student’s relationship with God and His people. We maintain high academic standards and a commitment to Christian values, which includes service to both the local and world communities.
The faculty of Nativity of Our Lord is committed to supporting our parents, who are the primary educators of their children, by encouraging the awareness of God’s presence in the children’s lives through the reinforcement of the morals and values taught in the home. We envision ourselves as giving our children a wealth of experiences, concepts, and information that helps them to enjoy the wonders of life now, and attain the fullest development of their human potential in future years.
In all these undertakings, we recognize and affirm that the development of the child must be a partnership among faculty, students, parents, and the entire Church community. We share mutual responsibility for the success of these educational endeavors, which build up, not only our school community, but also the entire Body of Christ. We believe that to succeed in the classroom we need the backing of homes where virtue is practiced, serious study is encouraged, and the authority of the school is supported.
The responsibility for the administration of all parish organizations rests with the pastor. The principal of the school, in cooperation with the pastor, is the chief administrator of all functions that have anything to do with the school. The principal initiates programs, directs and supports the faculty, and is an integral part of all decisions that affect the children of Nativity of Our Lord.
Our school admits students of any race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to its students. Nativity of Our Lord School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, its admission policy, or in any school-administered program.
Our school endeavors to accommodate students with special needs, as the school’s resources and capabilities reasonably permit. Nativity of Our Lord School reserves the right to decline admission or to impose reasonable conditions of attendance where circumstances indicate.
To enter Nativity’s PreK program, a child must be four by September 1st. A child who is five years old by September 1st is eligible for kindergarten. To enter first grade, a child must be six by September 1st. Registration days are scheduled during February or early March. Registration for families presently enrolled in Nativity School is in February, followed by registration of new families.
The following forms are required for registration:
| Baptismal certificate (unless baptized at Nativity) |
| Birth certificate |
| Transfer slip from any previous school the student may have attended. |
| Children from parishes other than Nativity must have a letter of permission from their pastor. |
| All registrations and re-registrations require a current family church envelope. |
| Medical records – Immunization is required as a condition of attendance at any public or parochial school. The required immunizations are: |
| Hepatitis B – 3 doses |
| Diphtheria and Tetanus – 4 doses, one dose administered after the fourth birthday. |
| Poliomyelitis – 3 doses |
| Measles – 2 doses, preferably given as MMR |
| German Measles – 1 dose |
Families registered in our school are required to re-register annually. Re-registration information for the following year is forwarded to each family through the weekly communication envelope in February prior to the next school year. Tuition fees and non-refundable re-registration fees are published in February. All financial obligations must be current before re-registration can be processed.
Our school provides quality Catholic education through the efforts of our parishes, priests, faculty, staff, Home and School Association, volunteers, parish community, and most of all, through the many sacrifices made by the parents/guardians of the children enrolled here.
Tuition is determined in February for the following school year. The school may impose additional fees for other items, such as registration, field trips, art/activities fees. This information is communicated to the parents/guardians through the weekly communication envelope.
In justice to all parents and the parish community, parents are expected to keep tuition payments up to date. Both parents are jointly responsible for tuition and other fees charged by the school. The Pastor and Administration review tuition records periodically and reserve the right to withhold reports cards, application forms, student recommendations, to dismiss students, and/or withhold school records if tuition payments are not paid in a timely manner. Parents/guardians experiencing financial difficulties should make arrangements with the Pastor for payment of tuition.
Our school serves a variety of purposes, including the academic, social and physical development of the students. However, the primary purpose of our school is religious. We exist for the purpose of evangelization and catechesis that is the proclamation of the Gospel and formation of the entire school community of Faith. Our school offers a complete Catholic religious education program and makes every effort to develop the Faith in all students so that they may live a full Christian life.
Non-Catholic students may be admitted to our school under the following conditions:
| The permission of the Pastor is obtained. |
| Adequate facilities and space are available, without denying the admission of eligible Catholic students |
| The parents/guardians agree in writing to permit their child (ren) to attend Religion classes and Religious functions that are offered as part of the school program. |
| The parent/guardians commit themselves in writing to accept and to promote the philosophy, goals, objectives, and regulations of our school. |
| The parents/guardians agree in writing to assume responsibility for all financial obligations. |
Parents are asked to inform school personnel when legal custody of the child (ren) resides with one parent. It is important for the school to have a copy of the custody decree. This will help school personnel to make effective decisions when the need arises. Custodial parents are likewise asked to supply the school with copies of restraining orders if the need arises.
Those individuals who have legal custody of the student may attend school meetings, participate in educational decisions and review educational records regarding that student. Persons who do not have legal custody (including those with visitation rights but not legal custody) have no such educational rights and may not participate in these matters.
The school may require parents/guardians to sign an agreement regarding the administration of parental participation issues and payment of tuition. A copy of this agreement will be kept on file in the school office.
Unless a court or custody agreement specifies otherwise, each parent/guardian with legal custody is entitled to access all school records of the child. Absent a subpoena or court order, school records of the child (ren) may be disclosed only upon written consent of the parent/guardian with legal custody.
The school is required to provide only one set of school grades, notices, and other related educational materials. The school is not required to hold separate meetings for parents. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to communicate such information to each other.
A child will not be released to a parent/guardian who does not have physical custody, without the written consent of the custodial parent/guardian. To determine the custodial parent/guardian, all separated or divorced parents of children enrolled in the parish school must provide the school with a copy of the court order or custodial agreement adjudicating that determination of custody. This agreement is placed in a confidential file.
The personal appearance of a student represents that individual. The personal appearance of the entire student body represents the school to others; therefore, Nativity of Our Lord School adheres to a strict dress code. A neat appearance demonstrates respect for others and fosters an individual’s sense of self-respect and pride. Nativity School’s uniform consists of:
GIRLS: Kindergarten to Grade 5
· Green plaid dropped-waist jumper
· Yellow peter-pan collar blouse, short or long sleeve.
· Green knee or crew socks
· Green V-neck embroidered sweater, cardigan or pullover *
· Khaki walking shorts with yellow knit embroidered shirt in fall and spring (optional)
Grades 6 to 8
· Solid Green skort
· Yellow oxford cloth blouse, short or long sleeve
· Green knee or crew socks. Socks MUST cover ankles
· Green V-neck embroidered sweater, cardigan or pullover*
· Yellow knit embroidered shirt in fall and spring (optional)
· Khaki walking shorts in fall and spring (optional)
Shoes – Grades K to 8
· A black and white saddle shoe with a white sole, or a tan suede Bass oxford with an orange sole is to be worn with the dress uniform and the fall/spring optional uniform.
BOYS: Kindergarten
· Green slacks with belt
· Yellow knit embroidered shirt, short or long sleeves
· White crew socks
· Green V-neck embroidered sweater, vest or long sleeve*
· Khaki walking shorts in fall and spring (optional)
Grades 1 to 8
· Green slacks with belt
· Yellow oxford cloth button down shirt, short or long sleeve
· White crew socks (must cover ankles)
· School tie
· Green V-neck embroidered sweater, vest or long sleeve*
· Yellow knit embroidered shirt in fall and spring (optional)
· Khaki walking shorts in fall and spring (optional)
Shoes – Grade K to 8
· Black oxford with white sole, or a tan suede Bass oxford with orange sole is to be worn with the dress uniform and the fall/spring optional uniform.
GYM UNIFORM
GIRLS & BOYS Kindergarten to Grade 8
· Yellow knit embroidered shirt
· Green fleece gym shorts with Nativity logo
· Birch sweat shirt and pants with Nativity logo (cold weather)
· Sneakers
*Sweaters are mandatory November 2 through March 31.
School uniforms should be purchased from the vendor selected by the school, Flynn & O’Hara. School ties and gym uniforms are to be purchased at the school stationery store.
Uniforms should be properly worn; shirtsleeves should be worn at their full length. Slacks, skirts and gym shorts must be worn at the waist; shirttails must be tucked in. Neckties are to be properly tied. Socks are to be worn at proper height and skirts may not be rolled at the waist.
Students may wear a watch, a ring, and a religious medal or symbol. Girls may wear a pair of small, non-dangling earrings if they have pierced ears. Multiple earrings per ear are not permitted. No other jewelry is necessary or appropriate, and make-up and nail polish are not permitted.
Hair must be neatly styled. Hair should not be faddishly colored or in their eyes. Boys’ hair length should be above the collar. Tails, lines, designs, faddish shaves, cuts or styles are not permitted. Girls’ hair ribbons, barrettes, etc. should match the colors of the school uniform.
Hats are not considered appropriate attire during the school day; therefore, they may not be worn inside the school building.
Students are expected to be in complete school uniform at all times while in the school building and on school property. If for some reason a student must be out of uniform, a note from the parent explaining the reason and requesting an exception is required.
Dress Down Day (3D Day) Dress Code
Once a month students have the opportunity to wear appropriate casual clothes instead of school uniforms. Jeans, sweat suits, tee shirts, sneakers, and school shorts are permitted. Sweatshirts, tee shirts, etc. may not have pictures or slogans contrary to the teachings or philosophy of Nativity school.
Money raised from Dress Down Day goes toward paper and copier supplies.
Government Services
The Bucks County Intermediate Unit provides services including counseling, psychological testing, speech remediation, and remediation in the areas of reading and mathematics. These services are given in the van at the east end of the building. Act 195 provides limited funding for the purchase of textbooks, and Act 90 provides funding for various instructional materials. Act 372 allows busing of non-public school children by the school district in which the child resides. Children not usually bused cannot ride the buses. Students cannot change their bus without the permission of the resident school district, nor may they ride a school bus from any district other than their resident district.
Health Services
The Centennial School District provides health services to Nativity of Our Lord School. Emergency care will be offered to students for an accident or illness occurring during school hours. Prolonged illnesses or injuries, which occur outside of school, are parents’ responsibility. School nurses are prohibited by law to diagnose injuries or illnesses. Please do not send your child to the nurse for diagnosis.
A health conference is held each year with your child. During the conference, the child is weighed and measured, and his/her vision and hearing are tested. Pennsylvania State law requires that students have a physical examination prior to entry to school, and again in grade six either by their private physician or school doctor. A dental examination is required prior to entry to school, and in grades three and seven, either by the family or school dentist. The parent is notified in writing of any deviations found in the screening or examination process.
In order to administer effectively our health-related programs, your assistance is vital in the following areas:
· Emergency cards, forms, questionnaires, etc. need to be completed and returned promptly.
· Changes in a telephone number, address, emergency contact, employment, etc. should be reported to the school nurse and the school office.
· Information on new immunizations, surgery, accidents, communicable diseases, or special medical conditions should be reported in writing to the school nurse.
· Please keep students out of school if they experience a temperature above 100 degrees, or any vomiting or diarrhea within the twenty-four hour period before school starts.
Administration of Medication
School personnel will administer prescription and non-prescription medications during the school day according to the following regulations:
· Medication must be in the original container and delivered at the beginning of the school day to the school nurse or principal.
· Parent must complete a Medication Form or send a note including the following: student’s name, name of medication, dosage, time and date of administration, reason for administration, possible side effects, other medications student is taking, name of prescribing physician, and physician’s phone number.
· Non-prescription drugs require a note from a physician including the information above.
· A parent may come to school to administer medications, but must report to the school nurse or principal before dispensing medication to student. Parents may not dispense medication in the classroom or corridor.
Transportation
Busing – Bus transportation is provided by Centennial, Central Bucks, and Council Rock school districts. Other districts will provide busing if Nativity is within their ten-mile radius. All rules and regulations pertaining to public school students shall apply to Nativity of Our Lord students. Misbehavior or violation of regulations will not be tolerated. Repeated offenses may result in suspension of bus privileges. Children not usually bused cannot ride the buses. Students cannot change their bus without the permission of the resident school district, nor may they ride a school bus from any district other than their resident district.
Cars – All students being driven to school in the morning must be dropped off in the back schoolyard between the church and the Father Healy Annex. The students have safe access to the schoolyard from that point. At dismissal time all car riders will be dismissed into the back schoolyard from either Exit A or Exit D. Students may not be picked up in the front schoolyard or across Street Road.
Bikes – Students should know and practice bicycle safety rules before being permitted by parents to ride bikes to school. Students riding bikes to school should walk them in and out of the schoolyard. All bikes must be secured with locks.
A change in transportation requires a written notification by the parent to the homeroom teacher.
Schedule
The first bell rings at 8:25AM. No child is permitted to be dropped off in the schoolyard, or in the school before 8:00AM, without the knowledge and permission of the school. After 8:00 AM a faculty member is on duty in the back schoolyard. The school cannot assume responsibility for children arriving before that time. There is a 10 to 15 minute break during the morning session. The usual lunch period extends from 12:25 to 1:15 PM. Grades kindergarten and five through eight eat lunch from 12:25 to 12:50PM. Grades one through four eat from 12:50 to 1:15 PM. Dismissal begins at 3:15 PM. Car riders who are not picked up by 3:45PM will be charged C.A.R.E.S. services. The C.A.R.E.S. Program is available for students who require special scheduling. (See C.A.R.E.S.) Since we are all concerned with the welfare and safety of the children, we ask that the parents cooperate with the school in adhering to the time regulations for arrival and dismissal.
Attendance
Lateness and irregular attendance interfere greatly with a student’s academic progress. The illness of a student, death in the immediate family, quarantines, or “exceptional urgent reasons” constitute reasons for lawful absence. All parents of absent students are required to call the school office (215-675-2820) to report their children absent. Please give the child’s name, grade, homeroom number, and reason for absence. This is an important aspect of our school procedure, and we urge your cooperation. When an absence is necessary, a written excuse signed by a parent must be presented to the homeroom teacher upon returning to school. A doctor’s note is required for an absence exceeding three consecutive days. When an extended absence is expected because of illness or an accident, it is advisable to contact the principal so that assignments may be procured or arrangements may be made with the public school district to obtain home tutoring services.
Absence without the parent’s knowledge is a serious offense. The offender is automatically suspended and will not be permitted to return to class until the principal interviews at least one of the parents.
Late Arrival
Students arriving after the 8:25 AM bell are considered late and must report to the office for a late slip before going to their homeroom. Three unexcused late arrivals per marking period will warrant a principal/parent conference. Late bus arrivals do not constitute a late arrival.
Religion
The knowledge and practice of the Catholic Faith is the primary focus of the education given the child at Nativity School. This religious development, begun in your home, is continued at our school by following the Diocesan guidelines and participating in liturgical functions. The liturgical experiences provided for our students are a vital part of the religious education of the child. They are:
· Children’s Masses – First Fridays at 9:00 AM, grades 1 through 8. The Mass is prepared by a different grade each month.
· Grade Masses – Fridays at 9:00 AM, scheduled on a rotating basis.
· Penance Services – The school provides opportunities for the children to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation three times a year during September, Advent, and Lent. Provisions for more frequent reception of the Sacrament is the responsibility of the parents.
· Stations of the Cross – Children attend Stations on Wednesday afternoons during Lent on a rotating schedule.
· Para-Liturgical Services – These services are held throughout the school year. They are seasonal in nature but may also be a response to current needs.
· Rosary – Children pray the rosary during the month of May at 12 o’clock in the church on a rotating schedule.
Curriculum
The curriculum of Nativity of Our Lord School follows the guidelines established by the Office of Education of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Textbooks are approved by the Archdiocese and reviewed and updated as needed. Religion textbooks are purchased by the students; other texts are purchased through state funding.
Under the guidance of the Office of Education, faculty and administration exert constant efforts to provide a balanced, well-organized, and continuous curriculum. Periodic evaluations and standardized testing, as well as faculty in-service, help to ensure the strength of educational programs.
Honors Math
Nativity school participates in the Archdiocesan Honors Math program. Students are selected for this accelerated program according to criteria established by the Archdiocese, which includes standardized test results and classroom performance. Students begin the program in grade 4. Those who consistently meet the standards of the program complete the elementary math curriculum by the end of grade 7. In grade 8 these students take a full year Algebra 1 course.
Books
The students are expected to treat all textbooks with proper care and respect. Every textbook and workbook must be covered at all times. These covers are to be kept neat and clean. Neither the covers, nor the books themselves, should be defaced in any way. Damaged or lost books, including library books, must be replaced at the student’s expense. School bags are required for the protection of schoolbooks.
School Supplies
The students are expected to have necessary supplies on hand at all times. Please consult your child’s stationery list for his/her specific grade level. Trappers and spiral copybooks or notebooks are unacceptable across the grades. A special “Back-to-School” stationery sale is held at the beginning of the school year. Teachers would appreciate if the students would wait to purchase supplies until they receive their stationery list. Additional stationery supplies may be purchased at the school stationery room.
Library
Students may borrow books from the school library during their weekly library period. These books are to be treated with proper care and respect. A replacement charge will be assessed for lost or damaged books. Students may be refused the use of the library if their conduct is inappropriate.
Homework
Homework is given for the following reasons: to foster habits of independent work-study, to reinforce learning that has taken place in school, and to bring home and school together. Each teacher sets up his/her own policy for home assignments. Parents should provide a good study atmosphere, set a definite time for homework each day, and check the homework to ascertain that it has been completed. It is important, however, that parents recognize that homework is the student’s responsibility; they should not assume that responsibility for the child. If there is a problem about assigned work, parents should contact the teacher involved by sending a note.
The Office of Education suggests the following time allotments for daily homework (includes both written and study assignments):
Grades 1&2 –30 min. Grades 3&4 –60 min.
Grades 5&6 –90 min. Grades 7&8 - 120 min.
All written assignments should be done neatly and legibly. No assignment, projected by a teacher to take a few weeks, can be done overnight or in one weekend. Rather, students should approach long-term assignments by evenly distributing the work over a period of time and not procrastinating until the due date. These time-management skills provide vital training for the future. Parents’ signatures on homework are at the discretion of the individual teacher. The teacher reserves the right to detain students during recess or after school hours, with prior parental notification, for the purpose of completing assignments not submitted.
Philosophy of Discipline
Nativity’s goal regarding school discipline is to establish an atmosphere conducive to learning. In adherence to the principles of a Christian community, the discipline policy recognizes the rights and responsibility of all students. It nurtures self-respect and mandates respect for others. It defines and consistently administers firm, positive standards. When appropriate, disciplinary consequences result from unacceptable behavior.
Student Guidelines
The following guidelines have been formulated to increase student awareness of personal responsibilities as a student of Nativity of Our Lord. Students are expected to:
· Respect all persons, adult and peer alike, in word, action, and attitude. This includes any adult in the school building, schoolyard, or church. All students should treat each other with consideration and respect.
· Treat all personal and school property with respect.
· Obey all classroom rules established by the teacher.
· Be prepared for class.
· Complete assigned homework.
· Complete assigned class work. Students should work diligently in order to complete class work in the allotted time.
· Comply with the school dress code.
· Observe lunchtime and schoolyard rules.
· Act with due reverence in church.
· Refrain from bringing non-educational material to school.
· Know and comply with all school regulations as stated in the school handbook.
Discipline Point System
Points are used for a major infraction or to correct a consistently practiced bad habit. Demerit slips are issued to the student, and required to be signed by the parent. This is meant to be a method of communication to parents that improvement is needed in a particular area. The parent’s signature signifies knowledge of the demerit, not necessarily agreement. Points begin anew each marking period. The consequences for infractions are as follows:
· Points are given according to each infraction (see below).
· 10 points equal one detention and parent notification.
· 5 additional points equal a second detention and a teacher/parent/student conference.
· 20 points equal a third detention and an administrator/parent/student conference. At this time, suspension may occur. If a student receives an In-School Suspension, the family is responsible to pay the per diem rate for the teacher hired to supervise the student.
The administration reserves the right to determine the time and day of detentions, as well as the consequences for any major offenses.
Infractions Points
Unprepared for class 1
No absentee note 1
Failure to return signed materials 1
Out of bounds 2
Violation of dress code 2
Chewing gum on premises 2
Inappropriate conduct 2
Violation of rules 3
Disruption of class 3
Inappropriate language 3
Physical aggression 5
Habitual lateness 5
Verbal harassment 5
Disrespect 5
Cheating 10
Stealing 10
Forgery 10
Vandalism 10
Fighting 10
Unauthorized leaving of school grounds
or school sponsored activity 15
Defiance 15
Harassment
Nativity of Our Lord School follows the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Policy prohibiting harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Any student or parent/guardian who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. A complete copy of the policy is maintained by the principal and is available upon request.
Violent/Threatening/Harassing and Inappropriate Conduct
It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from all forms of improper threats, intimidation, hostility and offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of unwanted verbal or physical conduct, verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements, and behavior not otherwise conducive to the educational and religious mission of the school. Unacceptable conduct – either by a student or a parent/guardian- includes, but is not limited to the following:
· disrespectful behavior of any kind toward or about any staff, student, volunteer or parent;
· insubordination;
· fighting;
· bomb scares or triggering other false alarms;
· cheating or plagiarism;
· use or possession of drugs or alcohol;
· smoking;
· stealing;
· intimidation, harassment or threats of any kind; and
· possession of any weapon.
These categories do not cover every possible situation. The school will determine which behavior is inappropriate.
This policy applies both in and out of the classroom, in the school community generally, and outside the school community, where the behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to Nativity of Our Lord School.
Conduct by students or parent/guardians, or anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for disciplinary action, including, but not limited to the immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.
In addition, in the case of threats of violence or harassment, in any form, including oral, written or electronic, by a student against any member of the school community, the student, if suspended but not dismissed, may be required to have psychological or psychiatric clearance before returning to school.
Report Cards/Progress Reports
The evaluation of a student’s academic progress is an on-going process. In accordance with the schedule set up by the Office of Education, this process is reported formally three times a year. Grades are not merely a summation of test scores; they reflect the student’s daily work, homework, class participation, and project work. In order that the students finding difficulty may have sufficient time to improve, Progress Reports will be sent to the parents prior to the end of the marking period. Progress Reports and Reports Cards must be signed by parents and returned to the homeroom teacher promptly. Naturally, parents’ cooperation and interest in the progress of the child cannot be replaced.
St. Joseph Award
The St. Joseph award is given three times in conjunction with report cards to those students who show consistency in effort, homework, and participation in class.
Standardized Testing
The Terra Nova Test is administered each year to students in grades 2 through 8. The results are communicated to parents and are utilized by the school for curriculum planning.
Test Grades
In order for parents to be aware of their child’s academic progress with regard to weekly tests, the tests are to be signed by parents and returned promptly.
Conferences
Conferences with parents to discuss the child’s progress are encouraged. A formal conference is scheduled within the first marking period. Parent/teacher interviews afford opportunities for growth for both parties involved and should result in furthering the child’s development. Parents wishing to confer with the principal about a child are welcome to do so after having first conferred with the child’s teacher. If parents wish to arrange a conference with a teacher or the principal, they should call the school office or make a request in writing. It would be helpful if the nature of the concern was stated prior to the conference. No meetings are permitted without an appointment or during dismissal.
Promotion/Retention
Education is a cumulative process that builds on learning already achieved. To provide the strongest possible foundation for future learning, Nativity School reserves the right to recommend the retention of any student who has not met the specific requirements of his/her grade, or who has demonstrated, through both objective evaluation and teacher judgment, not to be working to his/her potential.
Promotion is at the discretion of the principal. A student is promoted when he/she adequately demonstrates mastery of the material required in the given grade.
Academic Probation
A student will be placed on academic probation according to the following stipulations:
· If a student has two or more failures in major subjects for the
final grade, that student will be placed on academic probation until the end of the first report period of the next school year.
· If a student on academic probation incurs even one failure in a major subject at the first report card period, that child would be liable for dismissal from the school.
A failing grade can be changed to a 70 by meeting the following conditions:
· Successful completion of a summer school program or a tutorial program approved by the principal, and
· Passing a test administered during the summer by the school.
Summer School Program
In the event of a student’s failure in a major academic area, it is necessary for the parents to make arrangements to have the student attend a summer school program or receive individual tutoring. Verification of the student’s successful completion of studies will be determined by a test administered by the school
Summer Enrichment Programs
Summer enrichment classes will be available at Nativity for those students who may be in need of reinforcement or remediation. Classes usually offered are in reading, math, and study skills. Information regarding the summer enrichment program will be sent home in the spring.
Graduation
Eighth grade students who have completed the prescribed course of study and maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible for graduation if all financial obligations have been met. Procedures for graduation are determined by the administration and the eighth grade teachers.
Closing Exercises
Participation in closing exercises is a privilege, not a right. The school has the right to deny any student from participating in the closing exercises of PreK, kindergarten, and eighth grade if all financial obligations have not been met, or in the view of the school, the student’s conduct, academic or disciplinary record indicate that the privilege should not be extended.
Faculty Meetings
Faculty meetings are usually held on a Monday or Wednesday of a month, but not necessarily every month. Students will be dismissed beginning at 11:55 AM on these days. Parents should consult the Tentative School Calendar given out in June for these dates. Any changes in these dates will be noted on the monthly calendar. Busing information for these and other early dismissals will also be on the monthly calendar.
Early Dismissals
When the school has early dismissal, parents are required to provide transportation whenever bus transportation is not provided. Early dismissals begin at 11:55 AM. Students not picked up by 12:45 PM will be charged for C.A.R.E.S. services. For the safety of all our children, we ask that all drivers follow the specific directions sent home at the beginning of each school year.
When it is necessary for a child to be excused from school before the regular dismissal time, a note is required from the parents to the homeroom teacher. The note must state the date, time, and reason for early dismissal. Parents are to pick up and sign out their child in the main office.
C.A.R.E.S.
The C.A.R.E.S. Program (Children Are Receiving Extended Services) is a before and after school supervised program run under the guidelines of the Archdiocese. Information on hours and rates may be obtained in the school office.
Schoolyard Regulations
In keeping with the philosophy of a Christian community that fosters self-respect and respect for others, all students are expected to be considerate of others and to be respectful at all times.
Mornings:
Grades K to 8:
Assemble in the back schoolyard.
All students must stand in the area of their assigned lines.
Students must remain in the yard until the bell rings. A pass from the teacher on duty is required to enter the building. In the case of inclement weather, students will go directly into their classrooms.
Lunch Recess
All grades play in the back schoolyard. The following are general regulations for all students:
· Good sportsmanship, fair play, and appropriate language are expected from all students.
· All students must remain in the yard until the bell rings. A pass from the teacher on duty is required to re-enter the building.
· Students may not play in the driveways near the Church or Exit A.
· Students may not play near parked cars or the Catapult van.
· Students are permitted on the field, volleyball court, or Ellie Pomplas playground based on the discretion of the teacher on duty.
· No rough games or those involving running are permitted on the blacktop.
· No footballs, tennis balls, or any small balls are permitted on the blacktop.
· Basketball, foursquare and jumping rope are permitted on the blacktop.
· “Touch” football, soccer and baseball are permitted on the field.
· The playground and volleyball areas may be used by the students on a rotating schedule set by the level coordinators if a parent moderator is present.
· A hand bell will signal the end of recess. At that time the students should stop playing and walk to their lines. The electric bell is a signal for silence and the students should start into the building in silence.
Cellular Telephones/Pagers/Handheld Electronic Devices
Cellular telephones, beepers, pagers, handheld electronic games, personal CD players, IPods/MP3 players and other items that, in the view of the school, may be distracting or disruptive to the learning environment, are not permitted in the school.
This rule is formed from both safety and security issues as well as an issue of providing a distraction or temptation during school hours. Nativity of Our Lord School and its employees are in no way responsible for any of said electronic devices (MP3 players, IPods, cell phones, pagers, game systems). Any student found with these items in their possession or in use of them on school property during school sessions, will have them confiscated.
Computers - Acceptable Use Policy
Purpose and Goals
Computers are a valuable tool for education and one of this school’s purposes is to encourage the proper use of computer related technology, including the Internet. Students and all users of computer technology have a responsibility to use these tools properly and in accordance with the goals set forth below:
… to provide a variety of electronic tools to help students and teachers develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources and enable them to work effectively with various computer/communications technology.
…to encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills which will be needed in this emerging electronic and global society.
Responsibilities of User
With the right of access comes the responsibility to use the source both correctly and wisely. Access to the Internet may mean that some material found will not meet guidelines set in our Acceptable Use Policy. Monitoring and controlling all such materials is impossible. Nativity of Our Lord School will make every effort to discourage the appearance of such material; however, the opportunities and information made available by the Internet make it necessary to provide access in order that our students can take advantage of the many resources on the information superhighway.
General Requirements for Use of the Internet
· All users are required to take simple Internet training from the computer coordinator or his/her designee.
· All users and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign a student access contract governing use of computer resources, which is provided by the school. A copy of this contract is available for review in the school office.
· Only students issued passes or permission and who have completed training may use the Nativity of Our Lord School’s computer resources, which are provided by the school and set forth below.
· Only students issued passes or permission and who have completed training may use the school’s computers to access the Internet.
· Use of stations is limited to those who have a clear need for research, with a teacher assignment to back it up.
· Transferring copyrighted material to or from the school without express permission of the owner may be a violation of federal law. The user must insure that this does not incur.
· Use of electronic mail and other Internet facilities to harass, offend, or annoy other users is forbidden.
· E-mail accounts through Nativity of Our Lord School may be restricted and/or monitored.
· Any attempt to circumvent system security, guess passwords, or in any way gain access to secured resources is forbidden.
· Use of the Internet for commercial gain or profit is not allowed from an educational site.
· Users will not move, repair, reconfigure, modify or attach external devices, or load software on the system without the express, prior written consent of Nativity of Our Lord School.
· The system operator has the right to monitor all computer activity without prior notice to the user.
· The school may impose additional rules and restrictions at any time.
Discipline
Violations of these rules will be handled by the computer education coordinator and the school administration.
Student Rules
· For reasons of personal safety, students must never post or transmit personal information about themselves or other people. This includes name, address, telephone/fax number, school address, social security number, etc.
· Students must not access material that is profane or obscene (e.g., pornography) or that advocates illegal acts, violence, harassment or discrimination toward other people.
· Students must not plagiarize works they find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of another and presenting them as if they were one’s own.
· Students must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language. Nor will they, through means of the Internet, harass or annoy other users.
· Students must not knowingly or recklessly post or transmit information about persons or organizations that is false or private.
· Students must not make deliberate attempts to disrupt computer systems or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by other means. These actions are illegal.
· The illegal downloading of copyrighted software or other written works for use on home or school computers is prohibited.
· The illegal downloading of copyrighted software or other written works for use on home or school computers is prohibited.
Violations of any of these rules may result in any or all of the following, at the discretion of the school:
~ Loss of Internet access privileges
~ Disciplinary and/or legal action by the school, law
enforcement or other involved parties.
School Communications
A monthly calendar and newsletter will be sent home with every child the last week of the month. Please check this calendar for updated information.
The Home and School Association sends home a weekly communication envelope each Tuesday with the youngest child in each family. The contents of this envelope should be reviewed promptly, and the empty envelope signed and returned to school the following day.
In August and September, “Back-to-School” nights are held. These evenings are arranged so that parents coming to school can meet their child’s teacher, and become acquainted with the curriculum and requirements of the particular grade of their child. These evenings also afford parents the opportunity to meet Home and School Association members, to learn about our school’s various activities and to volunteer to assist in these activities.
“Back-to-School” nights are not for the purpose of individual Parent/Teacher conferences. Dates and times for “Back-to-School” nights are published on the August and September calendars.
Inclement Weather
Nativity School follows the decisions of Centennial School District in regard to the closing or delayed opening of school due to inclement weather. Our School Closed/Delayed Opening number is 753. Please listen to KYW (1060 AM) for this number. School closings or delayed openings are also listed on Channels 6 (WPVI), 10 (WCAU), and Fox Philadelphia. Each station’s website will also have a school closing link. In addition, we have added a link on the school website (www.nativityofourlord.org) to check for the school closing information. As soon as any information is available regarding our status we will get it posted on this website link. Families residing in school districts other than Centennial need to listen/watch for their school district’s number to know if your children will be bused. The numbers for our surr