August 2023
Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome
to all our new and returning students and parents! Welcome to another
school year, another opportunity to grow not only academically, but
physically and spiritually as we continue our faith journey together at
Holy Family. We are excited to begin this new year with you!
Holy Family exemplifies high academic standards. We have been educating students since 1886. Holy Family is an accredited school through the Minnesota Non-Public School Accrediting Association. Holy Family has been a member since 1991 and completes a renewal process every 7 years.
This handbook is given to you as a helpful resource. It
contains information about school procedures, policies and general
information about school programs. Please read it carefully and keep
it handy for easy reference. Discuss with your children topics that
directly relate to them. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Education is a partnership between God,
parents, students and School staff. Let us support each other in
prayer and action as we carry out this important challenge and
privilege of providing quality Catholic education for our young people.
Blessings to you in this new school year!
Mrs. Mary Sowada
Principal MISSION STATEMENT Holy Family School is a Christ-centered family. We strive to help each child reach his or her potential in an environment where our Catholic faith is lived and celebrated. STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Holy Family School is an integral partnership among school, home, and our faith community. We believe children are God's work in process, therefore we enable and challenge children to recognize God within themselves, in others, and all of God's creation. We are dedicated to setting the highest standards of learning, while fostering creativity and curiosity. SCHOOL BOARD, COMMITTEES AND ASSOCIATIONS You are invited to be involved at Holy Family School in various positions on the School Board or different committees. Your commitment would be to attend meetings and be involved in the work. These committees report to the Holy Family Board of Education.Our committees are:Endowment & Finance, Public Relations, Technology, Fundraising, Facilities Committee, and Home and School Association. Members
of the Board of Education shall be the Pastor, the principal of the parish
school, seven voting lay members selected from Seven Dolors Parish
and the Area Catholic Community with up to three members being selected Out of
Parish. (See policy regarding out-of-parish rep.)
This term alternates between parishes, with children in
attendance. Board of Education meetings are open and parents are welcome
to attend, share ideas and concerns.
Committees serve under the
Board and they are open to parents of enrolled children or any parish
member. Please consider serving on them. 1. Technology Committee 2. Marketing/Public Relations Committee 3. Finance Committee
4. Building/Maintenance Committee The Marketing/Public Relations Committee promotes Catholic Education by keeping the School and Parish in the public eye: newspaper, mailings, birth list, alumni, etc. The Technology Committee assesses the technology needs and promotes and achieves the three-year purchase plan and assures that the goals and objectives will be finalized. The Building Maintenance Committee works with the Parish and Principal in maintaining a safe school building and grounds area. HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION Catholic schools call their parent organization the Home and School Association. All parents are members and there is no membership fee. The Home and School is the fundraising arm of the school. Without active and involved members, tuition for your child(ren) would have to be considerably higher. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend the meetings. These meetings are a great time to interact and socialize with other parents, while learning about the programs at Holy Family School. Parents are also encouraged to serve as officers. Offices are two-year terms. The offices are president, vice-president/treasurer, and secretary. The vice president is a one-year term and then moves to president for one year. Most of our school fundraisers are sponsored by the Home & School Association. COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS A
newsletter is posted each Thursday on the SchoolSpeak Communication
System. The SchoolSpeak Portal is a secure website we use for communicating with families. It has a large amount of information available on it. Parents are asked to check the School Speak portal on a regular
basis for information from your child's teacher or the office. On Thursdays each family may also receive a Parent Folder with information from the school office. Please empty the folder and return it to school for use again the following week. Parents that do not have internet access may request copies of
the weekly newsletters and other forms in their weekly envelope.
Progress
reports and conferences are an important means for parents and teachers
to work together for the good of the child. (See the school calendar
for the dates of parent-teacher conferences.) Report cards are posted
three times a year and midterm reports are posted at midterm of each
trimester. Hard copies of report cards will be sent home to families
without internet access. Conferences are scheduled at midterm first and
second trimester or as requested. Parents wishing to discuss their
child’s progress, clarify curriculum concerns, or desiring other
information, need not wait until the scheduled conference time, but are
encouraged to make an appointment with the teacher or principal when
needed. A good time to contact teachers is between 2:50 and 3:15
Tuesday through Thursday, but a message may be left at any time or feel free to send an email.
When
parents have concerns or complaints they are encouraged to meet with
the staff person involved. If the problem is not resolved, the
parents, staff member and principal will meet. If a satisfactory
resolution is not reached, a hearing by the local board and pastor may
be requested. The procedures as outlined in Policy #5212 are then
followed.
CLASSROOM VISITATION Parents are encouraged to
visit anytime they wish to see their child in a learning situation. They are also encouraged to become involved in the learning process.
Before school starts each
fall, parents are invited to an Open House to meet the teachers and
receive information on the programs and curriculum. At this time,
parents may take care of lunch fees, tuition payments, and
other forms. Each
spring, there is an open house and orientation day for incoming kindergarten students
and their parents to acquaint them with the school and its goals and
curriculum.
Playground supervision is another way parents get to be involved. Each school year parents are asked to help with lunchroom and playground supervision three times. A schedule is on the portal. Parents start by helping our younger students in the lunchroom with scraping plates and then help supervise the playground. It is about an hour long commitment. Please watch the newsletter for exact times. If you are not able to help on your assigned day you can switch with another parents or pay a sub $12.00. PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES Parents who send their children to Holy Family School are asked to:
- Read and follow the directives and policies in this Handbook.
- Support
fundraising efforts and other school events and activities. (Fundraising helps to
keep tuition affordable.)
- Help the oldest child be responsible for bringing home weekly school communication and returning them promptly.
- Supervise the playground 3 days a year.
VOLUNTEERS Volunteers play a vital role in our school community! Throughout the year, requests are made
for volunteers for special projects and activities. Your help is most
appreciated! Volunteers are asked to check-in and out with the
office. Volunteers are required to complete a background check and
read and follow the diocesan Safe Environment policies.
CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS In
2008 the Minnesota Legislature passed legislation requiring criminal
background checks for all employees and direct contact volunteers in
schools (public and nonpublic). The Diocese of St. Cloud has had this
policy for the past few years for schools and religious education
programs. The following employees and volunteers are required to
complete a criminal background check: Administrators, Teachers,
Substitute Teachers, Tutors, Extracurricular Advisors, Paraprofessionals, Food
Service, Janitorial and all volunteers that have direct contact with
students. (This includes parent volunteers in classrooms, parents
attending field trips, parents supervising recess, etc.) The background checks must be renewed every five years.
We
currently have this information on file for all of our employees and the parent volunteers via the Diocese of St. Cloud's CMG Connect Program for Safe Environment. If you are unsure if you have this
information on file, please contact the principal. As part of Holy
Family process, all of these individuals are required to view a short
training video as well. The video is available to view on the
following web page: www.stclouddiocese.org/safeenvironment/ along with
other training required. You will be notified annually if any forms
need completing or updating. FUNDRAISING
Your support of fundraisers helps keep
tuition affordable for all and builds our school community. Thank you for your efforts! Each year families will have the
responsibility to volunteer to organize events or work five work slots or assignments at the fundraisers they choose. The sign-up for fundraiser events will be posted on the School Speak Portal in the fall. Families may opt-out of participation in the fundraising events by providing a monetary amount. The monetary request for a complete opt-out is $1200 or $250 per work slot. EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS
- Students should show respect and courtesy to all students, teachers and adults.
- Students
should be quiet in the halls and restrooms out of consideration for
others’ right to learn. Restrooms are not social gathering places;
quiet is expected. Please flush and thoroughly wash your hands before you leave.
- The
atmosphere in the library should encourage studying. Quiet discussion
may be necessary but voices should never be disruptive.
- All children
should take pride in keeping the school orderly. Respect should be
shown to all school property. Picking up things from the floor in the
rooms, halls, restrooms, lunchroom and from the playground is
everyone’s responsibility.
- Consideration of one another and for the
supervisors should be shown on the playground. Permission is needed to
come into the building before recess is over.
- Boots should be
worn during the winter and kept orderly in the halls and rooms. This
helps keep children healthy and the building clean.
- Children are
responsible for playground equipment. Students who take a piece of
equipment to the playground are responsible for bringing it back.
- Gum
is not allowed during the school day except on special occasions. If
students bring gum at inappropriate times, this reward may be
discontinued.
- Only students signed up for the Morning Childcare Program should be in the building before 7:30.
- Students are to be courteous & obedient of the lunchroom rules. This creates a pleasant atmosphere.
- Students should complete assignments on time.
- Caps, hats and/or other headgear are not to be worn in class, except on special occasions.
- Students must abide by the bus regulations.
- Appropriate Christian behavior is expected at all times.
SAFETY EXPECTATIONS
- Students will keep to the right in halls, on sidewalks, and on the stairs.
- Students
should walk on the stairs, in the halls, and the lunchroom. More than
one step at a time is not permitted on the stairs.
- Students should not throw rocks or snowballs or play roughly. Baseballs and/or hard rubber balls are not permitted.
- Students
will observe safe and proper procedures for sledding on the hill.
Teachers and supervisors will inform students of the proper procedures.
- Tennis shoes are worn during Physical Education classes. If
students wear dress shoes to school, a pair of tennis shoes is to be
kept in school. Students return Physical Education equipment to the
proper place.
- At the end of the school day, the teachers will walk their classes out to the parking lot to meet the parents of students not taking the bus home.
- Playground equipment should be treated with respect and used appropriately.
- The boundaries of the playground should be respected.
DISCIPLINE PROGRAM The
mission of Holy Family School is to nurture the growth, learning, and
self-esteem of each child within a caring Christian environment. We
believe our students are disciples because they are enrolled in a
school which tries to pass on the values and vision of Jesus. We
expect positive behavior from our students but realize making good
choices is a developmental process and a learning experience. Our main
goal in discipline is to reinforce positive behavior and lead students
to self-discipline.
DISCIPLINE POLICY The Holy Family Board of Education and the Staff of Holy Family School recognize that
each child has rights as a student and as an individual and these
rights must be respected. With these rights, there is a corresponding
responsibility for students to follow school rules and regulations.
Policy # HFS 507 Holy Family Board of Education May 1994 Revised April 2005 DISCIPLINE GUIDELINES In
order to maintain a healthy learning environment, help students make
good choices, and teach them to respect themselves and others, the
following steps will be used when students choose to violate school
rules. Step 1, The classroom teacher will confer with the student. The problem will be defined. The teacher and student will agree on a solution. A behavior modification program will be set up if necessary. The parents will be contacted, if appropriate. Step 2, The teacher will consult with the principal. Further ways of solving the problem will be discussed. Parents will be notified, and a timeline will be established for a reassessment of the situation. Step 3, If the behavior does not improve, the student will be sent to the principal’s office and parents will be called. The problem will be defined and restated clearly. A proposed solution will be agreed upon by all.
Step 4, Communication will be held with the parent/child/teacher and principal. *Actions may include: A behavior modification program will be proposed and agreed upon by all. A serious offense (see severe clause below) may warrant suspension/expulsion (see step 5). A timeline may be established to resolve the problem. A follow-up and probation period may be set. If no positive change is seen, the 5th step will occur. Step
5, If improved behavior is not attained or if behavior is of a serious nature (see severe clause below), parents will be informed of
the need to consider another educational environment for their child.
Only in extreme cases would Step 5 become a reality.
SEVERE CLAUSE If
the behavior problem is of a serious nature, Step 4 will automatically
become effective. Each child is treated as an individual. For this
reason, time lines in behavioral situations are determined by the
administration and the teacher(s) involved in consultation with the
parents and based upon the degree of improvement made. Consequences
for inappropriate behavior may include noon hour or after school
detention, in-school suspension, or the parent taking the student home
for the day. *Examples of behavior that will invoke the severe clause
are:
- Gross disrespect for staff.
- Fighting resulting in injury or deliberately harming others.
- Use of profanity or obscene gestures.
- Damaging and/or destroying property.
- Throwing of rocks or any dangerous object.
- Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Possession of knives, guns, or objects that could endanger themselves or others.
- See also “Student Harassment Guidelines”
STUDENT HARASSMENT GUIDELINES
Holy
Family School adopted the diocesan policies #S520 and #S521 concerning
harassment in January, 1994 and revised in January, 2006. Harassment is
unacceptable conduct that is severe, pervasive, and deliberate. *Holy
Family School will follow the diocesan guidelines in responding to any
complaint of harassment. - Everyone at Holy Family School has a right
to feel respected and safe. These policies and guidelines are to help
prevent harassment and violence of any kind.
- A harasser may be a
student or an adult. Harassment may include the following when related
to religion, race, or gender: name calling, jokes or rumors,
pulling on clothing, graffiti, notes or cartoons, unwelcome touching of
person or clothing, offensive or graphic poster or book covers, or any
words or actions that make a person feel uncomfortable, embarrassed or
hurt ones feelings.
- If any words or actions make one feel
uncomfortable or fearful, they need to tell a teacher or a staff member
or submit a written report.
- The complainant’s right to privacy will be respected as much as possible.
- Reports are taken seriously and appropriate actions based on the written report will be taken.
- Holy
Family School will take action if anyone tries to intimidate a
complainant or takes action to harm the person because of a report.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS, VOLUNTEERS, & VISITORS At Holy Family School we are very proud and fortunate to have a
very dedicated and supportive school community. At our school, the staff
and parents/guardians recognize that the education of our children is a
partnership among us. We expect our school community to respect our school culture and set
a good example of our own behavior both on school premises and when
accompanying classes on school visits and field trips.
As a partnership, we are all aware of the importance of good
working relationships and all recognize the importance of these relationships
to equip our children with the necessary skills for their education. For these
reasons, we will continue to welcome and encourage parents/guardians and
volunteers to participate fully in the life of our school. The purpose of this code of conduct is to provide the expectations
around the conduct of all parents/guardians, volunteers, and visitors connected
to our school. We are committed to resolving difficulties in a constructive
manner, through an open and positive dialogue. However, we understand that
everyday misunderstandings can cause frustrations and have a negative impact on
our relationships. Where issues arise or misconceptions take place, please
contact your child’s teacher or principal, who will be available to meet with
you and go through the issue and hopefully resolve it smoothly and quickly. This code aims to clarify the types of behavior that will not be
tolerated and seeks a parent/guardian agreement to these expectations. The code of conduct also sets out the actions the school can take
should this code be ignored or where breaches occur. *Behavior that will not be tolerated: ·Disruptive behavior which
interferes or threatens to interfere with any of the school’s normal operation
or activities anywhere on the school premises. ·Any inappropriate behavior on
the school premises. ·Using loud or offensive
language or displaying temper. ·Threatening in any way: a child, member of staff, visitor, fellow
parent/guardian, or volunteer. ·Damaging or destroying school
property. ·Sending abusive or
threatening emails or
text/voicemail/phone messages or other written communications (including social
media) to anyone within the school community. ·Defamatory,
offensive, or derogatory comments regarding the school or any of the students/parents/staff
at the school on Facebook or other sites. ·The
use of physical, verbal or written aggression towards another adult or child.
This includes physical punishment of your own child on school premises. ·Approaching
someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them because of the
actions of this child towards their own child. (Such an approach to a child may
be seen to be an assault on that child and may have legal consequences.) ·Smoking,
taking illegal drugs, or the consumption of alcohol on school premises. (Alcohol may only be
consumed during authorized events.) Should any of the above occur on school premises
or in connection with school, HFS may feel it is necessary to take action by
contacting the appropriate authorities or consider banning the offending adult
from entering the school premises. Thank
you for abiding by this code of conduct in our school. Together we create a
positive and uplifting environment not only for the children but also all who
work and visit our school! It is important for parents/guardians to make sure any persons picking
up their children are aware of this policy, as well. What happens if someone ignores or breaks this code? In the event of any parent/guardian, volunteer, or visitor of the
school breaking
this code, proportionate actions will be taken as
follows: In cases where the unacceptable behavior is considered to be a
serious and potentially criminal matter, the concerns will in the first
instance be referred to law enforcement. This will include any or all cases of threats
or violence and actual violence to any child or staff in the school. This will also include anything that could be
seen as a sign of harassment of any member of the school community, such as any
form of insulting social media post or any form of social media cyber bullying.
In cases where evidence suggests that behavior would be serious and damaging,
then the school would also refer the matter to the law enforcement for further
action. In cases where the code of conduct has been broken but the breach was
not damaging, slanderous, or a criminal matter, then the school will send out a
formal letter to the parent/guardian, volunteer, or visitor requiring a meeting. If the parent/guardian refuses to attend the meeting, the school
will write to the parent/guardian, volunteer, or visitor and ask them to stop
the behavior causing the concern and warn that if it doesn’t stop, they may be
banned from the school premises. If after this behavior continues, the parent/guardian
will receive a letter informing them that a ban is now in place. *Note: (1) A ban from the
school can be introduced without having to go through all the steps offered
above in more serious cases. (2) Site bans will normally be limited in the first instance. Issues of conduct with the use of Social Media Many people take part in
online activities and social media. It’s fun, interesting and keeps us
connected.HFS has a Facebook page which allows parents to find out about
school events. Within this source of social media we ask that you use common
sense when responding online. ‘Think before you post’ - We ask that social media, whether public or private, should not be used to fuel campaigns and
voice complaints against the school, school staff, parents or children. We take very seriously inappropriate use of social media by a
parent/guardian, volunteer, or visitor to publicly humiliate or criticize
another parent, member of staff, or child. If parents have any concerns about their child(ren) in relation to
the school as we have said above, they should: Parents/guardians, volunteers, or visitors should not use social
media as a medium to air any concerns or grievances. Further online activity which HFS considers inappropriate: ·Identifying or posting
images/videos of children ·Abusive or personal comments
about staff, children, or other parents ·Bringing the school in
disrepute ·Posting defamatory comments ·Emails circulated or sent
directly with abusive or personal comments about staff or children ·Using social media to publicly
challenge school policies or discuss issues about individual children or
members of staff ·Threatening behavior, such as
verbally intimidating staff, or using bad language ·Breaching school security
procedures At our school we take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously
and will deal with any reported incidents appropriately in line with the
actions outlined above. Again, at Holy Family School we are very proud and fortunate to
have a very dedicated and supportive school community. Together we
recognize that the education of our children continues to be a strong, positive
partnership among us. Thank you for your
cooperation and help with this! Policy #700 Adopted: April 16, 2019 Holy Family
School, Albany Holy Family Board of Education DRESS CODE Students are
asked to dress in a neat, appropriate manner that reflects pride in
themselves and their Catholic school. Clothing and shoes should
provide for the safety of your child. The following are guidelines:
- Clothing
advertising alcoholic beverages and/or tobacco products and/or
containing inappropriate language and/or messages should not be worn.
- Students
are not permitted to wear spaghetti strap tops or dresses, tube, halter
or midriff tops, or low cut or see-through tops.
- Shorts will be
permitted until Oct. 1 and after Easter. However, they should not be
worn for church. Short, skirt and dress hems should be below a child's
fingertips as their arms are hanging by their sides.
- Students must
wear shoes at all times for health and safety reasons. Tennis shoes are
required for Physical Education and recess. Flip flops should not be
worn to school.
- Hats, caps, bandanas or other head coverings are not to be worn indoors for class, except on special occasions.
- Boots,
mittens, and warm clothing are required to play outdoors in winter.
Students not dressed appropriately will go outside but will be required
to stand by the building.
- Makeup is not appropriate for grade school
children. Perfumes and perfumed lotions should not be worn, out of
respect for persons with allergies.
- Tuesdays are “Spirit Days” and students are encouraged to show their school spirit by wearing blue and white.
STUDENT PROMOTION AND RETENTION
When
considering retention, parents must be notified in a timely manner.
Parents are to be included in the ongoing remediation efforts prior to
and after formal notification of the possibility of retention. The
final decision for retention is made by the parents, teacher and
principal. In the event the parents refuse the retention, parents are
to sign a statement documenting the refusal of retention.
Policy # HFS 510 Holy Family Board of Education February, 1994 Revised August, 2005
TELEPHONE Sometimes
parents call the school to ask that a message be given to a student.
While we willingly respond to your emergency needs, we ask that
messages to the child at school be kept to a prudent minimum. Students
will be responsible for listening for messages and getting bus slips
from their teachers. Use of the telephone by students is limited to
emergency calls. School time should not be used to call home for
permission to attend parties and ride buses with friends, etc. If you
need to communicate with a teacher during the day, you may leave a
voice mail. The teacher will return your call as soon as possible. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day. In the event of an emergency students would be given access to the school landlines as necessary. If students have cell phones in their backpacks they must remain turned off during the school day. LOST AND FOUND If
your child has lost something, check the labeled “Lost & Found”
lockers by the office or the cabinet in the office. Parents are
welcome to check this anytime. It is a good idea to clearly mark items
with the child’s name so they can be returned without delay.
INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM Holy
Family teaches the following subjects: Religion, Reading, Math,
English, Social Studies, Spelling, Health, Music, Art, Physical
Education, Computer, and Science.
BUS RIDERS Children
riding the bus must abide by bus regulations as set by the district if
they are to have the privilege of using this means of transportation.
These regulations are sent to each family in August of each year. If
students transportation plans change parents must send a written note or write a note in their
assignment book. Classes are dismissed at 2.40.
All bus students must ride the bus to the public school where they
transfer to their respective buses for the ride home. Students are to
observe bus rules and proper behavior at the public school as well as
at Holy Family. Students may not go into the public school at this
time. If you have bus concerns, please call the public school
transportation department at 845-2171, ext. 5800.
BIKERS In
the morning, students must walk their bikes from the bike path in front
of the church to the school. Bikes ridden to school are to be parked in
the bicycle racks and remain there during the school day. At
dismissal, bikers are to line up and wait for the school patrol. Students should walk their bikes until the bike path or until the main
intersection. The school does not assume responsibility for lost or
stolen bicycles. Students riding bicycles must follow safety
regulations if they wish to continue riding their bicycles to and from
school.
CARS At the close of the school day, drivers who
are picking up students are asked to park to the east of the church.
Children should be picked up by 2:45 unless other arrangements have
been made. Teachers will walk students out to the parking lot to look for parents.
INVITATIONS Invitations for birthday
parties or student sleepovers should be handled by invitations sent in
the mail, emails or phone calls. Please do not have students bring invitations to school to hand out to classmates. Thanks for your help with this! SNOW DAYS
Holy Family School will follow the Albany School District for weather related school closures. During
times of bad weather, you can listen to the radio (KASM - 1150
AM, KCLD - 104.7 FM, WJON - 1240 AM) to find out whether school will be
in session, or if already in session, whether it will be closed early. Phone calls are also made through the School district bus data base. Holy Family will also use our SchoolSpeak portal and email system to notify parents of late starts, early dismissals, or snow days. We encourage you to discuss with your child what procedure to follow
should you not be at home. Let the school know of special arrangements
for after school transportation. RECESS Recess
is an opportunity for a child to use excess energy and also to
participate in group activities. Any activity that may be injurious to
themselves or others or disrupts group activities is not allowed, i.e., using water guns, etc.
Even during cold weather, children will
be required to go outside for recess so please dress your children
accordingly. Unless any students have unusual health concerns, we ask for your cooperation in not requesting your child be kept indoors. Usually if a child is well enough to attend school, he/she is well enough to go outdoors. If your child is unable to go outdoors, please send a written explanation to the teacher.
Only on extremely cold days, the students will stay in for recess and have supervised free time in their classroom or the hallway. FIELD TRIPS
Field
trips are valuable learning experiences. Through field trips,
students have firsthand experience with the subject at hand. Trip
information and permission slips will be sent home to be completed and
signed. Field trips are a privilege not a right. Students who are
disruptive in the classroom may not be taken on a field trip.
Attendance at school is still expected. EYE/EAR TESTING
Eye
and ear testing is done by the District nurse.
Parents may request additional testing anytime. If it is found that
the student has a problem, a referral note will be sent home and a
phone call will be made to encourage the parents to take the child for
an eye or ear examination as soon as possible. IMMUNIZATIONS
Minnesota
State Law requires that children have proof of immunity from measles
(red or hard measles and German measles), diphtheria, polio, mumps and
chicken pox before they enter school. Parents are requested to take
care of this through their family doctor. If a parent has all of the
verification of shots required, he/she rather than the doctor noted on
the form, may indicate the dates of the shots and sign the form. If
you choose not to have these immunizations, a notarized form must be on file. ACCIDENTS AND ILLNESSES
If
your child becomes ill or injured at school, we will make every effort
to notify you immediately. The school needs to know how to reach
parents quickly. We ask that families update student profiles and emergency contact information on SchoolSpeak and on the Medical Information sheet in the packet. Please return it immediately to school. Please keep it updated and contact
the school, when you change your address, telephone or change jobs. If
emergency treatment is required, your signature on the emergency card
will enable us to call a doctor and/or ambulance should we need to act
quickly. We will contact you as soon as possible. The expense of the
doctor or ambulance is the responsibility of the parents. HOT LUNCH PROGRAM Holy
Family School Hot Lunch is funded strictly through meal charges of
students and reimbursements received from state and federal programs.
It is important for all families who qualify for free and reduced meals
to enroll. *The free and reduced price meals program serves a twofold
purpose in funding services; they are as follows: 1 . The Federal Title
I Program for students who need additional assistance is based on the
percentage of students participating in the free and reduced meal
program. 2. The funding we receive through this program generates
more revenue per student than a student who pays full price for their
meal. Students who qualify and participate in this program generate
extra revenue which helps Holy Family School control the price per meal
for all students.
We urge all families who think they may
qualify for free & reduced lunches to fill out an application and to return it as
soon as possible. All information received and the identity of the students who are participating in this program is kept confidential.
Students are not treated any differently on this program than students
who do not participate. Application for free and reduced lunch may be
made any time during the school year, if your financial situation
changes. If you have any questions, please call the school.
Students
who bring cold lunch will eat in the lunchroom with the rest of the
children. They may purchase milk if they wish. Students should not
bring soda as part of a cold lunch. Parents are encouraged to pack
nutritious lunches, keeping sweets to a minimum. We are a nut aware building. Please do not pack items containing peanuts or tree nuts in your child's lunch.
Lunch fees may be paid by
the month, half, or full year. Please pay at beginning of the month.
Credit cannot be extended. One check may be used for the entire
family. Please do not include lunch money with tuition payments.
Listed below is our lunch policy.
The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent meal account procedures in providing meals to students. - Holy
Family School recognizes the parent/guardian's responsibility to
provide lunch for their children. Proper nutritional intake is
essential for adequate learning to occur.
- It is the policy of
Holy Family School to provide quality meals in an efficient and
fiscally responsible manner.
- Student meals are purchased by
depositing funds into their family account or by cash payment.
- Families
may apply for free/reduced meals anytime during the school year.
Applications are given to all families in the school at the Open House. In addition, applications are
available at the school office or on the School Speak Portal throughout the school year.
- A payment
reminder notice will be put in the weekly newsletter at the beginning
of each month. Statements will be sent in the weekly letter with the
Principal contacting families with past due balances.
The breakfast program for the current school year is free to all students. Families are encouraged to utilize this program.
NOON BREAK Children eat their lunches in the school lunchroom and may not leave the school grounds, without permission. Weather permitting, students go outside each day for recess. Children who eat in school are expected to be courteous and obedient to the rules of the lunchroom. The following is expected: - Speak in a conversational tone. (indoor voice)
- Do not play with or waste food.
- Leave your place clean and push in your chair.
- Walk.
- Thank the cooks.
- Remain seated until dismissed by the supervisor.
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS Holy
Family School must provide substitutions, if a student has a disability
and that disability restricts the diet, provided a signed medical
statement from a licensed physician is on file. This statement must
identify the foods to be omitted and what substitutions are be made.
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Holy
Family School may make substitutions even if a student does not have a
disability, but the student has a special dietary condition, provided a
signed statement from a recognized medical authority is on file. This
statement must identify the foods to be omitted and what substitutions
are be made.
Holy Family School, upon written request will
provide a lactose free milk product for those students that are lactose
intolerant. Please note this substitution must still be a milk
product. Juice is not a viable substitute. *Holy Family School, in consideration for special health concerns, is a peanut and nut tree aware building. No peanut or tree-nut products are to be brought into the school facility. Please be sure that
the school is aware of any specific health need. This information is
confidential and will be noted on the child’s health card.
TREATS AT SCHOOL Health
Department regulations state that no home-baked goods should be brought
into school. (e.g., a person preparing food may be coming down with a
communicable disease that may spread). If your child wishes to treat
his/her classmates, the treat must be commercially prepared. Crackers,
pretzels, and/or fruit are more suitable than candy, gum, or pop. In
place of a birthday treat, we suggest the student buy a book for the
library. The book can first be read to the class, and then be put in
the library with a sticker noting who donated it. Some students have
allergies and we must have an accurate listing of all the ingredients.
Peanuts, milk, and or other ingredients can be deadly for some
students. Many foods contain hidden ingredients. Read the label
carefully before sending food and please remember that no peanut or tree nut products are allowed at Holy Family.
WELLNESS POLICY In fulfilling
the obligation of Public Law 108-265 requiring all educational agencies
which participate in school lunch programs to establish a wellness
policy. Holy Family School adopted a wellness policy in October,
2006. Copies of the policy can be found at the end of the board of education policies posted on the portal.
MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL Administration of medications
by school personnel will only be done according to the written order of
a licensed physician and written authorization of a parent. When
prescriptions are given for the child by a doctor, the parent should
ask the doctor if it is possible to take the medication at a time other
than during school. If this is not possible, medication must be brought
in the original container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or
physician. All orders for medication will be reviewed by the District
nurse. *The following information must be on the label:
- Child’s full name
- Name and dosage of medication
- Time and directions for administration
- Physician’s name and Date
Medication
permission forms are available at the school office or you may have the
clinic fax us. It is preferable that medications be brought to school
by a parent or responsible adult. If there is medication remaining
after the prescribed course of treatment or at the end of the school
year, please make arrangements for it to be picked up. Limited
quantities of the medication should be sent to school; therefore, the
pharmacist should put the medication in two containers, one for school
and one for home. A new medication consent form is required when the
dosage or time of administration of the medication is changed. Parents
are expected to notify the school when the medication is discontinued.
If the medication is resumed, a new consent form must be received. No
aspirin or over-the-counter medication will be administered to children
unless the above provisions are followed. It is the responsibility of
the student, not the school to get his/her medication at the designated
time; however, efforts will be made to assist the student. SCHOOL SUPPLIES Personal
items such as tablets, pencils, crayons, pens, rulers, paper, etc., are
purchased by the individual student. In the spring of the year, a list
of the student’s needs for each grade is sent to the parents. Please
label all supplies. All children are required to use some type of
school bag to carry books to and from school. This helps to protect
the books. Valuables such as money, expensive toys and other items
should not be brought to school. If it is necessary to bring these to
school, students should make arrangements with the office for
safekeeping. The school is not responsible for misplaced or lost
items.
CELLPHONES, HAND-HELD GAMES, AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES Students
are not encouraged to bring cellphones and other electronic devices to
school. However, if parents wish their child to have a cellphone with them for
after-school activities, it is requested that the phone must be left in their backpack or in
the school office. Parents must send a note to the office indicating
that their child will have a phone in their possession. The phone may
not be used during the school day.
ASBESTOS Holy Family
School has an asbestos inspection every three years. The Asbestos
Abatement Plan is available in the office for your inspection.
PESTICIDE USE POLICY Minnesota State law requires that schools inform parents, guardians,
and employees if certain pesticides are applied on school property.
Specifically, the law requires schools that apply these pesticides to
maintain an estimated schedule of application and to make the schedule
available for review or copying at the school office.
All pest
control materials at Holy Family School are chosen and applied
according to label directions per Federal law. If you would like to be
notified prior to pesticide applications made on days other than those
specified in the estimated schedule (excluding emergency
applications), please contact the building principal. FEDERAL AND STATE PROGRAMS
Through
State and Federal aid programs, our school has the services of special
education and Title I teachers, a social worker, a speech therapist, a
District nurse, as well as some instructional materials, textbooks, and
audio visual equipment. The Holy Family School hot lunch program also
receives State and Federal aid. The district provides bus
transportation. Students are invited and encouraged to participate in
extracurricular activities e.g., volleyball, wrestling, etc. which are
sponsored by the district. These forms will be sent home as needed. PUBLISHING OR POSTING OF STUDENT INFORMATION Information
such as student name, parent’s name, address, phone number, birth date,
photos, and student’s work may at times be published or posted by the
school. This information may appear in a student directory, on class
lists, school newsletters, bulletins boards, classroom displays or
projects, on the school portal and facebook page, or local newspapers and the St. Cloud Visitor. If you do not
wish to have this information please indicate this when completing the Family Data Form at the beginning of the school year.
HOMEWORK Please arrange a
definite period during which children have quiet time away from the
radio or tv for homework. The following is a suggested guide for
homework time:
Grades K - 1 20 - 30 minutes Grades 2 - 3 30 - 40 minutes Grades 4 - 5 30 - 60 minutes
If
your child seems to be spending an excessive amount of time on his/her
homework, please contact the teacher. If no specific assignment has
been made, the time should be used for recreational reading, practice
of spelling words or practice of math facts. Students in grades 2-5 have assignment notebooks. Students are responsible for writing their
assignments in the notebook. Parents are asked to sign the notebook
each evening.
STUDY SKILLS AND HOW TO STUDY
- Bring a notebook, paper, pen or pencil and other materials necessary to class.
- Participate in the classroom - listen well and take part in discussions.
- Asks questions if you don’t understand the discussion or if you have a problem.
- Plan your work and schedule time for homework each day; make sure you understand the assignment before you leave class.
- Use what you learn, see how each subject applies to the others.
- Strive to do your best.
- Attitude
is important - think positively; work independently; seek help only
when you have exhausted your own resources; then ask questions and use
library resources.
- Learning requires concentration - keep your mind on what you are doing.
- At home, have a definite, well-lighted, quiet place to study.
- Read
the entire assignment rapidly to grasp the basic content. Reread
slowly to understand content, details, explanations and directions. If
the assignment is not written, make notes of your own; outline what you
have learned.
- If the assignment is a long-term project, do a little
of it each day - don’t let it go until the last minute. It will be
easier and you will do a better job.
HOW TO TAKE A TEST
- Relax and read the directions carefully and then follow them.
- Read the whole test first to see what’s asked for and how to use your time.
- Read each question twice before answering and think before you write.
- Answer questions fully with the information requested.
- Check for spelling and grammar before turning in your paper.
A CATHOLIC STUDENT'S PRAYER Spirit
of Truth, enlighten my mind that I may acquire a deeper knowledge of
you and your creation; keep my attention from wandering that I may
focus on my study; enable me to do your work completely and neatly that
I may imitate your perfection; prevent me from distracting others that
they too may learn your ways; and guide me that I may assist others who
may need my help. Jesus, stay with me and be my model as I study.
Mary, the mother of Jesus and my mother, help me with my studying.
Amen.
WORSHIP Attendance
at worship is an integral part of your child’s life at Holy Family
School. There are a variety of opportunities for your child to
participate in worship:
Eucharist: On Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.
all students will participate in the Mass. Classes rotate planning
and carrying out the different ministries. Date and time of Mass will be adjusted for Holy Days and special events.
Sacrament of
Reconciliation: During Advent and Lent the students have an
opportunity to participate in a communal penance service with private
confession.
Prayer: During Advent and Lent the students will
participate in special prayer services. Prayer is also an integral part of each
school day.
PARISH LIFE It is presumed that each family
participates in the worship and prayer life of their parish. This
includes regular attendance at Saturday or Sunday liturgy and other
parish activities. Please encourage your children to use their Sunday
envelopes - a gift-giving habit and a sign of beautiful stewardship that is important in developing when one is
young.
DAILY SCHOOL SCHEDULE 7:30 School doors open for K-5 children. Students should report to the cafeteria. Preschool students who arrive before 7:50 must also report to the cafeteria. 7:30-8:00 Breakfast is served in the cafeteria 7:50 Students dismissed to their classrooms 8:10 School begins with Morning Announcements (Attendance taken)
2:40 Dismissal begins 2:40 Bus
SCHOOL OPENING
Supervision
of students begins at 7:30. Students who arrive between 7:30 - 7:50 must go to designated tables in the cafeteria. No students, other than those in the childcare program, will be allowed in the building
prior to 7:30. Please respect our limited instructional time and have students in their classrooms by 8:00 a.m. School begins promptly at
8:10 am. Punctuality is important. Teachers take attendance and lunch
count at 8:10. Tardy students need to check in at the
office before going to their classroom. BREAKFAST PROGRAM The breakfast program will be offered from approx. 7:30 - 8:00 in the cafeteria. ATTENDANCE & DISMISSAL Regular daily attendance is strongly encouraged. If your child will be absent, please call the school by 8:15 to notify us. Students
leaving the building during the school day are required to check-out in
the office. No student will be released to anyone other than their
parents or legal guardians unless the school has been notified.
Parents
if you are picking up students, please do not arrive before 2:40.
Announcements are made just prior to this time and we do not want
students to miss important information. Teachers will walk their students out of school and across the street to the parking lot. Please park in the east parking lot of the
church.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Baby-sitting, shopping, visiting,
helping at home, long weekends, etc., are considered unexcused
absences. The teacher is not expected to spend time with the student
to make up the work for unexcused absences. EXCUSED ABSENCES Illness
of the student or serious illness, death or emergency in the immediate
family are considered reasons for an excused absence. Consideration
will also be made for special educational trips that are not too
frequent or lengthy. On these occasions, please contact the office and
teacher at least two weeks in advance. Please consider taking this
vacation during a regular vacation time. Consult the school calendar
and plan vacations to coincide with the student’s vacation time. The
child should request make-up work in advance from the teachers whenever
he/she must be absent.
PERMISSIONS, EXCUSES, AND ABSENCES Parents or legal guardians should call or send written permissions or excuses for the following: To explain why a child is absent. To
have a child stay in from recess because of illness, etc. (Generally,
if a child is well enough to be in school, they should be able to go
outside.) To explain why a child cannot participate in Physical Ed
or a portion of it. A doctor’s note is needed if a child is unable to
participate regularly. To keep a doctor or dental appointment. To be excused early from school for any reason. To leave the school premises at any time. To allow a child to participate in a field trip.
ADMISSIONS AND REGISTRATION POLICIES The policy for registering students at Holy Family School is as follows: Registrations
are accepted for all grade levels according to the Holy Family Registration policy until the recommended class cap has been reached.
At that point a waiting list will be established and the Board of
Education will review the situation and make a decision at that time in
regard to additional sections. Children should be five years of age
on or before Sept. 1 to enter Kindergarten. Early admission requires a review by the kindergarten teaching staff and administration. Updated immunizations and
a copy of a birth certificate are required for every student.
Students baptized in parishes other than Seven Dolors will also be
required to provide a copy of the baptismal record. If a custody
agreement is in place a copy needs to be on file with the school.
INVESTMENT (TUITION) POLICY Holy
Family School is supported by Seven Dolors Parish and by other area
parishes with students in attendance, as well as by the investment from
parents of enrolled students. The tuition rate is set
prior to registration for the next year. No child shall be
refused admittance because of the family's inability to pay any or all
of the educational cost. Parents unable to pay the investment are
asked to meet with the pastor or principal to discuss their situation
before the child(ren) is registered each year. Scholarships are available. Each year families are
asked to submit a tuition investment payment plan at Open House. Statements of account are given to families monthly. Policy # 401 Families
whose past due tuition amount (as of June 30th) exceeds $600.00 or the
value of 3 months tuition (whichever is less) will be asked to
participate in an automatic debit plan for the following school year.
If during the school year a family's outstanding tuition amount exceeds
this amount, they will be asked to go to the automatic debit plan at
that time. Families having extenuating circumstances may meet with the
principal to discuss the situation. Families that have difficulty
paying the stated tuition are encouraged to apply for scholarships
and/or discuss their situation with the principal. No child will be
denied a Catholic Education due to inability to pay tuition.
All
tuition must be paid within the fiscal school year (July 1 - June
30). If tuition is not current at the time of registration or the
family has not met with the pastor or principal to discuss their
financial commitment, they will not be be allowed to register.
Registration at a later date will be contingent upon space. Families
who withdraw during the school year are responsible for the prorated
portion of the tuition.
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