I. INTRODUCTION
FORWARD
REGISTRATION
ADMISSION
RE-ADMISSION
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH REGULATIONS
CELL PHONES, CD PLAYERS,
RADIOS, ETC.
DETENTION
SUSPENSION/EXPULSION
PROBATION
EMERGENCIES: EARTHQUAKE/DISASTER
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
PROCEDURES
III. HOME
AND SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
AWARDS
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS
CALENDARS
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER
EMERGENCY FORMS
PARENT BULLETINS/PARENT ENVELOPES
PARENT-PRINCIPAL CONFERENCES
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
PARENT-TEACHERS-FRIENDS ASSOCIATION
PROGRESS REPORTS
REPORT CARDS
TELEPHONE
IV.
PARENT VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROGRAM
V. FINANCES: TUITION, FEES AND FUND-RAISING
REGISTRATION FEE
BOOKS AND SUPPLIES FEE
FIESTA FEE
PARISH FIESTA RAFFLE
TUITION AND TUITION PLANS
RETURNED CHECKS OR BAD CHECKS
TUITION DISCOUNTS - SERVICE HOURS
FUND-RAISING FEE
PARENTS’ CLUB MISSED MEETING FEE
EXTENDED CARE FEES
STUDY HALL FEES
PARENT
AGREEMENT
SCHOOL
CALENDAR
I. INTRODUCTION
FORWARD
2003 - 2004
DEAR PARENTS:
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
ST. FERDINAND PARISH SCHOOL EXISTS TO ASSIST YOU IN PROVIDING YOUR CHILDREN A RELIGIOUS EDUCATION. THE TEACHERS AND I SHARE WITH YOU IN YOUR PRIVILEGE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF EDUCATING YOUR CHILDREN WITH A TWO-FOLD PURPOSE: (1) KNOWING WHO CHRIST IS IN OUR OWN PERSONAL LIFE; AND (2) GROWING IN OUR OWN PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO CHRIST SO THAT WE GIVE WITNESS TO THE VALUES OF THE GOSPEL.
TO BE EFFECTIVE IN ASSISTING YOU IN EDUCATING YOUR CHILDREN, I SEE THE IMPORTANCE THAT WE, THE FACULTY AND YOU, THE PARENTS AGREE ON THE GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND THAT WE WORK TOGETHER IN COMPLETE COOPERATION. THE PARENTS OF OUR STUDENTS HAVE DEMONSTRATED OUTSTANDING ENTHUSIASM AND COOPERATION WITH OUR SCHOOL PROGRAM AND POLICIES IN THE PAST YEARS. I LOOK FORWARD TO THE CONTINUANCE OF THAT SAME SPIRIT THAT HAS TRULY MADE ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL A UNIQUE PART OF THE CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY OF ST. FERDINAND PARISH.
I ASK FOR YOUR CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR A FRUITFUL YEAR - A YEAR IN WHICH WE WILL DEMONSTRATE BY OUR ACTIONS WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST AS INDICATED IN THE GOSPEL. OUR HOPE IS THAT WE GROW IN OUR SENSITIVITY TO THE NEEDS OF OUR NEIGHBOR SO THAT IT MOVES US TO ACTIONS OF LOVE, SERVICE, PEACE AND JUSTICE. MOREOVER, WE ASK FOR YOUR HELP IN TEACHING YOUR CHILDREN RESPECT AND PRIDE FOR THEMSELVES AS WELL AS FOR OTHERS. IN ADDITION, WE ASK THAT YOU SUPPORT YOUR CHILDREN IN CARRYING OUT THE THEME FOR THE YEAR - WALK AND LIVE IN THE HOLY SPIRIT. WE WILL FOCUS ON THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DURING THE YEAR: WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE, COUNSEL, FORTITUDE, PIETY AND FEAR OF THE LORD.
OUR PASTOR, FATHER PAUL NOURIE AND I ASK THAT YOU READ BOTH THE PARENT HANDBOOK AND THE STUDENT HANDBOOK(S) CAREFULLY AND THAT YOU SIGN THE PARENT AGREEMENT WHICH IS IN THE PARENT ENVELOPE. PLEASE RETURN THE PARENT AGREEMENT/CONTRACT BY THE DATE INDICATED IN THE PARENT BULLETIN. YOU WILL FIND A COPY OF THE PARENT AGREEMENT AT THE END OF THE PARENT HANDBOOK FOR YOUR REFERENCE DURING THE YEAR.
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR COOPERATION THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
SINCERELY IN CHRIST,
SISTER ELEANOR MARIE ORTEGA, C.S.J.
PRINCIPAL
ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL OPENED IN 1929 WITH EIGHT CLASSROOMS ON THE MAIN FLOOR AND THE CHURCH HELD SERVICES ON THE SECOND FLOOR. THE SCHOOL WAS STAFFED BY THE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
THE EVER-INCREASING POPULATION NECESSITATED EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING FACILITIES AND SO IN 1952, ON THE PROPERTY BETWEEN PICO AND CORONEL STREETS, THE SECOND UNIT CONSISTING OF EIGHT CLASSROOMS WAS CONSTRUCTED. IT WAS AT THIS TIME THAT THE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE WITHDREW FROM THE SCHOOL AND THE SISTERS OF ST. JOSEPH OF CARONDELET BEGAN TO STAFF THE SCHOOL.
THE CITY BOUGHT THE PROPERTY IN 1960 SINCE THE ORIGINAL SCHOOL WAS SO NEAR THE BUSINESS DISTRICT. IN EXCHANGE, THE LOT ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE SECOND UNIT BECAME THE PROPERTY OF THE SCHOOL. CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODERN, AIR-CONDITIONED, WELL-EQUIPPED EIGHT CLASSROOM BUILDING, COMPLETE WITH CLINIC, FACULTY ROOM, OFFICE, SUPPLY ROOMS AND INTERCOMMUNICATION SYSTEM CONNECTING THE TWO BUILDING COMPLEX BEGAN IMMEDIATELY AND WAS COMPLETED IN 1961. A WELL-EQUIPPED COMPUTER LAB WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1987 TO SERVE THE TECHNOLOGICAL NEEDS OF THE STUDENTS AND IN 1998, THE WILLIAM H. HANNON FOUNDATION PROVIDED FUNDS FOR NEW COMPUTERS. A BUNGALOW UNDER A FEDERALLY FUNDED PROGRAM (ESEA-CHAPTER 1) WAS MOVED INTO THE SCHOOL YARD TO PROVIDE REMEDIAL READING SERVICES TO CHILDREN WHO QUALIFY FOR CHAPTER I SERVICES IN 1987. THIS PROGRAM IS UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE LOS ANGELES UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT.
THERE WAS A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE (6.7) ON JANUARY 17, 1994 THAT SHOOK THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY. BOTH SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND THE HALL SUSTAINED THE EARTHQUAKE WITH SOME LIGHT DAMAGE ONLY. THE WALLED FENCES OF THE CHURCH YARD WEAKENED AND HAD TO BE TORN DOWN. THE EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED THE CHURCH TO THE EXTENT THAT IT COULD NOT BE USED. CHURCH SERVICES WERE HELD IN THE HALL UNTIL EASTER SUNDAY, 1995 WHEN THE CHURCH DOORS REOPENED.
MARY IMMACULATE SCHOOL IN PACOIMA HAD MAJOR EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT THAT THE SCHOOL BUILDING COULD NOT BE USED. ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL OFFERED HOSPITALITY AND BOTH THE STUDENTS AND THE STAFF FROM MARY IMMACULATE SCHOOL MOVED AND USED ALL THE AVAILABLE SPACE IN THE SCHOOL. THE MARY IMMACULATE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WAS HERE AT ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL FROM FEBRUARY 2, 1994 TO MAY 27, 1994.
TODAY AS IN THE PAST, A COMPETENT AND ENTHUSIASTIC FACULTY CONTINUES TO WORK TO PROVIDE AN EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM IN A CARING, CATHOLIC SETTING.
OUR SCHOOL CURRICULUM IS COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING SUBJECTS: RELIGION, FAMILY LIFE, READING, ENGLISH, SPELLING, HANDWRITING, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, SOCIAL STUDIES, COMPUTER SCIENCE, ART, MUSIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION. GRADES KINDERGARTEN, 1, 2 AND 3 HAVE CREATIVE MOVEMENT.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS THE HEART OF OUR CURRICULUM. WE SEE THAT RELIGIOUS EDUCATION IS ACQUIRED IN THE CLASSROOM AND MOST IMPORTANTLY IN THE HOME WHICH IS EVIDENCED IN DAILY LIVING. TO STRENGTHEN OUR PROGRAM, WE HAVE A RELIGION COORDINATOR TO SUPERVISE THE RELIGION PROGRAM AND ASSIST TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN PLANNING RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDE THE MONTHLY MASSES. EACH WEEK, THE TEACHERS PREPARE THE CHILDREN FROM KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8TH FOR THE SUNDAY READINGS, AND WE ASK THAT YOU ASSIST YOUR CHILDREN IN THIS BY DISCUSSING THE READINGS AND REVIEWING THE RELIGION MAGAZINE FOR THE RESPECTIVE GRADES WITH YOUR CHILDREN. THE RELIGIOUS MAGAZINES ARE PROMISE, GOOD NEWS, VENTURES AND VISIONS.
SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMS, NAMELY RECONCILIATION AND FIRST COMMUNION ARE PLANNED FOR ALL CHILDREN RECEIVING THESE SACRAMENTS FOR THE FIRST TIME - (GRADE 2 AND THOSE IN GRADES 3 TO 8 WHO HAVE NOT MADE THEIR FIRST COMMUNION). YOU, THE PARENTS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND MEETINGS AND TO PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES TO HELP YOU PREPARE YOUR CHILDREN FOR THE SACRAMENTS. CHILDREN IN GRADES 3 TO 8 WHO HAVE NOT MADE THEIR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION NEED TO BE REGISTERED IN THE AFTER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM SO THAT THEY CAN BE PREPARED FOR THE SACRAMENTS OF RECONCILIATION AND EUCHARIST.
OUR EXTRACURRICULAR PROGRAM INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:
NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY: ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL HAS MEMBERSHIP IN THE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY. STUDENTS IN GRADES 6 TO 8 MAY APPLY FOR MEMBERSHIP FOR THE NATIONAL JUNIOR SOCIETY. MEMBERSHIP IS BASED ON ACADEMICS(AT LEAST A CUMULATIVE GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 3.0), CHARACTER, CITIZENSHIP, SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP. THERE IS A FACULTY COUNCIL THAT REVIEWS THE APPLICATIONS AND ACCEPTS STUDENTS TO THE NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY BASED ON THE CRITERIA.
STUDENT COUNCIL: MEMBERSHIP FOR THE STUDENT COUNCIL IS FOR GRADES 4 TO 8. STUDENTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY TO BE ON THE STUDENT COUNCIL. ELIGIBILITY IS BASED PRIMARILY ON THE FOLLOWING: ACADEMICS, CONDUCT, AND RECORD OF ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY( MAY NOT BE TARDY MORE THAN FIVE TIMES WITHIN A TRIMESTER).
SCHOOL YEARBOOK: STUDENTS IN GRADES 5 TO 8 HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON THE YEARBOOK WITH THE YEARBOOK MODERATOR DURING THE YEAR.
SCHOOL NEWSPAPER: STUDENTS IN THE MIDDLE GRADES MAY BE A PART OF THE NEWSPAPER STAFF WHICH MEETS AT LUNCHTIME ONCE A WEEK WITH THE NEWSPAPER MODERATOR. THE NEWSPAPER STAFF PUBLISHES THE SCHOOL NEWSPAPER ABOUT FOUR OR FIVE TIMES A YEAR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE MODERATOR WHO IS THE COMPUTER TEACHER.
AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS: OUR SCHOOL PARTICIPATES IN THE VALLEY LEAGUE WHICH IS COMPOSED OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS. BOYS AND GIRLS IN GRADES 5 TO 8 MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE SEASONAL SPORTS OF FOOTBALL, VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, SOFTBALL FOR GIRLS AND VOLLEYBALL FOR BOYS. THERE IS ALSO CHEERLEADING FOR GIRLS DURING THE YEAR. SEE THE STUDENT HANDBOOK
FOR MORE INFORMATION REGARDING REQUIREMENTS FOR AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS.
CHILDREN’S CHOIR: BOYS AND GIRLS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO JOIN THE CHILDREN’S CHOIR WHICH GENERALLY MEETS EACH FRIDAY AFTER SCHOOL.
ALTAR SERVERS: BOYS AND GIRLS MAY BECOME ALTAR SERVERS STARTING IN GRADE 4.
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY:
WE THE TEACHING COMMUNITY OF ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL, SEE OURSELVES AS PART OF THE LARGER FAITH COMMUNITY COMMISSIONED BY JESUS TO BE MESSENGERS OF THE GOOD NEWS.
WE AIM TO PROVIDE AN EDUCATIONAL SETTING THAT ENCOURAGES EACH PERSON TO DEVELOP HIS OR HER POTENTIAL AS A WHOLE HUMAN BEING CREATED BY GOD.
WE SEEK TO NOURISH THE TOTAL PERSON INCLUDING THE SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL, CULTURAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL, PHYSICAL, SOCIAL AND AESTHETIC LEVELS OF DEVELOPMENT.
OUR MAIN PURPOSE IS TO ENCOURAGE KNOWLEDGE, CONCERN, AWARENESS AND COMMITMENT ON THE PART OF OUR STUDENTS. IN SO DOING, STUDENTS CAN LIVE A FULL CHRISTIAN LIFE AS HAPPY, LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE INDIVIDUALS.
SPIRITUAL GOALS:
WE ENDEAVOR TO LIVE AND ENCOURAGE A CHRISTIAN WAY OF LIFE. A SUPPORTIVE CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENT IS PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WHICH HELPS US GROW AS A PEOPLE OF GOD. STUDENTS ARE EDUCATED IN THE FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINES, TEACHING AND PRACTICES OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH. WE BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP IN THE STUDENTS A SENSE OF CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY THROUGH PRAYER, LITURGY AND SERVICE TO OTHERS. LASTLY, WE STRIVE TO UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE THE RESPONSIBILITY WE HAVE FOR ISSUES OF PEACE AND JUSTICE IN TODAY’S WORLD.
SPIRITUAL OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. PROVIDING CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION IN CATHOLIC DOCTRINE THROUGH THE USE OF UPDATED AND APPROVED TEXTS AND RESOURCES. STUDENTS ARE EVALUATED ON THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THIS INSTRUCTION THROUGH FORMAL AND INFORMAL MEANS.
2. PROVIDING DAILY RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION THROUGH A VARIETY OF TEACHING TECHNIQUES AND LEARNING EXPERIENCES.
3. DEVELOPING THE APPRECIATION OF SCRIPTURE THROUGH ITS REGULAR INCLUSION IN RELIGION CLASSES, PARTICULARLY IN PREPARATION FOR THE SUNDAY LITURGY.
4. PROVIDING A FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM IN ALL GRADES.
5. PROVIDING THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH THROUGH PRAYER, RETREATS, CATECHETICAL IN-SERVICES AND THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENTS.
6. MODELING CHRISTIAN VALUES THROUGH ADULT-CHILD INTERACTION AND ENCOURAGING THE CHILDREN
TO ACT ACCORDING TO THESE VALUES.
7. ENCOURAGING A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR SOCIETY BY PROVIDING CHRISTIAN SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES THAT ADDRESS AND MEET HUMAN NEEDS.
8. PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES TO PLAN, PREPARE AND PARTICIPATE IN LITURGICAL AND PARA-LITURGICAL
CELEBRATIONS.
INTELLECTUAL GOALS:
WE ENCOURAGE EACH PERSON’S POTENTIAL FOR INTELLECTUAL GROWTH BY PROVIDING AN ACADEMICALLY STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT.
INTELLECTUAL OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. PROVIDING A VARIETY OF EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES TO ALLOW FOR DIFFERENCES IN LEARNING STYLES.
2. PROVIDING APPROPRIATE INSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION THAT ENCOURAGES MASTERY OF BASIC SKILLS.
3. CHALLENGING THE STUDENTS TO THINK CRITICALLY.
PSYCHOLOGICAL GOALS:
WE SEEK TO DEVELOP EACH CHILD’S HEALTHY SELF-IMAGE AS A LOVING, RESPONSIBLE, TRUSTING AND SELF-RELIANT INDIVIDUAL. IN THIS DEVELOPMENT, STUDENTS GAIN AN ABILITY TO ACCEPT CHANGE AND CONFIDENCE TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS. IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS, WE MUST PROVIDE A KIND, WARM AND CARING ATMOSPHERE.
PSYCHOLOGICAL OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. PRAISING, ENCOURAGING AND REASSURING EACH CHILD THAT HE OR SHE HAS UNIQUE TALENTS AND ABILITIES.
2. CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT HELPS CHILDREN TO DEVELOP A HEALTHY EXPRESSION OF FEELINGS.
3. PROVIDING ACTIVITIES THAT ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO KNOW THEMSELVES, THEIR STRENGTHS AND THEIR LIMITATIONS.
SOCIAL GOALS:
WE ENCOURAGE OUR STUDENTS TO BE COURTEOUS, APPRECIATIVE AND RESPECTFUL OF THEMSELVES AND OTHERS. WE INVITE OUR STUDENTS TO BE DISCERNING IN THEIR CHOICES.
SOCIAL OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. SETTING AN EXAMPLE IN THE CLASSROOM OF COURTESY AND MANNERS
2. USING MEDIA TO REINFORCE THE ACCEPTANCE AND APPRECIATION OF EACH PERSON
PHYSICAL GOALS:
WE SEEK TO HELP EACH STUDENT TO DEVELOP A GOOD AWARENESS OF THE BODY’S CAPACITY BY INTRODUCING SKILLS IN PROPER OUTDOOR GAMES AND EXERCISE. GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP IS ALSO A PART OF THESE GOALS. IT IS IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO HAVE A CHRISTIAN AWARENESS OF HOW TO CARE FOR THE BODY AS A TEMPLE OF GOD. THIS HELPS STUDENTS DEVELOP A STANDARD BY WHICH TO DEAL WITH OUTSIDE INFLUENCES WHICH CONTRADICT A STUDENT’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.
PHYSICAL OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. PROVIDING PROPER EXERCISE AND GAMES
2. PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO BE INVOLVED IN INTRAMURAL INTER-SCHOOL SPORTS.
3. SPONSORING COMMUNITY PROGRAMS ABOUT DRUG AWARENESS
4. INCLUDING THE FAMILY LIFE PROGRAM IN OUR RELIGION CURRICULUM.
AESTHETICAL GOALS:
IN ORDER TO APPRECIATE THE GIFT OF BEAUTY SHARED BY GOD THAT THIS WORLD HAS TO OFFER, WE ENCOURAGE OUR STUDENTS’ AWARENESS OF ART AND MUSIC. WE ALSO INCORPORATE AN AWARENESS OF THE BEAUTY AND CARE OF THE EARTH.
AESTHETIC OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. ACQUAINTING STUDENTS WITH VARIOUS ART TECHNIQUES AND STYLES
2. PROVIDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION THROUGH ENTERING ART CONTESTS AND DISPLAYING CLASSROOM ART AT AN ART FAIR
3. EMPLOYING A SUPPLEMENTAL TEACHER FOR CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASSES WHICH HELP DEVELOP BODY AWARENESS.
4. INCLUDING LITURGICAL MUSIC AND DANCE EXPERIENCES IN OUR MUSIC PROGRAM.
5. PRESENTING PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCES FOR THE ENTIRE STUDENT BODY.
6. PRESENTING PERFORMANCES BY THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES SEVERAL TIMES A YEAR.
7. INTEGRATING MUSIC INTO THE CURRICULUM.
8. PROVIDING EARTH DAY ACTIVITIES TO INCREASE ECOLOGICAL AWARENESS.
9. DEMONSTRATING BY THE EXAMPLE OF A CLEAN SCHOOL PLANT, THE SENSE OF BEAUTY IN CLEANLINESS.
CULTURAL GOALS:
WE ACCEPT THE CHALLENGE OF TEACHING IN A CULTURALLY DIVERSE WORLD WHERE MANY STYLES, HABITS AND EXPRESSIONS EMERGE. WE TEACH OUR STUDENTS THE RICHNESS OF THEIR OWN CULTURE AND TO CELEBRATE OTHER CULTURES AS WELL.
CULTURAL OBJECTIVES:
WE SEEK TO IMPLEMENT THESE GOALS BY:
1. PRESENTING PERFORMANCES WHICH DEMONSTRATE CONCEPTS AND FOLKLORE OF OTHER CULTURES.
2. PROVIDING READING MATERIAL TO EXPAND OUR STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE BEYOND THEIR OWN CULTURE.
3. SHARING VIDEOS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
4. PROVIDING DANCE PERFORMANCES FROM OTHER CULTURES
5. EXPOSING CHILDREN TO FOODS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE CLASSROOM AND ALSO DURING OUR PARISH FIESTA EACH YEAR.
6. HAVING A DAY AT SCHOOL WHERE TEACHERS AND STUDENTS CAN WEAR DRESS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES.
7. ARRANGING FIELD TRIPS TO PLACES THAT ENHANCE MULTI-CULTURAL AWARENESS.
8. UTILIZING THE COLUMBAN MISSION PROGRAM TO LEARN ABOUT OTHER COUNTRIES AND CULTURES.
CATHOLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE LOCAL PARISH AND THUS AN EXPRESSION WITHIN THE PARISH OF THE MISSION ENTRUSTED BY JESUS TO THE CHURCH. PARENTS HAVE THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN. THE SCHOOL SUPPORTS, ENHANCES AND COMPLEMENTS THIS ROLE. PARENTS SHOULD BE KEPT INFORMED OF THE PROGRESS OF THEIR CHILDREN BY MEANS OF REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, CONFERENCES, AND OPEN HOUSE. IT IS EXPECTED THAT PARENTS WILL:
1. MODEL BEHAVIOR AND MAINTAIN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT SUPPORTS THE SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF
THE CHILD.
2. BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE PHILOSOPHY, GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE PARISH SCHOOL.
3. SUPPORT THE TEACHING OF THE CATHOLIC DOCTRINE, VALUES, TRADITIONS, AND LITURGICAL PRACTICES
THAT ARE INTEGRAL TO CATHOLIC FORMATION.
4.SUPPORT THE LIFE OF THE CHURCH THROUGH INVOLVEMENT IN THE MINISTERIAL, SOCIAL AND LITURGICAL ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY THE SUNDAY CELEBRATION OF EUCHARIST. IT IS EXPECTED
THAT PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN ATTEND MASS EACH WEEKEND. MASS ATTENDANCE ON
SUNDAY NEEDS TO BE A TOP PRIORITY.
5. SUPPORT THE POLICIES, PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES OF THE PARISH CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
6. MEET ALL FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES IN A TIMELY MANNER AND BE INVOLVED IN SCHOOL FUND- RAISING ACTIVITIES.
7. PARTICIPATE IN SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS OPEN HOUSE, PARENT- TEACHER CONFERENCES, PARENT MEETINGS AND PROGRAMS.
8. BE PARTNERS IN EDUCATION. SUPPORT THE LEARNING PROCESS BY ESTABLISHING A REGULAR TIME AND PLACE FOR HOMEWORK, MONITORING TELEVISION VIEWING AND ASSURING THAT THEIR CHILDREN RECEIVE PROPER REST, EXERCISE AND NUTRITION.
9. BE WELL-INFORMED REGARDING ACADEMIC PROGRESS AND SCHOOL PROGRAMS THROUGH SCHOOL BULLETINS, REPORTS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS.
10. BE PROVIDED OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN PARENT ORGANIZATIONS THAT FOLLOW GUIDELINES PRESCRIBED IN THE ADMINISTRATION HANDBOOK.
THE STUDENT’S INTEREST IN RECEIVING A QUALITY, MORALLY BASED EDUCATION CAN BE SERVED IF STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE FACULTY WORK TOGETHER. NORMALLY, DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THESE INDIVIDUAL CAN BE RESOLVED. IN SOME RARE INSTANCES, HOWEVER, THE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION MAY FIND IT NECESSARY, IN ITS DISCRETION, TO REQUIRE PARENTS/GUARDIANS TO WITHDRAW THEIR CHILDREN.
TO BE ENROLLED IN ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL, IT IS REQUIRED THAT PARENTS /GUARDIANS CONFORM THEMSELVES TO STANDARDS OF CONDUCT THAT ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES OF THE SCHOOL. THESE PRINCIPLES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED ANY POLICIES OR PROCEDURES SET FORTH IN THE SCHOOL’S HANDBOOKS.
g PARENTS/GUARDIANS ARE EXPECTED TO WORK COURTEOUSLY AND COOPERATIVELY WITH THE SCHOOL TO ASSIST THE STUDENT IN MEETING THE ACADEMIC, MORAL, AND BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS OF
THE SCHOOL.
g STUDENTS AND PARENTS/GUARDIANS MAY RESPECTFULLY EXPRESS THEIR CONCERNS ABOUT THE SCHOOL OPERATION AND ITS PERSONNEL. HOWEVER, THEY MAY NOT DO SO IN A MANNER THAT IS
DISCOURTEOUS, SCANDALOUS, RUMOR DRIVEN, DISRUPTIVE, THREATENING, HOSTILE OR DIVISIVE.
g THESE EXPECTATIONS FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, ALL SCHOOL- SPONSORED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS, SUCH AS EXTENDED CARE, SPORTS, FIELD TRIPS, ETC.
THE SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO DETERMINE IN ITS DISCRETION, WHEN CONDUCT IS OF SUCH A SEVERE NATURE AS TO WARRANT IMMEDIATE ACTION WITHOUT WARNING AND/OR WITHOUT AN INTERMEDIATE STEP SHORT OF WITHDRAWAL.
ANY PARENT/GUARDIAN OR OTHER PERSON WHOSE CONDUCT IN A PLACE WHERE A SCHOOL EMPLOYEE IS REQUIRED TO BE IN THE COURSE OF HIS/HER DUTIES MATERIALLY DISRUPTS CLASS WORK OR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES OR INVOLVES SUBSTANTIAL DISORDER IS GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR.
ANY PARENTS/GUARDIAN OR OTHER FAMILY MEMBER WHO UPBRAIDS, INSULTS OR ABUSES THE PRINCIPAL OR ANY TEACHER OF THE SCHOOL IS RISKING THEIR CHILD(REN)’S CONTINUATION IN THE SCHOOL
ANY PARENT/GUARDIAN OR OTHER PERSON WHO INSULTS OR ABUSES THE PRINCIPAL OR ANY TEACHER IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL, STUDENTS OR PARENTS AT A PLACE WHICH IS ON SCHOOL PREMISES OR PUBLIC SIDEWALKS, STREETS OR OTHER PUBLIC WAYS ADJACENT TO SCHOOL PREMISES OR AT SOME OTHER PLACE IF THE PRINCIPAL OR TEACHER IS REQUIRED TO BE AT SUCH OTHER PLACE IN CONNECTION WITH ASSIGNED SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, RISKS THE CONTINUATION OF THEIR CHILD IN THE SCHOOL.
WHEN YOUR CHILDREN ARE ABSENT, CALL THE OFFICE BY 9:30 AM AND SEND A NOTE. THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA REQUIRES A WRITTEN EXCUSE SIGNED BY THE PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN BEFORE A CHILD MAY BE ADMITTED TO THE CLASS ROOM. CHILDREN WHO DO NOT BRING A NOTE WHEN THEY RETURN FROM AN ABSENCE ARE CONSIDERED TO HAVE AN UN-EXCUSED ABSENCE. EVEN THOUGH YOU CALL TO GIVE THE REASON FOR THE ABSENCE, YOU STILL ARE REQUIRED TO SEND A NOTE WITH THE REASON FOR THE ABSENCE.
HAVE YOUR CHILDREN IN SCHOOL BY 7:45 AM. THE BELL RINGS AT 7:55 AM AND STUDENTS ARE CONSIDERED LATE IF THEY ARRIVE AFTER CLASSES HAVE BEGUN. YOUR CHILDREN SHOULD REPORT TO THE OFFICE WHEN THEY ARRIVE LATE. YOU MUST SEND A NOTE IF YOUR CHILD IS LATE. MOREOVER, YOUR CHILDREN ARE CONSIDERED TO HAVE AN UN-EXCUSED TARDY IF YOU DO NOT SEND A NOTE. KEEP IN MIND THAT YOUR CHILD LOSES LEARNING TIME AND INTERRUPTS THE INSTRUCTION FOR ALL CHILDREN WHEN YOUR CHILD IS LATE. YOU NEED TO TEACH AND REINFORCE TO YOUR CHILDREN THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE ON TIME. IF THERE IS A PATTERN OF TARDINESS, THIS MATTER WILL BE DISCUSSED WITH YOU TO SEE WHAT STEPS CAN BE TAKEN TO ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM. CHILDREN WHO ARE CONTINUALLY TARDY MAY BE ASSIGNED DETENTION.
CHILDREN WHO FAIL TO BRING TARDY OR ABSENT NOTES WILL BE ASKED TO CONTACT THEIR PARENTS. IF A CHILD CONTINUALLY FAILS TO BRING TARDY OR ABSENT NOTES, HE OR SHE MAY LOOSE INSTRUCTION TIME UNTIL ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE TO HAVE A NOTE BROUGHT TO SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL HAS TO FILE ALL ABSENT AND TARDY NOTES AND THEY MAY BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY LEGAL AUTHORITIES.
MEDICAL/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS AND MEDICATIONS:
SEND A NOTE TO YOUR CHILD’S TEACHER INDICATING THE TIME AND DATE OF THE APPOINTMENT. BRING A SLIP FROM THE DOCTOR/DENTIST INDICATING THE TIME SPENT AT THE OFFICE AND THE DATE SO THAT WE CAN RECORD AN EXCUSED MEDICAL ABSENCE FOR YOUR CHILD. EXCUSED MEDICAL ABSENCES ARE RECORDED AS MEDICAL ABSENCES AND THEY ARE NOT COUNTED TO DETERMINE A CHILD’S ATTENDANCE RECORD.
THE SCHOOL DOES NOT FURNISH ANY MEDICATIONS TO STUDENTS. ANY MEDICATION
( PRESCRIPTIVE OR NON-PRESCRIPTIVE) MUST BE BROUGHT TO THE OFFICE. STUDENTS MAY NOT CARRY MEDICATIONS OF ANY KIND TO BE SELF-ADMINISTERED AT SCHOOL. IF MEDICATIONS ARE NEEDED DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, THEY MUST BE LABELED, SIGNED AND DATED BY A DOCTOR OR A PARENT. INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING THE MEDICATION MUST BE CLEARLY INDICATED.
1. REGISTRATION: NEW STUDENTS’ REGISTRATION TAKES PLACE IN FEBRUARY AND MARCH. REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION: COMPLETED APPLICATION, CERTIFICATES OF BIRTH, BAPTISM AND FIRST COMMUNION, IMMUNIZATION RECORD, RESULTS OF A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION, REPORT CARD, SATISFACTORY TEST RESULTS, AND AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PRINCIPAL. CHILDREN FOR KINDERGARTEN MUST BE FIVE YEARS OLD ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 1 OF THE CURRENT YEAR.
2. ADMISSION: STUDENTS ARE ADMITTED TO ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL ON THE BASIS OF THE FOLLOWING: AVAILABILITY OF ROOM, COMPLETION OF THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AS INDICATED ABOVE, AND THE DISCRETION OF THE PRINCIPAL. FAMILIES REGISTERED AND ACTIVE IN THE PARISH HAVE PRIORITY PROVIDED THAT THE CHILDREN HAVE SATISFACTORY TEST RESULTS. IF THERE IS NO ROOM, STUDENTS ARE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST, AND IF THERE IS NO ROOM DURING THE YEAR, PARENTS NEED TO RE-APPLY THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
3. RE-ADMISSION: STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE SCHOOL MUST RE-REGISTER IF THEY WISH TO RETURN THE FOLLOWING YEAR. STUDENTS WILL BE EVALUATED FOR RE-ADMISSION TO ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL ACCORDING TO BOTH THE PARENTS AND THE CHILD’S CONFORMITY TO THE POLICIES OF THE SCHOOL, INCLUDING THOSE OUTLINED IN THE HANDBOOKS OF THE SCHOOL. THE PRINCIPAL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PASTOR MAKES THE FINAL DECISION AS TO WHETHER A STUDENT IS NOT RE-ADMITTED TO OUR SCHOOL.
4. NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: THE SCHOOL ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE, COLOR OR RACIAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN, OR SEX TO ALL RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES GENERALLY ACCORDED OR MADE AVAILABLE TO THE STUDENTS AT THE SCHOOL. THE SCHOOL DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, RACIAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN, ADMINISTRATION OF ITS EDUCATION POLICIES, ADMISSION POLICIES, SCHOLARSHIP AND LOAN PROGRAMS AND ATHLETIC AND OTHER SCHOOL ADMINISTERED PROGRAMS. IN ADDITION, THE SCHOOL DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY APPLICANT OR EMPLOYEE BECAUSE OF SEX IN ADMISSIONS, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES.
5.IMMUNIZATION AND HEALTH REGULATIONS:
CHILDREN MUST BE FULLY IMMUNIZED AND THEY MUST HAVE A RECORD OF A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION. STUDENTS MUST HAVE THE PROPER IMMUNIZATIONS TO BE IN SCHOOL; OTHERWISE, THEY MUST STAY OUT OF SCHOOL UNTIL THEY DO HAVE THE IMMUNIZATIONS REQUIRED.
ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL ABIDES BY THE LAWS REGARDING THE REPORTING OF CHILD ABUSE OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE. IF THERE IS CHILD ABUSE OR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE IN THE HOME, STAFF MEMBERS ARE OBLIGATED BY LAW TO REPORT IT TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES. THE PROPER AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATE AND DETERMINE WHETHER THERE IS CHILD ABUSE AND THE COURSE OF ACTION. TO REITERATE, STAFF MEMBERS CONTACT THE PROPER AUTHORITIES AND NOT THE PARENTS AS STIPULATED BY LAW. IN ADDITION, THE SCHOOL IS OBLIGATED TO ALLOW POLICE OFFICERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN’S SERVICES TO INTERVIEW CHILDREN IN MATTERS RELATED TO SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE.
HARASSMENT POLICY FOR STUDENTS IN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS:
ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT THAT IS FREE FROM HARASSMENT IN ANY FORM. HARASSMENT OF ANY STUDENT BY ANOTHER STUDENT, LAY EMPLOYEE, RELIGIOUS OR PRIEST IS PROHIBITED. THE SCHOOL WILL TREAT ALLEGATIONS IN A CONFIDENTIAL AND THOROUGH MANNER.
A CHARGE OF HARASSMENT SHALL NOT, IN AND OF ITSELF, CREATE THE PRESUMPTION OF WRONGDOING. HOWEVER, SUBSTANTIATED ACTS OF HARASSMENT WILL RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY ACTION, UP TO AN INCLUDING DISMISSAL. STUDENTS FOUND TO HAVE FILED A FALSE OR FRIVOLOUS CHARGES WILL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION, UP TO AND INCLUDING DISMISSAL.
HARASSMENT OCCURS WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL IS SUBJECTED TO TREATMENT OR A SCHOOL EN-VIRONMENT WHICH IS HOSTILE OR INTIMIDATING BECAUSE OF THE INDIVIDUAL’S RACE, CREED, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, PHYSICAL DISABILITY OR SEX. HARASSMENT CAN OCCUR ANY TIME DURING SCHOOL OR DURING SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES. IT INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:
VERBAL HARASSMENT: DEROGATORY COMMENTS AND JOKES; THREATENING WORDS SPOKEN TO ANOTHER PERSON;
PHYSICAL HARASSMENT: UNWANTED PHYSICAL TOUCHING, CONTACT, ASSAULT, DELIBERATE IMPEDING OR BLOCKING MOVEMENTS OR ANY INTIMIDATING INTERFERENCE WITH NORMAL WORK OR MOVEMENT.
VISUAL HARASSMENT: DEROGATORY, DEMEANING OR INFLAMMATORY POSTERS, CARTOONS, WRITTEN WORDS, DRAWINGS, AND GESTURES
SEXUAL HARASSMENT: INCLUDES UNWELCOME SEXUAL ADVANCES, REQUESTS FOR SEXUAL FAVORS, AND OTHER VERBAL OR PHYSICAL CONDUCT OF A SEXUAL NATURE WHEN ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
1. SUBMISSION TO SUCH CONDUCT IS MADE EITHER EXPLICITLY OR IMPLICITLY A TERM OR CONDITION OF A STUDENT’S ACADEMIC STATUS OR PROGRESS;
2 SUBMISSION TO OR REJECTION OF SUCH CONDUCT BY A STUDENT IS USED AS THE BASIS OF ACADEMIC DECISIONS AFFECTING THE INDIVIDUAL;
3. SUCH CONDUCT HAS THE PURPOSE OR EFFECT OF UNREASONABLY INTERFERING WITH AN INDIVIDUAL’S ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OR OF CREATING AN INTIMIDATING, HOSTILE OR OFFENSIVE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT. SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
1. MAKING UNSOLICITED SEXUAL ADVANCES AND PROPOSITIONS;
2. USING SEXUALLY DEGRADING WORDS TO DESCRIBE AN INDIVIDUAL OR AN INDIVIDUAL’S BODY;
3. DISPLAYING SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE OBJECTS OR PICTURES;
4. TELLING INAPPROPRIATE OR SEXUALLY RELATED JOKES
5. MAKING REPRISALS, THREATS OF REPRISALS OR IMPLIED THREATS FOLLOWING A NEGATIVE RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ADVANCES.
1. MAKING UNSOLICITED SEXUAL ADVANCES AND PROPOSITIONS;
2. USING SEXUALLY DEGRADING WORDS TO DESCRIBE AN INDIVIDUAL OR AN INDIVIDUAL’S BODY;
3. DISPLAYING SEXUALLY SUGGESTIVE OBJECTS OR PICTURES;
4. TELLING INAPPROPRIATE OR SEXUALLY RELATED JOKES
5. MAKING REPRISALS, THREATS OF REPRISALS OR IMPLIED THREATS FOLLOWING A NEGATIVE RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ADVANCES.
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL TO:
1. IMPLEMENT THIS POLICY THROUGH REGULAR MEETINGS WITH ALL ADMINISTRATORS, INCLUDING THE PASTOR IN THE CASE OF A PARISH SCHOOL, ENSURING THAT THEY UNDERSTAND THE POLICY AND ITS IMPORTANCE;
2. MAKE ALL FACULTY, STAFF, STUDENTS AND PARENTS AWARE OF THIS POLICY AND THE COMMITMENT OF THE SCHOOL TOWARD ITS STRICT ENFORCEMENT;
3. REMAIN WATCHFUL FOR CONDITIONS THAT CREATE OR MAY LEAD TO A HOSTILE OR OFFENSIVE ENVIRONMENT.
4. ESTABLISH PRACTICES DESIGNED TO CREATE A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION, INTIMIDATION, OR HARASSMENT.
IT IS THE STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO:
1. CONDUCT HIMSELF OR HERSELF IN A MANNER WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO A POSITIVE SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT
2. AVOID ANY ACTIVITY THAT MAY BE CON-SIDERED DISCRIMINATORY, INTIMIDATING, OR HARASSING;
3. CONSIDER IMMEDIATELY INFORMING ANYONE HARASSING HIM OR HER THAT THE BEHAVIOR IS OFFENSIVE AND UNWELCOME;
4. REPORT ALL INCIDENTS OF DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT TO THE PRINCIPAL;
5. IF INFORMED HE OR SHE IS PERCEIVED AS ENGAGING IN DISCRIMINATORY, INTIMIDATING, HARASSING OR UNWELCOME CONDUCT, TO DISCONTINUE THAT CONDUCT IMMEDIATELY.
COMPLAINT FILING AND INVESTIGATION PROCEDURES FOR HARASSMENT
THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES MUST BE FOLLOWED FOR FILING AND INVESTIGATING A HARASSMENT CLAIM:
1. THE STUDENT MAY FIRST CHOOSE TO TELL THE INDIVIDUAL CAUSING THE HARASSMENT THAT HIS/HER CONDUCT IS OFFENSIVE AND MUST STOP. IF THE OBJECTIONABLE BEHAVIOR DOES NOT CEASE IMMEDIATELY, THE STUDENT MUST REPORT THE HARASSMENT TO THE PRINCIPAL, OR TO A TEACHER WHO WILL REPORT TO THE PRINCIPAL, OR TO THE REGIONAL SUPERVISOR IF THE PRINCIPAL IS THE SUBJECT OF THE ALLEGATION. ADDITIONALLY, IN THE CASE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS, THE STUDENT IS FREE TO RAISE THE ISSUE WITH ANOTHER, SAME SEX, ADMINISTRATOR IF HE/SHE PREFERS TO DO SO.
2. THE STUDENT ALLEGING HARASSMENT WILL BE ASKED TO COMPLETE A FORMAL, WRITTEN COMPLAINT. THE CLAIM WILL BE INVESTIGATED THOROUGHLY, INVOLVING ONLY THE NECESSARY PARTIES. CONFIDENTIALITY WILL BE MAINTAINED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE.
3. THE INVESTIGATION WILL INCLUDE A MEETING WITH THE PERSON ALLEGED TO HAVE HARASSED, SHARING WITH THAT PERSON THE NATURE OF THE ALLEGATIONS AS WELL AS THE NAME OF THE PERSON BRINGING THE ALLEGATIONS. IF APPROPRIATE, THE ALLEGED HARASSER WILL BE PLACED ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE DURING THE COURSE OF THE INVESTIGATION.
4. ONCE THE FACTS OF THE CASE HAVE BEEN
GATHERED, THE PRINCIPAL, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE REGIONAL SUPERVISOR , AND IN THE CASE OF A PARISH SCHOOL, WITH THE PASTOR WILL DECIDE WHAT, IF ANY, DISCIPLINARY ACTION IS WARRANTED. THE DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS UP TO AND INCLUDING IMMEDIATE TERMINATION.
5. IF THE COMPLAINT IS AGAINST A NON-EMPLOYEE OR NON-STUDENT, SUCH AS A PARENT, PARISHIONER, VOLUNTEER, OR VENDOR, THE SCHOOL WILL TAKE STEPS WITHIN ITS POWER TO INVESTIGATE AND ELIMINATE THE PROBLEM.
CELL PHONES, CD PLAYERS, RADIOS, ETC.
PARENTS MAY AT THEIR DISCRETION PERMIT THEIR CHILDREN TO BRING CELL PHONES TO SCHOOL FOR URGENT OR NECESSARY CALLS . IF PARENTS PERMIT THEIR CHILDREN TO BRING CELL PHONES, THEY ARE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PHONE CALLS AND THE USE OF THE PHONE. PARENTS SHOULD GIVE SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR THEIR USE (EMERGENCY OR URGENT). THE SCHOOL DOES NOT TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOST CELL PHONES.
DURING SCHOOL HOURS, CELL PHONES MAY NOT BE USED WITHOUT THE EXPRESSED PERMISSION OF THE TEACHER. CELL PHONES, BEEPERS, PAGERS, ETC. MAY NOT BE TURNED ON IN CLASS NOR MAY STUDENTS EVER RECEIVE PHONE CALLS IN THE CLASSROOM. IF STUDENTS ABUSE THE CELL PHONE POLICY, THE PHONE WILL BE TAKEN AND THE PARENTS WILL BE ASKED TO COME TO THE SCHOOL TO RETRIEVE THE CELL PHONE.
STUDENTS MAY NOT BRING RADIOS, CD PLAYERS, CD’S, BALLS, GAME-BOYS, ETC. TO SCHOOL UNLESS THEY HAVE A SPECIFIC PERMISSION FROM THEIR TEACHER.
THE SCHOOL PROVIDES BALLS AND SPORTS EQUIPMENT AND SO THERE IS NO NEED FOR STUDENTS TO BRING BALLS TO SCHOOL.
ALL STUDENTS ARE PHOTOGRAPHED IN THEIR UNIFORMS FOR THE SCHOOL RECORDS IN THE FALL AND IN THE SPRING IN NON-UNIFORM CLOTHING. IF PARENTS WISH TO PURCHASE THE FALL PICTURES, THEY MUST SEND THE MONEY THE DAY THE CHILDREN ARE PHOTOGRAPHED. IN THE SPRING, PARENTS MAY EITHER PURCHASE OR RETURN THE PICTURES AFTER THEY RECEIVE THE PICTURES.
SCHOOL HOURS FOR GRADES K TO 8 ARE 7:55 AM TO 3:00 PM. RECESS FOR GRADES K TO 5 IS FROM 9:55 TO 10:15 AND FOR GRADES 6 TO 8 FROM 10:30 TO 10:50. LUNCH FOR GRADES KINDERGARTEN TO 5 IS FROM 12:30 TO 1:00 AND GRADES 6 TO 8 FROM 12:45 TO 1:15. STUDENTS WAIT IN THE CLASSROOM TO BE PICKED UP AT DISMISSAL TIME.
GOOD DISCIPLINE RESULTS FROM CONCERNED PARENTS WHO WORK AS A TEAM WITH TEACHERS AND ARE CLOSELY INVOLVED WITH THE PARISH SCHOOL COMMUNITY AND HAVE FIRM CATHOLIC VALUES WHICH GIVE STUDENTS A STRONG SENSE OF MORAL DIRECTION NOW AND THROUGHOUT LIFE. WE BELIEVE THAT EVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO LEARN AND BE IN AN ENVIRONMENT THAT IS CONDUCIVE TO LEARNING. THEREFORE, WE SEE THAT EACH STUDENT HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO THE REST OF THE STUDENTS TO DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO PROVIDE AN ATMOSPHERE WHERE TEACHING AND LEARNING CAN TAKE PLACE.
PARENTS, SUPPORT THE DISCIPLINE IN THE SCHOOL AND DO NOT CRITICIZE A TEACHER OR A RULE IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILDREN. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE TEACHER IF THERE IS A PROBLEM. KNOW THE GENERAL SCHOOL RULES AS WELL AS YOUR CHILD’S CLASSROOM RULES SO THAT YOU CAN ENCOURAGE YOUR CHILD TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES. BE SURE THAT YOU CHECK THE SCHOOL’S HANDBOOKS FOR THE RULES
DETENTION: STUDENTS WHO REPEATEDLY FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE RULES OF THE SCHOOL OR CLASSROOM MAY BE ASSIGNED DETENTION. STUDENTS MAY BE KEPT FOR DETENTION AT ANY TIME IF IT IS LESS THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER DISMISSAL WITHOUT NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS. TEACHERS WILL NOTIFY YOU OF DETENTION IF IT IS MORE THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER DISMISSAL.
SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION: STUDENTS MAY BE SUSPENDED OR EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH SCHOOL RULES, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE ARCHDIOCESAN HANDBOOK WHICH MAY NOT BE SPECIFIED IN THE HANDBOOKS.
REASONS FOR EXPULSION AND OR SUSPENSION ARE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, THE FOLLOWING OFFENCES COMMITTED BY STUDENTS:
g ACTIONS GRAVELY DETRIMENTAL TO THE MORAL AND SPIRITUAL WELFARE OF OTHER STUDENTS.
g HABITUAL PROFANITY OR VULGARITY.
g ASSAULT, BATTERY OR ANY OTHER THREAT OR FORCE OR VIOLENCE DIRECTED TOWARD ANY SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR STUDENT.
g BULLYING OR HARASSING SCHOOL PERSONNEL OR OTHER STUDENTS.
g OPEN, PERSISTENT DEFIANCE OF AUTHORITY OF THE TEACHER.
g CONTINUED WILLFUL DISOBEDIENCE.
g USE, SALE OR POSSESSION OF NARCOTICS, DRUGS OR ANY OTHER CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE.
g USE, SALE, DISTRIBUTION, OR POSSESSION OF ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES ON OR NEAR SCHOOL PREMISES.
g SMOKING OR HAVING TOBACCO
g STEALING
g FORGING SIGNATURES
g WILLFUL CUTTING, DEFACING OR OTHERWISE INJURING IN ANY WAY PROPERTY, REAL OR PERSONAL BELONGING TO THE SCHOOL.
g HABITUAL TRUANCY
g POSSESSION OF HARMFUL WEAPONS (KNIVES, GUNS, ETC.) OR MATERIALS THAT CAN BE USED AS WEAPONS.
g MEMBERSHIP IN, ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN, OR AFFILIATION WITH A GANG OR GROUP RESPONSIBLE FOR COERCIVE OR VIOLENT ACTIVITY.
g ACTIONS IN OR OUT SCHOOL WHICH ARE DETRIMENTAL TO THE SCHOOL’S REPUTATION.
g VIOLATION OF THE COMPUTER NETWORK USER POLICIES AND GUIDELINES.
g INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT OR BEHAVIOR UN- BECOMING A STUDENT IN A CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
g IN CASES INVOLVING GRAVE OFFENSES WHICH MAY INCLUDE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL LAW OR ACTIONS SO OUTRAGEOUS AS TO SHOCK THE CONSCIENCE OR BEHAVIOR OF THE COMMUNITY, THE STUDENT IS IMMEDIATELY SUSPENDED.
ALL STUDENT THREATS TO INFLICT SERIOUS HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS, OR TO DESTROY PROPERTY, WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. PRACTICAL JOKES OR OFFHAND COMMENTS OF A THREATENING NATURE WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. THESE ACTIONS MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OR REMOVAL OF A STUDENT FROM SCHOOL.
ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL NEEDS YOUR HELP IN KEEPING OUR SCHOOL SAFE FOR EVERYONE. ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL WILL TAKE SERIOUSLY ALL THREATS TO INFLICT HARM TO SELF OR OTHERS. THE SCHOOL WILL RESPOND TO ANY STATEMENTS OR BEHAVIORS OF A THREATENING NATURE, ANY BEHAVIORS BY INDIVIDUALS THAT MIGHT POSE A THREAT TO THE WELL-BEING OF STUDENTS, STAFF OR OTHERS AND ANY WEAPON POSSESSION. ST. FERDINAND SCHOOL HAS AN OBLIGATION TO KEEP OUR SCHOOL SAFE AND WILL TAKE ANY OF THE ABOVE SERIOUSLY.
ANYONE WHO BECOMES AWARE OF A THREATENING SITUATION SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT IT TO THE PRINCIPAL OR TEACHER.
PROBATION: STUDENTS WHO CONTINUALLY RECEIVE CONDUCT REFERRALS AND/OR CONSISTENTLY FAIL TO FULFILL ASSIGNMENTS TO THE BEST OF THEIR ABILITY WILL BE PUT ON PROBATION. IF AFTER PARENT/STUDENT CONFERENCES AND THE PROBATION PERIOD, THERE IS NO SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PASTOR WILL DETERMINE THE COURSE OF ACTION WHICH MAY RESULT IN EXPULSION OR SUSPENSION OR TRANSFER. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PRINCIPAL IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PASTOR IS THE FINAL RECOURSE IN ALL DISCIPLINARY SITUATIONS AND MAY WAIVE ANY DISCIPLINARY RULE FOR JUST CAUSE AT THE PRINCIPAL’S DISCRETION.
IN ADDITION TO THE POLICIES IN THE HANDBOOKS, WEAPONS OR ANYTHING THAT CAN BE USED AS A WEAPON IS NOT ALLOWED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS. ANY STUDENT WHO HAS A WEAPON OR AN OBJECT THAT CAN BE USED AS A WEAPON WILL BE DEALT ACCORDING TO THE ARCHDIOCESAN POLICIES.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, STUDENTS FOLLOW EARTHQUAKE PROCEDURES. IF NECESSARY, STUDENTS ARE INSTRUCTED TO EVACUATE THE BUILDING TO SPECIFIC AREAS WHERE THEY, TOGETHER WITH THEIR TEACHERS WILL AWAIT FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. IN EMERGENCIES, COME TO PICK UP YOUR CHILDREN OR HAVE AN AUTHORIZED PERSON COME. CHILDREN WILL REMAIN AT SCHOOL UNTIL AN AUTHORIZED PERSON ARRIVES. AN AUTHORIZED PERSON WOULD BE ANYONE WHO IS ON THE LIST ON THE EARTHQUAKE EMERGENCY CARD THAT IS SUBMITTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR.
WHEN YOU PICK UP YOUR CHILDREN, YOU COME TO THE DESIGNATED GATE FOR ENTRANCE WHERE YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE AREA TO PICK UP YOUR CHILDREN. BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR CHILDREN, YOU MUST THEM SIGN OUT. FIRST ADULTS TO ARRIVE ARE ASKED TO HELP WITH EMERGENCY PROCEDURES, IF NECESSARY. IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL SO THAT THE PHONE IS FREE FOR NECESSARY OUT-GOING CALLS.
8TH GRADE STUDENTS TAKE THE HI