The St. Mary of the Assumption School Parent/Student Handbook has been adopted and published in the spirit of communicating to you the policies, procedures, and philosophies of the school. Throughout the school year we ask you to use this handbook for necessary information regarding our school schedules, policies, and philosophy.

As you read the handbook, you will see the recurring use of the word responsibility. Our school theme involves a three-fold responsibility:

                    SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITY

St. Mary of the Assumption School is staffed by a qualified faculty. All teachers are certified according to Ohio State standards. The school staff includes a principal, assistant to the principal, a financial director, lay teachers, a physical education teacher, a computer teacher, a music teacher, a Spanish teacher, an art teacher, band director, tutors, librarian, secretary, office aides, food service supervisor, and maintenance personnel.

Professional competency and efficiency are stimulated through attendance at in-service workshops, continuing college education and religious education courses, and faculty meetings.

State auxiliary funds to non-public schools provide speech therapy, psychological services, learning disability services, and a nurse.

The primary responsibility for the education of the children belongs to the parents. This idea is basic to the American way of life and the Christian concept of the family as the fundamental unit of society. Although this responsibility is shared with the school as a matter of practical necessity, the parent’s responsibility remains paramount.

The attitude of each parent toward sharing this responsibility with the school is important to the child as a person and to the community. Attitudes formed at an early age in the home are more important than ability. The greatest single factor in building a child’s intellectual, moral, and cultural attitudes is the example provided in the home. The conscientious parent will try to plan thoughtfully not only for the child’s first entrance into school life, but also for his/her continued success in school. As your child’s prime educator, we would ask you to cooperate with the following:

Build religious celebrations and family prayer into your life style.

Provide proper facilities and encourage thorough completion of assignments.

Insist that your children obey the regulations and principles of good behavior. Note their conduct and effort marks. Unsatisfactory marks or failing efforts in a discipline indicate a need for a conference with the teacher.

Attend all required meetings.

Avoid criticism of teachers and school policy in the presence of your child. Discuss problems with the teacher, principal, or Pastor.

Encourage and praise development of your child’s individual talents and interests.

Have your child arrive on time and in appropriate school uniform.

St. Mary of the Assumption School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of our educational admission policies. Furthermore, it is the policy of St. Mary of the Assumption School not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs of employment as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments in 1972.

Definition of Parishioner – A parishioner is understood to be one who is registered, attends, and contributes to the parish in which he/she belongs.

All Catholic students of the Roman rite whose families live within the boundaries of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish are eligible for admission to the school provided that:

The families are registered in St. Mary of the Assumption Parish.

The parents understand that they have an obligation to foster a Catholic atmosphere in the home and set a good example as a Catholic by regular participation at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days and by regular reception of the Sacraments.

In addition to the current tuition payment, the parents are expected to contribute to the support of the Parish by use of the collection envelopes or by any other acceptable method.

The parents agree to uphold and follow to the best of their ability the policies of the school as stated in the School Handbook, other bulletins, and communications.

Parents are encouraged and expected to assist in specific fund raising activities and development programs for the school as determined by the school and Parish.

Parents understand the student tuition rate is determined yearly.

Final decisions regarding admission and re-admission of students rest with the Pastor.

Catholic students, who live outside the territorial boundaries of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish or are members of a parish not having a Catholic school, will be considered for admission on an individual basis depending upon the parish to which they belong and the number of available spaces in St. Mary of the Assumption School.

Students, who are members of St. Bede Parish and Divine Word Parish, will be accepted if their families are members of good standing in the parish to which they belong. There will be a written contract specifying the details on tuition payments between the two parishes.

Non-parishioners who are attending St. Mary of the Assumption School also have the responsibility to support the educational programs of the school through financial support and attendance at meetings.

The tuition for students who are non-parishioners is the total cost per pupil based on the tuition plan.

Children who were accepted from other parishes may remain at St. Mary of the Assumption School until their education is completed unless for some reason a transfer becomes necessary.

All students, parishioners, and non-parishioners will pay an educational fee that will be determined yearly and is due at a determined date in the spring for the following year.

Once a class size of thirty (30) students in Grades 1-8 and twenty-five (25) students in K has been reached, students will be placed on a waiting list. Registered parishioners of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish on the waiting list will have first priority for admission. (K – 25 students)

The final decision regarding admission and re-admission rests with the Pastor and the principal.

Students entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by September 30^th of the year in which they are entering Kindergarten.

Students entering grade one must be six (6) years old by September 30^th of the year in which they are entering the first grade. This is the law in the State of Ohio. Early entrance testing may be requested from the local public school agency if the child will be six (6) years old by January 1^st of the new year.

When transferring a student to another school from St. Mary of the Assumption School, a signed Release of Information form is necessary to send the child’s record to the new school. The child’s report card will be given to the child if all payments/bills/fines have been paid.

This is a Parish program based on financial need per family. Forms are available in the Rectory or school office. Deadline for application is April.

This is a Cleveland Diocesan program based on financial need. Forms are available in the Rectory or school office. The deadline for application is in February.

St. Mary of the Assumption School offers a hot lunch program through the Cleveland Diocese. Students have the option of ordering lunch or packing a lunch. Students may purchase lunches monthly. A menu is sent home with the monthly newsletter. Cost for lunch is $1.90 including milk or 50 cents for just milk. Milk may be purchased daily. Please do NOT bring "fast food" lunches in for your child/children. This causes difficulties with the other students as they want "fast food" also. *Parents may NOT bring in "birthday lunches" for a student’s class.*

SCHOOL SUPPLIES may be purchased in the school office. Laddie pencils, pencil cases, Bibles, and book bags are the only items offered. Gym clothes (Grades K-5) and St. Mary sweatshirts may be purchased from the gym teacher.

PROPERTY DAMAGE incurred by the student is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

***Any money brought to school must be in an envelope clearly marked with the child’s name, amount, room number, and purpose for which the money is to be used.

St. Mary of the Assumption School is fully accredited and chartered by the State of Ohio. Each teacher is certified and has a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Education, and/or a Master of Science in Education.

The Minimum Standards of the State of Ohio require that there must be 178 days of pupil instruction. St. Mary of the Assumption School is governed by the State and by the Diocesan legislation regarding:

The length of the school year

Administrative procedures for the school year as they relate to the opening, closing, and emergency closing of schools

Admission, assignment, and withdrawal of pupils

Vaccination and immunization of pupils

St. Mary of the Assumption School consists of twenty-three (23) classrooms in grades Preschool/Kindergarten to Eighth.

Classes in Preschool/Kindergarten-3 are self-contained (one teacher for each classroom).

Grades 1-3 are departmentalized in certain disciplines.

Grades 4-8 are departmentalized.

Homogeneous or ability grouping within a class

Heterogeneous grouping

Individual instruction

Combination of the following:

All students, including those of other faith backgrounds, are required to participate in the full school curriculum.

Religion classes are taught daily. All students attend 8:15 Mass on Wednesday and Mass on Holy Days. Students also attend paraliturgical services for the seasons of Advent, Lent, Holy Days, and special holidays. Additionally, students take part in service and mission projects. Catholic Christian principles are interwoven throughout the entire curriculum.

Students, except those who are not baptized Catholics or those baptized in non-Catholic faiths, participate in the reception of Sacraments.

All children in Grade Two are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Children who are baptized Catholics will receive the Sacraments. Special arrangements for children baptized in other faiths will be made by the Pastoral Team.

The goals and objectives of each subject are based on the requirements of the Graded Course of Study issued by the Secretary for Education for the Diocese of Cleveland and approved by the Ohio Department of Education based on Ohio State Standards.

Each child is given the opportunity to visit the school library and/or Media Center at least once a week. The school is well equipped with audio-visual aids. Computers, recorders, record players, video tapes, TV’s, VCR’s, DVD players, and other machines are available for use by the teachers and students. A complete library of transparencies, recordings, discs are available for all subjects. Students are expected to be quiet in these areas. Lost books must be reimbursed before the end of the school year.

The human sexuality program for St. Mary of the Assumption School is based on the Benzinger Family Life program for Grades 4-8. These programs incorporate five themes into each level: family living, personal growth, respect for life, Christian sexuality, and social living. The moral aspects of the texts are given supplementary assistance by the teachers.

Ohio Auxiliary Services provides a school psychologist, a speech therapist, a nurse, and a clerk to coordinate the program. All these services, with the exception of the nurse, are housed in the Learning Center near the Weaver Activity Center.

Students are screened to determine a need for help in the various areas. In addition, parent and teacher referrals may also be made.

Every student must use a book bag to carry books to and from school. During the school day, every student in grades 6-8 must use a school issued St. Mary tote bag, which can be purchased in the school office. The tote bag is optional for grades 4-5. Books taken home should be covered at all times. Do not tape or paste covers to the books. Check periodically to see that your child’s books are covered. Provide a specific, safe place for school books at home. Any lost or damaged books must be reimbursed.

To insure successful teaching and learning, cooperation from parents is essential. To have this cooperation, parents should familiarize themselves with the regulations and routine of the school. Parents are urged to pay particular attention to the child’s homework assignments, attendance, and punctuality. A specific time and place for study should be provided where the child can wok with a minimal number of distractions. The student is responsible for having homework, projects, etc. at the beginning of the school day. Parents/guardians, etc. may NOT bring forgotten items to the student during the school day.

The Diocesan Testing Program consists of the following:

The system used in Kindergarten is as follows:

S+ = Outstanding S- = Needs Improvement

S = Satisfactory U = Unsatisfactory

The system for grades 1-8 is as follows:

Superior A+ 100-98 Below Average D+ 76-75

A 97-95                  D 74-72

94-93                       D- 71-70

Above Average B+ 92-90 Failing F 69-0

B 89-87

86-85 O = Outstanding

Average C+ 84-82 S = Satisfactory

C 81-79 N = Needs Improvement

78-77 U = Unsatisfactory

**ANY talking during testing will result in a grade of zero (0) on the test.

**A grade of D or F in ANY subject including spelling and specials will preclude students from achieving Honor Roll designation.

Interim reports are sent home in the middle of each quarter for Grades K-8. Report cards are sent home quarterly. Contact the teacher if you wish a conference regarding the interim or report card. Interim report sheets and report cards are to be signed by the parents and returned in a timely fashion.

As stated in the Diocesan Handbook for Elementary Schools:

A child should be retained only if it is presumed he/she will profit by it. Retention can be considered for the following reasons:

In order for St. Mary of the Assumption School students to have a pleasant and lasting remembrance of elementary school days, graduation ceremonies will be simple but dignified. Graduation will consist of a special Prayer Service offered for the graduates, their families, and friends. During the Prayer Service graduates will receive diplomas. The graduates will wear caps and gowns and other guidelines for proper attire will be given by the teachers prior to the ceremony. A reception will follow the ceremony.

Grades are an evaluation of what a student has learned or mastered as shown in daily participation, homework and daily assignments, quizzes, tests, and projects. These evaluations, along with conduct and effort marks, become part of a permanent record that is filed in the school office and lasts as long as the person lives. Institutions of higher learning, potential employers, and various military services are all interested in school records. Parents and students may request to see the permanent records.

Due to legal procedures, parents must inform the principal concerning custody and visitation rights. The principal should be aware of who has custody rights, legal guardianship, and how the school could assist in communicating with the parties involved. This should be indicated in writing. THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE UPDATED EACH YEAR AND KEPT ON FILE.

Regular attendance and punctuality are imperative for scholastic programs. Classes begin at 7:45 a.m. and end at 2:15 p.m. for Kindergarten – Grade 8.

Parents driving children to and from school are to drop off and pick up outside the building. It is a fire hazard to have parents in the hall or entrance. Children driven to school should not be dropped off before 7:25 a.m.

All students must be in the building when the 7:50 a.m. bell rings; otherwise the student will be considered late and tardy. Students arriving late are required to report to the office for a tardy slip. Excessive tardiness is reported to the parents. Chronic tardiness may be considered educational neglect on the part of the parent and may necessitate a call to the Lake County Department of Children and Family Services. Consistent tardiness will not be tolerated and could result in detention, suspension, or expulsion.

Parents should call the school between 7:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to report an absence. The school staff will contact the parents if absentees are not reported. A parent must call each day the child is absent. After three (3) days of absence, a doctor’s note is required. A parent note is required for the following reasons:

For tardiness – give reason

For permission to leave the classroom more than normal

To be excused from gym class for one or more gym periods. (A doctor’s signature is required for more than two (2) excused days from gym class.)

For doctor or dental appointments

For requests to leave before dismissal time

For requests to ride a different bus or to get off at a different stop – include new bus number, stop, and address where the child will be going. Mentor transportation will allow a child to take a different bus for DAY CARE reasons only.

For anticipated absence from school other than illness

**When a student is to be absent from school (vacation), notify the principal and teachers in writing before leaving. Parents are to indicate in writing that they assume full responsibility for the work the student will miss. No school work will be sent before or during the missed time and independent study programs cannot be created in advance by teachers to accommodate missed class time. Work missed must be made up after the child returns to school. This type of absence is not recommended. Vacations should be scheduled during St. Mary of the Assumption School regular vacation times.

Make –up work: If a student is absent two (2) days, he/she will have two (2) days to make up any missing work or tests.

Parents are required to sign students in and out at the main office for early dismissal/late arrival. Car riders who are not picked up on time at dismissal will be sent to Fun Club and parents will be billed at regular Fun Club rates for supervision.

If at all possible, schedule appointments on free days, vacation days, or after school. If an emergency arises or an appointment is planned which makes it necessary for the student to leave school before the end of the day, the student must:

Present a note to the homeroom teacher, signed by the parent stating the reason for the early dismissal, twenty-four (24) hours before the day of the appointment.

 Stop at the school office when leaving the school and again upon entering the school. The parent or guardian must sign the student out/in.　

Please be sure your child is not ill when he/she leaves for school in the morning. The school is not the place to determine a child’s illness. When a child becomes ill at school, he/she may report to the nurse only after notifying his/her teacher. Parents will be called to take the child home. Parents MUST report to the school office before going to the clinic.

The nurse may not diagnose illness nor administer medicine. Medicine may be stored in the clinic, but the child must administer the medicine to himself/herself. Written and specific instructions from the doctor must be stated on the medicine bottle or container.

When a child is absent from school, an effort must be made by the child to complete all work missed. In grades 5-8, making up tests missed will be considered on an individual basis. If a child is ill more than three (3) days, a doctor’s note is required.

Students may visit parents on the designated Professional Work Day only if a letter or agenda with the business letter head is in the school office the day before the student visits the work place. The student will receive an unexcused absence if the letter has not been submitted.

Anytime there is a question concerning St. Mary of the Assumption School being in session, the school will follow the Mentor Public Schools or the Eastern Region Board of Catholic Education guidelines. When they close because of weather conditions, we will also close, since we use Mentor Public School transportation for our students. Each family will be notified via the Honeywell Instant Alert System either by a phone call to their home phone, cell phone, or by e-mail.

Please do not call the rectory. The rule is: IF MENTOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER, SO IS ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION.

St. Mary of the Assumption School recognizes that chemical dependency is a treatable illness. Drugs and alcohol change how the body works. Chemical dependency is a disease that affects the way a person thinks, acts, and feels.

Health problems of youth are the responsibility of the home and community. However, the school shares in that responsibility since the community’s youth spends a significant portion of time in school and chemical involvement often interferes with school behavior, student learning, and the fullest development of the individual. The school plays a role in early detection of drugs/alchohol use, abuse and dependency, the protection of the student from the promotion and sale of alcohol and drugs, and the establishment of a partnership role with the family and other institutions (church, police, community health services, mental health and treatment centers, as well as concerned citizens) in seeking treatment for the chemically dependent person or a victim of chemical dependency.

When certain behavioral symptoms are noticed, representatives of the school will meet with student and parent(s) to discuss the nature and extent of the observable problem and recommend action steps. Students, who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, who have alcohol on their breath, or who are in possession of a mood modifier and/or drug related paraphernalia, will be immediately removed from school until a parent conference has been conducted. Depending upon the attitude of the student, steps will be initiated at the conclusion of this conference. Action steps may include a recommendation for outside help, participation in a group counseling, indefinite suspension from school, referral to juvenile or criminal court, or expulsion from school.

Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) enrolled or seeking enrollment in grades K-12 shall be permitted to attend school or parish religious programs in regular classroom settings provided:

The health of a child, as documented by his/her physician, allows participation in regular academic school activities.

The child behaves acceptably in a manner that would not cause the spread of the disease or in any way put others at risk.

The child does not have open sores, skin eruptions, or any other condition which prevents his/her control of bodily secretions.

There are periodic evaluations of the child’s condition with written certification from his/her physician allowing continuing participation in regular academic school activities.

In Diocesan high schools, the Principal and Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Schools will consult with the appropriate persons and make a recommendation to the Superintendent of schools, who will make a decision on each case.

In Parish elementary schools and Parish Schools of Religion, the Pastor and Principal will confer with the appropriate persons and consult with the Regional Superintendent before the Pastor makes the final decision on each case in the parish school.

Parents and guardians have the obligation to report to the school administration when any child has been diagnosed as having AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), ARC (AIDS Related Complex), or other illnesses caused by HIV (Human Immune Deficiency Virus) that causes AIDS also known as HTLVIII or LAV.

In order to protect confidentiality, when a child with AIDS is admitted to school, personnel made aware of the child’s condition should be the minimum necessary to assure the proper care of the child. Based on the condition of the child and the expected type of interaction with others, the Principal after consultation with the proper authorities may limit the child’s participation in school activities.

A student with AIDS who is excluded from school or a Parish school of Religion Program shall be provided with an alternative means of catechetical instruction.

Educational excursions are preplanned, related to the curriculum, and are followed up by evaluation to be worthwhile learning experiences. The following procedures are to be followed for educational excursions:

Written permission is to be obtained prior to each excursion.

The permission form should include the following:

a. Destination

b. Time of departure and return

c. Name of faculty member in charge

d. Date of excursion

e. Reason for excursion

f. Type of transportation

g. Additional information, accommodations, fees, lunch, etc.

Parents may be asked to drive on some excursions. Parents will be required to fill out an insurance form that must be on file in the school office before the trip. No remuneration should be given to drivers as the Guest Statute is in effect in Ohio. Cars must be equipped with seat belts.

Teachers plan the excursions with the principal’s permission. Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavior requirements.

Instrumental music lessons on woodwind and brass instruments are available for all students in grades 4 through 8. Classes will be held during regular school hours. This is an excellent opportunity to provide your child with a unique learning experience in the arts.

Band students receive a twenty-five minute semi-private lesson (2-6 students per group) once a week during the school day. A special rotating schedule is used so that lessons do not interfere with students’ academic performance. Lesson material includes learning to read music, all aspects of playing the instrument, and instrument maintenance. On the same day as semi-private lessons, the students may also meet in a large GROUP BAND where they learn to follow a conductor and perform as a group. They study and learn to appreciate a wide variety of music. This GROUP BAND rehearsal is usually scheduled during noon recess. Students will be allowed to progress at their own rate in a positive learning environment. Parents will receive three (3) written evaluations of the student’s progress which will correspond with the first, second, and fourth grading periods.

The students will be featured performing solos, small ensembles, and group band selections during a Christmas and Spring Concert. In addition, advanced students in grades 7 and 8 may participate in the Ohio Music Educators Association Solo and Ensemble Contest in the spring.

In conjunction with C.Y.O. a sports program is offered for all seasons. St. Mary of the Assumption Men’s Club sponsors all C.Y.O. sports and abides by the policies and procedures set by C.Y.O. The program includes football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, and cheerleading.

St. Mary of the Assumption School offers the following special activities to students:

Sacramental Programs Anti-Bullying Right to Read Week

Eucharistic Servers Safety Patrol Young Authors

Catholic School Week Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts Newspaper

Vocation Awareness Charity Programs Science/History Fairs

Family Life Outdoor Education Drama

Socials – Dances Musical Productions

Buddy System Band

Rainbow Program Instrumental Band

Art Show

Student Choir

Olympiads

Yearbook

Study Skills – Gr. 4&5

"The School Uniform is a special sign telling others who our students are and to whom they belong. Students who are well groomed, neat, and clean have a certain pride about themselves that is reflected in their actions. Our students are a group of dedicated young people proud to be counted as Christ’s disciples and willing to try to make a difference in becoming all God intends them to be. They hope to make our world a better place because they are a part of it. Our School Uniform should be worn with dignity and pride!"

Blue glen plaid jumpers – V-neck

Split skirt with vest

Sweaters: Navy, royal blue, white, gray Cardigan with jumper

Blouses: Light blue or white

Broad cloth – Peter Pan round collar or tailored pointed collar

Oxford cloth – button-down tailored collar

Turtleneck – white only

Slacks: Navy or Khaki (corduroy/twill/polyester)

No cargo pants

Socks: Navy, white, or gray socks or tights (no spandex, sweatpants, etc. under the skirt)

Blue glen plaid kilt skirt or split skirt with Navy twill open vest. (Skirt must be no shorter than 1" above the knee.)

Sweaters/Vests: Navy, royal blue, white, gray sweaters (no color trim – not oversized) crew neck, V-neck cardigan, V-neck button down vest

Blouses: Light blue or white

Blouses must be tucked into skirts or slacks.

Slacks: Navy or Khaki (corduroy/twill/polyester)

No cargo pants

Socks: *Navy, white, or gray KNEE SOCKS or TIGHTS* (no spandex, sweatpants, etc. under the skirt)

Blue glen plaid kilt skirt or split skirt with Navy twill open vest. (Skirt must be no shorter than 1" above the knee.)

Blouses: Oxford cloth – pointed collar, long or short sleeve (white or light blue); Long sleeve white turtleneck (wear under blouse). Only "white" garments may be worn under the uniform blouse. Blouses must be tucked into skirts or slacks.

Slacks: Navy or Khaki (corduroy/twill/polyester)

No cargo pants. No low-rider pants.

Socks: SOLID navy, gray, or black tights MUST be worn all year.

Shirts: Navy, white, light blue or royal blue knit polo (short or long sleeve). Only white t-shirts may be worn under uniform polo shirts. Shirts must be tucked in.

Sweaters: Navy, white, gray, royal blue (Crew, V-neck, Cardigan) solid not trimmed with a color

Slacks: Navy or khaki dress pants (no cargo pants; no elastic leg). BELTS MUST BE WORN.

Socks: Navy, white, or black socks must be worn.

SHOES: Durable rubber-soled closed dress SHOES: Durable rubber-soled closed dress

shoes (oxford tie-style, saddle shoe, shoes (oxford tie-style, saddle shoe,

buckle); brown, gray, black, navy. buckle); brown, gray, black, navy.

Not Acceptable Shoes/Boots: Any color athletic Not Acceptable Shoes/Boots: Any color

shoes, boots (hiking or leather), sandals, athletic shoes, boots (hiking or

slip-on shoes, loafers, flats; colors other than leather), sandals, slip-on style

those mentioned above; heels more than shoes, loafers; colors other than

1". those mentioned above.

BOOTS: Winterized boots are needed for outside BOOTS: Winterized boots are needed

activities and should be worn to school for outside activities and should

during inclement weather. They may not be worn to school during

be worn as part of the uniform during inclement weather. They may

regular school hours. not be worn as part of the #9; uniform during regular school hours.

JEWELRY: Girls may wear only one pair of JEWELRY: Watch; religious jewelry

small post earrings. NO dangle earrings. may be worn inside the shirt.

may be worn inside blouses or shirts.

For safety reasons, no other jewelry is

permitted. NO tattoos.

MAKE-UP: No eye make-up, blush, lipstick. HAIRSTYLE: Neat and shorter than

No nail polish. collar length. Must be above

the eyebrows. NO EXTREME

HAIRSTYLE: Neat, presentable – not covering the STYLES (rows, lines, ridges,

facial area. NO EXTREMES (rows, lines, step cuts, tails, shaved). NO

shaved, etc.) UNNATURAL HAIR COLORS

NO UNNATURAL HAIR COLORS

ST. MARY SWEATSHIRT: St. Mary sweatshirts may be worn as part of the school uniform.

**Uniforms must be neat and clean at all times. Any child not in proper uniform, the parent will be called and the parent must bring the uniform or missing part to the child.

Gym Clothes

Grades K-5: St. Mary’s regulation gym T-shirts, shorts, and athletic tie shoes.

Junior High: Schoolbelles designated gym uniform and must be purchased from Schoolbelles. Athletic tie shoes

Students will be given special days on which they may wear clothing other than the regular uniform. On these days (birthdays, contribution bonus days, earned non-uniform days, etc.) the student may wear Capri pants, slacks or jeans, sweatshirts, appropriate slogan T-shirts, tennis shoes/socks.

Inappropriate attire includes pants with holes, shorts, sleeveless shirts, cropped blouses or shirts, short skirts/dresses, tight fitting attire, midriff blouses, low-rider pants, low cut blouses, spandex sandals.

The goal of a school discipline plan is to establish a systematic plan for both in-class and out-of-class behavior. Caring about students is measured as much by the demands placed upon them, as by the support given them.

The school community is strengthened by a Code of Conduct which has as its purposes:

to develop self-discipline

to protect the rights of each individual

to create an atmosphere of mutual respect between teacher and student and among themselves

to promote conduct in conformity with the rules and regulations of a Catholic school community

Although supervision is provided to students, it is expected the students will follow the out-of-class and classroom rules without supervision and will receive appropriate consequences for offenses.

St. Mary of the Assumption School takes issues of bullying seriously. Students and Staff have taken the following pledge and adopted the following rules:

"Hand in Hand, Together, We are One in Christ"

This is our Mission Statement we strive to live by every day.

Rules:

We will not bully others.

We will try to help students who are bullied.

We will make it a point to include students who are easily left out.

When we know someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Discipline Plan Consequences for Outside Activities

• Follow directions the first time they are given
• Raise hand before speaking
• Complete assignments and work independently
• Stay in seats
• No running in the classroom or halls
• No inappropriate/unkind spoken or written language
• Respect for the belongings of others
• Keep hands, feet, and objects away from others
• Use class time wisely
• No conduct unbecoming to a Christian student

Primary Discipline Consequences for Inappropriate Classroom Behavior will depend upon the teacher. Consequences may be the following:

1. Verbal warning

2. Name on board, strikes, checks by name, time-out thinking areas, loss of free time or recess

3. Sorry card will be issued. (Three Sorry cars = Conduct Referral)

4. Conduct Referral slip sent home for parent signature

5. Conference with teacher and parents

6. Conference with teacher, principal, and parents

Intermediate Discipline Consequences for Inappropriate Classroom Behavior will depend upon the teacher. Consequences may be the following:

1. Verbal warning

2. Demerit slip issued and sent home for parent signature

3. Three demerits = after school detention for one-half hour

4. Conference with teacher, principal, and parents after two detentions

5. Demerits will be erased at the end of each quarter

6. Detentions are not erased

1. Students will be praised

2. Class wide reinforcement programs will be utilize　

1^st Offense Reminder

2^nd Offense Benched, Demerit, or Detention

3^rd Offense Conduct Referral and Detention written and sent home for parent

signature

Serious Offense Conduct Referral and Detention/Suspension/Expulsion

DEMERITS will be given for minor incidents such as, but not all inclusive:

failure to do class assignments

copying assignments

CONDUCT REFERRALS will be given for more serious incidents such as, but not all inclusive:

disrespectful to any authority figure or peers

disobedient to any authority figure

cheating

throwing objects

fighting

destruction of school property

conduct unbecoming a Christian student

3 DEMERITS = 1 DETENTION

Demerits do not carry over to next quarter.

Detentions do carry over to next quarter.

Conduct Referrals may require a meeting with principal, teachers, and parents.

Suspension/Expulsion is given for serious offenses.

Suspension = Loss of field trips

The Principal on an individual basis will handle consequences for truancy.

Students are not permitted to have electronic devices at school or on their person during the school day 7:45 a.m. to 2:10 p.m. These include but are not limited to cellular phones, pagers, radios, CD players, headphones, walk-man, electronic games or toys, I-pods, palm pilots, MP3, etc. If a student is discovered having one, it will be confiscated, the parent will be called, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the day (once the parent is notified). Second Offense – the device will be confiscated, the parent will be called, and the parent must come and pick it up. Third Offense – the device will be confiscated, the parent will be called, and the student will serve an in-school suspension.

Students are NOT permitted to use the St. Mary School name or photos connected with the school on ANY internet web site in ANY negative manner. Doing so may result in suspension/expulsion.

When it becomes apparent that St. Mary of the Assumption School is not meeting the demands of any given individual or when any situation compromises our ability to provide maximum services for its students as a body, the parents will be notified to find another placement for the child. The dismissal may be based on the following, but not exclusive to other situations:

If strong corrective measures are needed, the Pastor or chief administrator and Principal may employ suspension following these guidelines:

The expulsion of a child is a serious matter and will be invoked by the Principal when applicable.

When a student has been suspended or has had repeated problems with academic work or behavior, he/she may be put on probation during the year or as a condition of acceptance into the school for the following year.

The Pastor, administration, and staff of St. Mary of the Assumption School believe that all employees and students are entitled to work and study in a school-related environment that is Christ-centered and free of harassment. St. Mary of the Assumption School will not tolerate harassment of any type. If harassment occurs, disciplinary actions are suspension or expulsion.

Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, verbal or written taunting; bullying; other offensive, intimidating, hostile or offensive conduct; jokes, stories, pictures, cartoons, drawings or objects that are offensive, tend to alarm annoy, abuse, or demean an individual or group.

Upon receiving a complaint from either a student or school employee, the Principal shall discuss the allegations with the complainant-victim to obtain a statement of the facts (e.g. what occurred, when, where, by whom, names of witnesses). All complaints will be taken seriously. It is the responsibility of the Principal to investigate promptly and impartially all claims of sexual harassment and to take appropriate and equitable action.

Students will use good manners at all times:

Violation of any of the above rules results in an infraction:

The rules published below are the local applications of Regulations established by the State Department of Education with the advice and consent of the Director of Highway Safety under the authorization of Section 3301-83-08 Revised Code of Ohio.

If problems (discipline or otherwise) arise, the Mentor School Transportation Department must be called (255-4444). They handle all problems regarding transportation. There are steps that are taken in the discipline process:

The first offense is the misconduct form.

The second offense is the removal from the bus for a period of one week.

The third offense is the removal from the bus indefinitely.

Volunteers have played and will continue to play an important and valuable role in education at St. Mary of the Assumption School. We know that few schools can exist without volunteer contributions, which represent generosity and sometimes the sacrifice of personal interest. Parental involvement promotes unity and excellence in the family unit and the school. Students, teachers, administrators, parents, and the community benefit from the work of volunteers who freely share their talents, time, and resources. All volunteers must be fingerprinted and receive Virtus training. If you are interested in volunteering your time or talents, please contact the school office.

All parents are encouraged to join and participate in the PTU program. This is a vital organ of communication between home and the school. It provides many activities to participate in. If interested in joining, contact the PTU president or the school office.

St. Mary of the Assumption School Advisory Board is a body of elected members of St. Mary School parents and appointed members from the faculty of St. Mary of the Assumption School and Parish. The Principal and Pastor govern the Advisory Board. The purpose of the Board is to advise and make recommendations in the implementation of the strategic planning for St. Mary of the Assumption School. The Board has no rule-making or administrative authority. The Advisory Board meets on a quarterly basis to address pertinent strategic issues. Subcommittees of the Advisory Board include Catholic Identity, Academic Standards and Technology, Physical Plant, Parent Involvement/Public Relations, Development (Fund Raising and Grants).

Parents are encouraged to volunteer as members of any of the Subcommittees. The Advisory Board is a valuable part of the educational program of St. Mary of the Assumption School.