POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF ST. DENIS SCHOOL
INTERNET ACCEPTABLE
USE POLICY OF ST. DENIS SCHOOL
Acceptable Use Policies
The use of the computer is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in the cancellation or suspension of those privileges. Vandalism or intentional modification of systems settings will result in school disciplinary action. The school reserves the right to seek financial restitution for any damage caused by a user. The school technology committee will define when use is inappropriate. The system administrators may close an account at any time. The administrators, faculty, and staff of the school may request the system administrator to deny, revoke, or suspend specific user privileges. The rules and code of ethics described above will be dealt with seriously.
The school website can be reached at http://www.stdenisschool.org.
ADMISSION OF STUDENTS
Our school welcomes the children of all parishioners. It is
staffed by the Sisters of Mercy and lay teachers. Registration in St. Denis Parish is
required prior to School Registration. Parents of children entering school must have the
child's:
Age requirements for children entering St. Denis School are as follows:
In the event of an absence, parents are requested to CALL the school office (610-446-4608) between 8:00 and 8:30 A.M. indicating the reason for the absence. This is to be done on each day of the absence unless indicated that a child will be out for an extended period of time due to a serious illness. In Grades 5 to 8, arrangements should be made by parents for books and work to be sent home.
Clarification of REQUIREMENTS for PERFECT ATTENDANCE:
In order to be fair to all children while, at the same time, taking varying circumstances into consideration, the following requirements will be followed:
1) All LATE ARRIVALS must report to the MAIN OFFICE to sign the "TIME IN" and
receive an ADMISSION SLIP.
2) All EARLY DISMISSALS must report to the MAIN OFFICE to sign the "TIME OUT".
3). If a student returns in the course of the day, he/she must report to the MAIN OFFICE
and sign the "TIME IN".
These late arrivals and early dismissals may be due to appointments made with doctors, dentists, orthodontists, etc.
4) The TIME accumulated for LATE ARRIVALS and EARLY DISMISSALS cannot
exceed 6 hours, then it will be counted as 1 day absence and the student will not
receive a PERFECT ATTENDANCE CERTIFICATE.
5) For the FUNERAL of a member of a student's immediate family, the ABSENCE
is EXCUSED.
6) For 8th Grade Students, the Office of Catholic Education is permitting 2 days for
visits to HIGH SCHOOLS as excused absence. Any day beyond that number, the absence
will be counted.
Lateness:
A student who arrives late for school must:
- report to the office for an admission slip;
- present a not from his/her parent or guardian explainiing the reason for the
lateness
- present the admission slip to the teacher in the class
Consistent unexcused lateness could be considered serious enough to warrant reporting to the local school district for further investigation. Lateness, of course, impacts on perfect attendance and constitutes a serious infraction.
Awards allow students to receive recognition for their efforts and contribute to self-esteem. Effort awards are presented to selected students during each marking period and academic excellence is recognized at the conclusion of the school year. Top Students who choose to stay for lunch are expected to do so for the duration of the school year. Children living within a close proximity to school who choose to go home for lunch are requested to bring a letter by the first Monday of the first full week of school indicating parents' permission to go home each day. Hot lunch is provided each day. A Menu is sent home each month. Juice or milk is provided at a cost for those students who bring their own lunch. Parents are not to bring McDonalds or any "fast food" to the cafeteria at lunch time.Teacher supervision in the Cafeteria is provided for each lunch period. Guidelines regulating conduct of students, their tone of voice, their care of their table space, and the care of food are given at the beginning of each school year and repeated when necessary.
Violent/Threatening/ Harassing and Inappropriate Conduct
It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from
all improper threats, intimidation, hostility, and offensive and inappropriate
behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of unwanted verbal or
physical conduct, verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements, and
behavior not otherwise conducive to the educational and religious mission of the
school.
This policy applies both in and out of the classroom, in the school community and outside of the school community, where behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the School.
Conduct by students or parents/guardians, or anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to the immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.
Children staying for detention will usually be told by the teacher the day prior to the detention, or a phone call the day of the offense. Reasons for detention may include continuous defiance, disobedience, incomplete homework, violation of dress code, tests, papers, report cards not signed, chewing gum, wearing of make-up etc.SUSPENSION
Consistent disregard of school policy may warrant a suspension from school.
Additional reasons for SUSPENSION include:
Insubordination
A child who is suspended will receive a FAILURE in CONDUCT thereby being unable to participate in any activities sponsored by St. Denis School for the duration of the Trimester. He or she may be asked to remain at home for up to three days. All work which has been missed will be the responsibility of the student to make-up. For first offense, the principal may give an In-School suspension in which case the student will remain in school while receiving the same consequences as previously described.
Parents are asked to make an appointment with the Principal prior to having the student return to class. Parents will sign a form signifying their understanding of the problem and agree to assume responsibility for the student's future behavior. School time missed will be made up.
DISMISSAL
If after a period of time, steps have not been taken to remedy the situation, it
might be necessary to dismiss the student. It is the hope that, after appropriate
communication with home and school, this step would not be necessary. In certain
instances, because of extraordinary cases, a child may warrant immediate dismissal.
DRESS CODE
UNIFORMS for children in Kindergarten through 8 are to be
worn the first day of school.
The children will wear:
Shoes:
For both boys and girls, a sturdy shoe with a soft rubber heel is to be
worn with the school uniform. Heels may be no more than 1 inch.
NOT Permitted:
Sneakers (except with gym uniform)
Make-up
Jewelry
Failure to Comply with the dress code will affect the grade
on "Personal Development and Behavior".
The official school uniform may be purchased at:
Flynn & O'Hara Company
Drexeline Shopping Center
5126 State Road
Drexel Hill, PA 19026
www.flynnohara.com (for store hours)
www.fando.net (to order online)
Toll Free: 800-441-4122
Fax: 215-637-6392
GYM UNIFORMS
Navy blue St. Denis shorts or St. Denis sweat pants; St. Denis tee shirt and/or sweat
shirt and sneakers with socks.
Gym uniforms are purchased through the school by completing an order form.
EARLY CHILDHOOD
This Program consists of three (3) programs:
Age Requirements are stated in "ADMISSION OF STUDENTS".
Time Schedules are stated in "SCHEDULES"
EARLY DISMISSAL
A student needing to be dismissed early for a serious reason must have a written
notification from parent/guardian. Provision must be made by the parent to have an
authorized person call for him/her at the Main Office. "School hours" include
the lunch hour if the student is scheduled to stay in school for that time. No child may
walk home by himself/herself to keep these appointments.
EMERGENCY CLOSING
The emergency number for St. Denis School is 481. This number is posted
on our website and is announced by the local
radio stations (KYW1060) if inclement weather prevents opening school, or causes early
dismissal. We normally follow Haverford Township #455 is making a decision about closing
school. Please do not call the Convent or Rectory.
If St. Denis has a delayed opening (2 hours), the A.M. Session of the 4 year old Program and 1/2 Day Kindergarten will be cancelled.
Emergency Closings during the school day will NOT OCCUR unless there is an EXTREME EMERGENCY.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS
St. Denis School encourages participation in its diversified extra-curricular
activities. These activities range from the School Band, Computer Club, Yearbook
Committee, Student Council, Safety Patrol and Choral Group to the following seasonal
sports programs:
Children who participate in extra-curricular activities must have passing grades. Students who receive a FAILURE in a major subject and/or receive an UNSATISFACTORY grade in effort or in any minor subject will NOT be eligible to participate in any St. Denis sponsored extra-curricular activities for a period of 3 weeks. If, after that time improvement has been shown, then a student will receive permission from the Principal to renew participation in activities.
The purpose of this directive is to help children be aware of the need to prioritize the various activities in their lives and to recognize that, while it is important to involve oneself in outside activities, that school work must come first.
Please be sure to check the calendar each month for the exact dates of the Faculty Meetings. The children will be dismissed at 11:45 AM on these days. Bus transportation will be provided on these days. Please check monthly Parent Newsletter for possible changes in faculty meeting dates. TopGRADING AND REPORTING
Major tests are sent home for parent's review and signature.
Generally there will be at least three major tests in each area per
Oral participation, class participation, attentiveness;
Homework and in-class assignments
Major test results and mini-quizzes
Projects
Quality of work
A nurse is assigned from the Haverford Township School District to serve our school for approximately 20 hours a week. Physical examinations are given by the school physician in grades K and 6. Dental examinations are given by the school dentist to grades 3 and 7.
Parents are encouraged to have these examinations done by their family physician and dentist. State Health Forms can be obtained at school, filled out by the Physician or dentist and returned to school.
Parents are asked to notify the school whenever a child contracts any contagious disease such as Pediculosis (head lice) or Conjunctivitis or any other special condition of which the teacher should be aware.
Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class and includes both written and study assignments. Parents are asked to check their child's work and sign according to the request of the teacher.Suggested Time Allotments:
Grades 1, 2: 30 minutes
Grades 3, 4: 60 minutes
Grades 5, 6: 90 minutes
Grades 7, 8: 120 minutes
An annual BOOK FAIR is held. During that week, there is a special "Family Ice Cream Night " for a family treat.
All students' articles should be tagged with name, grade, etc. This is especially needed for the Gym Uniforms. A "Lost and Found" Box is kept in the Main Office. Top No medication shall be taken by a student himself/herself. No medication shall be administered by the school except as follows:A. Medication prescribed by a physician shall detail the name of the drug, dosage and time interval at which the medication is to be given.
B. Written permission from the parent/guardian of the pupil requesting that the school comply with the physician's order. Medication brought to school must be in a container and appropriately labeled by a licensed pharmacy and/or physician.
C. Green emergency cards are filled out each year including emergency numbers, family doctor, permission for Tylenol, etc. Please be sure this information is correct.
All monies sent to school are to be in a sealed envelope marked with name, date, amount and purpose. Top Lessons in instrumental Music are given upon request once a week during school time for students in grades 4 through 8. Children who request these lessons also have band practice once a week before school. Students are responsible to make-up the class work missed while taking these Music Lessons. A Parent Meeting is held in September to explain this program. Questions concerning these lessons should be directed to INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COMPANY, Attn: Mr. John Kormanski. Top Written messages are required for:
1. Absence - please note the days and dates of absences and reason for absence. This note is to be signed by parent or guardian and presented to the homeroom teacher upon the child's return to school.
2. Not wearing regulation uniform.
3. Going home by another means of transportation than usually used.
4. Not going out to recess at noon time. We would like to discourage this because we have no one to supervise children when they remain inside.
5. Lateness - Child is to report to the Main Office stating the reason for his/her lateness. Child will receive a late slip which is then given to the homeroom teacher. Do not report to the classrooms until going to the Main Office for the late slip.
6. Early Dismissal - Note is to be given to the homeroom teacher who in turn will send it to the Main Office in order to get the child for an early dismissal. This policy is upheld for the safety of your child. The child will remain in his/her classroom until called for over the P.A. System. (Please try to get appointments with dentists, doctors, etc. after school or on Saturday.)
Permission must be given by the teacher for any party to be held in school. Money may never be collected unless this has been discussed with the Principal. Top In order for a child to receive a perfect attendance award at the end of the school year he/she must be present every day. Top After each lunch period, students are in the school yard for about twenty minutes. They are supervised by salaried personnel and volunteers. Top7. Any child who is unable to participate in the Gym Class is to bring a note from the parent/guardian indicating the reason for their non-participation.
Primary Grades:
After careful assessment of a student's performance, ability and developmental readiness, retention may be recommended.
The ultimate decision in regard to retention must be a joint one between the Principal and Teacher. Parents will be informed, in writing, of possible non-promotion at the beginning of the 3rd Trimester and arrangements made for on-going consultation. (Taken FROM: the ARCHDIOCESE OF PHILADELPHIA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES BOOK.)
Grades 4 through 8:
Students who receive a final grade below 70 in any major subject area or a U in a minor subject will be required to make up this work before being promoted to the next grade. Summer school will be required for major subjects; specific assignments will required for any U in a minor subject area. Student receiving 3 or more failures in any major subject will not be promoted.
Eighth Grade Students:
Students who fail 1 or 2 major subjects may participate in the ceremony but will not receive a diploma until subject(s) is passed in summer school. The students will also not be able to attend the dance after the ceremony.
Students who fail 3 or more major subjects will not receive a diploma, will not be recommended for high school and will not be able to participate in any ceremony or dance.
Students are encouraged to take pride in all the work they do. Special care should be given to the printed and written word. Neatness is stressed.
Generally, students in Grade 2 will receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist; students in Grade 6 will study for the Sacrament of Confirmation. While you, the parents are the primary religious educators or your children, we hope to be able to share with you in their spiritual development. Parents are expected to attend meetings prior to each of these Sacraments as well as participate in the various activities which are part of the program. Top The Safety Program provides for students of Saint Denis School to operate in a safe, wholesome manner, coming to, during and leaving school. It provides the participants a chance to show leadership qualities while having responsibilities in and around the school building. The Safeties foster safe conduct on the buses provided by Haverford Township. Eighth grade students are eligible for the safety patrol.St. Denis School invites community involvement in its endeavors through its active St. Denis School Advisory Council. In addition, parents are elected to serve varying terms of 3 years as members of the Executive Board of the St. Denis School Advisory Council. Nominations are taken in the Spring of each year and parents are encouraged to participate. Top
Children are expected to be on time for all school functions.
First Bell rings at 8:20 A.M.
Grades 1-4 have lunch from 12:05-12:45 P.M.
Grades 5-8 have lunch from 12:35-1:10 P.M.
Full day Kindergarten have lunch from 11:30-12:15.
Dismissal is at 3:05 P.M. for Grades 1-8.
The majority of textbooks are provided by school funds. A registration fee is required for every child. The amount of this fee is determined each year. This sum is put toward the overall cost to educate each child. This fee is due in the Spring at the time of REGISTRATION for the following year. Top Individual and class pictures are taken each year by School Pictures, Inc. c/o Joseph Tipping , 115 Martins Run, Media, PA 19063 , 610-359-8846. Notification will be sent home.
Early Childhood Sessions:
3 year old children: 9:00 to 11:30A.M.
4 year old children: morning session 9:00 to 11:30 A.M.; afternoon session12:20 to 2:50 P.M.
1/2 day Kindergarten: 8:20 to 11:30 A.M.
Full day Kindergarten: 8:20 to 3:00 P.M.
On days of bad weather, when the day's schedule begins 2 hours late (10:30 AM) there will be:
NO A.M. Classes for 3 or 4 year old children
NO Class for 1/2 day Kindergarten
CARES
on regular days: 3PM - 6PM
on half-days: 12 Noon - 6PM
SERVICE
Delaware County Intermediate Unit
Marple Educational Service
2340 West Chester Pike
Broomall, PA 19008
Phone: 610-359-5450
FEDERAL AID:
Chapter I - Main Line Project Learning is a federally funded program which provides
remedial reading and math. Student eligibility is determined by standardized tests scores.
Because of the limited number of openings students are accepted according to the priority
of need. This instruction is received in a Trailer-Van located on the Cemetery side of the
Lower School.
STATE AID:
Act 372 - provides busing of non-public children in grades ~K to 5, who
live beyond a mile from the school and/or in areas designated as hazardous.
Act 89 - provides for Counseling and Psychological Services, Remedial
Reading/Mathematics, Language Development Speech and Hearing.
Act 90 - provides instructional materials. The sum is based on enrollment
figures as of October 1st. This is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
for Non-Public Schools.
Act 195 - enables the purchase of textbooks and workbooks. (Anything of a
religious nature is excluded). This too is provided by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education and is based on enrollment figures as of October 1st.
STATIONERY
Lists are sent home with the children listing the required needs for the following
year.
TELEPHONE CALLS
The school phone is for business purposes and emergencies. If you would like to discuss a school matter with a teacher, please call for an appointment. School phone: 610-446-4608 or 610-446-7880.
Children will be permitted to use the school phone for an emergency only – permission must be granted in the Main Office. Items brought in during the school day are to be left in the office.
Students may not use cell phones, beepers, CD players or other electronic devices in school. The school will not be responsible for these items.
TESTING
A standardized test is administered to students in grades 2, 4, 6 and 8
in the Fall or Spring of the year.
TRANSPORTATION
Buses - Haverford Township provides busing to and from school for those in
grades K to 5 who live a mile from school and/or to those who live across routes declared
hazardous.
Students will be expected to be cooperative with safety rules on the bus.
Students incur on themselves suspension from riding the bus when their behavior is
inconsiderate and unacceptable.
Teacher supervision of children is provided while children wait for and board their bus.
Cars - Students coming to school in a car are to be dropped off at
the Grimes Center. Please do not drop off your students on Eagle Road or St.
Denis Lane. For P.M. pickup, cars should be parked in the Grimes Center Parking Lot.
Parents are requested not to use Poplar and Eagle Road to drop off or pick up students as
it is extremely congested.
Bicycles - Riding bikes to school is allowed for those children in Grades 4 and up. It is the parent's responsibility to determine their child's readiness to ride a bike to school. Students should know and practice bicycle safety rules before being permitted by parents to do so. The school will not assume responsibility for students who may receive injuries while bike riding, or for stolen bicycles.
Walkers - Students walking to and from school should do so along the safest routes, observing proper safety rules for pedestrians. Crossing guards are on duty at strategic corners. There are (2) WALKERS' LINES: the Poplar Line and the St. Denis Line. All Dismissal lines are supervised by Faculty.
TRIPS
Parents who find it necessary to take children out of school for an extended
period of time are to send in a letter of explanation. It is the responsibility of the
student to make up whatever work has been missed.
VISITORS
Signs are posted at all entrances to the school requesting all visitors to call at
the main office where the purpose of the visit must be stated. Visitors may NOT approach
classroom teachers or the students without official permission of the principal. Any
parent who wishes to discuss a student's performance is to call for an appointment.
VOLUNTEERS
A Criminal Check and Child Abuse Check are prerequisites for any person
volunteering in our school. Community participation is evidenced by daily parental involvement in many school
ventures. Volunteers are asked to assist as teacher aides, typists, pretzel and cafeteria
aides, as Homeroom Parents, Library Aides as School Yard Monitors, in the "Story
Telling" and "Art Appreciation" Programs and in a variety of other ways.
FORMS will be sent home the first week of school; hopefully, parents will try to help in
whatever way they are able.
WITHDRAWAL OF PUPILS
Parents should notify the school and Rectory in advance if planning to withdraw a
pupil from school. An appointment would be made with the principal to discuss the reason
for withdrawal.