School Handbook

Index

Introduction

We at Saint Peter St. Peter Cathedral School School believe that parents are the primary teachers of their children. It is our privilege to assist you, the parents, to help your children grow and develop as responsible, loving, capable individuals. It is our responsibility to help each child to develop his/her potential and to realize his/her worth as a valuable person. Together we can create opportunities for the children to discover their own worth and self-esteem. This will take place as a child realizes that, despite initial anxieties and challenges in life, all are capable of standing on their own and dealing squarely, in a positive manner, with the challenges life possesses.

Life is an ongoing growth process. In that process, each of us has the responsibility to become the best person that we are capable of becoming. We, ourselves, all possess certain gifts and talents which can be discovered and nurtured through many educational experiences. It’s important for us to look for these positive and beautiful aspects in all persons and things so as to discover and realize God’s great love for all of us.

The school must always have the cooperation and support of parents and allow them to share in the educational task of the school. For this reason, we present our handbook of policies and procedures to you, that together we may form in your children a sense of self-worth which will enable them to live as good Christians.

Official Policy

Parents are welcome and will be treated with courtesy and kindness at all times. However, we must remember that the primary responsibility of the office staff is always the welfare of our children. To prevent any misunderstandings or hurt feelings, you need to consider the following points:

1. Security of the students and staff is of utmost importance. Therefore, we have a system of entrance to the school through the 11th Street doors with the use of a camera and buzzer.

2. For the safety of the children, and to insure the integrity of the academic day, all visitors are to report to the office upon entering the school. Under NO circumstances should parents go directly to a classroom. You must have an appointment and you must check in at the office first.

3. Running a school of approximately 350 students and 30 staff members is a full time occupation. Please be patient with us as there may be some wait time involved in any visit to the school.

4. The principal and teachers have a multitude of responsibilities and cannot always be consulted without previous arrangement. Please call the office at 452-4276 to make an appointment. The principal and/or teacher will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.

If you have a concern, need something to be clarified, want to share observations, need advice, want to discuss feelings and/or insights, please contact:

Absences

Regular attendance is essential to a student’s success in school. Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation. Persistent absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for the student and is regarded as a very serious problem.

1. Students should not be excused from school except in case of illness or emergencies. ALL WORK MISSED MUST BEMADE UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  Excessive absence often results in poor school work. When an absence is necessary, the parent/guardian should notify the school building office that morning giving the reason for the student's absence

2. Steps to follow when absent from school:

   • The parent/guardian is to call the school office prior to 8:30 a.m. if a student is going to be absent or tardy: 452-4276.

   • The state requires that a parent/guardian write an excuse giving name, date, days of absence and reason for absence.

   • The Diocese of Erie requires a written excuse from a doctor once a child has missed 10 school days.  These days do not have to be consecutive. (See Diocese website for verification – www.eriercd.org)

   • ALL STUDENTS MUST PRESENT A WRITTEN EXCUSE UPON RETURNING TO SCHOOL.

   • Make immediate plans to do all make up work due to absence. Assignments missed and materials needed will be available on the office counter at 2:30 p.m. each day of the absence, as long as the work has been requested from the home BEFORE 11:00 a.m. For every day that a student misses due to illness or religious holidays, the student will have that many days to complete the missed work.

   • If absence is due to an educational trip, the parent/guardian must notify the school prior to the absence and receive written approval from the principal. The child must obtain list of assignments prior to absence. Those assignments must be submitted to the teacher immediately upon return to school from the vacation. Long term assignments due during the vacation must be turned in prior to the vacation. Arrangements to make up tests given during the vacation will be made with the teacher(s) prior to the vacation. Students should be prepared to take missed tests on the day the student returns to school.

   • On the day a student is absent, she/he will not be allowed to participate in any school related functions. Example: sports, Ski Club, extra curricular activities, school musical.

The only excusable reasons for being absent from school are:

1. Personal illness

2. Death in the immediate family

3. Quarantine

4. Impassable roads

5. Religious holidays

6. Education trips with prior approval from the principal

7. Court appearances

When a pupil skips school it is considered to be an "illegal" absence and will be marked as such on the report card.

After School Activities

A variety of after school activities will be provided. Information will be sent home about each activity and students may register for the one(s) of their choice. Permission slips are required for participation and a material or usage fee may be charged. Parents are responsible for students' transportation to and from said activities.

Alcohol and Drugs

The possession, sale, or use of alcohol, illegal and prescribed drugs, or any other controlled substance, on the school campus, on busses, or at a school sponsored event is strictly forbidden. (See Code of Conduct: Major Offenses)

Appointments

It is required for a parent/guardian to come into the office to sign your child in and out for any appointment during the school day. Students are not allowed to leave the school building unattended. If possible, send a note to the homeroom teacher prior to the appointment. If sending someone other than a parent/guardian, be sure that person knows the family code word.

Arrival and Dismissal

Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 a.m. and should leave for home promptly at 2:30 p.m.

Athletics

The school has an academic~athletic policy which is given to each student at the beginning of every sport.

Bus Conduct

The following rules have been established in order to insure the safety of all students who ride busses:

1. Use only the bus and bus stop assigned.

2. Orderly behavior is required at the bus stop.

3. Remain seated, facing front, when the bus is in motion.

4. Talk quietly and make no unnecessary noise.

5. Do not talk to the driver unless it is necessary.

6. Keep head and arms inside the bus.

7. Do not litter the inside of the bus or throw anything out of the window.

8. Be silent when the bus is crossing railroad tracks.

Infractions of the above rules will be brought to the attention of parents. Continual abuse of bus privileges will result in the denial of transportation.

Cafeteria

The cafeteria takes pride in serving a well balanced lunch to our children. All meals served meet U.S.D.A. requirements in quantity and quality and the cafeteria continually complies with State Health Standards.

Purchasing weekly lunch tokens on Friday is recommended. This helps to avoid loss of money or borrowing tokens. Milk and ice cream (for students in grades 4 - 8) may be purchased daily. A new menu is sent home in the monthly newsletter and it will be posted on the school web site. Students are limited to one separately-purchased dessert per day. (e.g. ice-cream)

The school will provide a free lunch or a reduced lunch to all students whose family's income is at or below a certain level. Applications are available to apply at any time during the school year. In the operation of child nutrition programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, age, national origin, color or special needs. If you believe you have been discriminated against, write immediately to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250.

Cafeteria Rules

The same general rules for behavior apply in the cafeteria as in the classroom. Students are expected to use good table manners:

• Students are to talk quietly in line and keep hands to themselves

• Don’t play with food.

• Do not touch food that belongs to another student.

• Do not pour milk on anyone’s tray.

• Students are not allowed to save places in line or at the tables. Classes will sit together, filling the next available table. Students may leave their table only when excused by the teacher. Students will be monitored by staff members during lunch time.

Cameras, Cell Phones, and Other Electronic Devices

The use of electronic devices, including but not limited to, cell phones, walkie-talkies, I pods, game boys, PSPs, mp 3 players and digital cameras is not permitted on school property. If used, the electronic device will be confiscated and given to the principal. It will stay with the principal until a parent comes to retrieve it.

Cancellation of School

Cancellation of school takes place only during circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public crisis. The school administrators are aware of the hardship which can be caused by an abrupt cancellation. Therefore, school will not be canceled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unusual circumstances.

Every practical means is used to notify parents of a cancellation, including Cathedral Center Parent Broadcast, radio, television, and newspapers. In the unusual circumstance where school must be canceled during the school day, the administrator will determine that all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision at their home before releasing them from school.

Cheating and Plagiarism and Forgery

Cheating and plagiarism are both serious compromises of a student's integrity and will not be tolerated. If cheating/plagiarism are discovered, the student's work will be confiscated. A failing grade will automatically be recorded for the work and parents will be notified.

Link to Code of Conduct page

Doctor and Dentist Appointments

Parents are expected to make every effort to schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours. However, when this is not possible, students will be excused for these special appointments. A note from parent/guardian stating the reason for the request must be presented. This note is to be sent to the office before homeroom on the day before the request.

• Uniforms are worn by all students in grades 1 – 8.

• The Red Door, 124 West 9th Street, is our primary uniform supplier.

• Shoes for boys and girls must be a closed toe and a closed back and should be of dress quality. This eliminates sneakers, boots, sandals, mules, crocs, and clogs.

• DUKES sweatshirts are not part of the school uniform.

• Clothing that has writing or art work/decals that promote violence, prejudice, vulgarity, or derogatory statements is NEVER permitted.

• Belts are optional for slacks and shorts.

• Sock must cover the ankle bone.

• Skirts and jumpers are to be no more than two (2) inches above the knee.

• Undershirts for all students in grades 1 – 8 are to be solid white. This means there will be no writing or art work showing through. Undershirts are to be tucked in.

• With the exception of designated “dress-up days,” which will be printed in the monthly newsletter and announced on the P.A. system at school, uniforms are to be worn at all times.

• Hair should be neatly trimmed and well groomed. Natural color highlights are permitted.

Emergency Drills

Fire drills are conducted once each month - when the weather permits. Each class has an escape route to an outside area which is a safe distance from the building. Children are moved to these designated areas in a safe, silent and orderly manner.

CODE RED Drills, life or death situation: example, an intruder and CODE YELLOW Drills, an Emergency situation, not life or death: (example, weather alert) are conducted once a quarter.

Students are expected to be silent during all drills so they can hear announcements and directions being given by teachers or administrators.

An emergency evacuation will be practiced once a year.

Emergency Information

In case of emergency each student is required to have the following information on file at the school office:

• Parent or guardian names

• Complete, and up-to-date address

• Phone Numbers: Home phone, cell phone, and parent(s) work phone

• Emergency phone number of friend or relative

• Physician's and dentist’s name and phone number

• Medical alert information

• Family CODE word

Homework

Homework is an integral part of our curriculum. It is an extension of the learning that takes place in school. Homework can provide practice and drill that reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study, research, and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for the children to work and by seeing that assignments are completed. Homework on weekends is possible as well as tests assigned on Mondays.

Hours

Leaving School Grounds

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds from the time they arrive by bus, by car, or by walking, for any reason without the knowledge and consent of their teacher. THIS INCLUDES McDONALD’S! Permission to leave the school grounds will only be granted upon written or verbal request from the student's parent or guardian.

Loitering

There is to be no unnecessary "hanging around” before school, between classes, or after school. Students should leave the school and school grounds promptly after classes or activities are dismissed. Students not enrolled at St. Peter Cathedral School are not permitted on school grounds at any time unless they have been registered as official guests in the main office. Students are not permitted to go to McDonald’s before, during, or after the school day unless accompanied by a parent or a teacher.

Medications: Authorization for Administration of Medication

1. A child on medication for more than ten days must provide notification from the family doctor with respect to the administration of said medication to the student.

2. If a child is on medication for less than 10 days, the parent must provide the school with a note describing the medication and specifying the times that it is to be administered.

3. The administration will not dispense medication to any student unless the appropriate permission form is on file in the school office.

4. Only the principal, the nurse, and the school secretaries may administer medication.

5. All medication delivered to the school will be kept in a secure place in the office.

6. Aspirin/Tylenol will only be dispensed with parent/guardian's written permission.

Messages

When calling the school with messages for your child, please call the school office (452-4276) before 1:45 p.m. Do not rely on voice mail or email since those may not be checked until the school day is over.

Nurse

The nurse is responsible for the maintenance of health records, routine health checks, parental contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries, and assistance in health teaching and vision screening. Please be sure to contact the nurse if your child has any unusual health problems. Please call the school nurse if your child is absent from school due to a communicable disease. Precautions may be taken to protect other children. School health personnel are on call if any emergency should occur when the nurse is not present at school.

Off Limit Areas

Our school is maintained and operated for the benefit of our students. However, common sense and safety considerations dictate the designation of a few off limit areas where students are not allowed. These areas include, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, the boiler rooms in the primary building and the center, and the 3rd floor of the primary building. Students are expected to cooperate and refrain from playing in or visiting in these areas.

Parent/Teacher Organization (C.A.P.E.)

The "Cathedral Association of Parents and Educators" has been highly involved in our school: marketing, social events, supporting the teachers, planning the parish picnic, supporting the learning process. All parents are urged to actively participate. Meetings are scheduled once a month. All parents are invited to attend these monthly meetings. Two general meetings are held every year, usually in October and May.

Pets

No pets, of any kind, are allowed at school without permission. Teachers may give special permission for pets to be brought to school as part of a special display or activity. However, under no circumstances is a potentially dangerous pet to be brought to school.

Playground Supervision

Weather permitting, K-8 students are given a recess each day. A decision to have outside recess during cold weather depends upon the temperature and the wind chill factor. School staff will supervise the playground. At least one adult is on the playground during recess. Students should be dressed for the weather.

Progress Reports

Progress reports for grades 5-8 will be sent home at mid term intervals to report each student's progress. Progress reports must be signed and returned to school. Children in grades K-8 take home corrected and graded work on Tuesdays. If the child is experiencing difficulties in any subject area, the teacher will contact the parents. Kindergarten children take home papers every day.

Report Cards

Report cards are issued following the completion of each grading period. Please carefully review your child's progress and contact the school if you have questions regarding grades. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled following the completion of the first nine week grading period, usually in November. The parent's attendance at conferences is very important. A parent may request a conference with his/her child's teacher at any time during the school year. Please call the school office (452-4276) for an appointment if a conference is desired. Likewise, a teacher may sometimes find it necessary to request a special conference with a parent. Please make every effort to meet with the teacher if you receive such a request.

Smoking

Smoking and tobacco products are strictly forbidden at school, on school property, or at school sponsored functions.

Support Services

A wide range of analytical, as well as remedial programs are available to the students of St. Peter Cathedral School.

• Act 89 Auxiliary Services to non-public schools: Remedial Reading, Remedial Mathematics, Psychological Evaluations, Standardized Testing, Speech Program, Enrichment for math and reading (depending on the time available)

• Gannon University Aide Program

Tardiness

Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instruction time. Any student who arrives at school after 8:10 a.m. is considered tardy. Tardy students must report to the office before going to class. Five (5) unexcused tardies per grading period will result in a half hour before or after school detention.

Threats

All threats will be taken seriously. If a student threatens the life of another person (child or adult) that student will be sent to the office. The Catholic Schools Office and the parents of the said student will be notified. A parent/guardian might be instructed to take the child home until a committee, made up of the principal, pastor, and teachers, investigates the incident. The committee will determine whether or not the child needs to meet with a psychologist/counselor before being readmitted to school.

Valuables & Money/Notes

Notes or money sent to school for any reason should be enclosed in an envelope with the teacher's/administrator's names on it. Students should not bring large sums of money to school with them. If a student brings anything of value to school, it should be brought to the school office for safekeeping. It is the student's responsibility to pick up any money or valuable that is left in the office. St. Peter Cathedral School is not responsible for any lost or stolen articles.

Visiting the School

All visitors, including parents, are required to report to the school office upon entering the building. You will be given a Visitor’s Badge to wear during the time of your visit. This is primarily for the safety of your children and also to help keep the integrity of the school day intact. No one, NOT EVEN A PARENT, is EVER to go to the classrooms without permission. This includes before school, during school, or after dismissal. If you need to see your child’s teacher, please make an appointment.

Weapons Policy - (Adopted by the Catholic Schools Office and St. Peter Cathedral School)

It is FORBIDDEN for anyone to possess a weapon of any sort in the buildings, on the premises or within the geographic boundaries of St. Peter Cathedral School School without the prior approval of the Principal.

Only in instances where there is a supervised and approved school activity and/or course of study will permission to have a weapon be given. In such cases, the instructor and/or teacher must request and receive approval from the Principal.

A student is FORBIDDEN to bring a weapon from home to school for a supervised activity without the instructor and/or teacher first requesting and receiving approval from the Principal and permission from the student's parent(s) or legal guardian(s). Said request and permissions must be in writing and kept on file in the school office.

Students are forbidden to carry weapons in their car except for hunting during the appropriate season and only after having requested and received permission from their parent(s) or guardian(s) and the Principal. Said request and permissions must be in writing and kept on file in the school office.
Any student, teacher or non-student who violates this policy shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by civil and/or school authority.