Section1:OurSchoolCulture
PartnershipSchoolsNetwork
PartnershipSchoolsarecommunitiesoffaith,whereindividualsworktogether forthebettermentofall.OurvocationisrootedintheGospelmandatetolove andtoeducate,andinparticular,todobothtoahighdegreeofexcellence ChristinsistedthatHecamesothatchildrenwillnotonlyhavelife,butthatthey will“haveitinabundance.”Itisnotenoughthatourstudentsmerelymeet expectationsandbepreparedto“havelife” weformtheirheartsandmindsso ourgraduatesarepreparedtoenjoythelifeofabundanceChristpromised.
InordertoinfuseCatholicbeliefsandvaluesthroughouttheentireschoolday, weholdallstudentstoconsistentandconsistentlyhighexpectations,andwe mustensurethatweareteachingtherichcontentandessentialskillsthatour studentsneedtosucceed.
Webelievethatstudentsflourishbestwhenimmersedinafaith-filled environmentcharacterizedbyhighacademicexpectations,caringand demandingadults,andjoy.Tothatend,eachPartnershipSchoolemphasizes:
● Buildingafacultyofcommittededucatorswhoembracethemissionof theschool,whohavedeepinstructionalexpertise,andwho unquestionablybelievethatallofourstudentscanachieveatthe highestlevels
● Establishingaclearschoolcultureplanthatarticulatesrootbeliefsand specifieshowpolicies,procedures,programs,habits,actions,and routinesactivelycommunicateourrootbeliefsandvalues.
WeconceiveoftheschoolcultureofaCatholicschoolasthe“oceaneverything swimsin”attheschool teachingandlearning,policies,procedures,rituals, routines,decisions,communications,artifacts,physicalspaces,andthedaily activityoftheschoolareallinfusedwiththebeliefsandvaluesofthe community,andtheseallcomprisetheCatholicschoolculture Thissectionof theFamilyHandbookprovidesanoverviewofourbeliefs,values,shared purpose,andexpectationsrelatedtorelationshipsandhome-schoolsupport.
RootBeliefs
AtSt.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchool,webelievethat…
● WearemadeintheimageofGod
● Wearebettertogether.
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● Wecandohardthings.
● Wearealwayslearning.
Mission
St.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchooliscommittedtomodelingandteaching Catholicmoralsandvalues,whilecreatingandmaintaininganenvironmentof mutualrespectthathonorsthedignityofscholars,faculty,staffandother individualswhoserveourschoolcommunity. Wepromoteacademic achievement,spiritualdevelopment,andpositiveattitudesthatwillhelpstudents influencetheworldinatrulyChristianmanner.
PhilosophyofEducation
AsaCatholicSchool,webelieveinthesanctityofthefamilyandreverencefor life. Withthefamily,weseektonourishself-esteem,promotepositive multiculturalawareness,andinstillinourscholarsthevaluesoftruth,justice andrespectforlifeandtheenvironmentinadistinctlyCatholicmanner. We prepareourstudentstobelife-longlearnersandinstillinthemtheimportanceof strivingforexcellence.
CoreValues
Aspartofourfocusonschoolcultureandcharacterformation,thePartnership Schoolshaveadoptedfourcorevaluesthatprovidetheframeworkuponwhich ourschoolcultureandcharacterformationarebuilt.Theyare:Integrity, Humility,HardWork,andService.
Integrity
“Integrityisdoingtherightthing,evenwhennobodyiswatching.”–C.S.Lewis
AtPartnershipSchools,weseektogiveallstudentsaclearunderstandingofthe moralprinciplesandvirtuesonwhichtheCatholicfaithandtraditionisbuilt. Fromthatframework,wearecommittedtobuildingacommunitywhereall individualsactwithhonesty,forthrightness,andrespect.Weholdourselvesto thehighestacademicandethicalstandards,bothwithinthefourwallsofthe schoolbuildingandasrepresentativesoftheschoolinthecommunity
Humility
“Humilityisnotthinkinglessofyourself;itisthinkingofyourselfless”
Developinghumilityinourstudentsmeansunderstandingandappreciatingthe uniquegiftsandpotentialofeverymemberofthecommunityandworking togethertoensurethateveryoneworkshardtoachievehis/herhighestpotential.
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Thatrequireshardwork,selflessness,andanappreciationforwhatwecanlearn fromeveryonearoundus.Italsoimpliesjudgingourselvesnotincomparison withothers,butinlightofourcapabilities Anditrequiresustofocuson developingourgiftsnotforourownpersonalgain,buttoserveothers.
HardWork
“Iusedtothinkthatprayerchangesthings.ButnowIknowthatprayerchanges usandwechangethings.”–MotherTeresa
Hardwork,persistence,anddeterminationareessentialtolearningandsuccess. AtPartnershipSchools,weexpectallstudents,teachers,andleaderstowork hard;togive100percentofoureffort,100percentofthetime.
Service
“Onlyalifelivedforothersisalifeworthwhile.”–AlbertEinstein
AtPartnershipSchools,weaimtodevelopyoungmenandwomenforothers. Wearecommittedtoservingothers,bothwithinthefourwallsoftheschooland beyond Tothatend,teachersemphasizecultivatingindividualstudentgifts, broadeningstudents’understandingofthecommunityandtheworld,andusing ourgiftsinserviceofthecommunityinwhichweliveandwork.
FamilyPartnership
PartnershipSchoolsemphasizeteamwork,cooperationamongparents,teachers, andstudents,andstrongrelationshipsamongallinthecommunity.
Webelievethatstudentscanbestgrowanddevelopwhenimmersedinan environmentthatischaracterizedbyrigorousacademicexpectations,caringand demandingadults,andjoy Butnoschoolcanbeeffectivewithoutsupportfrom thehome.Welooktoparentstosupportouracademicinstructionandto reinforcevaluesasourstudentsbecomemenandwomenforothers.
Webelievethatkidscanflourishwhenparents,teachers,andschoolleadersare alignedincollaboration Mixedmessagesamongadultsareconfusingto childrenandcanbedestructivetooursharedmission.
Webelievethatchildrenlearnfromalloftheteachersintheirlives–thosein theirfamiliesandthoseatschool–andweaskforyourcollaborationand cooperation,andwepledgeourstoyou
Weaskthatparentssupportteachersbyinstillingrespectfortheintegrityof teachersandleadersandtoactivelysupporttheleadershipofteachersand
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schoolleadersinthehome.Wecommittodoingthesameforyouandyour leadershipathomewhenweareatschool.
Parentsareinvitedandencouragedtoparticipateinthespiritualandacademic formationprogrammingweofferyourchildren.Thismayincludeparticipating inschoolcelebrationsofprayerandliturgy,volunteeropportunities,joining parent-teacherconferences,attendingmeetingsandseminarsdesignedtohelp familiessupportyourstudents,andengagingwithyourhome-schoolassociation Weinviteyoutotakeanactiveroleinyourchild’seducationinseveral importantways
Becausewebelievethatyourchildismadeforgreatness,weaskthatyou:
● Carefullyreviewclasswork,testresults,progressreports,andreport cards;supervisehomestudy;andreinforcetheimportanceofschool policies.
● Reviewanddiscusstheschoolbehaviorcodewithyourchild;discuss anybehaviorincidentsyourchildmayhaveinrelationtothebeliefs andvaluestaughtinschool
● Recognizeandencourageyourchild’stalentsandinterestssotheymay bedevelopedincooperationwiththeclassroomteachers.
● Arrangeaquiettimeandplaceforyourchildtocompletehomework assignments.
Becausewebelievewelearnbettertogether,weaskthatyou:
● Ensurethatyourchildmaintainstheschooldresscode,includingthe gymuniform,inordertomaintainsolidaritywiththeschool communityandfocusonlearning.
● Ensureyourchildattendsschooldaily,on-time,tomaximizelearning andformation.
● Keepup-to-datewithallofyourfinancialresponsibilitiestotheschool, andparticipateinfundraisingactivities,toensurethesustainabilityof ourschoolcommunity.
Becausewebelievewearemadeforeachother,weaskthatyou:
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● Workwithteachersandleaderstocarryoutrecommendationsmadein thebestinterestofyourchild,includingthoserelatedtoeducational evaluationsandcounseling.
● Attendallscheduledparent-teacherconferences.
● Presumepositiveintentinallinteractionswithteacherandschool leaders.
● Treatallmembersoftheschoolcommunitywiththerespectand dignitytheydeserveasmembersoftheBodyofChrist.Actions inconsistentwiththisrequirementmayleadtoyourfamilybeingasked toleavetheschoolcommunityorbeingrequiredtoleavetheschool community,atthediscretionoftheschoolleadership.
FaithFormation
FaithformationextendsbeyondthereligionclassroomatSt ThomasAquinas CatholicSchool byaligningourpolicies,procedures,actions,habits,and routineswithourrootbeliefsandvalues,weinfuseeveryaspectofourdaywith faith
Allstudents,Catholicandnon-Catholicalike,participateinreligionclasses, prayer,andworshipheldduringtheschoolday.Wearemadeforeachother,so wemodelmutualrespectforpeopleofallfaithsandthosestrugglingtobelieve, andweteachandexpectourstudentstodothesame Weencourageallstudents tobeactivemembersoftheirhomechurches.Weencourageallstudentstolive activelivesofprayerandtoliveaccordingtotheteachingsofJesusChrist.
OurTeamatSt.ThomasAquinas
WhenwehiremembersoftheSt.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolteam,we lookforzeal:aburningdesiretomakeGodknown,lovedandserved Ourteam ofdedicated,professionalteachers,administrators,andfront-lineworkersis committedtothePartnership’scorevaluesofIntegrity,HardWork,Humility, andService.AllofourteachersarefullycertifiedbytheStateofOhioandmeet theacademicandprofessionalstandardssetbythePartnershipSchoolsandthe DioceseofCleveland
Section2:AcademicProgram
OurgoalistopreparethestudentsofSt ThomasAquinasforthebestcollege preparatoryhighschoolsinCleveland.Westrivetoputeachofourstudentsona
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paththatgivesthemanopportunitytochoosecollege,afulfillingcareer,and ultimately,heaven.Wewillensuretheyhaveteacherswhobelieveinthem,hold themtohighexpectations,andproviderigorouscurriculumandinstructionso theyarepreparedforhighschoolandbeyond.
Ourteachersregularlyevaluatestudentprogresstowardsmasteryofessential contentandskillsandintermsoftheircharacterdevelopmentandgrowth. This progressiscommunicatedtoparentsonaregularbasis
Moreover,studentsareexpectedtoperformtothebestoftheirability.That meansthatstudentscometoschoolandclasspreparedandreadytolearn,and theyareexpectedtofollowschool-wideandclassroom-specificrulesandto participateincommunityeventsandactivities.
Curriculum
St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School implements a researched, content-rich, knowledge-building curriculum with strong results in the Partnership Network of schools. Our curriculum meets the requirements for the State of Ohio with regard to the minimum standards for the elementary school level. The basic curriculum consists of the following: language arts (reading, English, spelling, handwriting, phonics), mathematics, social studies, science, health, computer, physicaleducation,musicandart
GradeScale
Webelieveeverychildisbornwiththeabilitytobecomebothasaintanda scholar.InourCatholicschool,wewillpreparethemforbothcollegeAND heaven.Noteverychildwillwanttogotocollege,butourjobistopreparethem foracollegepreparatoryhighschoolsotheywilleachbecollege-readyat 18 anditwillbetheirchoicetogotocollegeornot Nobodywhoattendsour schoolwilleversay,“Iwouldlovetogocollege,butIjustwasn’tpreparedby myelementaryeducation.”
Howweassessourstudentsandreporttheirgradesonreportcardsisinformed bythiscommitment Webeginwithdevelopmentalgrades,andlaterweturnto summativegradesthatreflecttheformatofthelocalcollegeprephighschools. Forearlygrades,weassessstudentsusingadevelopmentalscalethatreportsthe degreetowhichachildismeetinggrade-levelexpectations(seetablebelow). Ourgoalinreportingthesegradesistoletparentsandstudentsknowwhether theyhaveacquiredtheknowledgeandskillstheyneedateachgradelevelthat theywillneedtocontinuetodeveloptheirmindsandultimately,toflourish.Our curriculumisrigorousbecausewebelieveeverychildismadeinGod’simage andthereforemadeforgreatness eachchildisbornwiththecapacityto
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succeedatthehighestlevel,andourcurriculumandtheinstructiontheyreceive fromourteacherswillhelpensurethattheydo.
Startingin4th grade,ourreportcardsturntothemoretraditionalA-Fgrading scale,whichsimilarlyreportsthedegreetowhichstudentsaremeeting grade-levelbenchmarksbutintheformatthatisconsistentwithlocalcollege preparatoryhighschools.Inthesegradelevels,ourgoalistobothreporton students’developmentalprogressandtopreparestudentsforthecollege preparatoryhighschoolstheywillattendaftertheirtimewithus,wherethey willdeepentheiracademicandpersonalformationandcontinuetobeprepared tobecollege-ready
K-3rdGradeGradingScale
Consistentlyexceedsexpectationsin accomplishinggrade-levelgoals,objectives, andrequirements;Demonstratesknowledge andcapacitytousegrade-levelskillsin contentareas;Thoroughlycompletesdaily workandrelatedassignments;Works independentlyandcooperatively; Consistentlyhighscoresonassessments.
Consistentlymeetsexpectationsin accomplishinggoals,objectives,and requirements;Demonstratesknowledgeand capacitytouseskillsincontentareas; Completesdailyworkandrelated assignments;Worksindependentlyand cooperatively;Above-averagescoreson assessments.
70-79
Approachingexpectationsinaccomplishing goals,objectives,andrequirements; Inconsistentlyshowsknowledgeandcapacity tousegrade-levelskillsincontentareas; Usuallycompletesdailyworkandrelated assignments;Demonstratestheabilityto workindependentlyandcooperatively; Averagescoresonassessments.
Grade Percent age Description EE Exceedinggradelevel expectations
90-100
ME Meetinggradelevel expectations
80-89
NE Nearlymeetinggradelevel expectations
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60-69
Doesnotmeetgrade-levelexpectationsin accomplishinggoals,objectivesand requirements;Doesnotconsistently demonstrateknowledgeandcapacitytouse grade-levelskillsincontentareas;Limited effortindailyworkandrelatedassignments; Doesnotworkindependentlyand cooperativelyonaconsistentbasis;Low scoresonassessments.
0-59
Significantlybehindgrade-levelexpectations inaccomplishinggoals,objectivesand requirements;Showsinsufficientknowledge andlackofskillsincontentareas;Doesnot demonstratecapacitytoworkindependently andcooperatively;Doesnotcompletedaily workorassignments;Assessmentscores indicatefailuretoachievelesson/unit objectives.
BE Behindgradelevel expectations
SE Significantlybehindgrade levelexpectations
4th-8th GradeGradingScale Letter Grade Percentage A+ 97-100 A 93-96 A- 90-92 B+ 87-89 B 83-86 B- 80-82 C+ 77-79 C 73-76 C- 70-72 D+ 67-69 D 63-66 D- 60-63 F 0-59 14
GradeReportingSystem
Parentsareaskedtofollowtheirstudent’sprogressonGradelink,theonline gradingsystemusedbyourteachersandschoolleaders.Thesystemmaybe accessedbyanycomputerormobiledevice.Anemailaddressisrequiredto participate
GrowthAssessments
StudentsingradesKthrough8aregiventheNWEAMeasureofAcademic Progress(MAP)testtoassesslearningandtomeasuregrowthovertime.
Studentsingrades3-8mayalsotaketheOhioDepartmentofEducation’s AchievementAssessments.Testingresultsaresharedwiththeparentsandare usedtoplanfortheeducationalneedsofindividualstudents.
ThirdGradeReadingGuarantee
Ohio'sThirdGradeReadingGuaranteelawrequiresthirdgradersinpublic schools,charterschoolsandprivateschoolstomeetaspecifiedscoreonthe statereadingtestortheNWEAMAPtestinordertoadvancetofourthgrade.At St ThomasAquinasCatholicSchool,studentshavemultipleopportunitiesto meetorexceedthisscore,whichissetannuallybythestatedepartmentof education,onthestatetestandtheNWEAMAPtest.Studentsingrade3might alsotake,ifdeterminedbyteachers,theAmericanInstituteofResearch(AIR)as analternativeassessmentfortheThirdGradeReadingGuarantee.
ReportCardsandParentConferences
Reportcardsareissuedfourtimesannually Parentconferencesareofferedtwice eachyear.Mid-termreportsaresenthalf-waythrougheachquartertonotify parentsofstudentprogress.Otherinterimreportsmaybegivenatanytime,as needed.Allparentsareaskedtoattendthefirstquarterparentconference;please consulttheschoolcalendarandmonitoremailfordatesandtimes.Conferences provideopportunitiestobuildrelationshipsbetweenteachersandfamiliesandto receiveanddiscussthechild'sfirstquarterreportcard.
Retentionfrom/PromotiontoNextGrade
Veryfewdecisionswemakeaboutchildrenaremoreimportantthan recommendationstopromoteortoretainastudent.Becausestudentsofvarying levelsofachievementareacceptedtoPartnershipSchools,webaseretention decisionsonstudentgrowth,ratherthanabsoluteperformance Tothatend, studentswillberetainediftheyfailtodemonstrateatleastoneyearofgrowthas measuredbyinterimandcurricularassessmentsingrades1-8.Retention decisionswillalsotakeintoaccountoverallconductasrepresentedonthereport card.
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Ifastudentisbeingconsideredforretention,teachersmustbegindiscussingthis possibilityearlyintheschoolyearwiththeprincipal. Parentconferencesmust beheldperiodically,andnotificationofthepossibilityofretentionmustbemade withwrittennotationonthereportcard.
Ifachildisrequiredtogotosummerschoolforpromotion,thatchildmust attendanapprovedsummerschoolprogram.Ifthechilddoesnotattendan approvedsummerschool,thechildcanberetained
Thefinaldecisiontopromoteorretainastudentismadebytheprincipal,based onthestudent’sacademicperformanceandbestinterests Itshouldbemade afterdiscussionwiththeparent,teacher,andstudent.
Ifastudentcompletesallrequirementsforpromotionorgraduation,afamily cannotself-selectthestudenttoberetainedintheirgrade.
*ThirdgradestudentswhodonotpasstheOhioStateMandatedReading AchievementTest(ThirdGradeGuarantee)willberetainedinthirdgradeuntil theyachieveapassingscore.
TechnologyforLearning
ParentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignandfollowanAcceptableUsePolicy thatoutlinesappropriateuseofschooltechnologyresourcesatthebeginningof eachyear
Section3:SchoolOperations
Admissions
WebelievethateachchildismadeintheimageandlikenessofGod,and therefore,ismadeforgreatness.OurroleasCatholicschooleducatorsistohelp familiesensurethattheirchildrenexperiencefullhumanflourishing,andour desireistoprovideaCatholiceducationofthehighestqualitytoasmany childrenaspossibleinourcommunity.
WewelcomeallstudentstoapplytojointheSt.ThomasAquinasCatholic Schoolcommunity.WebelieveGodislove,anddiscriminationisrepugnantto ournatureandmission
St.ThomasAquinasadmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnic origintoalltherights,privileges,programsandactivitiesgenerallyaccordedor madeavailabletostudentsattheschool.Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisof
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race,color,nationalandethnicorigin,orgenderintheadministrationof educationalpolicies,admissionpolicies,scholarshipprograms,andathleticand otherschool-administeredprograms
Acceptanceisbasedona“firstcome,firstserved”policyforallstudentswho submitapplicationmaterialsinatimelymanner.Pleasenotethatentering kindergartenstudentsmustalsocompletereadinessscreening.Inclasseswith limitedspace,theschoolmaygivepreferenceinadmissionstosiblingsof currentlyenrolledstudents,andtoCatholicstudentswhoseparentsareactive membersofaCatholicparish.
Attendance
Whenitcomestolearning,webelieveeveryminutematters Tooptimizeyour child’slearning,theymustattendclass,ontime,everyday,wheneverpossible. Statelawrequireschildrenbetweentheagesof6and18toattendschooldaily. Itisourresponsibilitytoworkwithcivilauthoritiestoreportexcessiveabsences fromschool.
Statescholarshipsrequireregulardailyattendance,andwearerequiredtoreport dailyattendancetothestate.Whenstudentsmissmorethan20daysofschool, theymaybeineligibletoreceiveorrenewtheirscholarship Inthesecases, familiesareresponsibleforpayingtuitionof$5,500perstudent.
Absences
Intheeventofstudentabsence,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttonotifythe schoolby9:00a.m.Ifastudentisillandwillmissseveraldays,theparent shouldcontacttheofficetoarrangeforassignmentstobesenthome.
Pleasemakeeveryefforttoscheduledoctor’sappointmentsoutsideofschool hours.
Tardies
Beinglatetoschoolinterfereswiththelatechild’sprogressinschoolandalso disruptsteachingandlearningforotherstudents.Parentsupportinensuring on-timearrivaliscritical Parentsmustaccompanychildrenintothebuilding after8:30am.Afterthe15thtardyinayear,itisourresponsibilitytonotifythe appropriatecivilauthorities.
Communications
Allfamiliesmusthaveanemailaddress Allschoolnewsandcorrespondence regardingtuition,scholarships,grades,schoolclosures,studentillness,andother updateswillbedeliveredviaemail.Pleasecheckemaildaily.Itistheparent’s responsibilitytomaintaincommunicationelectronically.
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ContactingTeachers
Weencourageparentstocontacttheirchild'steacherviaemailiftheyhave questionsorconcerns.Teachersareavailableeverydaybetween4:00and4:30 PMforappointmentsandphonecalls.Parentsshouldcallatthattimeifthey wishtospeaktoateacherormakearrangementsforaconference Parentsmay alsoemail,sendanote,orcallduringtheschooldayandleaveamessagefora teachertocallthem.
Pleasenote:teachersmayneverbecalledawayfromtheirclassduringschool hourswhentheyareresponsiblefortheirstudents Parentsmaynotvisitthe classroomunannounced.
ContactingthePrincipal
Whenyouhaveaconcern,pleasecontactyourchild’steacherimmediatelyto makeanappointmenttodiscussthesituationwiththeteacherfirst.Ifyouand theteacherneedsupportorcannotresolvetheissue,pleasecontacttheschool officetomakeanappointmenttomeetwiththeprincipal Theprincipalreserves blocksoftimeeachweektomeetwithparentsandguardians,andtheschool leaderswelcomeopportunitiestodiscussyourchildrenandtheschool.Weare eagertoworktogether.
Pleaseunderstandthattheprincipal’sdaysareheavilyscheduledwithclassroom observations,teachermeetings,parentconversations,studentmeetings,andthe operationsoftheschool.Itisnotalwayspossiblefortheprincipaltotakean unscheduledmeetingwithoutnotice.Byschedulinganappointment,the principalcandedicatetheirundividedattentiontoyouandyourchild.
Costs
RegistrationFee
St.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolrequiresa$100registrationfee,which servesasanon-refundabledepositthatguaranteesyourchild’splaceinthe classroom.Theregistrationfeedefraysthecostsofsometextbooksand workbooks,someclassroomsupplies,andofficesupplies,anditsupportsefforts toprovideassessmentsofyourchild’slearningandgrowth Thisfeeisexpected tobepaidbyApril30forthecomingschoolyearoruponregistration.
Tuition & Scholarships
Publishedtuitionforthe2021-2022schoolyearis$5,550.Studentswhose familiesmeetresidencyrequirementsmayapplyfortheClevelandScholarship
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andTutoringProgram.Otherstudentsmaybeeligible,dependingontheirpublic schooldistrict,theirincome,orotherqualifications,forEdChoiceorEdChoice ExpansionScholarships,ortheJonPetersonScholarshiptosatisfytuition obligations.Financialaidisavailableforstudentswhoarenoteligibleforstate scholarships,andapplicationsareavailablefromtheschooloffice.
StatescholarshipchecksfromtheCleveland,EdChoice,andJonPeterson Scholarshipsaresenttotheschoolperiodicallyduringtheschoolyear Parents areaskedtocompleteachecksigningauthorizationformthatallowstheschool toprocessscholarshippaymentsefficiently.Familiesthatdonothavecheck signingauthorizationsonfilemustcomeintotheofficetosigntheirchecks whentheyarereceived.Theschoolwillnotifyparentswhenchecksare availabletobesigned.Reportcards,diplomas,andtranscriptsmaybewithheld fornonpaymentofdebtsowedtotheschool.Thisincludespaymentsowedfor tuitionoranyotheroutstandingfees.
Refunds
Theregistrationfeeholdsthechild'splaceandisnon-refundable.Allprepaid tuitionisrefundableatthetimeofwithdrawalonaproratedbasis.Thedaily tuitionrateistheannualtuitiondividedby177schooldays.Anyoutstanding feeswillbesubtractedfromarefundbeforearefundwillbeissued.
MethodsofPayments
St.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolacceptsallpaymentsviacheckorcredit card. AllchecksmustbemadepayabletoST.THOMASAQUINAS CATHOLICSCHOOL.
DailySchedule
Theschoolofficeisopenforbusinessfrom7:00amto4:30pmMondayFriday
BellSchedule
7:30AM Doorsopen.
Studentsarrivingbetween7:30&7:45reporttocafeteria.
Supervision&breakfastareprovided.
Studentsmaynotarrivebefore7:30AM.
7:55AM FirstBell.
Studentsgatherincafeteriaformorningmeeting.
Parentsmaynotenterclassroomsinthemorning.
Parentsmaycometotheofficeasneeded.
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8:10AM FinalBell.
Classesbeginandattendanceistaken. Studentsnotintheirseatsatthistimeareconsideredtardy.
4:00PM Dismissal.
Busriders,RTA,ordaycarevansarepickeduponSuperiorAve. Carriders&walkersaredismissedfromtheMainDoorat2ndBell
EarlyDismissal
Dismissal is at 2:30 PM every Friday, except on the first Friday each month, whenschoolisdismissedat12:00PM.
EarlyDeparture
Webelieveeveryminutematterswhenitcomestostudentlearning,soweask thatparentstrytoscheduledoctoranddentalappointmentsoutsideofschool timewheneverpossible.Whenstudentsneedtoleaveschoolearly,theymust bringanotefromaparenttotheirhomeroomteacherthatmorning.Theymust bepickedupintheschoolofficebyaparentordesignatedadult Studentsmay notleavecampusforanyreasonwithoutpermissionfromschoolleadership. Studentsthatleaveschoolbefore11:00a.m.,willbemarkedabsentforthat entiredayifanoteisnotpresentedinthemorning Studentswillnotbe dismissedfromschoolafter3pmunlessanoteisreceivedinthemorning.
Health Allergies
Ifyourchildhasallergies,pleasenotifytheschooloftheallergyandany medicationneeds Epi-pensandothermedicationsmaybekeptintheoffice(see “Medication,”below).Studentsmustbeawareoftheirownallergies,symptoms, medicationneedsand/orreactions. Ifachildisexposedorexperiences symptoms,thestudentshouldnotifyanadultimmediately.Iforderingfromthe schoollunchprogram,theparentshouldorderlunchesthatwillnotcausean allergicreaction
ContagiousIllness
Ifyoususpectyourchildhasstrepthroat,theflu,oranothercontagiousillness, pleasecontactyourphysician. Studentsmaynotreturntoschooluntiltheyhave beenonmedicationfor24hoursandmusthaveareturn-to-schoolclearance fromthedoctor’soffice.Pleasekeepyourchildhomeuntilthechildiswell enoughtoparticipateinthefullschoolday,includingallclasses,recess,PE,etc
Whenachildhasbeendiagnosedwithcontagiousillness,parentsmustnotify theschool.Becausewearemadeforeachother,wealwaysnotifythefamiliesof
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otherstudentswhohavebeeninclosecontactwithacontagiouschildofan illnessintheirclass.
Emergencies,Accidents,&IllnessduringtheSchoolDay
Firstaidwillbegivenforminorcuts,scrapes,andbruises Theschoolwill contactparentsassoonaspossiblewhenastudentbecomesilloranaccident occurs. Studentsmustinformateacherortheofficeofanyinjuryreceivedat school.Parentsareaskedtomakearrangementstohavethechildtakenhome. Atthebeginningoftheyear,parentsmustcompletetheEmergencyMedical Authorizationform,whichindicateswhotheschoolwillcontactiftheschoolis unabletoreachaparent.Maintainingup-to-datephonenumbersandemergency contactswiththeschooliscritical.
Beforethestudentcanbereleasedfromschool,theparentorauthorized emergencycontactmustcometotheofficetosignthestudentout Students maynotleavethebuildingwithanyoneexceptparentsorthosenamedonthe EmergencyMedicalAuthorizationform. Inanemergency,iftheparentneedsto sendsomeonenotontheauthorizedlist,theparentmustcalltheschool,and photoidentificationmustbepresentedtotheoffice.
Immunization
Studentimmunizationrecordsmustbekeptup-to-date Studentswithout updatedimmunizationrecordsbythe15thdayofschoolarenotpermittedto attendschool,byOhiostatelaw.Theschoolwillnotifyparentswhenrecords needtobeupdated.
Medication
Whenstudentsneedtohavemedicationadministeredbyschoolpersonnel, pleasefollowtheseguidelines:
1. Writtenrequestsmustbeobtainedfromthephysicianandtheparent beforeschoolpersonnelmayadministeranyprescriptionmedication
Writtenrequestsfromtheparent/guardianmustbeobtainedforany non-prescriptionmedication. Therequestmustincludeinstructionsas tothenameofmedication,dosage,time,anddurationofmedication, andpossiblesideeffects.
2. Medicationmustbeintheoriginalcontainersandhaveanaffixedlabel includingstudent'sname,nameofmedication,dosage,directions,and timeofadministration.
3 Allmedicationmustbeturnedintotheofficewhenthestudentarrives atschool.
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4. Newrequestformsmustbesubmittedeachtimeamedicationis prescribedandatthebeginningofeachschoolyearforongoing medication Formsareavailableintheschooloffice
NotifyingtheSchoolaboutHealthConditions
Therearesomehealthconditionsparentsshoulddiscusswithschoolleaders,so thatwemaycollaborateinoursharedmissiontoensurethechildflourishes. Whenchildrenhaveconditionsthatinvolvelong-termtreatment(suchas cancer),dailymonitoringofvitalmetrics(suchasdiabetes),orsymptomsthat mayaffectstudentlife(suchassevereallergiesandasthma),itcanbeimportant forteachersandschoolleaderstobeawareoftheirstudents’situationssothat theycanfullysupportthem.Othertimes,parentsmayjustwanttomakethe schoolawareofhealthconditions;forexample,itcanbeimportantforschool leaderstobeawareofstudentswhohavecompromisedimmunesystemsor severefoodallergies
Pregnancy
Webelieveinthevalueanddignityofeachhumanlife.Wearebettertogether:a studentwhobecomespregnantwillnotautomaticallybedismissedfromschool. Ifastudentbecomespregnantorparticipatesinapregnancy,parentsshould notifytheschoolleader.
A complete copy of the Pregnancy Policy is available in the principal's office
Screenings
Theschoolprovidesperiodicvisionandhearingassessments,heightandweight measurementsandscreeningforpostureconditionstoprovideearlyscreenings forimportantconditionsthatcanaffectstudentlearning. Parentsarenotified whenfurtheractionisrecommended.
Lunch
AtSt ThomasAquinasCatholicSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceivehealthy breakfastandluncheachdayofthe2021-2022schoolyearatnochargetoyour household.Noactionisrequiredofyou.Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmit anapplication.
Studentsmayalsobringtheirlunchfromhome Wediscouragesendingglass containers,fastfood,carbonatedbeveragesandcandytoschool.
SeparatingfromtheSt.ThomasAquinasSchoolCommunity Webelievethateverychildismadeforgreatnessintheimageandlikenessof God WeexpectthatallofourstudentswillgraduatefromSt ThomasAquinas CatholicSchool,thoughwerecognizethattherearesomecircumstancesthat
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mayarisewhichleadtothedepartureofsomechildrenfromourcommunity. Pleaseknowthatwebelievethateverychildandparentwhoentersour communityremainsalwaysapartoftheSt Thomasfamily,andwecommitto keepingallofourstudents presentandpast,includingthosewhohaveleftour schoolforanyreason closeinprayereverydaywhenwegatherasa communityinprayer.
Dismissal
Theeducationofastudentisapartnershipamongtheparents,thestudent,and theschool Therearecertaincircumstancesthatrequirethatourschoolleaders exercisetheirrighttorequirethewithdrawalofastudent,andthese circumstancesaredeterminedintheschool’sdiscretion.Whenschoolleaders determine,inconversationwithPartnershipnetworkleaders,thatthebestway fortheschoolcommunitytoflourishmovingforwardisforthestudentandthe schooltoseparate,theleaderswillrequireparentstowithdrawthestudentfrom theschool.
Withdrawal/Transfer
Ifaparentchoosestowithdrawastudentfromschool,weaskfamiliesto providetheschoolwith24-hours’noticebeforetheeffectivedateofwithdrawal. Uponnotification,theschoolwillprovideareleaseofinformationformforthe parenttosign Parentswillalsoreceiveawithdrawalformandthechild’slatest reportcardtotaketothechild'snewschool.Parentswillbenotifiedofany outstandingbalancesontuitionorfees,whichmustbepaid.
Thenewschoolwillrequestcopiesofpermanentrecords,testscores,andhealth recordsfromSt ThomasCatholicSchooldirectly Recordswillnotbegivento parents.Academicrecordswillnotbereleaseduntilanyoutstandingfinancial obligationstoSt.Thomasaremet.
Transportation Walkers
Crossingguardsarepostedbythetrafficlightsclosesttotheschool Students mustcrossstreetsatlightsand/orcrosswalks. Whendoingso,studentsmust obeytheinstructionsofthecrossingguards. Studentsshouldwalkwithcaution inthestreetandshouldneverrunoutfrombetweenparkedormovingcars
StudentsrepresentourschoolcommunityontheirwaytoandfromSt.Thomas. Pushing,roughplay,running,orthrowingobjects(includingsnowballs)are prohibitedontheirwaytoschoolandhome.
CarRiders
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Studentsbeingdroppedofforpickedupmustwaitfortheinstructionofastaff membertoexitorenterthecarsafely.Studentsremainingatschoolafter15 minuteswillbesenttoadesignatedroomwhereaparentwillhavetocometo theofficeandaskfortheirchild.Afeeof$5willbeassessed,payableatthe timeofpickup.
SchoolBusRiders
StudentsaretorepresenttheArchbishopLykecommunityandliveourbeliefs andvaluesonthebusjustastheydoatschool. Atdismissal,studentsshould proceedtotheirbusinawaythatdoesnotdisrupttheschoolcommunity.
Studentsareresponsibleforadheringtobussafetyregulationsestablishedbythe individualschooldistricts. Studentswhodonotmeetbehaviorexpectationson thebusmaylosetheprivilegeofbustransportation.
BusSafetyRules
Studentsshall:
● Followalldirectionsfromthebusdriver.
● Stayintheirseatsandkeepaislesandexitsclear.
● Keepallpartsoftheirbodiesinsidethebus.
● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes.
● Neverthrowanobjectinoroutofamovingvehicle
● Keeptheirhandsandbodiestothemselves.
● Boardandleavethebusattheirdesignatedlocationunlesstheyhave parentalandadministrativeapproval.
Abusdrivermayneverbedistracted Eachbusdriverwillreviewbussafety rulesandprocedureswithstudentsonhisorherbus. Thesameexpectationsin theclassroomapplytothebus. Studentsmustlistentoandrespondtoall instructionsfromthedriverpromptlyandrespectfully Busviolationsmay resultinschoolconsequencessuchasdetentionorsuspensionfromthebus. Suspensionfromtheschoolbusdoesnotexcusethestudentfromattending school.
VisitorstotheSchool
Allvisitorstotheschoolbuilding,atanytimeduringtheday,mustreporttothe schooloffice.Parentsplanningtovisitclassroomsmustreporttotheofficeupon arrival.
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Weather-RelatedSchoolClosure
St.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolcloseswhenevertheClevelandPublic Schoolscloseforweatherrelatedreasons Wemayalsochoosetoclose independently.PleaselistentomajorClevelandarearadioorTVstationsfor schoolclosingwhenweatherisquestionable.Pleasedonotcalltheschool.
Section4:SchoolPolicies
ChildProtection
Thedignityofeverychildissacred.Theflourishingofeachchildisourmission, andkeepingyourchildsafeisparamounttous.InkeepingwiththeCharterfor theProtectionofChildrenandYoungPeopleoftheUSCongressofCatholic Bishops,ourschoolcomplieswiththeStandardsofConductforMinistryand thePolicyfortheSafetyofChildreninMattersofSexualAbuseoftheDiocese ofCleveland.
ChildAbuse
Teachers,leaders,andallmembersoftheSt.ThomasAquinasteamarelegally obligatedtoreportanysuspectedcasesofchildabuseorneglecttotheproper agency. Insoreporting,noallegationismadeagainstaparentorcaregiver. Rather,itisajudgmentbytheschoolreporterthatthechildmaybepresenting signsofabuseorneglect.Thisisaresponsibilitywetakeseriously,anchoredin ourbeliefthatwearemadeforeachotherandourloveforeachchildinour community.
DressCode
Webelievethatwearemadeforgreatness,andthatexcellencehappenson purpose.Eachmorning,weaskstudentstowearauniformandadheretoadress codethatemphasizestheirexcellence,affirmstheirmembershipinour community,andensuresthattheycanfocusonourtoppriority:rigorous academicinstructionandhumanformation Ourdresscoderemovesdistractions fromlearningandreinforcesourcommunityidentitywhileinstillingthepride thatcomeswithbeing“dressedforsuccess.”
Boys’Uniform
K-3
4-8 Notes
Pants Black,gray,ornavytwilluniformpants. Nocargopants. Shirts Whiteknitpoloordress shirt Dressshirtwithtie, Knitpolo,orwhite, grayornavySTAlogo polo*
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Sweaters& Sweatshirts
Solidblack,grayornavysweatervestsor cardigans,orSTAfleecejacketorvest*,orSTA PEsweatshirtoverwhiteuniformshirt(andtie whenrequired)
Tie Optional Black,gray,orblue
Belt Black,gray,orbrown Nolargeordecorative buckles.
Shoes Rubber-soledschoolshoes
Socks Black,brown,tan,blue,orgray
Nohigh-toportennis shoes.
Hair Hairmaynotbeworninawaythatimpedesstudentvision.Teachersor leadersmayrequestthatloosehairorbraidsbetiedback.Haircolorandhair accessoriesareonlypermittedinnaturalorschoolcolorsandshouldnot distractfromstudentlearning.Hairstylesthatdistractfromstudentlearning arenotpermitted,includingshaveddesigns.
Jewelry Earringsarelimitedtoonepairofpostearrings,whichmaynotextend beyondtheearlobe.
Noothermetaljewelrymaybeworntoschool Wristwatchesarepermitted;Smartwatchesarenot.
*fromSchoolBelles
Girls’Uniform K-3
4-8
Jumpers/Skirts Plaidjumper Plaidknee-length skirt
Pants Black,gray,ornavyuniformpants
Tops Withjumpers:White blouseorknitshirt (Peterpanorpointed collar)
Withpants:White, gray,orblackblouse orknitshirtandnavy vest*
White,gray,or blackblouse(Peter panorpointed collar)withnavy vest*orwhite bandedpolowith STAlogo*
Notes
Knitlogotopworn withpantsdoesnot requirevest.
Sweaters& Sweatshirts
Solidblack,navy,gray,orwhitesweaters, vests,orcardigans,orSTAfleecejacketsor vests*,orSTAPEsweatshirtsoverwhite uniformshirts.
Belt Withpants:Black,gray,orbrownbelt required.
Shoes Rubber-soled,flat schoolshoesorblack andwhiteoxford shoes
Socks
Withskirts:Navy, white,blackorgray
Blackorbrown rubber-soled,flat schoolshoes
Withskirts:Navy, white,blackor
Nolargeor decorativebuckles.
Noboots, moccasin,or slipperfootwear
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crewsocks,knee socksortights. Withpants:Black, brown,tan,gray,or blue.
greencreworknee sockswithskirts,or tights
Hair Hairmaynotbeworninawaythatimpedesstudentvision. Teachersorleadersmayrequestthatloosehairorbraidsbetied back.Haircolorandhairaccessoriesareonlypermittedinnatural orschoolcolorsandshouldnotdistractfromstudentlearning. Hairstylesthatdistractfromstudentlearningarenotpermitted.
Jewelry Earringsarelimitedtoonepairofpostearrings,whichmaynot extendbeyondtheearlobe.
Noothermetaljewelrymaybeworntoschool Wristwatchesarepermitted;Smartwatchesarenot.
Makeup Make-upisnotpermitted.Acrylicorotherartificialnailsortipsare notpermitted.Studentsmaynotwearnailpolishatschool.Lip glosswithcolor,glitter,orshineisnotpermitted.
*fromSchoolBelles
PEDressCode
ThePEuniformconsistsofSTAt-shirtsandshortsinthefallandspringand STAsweatshirtsandsweatpantsinthewinter.PEuniformsmustbepurchased fromtheschool.
AdditionalDressCodeNotes:
Uniformslookalike!Pleaseputyourchild’snameonuniforms.
Schooluniformsshouldbeneat,cleanandthepropersize.
Shirtsmustbetuckedinatalltimes.
Longsleeveshirtsmaynotbewornunderashortsleeveshirt.
Shirtswornunderuniformmustbewhite
Studentsmaynotcarrypurses/smallbackpacksinschool.
Snowbootsmaynotbewornintheclassrooms Ifastudentwearsbootsto school,he/shemustchangeintouniformshoesbeforecomingintothe classroom.
Thefinaldecisionastowhetherornotastudentisinviolationofthedresscode lieswithSt ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolleaders,teachers,andstaff
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BehaviorExpectations
GuidingBeliefs
“Seeeverything,overlookagreatdeal,correctalittle.”
ThesewordsofSaintPopeJohnthe23rd remindusthattheworkofformationis topayattentiontoourmistakes,forgivethem,andextendgracetoourselvesand thoseinourcommunitywhoareworkingtomeetourexpectations.Wearemade forgreatness,butwearenotthereyet,andwhilechildrenareintheprocessof formation,therewillbetimeswhentheydonotmeetexpectations. OurCatholic worldviewholdsthatwecanalwaysgetbetter,soweseestudentfailurestolive uptoexpectationsasopportunitiesforlearningandgrowth.
Allactionstakenonthepartofthefacultyandstafftoaddressfailurestomeet expectationsshallbealignedwithourbeliefthateachstudentismadeinthe imageandlikenessofGod Thegoalsofanydisciplinaryactionsaretohelp studentstolearnself-discipline,whichstrengthensandpromotesthevalues incorporatedinourCatholicfaithcommunity.Astheschoolbuildscommunity, itdevelopsinstudentstheawarenessthatsensiblerulesservetosafeguardthe individual'sfreedomandprovideanatmosphereconducivetolearning.Our disciplinarymeasureshaveastheirendtheflourishingofthehumanpersonin community.
Byenrollingachildinthisschool,theparentagreestosupporttherulesthatthe schoolidentifiesascriticalinthespiritual,academic,andcharactergrowthof thechild.
OurApproach
Teacherssetexpectationsforbehaviorintheirclassroomsandholdstudents accountableforadheringtotherituals,routines,andproceduresofthedailylife oftheschoolday.
Mostbehaviorincidentsarehandledintheclassroom,byteachers,accordingto procedures,policies,andexpectationsestablishedbytheclassroomteacher Studentsareexpectedtomeettheexpectationsforbehavioroftheirclassroom teacherandotherexpectationsthroughouttheschoolday.Typically,teachers willensurethatstudentsmeettheexpectationsdescribedbelow,whichareall directedtowardmaximizinglearning,ensuringsafety,anddevelopingastrong community.
Studentswillbeexpectedto:
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● Followteacherandschoolleaderdirections.
● Meetspecificclassroomexpectationssetbytheteacher(i.e.,raisehand beforespeaking,remaininseatunlessgivenpermissiontogetup,keep voiceatwhisperlevelduringpair-shareactivity,etc.)
● Takepropercareofbooks,desks,andotherschoolproperty.
● Participateactivelyinclassandassemblies.
● Demonstraterespectandreverenceatprayerandliturgies.
● Adheretothedresscode
● Maximizelearningforallotherstudentsinyourclassroomandothers bybeingquietinhallways,bathrooms,andstairways.
● Goonlytolocationswherethestudenthaspermissiontobe
● Eatfoodonlywherepermitted.
● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes.
● Takesafetydrillsseriously.
● SeeGod’sfaceinallpeople,andtreatteachers,aides,staff,school leaders,andotherstudentswithdignity
● Returnsignedbehaviornotificationstoschoolpromptly.
● Interactandplaysafelyontheplaygroundandinthegym.
● Befriendlyandpatientatalltimes,andkeephandsandbodiestoself.
Whenstudentsdonotmeettheseexpectations,disciplinarysituations typically minorandeasilyredirectedorcorrected arise.Teachershandledisciplinary situationswithstudentsdirectlyforminorclassroomdisruptions(i.e.,not comingpreparedtoclass;notbeinginthecompleteschooluniform;not completingassignedhomework;minorverbaldisputeswithotherclassmates; etc) Whennecessary,teachersnotifyparentsofclassroomproblemsandask forhelptoensurethatinappropriatebehaviorismodified.
Someclassroomdisciplineissueswillbereferredbyteachersorstaffmembers toschoolleaders. Thesewouldincludechronicminorproblemslistedaboveor majorproblems(ie,chroniclateness;verbalabuseoftheteacherbyachild; signsofdisrespecttoateacheroranotheradultonthestaff;fighting;physical, sexual,orverbalharassmentorbullyingofafellowstudent;violentbehavior; stealing;smoking;vandalism;orthepossessionofdrugs,drugparaphernalia, cigarettes,alcohol,dangerousitemsoraweapon). Schoolleaderswillconsider eachcaseindividuallytodeterminehowbesttorespond
Ourprogressivedisciplinesystemallowsstudentswhodonotmeetexpectations forbehaviorinminorwaystolearnfrommistakes,shiftcourse,andavoid severesanctions.Repeatedviolations,however,willincurincreasinglysevere consequences,uptoandincludingsuspensionfromschoolorarequestto withdrawfromtheschoolcommunity.
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Teachersareneverpermittedtousecorporalpunishmentwithanychild.
Perceivedactsofcorporalpunishmentshouldbereportedtotheprincipalofthe schoolimmediatelybystudentsand/orparents
SeriousBreachesofCommunity
Formoreseriousactionsthatcausesignificantharmtothecommunity,suchas, butnotlimitedto,fighting,stealing,vandalism,andharassment,thestudentmay immediatelybesuspendedforaperiodofonetofivedays. Incasesof vandalism,theparentmustpaythefullcostoftherepairorreplacementofthe itembeforethechildmayreturntoschool Incasesoftheft,theitemiseither returnedingoodconditionorthecostofreplacementisbornebytheparent beforethechildcanreturntoschool.
Therearesomeincidentswhenactionscanrupturethetrustofacommunity,and itcantaketimetohealandgrow Therearesomeactionsthatmakeitdifficult, andattimesimpossible,forastudentorthecommunitytoflourishunlessthe studentseparatesfromtheschool.
Theseincidentsmightinclude:
● Apparentgang-relatedactivity(seeGangPolicy)
● Physicalfightingandhitting
● Disrespectformembersofthecommunity
● Destructionofproperty
● Possessionofweaponsorabusivesubstances
● Disruptionofthelearningenvironment
● Harassment(seeHarassmentPolicy)
● Threats(seeThreatPolicy)
● Theft
● Dishonesty
● CyberBullying
Incaseswhereachildengagesinafightwhichcausesinjurytoanotherchildor adult,thepolicemaybesummonedand,then,theparentswillbenotified Likewise,thepossessionofdrugsoralcoholbyachildisreportedtothepolice. TheschoolreservestherighttorequestanexpulsionfromtheSuperintendentof Schoolsforsuchanoffense.
Incasesinwhichachildbringsaweapontoschool,thepolicearesummoned, andthentheparentsarecalled. Theschoolreservestherighttorequest expulsionbytheSuperintendentofSchoolsforanyseriousoffense.
Individual-directedthreatsofviolenceorharmcommunicateddirectlyor indirectlybyanymeans,aswellasbuilding-directedthreatsofviolenceorharm
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communicateddirectlyorindirectlybyanymeans(e.g.,shooting,bombthreats), ortoharmstudents,employees,orvisitorsaretakenseriously. Uponknowledge ofthethreats,theprincipalwillnotifytheRegionalSuperintendentandcallthe parents. TheOfficeoftheSuperintendentwillalsobenotifiedand,alongwith administration,willdeterminethecourseofactiontobetaken,uptoand includingcallinglawenforcement,requiringamentalhealthreferraland/or expulsion.
Itistheexpectationofthisschoolthatstudentbehaviorisexemplarybothon andoffschoolgrounds. Astudentalwaysrepresentstheentireschool community Therefore,theschoolreservestherighttodisciplinestudentsfor actssuchas,butnotlimitedto:stealing,fighting,vandalism,bullyingorany othertypeofthreateningorinappropriatemisconduct(personally,viatelephone, ortheinternet). Suchmisconductcouldresultinpunishmentsincluding suspensionand/orexpulsion.
Lastly,astudent’sarrestforacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,withinor beyondthevicinityoftheschool,atanytimecouldresultinthestudent’s suspensionorexpulsion.Convictionofacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds, withinorbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,mayresultinexpulsion.
Consequences&Processes AfterSchoolDetentions
Minorinfractionsofclassroomcodesofconduct,includingbutnotlimitedto thefollowing,mayresultinafter-schooldetentionsaftermultipleattemptsto redirectstudentsandwarnings.
● Excessivedisturbanceinclassrooms,hallways,bathrooms,orstairways
● Beinginplacesinthebuildingwithoutpermission
● Eatingfoodoutsidethecafeteria
● Usinginappropriatelanguage
● Misbehavingduringsafetydrills
● Disrespectingteachers,aides,staff,orschoolleaders
● Notreturningdetentions
● Notfollowingclassroom,cafeteriaorplaygroundrules
● Harassment
● Unwantedphysicalcontactwithanotherstudent,includinghitting.
Whenastudentreceivesanafter-schooldetention,parentswillreceivea BehaviorNotification,whichshouldbesignedandreturnedthefollowingday.
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BehaviorContracts
Tosupportstudentswhostrugglechronicallytomeetbehaviorexpectations, schoolleadersandteachersmaydevelopbehaviorcontracts.Thegoalofa behaviorcontractistocreateaclearplanforimprovementandtoprovide studentswithsupporttobuildhealthyhabitstofullparticipateinandcontribute toourlearningcommunity.
Ifthebehaviorcontractisnotsuccessful,itmayleadtosuspension,dismissalor tonotbeingpermittedtoregisterforthefollowingyear Someactionsincluding, butnotlimitedto,fightingand/orthreats,maywarrantbeingimmediatelyplaced onabehaviorcontract.Allnewstudentswillbeplacedona9Week Behavior/AcademicandAttendanceContract.Failuretocomplymayresultin permanentdismissalfromSt.ThomasAquinas.
SuspensionandExpulsion
Suspensionorexpulsionfromschoolisreservedforcasesthatcannotbe addressedbetterinanotherway.Insomecases,theadministrationmaydeeman actionbyastudentsodisruptivetothecommunitythattheonlywayforthe childandtheschoolcommunitytoflourishisforbothtoseparateviaexpulsion. Thisdecisionistherightandresponsibilityoftheadministration Inothercases, schoolleadersmaydeterminethatatemporarysuspensionfromschoolis appropriate.Inthecaseofsuspensions,studentsmaymakeupquizzes,testsand projects,butmaynotcompleteclassroomorparticipationworkforthedays suspended.
BehaviorOff-Campus
St ThomasAquinasstudentsrepresenttheSt ThomasAquinascommunityat alltimes.Allbehaviorexpectationsapplywhileastudentisoff-campus, includingtimespentridingonaschoolbus,eitheronafieldtriporwhilebeing transportedtoorfromschool,andwhenonafieldtrip.
SeriousBreachesofCommunity
There are someincidentswhenactionscanrupturethetrustofacommunity,and it can take time to heal and grow. There are some actions that makeitdifficult, and at times impossible, for a student or the community to flourish unless the studentseparatesfromtheschool.
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For more serious actions that cause significant harm to the community, the student may immediately be suspended for a period of one to five days. These incidentsmightinclude:
● Apparentgang-relatedactivity(see Gang Policy)
● Physicalfightingandhitting
● Disrespectformembersofthecommunity
● Destructionofproperty
● Possessionofweapons(see Weapons Policy)
● Possessionofabusivesubstances(see Substance Abuse Policy)
● Disruptionofthelearningenvironment
● Harassment(see Harassment Policy)
● Threats(see Threat Policy)
● Theft
● Dishonesty
● CyberBullying
In cases of vandalism, the parent must pay the full cost of the repair or replacement of the item before the child mayreturntoschool. Incasesoftheft, the item is either returned in good condition or the costofreplacementisborne bytheparentbeforethechildcanreturntoschool
In cases where a child engages inafightwhichcausesinjurytoanotherchildor adult, the police may be summoned and, then, the parents will be notified. Likewise, the possession of drugs or alcohol byachildisreportedtothepolice. The school reserves the righttorequestanexpulsionfromtheSuperintendentof Schoolsforsuchanoffense.
In cases in which a child brings a weapon to school, the police are summoned, and then the parents are called. The school reserves the right to request expulsionbytheSuperintendentofSchoolsforanyseriousoffense
Individual-directed threats of violence or harm communicated directly or indirectly by any means,aswellasbuilding-directedthreatsofviolenceorharm communicateddirectlyorindirectlybyanymeans(e.g.,shooting,bombthreats), or toharmstudents,employees,orvisitorsaretakenseriously Uponknowledge of the threats, the principal will notify the Regional Superintendentandcallthe parents. The Office of the Superintendent will also be notified and, alongwith administration, will determine the course of action to be taken, up to and including calling law enforcement, requiring a mental health referral and/or expulsion.
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It is the expectation of this school that student behavior is exemplary both on and off school grounds. A student always represents the entire school community Therefore, the school reserves the right to discipline students for acts such as, but not limited to: stealing, fighting, vandalism, bullying or any other type of threateningorinappropriatemisconduct(personally,viatelephone, or the internet). Such misconduct could result in punishments including suspensionand/orexpulsion.
Lastly, a student’s arrest for a crime, on or off of school grounds, within or beyond the vicinity of the school, at any time could result in the student’s suspension or expulsion Conviction of a crime on or off of school grounds, withinorbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,mayresultinexpulsion.
Discretion: In humility, we recognize that we may not foresee every situation that might arise Teachers and leaders may issue detentionsorotherappropriate discipline measuresforbehaviorsnotspecifiedherethatarenotalignedwithour beliefsorvalues,atthedisc
Fighting
Fighting,violentphysicalcontact,andplayfightingwillnotbepermittedinour school.
Ifachildisinvolvedinafight,heorshemaybesuspendedorexpelledfrom school,regardlessoftherolethestudentplayedduringthealtercation.
Harassment/BullyingPolicy
Harassmentisbehaviorthatdemeans,humiliates,orembarrassesanother person.Itistypicallyintimidating,hostile,andoffensive.Bullyingisunwanted, aggressivebehavioramongschool-agedchildrenthatinvolvesarealor perceivedpowerimbalance.TheSt.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolteam believesthatwearemadeintheimageandlikenessofGodforeachother We willnottolerateharassmentorbullyingofanytype,andappropriatedisciplinary actionwillbetakenwhenitoccurs.Disciplinaryactionmayincludesuspension orexpulsion Noteacherorstaffmemberwillknowinglyalloworparticipatein harassmentbetweenstudentsorallowinappropriateconversationsabout studentsoranymemberoftheschoolcommunitytotakeplaceinhis/her presence.Examplesofharassmentinclude,butarenotlimitedto,verbalor writtentaunting;bullying;offensive,intimidating,orhostileconduct;jokes, stories,pictures,cartoons,drawingsorobjectswhichoffend,annoy,abuseor demeananindividualorgroup.
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SocialMediaBullying(CyberBullying)Policy
Bullyingthroughsocialmediaisnotpermittedinourschoolcommunity. Threats,harassmentofanysort,pictures,videos,gestures,orinsinuationof thesetypesofactivitiesintendedtooffend,annoy,tauntorintimidateanother studentwillbesubjecttoimmediatedisciplinaryactionincludingexpulsion It mayalsobenecessarytoinvolvelawenforcementincertainsituations.
Acompletecopyoftheharassment/bullyingpolicyisonfileintheoffice.
Phones/ElectronicsPolicy
Cellphonesandelectronicdevicesarenotallowedtobeusedduringtheschool day.Smartwatchesmaynotbeworn.Studentsmaybringdevicestoschoolat theparent’sdiscretionandrisk.Devicesmustbeturnedoffduringtheschool dayandgiventothestudent’steacheruponarrival Deviceswillbekeptinthe office. Devicesthatarenotturnedinandareseenorheardwillbeconfiscated, andwillonlybereleasedtoaparent. Thesecondtimeadeviceisconfiscated (andeachtimethereafter),parentsmayretrievetheitemforafeeof$1000 Theschoolisnotresponsibleforbroken,lost,misplaced,orstolendevicesthat areinthepossessionofthestudent.
Pregnancy
Asaschoolwebelieveinthevalueanddignityofeachhumanlife.Acomplete copyofthePregnancyPolicyisavailableintheprincipal'soffice.
SexualHarassment
Sexualharassmentincludes,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowingspecific instances:verbalsexualabuse;disseminatingobsceneorsexuallyexplicit material,whetherintheformofmusic,writtenlyrics,pornographicpicturesor otherliterature,orhavingsuchmaterialinonespossessionintheschool,on schoolgroundsoratschool-sponsoredactivities;obsceneorsexuallyexplicit graffitianywhereintheschoolorontheschoolgrounds;continuingand unwantedwrittenororalcommunicationdirectedtoanotherofasexualnature; spreadingsexualrumors/innuendoes;obsceneT-shirts,hatsorbuttons;touching oneselfsexuallyinfrontofothers;obsceneand/orsexuallyexplicitgestures;and anyotherinappropriatebehaviorofasexuallyexplicitorobscenenaturethat demeansoroffendstherecipient.Theabovelistisnotmeanttobeall-inclusive, butisintendedtoprovideguidanceastowhatmayconstitutesexualharassment. Isolated,trivialincidentsarenotsufficienttoconstitutesexualharassmentand willbehandledaccordingtothestudentbehaviorcode
Acompletecopyoftheharassmentpolicycanbefoundintheappendix.
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SubstanceAbuse
Substanceabuseisaserioushealthproblemandshouldnotbetakenlightly.A completecopyoftheSubstanceAbusePolicycanbefoundintheappendix.
Theft
Wearebettertogether,sowerespecteachother’sbelongings.AtSt.Thomas AquinasCatholicSchool,studentsdonothavelockers.Allpersonalitemsare keptinstudents’desksandinopencoatclosets.Whilewetrustourcommunity, wediscouragestudentsfromkeepingexpensiveitemsofclothingorvaluablesin theircoatclosets Theschoolisnotresponsibleforlostorstolenobjectsofany kind.
St.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags, bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshavereasontobelievethatthe studentpossessesstolen/missingitems
Wetakerespectforeachothers’belongingsseriously;theftisaseriousbreachof communitytrustthatmayrequirenotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultin immediatesuspensionorexpulsion.
Threats
Eachchildismadeforgreatness.Threatsofbodilyharmtoselforothersare takenseriously.Studentswhobecomeawareofathreatshouldreportittoan adultimmediately.Studentswhothreatenharmtofellowstudents,teachers, leaders,themselves,orothersgravelydisruptcommunitytrust.Theiractions maywarrantnotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultinimmediatesuspension orexpulsion.Acompletecopyofthethreatpolicycanbefoundinthe principal'soffice.
Weapons
St ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolprovidesasafe,secureeducational environmentforstudentlearning.Studentswhobringorthreatentobring weaponstoschoolbreakthecommunitytrustandaresubjecttodisciplinary action.Theiractionsmaywarrantnotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultin immediatesuspensionorexpulsion.AcompletecopyoftheWeaponsPolicycan befoundintheAppendix
YouthGangsPolicy
Participationofstudentsinyouthgangsandgang-relatedactivityareprohibited. AcompletecopyoftheYouthGangsPolicycanbefoundintheAppendix.
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Section4:SpecialPrograms
Assemblies
Educationalandculturalassembliescoveringsuchareasasscience,music,art, drama,self-esteem,safetyandhealthareofferedthroughouttheyear Grant moneyandfund-raisingprofitsareusedtopayfortheseopportunities.
After-SchoolActivities
Avarietyofafter-schoolactivitiesareofferedeachyear.Studentswhoarenot pickedupontimewillbesenttoaftercare Studentsmaynotbeunsupervisedon schoolgroundsorinthebuildingwhilewaitingforrides.Studentlearningisthe firstpriorityatSt.ThomasAquinas;studentsmaynotbepermittedto participatedinafter-schoolactivitiesuntiltheirconductandacademic performancemeetsexpectations.
LunchProgram
AtSt ThomasAquinasCatholicSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceivehealthy breakfastandluncheachdayofthe2021-2022schoolyearatnochargetoyour household.Noactionisrequiredofyou.Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmit anapplication.
FieldTrips
Fieldtripscanbeopportunitiestodeepenstudentlearningoutsidetheclassroom Theyarearrangedoccasionallyduringtheschoolyeartoprovidenew experiencesandenrichmentandaresupervisedbyteachers,aidesandparent volunteers.Parentsmustsignadiocesanpermissionslipbeforeanychildmay leavecampus.Permissionmustbeinwritingandmaynotbegivenoverthe telephone Whenweleavecampus,werepresenttheSt ThomasAquinas
CatholiccommunitytoallofCleveland,andallexpectationsforstudentconduct andengagementremainthesameasintheclassroom.Studentswhodonotmeet conductexpectationsintheclassroommaynotbepermittedtorepresenttheSt. ThomasAquinascommunityonfieldtrips.
Ordinarily,studentsaretransportedtoandfromfieldtripsbybus.Inspecial caseswhencarsareused,thedriversarerequiredtoprovideacopyoftheir driver'slicense Vehiclesmusthaveseatbeltsforeachchild
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StudentCouncil
Leadership,Christianserviceandresponsiblecitizenshipareimportantfruitsof Catholiceducation.StudentCouncilgivesstudentsanopportunitytouseand developtheskillstheyarelearningintheclassroomandtodevelopasenseof responsibilityfortheirschoolcommunity.Electedofficersleadthestudentsina varietyofservice-centeredandspirit-buildingactivitiesthroughouttheyear.
Conclusion
TheSt.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolleadershipteamhasattemptedtobe thoroughinprovidingtheinformationinthisHandbook. Werecognize, however,thatitisnotpossibletoforeseeeveryeventuality Therefore,inall matters,thejudgmentanddecisionsoftheschoolleaderswillbefinal.The greatestopportunityforgrowthandmaturityofstudentscomesfrom cooperationamongtheschool,parents,andstudents.Consistentwiththis philosophy,parentsandstudentswillparticipateinanydecisionasfaras,inthe judgmentoftheSchoolAdministration,itispracticable Astudent'senrollment atSt.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolconstituteshis/herandhis/herparents' acceptanceofthetermssetforthinthisHandbookandinanysubsequent updatesoradditions Parentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignayearlycontract statingthattheyagreetoupholdthepoliciesfoundinthisHandbook,andall otherdecisionsofSt.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchoolleaders.
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APPENDIX
AsbestosManagementPlan
To: Employees,Parents,BuildingOccupantsandtheirLegalGuardians
From: St.ThomasAquinasElementarySchool
Subject: AsbestosManagementPlan
Date: August2020
DearSir/Madam:
FederalLawnowrequiresallschoolstoinspecttheirbuildingsfor asbestos-containingmaterialsandtodevelopManagementPlansforthose materialsfound.OurschoolhascompletedthisInspection/ManagementPlan andhassubmittedacopytotheOhioDepartmentofHealth
ThisAsbestos Inspection/ManagementPlanisavailableforreview,byappointment,duringour regularbusinesshours.Ifyouwishtoseethereport,pleasecontacttheschool officeforanappointment.Allappointmentrequestswillbehonoredwithinfive (5)workingdaysoftheirreceipt.Also,acopyoftheInspection/Management Plancanbemadeavailable,uponwrittenrequest,forthecostofreproduction Ourschoolcustodialstaffhasreceivedspecializedasbestostraining,andwill visuallysurveytheasbestos-containingmaterialsinourbuildingseverysix(6) months.Acompletere-inspection,byanEPA-accreditedinspector,willoccur everythree(3)years,andcopiesoftheseinspectionswillbeavailableforyour review Ifasbestosabatementiseverrequired,otherthansmall-scale,short durationrepairs,onlyfullyEPAaccreditedasbestoscontractorswillbeused.
Pleasebeassuredthatweareconcernedwithyoursafetyandwillmakeevery efforttocomplywithalllawsandregulationspertainingtoasbestos.
Sincerely,
RachaelDengler Principal,St.ThomasAquinasCatholicSchool
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Emergency/CrisisPlan
Stepshavebeentakentoensureyourchild’ssafetywhileinschool.The EmergencyandCrisisPlanshavebeenreviewedandupdatedforthecurrent schoolyear.
StudentswillalsoparticipateintheALICE(Alert,Lockdown,Inform,Counter, Evacuate)Training:Instructorledactivitiestoprovidepreparationandaplanfor individualsandorganizationsonhowtomoreproactivelyhandlethethreatofan aggressiveintruderoractiveshooterevent.
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