St. Francis Family Handbook 24-25

Webelievethateducationbeginsandissustainedathome,becausewe believethatthefamilyistheprimaryeducatorofthechild.Westand readyatSt.FrancisCatholicSchooltopartnerwithyou biological parents,adoptiveparents,guardians,step-parents,grandparents,and othercaretakers toensureyourchildexperiencesfullhuman flourishing,becomingacitizenandleaderinthislifeandasaintinthe next.

ThisFamilyHandbookwillfamiliarizeyou studentsandparents withourschool’sbeliefs,purpose,andvalues,anditwillprovidean overviewofthepolicies,procedures,andprogramsthatmakeupthe day-to-daylifeofourschoolcommunity.

Thishandbookconsistsofthepoliciesandproceduresthatallmembers oftheSt.Franciscommunitymustadheretoinorderforourschooltobe mostsuccessful.Itdescribestherelationshipweexpecttohaveamong students,teachers,leaders,andfamilies;itspellsoutwhatyoucanexpect fromyourchild’steachersandleaders;anditarticulatestheschool’s expectationsofyourstudentandfamily.Weaskthateachstudentandthe familymembersresponsibleforthestudentunderstandandadheretothe expectationsandpoliciescontainedinthishandbook

Oneofourcorevaluesishumility webelievethatwearealways learning,andwerecognizethatwewilllearnmoreastheyear progresses.Policiesandproceduresinthishandbookmaybeamended, revised,addedto,ordeletedduringtheyear.Intheeventofchanges,the schoolwillnotifyfamiliesinadvance.

Notwofamiliesarealike,andourstudentshavemanydifferentfolksin theirliveswhosupportandcareforthem.Throughoutthishandbook,the term“parent”isusedtorefertotheadultswhoarethestudent’sprimary caregivers.Thesemaybebiologicalparents,adoptiveparents, step-parents,grandparents,guardians,orsomecombinationofthese.

ThePartnershipSchoolsNetwork

OurschoolisamemberofthePartnershipSchoolsNetwork,a nationally-recognizedgroupofCatholicschoolscommittedtoprovidinga Catholiceducationofthehighestqualitytoasmanychildrenaspossible, especiallyinmarginalizedcommunities.PartnershipSchoolsarecommunitiesof faith,whereindividualsworktogetherforthebettermentofall.Ourvocationis rootedinJesusChrist’sGospelmandatetoloveandtoeducate,andinparticular, todobothtoahighdegreeofexcellence.ChristinsistedthatHecamesothat childrenwillnotonlyhavelife,butthattheywill“haveitinabundance”Itis notenoughthatourstudentsmerelymeetexpectationsandbepreparedto“have life” weformtheirheartsandmindssoourgraduatesarepreparedtoenjoythe lifeofabundanceChristpromised.

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.FrancisSchoolCatholicSchool,webelievethat…

● WearemadeintheimageofGod.

● Wearebettertogether.

● Wecandohardthings.

● Wearealwayslearning

Mission

St.FrancisCatholicSchooliscommittedtomodelingandteachingCatholic moralsandvalues,whilecreatingandmaintaininganenvironmentofmutual respectthathonorsthedignityofscholars,faculty,staffandotherindividuals whoserveourschoolcommunity. Wepromoteacademicachievement,spiritual development,andpositiveattitudesthatwillhelpstudentsinfluencetheworldin atrulyChristianmanner.

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

“IwatchwhatIdotoseewhatIbelieve.”–Sr.HelenPrejean,CSJ

AtPartnershipSchools,weseektogiveallstudentsaclear understandingofthemoralprinciplesandvirtuesonwhichtheCatholic faithandtraditionisbuilt.Fromthatframework,wearecommittedto buildingacommunitywhereallindividualsactwithhonesty,

forthrightness,andrespect.Weholdourselvestothehighestacademic andethicalstandards,bothwithinthefourwallsoftheschoolbuilding andasrepresentativesoftheschoolinthecommunity.

Humility

“Thosewhohumblethemselveswillbeexalted.”–Luke14:11

Developinghumilityinourstudentsmeansunderstandingand appreciatingtheuniquegiftsandpotentialofeverymemberofthe communityandworkingtogethertoensurethateveryoneworkshardto achievehis/herhighestpotential Thatrequireshardwork,selflessness, andanappreciationforwhatwecanlearnfromeveryonearoundus.It alsoimpliesjudgingourselvesnotincomparisonwithothers,butin lightofourcapabilities.Anditrequiresustofocusondevelopingour giftsnotforourownpersonalgain,buttoserveothers.

HardWork

“Ifthereisnostruggle,thereisnoprogress.”–FrederickDouglass

Hardwork,persistence,anddeterminationareessentialtolearningand success.AtPartnershipSchools,weexpectallstudents,teachers,and leaderstoworkhard;togive100percenteffort,100percentofthe time.

Service

“Onlyalifelivedforothersisalifeworthwhile.”–AlbertEinstein

AtPartnershipSchools,webelievethatwearemadeforeachother,by aGodwhoexistsincommunity,astheFather,Son,andHolySpirit.We aimtodevelopyoungmenandwomenforothers.Wearecommittedto servingothers,bothwithinthefourwallsoftheschoolandbeyond To thatend,teachersemphasizecultivatingindividualstudentgifts, broadeningstudents’understandingofthecommunityandtheworld, andusingourgiftsinserviceofthecommunityinwhichweliveand work.

FamilyPartnership

PartnershipSchoolsemphasizeteamwork,cooperationamongparents,teachers, andstudents,andstrongrelationshipsamongallinthecommunity.

Webelievethatstudentscanbestgrowanddevelopwhenimmersedinan environmentthatischaracterizedbyrigorousacademicexpectations,caringand demandingadults,andjoy.Butschoolsaremosteffectivewithstrongsupport fromhome.Welooktofamiliestosupportouracademicinstructionandto reinforcebeliefsandvaluesasourstudentsbecomemenandwomenforothers.

Webelievethatstudentsflourishwhenparents,teachers,andschoolleadersare alignedincollaboration.Mixedmessagesamongadultsareconfusingto childrenandcanbedestructivetooursharedmission.

Webelievethatchildrenlearnfromalloftheteachersintheirlives–thosein theirfamiliesandthoseatschool–andweaskforyourcollaborationand cooperation,andwepledgeourstoyou.

Weaskthatparentssupportteachersbyinstillingrespectforteachersandschool leadersandtoactivelysupporttheleadershipofteachersandschoolleadersin thehome.Wecommittodoingthesameforyouandyourleadershipathome whenweareatschool.

Parentsareinvitedandencouragedtoparticipateinthespiritualandacademic formationprogrammingweofferyourchildren.Thismayincludeparticipating inschoolcelebrationsofprayerandliturgy,volunteeropportunities,joining parent-teacherconferences,attendingmeetingsandseminarsdesignedtohelp familiessupportstudents,andengaginginschool-communityevents

Weinviteyoutotakeanactiveroleinyourchild’seducationinseveral importantways:

Becausewebelievethatyourchildismadeforgreatness,weaskthatyou:

● Carefullyreviewyourchild’sclasswork,testresults,progressreports, andreportcards;supervisehomestudy;andreinforcetheimportanceof schoolpolicies.

● Reviewanddiscusstheschoolbehaviorcodewithyourchild;discuss anybehaviorincidentsyourchildmayhaveinrelationtothebeliefs andvaluestaughtinschool.

● Recognizeandencourageyourchild’stalentsandinterestssotheymay bedevelopedincooperationwiththeclassroomteachers.

● Arrangeaquiettimeandplaceforyourchildtocompletehomework assignmentseveryday.

Becausewebelievewelearnbettertogether,weaskthatyou:

● Ensurethatyourchildmaintainstheschooldresscode,includingthe gymuniform,inordertomaintainsolidaritywiththeschool communityandfocusonlearning

● Ensureyourchildattendsschooldaily,on-time,tomaximizelearning andformation

● Keepup-to-datewithallofyourfinancialresponsibilitiestotheschool, andparticipateinfundraisingactivities,toensurethesustainabilityof ourschoolcommunity.

Becausewebelievewearemadeforeachother,weaskthatyou:

● Workwithteachersandleaderstocarryoutrecommendationsmadein thebestinterestofyourchild,includingthoserelatedtoeducational evaluationsandcounseling.

● Attendallscheduledparent-teacherconferences.

● Presumepositiveintentinallinteractionswithteacherandschool leaders.

● Treatallmembersoftheschoolcommunitywiththerespectand dignitytheydeserveasmembersoftheBodyofChrist.Actions inconsistentwiththisrequirementmayleadtoyourfamilybeingasked

toleavetheschoolcommunityorbeingrequiredtoleavetheschool community,atthediscretionoftheschoolleadership

FaithFormation

Faithformationextendsbeyondthereligionclassroom byaligningour policies,procedures,actions,habits,androutineswithourrootbeliefsand values,weinfuseeveryaspectofourdaywithfaith.

Allstudents,Catholicandnon-Catholicalike,participateinreligionclasses, prayer,andworshipheldduringtheschoolday.Wearemadeforeachother,so wemodelmutualrespectforpeopleofallfaithsandthosestrugglingtobelieve, andweteachandexpectourstudentstodothesame.Weencourageallstudents tobeactivemembersoftheirhomechurches.Weencourageallstudentstolive activelivesofprayerandtoliveaccordingtotheteachingsofJesusChrist,and weexpectallofourstudentstobeopentogrowthintheirrelationshipwithGod.

OurTeam

WhenwehiremembersoftheSt.FrancisCatholicSchoolteam,welookfor zeal:aburningdesiretomakeGodknown,lovedandserved.Ourteamof dedicated,professionalteachers,leaders,andfront-lineworkersiscommittedto thePartnership’scorevaluesofIntegrity,HardWork,Humility,andService.All ofourteachersarecertified(ortheyareintheprocessofbeingcertified)bythe StateofOhioandmeettheacademicandprofessionalstandardssetbythe PartnershipSchoolsandtheDioceseofCleveland.

Section2:AcademicProgram

OurgoalistopreparethestudentsofSt.Francisforthebestcollegepreparatory highschoolsinCleveland.Westrivetoputeachofourstudentsonapaththat givesthemanopportunitytochoosecollege,afulfillingcareer,andultimately, heaven Wewillensuretheyhaveteacherswhobelieveinthem,holdthemto highexpectations,andproviderigorouscurriculumandinstructionsotheyare preparedforhighschoolandbeyond.

Ourteachersregularlyevaluatestudentprogresstowardsmasteryofessential contentandskillsandintermsoftheircharacterdevelopmentandgrowth This progressiscommunicatedtoparentsonaregularbasis.

Moreover,studentsareexpectedtoperformtothebestoftheirability.That meansthatstudentscometoschoolandclasspreparedandreadytolearn,and theyareexpectedtomeetschool-wideandclassroom-specificexpectationsand toparticipateincommunityeventsandactivities.

Curriculum

St.FrancisCatholicSchoolimplementsaresearched,content-rich, knowledge-buildingcurriculumwithstrongresultsinthePartnershipNetwork ofschools.OurcurriculummeetstherequirementsfortheStateofOhiowith regardtotheminimumstandardsfortheelementaryschoollevel.Thecore curriculumconsistsofthefollowing:languagearts,mathematics,socialstudies, andscience.Specialiststeachadditionalcoursesinhealthandphysical education,musicandart.

GradeScale

Webelieveeverychildisbornwiththeabilitytobecomebothasaintanda scholar.InourCatholicschool,wewillpreparethemforbothcollege/career ANDheaven.Noteverychildwillwanttogotocollege somewillhead straightintotheworkforceormilitaryafterhighschool butourjobisto preparethemforacollegepreparatoryhighschoolsotheywilleachbe college-readyat18 anditwillbetheirchoicetogotocollegeornot Nobody whoattendsourschoolwilleversay,“Iwouldlovetogocollege,butIjust wasn’tpreparedbymyelementaryeducation.”

Howweassessourstudentsandreporttheirgradesonreportcardsisinformed bythiscommitment Webeginwithdevelopmentalgradesintheearlyprimary years,andlaterweturntosummativegradesthatreflecttheformatoflocal collegepreparatoryhighschools.Forearlygrades,weassessstudentsusinga developmentalscalethatreportsthedegreetowhichachildismeeting grade-levelexpectations(seetablebelow).

Ourgoalinreportingthesegradesistoletparentsandstudentsknowwhether theyhaveacquiredtheknowledgeandskillstheyneedateachgradelevelthat theywillneedtocontinuetodeveloptheirmindsandultimately,toflourish Our curriculumisrigorousbecausewebelieveeverychildismadeinGod’simage andthereforemadeforgreatness eachchildisbornwiththecapacityto succeedatthehighestlevel,andourcurriculumandtheinstructiontheyreceive fromourteacherswillhelpensurethattheydo.

Startingin4th grade,ourreportcardsturntothemoretraditionalA-Fgrading scale,whichsimilarlyreportsthedegreetowhichstudentsaremeeting grade-levelbenchmarksbutintheformatthatisconsistentwithlocalcollege preparatoryhighschools.Inthesegradelevels,ourgoalistobothreporton students’developmentalprogressandtopreparestudentsforthecollege preparatoryhighschoolstheywillattendaftertheirtimewithus,wherethey willdeepentheiracademicandpersonalformationandcontinuetheir college-readyformation.

K-3rd Grade Grading Scale

Consistentlyexceedsexpectationsin accomplishinggrade-levelgoals,objectives,and requirements;Demonstratesknowledgeand capacitytousegrade-levelskillsincontentareas; Thoroughlycompletesdailyworkandrelated assignments;Worksindependentlyand cooperatively;Consistentlyhighscoreson assessments

Consistentlymeetsexpectationsinaccomplishing goals,objectives,andrequirements;Demonstrates knowledgeandcapacitytouseskillsincontent areas;Completesdailyworkandrelated assignments;Worksindependentlyand cooperatively;Above-averagescoreson assessments

Approachingexpectationsinaccomplishinggoals, objectives,andrequirements;Inconsistentlyshows knowledgeandcapacitytousegrade-levelskillsin contentareas;Usuallycompletesdailyworkand relatedassignments;Demonstratestheabilityto workindependentlyandcooperatively;Average scoresonassessments.

Doesnotmeetgrade-levelexpectationsin accomplishinggoals,objectivesandrequirements; Doesnotconsistentlydemonstrateknowledgeand capacitytousegrade-levelskillsincontentareas; Limitedeffortindailyworkandrelated assignments;Doesnotworkindependentlyand

SE

Significantlybehindgradelevel expectations 0-59

cooperativelyonaconsistentbasis;Lowscoreson assessments.

Significantlybehindgrade-levelexpectationsin accomplishinggoals,objectivesandrequirements; Showsinsufficientknowledgeandlackofskillsin contentareas;Doesnotdemonstratecapacityto workindependentlyandcooperatively;Doesnot completedailyworkorassignments;Assessment scoresindicatefailuretoachievelesson/unit objectives

4

th

-8th Grade Grading Scale

D 63-66

D- 60-63

F 0-59

GradeReportingSystem

Parentsareaskedtofollowtheirstudent’sprogressonGradelink,theonline gradingsystemusedbyourteachersandschoolleaders.Thesystemmaybe accessedbyanycomputerormobiledevice.Anemailaddressisrequiredto accessGradelink

GrowthAssessments

StudentsingradesKthrough8aregiventheNWEAMeasureofAcademic Progress(MAP)testtoassesslearningandtomeasuregrowthovertime. Studentsingrades3-8mayalsotaketheOhioDepartmentofEducation’s AchievementAssessments.Testingresultsaresharedwiththeparentsandare usedtoplanfortheeducationalneedsofindividualstudents.

Third Grade Reading Guarantee

Ohio'sThirdGradeReadingGuaranteelawrequiresthirdgradersinpublic schools,charterschoolsandprivateschoolstomeetaspecifiedscoreonthe statereadingtestortheNWEAMAPtestinordertoadvancetofourthgrade At St.FrancisCatholicSchool,studentshavemultipleopportunitiestomeetor exceedthisscore,whichissetannuallybythestatedepartmentofeducation,on thestatetestandtheNWEAMAPtest..

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. Ifastudentisbeingconsideredforretention,teachersmustbegindiscussingthis possibilityearlyintheschoolyearwiththeprincipal Parentconferencesmust beheldperiodically,andnotificationofthepossibilityofretentionmustbemade withwrittennotationonthereportcard.

Ifachildisrequiredtogotosummerschoolforpromotion,thatchildmust attendanapprovedsummerschoolprogram Ifthechilddoesnotattendan approvedsummerschool,thechildwillberetained.

Thefinaldecisiontopromoteorretainastudentismadebytheprincipal,based onthestudent’sacademicperformanceandbestinterests.Itshouldbemade afterdiscussionwiththeparent,teacher,andstudent,andwithapprovalofthe superintendent.

Ifastudentcompletesallrequirementsforpromotionorgraduation,afamily cannotself-selectthestudenttoberetainedintheirgrade.

*Thirdgradestudentswhodonotmeetthelegislativerequirementsrelatedto theOhioStateMandatedReadingAchievementTest(ThirdGradeGuarantee) willberetainedinthirdgradeuntiltheyachieveapassingscore

TechnologyforLearning

ParentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignandfollowanAcceptableUsePolicy thatoutlinesappropriateuseofschooltechnologyresourcesatthebeginningof eachyear.

Section3:SchoolOperations

Admissions

WebelievethateachchildismadeintheimageandlikenessofGod,and therefore,ismadeforgreatness OurroleasCatholicschooleducatorsistohelp familiesensurethattheirchildrenexperiencefullhumanflourishing,andour desireistoprovideaCatholiceducationofthehighestqualitytoasmany childrenaspossibleinourcommunity.

Wewelcomeallstudentstoapplytojoinourschoolcommunity Webelievethat Godislove,anddiscriminationisrepugnanttoournatureandmission.

St.FrancisSchooladmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigin toalltherights,privileges,programsandactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormade availabletostudentsattheschool Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace, color,nationalandethnicorigin,orgenderintheadministrationofeducational

policies,admissionpolicies,scholarshipprograms,andathleticandother school-administeredprograms

Acceptanceisbasedona“firstcome,firstserved”policyforallstudentswho submitapplicationmaterialsinatimelymanner.Pleasenotethatentering kindergartenstudentsmustalsocompletereadinessscreening.Inclasseswith limitedspace,theschoolmaygivepreferenceinadmissionstosiblingsof currentlyenrolledstudents,andtoCatholicstudentswhoseparentsareactive membersofaCatholicparish.

Attendance

Whenitcomestolearning,webelieveeveryminutematters.Tooptimizeyour child’slearning,theymustattendclass,ontime,everyday,.Statelawrequires childrenbetweentheagesof6and18toattendschooldaily.Itisour responsibilitytoworkwithcivilauthoritiestoreportexcessiveabsencesfrom school

Whenstudentsmissoraretardyformorethansevendaysofschool,thefamily andstudentwillberequiredtomeetinpersonwiththeprincipaltocreatean attendanceplan.

Statescholarships,includingCleveland,EdChoice,andJonPeterson Scholarships,requireregulardailyattendance,andwearerequiredtoreport dailyattendancetothestate.Whenstudentsmissmorethan20daysofschool, thestatemaydeterminethattheyareineligibletoreceiveorrenewa scholarship Inthesecases,thefamilywillberesponsibleforpayingtuitionof $6,166perstudent(seeCostsbelow).

Absences

Intheeventofstudentabsence,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttonotifythe schoolby9:00a.m.Ifastudentisillandwillmissseveraldays,theparent shouldcontacttheofficetoarrangeforassignmentstobesenthome

Pleasemakeeveryefforttoscheduledoctor’sappointmentsoutsideofschool hours.

Ifastudentisabsent,thestudentmaynotattendorparticipateinany school-relatedextracurricularorsportsactivitiesthedayoftheabsence.

Tardies

Itisessentialthatstudentsarriveontimeforschool,everyday Beinglateto schoolinterfereswiththelatechild’sprogressinschool,anditdisruptsteaching andlearningforotherstudents.Parentsupportinensuringon-timearrivalis critical.Parentsmustaccompanychildrenintothebuildingafter8:30am.After the15thtardyinayear,itisourresponsibilitytonotifytheappropriatecivil authorities Ifyouhavechallengesgettingyourchildtoschoolontimeinthe mornings,pleasereachouttoletusknow wewillbehappytotrytohelp organizecarpoolswithotherfamiliesorseekotheroptions.

Communications

Allfamiliesmusthaveanemailaddress.Allschoolnewsandcorrespondence regardingtuition,scholarships,grades,schoolclosures,studentillness,andother updateswillbedeliveredviaemail.Pleasecheckemaildaily.Itistheparent’s responsibilitytomaintaincommunicationelectronically.

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.FrancisCatholicSchoolrequiresaregistrationfee,whichservesasa non-refundabledepositthatguaranteesyourchild’splaceintheclassroom.The registrationfeedefraysthecostsofsometextbooksandworkbooks,some classroomsupplies,andofficesupplies,anditsupportseffortstoprovide assessmentsofyourchild’slearningandgrowth.Thisfeeisexpectedtobepaid byApril30forthecomingschoolyearoruponregistration.

Tuition & Scholarships

ThecosttoeducateeachstudentatSt.FrancisSchoolinthe2024–2025school yearis$10,240

NearlyallofourstudentsreceiveClevelandorEdChoicestatescholarships, whichprovide$6,166todefraythecostoftuitionin2024–2025.Theremaining tuition $4,074 isfundedbyacombinationofAngelFundScholarshipsand PartnershipSchoolScholarshipsforeachstudent,securedthroughthe PartnershipNetworkteam’sannualfundraisingeffort,whichsecuresmorethan $3millioninscholarshipaidforthestudentsofCleveland’sPartnershipSchools.

Cleveland, EdChoice, and Jon Peterson Scholarships

Studentswhosefamiliesmeetresidencyrequirementsmayapplyforthe ClevelandScholarshipProgram Otherstudentsmaybeeligible,dependingon theirpublicschooldistrict,familyincome,orotherqualifications,forEdChoice orEdChoiceExpansionScholarships.Studentswithlearningdifferencesmaybe eligiblefortheJonPetersonScholarshiptosatisfytuitionobligationsandto providesupportforeducationalaccommodationsandresources.Financialaidis availableforstudentswhoarenoteligibleforstatescholarships,and applicationsareavailablefromtheschooloffice.Ifyouareconcernedabout affordingtuition,pleasetalktoourprincipalordirectorofschooloperations. Nobodywillbeturnedawaybecausetheycannotaffordtoattend.

Weworkcloselywiththestatetoenrollallfamiliesinscholarshipprogramsand toprocessstatescholarshipchecksfromtheCleveland,EdChoice,andJon PetersonScholarshipswhentheyaresenttotheschoolperiodicallyduringthe schoolyear.Parentsareaskedtocompleteallscholarshipapplicationmaterials uponregistrationorre-enrollment,andmustprovideallnecessarymaterials throughanon-lineportalsystem.Membersofourofficeteamareavailableto assistwithuploadingmaterialsandwillbeavailabletowalkfamiliesthrough theprocessasneeded.Parentsareaskedtocompleteachecksigning authorizationformthatallowstheschooltoprocessscholarshippayments efficiently.Familiesthatdonothavechecksigningauthorizationsonfilemust comeintotheofficetosigntheircheckswhentheyarereceived.Theschoolwill notifyparentswhenchecksareavailabletobesigned Reportcards,diplomas, andtranscriptsmaybewithheldfornonpaymentofdebtsowedtotheschool. Thisincludespaymentsowedfortuitionoranyotheroutstandingfees.

Familiesthatdonotcompletescholarshippaperworkorsubmitallrequired paperworktothestatewillnotreceivestatescholarshipsandwillneedtopay $6,166tuition.

Refunds

Theregistrationfeeholdsthechild'splaceandisnon-refundable Allprepaid tuitionisrefundableatthetimeofwithdrawalonaproratedbasis.Thedaily tuitionrateistheannualtuitiondividedby177schooldays.Anyoutstanding feeswillbesubtractedfromarefundbeforearefundwillbeissued

Methods of Payments

St.Francis CatholicSchoolacceptsallpaymentsviacashorcreditcard(wecan nolongeracceptchecks).

DailySchedule

Theschoolofficeisopenforbusinessfrom7:00amto4:30pmMondayFriday.

BellSchedule 7:30AM Doorsopen. Studentsarrivingbetween7:30&7:45reporttocafeteria. Supervision&breakfastareprovided. Studentsmaynotarrivebefore7:30AM.

7:45AM FirstBell.

Studentsgatheringym)formorningmeeting. Parentsmaynotenterclassroomsinthemorning. Parentsmaycometotheofficeasneededorjoinmorningmeetingsin thecafeteriaoroutside(weatherdependent).

Atendofmorningmeeting,studentsfileintoclassrooms.. 8:00AM FinalBell.

Classesbeginandattendanceistaken.

Studentsnotintheirseatsatthistimeareconsideredtardy

3:30PM Dismissal.

Busriders,RTA,ordaycarevansarepickeduponSuperiorAve.

Carriders&walkersaredismissedfromtheMainDoorat2ndBell

EarlyDismissal

Dismissalisat2:30PMeveryFriday,exceptonthefirstFridayeachmonth, whenschoolisdismissedat12:00PM Changestothisschedulewillbe announcedviatheweeklynewsletterandtheschoolcalendar.

EarlyDeparture

Webelievethattimeisourpreciousresourceasteachers,soeveryminute matterswhenitcomestostudentlearning.Weask,therefore,thatparents scheduledoctoranddentalappointmentsoutsideofschooltimewhenever possible.Whenstudentsneedtoleaveschoolearly,theymustbringanotefrom aparenttotheirhomeroomteacherthatmorning.Theymustbepickedupinthe schoolofficebyaparentordesignatedadult Studentsmaynotleavecampusfor anyreasonwithoutpermissionfromschoolleadership. Studentsthatleave schoolbefore11:00a.m.,willbemarkedabsentforthatentiredayifanoteis notpresentedinthemorning.Studentswillnotbedismissedfromschoolafter 3pmunlessanoteisreceivedinthemorning.

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,weaskthatparents notifytheschool Becausewearemadeforeachother,wenotifythefamiliesof otherstudentswhohavebeeninclosecontactwithacontagiouschildofan illnessintheirclasswheneverpossible.

Emergencies,Accidents,&IllnessduringtheSchoolDay

Firstaidwillbegivenforminorcuts,scrapes,andbruises.Theschoolwill contactparentsassoonaspossiblewhenastudentbecomesilloranaccident occurs. Studentsmustinformateacherortheofficeofanyinjuryreceivedat school Parentsmaybeaskedtomakearrangementstohavethechildtaken home. Atthebeginningoftheyear,parentsmustcompletetheEmergency MedicalAuthorizationform,whichindicateswhotheschoolwillcontactifthe schoolisunabletoreachaparent Maintainingup-to-datephonenumbersand emergencycontactswiththeschooliscritical.

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.

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

Screenings

Theschoolprovidesperiodicvisionandhearingassessments,heightandweight measurementsandscreeningforpostureconditionstoprovideearlyscreenings forimportantconditionsthatcanaffectstudentlearning. Parentsarenotified whenfurtheractionisrecommended.

Lunch

AtSt Francis CatholicSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceiveahealthy breakfastandluncheachdayoftheschoolyearatnochargetoyourhousehold. Noactionisrequiredofyou.Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmitan application

Studentsmayalsobringtheirlunchfromhome.Wediscouragesendingglass containers,fastfood,carbonatedbeveragesandcandytoschool.

Transportation Walkers

Crossingguardsarepostedbythetrafficlightsclosesttotheschool.Students mustcrossstreetsatlightsand/orcrosswalks Whendoingso,studentsmust obeytheinstructionsofthecrossingguards. Studentsshouldwalkwithcaution inthestreetandshouldneverrunoutfrombetweenparkedormovingcars.

Studentsrepresentourschoolcommunityontheirwaytoandfromschool. Pushing,roughplay,running,orthrowingobjects(includingsnowballs)are prohibitedontheirwaytoschoolandhome.

CarRiders

Studentsbeingdroppedofforpickedupmustwaitfortheinstructionofastaff membertoexitorenterthecarsafely Studentsremainingatschoolafter15 minuteswillbesenttoadesignatedroomwhereaparentwillhavetocometo theofficeandaskfortheirchild.

Parentsofstudentswhoarenotpickedupby3:45pmwillbeassessedafeeof $5,payableatthetimeofpickup.

SchoolBusRiders

StudentsaretorepresenttheSt.FrancisSchoolcommunityandliveourbeliefs andvaluesonthebusjustastheydoatschool.Atdismissal,studentsshould proceedtotheirbusinasafemannerthatdoesnotdisrupttheschool community Studentsareresponsibleforadheringtobussafetyregulations

establishedbytheindividualschooldistricts. Studentswhodonotmeet behaviorexpectationsonthebusmaylosetheprivilegeofbustransportation

Bus Safety Rules

Studentsshall:

● Followalldirectionsfromthebusdriver

● Stayintheirseatsandkeepaislesandexitsclear.

● Keepallpartsoftheirbodiesinsidethebus.

● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes.

● Neverthrowanobjectinoroutofamovingvehicle.

● Keeptheirhandsandbodiestothemselves.

● Boardandleavethebusattheirdesignatedlocationunlesstheyhave parentalandadministrativeapproval.

● Getonandoffthebusattheappropriatetimes.

Abusdrivermayneverbedistracted. Eachbusdriverwillreviewbussafety rulesandprocedureswithstudentsonhisorherbus. Thesameexpectationsin theclassroomapplytothebus Studentsmustlistentoandrespondtoall instructionsfromthedriverpromptlyandrespectfully.Busviolationsmayresult inschoolconsequencessuchasdetentionorsuspensionfromthebus. Suspensionfromtheschoolbusdoesnotexcusethestudentfromattending school.

VisitorstotheSchool

Allvisitorstotheschoolbuilding,atanytimeduringtheday,mustreporttothe schooloffice.Parentsplanningtovisitclassroomsmustreporttotheofficeupon arrival.

Weather-RelatedSchoolClosure

St.FrancisCatholicSchoolcloseswhenevertheClevelandPublicSchoolsclose forweatherrelatedreasons.Wemayalsochoosetocloseindependently.Please checkClevelandchannelsWKYCNBC3orFOX8forschoolclosingswhen weatherisquestionable Pleasedonotcalltheschool(duringinclementweather, thestaffmaynotbeabletoanswerphones).

Section4:SchoolPolicies

ChildProtection

Thedignityofeverychildissacred.Theflourishingofeachchildisourmission, andkeepingyourchildsafeisparamounttous InkeepingwiththeCharterfor theProtectionofChildrenandYoungPeopleoftheUSCongressofCatholic Bishops,ourschoolcomplieswithallrelevantlawsofthestateaswellasthe StandardsofConductforMinistryandthePolicyfortheSafetyofChildrenin MattersofSexualAbuseoftheDioceseofCleveland.

ChildAbuse

Teachers,leaders,andallmembersoftheSt.FrancisSchool teamarelegally obligatedtoreportanysuspectedcasesofchildabuseorneglecttotheproper agency.Insoreporting,noallegationismadeagainstaparentorcaregiver. Rather,itisajudgmentbytheschoolreporterthatthechildmaybepresenting signsofabuseorneglect Thisisaresponsibilitywetakeseriously,anchoredin ourbeliefthatwearemadeforeachotherandinourloveforeachchildinour community.

DressCode

Webelievethatwearemadeforgreatness,andthatexcellencehappenson purpose.Eachmorning,weaskstudentstowearauniformandadheretoadress codethatemphasizestheirexcellence,affirmstheirmembershipinour community,andensuresthattheycanfocusonourtoppriority:rigorous academicinstructionandhumanformation Ourdresscoderemovesdistractions fromlearningandreinforcesourcommunityidentitywhileinstillingthepride thatcomeswithbeing“dressedforsuccess.”

Dresscodeadherenceisanindicatorofschoolculture.Whenstudentsproudly weartheschooluniformandarriveforschooldressedforsuccesseachdayasa memberofTeamSt.FrancisSchool ,theysignaltheirmembershipinour communityandtheirdesiretoworktogetheraspartofateamthattakespridein wheretheyarefromandwhotheyrepresent.

Boys’Uniform

downdressshirtwith SFS.tie

downdressshirtwith SFS.tie

Sweaters & Sweatshirt s Navy,Darkgreen,orgrayV-neckcardigan, pullover,orvest.

SFS PEsweatshirtsoverwhiteuniformshirts.

Tie Optional NavyBluewithSFS logo

Belt

Black,gray,orbrown

Nolargeordecorative buckles.

Shoes Rubber-soledblack,navy,gray,orbrownshoes, Nohigh-toportennis shoes.

Socks Black,brown,tan,blue,orgray

Hair

Hairmaynotbeworninawaythatimpedesstudentvision.Teachersor leadersmayrequestthatloosehairorbraidsbetiedback.Haircolorandhair accessoriesareonlypermittedinnaturalorschoolcolorsandshouldnot distractfromstudentlearning.Hairstylesthatdistractfromstudentlearning arenotpermitted,includingshaveddesigns.

Jewelry Earringsarelimitedtoonepairofpostearrings,whichmaynotextend beyondtheearlobe.

Noothermetaljewelrymaybeworntoschool Wristwatchesarepermitted;Smartwatchesarenot.

UniformclotheswithlogocanbepurchasedfromSchoolBelles

Girls’Uniform

Jumpers/Skirts

K-3

Plaidjumper

Pants Khakiuniformpants

Tops

Sweaters& Sweatshirts

Withjumpers:White blouseorknitshirt

(Peterpanorpointed collar)

WithPants:Whiteor navypoloshirt

4-8

Plaidknee-length skirt

White,blouse (Peterpanor pointedcollar) withnavyvestor white/navybanded polowithSFSlogo

Notes

Nocargo/skinny legpants

Knitlogotopworn withpantsdoesnot requirevest.

Belt Withpants:Black,gray,orbrownbelt required. Nolargeor decorativebuckles.

Shoes Rubber-soled,flat schoolshoesorblack andwhiteoxford shoes

Socks

Hair

Withskirts:Navy, white,blackorgray crewsocks,knee socksortights.

Withpants:Black, brown,tan,gray,or blue.

Blackorbrown rubber-soled,flat schoolshoes Noboots, moccasin,or slipperfootwear

Withskirts:Navy, white,blackor greencreworknee sockswithskirts, ortights

Hairmaynotbeworninawaythatimpedesstudentvision. Teachersorleadersmayrequestthatloosehairorbraidsbetied back.Haircolorandhairaccessoriesareonlypermittedinnatural orschoolcolorsandshouldnotdistractfromstudentlearning. Hairstylesthatdistractfromstudentlearningarenotpermitted.

Jewelry Earringsarelimitedtoonepairofpostearrings,whichmaynot extendbeyondtheearlobe.

Noothermetaljewelrymaybeworntoschool Wristwatchesarepermitted;Smartwatchesarenot.

Makeup

Make-upisnotpermitted.Acrylicorotherartificialnailsortipsare notpermitted.Studentsmaynotwearnailpolishatschool.Lip glosswithcolor,glitter,orshineisnotpermitted.

UniformclotheswithlogocanbepurchasedfromSchoolBelles

PEDressCode

ThePEuniformconsistsofSFSt-shirtsandshortsinthefallandspringandSFS sweatshirtsandsweatpantsinthewinter.PEuniformsmustbepurchasedfrom SchoolBelles

AdditionalDressCodeNotes:

Uniformslookalike!Pleaseputyourchild’snameonuniforms.

Schooluniformsshouldbeneat,cleanandthepropersize.

Shirtsmustbetuckedinatalltimes.

Longsleeveshirtsmaynotbewornunderashortsleeveshirt

Shirtswornunderuniformmustbewhite

Studentsmaynotcarrypurses/smallbackpacksinschool.

Snowbootsmaynotbewornintheclassrooms. Ifastudentwearsbootsto school,he/shemustchangeintouniformshoesbeforecomingintothe classroom.

Thefinaldecisionastowhetherornotastudentisinviolationofthedresscode lieswithSt.FrancisCatholicSchoolleaders,teachers,andstaff.

BehaviorExpectations

GuidingBeliefs

“Seeeverything,overlookagreatdeal,correctalittle.”

ThesewordsofSaintPopeJohnthe23rd remindusthattheworkofformationis topayattentiontoourmistakes,forgivethem,andextendgracetoourselvesand thoseinourcommunitywhoareworkingtomeetourexpectations.Wearemade forgreatness,butwearenotthereyet,andwhilechildrenareintheprocessof formation,therewillbetimeswhentheydonotmeetexpectations. OurCatholic worldviewholdsthatwecanalwaysgetbetter,soweseestudentfailurestolive uptoexpectationsasopportunitiesforlearningandgrowth.

Allactionstakenonthepartofthefacultyandstafftoaddressfailurestomeet expectationsshallbealignedwithourbeliefthateachstudentismadeinthe imageandlikenessofGodforgreatness Thegoalsofanydisciplinaryactions aretohelpstudentstolearnself-discipline,whichstrengthensandpromotesthe valuesincorporatedinourCatholicfaithcommunity.Astheschoolbuilds community,itdevelopsinstudentstheawarenessthatsensiblerulesserveto safeguardtheindividual'sfreedomandprovideanatmosphereconduciveto learning.Ourdisciplinarymeasureshaveastheirendtheflourishingofthe humanpersonincommunity.

Byenrollingtheirchild/reninthisschool,parentsagreetosupporttherulesand expectationsthattheschoolidentifiesascriticalinthespiritual,academic,and charactergrowthofyourchild/ren.

OurApproach

Teacherssetexpectationsforbehaviorintheirclassroomsandholdstudents accountableforadheringtotherituals,routines,andproceduresofthedailylife oftheschoolday.

Mostbehaviorincidentsaretobehandledintheclassroom,byteachers, accordingtoprocedures,policies,andexpectationsestablishedbytheclassroom teacher.Studentsareexpectedtomeettheexpectationsforbehavioroftheir classroomteacherandotherexpectationsthroughouttheschoolday.Typically, teacherswillensurethatstudentsmeettheexpectationsdescribedbelow,which arealldirectedtowardmaximizinglearning,ensuringsafety,anddevelopinga strongcommunity.

Studentswillbeexpectedto:

● SeeGod’sfaceinallpeople,andtreatteachers,aides,staff,school leaders,andotherstudentswithdignity.

● Followteacherandschoolleaderdirections.

● Meetspecificclassroomexpectationssetbytheteacher(ie,raisehand beforespeaking,remaininseatunlessgivenpermissiontogetup,keep voiceatappropriatevolumelevelduringactivity,etc.)

● Takepropercareofbooks,desks,andotherschoolproperty

● Arrivetoclassontime,fullypreparedwithallnecessarymaterials.

● Participateactivelyinclassandassemblies.

● Demonstraterespectandreverenceatprayerandliturgies

● Adheretothedresscode.

● Maximizelearningforallotherstudentsinyourclassroomandothers byremainingquietinhallways,bathrooms,andstairways

● Goonlytolocationswhereyouhavepermissiontobe.

● Eatfoodonlywhenandwherepermitted.

● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes

● Takesafetydrillsseriously.

● Returnsignedbehaviornotificationstoschoolpromptly.

● Interactandplaysafelyontheplaygroundandinthegym

● Befriendlyandpatientatalltimes,andkeephandsandbodiestoself.

Whenstudentsdonotmeettheseexpectations,disciplinarysituations typically minorandeasilyredirectedorcorrected arise.Teachershandledisciplinary situationswithstudentsdirectlyforminorclassroomdisruptions(likethose

listedabove)viaaprogressivedisciplinesystemthatinvolvesescalating consequences Whennecessary,teachersnotifyparentsofclassroomproblems andaskforhelptoensurethatinappropriatebehaviorismodified.

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.

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.Theseareactionsthatmakeitdifficult,andat timesimpossible,forastudentorthecommunitytoflourishunlessthestudent separatesfromtheschool

Theseincidentsmightinclude:

● Physicalfightingandhitting

● Disrespectformembersofthecommunity

● Destructionofproperty

● Possessionofweaponsorabusivesubstances

● Disruptionofthelearningenvironment

● Harassment(seeHarassmentPolicy)

● Threats(seeThreatPolicy)

● Theft

● Dishonesty

● CyberBullying

Incaseswhereachildengagesinafightwhichcausesinjurytoanotherchildor adult,thepolicemaybesummonedand,then,theparentswillbenotified. Likewise,thepossessionofdrugsoralcoholbyachildwillbereportedto parentsandtothepolice. Theschoolreservestherighttorequestanexpulsion fromtheSuperintendentofSchoolsforsuchanoffense.

Weapons

Incasesinwhichachildbringsaweapontoschool,thepolicearesummoned, andthentheparentsarecalled Theschoolreservestherighttorequest expulsionbytheSuperintendentofSchoolsforanyseriousoffense.

The school’s complete weapons policy is available in the principal’s office for review

Threats

Individual-directedthreatsofviolenceorharmcommunicateddirectlyor indirectlybyanymeans,aswellasbuilding-directedthreatsofviolenceorharm communicateddirectlyorindirectlybyanymeans(e.g.,shooting,bombthreats), ortoharmstudents,employees,orvisitorsaretakenseriously. Uponknowledge ofthethreats,theprincipalwillnotifytheSuperintendentandcalltheparents. TheSuperintendentwillworkcloselywiththe schoolleadertodeterminethe courseofactiontobetaken,uptoandincludingcontactinglawenforcementand requiringamentalhealthreferraland/orexpulsion.

Itistheexpectationofthisschoolthatstudentbehaviorisexemplarybothon andoffschoolgrounds Astudentalwaysrepresentstheentireschool community. Therefore,theschoolreservestherighttodisciplinestudentsfor actssuchas,butnotlimitedto:stealing,fighting,vandalism,bullyingorany othertypeofthreateningorinappropriatemisconduct(personally,viatelephone, 34

ortheinternet). Suchmisconductcouldresultinpunishmentsincluding suspensionand/orexpulsion

Lastly,astudent’sarrestforacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,withinor beyondthevicinityoftheschool,atanytimecouldresultinthestudent’s suspensionorexpulsion.Convictionofacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds, withinorbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,mayresultinexpulsion

The school’s complete threat policy is available in the principal’s office for review

Consequences&Processes

After School Detentions

Minorinfractionsofclassroomcodesofconduct,includingbutnotlimitedto thefollowing,mayresultinafter-schooldetentionsaftermultipleattemptsto redirectstudentsandwarnings

● Excessivedisturbanceinclassrooms,hallways,bathrooms,orstairways

● Beinginplacesinthebuildingoroncampuswithoutpermission

● Eatingoutsidethecafeteria

● Usinginappropriatelanguage

● Misbehavingduringsafetydrills

● Disrespectingteachers,aides,staff,orschoolleaders

● Notreturningdetentions

● Notfollowingclassroom,cafeteriaorplaygroundrules

● Harassment

● Unwantedphysicalcontactwithanotherstudent,includinghitting

Whenastudentreceivesanafter-schooldetention,parentswillreceivea BehaviorNotification,whichshouldbesignedandreturnedthefollowingday

Behavior Contracts

Tosupportstudentswhostruggletomeetbehaviorexpectationsonaregular basis,schoolleadersandteachersmaydevelopbehaviorcontracts.Thegoalofa behaviorcontractistocreateaclearplanforimprovementandtoprovide studentswithsupporttobuildhealthyhabitssotheycanfullyparticipateinand contributetoourlearningcommunity.

Ifthebehaviorcontractisnotsuccessful,itmayleadtosuspension,dismissalor tonotbeingpermittedtoregisterforthefollowingyear Someactionsincluding, butnotlimitedto,fightingand/orthreats,maywarrantbeingimmediatelyplaced onabehaviorcontract.Allnewstudentswillbeautomaticallyplacedona 9-WeekBehavior/AcademicandAttendanceContract.Failuretomeet expectationsmayresultinpermanentdismissalfromSt.FrancisSchool..

Suspension and Expulsion

Suspensionorexpulsionfromschoolisreservedforcasesthatcannotbe addressedbetterinanotherway.Insomecases,theadministrationmaydeeman actionbyastudentsodisruptivetothecommunitythattheonlywayforthe childandtheschoolcommunitytoflourishisforbothtoseparateviaexpulsion. Thisdecisionistherightandresponsibilityoftheadministration.Inothercases, schoolleadersmaydeterminethatatemporarysuspensionfromschoolis appropriate.Inthecaseofsuspensions,studentsmaymakeupquizzes,testsand projects,butmaynotcompleteclassroomorparticipationworkforthedays suspended.

BehaviorOff-Campus

St.FrancisstudentsrepresenttheSt.FrancisSchool communityatalltimes.All behaviorexpectationsapplywhileastudentisoff-campus,includingtimespent ridingonaschoolbus,eitheronafieldtriporwhilebeingtransportedtoorfrom school,andwhenonafieldtrip.

Discretion: In humility, we recognize that we may not foresee every situation that might arise. Teachers and leaders may issue detentionsorotherappropriate discipline measuresforbehaviorsnotspecifiedherethatarenotalignedwithour beliefsorvalues,atthediscretionoftheteacherandleader.

Fighting

Fighting,violentphysicalcontact,andplayfightingwillnotbepermittedinour school.

Ifachildisinvolvedinafight,heorshemaybesuspendedorexpelledfrom school,regardlessoftherolethestudentplayedduringthealtercation.

Harassment/BullyingPolicy

Harassmentisbehaviorthatdemeans,humiliates,orembarrassesanother person.Itistypicallyintimidating,hostile,andoffensive.Bullyingisa legally-definedtermthatreferstoacampaignoftargetedharassmentthatis aimedatonepersonandprolongedoverasustainedperiodoftime,andit involvesapowerimbalance,typicallyinvolvingagroup“gangingup”onan individual Bullyingcanincludeunwanted,aggressivebehavioramong school-agedchildrenthatinvolvesarealorperceivedpowerimbalance.TheSt. FrancisCatholicSchoolteambelievesthatwearemadeintheimageand likenessofGodforeachother.Wewillnottolerateharassmentorbullyingof anytype,andappropriatedisciplinaryactionwillbetakenwhenitoccurs. Disciplinaryactionmayincludesuspensionorexpulsion Noteacherorstaff memberwillknowinglyalloworparticipateinharassmentbetweenstudentsor allowinappropriateconversationsaboutstudentsoranymemberoftheschool communitytotakeplaceinhis/herpresence Examplesofharassmentinclude, butarenotlimitedto,verbalorwrittentaunting;bullying;offensive, intimidating,orhostileconduct;jokes,stories,pictures,cartoons,drawingsor objectswhichoffend,annoy,abuseordemeananindividualorgroup.

SocialMediaBullying(CyberBullying)Policy

Bullyingthroughsocialmediaisnotpermittedinourschoolcommunity. Threats,harassmentofanysort,pictures,videos,gestures,orinsinuationof thesetypesofactivitiesintendedtooffend,annoy,tauntorintimidateanother studentwillbesubjecttoimmediatedisciplinaryactionincludingexpulsion.It mayalsobenecessarytoinvolvelawenforcementincertainsituations.

Phones/ElectronicsPolicy

Thereismountingresearchevidencethaton-linedevices(phones,tablets,etc.) arecausingharmtoourcapacityforlearning,diminishingourattentionspans, anddamagingoursocialdevelopment.Thegrowingconsensusintheresearch andmedicalcommunityisthatthelesstimestudentsspendinfrontofscreens beforeadulthood,thebetterfortheirdevelopingbrains.

Cellphonesandelectronicdevicesarenotallowedtobeusedduringtheschool day.Westronglyencourageparentstokeepphonesanddevicesathome.Smart watchesmaynotbeworn.Studentsmaybringdevicestoschoolattheparent’s discretionandrisk.Devicesmustbeturnedoffduringtheschooldayandgiven tothestudent’steacheruponarrival.Deviceswillbekeptintheoffice.Devices thatarenotturnedinandareseenorheardwillbeconfiscated,andwillonlybe

releasedtoaparent.Thesecondtimeadeviceisconfiscated(andeachtime thereafter),parentsmayretrievetheitemforafeeof$1000 Theschoolisnot responsibleforbroken,lost,misplaced,orstolendevicesthatareinthe possessionofthestudent.

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

The school’s complete sexual harassment policy is available in the principal’s office for review

SubstanceAbuse

Substanceabuseisaserioushealthproblemandshouldnotbetakenlightly. A complete copy of the Substance Abuse Policy is available in the principal’s office

Theft

Wearebettertogether,sowerespecteachother’sbelongings.AtSt.Francis CatholicSchool,studentsdonothavelockers Allpersonalitemsarekeptin students’desksandinopencoatclosets.Whilewetrustourcommunity,we discouragestudentsfromkeepingexpensiveitemsofclothingorvaluablesin theircoatclosets.Theschoolisnotresponsibleforlostorstolenobjectsofany kind.

St.FrancisCatholicSchoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,

purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshavereasontobelievethatthestudent possessesstolen/missingitems

Wetakerespectforeachothers’belongingsseriously;theftisaseriousbreachof communitytrustthatmayrequirenotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultin immediatesuspensionorexpulsion.

Threats

Eachchildismadeforgreatness.Threatsofbodilyharmtoselforothersare takenseriously.Studentswhobecomeawareofathreatshouldreportittoan adultimmediately Studentswhothreatenharmtofellowstudents,teachers, leaders,themselves,orothersgravelydisruptcommunitytrust.Theiractions maywarrantnotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultinimmediatesuspension orexpulsion. A complete copy of the Threat Policy is available in the principal's office.

Weapons

St.FrancisCatholicSchoolprovidesasafe,secureeducationalenvironmentfor studentlearning.Studentswhobringorthreatentobringweaponstoschool breakthecommunitytrustandaresubjecttodisciplinaryaction.Theiractions maywarrantnotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultinimmediatesuspension orexpulsion. A complete copy of the Weapons Policy is available in the principal’s office.

YouthGangsPolicy

Participationofstudentsinyouthgangsandgang-relatedactivityareprohibited. A complete copy of the Youth Gangs Policy is available in the principal’s office.

Section4:SpecialPrograms

Assemblies

Educationalandculturalassembliescoveringsuchareasasscience,music,art, drama,self-esteem,safetyandhealthareofferedthroughouttheyear.Grant moneyandfund-raisingprofitsareusedtopayfortheseopportunities.

After-SchoolActivities

Avarietyofafter-schoolactivitiesareofferedeachyear.Studentswhoarenot pickedupontimewillbesenttoaftercare.Studentsmaynotbeunsupervisedon schoolgroundsorinthebuildingwhilewaitingforrides.Studentlearningisthe firstpriorityatSt FrancisSchool;studentsmaynotbepermittedtoparticipate inafter-schoolactivities,includingsports,untiltheirconductandacademic performancemeetsexpectations.

LunchProgram

AtSt.FrancisCatholicSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceiveahealthy breakfastandluncheachdayoftheschoolyearatnochargetoyourhousehold. Noactionisrequiredofyou Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmitan application.

FieldTrips

Fieldtripscanbeopportunitiestodeepenstudentlearningoutsidetheclassroom. Theyarearrangedoccasionallyduringtheschoolyeartoprovidenew experiencesandenrichmentandaresupervisedbyteachers,aidesandparent volunteers Parentsmustsignapermissionslipbeforeanychildmayleave campus.Permissionmustbeinwritingandmaynotbegivenoverthetelephone. Whenweleavecampus,werepresentourschoolcommunitytoallofCleveland, andallexpectationsforstudentconductandengagementremainthesameasin theclassroom.Studentswhodonotmeetconductexpectationsintheclassroom maynotbepermittedtorepresenttheourschoolcommunityonfieldtrips

Ordinarily,studentsaretransportedtoandfromfieldtripsbybus.Inspecial caseswhencarsareused,thedriversarerequiredtoprovideacopyoftheir driver'slicense.Vehiclesmusthaveseatbeltsforeachchild.

StudentCouncil

Leadership,Christianserviceandresponsiblecitizenshipareimportantfruitsof Catholiceducation.StudentCouncilgivesstudentsanopportunitytouseand developtheskillstheyarelearningintheclassroomandtodevelopasenseof responsibilityfortheirschoolcommunity Electedofficersleadthestudentsina varietyofservice-centeredandspirit-buildingactivitiesthroughouttheyear.

Conclusion

TheSt.FrancisCatholicSchoolleadershipteamhasattemptedtobethoroughin providingtheinformationinthisHandbook Werecognize,however,thatitis notpossibletoforeseeeveryeventuality.Therefore,inallmatters,thejudgment anddecisionsoftheschoolleaderswillbefinal.Thegreatestopportunityfor growthandmaturityofstudentscomesfromcooperationamongtheschool, parents,andstudents.Consistentwiththisphilosophy,parentsandstudentswill participateinanydecisionasfaras,inthejudgmentoftheSchool Administration,itispracticable.Astudent'senrollmentatSt.FrancisSchool CatholicSchoolconstituteshis/herandhis/herparents'acceptanceoftheterms setforthinthisHandbookandinanysubsequentupdatesoradditions.Parents andstudentsarerequiredtosignayearlycontractstatingthattheyagreeto upholdthepoliciesfoundinthisHandbook,andallotherdecisionsofSt Francis School CatholicSchoolleaders.

AsbestosManagementPlan

To: Employees,Parents,BuildingOccupantsandtheirLegalGuardians

From: St.FrancisElementarySchool

Subject: AsbestosManagementPlan

Date: August2024

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,

Ms.MollyHanna Principal,St FrancisSchool CatholicSchool

St.FrancisSchool Family Handbook

Last Updated August 2024