Section1:OurSchoolCulture
PartnershipSchoolsNetwork
PartnershipSchoolsarecommunitiesoffaith,whereindividualsworktogetherforthebettermentofall Our vocationisrootedintheGospelmandatetoloveandtoeducate,andinparticular,todobothtoahighdegreeof excellence ChristinsistedthatHecamesothatchildrenwillnotonlyhavelife,butthattheywill“haveitin abundance.”Itisnotenoughthatourstudentsmerelymeetexpectationsandbepreparedto“havelife” weform theirheartsandmindssoourgraduatesarepreparedtoenjoythelifeofabundanceChristpromised
InordertoinfuseCatholicbeliefsandvaluesthroughouttheentireschoolday,weholdallstudentstoconsistentand consistentlyhighexpectations,andwemustensurethatweareteachingtherichcontentandessentialskillsthatour studentsneedtosucceed
Webelievethatstudentsflourishbestwhenimmersedinafaith-filledenvironmentcharacterizedbyhighacademic expectations,caringanddemandingadults,andjoy.Tothatend,eachPartnershipSchoolemphasizes:
● Buildingafacultyofcommittededucatorswhoembracethemissionoftheschool,whohavedeep instructionalexpertise,andwhounquestionablybelievethatallofourstudentscanachieveatthehighest levels
● Establishingaclearschoolcultureplanthatarticulatesrootbeliefsandspecifieshowpolicies,procedures, programs,habits,actions,androutinesactivelycommunicateourrootbeliefsandvalues.
WeconceiveoftheschoolcultureofaCatholicschoolasthe“oceaneverythingswimsin”attheschool teaching andlearning,policies,procedures,rituals,routines,decisions,communications,artifacts,physicalspaces,andthe dailyactivityoftheschoolareallinfusedwiththebeliefsandvaluesofthecommunity,andtheseallcomprisethe Catholicschoolculture ThissectionoftheFamilyHandbookprovidesanoverviewofourbeliefs,values,shared purpose,andexpectationsrelatedtorelationshipsandhome-schoolsupport.
AtSaintFrancisSchool,webelievethat
● Godiswithineachofus.
● Mistakesareopportunitiesforgrowth
● Wearealwayslearning
● Wearestrongertogether
● Everymomentmatters
● Wecandohardthings.
Mission
SaintFrancisSchool provides a quality education, rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition and the educational heritage of the Sisters of Notre Dame, that blends learning with faith and faith with life according to the abilities and the needs of each child.
PhilosophyofEducation
AsaCatholicSchool,webelieveinthesanctityofthefamilyandreverenceforlife Withthefamily,weseekto nourishself-esteem,promotepositivemulticulturalawareness,andinstillinourscholarsthevaluesoftruth,justice andrespectforlifeandtheenvironmentinadistinctlyCatholicmanner Weprepareourstudentstobelife-long learnersandinstillinthemtheimportanceofstrivingforexcellence.
5
CoreValues
Aspartofourfocusonschoolcultureandcharacterformation,thePartnershipSchoolshaveadoptedfourcore valuesthatprovidetheframeworkuponwhichourschoolcultureandcharacterformationarebuilt.Theyare: Integrity,Humility,HardWork,andService
Integrity
“Thegreatnessofamanisnotinhowmuchwealthheacquires,butintheintegrityandtheabilitytoaffectthose aroundhimpositively”-BobMarley
AtPartnershipSchools,weseektogiveallstudentsaclearunderstandingofthemoralprinciplesandvirtueson whichtheCatholicfaithandtraditionisbuilt Fromthatframework,wearecommittedtobuildingacommunity whereallindividualsactwithhonesty,forthrightness,andrespect Weholdourselvestothehighestacademicand ethicalstandards,bothwithinthefourwallsoftheschoolbuildingandasrepresentativesoftheschoolinthe community.
Humility
“Truehumilityisstayingteachableregardlessofhowmuchyoualreadyknow”-Anonymous
Developinghumilityinourstudentsmeansunderstandingandappreciatingtheuniquegiftsandpotentialofevery memberofthecommunityandworkingtogethertoensurethateveryoneworkshardtoachievehis/herhighest potential Thatrequireshardwork,selflessness,andanappreciationforwhatwecanlearnfromeveryonearoundus Italsoimpliesjudgingourselvesnotincomparisonwithothers,butinlightofourcapabilities.Anditrequiresusto focusondevelopingourgiftsnotforourownpersonalgain,buttoserveothers
Hard Work
“Idon’tknowanythingaboutluck.I’veneverbankedonit,andIamafraidofpeoplewhodo.Lucktomeishard work andrealizingwhatisopportunityandwhatisn’t -LucilleBall
Hardwork,persistence,anddeterminationareessentialtolearningandsuccess AtPartnershipSchools,weexpect allstudents,teachers,andleaderstoworkhard;togive100percentofoureffort,100percentofthetime.
Service
“Peopledon’tcarehowmuchyouknow,untiltheyknowhowmuchyoucare”-TheodoreRoosevelt
AtPartnershipSchools,weaimtodevelopyoungmenandwomenforothers Wearecommittedtoservingothers, bothwithinthefourwallsoftheschoolandbeyond Tothatend,teachersemphasizecultivatingindividualstudent gifts,broadeningstudents’understandingofthecommunityandtheworld,andusingourgiftsinserviceofthe communityinwhichweliveandwork
FamilyPartnership
PartnershipSchoolsemphasizeteamwork,cooperationamongparents,teachers,andstudents,andstrong relationshipsamongallinthecommunity
Webelievethatstudentscanbestgrowanddevelopwhenimmersedinanenvironmentthatischaracterizedby rigorousacademicexpectations,caringanddemandingadults,andjoy.Butnoschoolcanbeeffectivewithout supportfromthehome Welooktoparentstosupportouracademicinstructionandtoreinforcevaluesasour studentsbecomemenandwomenforothers.
Webelievethatkidscanflourishwhenparents,teachers,andschoolleadersarealignedincollaboration.Mixed messagesamongadultsareconfusingtochildrenandcanbedestructivetooursharedmission
Webelievethatchildrenlearnfromalloftheteachersintheirlives–thoseintheirfamiliesandthoseatschool–and weaskforyourcollaborationandcooperation,andwepledgeourstoyou.
6
Weaskthatparentssupportteachersbyinstillingrespectfortheintegrityofteachersandleadersandtoactively supporttheleadershipofteachersandschoolleadersinthehome Wecommittodoingthesameforyouandyour leadershipathomewhenweareatschool
Parentsareinvitedandencouragedtoparticipateinthespiritualandacademicformationprogrammingweofferyour children Thismayincludeparticipatinginschoolcelebrationsofprayerandliturgy,volunteeropportunities,joining parent-teacherconferences,attendingmeetingsandseminarsdesignedtohelpfamiliessupportyourstudents,and engagingwithyourhome-schoolassociation
Weinviteyoutotakeanactiveroleinyourchild’seducationinseveralimportantways
Becausewebelievethatallstudentscanlearn,weaskthatyou:
● Carefullyreviewclasswork,testresults,progressreports,andreportcards;supervisehomestudy;and reinforcetheimportanceofschoolpolicies.
● Reviewanddiscusstheschoolbehaviorcodewithyourchild;discussanybehaviorincidentsyourchild mayhaveinrelationtothebeliefsandvaluestaughtinschool
● Recognizeandencourageyourchild’stalentsandinterestssotheymaybedevelopedincooperationwith theclassroomteachers.
● Arrangeaquiettimeandplaceforyourchildtocompletehomeworkassignments
● Workwithteachersandleaderstocarryoutrecommendationsmadeinthebestinterestofyourchild, includingthoserelatedtoeducationalevaluationsandcounseling
Becausewebelievethelittlethingsmatter,weaskthatyou:
● Ensurethatyourchildmaintainstheschooldresscode,includingthegymuniform,inordertomaintain solidaritywiththeschoolcommunityandfocusonlearning
● Ensureyourchildattendsschooldaily,on-time,tomaximizelearningandformation
Becausewebelievewearebetterasacommunity,weaskthatyou:
● Keepup-to-datewithallofyourfinancialresponsibilitiestotheschool,andparticipateinfundraising activities,toensurethesustainabilityofourschoolcommunity
● Attendallscheduledparent-teacherconferences
● Presumepositiveintentinallinteractionswithteacherandschoolleaders
● Treatallmembersoftheschoolcommunitywiththerespectanddignitytheydeserve Actions inconsistent with this requirement may lead to your family being asked to leave the school community or being required to leave the school community, at the discretion of the school leadership
FaithFormation
FaithformationextendsbeyondthereligionclassroomatSaintFrancisSchool byaligningourpolicies, procedures,actions,habits,androutineswithourrootbeliefsandvalues,weinfuseeveryaspectofourdaywith faith.
Allstudents,Catholicandnon-Catholicalike,participateinreligionclasses,prayer,andworshipheldduringthe schoolday Wearemadeforeachother,sowemodelmutualrespectforpeopleofallfaithsandthosestrugglingto
7
believe,andweteachandexpectourstudentstodothesame Weencourageallstudentstobeactivemembersof theirhomechurches Weencourageallstudentstoliveactivelivesofprayerandtoliveaccordingtotheteachingsof JesusChrist
OurTeamatSaintFrancis
WhenwehiremembersoftheSaintFrancisSchoolteam,welookforzeal:aburningdesiretomakeGodknown, lovedandserved Ourteamofdedicated,professionalteachers,administrators,andfront-lineworkersiscommitted tothePartnership’scorevaluesofIntegrity,HardWork,Humility,andService Allofourteachersarecertifiedby theStateofOhioandmeettheacademicandprofessionalstandardssetbythePartnershipSchoolsandtheDiocese ofCleveland
Section2:AcademicProgram
OurgoalistopreparethestudentsofSaintFrancisSchoolforthebestcollegepreparatoryhighschoolsin
Cleveland Westrivetoputeachofourstudentsonapaththatgivesthemanopportunitytochoosecollege,a fulfillingcareer,andultimately,heaven.Wewillensuretheyhaveteacherswhobelieveinthem,holdthemtohigh expectations,andproviderigorouscurriculumandinstructionsotheyarepreparedforhighschoolandbeyond Ourteachersregularlyevaluatestudentprogresstowardsmasteryofessentialcontentandskillsandintermsoftheir characterdevelopmentandgrowth. Thisprogressiscommunicatedtoparentsonaregularbasisthroughouronline system Gradelink Familieswillalsoreceiveprintedprogressreportsatthemidpointofeachquarter
Moreover,studentsareexpectedtoperformtothebestoftheirability Thatmeansthatstudentscometoschooland classpreparedandreadytolearn,andtheyareexpectedtofollowschool-wideandclassroom-specificrulesandto participateincommunityeventsandactivities
Curriculum
Saint Francis School implements a researched, content-rich, knowledge-building curriculum with strong results in the Partnership Network of schools. Our curriculum meets the requirementsfortheStateofOhiowithregardtothe 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, physical education, music,andart
GradeScale
Webelieveeverychildisbornwiththeabilitytobecomebothasaintandascholar.InourCatholicschool,wewill preparethemforbothcollegeANDheaven Noteverychildwillwanttogotocollege,butourjobistoprepare themforacollegepreparatoryhighschoolsotheywilleachbecollege-readyat18 anditwillbetheirchoicetogo tocollegeornot
Howweassessourstudentsandreporttheirgradesonreportcardsisinformedbythiscommitment Webeginwith developmentalgrades,andlaterweturntosummativegradesthatreflecttheformatofthelocalcollegeprephigh schools Ourgoalinreportingthesegradesistoletparentsandstudentsknowwhethertheyhaveacquiredthe knowledgeandskillstheyneedateachgradelevelthattheywillneedtocontinuetodeveloptheirmindsand ultimately,toflourish OurcurriculumisrigorousbecausewebelieveeverychildismadeinGod’simageand thereforemadeforgreatness eachchildisbornwiththecapacitytosucceedatthehighestlevel,andour curriculumandtheinstructiontheyreceivefromourteacherswillhelpensurethattheydo
Startingin4th grade,ourreportcardsturntothemoretraditionalA-Fgradingscale,whichsimilarlyreportsthe degreetowhichstudentsaremeetinggrade-levelbenchmarksbutintheformatthatisconsistentwithlocalcollege preparatoryhighschools Inthesegradelevels,ourgoalistobothreportonstudents’developmentalprogressandto
8
preparestudentsforthecollegepreparatoryhighschoolstheywillattendaftertheirtimewithus,wheretheywill deepentheiracademicandpersonalformationandcontinuetobepreparedtobecollege-ready.
K-3rd Grade Grading Scale
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.
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
Grade Percentage Description EE Exceedinggradelevel expectations
90-100
ME Meetinggradelevel expectations 80-89
NE Nearlymeetinggradelevel expectations
BE Behindgradelevel expectations
SE Significantlybehindgrade levelexpectations
9
indicatefailuretoachievelesson/unit objectives.
4th-8th Grade Grading Scale
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
Grade Reporting System
Parentsareaskedtofollowtheirstudent’sprogressonGradelink,theonlinegradingsystemusedbyourteachersand schoolleaders Thesystemmaybeaccessedbyanycomputerormobiledevice Anemailaddressisrequiredto participate.
Growth Assessments
StudentsingradesKthrough8aregiventheNWEAMeasureofAcademicProgress(MAP)testtoassesslearning andtomeasuregrowthovertime Testingresultsaresharedwiththeparentsandareusedtoplanfortheeducational needsofindividualstudents
Third Grade Reading Guarantee
Ohio'sThirdGradeReadingGuaranteelawrequiresthirdgradersinpublicschools,charterschoolsandprivate schoolstomeetaspecifiedscoreonthestatereadingtestortheNWEAMAPtestinordertoadvancetofourth grade AtSaintFrancisSchool,studentshavemultipleopportunitiestomeetorexceedthisscore,whichisset annuallybythestatedepartmentofeducation,onthestatetestandtheNWEAMAPtest.Studentsingrade3might alsotake,ifdeterminedbyteachers,theAmericanInstituteofResearch(AIR)asanalternativeassessmentforthe ThirdGradeReadingGuarantee.
Report Cards and Parent Conferences
Reportcardsareissuedfourtimesannually.Parentconferencesareofferedtwiceeachyear.Mid-termreportsare senthalf-waythrougheachquartertonotifyparentsofstudentprogress Otherinterimreportsmaybegivenatany time,asneeded.Allparentswhoarerequestedbyateachermustattendparentconferences;pleaseconsultthe schoolcalendarandmonitoremailfordatesandtimes Conferencesprovideopportunitiestobuildrelationships
10
betweenteachersandfamiliesandtoreceiveanddiscussthechild'sfirstquarterreportcard Mid-yearparent conferencesaretodiscussprogressandgradelevelpromotion
Retention from/Promotion to Next Grade
Veryfewdecisionswemakeaboutchildrenaremoreimportantthanrecommendationstopromoteortoretaina student BecausestudentsofvaryinglevelsofachievementareacceptedtoPartnershipSchools,webaseretention decisionsonstudentgrowth,ratherthanabsoluteperformance Tothatend,studentswillberetainediftheyfailto demonstrateatleastoneyearofgrowthasmeasuredbyinterimandcurricularassessmentsingrades1-8.Retention decisionswillalsotakeintoaccountoverallconductasrepresentedonthereportcard
Ifastudentisbeingconsideredforretention,teachersmustbegindiscussingthispossibilityearlyintheschoolyear withtheprincipal Parentconferencesmustbeheldperiodically,andnotificationofthepossibilityofretentionmust bemadewithwrittennotationonthereportcard.
Ifachildisrequiredtogotosummerschoolforpromotion,thatchildmustattendanapprovedsummerschool program Ifthechilddoesnotattendanapprovedsummerschool,thechildcanberetained
Thefinaldecisiontopromoteorretainastudentismadebytheprincipal,basedonthestudent’sacademic performanceandbestinterests.Itshouldbemadeafterdiscussionwiththeparent,teacher,andstudent.
Ifastudentcompletesallrequirementsforpromotionorgraduation,afamilycannotself-selectthestudenttobe retainedintheirgrade
Technology for Learning
ParentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignandfollowanAcceptableUsePolicythatoutlinesappropriateuseofschool technologyresourcesatthebeginningofeachyear.
Section3:SchoolOperations
Admissions
WebelievethateachchildismadeintheimageandlikenessofGod.OurroleasCatholicschooleducatorsistohelp familiesensurethattheirchildrenexperiencefullhumanflourishing,andourdesireistoprovideaCatholic educationofthehighestqualitytoasmanychildrenaspossibleinourcommunity.
WewelcomeallstudentstoapplytojointheSaintFrancisSchoolcommunity,andSaintFrancisSchooladmits studentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigintoalltherights,privileges,programsandactivitiesgenerally accordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool.Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationaland ethnicorigin,orgenderintheadministrationofeducationalpolicies,admissionpolicies,scholarshipprograms,and athleticandotherschool-administeredprograms
Acceptanceisbasedona“firstcome,firstserved”policyforallstudentswhosubmitapplicationmaterialsina timelymanner
Inclasseswithlimitedspace,theschoolmaygivepreferenceinadmissionstosiblingsofcurrentlyenrolledstudents
Attendance
Whenitcomestolearning,webelieve all students can learn Itisimportanttorecognizethat every minute matters
Tooptimizeyourchild’slearning,theymustattendclass,ontime,everyday,forthefullday,wheneverpossible Statelawrequireschildrenbetweentheagesof6and18toattendschooldaily.Itisourresponsibilitytoworkwith civilauthoritiestoreportexcessiveabsencesfromschool
11
Statescholarshiprecipientsarerequiredtoattendschooldaily,andwearerequiredtoreportdailyattendancetothe state Whenstudentsmissmorethan20daysofschool,theymaybeineligibletoreceiveorrenewtheirscholarship Inthesecases,familiesareresponsibleforpayingtuitionfortheirstudent(s)
Absences
Intheeventofstudentabsence,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttonotifytheschoolofficeby8:30am Ifa studentisillandwillmissseveraldays,theparentshouldcontacttheofficetoarrangeforassignmentstobesent home. Please make every effort to schedule doctor’s appointments outside of school hours.Everyminutematters.
Tardies
Everyminutematters.Beinglatetoschoolinterfereswiththelatechild’sprogressinschoolandalsodisrupts teachingandlearningforotherstudents Parentsupportinensuringon-timearrivaliscritical Afterthe15thtardyin ayear,itisourresponsibilitytonotifytheappropriatecivilauthorities.
Communications
Wearebetterasacommunity Clearcommunicationbetweenthehomeandschooliscriticalforyourchild’s success.Pleasereadschoolcorrespondenceandrespondpromptlywhennecessary.Allfamiliesmusthaveanactive emailaddressandworkablephonetoreceivenotifications Allschoolnewsandcorrespondenceregardingtuition, scholarships,grades,schoolclosures,studentillness,andotherupdateswillbedeliveredviaemail.Pleasecheck emaildaily Itistheparent’sresponsibilitytomaintaincommunicationelectronically
Contacting Teachers
Weencourageparentstocontacttheirchild'steacherviaemailiftheyhavequestionsorconcerns.Ourteacherswill respondtoemailswithin48hours Teachersareavailableuponrequestforappointmentsandphonecalls Parents mayemail,sendanote,orcallduringtheschooldayandleaveamessageforateachertocallthem.
Pleasenote:teachersmayneverbecalledawayfromtheirclassduringschoolhourswhentheyareresponsiblefor theirstudents Parentsmaynotvisittheclassroomunannounced
Contacting the Principal
Whenyouhaveaconcern,pleasecontactyourchild’steacherimmediatelyviaemailtomakeanappointmentto discussthesituationwiththeteacherfirst Ifyouandtheteacherneedsupportorcannotresolvetheissue,please contacttheschoolofficetomakeanappointmenttomeetwiththeprincipal Theprincipalreservesblocksoftime eachweektomeetwithparentsandguardians,andtheschoolleaderswelcomeopportunitiestodiscussyour childrenandtheschool.Webelievewearebetterasacommunityandweareeagertoworktogether.
Pleaseunderstandthattheprincipal’sdaysareheavilyscheduledwithclassroomobservations,teachermeetings, parentconversations,studentmeetings,andtheoperationsoftheschool Itisnotalwayspossiblefortheprincipalto takeanunscheduledmeetingwithoutnotice.Byschedulinganappointment,theprincipalcandedicatetheir undividedattentiontoyouandyourchild
Costs
Registration Fee
SaintFrancisSchoolrequiresaregistrationfee,whichservesasanon-refundabledepositwhich guaranteesyour child’splaceintheclassroom.Theregistrationfeedefraysthecostsofsometextbooksandworkbooks,some classroomsupplies,andofficesupplies,anditsupportseffortstoprovideassessmentsofyourchild’slearningand growth.Thisfeeisexpectedtobepaidbeforeforthecomingschoolyearoruponregistration.
Tuition & Scholarships
Publishedtuitionforthe2023-2024schoolyearis$9,155
Studentswhosefamiliesmeetresidencyrequirements mayapplyfortheClevelandScholarshipandTutoringProgram.Otherstudentsmaybeeligible,dependingontheir publicschooldistrict,theirincome,orotherqualifications,forEdChoiceorEdChoiceExpansionScholarships,or theJonPetersonScholarshiptosatisfytuitionobligations.
12
StatescholarshipchecksfromtheCleveland,EdChoice,andJonPetersonScholarshipsaresenttotheschool periodicallyduringtheschoolyear Parentsareaskedtocompleteachecksigningauthorizationformthatallowsthe schooltoprocessscholarshippaymentsefficiently Familiesthatdonothavechecksigningauthorizationsonfile mustcomeintotheofficetosigntheircheckswhentheyarereceived Theschoolwillnotifyparentswhenchecks areavailabletobesigned Reportcards,diplomas,andtranscriptsmaybewithheldfornonpaymentofdebtsowedto theschool Thisincludespaymentsowedfortuitionoranyotheroutstandingfees
Refunds
Theregistrationfeeholdsthechild'splaceandisnon-refundable.Allprepaidtuitionisrefundableatthetimeof withdrawalonaproratedbasis Thedailytuitionrateistheannualtuitiondividedby180schooldays Any outstandingfeeswillbesubtractedfromarefundbeforearefundwillbeissued.
Methods of Payments
SaintFrancisSchoolacceptsallpaymentsviacheck,cashorcreditcard FACTSisused tomakepayments All checksmustbemadepayabletoSaintFrancisSchool.
DailySchedule
Theschoolofficeisopen from7:15amto4:00pmMonday-Friday
Doorsopenat7:30andstudentsshouldarriveby7:45am
Studentsaredismissedstartingat3:30pm Busridersandwalkersaredismissedfirstfollowedbycar-riders CarridersaredismissedtoMyronAvenue.
Preschoolstudentsaredismissedat3:10pmbythefrontdoors Parentsofpreschoolstudentsmustsigninandout onadailybasis.
Early Dismissal
Dismissal is at 2:00 PM every Friday, except on thefirstFridayeachmonth,whenschoolisdismissedat12:00PM Pleaserefertotheschoolcalendarforthesedates.
Early Departure
Webelieveeveryminutematterswhenitcomestostudentlearning,soweaskthatparentstrytoscheduledoctorand dentalappointmentsoutsideofschooltimewheneverpossible.Whenstudentsneedtoleaveschoolearly,theymust eitherbringanotefromaparenttotheirhomeroomteacherthatmorningoraparentshouldcalltheofficeandletthe staffknow.Theymustbepickedupandsignedoutintheschoolofficebyaparentordesignatedadult.Studentsmay notleavecampusforanyreasonwithoutpermissionfromschoolleadership Studentsthatleaveschoolbefore11:00 am,willbemarkedabsentforthatentiredayifanoteisnotpresentedinthemorning
Health Allergies
Ifyourchildhasallergies,pleasenotifytheschooloftheallergyandanymedicationneeds Epi-pensandother medicationsmaybekeptintheoffice(see“Medication,”below) Studentsmustbeawareoftheirownallergies, symptoms,medicationneedsand/orreactions. Ifachildisexposedorexperiencessymptoms,thestudentshould notifyanadultimmediately Iforderingfromtheschoollunchprogram,theparentshouldorderlunchesthatwillnot causeanallergicreaction.
Contagious Illness
Ifyoususpectyourchildhasstrepthroat,theflu,oranothercontagiousillness,pleasecontactyourphysician. Studentsmaynotreturntoschooluntiltheyhavebeenonmedicationfor24hoursandmusthaveareturn-to-school clearancefromthedoctor’soffice.Pleasekeepyourchildhomeuntilthechildiswellenoughtoparticipateinthe fullschoolday,includingallclasses,recess,PE,etc
Whenachildhasbeendiagnosedwithcontagiousillness,parentsmustnotifytheschool Becausewearemadefor eachother,wealwaysnotifythefamiliesofotherstudentswhohavebeeninclosecontactwithacontagiouschildof anillnessintheirclass
13
Emergencies, Accidents, & Illness during the School Day Firstaidwillbegivenforminorcuts,scrapes,andbruises Theschoolwillcontactparentsassoonaspossiblewhen astudentbecomesilloranaccidentoccurs Studentsmustinformateacherortheofficeofanyinjuryreceivedat school Parentsareaskedtomakearrangementstohavethechildtakenhome Atthebeginningoftheyear,parents mustcompletetheEmergencyMedicalAuthorizationform,whichindicateswhotheschoolwillcontactifthe schoolisunabletoreachaparent Maintainingup-to-datephonenumbersandemergencycontactswiththeschoolis critical.
Beforethestudentcanbereleasedfromschool,theparentorauthorizedemergencycontactmustcometotheoffice tosignthestudentout Studentsmaynotleavethebuildingwithanyoneexceptparentsorthosenamedonthe EmergencyMedicalAuthorizationform. Inanemergency,iftheparentneedstosendsomeonenotonthe authorizedlist,theparentmustcalltheschool,andphotoidentificationmustbepresentedtotheoffice
Immunization
Studentimmunizationrecordsmustbekeptup-to-date Studentswithoutupdatedimmunizationrecordsbythe15th dayofschoolarenotpermittedtoattendschool,byOhiostatelaw.Theschoolwillnotifyparentswhenrecordsneed tobeupdated
Medication
Whenstudentsneedtohavemedicationadministeredbyschoolpersonnel,pleasefollowtheseguidelines:
1. Writtenrequestsmustbeobtainedfromthephysicianandtheparentbeforeschoolpersonnelmay administeranyprescriptionmedication Writtenrequestsfromtheparent/guardianmustbeobtainedforany non-prescriptionmedication. Therequestmustincludeinstructionsastothenameofmedication,dosage, time,anddurationofmedication,andpossiblesideeffects
2 Medicationmustbeintheoriginalcontainersandhaveanaffixedlabelincludingstudent'sname,nameof medication,dosage,directions,andtimeofadministration
3 Allmedicationmustbeturnedintotheofficewhenthestudentarrivesatschool
4 Newrequestformsmustbesubmittedeachtimeamedicationisprescribedandatthebeginningofeach schoolyearforongoingmedication Formsareavailableintheschooloffice
Notifying the School about Health Conditions
Therearesomehealthconditionsparentsshoulddiscusswithschoolleaders,sothatwemaycollaborateinour sharedmissiontoensurethechildflourishes.Whenchildrenhaveconditionsthatinvolvelong-termtreatment(such ascancer),dailymonitoringofvitalmetrics(suchasdiabetes),orsymptomsthatmayaffectstudentlife(suchas severeallergiesandasthma),itcanbeimportantforteachersandschoolleaderstobeawareoftheirstudents’ situationssothattheycanfullysupportthem Othertimes,parentsmayjustwanttomaketheschoolawareofhealth conditions;forexample,itcanbeimportantforschoolleaderstobeawareofstudentswhohavecompromised immunesystemsorseverefoodallergies
Pregnancy
Webelieveinthevalueanddignityofeachhumanlife Webelievethatwearebettertogether:astudentwho becomespregnantwillnotautomaticallybedismissedfromschool.Ifastudentbecomespregnantorparticipatesin apregnancy,parentsshouldnotifytheschoolleader A complete copy of the Pregnancy Policy is available in the office
Screenings
Theschoolprovidesperiodicvisionandhearingassessments,heightandweightmeasurementsandscreeningfor postureconditionstoprovideearlyscreeningsforimportantconditionsthatcanaffectstudentlearning Parentsare notifiedwhenfurtheractionisrecommended
BreakfastandLunch
AtSaintFrancisSchool,allstudentscanreceivebreakfastandahealthyluncheachdayofthe2023-2024school yearatnochargetoyourhousehold Noactionisrequiredofyou Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmitan application.
14
Studentsmayalsobringtheirlunchfromhome Studentshavetimebuiltintotheirdaytohaveahealthysnack broughtfromhome(nocandy,please Noglasscontainersorcarbonatedbeveragesarepermitted
SeparatingfromtheSaintFrancisSchoolCommunity
WebelievethateverychildcanlearnandthattheyaremadeintheimageandlikenessofGod Weexpectthatallof ourstudentswillgraduatefromSaintFrancisSchool,thoughwerecognizethattherearesomecircumstancesthat mayarisewhichleadtothedepartureofsomechildrenfromourcommunity Pleaseknowthatwebelievethatwe arebetterasacommunity,andwecommittokeepingallofourstudents presentandpast,includingthosewho haveleftourschoolforanyreason closeinprayereverydaywhenwegatherasacommunityinprayer
Dismissal
Theeducationofastudentisapartnershipamongtheparents,thestudent,andtheschool Therearecertain circumstancesthatrequirethatourschoolleadersexercisetheirrighttorequirethewithdrawalofastudent,and thesecircumstancesaredeterminedattheschool’sdiscretion Whenschoolleadersdetermine,inconversationwith Partnershipnetworkleaders,thatthebestwayfortheschoolcommunitytoflourishmovingforwardisforthe studentandtheschooltoseparate,theleaderswillrequireparentstowithdrawthestudentfromtheschool
Withdrawal/Transfer
Ifaparentchoosestowithdrawastudentfromschool,weaskfamiliestoprovidetheschoolwith24-hours’notice beforetheeffectivedateofwithdrawal.Uponnotification,theschoolwillprovideareleaseofinformationformfor theparenttosign Parentswillalsoreceiveawithdrawalformandthechild’slatestreportcardtotaketothechild's newschool.Parentswillbenotifiedofanyoutstandingbalancesontuitionorfees,whichmustbepaid.
Thenewschoolwillrequestcopiesofpermanentrecords,testscores,andhealthrecordsfromSaintFrancisSchool directly Recordswillnotbegiventoparents Academicrecordswillnotbereleaseduntilanyoutstandingfinancial obligationstoSaintFrancisaremet
Transportation Walkers
Studentsshouldwalkwithcautioninthestreetandshouldneverrunoutfrombetweenparkedormovingcars At dismissaltherearecrossingguardsatthecrosswalksandstudentsareexpectedtolistentothedirectionsgivenby themwhencrossingthestreet StudentsrepresentourschoolcommunityontheirwaytoandfromSt Francis School Pushing,roughplay,running,orthrowingobjects(includingsnowballs)areprohibitedontheirwayto schoolandhome
Car Riders
Studentsbeingdroppedofforpickedupmustwaitfortheinstructionofastaffmembertoexitorenterthecar safely.Studentsmustbepickedupatdismissaltime. ThereisnoextendeddayatSt.FrancisSchool.
School Bus Riders
StudentsaretorepresenttheSaintFranciscommunityandliveourbeliefsandvaluesonthebusjustastheydoat school. Atdismissal,studentsshouldproceedtotheirbusinawaythatdoesnotdisrupttheschoolcommunity. Studentsareresponsibleforadheringtobussafetyregulationsestablishedbytheindividualschooldistricts Studentswhodonotmeetbehaviorexpectationsonthebusmaylosetheprivilegeofbustransportation.
Bus Safety Rules
Studentsshall:
● Followalldirectionsfromthebusdriver.
● Stayintheirseatsandkeepaislesandexitsclear
● Keepallpartsoftheirbodiesinsidethebus
● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes.
● Neverthrowanobjectinoroutofamovingvehicle
● Keeptheirhandsandbodiestothemselves.
● Boardandleavethebusattheirdesignatedlocationunlesstheyhaveparentalandadministrativeapproval
15
Abusdrivermayneverbedistracted Eachbusdriverwillreviewbussafetyrulesandprocedureswithstudentson hisorherbus Thesameexpectationsintheclassroomapplytothebus Studentsmustlistentoandrespondtoall instructionsfromthedriverpromptlyandrespectfully Busviolationsmayresultinschoolconsequencessuchas detentionorsuspensionfromthebus Suspensionfromtheschoolbusdoesnotexcusethestudentfromattending school
VisitorstotheSchool
Allvisitorstotheschoolbuilding,atanytimeduringtheday,mustreporttotheschooloffice Parentsplanningto visitclassroomsmustreporttotheofficeuponarrival
Weather-RelatedSchoolClosure
SaintFrancisSchoolcloseswhenevertheClevelandPublicSchoolscloseforweatherrelatedreasons Wemayalso choosetocloseindependently PleaselistentomajorCleveland radioorTVstationsforschoolclosingwhen weatherisquestionable Pleasedonotcalltheschool
Section4:SchoolPolicies
ChildProtection
Thedignityofeverychildissacred Theflourishingofeachchildisourmission,andkeepingyourchildsafeis paramounttous.InkeepingwiththeCharterfortheProtectionofChildrenandYoungPeopleoftheUSCongressof CatholicBishops,ourschoolcomplieswiththeStandardsofConductforMinistryandthePolicyfortheSafetyof ChildreninMattersofSexualAbuseoftheDioceseofCleveland.
Child Abuse
Teachers,leaders,andallmembersoftheSaintFrancisteamarelegallyobligatedtoreportanysuspectedcasesof childabuseorneglecttotheproperagency. Insoreporting,noallegationismadeagainstaparentorcaregiver. Rather,itisajudgmentbytheschoolreporterthatthechildmaybepresentingsignsofabuseorneglect Thisisa responsibilitywetakeseriously,anchoredinourbeliefthatwearemadeforeachotherandourloveforeachchildin ourcommunity
DressCode
Webelievethatwearebetterasacommunity,andthatthelittlethingsmatter.Eachmorning,weaskstudentsto wearauniformandadheretoadresscodethatemphasizestheirexcellence,affirmstheirmembershipinour community,andensuresthattheycanfocusonourtoppriority:rigorousacademicinstructionandhumanformation Inourbeliefthatallstudentscanlearn,ourdresscoderemovesdistractionsfromlearningandreinforcesour communityidentitywhileinstillingthepridethatcomeswithbeingamemberofateamthatis“dressedfor success”
StudentDressCode2022-2023
UniformisworndailyingradesK-8--Pleaselabelallofyourchild'sclothing.
Thedresscodeisineffectfromthefirstdayuntilthelastdayofschool.
Uniformsshouldbewornproudlyandstudentsshouldenterandleavethebuildingattiredinproperuniform.
Studentsshouldstriveforaneatandcleanappearanceatalltimes
16
BoysGradesK-8
K-3
4-8
Pants Khakiuniform pants Khakiuniform pants
Tops
*WhiteorNavy Bluepolowith
St.FrancisLogo
Orbuttondown whitedressshirt withSt.Francis tie
Sweaters *V-Neck Cardigan, Pullover,orVest
WithSt.Francis logo
*WhiteorNavy Bluepolowith
St.FrancisLogo
Orbuttondown whitedressshirt withSt.Francis tie
*V-Neck Cardigan, Pullover,orVest
WithSt.Francis logo
Tie Navybluewith St.Francislogo Navybluewith St.Francislogo
Socks White,Navy, Khaki White,Navy, Khaki
Notes
Notes
NoCargopants Noskinnyleg pants
Navy,Dark Green,Grey
Belt Brownorblack belt Nolargeor decorative buckles
Shoes Rubber Black, beclosed and *FromSchoolBelles
17
ShoeIdeas:
GirlsK-8
K-3
4-8
Notes
Pants Khakiuniform pants Khakiuniform pants NoCargoPants Noskinnyleg pants
Jumpers/Skirts *St.Francis PlaidJumper
Tops WithJumpers: WhiteBlouse orKnitPolo withpeterpan orpointed collar
Sweaters *V-Neck Cardigan, Pullover,or Vest
WithSt. Francislogo
Hosiery WithJumpers: Knee-high socksortights
Beltwithpants
*St.Francis Knee-Length PlaidSkirt
*Whiteor NavyBluepolo withSt.Francis Logo
*V-Neck Cardigan, Pullover,or Vest WithSt. Francislogo
WithSkirts: Knee-high socksortights
Navy,Dark Green,Grey
Colors:White, Navy,Khaki
Brownorblack Nolargeor decorative buckles
18
Shoes
ShoeIdeas:
Rubbersoled Black,Navy, Brown
Rubbersoled Black,Navy, Brown
closed SchoolBelles
PreschoolStudents: Arenot required tobeintheschooluniform
Phys-Ed:SchoollogoNavyT-shirtwithschoollogoGymshortorsweatpant
*****GymuniformiswornalldayonPEdays. Tennisshoesareallowedtobewornongymdays only. Shoesshouldbesafeforphysicalactivityandhavenonstreakingrubbersoles.
JewelryandAccessories:
Earringsarelimitedtoonepairofpostearringswhichmaynotextendbeyondtheearlobe. Oneschoolappropriate necklaceandbracelet Nootherbodypiercingsarepermitted
Onewristwatchispermitted Nosmartwatchesarepermitted
Nohats,bandannas,orheadscarves Noanimalearheadbandsorsuchotherheadbandsarepermitted Girlsmay wearschoolplaidheadbandsorheadbandsinsolidschoolcolors.Navy,HunterGreen,Grey
Make-Up:
K-5:Nomake-upisallowed
19
6-8:Girlsmaywearasmallamountofnaturallookingmake-up Nailpolishispermitted Nailsmustberoundedand short Principal,teachers,andstaffhavetherighttodecidewhatisnaturallookingmake-upandasuitablemanicure
Boys:Nomakeupornailpolishispermitted
Tattoos:
Novisibletattoos,permanentortemporary,arepermitted
Hair:
Mustbeneatlygroomedwithnoextremehairstylesorunnaturalcoloring.Haircoloring/highlightscanonlybe naturalhaircolors. Girlsmayaddafewcolorfulhairextensionstotheirbraids. Hairmaynotbeworncovering eyesandface Teachersorschoolstaffmayrequestthatloosehairorbraidsbetiedback
Hairstylesshouldnotdistractfromstudentlearning Hairstylesthatdistractfromstudentlearningwillnotbe permitted;thisincludesshaveddesigns.
Non-uniformDays:Whenstudentsarepermittedtobeoutofuniform,includingbirthdays,fieldtrips,andother occasions,theserulesmustbefollowed
Studentscanchoosetowearanoutfitthatisinkeepingwiththecodeofmodestyandrespectthatwesupportasa Catholicschool.Clothingshouldneverbetight,revealing,orsuggestive.
Studentsmaydressupordressdown
•Jeans,khakistylepants,sweatpants,orjoggerswithnoripsorholes,aretobeworn
•Notank,sleeveless,orthinstrappedtops
•Notopsthatarerevealing,havelowcutnecklines,orexposebaremidriffswhensitting,stretching,bendingover, orstooping.
•Nopajamapants,pantswithripsorholesoranypantswithwritingontheback.
•Pantsmaynotbewornloworsagging.
•Noskirtsordressesshorterthantopofknee
•Yogapantsarenotpermitted
•Leggingsarenotconsidered“pants” Leggingsmayonlybewornunderaskirtordress Leggingsmaynotbeworn withjustablouseorsweatertop.
20
•Noshortsmaybewornunlesstheyarekneelength,suchasBermudashorts
•Capristylepantsmaybeworn
•Shoesmaybetennis,school,ordressshoes
•Noflip-flops,slides,sandalsofanykind,noworkboots,orshoeswithheelshigherthanoneinch
ParentsunderstandthatoncetheyenrollatSt.FrancisSchoolaschooluniformismandatoryandistobe wornproperly.ParentsarenotrequiredtopurchaseallitemsfromSchoolbelles,butareresponsibleto purchaseitemsthatarethesameastheonessoldatSchoolbelles.
Itistheresponsibilityoftheparentstomakesuretheirchildrenarewearingtheuniformandwearingit properly.Principal’sdecisionisfinal.
*Failuretofollowthedresscodewillresultinadresscodeviolation
AdditionalDressCodeNotes:
● Uniformslookalike!Pleaseputyourchild’snameontheiruniformpieces.
● Schooluniformsshouldbeneat,clean,andproperlysized
● Snowbootsmaynotbewornintheclassrooms Ifastudentwearsbootstoschool,he/shemustchangeinto uniformshoesbeforecomingintotheclassroom.
● StudentsmayfollowthedressupordressdowncodesforBirthdays.
● StudentsshoulddressupforPictureDay
● Perfume,cologne,andspraydeodorantsoranyotherspraybottlesmaynotbeusedatschool Rollon deodorantshouldbeworndaily.
*ThefinaldecisionsastowhetherornotastudentisinviolationofthedresscodelieswithSt.FrancisSchool leaders,teachers,andstaff.
**** The 23-24 school year will be a transitional year for school uniforms. St. Francis has a new logo but students who already have clothes with the former logo can continue to wear those for this school year. Starting with the 24-25 school year, all students will be wearing the new school logo.
BehaviorExpectations
Guiding Beliefs
“Seeeverything,overlookagreatdeal,correctalittle.”
ThesewordsofSaintPopeJohnthe23rd remindusthattheworkofformationistopayattentiontoourmistakes, forgivethem,andextendgracetoourselvesandthoseinourcommunitywhoareworkingtomeetourexpectations Weshapethefuture,butwearenotthereyet,andwhilechildrenareintheprocessofformation,therewillbetimes
21
whentheydonotmeetexpectations
OurCatholicworldviewholdsthatwecanalwaysgetbetter,soweseestudent failurestoliveuptoexpectationsasdevelopmentallynormalopportunitiesforlearningandgrowth
Allactionstakenonthepartofthefacultyandstafftoaddressfailurestomeetexpectationsshallbealignedwithour beliefthateachstudentismadeintheimageandlikenessofGod Thegoalsofanydisciplinaryactionsaretohelp studentstolearnself-discipline,whichstrengthensandpromotesthevaluesincorporatedinourCatholicfaith community Astheschoolbuildscommunity,itdevelopsinstudentstheawarenessthatsensiblerulesserveto safeguardtheindividual'sfreedomandprovideanatmosphereconducivetolearning Ourdisciplinarymeasures haveastheirendtheflourishingofthehumanpersonincommunity.
Byenrollingachildinthisschool,theparentagreestosupporttherulesthattheschoolidentifiesascriticalinthe spiritual,academic,andcharactergrowthofthechild
Our Approach
Teacherssetexpectationsforbehaviorintheirclassroomsandholdstudentsaccountableforadheringtotherituals, routines,andproceduresofthedailylifeoftheschoolday
Mostbehaviorincidentsarehandledintheclassroom,byteachers,accordingtoprocedures,policies,and expectationsestablishedbytheclassroomteacher.Studentsareexpectedtomeettheexpectationsforbehaviorof theirclassroomteacherandotherexpectationsthroughouttheschoolday Typically,teacherswillensurethat studentsmeettheexpectationsdescribedbelow,whicharealldirectedtowardmaximizinglearning,ensuringsafety, anddevelopingastrongcommunity
Studentswillbeexpectedto:
● Followteacherandschoolleaderdirections.
● Meetspecificclassroomexpectationssetbytheteacher(ie,raisehandbeforespeaking,remaininseat unlessgivenpermissiontogetup,keepvoiceatwhisperlevelduringpair-shareactivity,etc)
● Takepropercareofbooks,desks,andotherschoolproperty.
● Participateactivelyinclassandassemblies
● Demonstraterespectandreverenceatprayerandliturgies.
● Adheretothedresscode
● Maximizelearningforallotherstudentsinyourclassroomandothersbybeingquietinhallways, bathrooms,andstairways
● Goonlytolocationswherethestudenthaspermissiontobe
● Eatfoodonlywherepermitted
● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes
● Takesafetydrillsseriously.
● SeeGod’sfaceinallpeople,andtreatteachers,aides,staff,schoolleaders,andotherstudentswithdignity
● Returnsignedbehaviornotificationstoschoolpromptly.
● Interactandplaysafelyontheplaygroundandinthegym
● Befriendlyandpatientatalltimes,andkeephandsandbodiestoself
Whenstudentsdonotmeettheseexpectations,disciplinarysituations typicallyminorandeasilyredirectedor corrected arise Teachershandledisciplinarysituationswithstudentsdirectlyforminorclassroomdisruptions(ie, notcomingpreparedtoclass;notbeinginthecompleteschooluniform;notcompletingassignedhomework;minor verbaldisputeswithotherclassmates). Whennecessary,teachersnotifyparentsofclassroomproblemsandaskfor helptoensurethatinappropriatebehaviorismodified
Someclassroomdisciplineissueswillbereferredbyteachersorstaffmemberstotheprincipal Thesewould includechronicminorproblemslistedaboveormajorproblems(i.e.,chroniclateness;verbalabuseoftheteacherby achild;signsofdisrespecttoateacheroranotheradultonthestaff;fighting;physical,sexual,orverbalharassment orbullyingofafellowstudent;violentbehavior;stealing;smoking;vandalism;orthepossessionofdrugs,drug paraphernalia,cigarettes,alcohol,dangerousitemsoraweapon) Schoolleaderswillconsidereachcase individuallytodeterminehowbesttorespond.
22
Ourprogressivedisciplinesystemallowsstudentswhodonotmeetexpectationsforbehaviorinminorwaystolearn frommistakes,shiftcourse,andavoidseveresanctions Repeatedviolations,however,willincurincreasinglysevere consequences,uptoandincludingsuspensionfromschoolorarequesttowithdrawfromtheschoolcommunity
Serious Breaches of Community Formoreseriousactionsthatcausesignificantharmtothecommunity,suchas,butnotlimitedto,fighting,stealing, vandalism,andharassment,thestudentmayimmediatelybesuspendedforaperiodofonetofivedays Incasesof vandalism,theparentmustpaythefullcostoftherepairorreplacementoftheitembeforethechildmayreturnto school Incasesoftheft,theitemmusteitherbereturnedingoodconditionorthecostofreplacementbeborneby theparentbeforethechildcanreturntoschool.
Therearesomeincidentswhenactionscanrupturethetrustofacommunity;somerupturesrequiretimetohealand grow Therearesomeactionsthatmakeitdifficult,andattimesimpossible,forastudentorthecommunityto flourishunlessthestudentseparatesfromtheschool.
Theseincidentsmightinclude:
● Apparentgang-relatedactivity(seeGangPolicy)
● Physicalfightingandhitting
● Disrespectformembersofthecommunity
● Destructionofproperty
● Possessionofweaponsorabusivesubstances
● Disruptionofthelearningenvironment
● Harassment(seeHarassmentPolicy)
● Threats(seeThreatPolicy)
● Theft
● Dishonesty
● CyberBullying
Incaseswhereachildengagesinafightwhichcausesinjurytoanotherchildoradult,thepolicemaybesummoned and,then,theparentswillbenotified. Likewise,parentswillbenotifiedandthepolicemaybesummonedifachild isfoundtobeinthepossessionofdrugsoralcohol Theschoolreservestherighttorequestanexpulsionfromthe SuperintendentofSchoolsforsuchanoffense.
Ifachildbringsaweapontoschool,thepolicearesummoned,andthentheparentsarecalled. Theschoolreserves therighttorequestexpulsionbytheSuperintendentofSchoolsforanyseriousoffense
Individual-directedthreatsofviolenceorharmcommunicateddirectlyorindirectlybyanymeans,aswellas building-directedthreatsofviolenceorharmcommunicateddirectlyorindirectlybyanymeans(e.g.,shooting, bombthreats),ortoharmstudents,employees,orvisitorsaretakenseriously Uponknowledgeofthethreats,the principalwillnotifytheSuperintendentanddeterminethecourseofactiontobetaken,whichmayinclude contactingparents,callinglawenforcement,requiringamentalhealthreferral,and/orexpulsion Acompletecopyof thethreatpolicycanbefoundintheappendix.
Itistheexpectationofthisschoolthatstudentbehaviorisexemplarybothonandoffschoolgrounds. A studentalwaysrepresentstheentireschoolcommunity. Therefore,theschoolreservestherighttodiscipline studentsforactssuchas,butnotlimitedto:stealing,fighting,vandalism,destructiveuseofsocialmedia, bullyingoranyothertypeofthreateningorinappropriatemisconduct(personally,viatelephone,orthe internet). Suchmisconductcouldresultinpunishmentsincludingsuspensionand/orexpulsion.
Lastly,astudent’sarrestforacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,withinorbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,atany timecouldresultinthestudent’ssuspensionorexpulsion Convictionofacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,within orbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,mayresultinexpulsion
23
Consequences & Processes
Lunch/Recess Detentions
Minorinfractionsofclassroomcodesofconduct,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowing,mayresultin lunch/recessdetentionsaftermultipleattemptstoredirectstudentsandwarnings:
● Excessivedisturbanceinclassrooms,hallways,bathrooms,orstairways
● Beinginplacesinthebuildingwithoutpermission
● Eatingfoodoutsidethecafeteria
● Usinginappropriatelanguage
● Misbehavingduringsafetydrills
● Disrespectingteachers,aides,staff,orschoolleaders
● Notreturningdetentions
● Notfollowingclassroom,cafeteriaorplaygroundrules
● Harassment
● Unwantedphysicalcontactwithanotherstudent,includinghitting.
Whenastudentreceivesadetention,studentswillreceiveaBehaviorNotificationwhichshouldbetakenhometo theirparents.ParentswillalsoreceivethesameBehaviorNotificationviaemail.
Behavior Contracts
Tosupportstudentswhostrugglechronicallytomeetbehaviorexpectations,schoolleadersandteachersmay developbehaviorcontracts Thegoalofabehaviorcontractistocreateaclearplanforimprovementandtoprovide studentswithsupporttobuildhealthyhabitstofullyparticipateinandcontributetoourlearningcommunity.
Ifthebehaviorcontractisnotsuccessful,itmayleadtosuspension,dismissalortonotbeingpermittedtoregister forthefollowingyear Someactionsthatruptureourcommunityseverely(includingbutnotlimitedtofightingand threats)mayresultin animmediatebehaviorcontract Allnewstudentswillbeplacedona9-Week Behavior/AcademicandAttendanceContract FailuretocomplymayresultinpermanentdismissalfromMetro Catholic
Suspension (In-School and Out-Of-School) and Expulsion
Insomecases,schoolleadersmaydeemanactionbyastudentsodisruptivetothecommunitythattheonlywayfor thechildandtheschoolcommunitytoflourishisforbothtoseparateviaexpulsion Thisdecisionistherightand responsibilityoftheadministration.Inothercases,schoolleadersmaydeterminethatatemporarysuspensionfrom schoolisappropriate Inthecaseofsuspensions,studentsmaymakeupquizzes,testsandprojects,butmaynot completeclassroomorparticipationworkforthedayssuspended.In-SchoolSuspension(ISS)canbegivento studentsasaresultofmultipledetentionsandchronicbehaviorinfractions StudentsreceivinganISSwillreportto homeroomandthenbeplacedinasecure,supervisedlocation.Studentswillnotparticipateinthedailyroutineof theirclassmates,butwillreceiveworktocompleteduringthedayandwillreceivelunchattheappropriatetime All decisionsarefinalandmadebytheprincipalwithclearknowledgetodeterminethebestcourseofactionforeach individualcase
Behavior Off-Campus
Itistheexpectationofthisschoolthatstudentbehaviorisexemplarybothonandoffschoolgrounds Astudent alwaysrepresentstheentireschoolcommunity. Therefore,theschoolreservestherighttodisciplinestudentsfor actsthatoccuroffcampussuchas,butnotlimitedto:stealing,fighting,vandalism,destructiveuseofsocialmedia, bullyingoranyothertypeofthreateningorinappropriatemisconduct(personally,viatelephone,ortheinternet). Suchmisconductcouldresultinpunishmentsincludingsuspensionand/orexpulsion
Astudent’sarrestforacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,withinorbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,atanytime couldresultinthestudent’ssuspensionorexpulsion Convictionofacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,withinor beyondthevicinityoftheschool,mayresultinexpulsion
MetroCatholicstudentsrepresenttheMetroCatholiccommunityatalltimes Allbehaviorexpectationsapplywhile astudentisoff-campus,includingtimespentridingonaschoolbus,eitheronafieldtriporwhilebeingtransported toorfromschool,andwhenonafieldtrip
24
Discretion: Inhumility,werecognizethatwemaynotforeseeeverysituationthatmightarise.Teachersandleaders may,attheirdiscretion,issuedetentionsorotherappropriatedisciplinemeasuresforbehaviorsthatarenotaligned withourbeliefsorvalues,includingforbehaviorsthatarenotspecifiedhere.
Fighting
Fighting,violentphysicalcontact,andplayfightingwillnotbepermittedinourschool
Ifachildisinvolvedinafight,heorshemaybesuspendedorexpelledfromschool,regardlessoftherolethe studentplayedduringthealtercation
Wheneveraphysicalaltercationtakesplace,theprincipalwillinvestigatetheincidenttodeterminethebestwayto moveforwardtostrengthentheschoolcommunityandtoensurethatallstudentscanreturntolearningasquicklyas possible.Thiswillincludedetermininganypotentialconsequencesforinvolvedstudents.
Sharinginformation
ItisthepolicyofSt FrancisSchooltospeakwithparentsonlyabouttheirownchildren Wewillneverdiscuss disciplinaryissuesorconsequencesgiventoanotherfamily’schildwithyou.Itiscommonforparentstoaskabout theconsequencesanotherchildhasreceivedafteranincident;pleaserememberthateachofourchildrenismadein theimageandlikenessofGod,andtheyareeachmadeforgreatness.Theymakemistakes,andtheygrowasa result Wewillnotshareyourchild’sconsequenceswithanyonebutyou,andwewillnotshareanotherchild’s consequenceswithyou.Ifyourchildisinanaltercationwithanotherchild,pleaserestassuredthatwewillnotshare thecontentsofourconversationsaboutyourchildortheirconsequenceswithanyotherfamily Atthesametime, pleasekeepinmindthatwewillnotdiscusstheotherchild’sconsequenceswithyou.
Harassment/Bullying/ConflictPolicy
Harassmentisbehaviorthatdemeans,humiliates,orembarrassesanotherperson.Itistypicallyintimidating,hostile, offensive,andonethatisrepeatedoveraperiodoftime
Bullyingisdifferentfromconflict,andithasalegaldefinition.Conflictisadisagreementorargumentin whichbothsidesexpresstheirviewsBullyingisnegativebehaviordirectedbysomeoneexertingpower andcontroloveranotherperson Itisunwanted,aggressivebehavioramongschool-agedchildrenthatis markedbyapowerimbalanceandistargetedtowardsomeonerepeatedly,overaperiodoftime
InOhio,bullyingislegallydefinedas“Anyintentionalwritten,verbal,electronic,orphysicalactthata studenthasexhibitedtowardanotherparticularstudentmorethanonceandthebehaviorboth:
(i)Causesmentalorphysicalharmtotheotherstudent;
(ii)Issufficientlysevere,persistent,orpervasivethatitcreatesanintimidating,threatening,orabusive educationalenvironmentfortheotherstudent
TheSt FrancisSchoolteambelievesthatwearemadeintheimageandlikenessofGodandthatweare betterasacommunity Wewillnottolerateharassmentorbullyingofanytype,andappropriate disciplinaryactionwillbetakenwhenitoccurs Disciplinaryactionmayincludesuspensionorexpulsion, thoughwerecognizethatchildrenwhoengageinbullyingare,likethosetheybully,alsomadeinthe imageandlikenessofGod.Often,theyarethemselvesmostinneedofformationandourcommunitymay bebestservedbyprovidingthatformationthroughconsequencesandreconciliation Atothertimes,the bullyingmayrupturethecommunitysoseverelythatseparationmaybenecessary.Thesedecisionsareat thediscretionoftheprincipalwiththeapprovalofthesuperintendent
Noteacherorstaffmemberwillknowinglyalloworparticipateinharassmentbetweenstudentsorallow inappropriateconversationsaboutstudentsoranymemberoftheschoolcommunitytotakeplaceinhis/her
25
presence Examplesofharassmentinclude,butarenotlimitedto,verbalorwrittentaunting,bullying, offensive,intimidating,orhostileconduct, jokes,stories,pictures,cartoons,drawingsorobjectswhich offend,annoy,abuseordemeananindividualorgroup
SocialMediaBullying(CyberBullying)Policy
Bullyingthroughsocialmediaisnotpermittedinourschoolcommunity Threats,harassmentofanysort,pictures, videos,gestures,orinsinuationofthesetypesofactivitiesintendedtooffend,annoy,tauntorintimidateanother studentwillbesubjecttoimmediatedisciplinaryaction,whichmayincludesuspensionorexpulsion Itmayalsobe necessarytoinvolvelawenforcementincertainsituations.
Acompletecopyoftheharassment/bullyingpolicyisonfileintheoffice.
Phones/ElectronicsPolicy
Cellphonesandelectronicdevicesarenotallowedtobeusedduringtheschoolday.Smartwatchesmaynotbe worn Studentsmaybringdevicestoschoolattheparent’sdiscretionandrisk Devicesmustbeturnedoffduringthe schooldayandgiventothestudent’steacheruponarrival Deviceswillbekeptintheoffice Devicesthatare notturnedinandareseenorheardwillbeconfiscated,andwillonlybereleasedtoaparent Thesecondtimea deviceisconfiscated(andeachtimethereafter),parentsmayretrievetheitemforafeeof$2500 Theschoolisnot responsibleforbroken,lost,misplaced,orstolendevicesthatareinthepossessionofthestudent St FrancisSchool maysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshavereasontobelievethatthe studentpossessesadevice
SexualHarassment
Sexualharassmentincludes,butisnotlimitedto,thefollowingspecificinstances:verbalsexualabuse; disseminatingobsceneorsexuallyexplicitmaterial,whetherintheformofmusic,writtenlyrics,pornographic picturesorotherliterature,orhavingsuchmaterialinone’spossessionintheschool,onschoolgroundsorat school-sponsoredactivities;obsceneorsexuallyexplicitgraffitianywhereintheschoolorontheschoolgrounds; continuingandunwantedwrittenororalcommunicationdirectedtoanotherofasexualnature;spreadingsexual rumors/innuendoes;obsceneT-shirts,hatsorbuttons;touchingoneselfsexuallyinfrontofothers;obsceneand/or sexuallyexplicitgestures;andanyotherinappropriatebehaviorofasexuallyexplicitorobscenenaturethatdemeans oroffendstherecipient.Theabovelistisnotmeanttobeall-inclusive,butisintendedtoprovideguidanceasto whatmayconstitutesexualharassment Isolated,trivialincidentsarenotsufficienttoconstitutesexualharassment andwillbehandledaccordingtothestudentbehaviorcode.Acompletecopyoftheharassmentpolicycanbefound intheappendix
SubstanceAbuse
Substanceabuseisaserioushealthproblemandshouldnotbetakenlightly AcompletecopyoftheSubstance AbusePolicycanbefoundintheappendix.
Theft
Wearebetterasacommunity,sowerespecteachother’sbelongings Whilewetrustourcommunity,wediscourage studentsfromkeepingexpensiveitemsofclothingorvaluablesintheirbookbags Theschoolisnotresponsiblefor lostorstolenobjectsofanykind
St.FrancisSchoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshave reasontobelievethatthestudentpossessesstolen/missingitems
Wetakerespectforeachothers’belongingsseriously;theftisaseriousbreachofcommunitytrustthatmayrequire notificationofthepoliceandcouldresultinimmediatesuspensionorexpulsion.
Threats
Godisinallthings Threatsofbodilyharmtoselforothersaretakenseriously Studentswhobecomeawareofa threatshouldreportittoanadultimmediately.Studentswhothreatenharmtofellowstudents,teachers,leaders, themselves,orothersgravelydisruptcommunitytrust Theiractionsmaywarrantnotificationofthepoliceand
26
couldresultinimmediatesuspensionorexpulsion Acompletecopyofthethreatpolicycanbefoundinthe appendix
Weapons
St FrancisSchoolprovidesasafe,secureeducationalenvironmentforstudentlearning Studentswhobringor threatentobringweaponstoschoolbreakthecommunitytrustandaresubjecttodisciplinaryaction Theiractions maywarrantnotificationofthepoliceandcouldresultinimmediatesuspensionorexpulsion Acompletecopyof theWeaponsPolicycanbefoundintheAppendix
YouthGangsPolicy
Participationofstudentsinyouthgangsandgang-relatedactivityareprohibited.AcompletecopyoftheYouth GangsPolicycanbefoundintheAppendix
Section4:SpecialPrograms
Assemblies
Educationalandculturalassembliescoveringsuchareasasscience,music,art,drama,self-esteem,safetyandhealth areofferedthroughouttheyear.Grantmoneyandfund-raisingprofitsareusedtopayfortheseopportunities.
LunchProgram
AtSt FrancisSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceiveahealthyluncheachdayofthe2023-2024schoolyearatno chargetoyourhousehold.Noactionisrequiredofyou.Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmitanapplication.
FieldTrips
Fieldtripscanbeopportunitiestodeepenstudentlearningoutsidetheclassroom Theyarearrangedoccasionally duringtheschoolyeartoprovidenewexperiencesandenrichmentandaresupervisedbyteachers,aidesand sometimesbyparentvolunteers Parentsmustsignadiocesanpermissionslipbeforeanychildmayleavecampus Permissionmustbeinwritingandmaynotbegivenoverthetelephone Whenweleavecampus,werepresentthe St FrancisSchoolcommunitytoallofCleveland,andallexpectationsforstudentconductandengagementremain thesameasintheclassroom Studentswhodonotmeetconductexpectationsintheclassroommaynotbepermitted torepresentourcommunityonfieldtrips.
Ordinarily,studentsaretransportedtoandfromfieldtripsbybus.Inspecialcaseswhencarsareused,thedriversare requiredtoprovideacopyoftheirdriver'slicense Vehiclesmusthaveseatbeltsforeachchild
Emergency/CrisisPlan
Stepshavebeentakentoensureyourchild’ssafetywhileinschool.TheEmergencyandCrisisPlanshavebeen reviewedandupdatedforthecurrentschoolyear
StudentswillalsoparticipateintheALICE(Alert,Lockdown,Inform,Counter,Evacuate)Training:Instructorled activitiestoprovidepreparationandaplanforindividualsandorganizationsonhowtomoreproactivelyhandlethe threatofanaggressiveintruderoractiveshooterevent
27
Conclusion
TheSt FrancisSchoolleadershipteamhasattemptedtobethoroughinprovidingtheinformationinthisHandbook Werecognize,however,thatitisnotpossibletoforeseeeveryeventuality.Therefore,inallmatters,thejudgment anddecisionsoftheschoolleaderswillbefinal Thegreatestopportunityforgrowthandmaturityofstudentscomes fromcooperationamongtheschool,parents,andstudents.Consistentwiththisphilosophy,parentsandstudentswill participateinanydecisionasfaras,inthejudgmentoftheSchoolAdministration,itispracticable Astudent's enrollmentatSt.FrancisSchoolconstituteshis/herandhis/herparents'acceptanceofthetermssetforthinthis Handbookandinanysubsequentupdatesoradditions Parentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignayearlycontract statingthattheyagreetoupholdthepoliciesfoundinthisHandbook,andallotherdecisionsofSt.FrancisSchool leaders
HANDBOOK POLICIES ARE MEANT TO SERVE AS GUIDELINES AND ARE NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PRINCIPAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM TO MAKE THE FINAL DECISIONS ABOUT AN ISSUE/INCIDENT THAT MAY NOT BE SPECIFICALLY STATED IN THE PARENT/STUDENT CONTRACT
IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PARENTS AND STUDENT TO BE AWARE OF ANY POLICY CHANGES COMMUNICATED BY EMAIL, ANNOUNCEMENTS OR PARENT BULLETINS.
28
APPENDIX
SexualHarassmentPolicy
Procedurestofileasexualharassmentcomplaint: Studentsoremployeeswhobelievetheyhaveexperiencedsexualharassmentshallreportsuchmattertoan administrator,whoshallbetheinvestigatorforsexualharassmentcomplaints Thecomplaintshallbeasspecificaspossibleregardingdetails.
1 Theadministratorshallimmediatelyinvestigatethecomplaintandshall makewrittennotationsofthe specificallegations.
2 Informationtobeacquiredduringtheinvestigationofthecomplaint shallincludenamesofwitnesses, date(s),times,andthespecificchargeofsexualharassment.
3 Theneedforconfidentialityshallbestressed
4. Noreprisalswillbetoleratedagainstcomplainant(s),witness(es),or individual(s)involvedinthe investigation
5. Theadministratorshallmakeapromptdeterminationregardinganydisciplinaryaction.Noticeshallbe madetothepartiesregardingthedispositionoftheinvestigationconsistentwiththemandatesoftheFamily EducationalRightsandPrivacyAct
InvestigationProcedure
Uponreceivingacomplaintfromeitherastudentoraschoolemployee,theadministratorshalldiscussthe allegationswiththecomplainant-victimtoobtainastatementofthefacts(eg whatoccurred,when,where,by whom,namesofwitnesses).Allcomplaintsaretobetakenseriously.Itistheresponsibilityoftheadministratorto investigatepromptlyandimpartiallyallclaimsofsexualharassmentandtotakeappropriateandequitableaction
Partiesshallbegivenanopportunitytopresentwitnessesorotherevidenceduringtheinvestigation
Informationregardinganinvestigationofsexualharassmentshallbeconfidentialtotheextentpossible,andthose individualswhoareinvolvedintheinvestigationshallnotdiscussinformationregardingthecomplaintoutsidethe investigationprocess Nooneshallretaliateagainstanyemployeeorstudentbecausehe/shefiledasexual harassmentcomplaint,assistedorparticipatedinasexualharassmentchargeorbecausetheyhaveopposedlanguage orconductthatviolatesthispolicy Retaliationwillresultindisciplinaryaction Iftheinvestigatoristhealleged harasserorwitnesstotheincident,analternateinvestigatorshallbedesignated.
Whenacrimehasbeencommitted,thedesignatedadministratorwillimmediatelynotifythelocalpolicedepartment.
Aftertheinvestigationiscomplete,noticeoftheoutcomeshallbegiventothecomplainant(s)andalleged harasser(s)consistentwiththemandatesoftheFamilyEducationalRightsandPrivacyAct
Appropriatedisciplinaryactionshallbetakenwhenharassmenthasoccurred,andappropriateeffortsshallbetaken topreventreoccurrenceoftheharassment.
29
SubstanceAbusePolicy
St FrancisSchoolrecognizesthatalcoholanddrugabuseisaserioussocietalproblemthatdoesnotrespectany grouporage,andthatthedependencystageofalcoholanddrugabuseisatreatableillness.Healthandsocial problemsofyouthareprimarilytheresponsibilityofthefamily
AseducatorsintheChurch,we,inanefforttoprovideadrug-freeenvironment,callourselvestocharityand compassionforthesickandconcernforeachstudent Wealsorecognizethatwehaveanobligationtothecommon, aswellastheindividual,welfareofourpupils Continuingeducationalprogramsforparents,teachersandstudents conveythemessagethatdrugandalcoholabuseisharmfulandusageisnotpermitted Preventionprogramsare implementedatallgradelevels Appropriatesanctionsaretobeimposedonthosewhoviolateanyoftheprovisions ofthispolicyoranylocallaworstatuteconcerningillegalsubstances
Astudentinvolvedwithabusingchemicals,alcohol,breathsprays,tobaccoproducts,mood/mind/behavioraltering drugs,"look-alikes",ordrugparaphernaliaisinviolationofthelaw.Therefore,astudentshallneitherpossess,use, transmit,transfer,sellorconcealanyofthesesubstancesorparaphernalianorconsumeorpossessanyalcoholic beveragesorintoxicantsonschoolgrounds,orduringandimmediatelybeforeorafterschoolhours;onschool groundsatanyothertimewhentheschoolisbeingusedbyagroup;offschoolgroundsorwhileinanyplaceor locationforthepurposeoforrelatedtoattendanceataschoolsponsoredactivity,functionorevent;onaschoolbus orvehicle;oratanyothertimewhenthestudentissubjecttothesupervisionoftheschooloridentifiableasa St.FrancisSchoolstudentinsomeothersetting.Ifastudentarrivesatoneoftheabove-mentionedeventsin violationofthispolicy,theparentswillbenotifiedimmediately Thejudgmentofthechaperonesisfinalandthe studentmustleavetheactivityinthecompanyofaparent.
Intheeventofaviolation,disciplinaryprocedureswillbefollowed,uptoandincludingexpulsion.However,the schoolwilloffersupportivehelptothestudentandparentsincopingwiththeproblem Althoughthegoodofthe studentandtherespectanddignityofeachuniqueindividualremainsanimportantconsideration,thewell-being, properfunctioningandgreatergoodoftheentireschoolcommunitymustbeconsideredofprimaryimportance An atmospherefordevelopmentandcontinualgrowthinaCatholicenvironmentistobeensuredforall.
St.FrancisSchoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshave reasontobelievethatthestudentpossessesprohibitedsubstancesorparaphernalia
30
ThreatPolicy
Sincementalhealthprofessionalsarecontinuallyaddressingtheareaofriskassessmentforviolentorpotentially violentbehavior,thispolicywillbereviewedperiodicallyorasneeded
● Anyandallstudentthreatstoinflictanyharmtoselforothersmustbetakenseriouslyimmediately
● Whoeverhearsthethreatshouldreportitimmediatelytotheprincipal.
● Inappropriatecases,thepoliceshouldbenotifiedimmediately
● Ifthepolicearenotified,thestudentshouldbekeptintheprincipal’sofficeundersupervision
● Theparent/guardianofthestudentwhohasmadethethreatshallbenotifiedimmediately
● Anyadultortheparent/guardianofanystudentswhohavebeenverballymentionedaspotentialvictimsor listedinwritingaspotentialvictimsshallbenotifiedimmediately.
● Incertaincases,thestudentshouldbesuspendedandnotbeconsideredforreadmissiontoschooluntila comprehensivementalhealthevaluation/riskassessmenthasbeenconductedbyapsychiatrist/psychologist (Ph.D.).Ifapsychiatristperformstheprimaryevaluation,he/sheshalldeterminethenecessitytoutilizea psychologist(PhD)performstheprimaryevaluation,he/sheshalldeterminetheneedforpsychiatric consultation TheevaluationshallcomplywiththeprovisionsofORC230551
● Theprincipalshallprovidethementalhealthcareprofessional(psychiatristand/orPhD psychologist)with allrelevantfacts,includingbutnotlimitedtoaggressivebehavior,detailsofthethreatasknowntothe principal,copiesofanydrawingsorwriting,disciplinaryhistoryofthestudent,behavioralconcerns,and thenamesofanyknownvictimsorpotentialvictims Pleaserefertothereleaseformthatfollows
● Theprincipalshallreceiveawrittencomprehensive,detailedevaluationandreportadocumentedtreatment planinaccordancewithOhioRevisedCode230551fromthementalhealthcareprofessionalsstatingthe basis(factualandriskfactorsandtestingresults)uponwhichhe/shedeterminedthatthestudentisnot/does notposeadangertoselforothers.Thereportshallalsoaddresstheconcernsraisedbytheprincipaltothe mentalhealthcareprofessional.Theevaluationandreportshallbemadeavailabletotheprincipalwhowill sharethemwithlegaland/ormentalhealthcareconsultantsandadministrationassistingtheprincipalin his/hereducationregardingthereadmissionofthestudenttoschool Thementalhealthcareprofessional (psychiatristand/orPh.D.psychologist)shallprovideafollow-upassessmentofthestudentwithin30days, ifthestudentisreadmittedtoschoolandshallprovidetheprincipalwithacopyofthefollowupassessment and/orevaluationandshallinformtheprincipaliftherapy,counselingand/ortreatmentwillbeneeded and/orprovided.
● Counselingshouldbemadeavailabletochildrenwhoarevictimsofthethreateningbehaviororwho observedthethreateningbehaviorifitisdeterminedthatsuchcounseling,ifneeded,andparental permissionisgranted
● Documentationfromthementalhealthcareprofessionalsconcerninganystudentsaretobeplacedina separate,confidentialfileandshouldnotbeapartofthestudent’sacademic/disciplinaryfilewithaccess onlybytheprincipaland/orpastor Thisdocumentationmaybekeptforaperiodofoneyearbeyondthe timewhenthestudentleavestheschoolasaresultofexpulsion,withdrawalbyparent/guardian,graduation ornon-readmissionbeforebeingdestroyed.
31
WeaponsPolicy
St.FrancisSchoolstrivestoprovideasafe,secureeducationalenvironmentthatisconducivetolearning.Therefore, weaponsandotherprohibitedobjectssuchasanyfirearms,knives,explosivesorobjectsdesignedtoexpelair/gas projectiles,incendiarydevices,anytoyor"lookalike"weapon,oranyobjectusedtoinflictharmorusedina dangerousmannerareexpresslyprohibitedatSt FrancisSchool Nostudentmayhavepossessionofaweaponor otherprohibitedobjectonschoolgrounds,duringorimmediatelybeforeorafterschoolhours;onschoolgroundsat anyothertimewhentheschoolisbeingusedbyagroup;offschoolgroundsorwhileinanyplaceorlocationforthe purposeoforrelatedtoattendanceataschoolsponsoredactivity,functionorevent;onaschoolbusorvehicle;orat anyothertimewhenthestudentissubjecttothesupervisionoftheschooloridentifiableasaSt FrancisSchool studentinsomeothersetting Violationsofthispolicyaresubjecttodisciplinaryactionandmaywarrantnotification ofthepolice,immediatesuspensionorexpulsion.
St.FrancisSchoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshave suspicionthatthestudentpossessesaweaponorotherprohibitedobject
32
