METRO CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Welcome!
We believe that education begins and is sustained at home, because we believe that the family is the primary educator of the child. We stand ready at Metro Catholic School to partner with you— biological parents, adoptive parents, step-parents, grandparents, and other guardians—to ensure your child experiences full human flourishing, becoming a citizen and leader in this life and beyond the walls of Metro.
This Family Handbook will familiarize you—students and parents —with our school’s beliefs, purpose, and values, and it will provide an overview of the policies, procedures, and programs that make up the day-to-day life of our school community.
This handbook consists of the policies and procedures that all members of the Metro community must adhere to in order for our school to be most successful. It describes the relationship we expect to have among students, teachers, leaders, and families; it spells out what you can expect from your child’s teachers and leaders; and it articulates the school’s expectations of your student and family. We ask that each student and the family members responsible for the student understand and adhere to the expectations and policies contained in this handbook.
One of our core values is humility—we are always learning. Policies and procedures in this handbook may be amended, revised, added to, or deleted during the year. In the event of changes, the school will notify families in advance.
No two families are alike, and our students have many different people in their lives who support and care for them. Throughout this handbook, the term “parent” is used to refer to the adults who are the student’s primary caregivers. These may be biological parents, adoptive parents, step-parents, grandparents, other guardians, or some combination of these.
Metro Catholic School admits any students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Section 1: Our School Culture
Partnership Schools Network
Partnership Schools are communities of faith, where individuals work together for the betterment of all. Our vocation is rooted in the Gospel mandate to love and to educate, and in particular, to do both to a high degree of excellence. Christ insisted that He came so that children will not only have life, but that they will “have it in abundance.” It is not enough that our students merely meet expectations and be prepared to “have life”—we form their hearts and minds so our graduates are prepared to enjoy the life of abundance Christ promised.
In order to infuse Catholic beliefs and values throughout the entire school day, we hold all students to consistent and consistently high expectations, and we must ensure that we are teaching the rich content and essential skills that our students need to succeed.
We believe that students flourish best when immersed in a faith-filled environment characterized by high academic expectations, caring and demanding adults, and joy. To that end, each Partnership School emphasizes:
● Building a faculty of committed educators who embrace the mission of the school, who have deep instructional expertise, and who unquestionably believe that all of our students can achieve at the highest levels.
● Establishing a clear school culture plan that articulates root beliefs and specifies how policies, procedures, programs, habits, actions, and routines actively communicate our root beliefs and values.
We conceive of the school culture of a Catholic school as the “ocean everything swims in” at the school—teaching and learning, policies, procedures, rituals, routines, decisions, communications, artifacts, physical spaces, and the daily activity of the school are all infused with the beliefs and values of the community, and these all comprise the Catholic school culture. This section of the Family Handbook provides an overview of our beliefs, values, shared purpose, and expectations related to relationships and home-school support.
Root Beliefs
At Metro Catholic School, we believe that…
● God is in all things.
● We are made in the image and likeness of God.
● We are better as a community.
● All students can learn.
● We shape the future.
● The little things matter.
● We can do hard things.
Mission
Metro Catholic School 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.
Philosophy of Education
As a Catholic School, we believe in the sanctity of the family and reverence for life. With the family, we seek to nourish self-esteem, promote positive multicultural awareness, and instill in our scholars the values of truth, justice
and respect for life and the environment in a distinctly Catholic manner. We prepare our students to be life-long learners and instill in them the importance of striving for excellence.
Core Values
As part of our focus on school culture and character formation, the Partnership Schools have adopted four core values that provide the framework upon which our school culture and character formation are built. They are: Integrity, Humility, Hard Work, and Service.
Integrity
“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in the integrity and the ability to affect those around him positively.” -Bob Marley
At Partnership Schools, we seek to give all students a clear understanding of the moral principles and virtues on which the Catholic faith and tradition is built. From that framework, we are committed to building a community where all individuals act with honesty, forthrightness, and respect. We hold ourselves to the highest academic and ethical standards, both within the four walls of the school building and as representatives of the school in the community.
Humility
“True humility is staying teachable regardless of how much you already know.” -Anonymous
Developing humility in our students means understanding and appreciating the unique gifts and potential of every member of the community and working together to ensure that everyone works hard to achieve his/her highest potential. That requires hard work, selflessness, and an appreciation for what we can learn from everyone around us. It also implies judging ourselves not in comparison with others, but in light of our capabilities. And it requires us to focus on developing our gifts not for our own personal gain, but to serve others.
Hard Work
“I don’t know anything about luck. I’ve never banked on it, and I am afraid of people who do. Luck to me is hard work— and realizing what is opportunity and what isn’t. -Lucille Ball
Hard work, persistence, and determination are essential to learning and success. At Partnership Schools, we expect all students, teachers, and leaders to work hard; to give 100 percent of our effort, 100 percent of the time.
Service
“People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” -Theodore Roosevelt
At Partnership Schools, we aim to develop young men and women for others. We are committed to serving others, both within the four walls of the school and beyond. To that end, teachers emphasize cultivating individual student gifts, broadening students’ understanding of the community and the world, and using our gifts in service of the community in which we live and work.
Family Partnership
Partnership Schools emphasize teamwork, cooperation among parents, teachers, and students, and strong relationships among all in the community.
We believe that students can best grow and develop when immersed in an environment that is characterized by rigorous academic expectations, caring and demanding adults, and joy. But no school can be effective without support from the home. We look to parents to support our academic instruction and to reinforce values as our students become men and women for others.
We believe that kids can flourish when parents, teachers, and school leaders are aligned in collaboration. Mixed messages among adults are confusing to children and can be destructive to our shared mission.
We believe that children learn from all of the teachers in their lives – those in their families and those at school –and we ask for your collaboration and cooperation, and we pledge ours to you.
We ask that parents support teachers by instilling respect for the integrity of teachers and leaders and to actively support the leadership of teachers and school leaders in the home. We commit to doing the same for you and your leadership at home when we are at school.
Parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the spiritual and academic formation programming we offer your children. This may include participating in school celebrations of prayer and liturgy, volunteer opportunities, joining parent-teacher conferences, attending meetings and seminars designed to help families support your students, and engaging with your home-school association.
We invite you to take an active role in your child’s education in several important ways.
Because we believe that all students can learn, we ask that you:
● Carefully review class work, test results, progress reports, and report cards; supervise home study; and reinforce the importance of school policies.
● Review and discuss the school behavior code with your child; discuss any behavior incidents your child may have in relation to the beliefs and values taught in school.
● Recognize and encourage your child’s talents and interests so they may be developed in cooperation with the classroom teachers.
● Arrange a quiet time and place for your child to complete homework assignments.
● Work with teachers and leaders to carry out recommendations made in the best interest of your child, including those related to educational evaluations and counseling.
Because we believe the little things matter, we ask that you:
● Ensure that your child maintains the school dress code, including the gym uniform, in order to maintain solidarity with the school community and focus on learning.
● Ensure your child attends school daily, on-time, to maximize learning and formation.
Because we believe we are better as a community, we ask that you:
● Keep up-to-date with all of your financial responsibilities to the school, and participate in fundraising activities, to ensure the sustainability of our school community.
● Attend all scheduled parent-teacher conferences.
● Presume positive intent in all interactions with teacher and school leaders.
● Treat all members of the school community with the respect and dignity they deserve. 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.
Faith Formation
Faith formation extends beyond the religion classroom at Metro Catholic School—by aligning our policies, procedures, actions, habits, and routines with our root beliefs and values, we infuse every aspect of our day with faith.
All students, Catholic and non-Catholic alike, participate in religion classes, prayer, and worship held during the school day. We are made for each other, so we model mutual respect for people of all faiths and those struggling to believe, and we teach and expect our students to do the same. We encourage all students to be active members of their home churches. We encourage all students to live active lives of prayer and to live according to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Our Team at Metro Catholic
When we hire members of the Metro Catholic School team, we look for zeal: a burning desire to make God known, loved and served. Our team of dedicated, professional teachers, administrators, and front-line workers is committed to the Partnership’s core values of Integrity, Hard Work, Humility, and Service. All of our teachers are certified by the State of Ohio and meet the academic and professional standards set by the Partnership Schools and the Diocese of Cleveland.
Section 2: Academic Program
Our goal is to prepare the students of Metro Catholic for the best college preparatory high schools in Cleveland. We strive to put each of our students on a path that gives them an opportunity to choose college, a fulfilling career, and ultimately, heaven. We will ensure they have teachers who believe in them, hold them to high expectations, and provide rigorous curriculum and instruction so they are prepared for high school and beyond.
Our teachers regularly evaluate student progress towards mastery of essential content and skills and in terms of their character development and growth. This progress is communicated to parents on a regular basis through our online gradebooking system. Families will also receive printed progress reports at the midpoint of each quarter.
Moreover, students are expected to perform to the best of their ability. That means that students come to school and class prepared and ready to learn, and they are expected to follow school-wide and classroom-specific rules and to participate in community events and activities.
Curriculum
Metro Catholic School implements a researched, content-rich, knowledge-building curriculum with strong results in the Partnership Network of schools. Our curriculum meets the requirements for the State of Ohio with regard to the minimum standards for the elementary school level. The basic curriculum consists of the following: language arts (reading, English, spelling, handwriting, phonics), mathematics, social studies, science, health, physical education, music, and art.
Grade Scale
We believe every child is born with the ability to become both a saint and a scholar. In our Catholic school, we will prepare them for both college AND heaven. Not every child will want to go to college, but our job is to prepare them for a college preparatory high school so they will each be college-ready at 18—and it will be their choice to go to college or not.
How we assess our students and report their grades on report cards is informed by this commitment. We begin with developmental grades, and later we turn to summative grades that reflect the format of the local college prep high
schools. Our goal in reporting these grades is to let parents and students know whether they have acquired the knowledge and skills they need at each grade level that they will need to continue to develop their minds and ultimately, to flourish. Our curriculum is rigorous because we believe every child is made in God’s image and therefore made for greatness—each child is born with the capacity to succeed at the highest level, and our curriculum and the instruction they receive from our teachers will help ensure that they do.
Starting in 4th grade, our report cards turn to the more traditional A-F grading scale, which similarly reports the degree to which students are meeting grade-level benchmarks but in the format that is consistent with local college preparatory high schools. In these grade levels, our goal is to both report on students’ developmental progress and to prepare students for the college preparatory high schools they will attend after their time with us, where they will deepen their academic and personal formation and continue to be prepared to be college-ready.
K-3rd Grade Grading Scale
Grade
EE
Exceeding grade level expectations
ME
Meeting grade level expectations
Percentage Description
90-100
NE
Nearly meeting grade level expectations
80-89
Consistently exceeds expectations in accomplishing grade-level goals, objectives, and requirements; Demonstrates knowledge and capacity to use grade-level skills in content areas; Thoroughly completes daily work and related assignments; Works independently and cooperatively; Consistently high scores on assessments.
Consistently meets expectations in accomplishing goals, objectives, and requirements; Demonstrates knowledge and capacity to use skills in content areas; Completes daily work and related assignments; Works independently and cooperatively; Above-average scores on assessments.
70-79
BE Behind grade level expectations
60-69
Approaching expectations in accomplishing goals, objectives, and requirements; Inconsistently shows knowledge and capacity to use grade-level skills in content areas; Usually completes daily work and related assignments; Demonstrates the ability to work independently and cooperatively; Average scores on assessments.
Does not meet grade-level expectations in accomplishing goals, objectives and requirements; Does not consistently demonstrate knowledge and capacity to use grade-level skills in content areas; Limited effort in daily work and related assignments; Does not work independently and cooperatively on a consistent basis; Low
SE
Significantly behind grade level expectations
0-59
scores on assessments.
Significantly behind grade-level expectations in accomplishing goals, objectives and requirements; Shows insufficient knowledge and lack of skills in content areas; Does not demonstrate capacity to work independently and cooperatively; Does not complete daily work or assignments; Assessment scores indicate failure to achieve lesson/unit objectives.
4th-8th Grade Grading Scale
Letter
D 63-66
D- 60-63
F 0-59
Grade Reporting System
Parents are asked to follow their student’s progress on Gradelink, the online grading system used by our teachers and school leaders. The system may be accessed by any computer or mobile device. An email address is required to participate.
Growth Assessments
Students in grades K through 8 are given the NWEA Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test to assess learning and to measure growth over time. Testing results are shared with the parents and are used to plan for the educational needs of individual students.
Third Grade Reading Guarantee
Ohio's Third Grade Reading Guarantee law requires third graders in public schools, charter schools and private schools to meet a specified score on the state reading test or the NWEA MAP test in order to advance to fourth grade. At Metro Catholic School, students have multiple opportunities to meet or exceed this score, which is set
annually by the state department of education, on the state test and the NWEA MAP test. Students in grade 3 might also take, if determined by teachers, the American Institute of Research (AIR) as an alternative assessment for the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
Report Cards and Parent Conferences
Report cards are issued four times annually. Parent conferences are offered twice each year. Mid-term reports are sent half-way through each quarter to notify parents of student progress. Other interim reports may be given at any time, as needed. All parents who are requested by a teacher must attend parent conferences; please consult the school calendar and monitor email for dates and times. Conferences provide opportunities to build relationships between teachers and families and to receive and discuss the child's first quarter report card. Mid-year parent conferences are to discuss progress and grade level promotion.
Retention from/Promotion to Next Grade
Very few decisions we make about children are more important than recommendations to promote or to retain a student. Because students of varying levels of achievement are accepted to Partnership Schools, we base retention decisions on student growth, rather than absolute performance. To that end, students will be retained if they fail to demonstrate at least one year of growth as measured by interim and curricular assessments in grades 1-8. Retention decisions will also take into account overall conduct as represented on the report card.
If a student is being considered for retention, teachers must begin discussing this possibility early in the school year with the principal. Parent conferences must be held periodically, and notification of the possibility of retention must be made with written notation on the report card.
If a child is required to go to summer school for promotion, that child must attend an approved summer school program. If the child does not attend an approved summer school, the child can be retained.
The final decision to promote or retain a student is made by the principal, based on the student’s academic performance and best interests. It should be made after discussion with the parent, teacher, and student.
If a student completes all requirements for promotion or graduation, a family cannot self-select the student to be retained in their grade.
*Third grade students who do not pass the Ohio State Mandated Reading Achievement Test (Third Grade Guarantee) will be retained in third grade until they achieve a passing score.
Technology for Learning
Parents and students are required to sign and follow an Acceptable Use Policy that outlines appropriate use of school technology resources at the beginning of each year.
Section 3: School Operations
Admissions
We believe that each child is made in the image and likeness of God. Our role as Catholic school educators is to help families ensure that their children experience full human flourishing, and our desire is to provide a Catholic education of the highest quality to as many children as possible in our community.
We welcome all students to apply to join the Metro Catholic School community. We believe God is in all things, and discrimination is repugnant to our nature and mission.
Metro Catholic admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin, or gender in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Acceptance is based on a “first come, first served” policy for all students who submit application materials in a timely manner. Please note that entering kindergarten students must also complete readiness screening. In classes with limited space, the school may give preference in admissions to siblings of currently enrolled students.
Attendance
When it comes to learning, we believe all students can learn. It is important to recognize that every minute matters. To optimize your child’s learning, they must attend class, on time, every day, for the full day, whenever possible. State law requires children between the ages of 6 and 18 to attend school daily. It is our responsibility to work with civil authorities to report excessive absences from school.
State scholarship recipients are required to attend school daily, and we are required to report daily attendance to the state. When students miss more than 20 days of school, they may be ineligible to receive or renew their scholarship. In these cases, families are responsible for paying tuition for their student(s).
Absences
In the event of student absence, it is the responsibility of the parent to notify the school office by 8:30 a.m. If a student is ill and will miss several days, the parent should contact the office to arrange for assignments to be sent home. Please make every effort to schedule doctor’s appointments outside of school hours. Every minute matters.
Tardies
Every minute matters. Being late to school interferes with the late child’s progress in school and also disrupts teaching and learning for other students. Parent support in ensuring on-time arrival is critical. After the 15th tardy in a year, it is our responsibility to notify the appropriate civil authorities.
Communications
We are better as a community. Clear communication between the home and school is critical for your child’s success. Please read school correspondence and respond promptly when necessary. All families must have an active email address and workable phone to receive notifications. All school news and correspondence regarding tuition, scholarships, grades, school closures, student illness, and other updates will be delivered via email. Please check email daily. It is the parent’s responsibility to maintain communication electronically.
Contacting Teachers
We encourage parents to contact their child's teacher via email if they have questions or concerns. Our teachers will respond to emails within 48 hours. Teachers are available upon request for appointments and phone calls. Parents may email, send a note, or call during the school day and leave a message for a teacher to call them.
Please note: teachers may never be called away from their class during school hours when they are responsible for their students. Parents may not visit the classroom unannounced.
Contacting the Principal
When you have a concern, please contact your child’s teacher immediately via email to make an appointment to discuss the situation with the teacher first. If you and the teacher need support or cannot resolve the issue, please contact the school office to make an appointment to meet with the principal. The principal reserves blocks of time each week to meet with parents and guardians, and the school leaders welcome opportunities to discuss your children and the school. We believe we are better as a community and we are eager to work together.
Please understand that the principal’s days are heavily scheduled with classroom observations, teacher meetings, parent conversations, student meetings, and the operations of the school. It is not always possible for the principal to take an unscheduled meeting without notice. By scheduling an appointment, the principal can dedicate their undivided attention to you and your child.
Costs
Registration Fee
Metro Catholic School requires a registration fee, which serves as a non-refundable deposit that guarantees your child’s place in the classroom. The registration fee defrays the costs of some textbooks and workbooks, some classroom supplies, and office supplies, and it supports efforts to provide assessments of your child’s learning and growth. This fee is expected to be paid before for the coming school year or upon registration.
Tuition & Scholarships
Published tuition for the 2024-2025 school year is $10,240. Students whose families meet residency requirements may apply for the Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Program. Other students may be eligible, depending on their public school district, their income, or other qualifications, for EdChoice or EdChoice Expansion Scholarships, or the Jon Peterson Scholarship to satisfy tuition obligations. Financial aid is available for students who are not eligible for state scholarships, and applications are available from the school office.
State scholarship checks from the Cleveland, EdChoice, and Jon Peterson Scholarships are sent to the school periodically during the school year. Parents are asked to complete a check signing authorization form that allows the school to process scholarship payments efficiently. Families that do not have check signing authorizations on file must come into the office to sign their checks when they are received. The school will notify parents when checks are available to be signed. Report cards, diplomas, and transcripts may be withheld for nonpayment of debts owed to the school. This includes payments owed for tuition or any other outstanding fees.
Refunds
The registration fee holds the child's place and is non-refundable. All prepaid tuition is refundable at the time of withdrawal on a prorated basis. The daily tuition rate is the annual tuition divided by 180 school days. Any outstanding fees will be subtracted from a refund before a refund will be issued.
Methods of Payments
Metro Catholic School accepts all payments via check or cash. Metro uses FACTS to make payments. All checks must be made payable to METRO CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
Daily Schedule
The school office is open for business from 7:15 am to 4:00 pm Monday - Friday.
Bell Schedule for Michael/Stephen Building
7:15 AM Doors open. Students may not arrive before 7:15 AM.
Students may arrive between 7:15-8:00 AM.
Supervision provided.
PK students are to arrive at the main entrance on W. 54th. They will go to the motor room for before care.
K-1 students enter at the side door of the Stephen building and will go to room 108.
6-8 students enter at the side door of the Stephen building and will go to the gym.
2-5 students will enter the Michael building and go to the cafeteria
8:00 AM First Bell.
Parents may not enter classrooms in the morning.
Parents may come to the office as needed.
Classes begin and attendance is taken.
Students not in their seats at this time are considered tardy.
2:30 PM PK dismissal in the back lot
3:15 PM Final Bell rings. Announcements
3:20 PM Dismissal.
Bus riders
K-5 students will be dismissed in the back lot off of 57th Street
6-8 students will be dismissed on 54th Street
Siblings will meet up and be picked up in either place together
Early Dismissal
Dismissal is at 2:00 PM every Friday, except on the first Friday each month, when school is dismissed at 12:00 PM. There are 12:00 PM dismissals scheduled; please refer to the school calendar for those dates.
Early Departure
We believe every minute matters when it comes to student learning, so we ask that parents try to schedule doctor and dental appointments outside of school time whenever possible. When students need to leave school early, they must either bring a note from a parent to their homeroom teacher that morning or a parent should call the office and let the staff know. They must be picked up and signed out in the school office by a parent or designated adult. Students may not leave campus for any reason without permission from school leadership. Students that leave school before 11:00 a.m., will be marked absent for that entire day if a note is not presented in the morning.
Health Allergies
If your child has allergies, please notify the school of the allergy and any medication needs. Epi-pens and other medications may be kept in the office (see “Medication,” below). Students must be aware of their own allergies, symptoms, medication needs and/or reactions. If a child is exposed or experiences symptoms, the student should notify an adult immediately. If ordering from the school lunch program, the parent should order lunches that will not cause an allergic reaction.
Contagious Illness
If you suspect your child has strep throat, the flu, or another contagious illness, please contact your physician. Students may not return to school until they have been on medication for 24 hours and must have a return-to-school clearance from the doctor’s office. Please keep your child home until the child is well enough to participate in the full school day, including all classes, recess, PE, etc.
When a child has been diagnosed with contagious illness, parents must notify the school. Because we are made for each other, we always notify the families of other students who have been in close contact with a contagious child of an illness in their class.
Emergencies, Accidents, & Illness during the School Day
First aid will be given for minor cuts, scrapes, and bruises. The school will contact parents as soon as possible when a student becomes ill or an accident occurs. Students must inform a teacher or the office of any injury received at school. Parents are asked to make arrangements to have the child taken home. At the beginning of the year, parents must complete the Emergency Medical Authorization form, which indicates who the school will contact if the school is unable to reach a parent. Maintaining up-to-date phone numbers and emergency contacts with the school is critical.
Before the student can be released from school, the parent or authorized emergency contact must come to the office to sign the student out. Students may not leave the building with anyone except parents or those named on the Emergency Medical Authorization form. In an emergency, if the parent needs to send someone not on the authorized list, the parent must call the school, and photo identification must be presented to the office.
Immunization
Student immunization records must be kept up-to-date. Students without updated immunization records by the 15th day of school are not permitted to attend school, by Ohio state law. The school will notify parents when records need to be updated.
Medication
When students need to have medication administered by school personnel, please follow these guidelines:
1. Written requests must be obtained from the physician and the parent before school personnel may administer any prescription medication. Written requests from the parent/guardian must be obtained for any non-prescription medication. The request must include instructions as to the name of medication, dosage, time, and duration of medication, and possible side effects.
2. Medication must be in the original containers and have an affixed label including student's name, name of medication, dosage, directions, and time of administration.
3. All medication must be turned in to the office when the student arrives at school.
4. New request forms must be submitted each time a medication is prescribed and at the beginning of each school year for ongoing medication. Forms are available in the school office.
Notifying the School about Health Conditions
There are some health conditions parents should discuss with school leaders, so that we may collaborate in our shared mission to ensure the child flourishes. When children have conditions that involve long-term treatment (such as cancer), daily monitoring of vital metrics (such as diabetes), or symptoms that may affect student life (such as severe allergies and asthma), it can be important for teachers and school leaders to be aware of their students’ situations so that they can fully support them. Other times, parents may just want to make the school aware of health conditions; for example, it can be important for school leaders to be aware of students who have compromised immune systems or severe food allergies.
Pregnancy
We believe in the value and dignity of each human life. We believe that we are better together: a student who becomes pregnant will not automatically be dismissed from school. If a student becomes pregnant or participates in a pregnancy, parents should notify the school leader. A complete copy of the Pregnancy Policy is available in the office.
Screenings
The school provides periodic vision and hearing assessments, height and weight measurements and screening for posture conditions to provide early screenings for important conditions that can affect student learning. Parents are notified when further action is recommended.
Lunch
At Metro Catholic School, all of our children will receive a healthy lunch each day of the 2024-2025 school year at no charge to your household.
Students may also bring their lunch from home. Students have time built into their day to have a healthy snack brought from home. We discourage sending glass containers, fast food, carbonated beverages and candy to school.
Separating from the Metro Catholic School Community
We believe that every child can learn and that they are made in the image and likeness of God. We expect that all of our students will graduate from Metro Catholic School, though we recognize that there are some circumstances that may arise which lead to the departure of some children from our community. Please know that we believe that we are better as a community, and we commit to keeping all of our students—present and past, including those who have left our school for any reason—close in prayer every day when we gather as a community in prayer.
Dismissal
The education of a student is a partnership among the parents, the student, and the school. There are certain circumstances that require that our school leaders exercise their right to require the withdrawal of a student, and these circumstances are determined at the school’s discretion. When school leaders determine, in conversation with Partnership network leaders, that the best way for the school community to flourish moving forward is for the student and the school to separate, the leaders will require parents to withdraw the student from the school.
Withdrawal/Transfer
If a parent chooses to withdraw a student from school, we ask families to provide the school with 24-hours’ notice before the effective date of withdrawal. Upon notification, the school will provide a release of information form for the parent to sign. Parents will also receive a withdrawal form and the child’s latest report card to take to the child's new school. Parents will be notified of any outstanding balances on tuition or fees, which must be paid.
The new school will request copies of permanent records, test scores, and health records from Metro Catholic School directly. Records will not be given to parents. Academic records will not be released until any outstanding financial obligations to Metro Catholic are met.
Transportation
Walkers
Students should walk with caution in the street and should never run out from between parked or moving cars. At dismissal staff members are at the crosswalks and students are expected to listen to the directions given by any staff member when crossing the street. Students represent our school community on their way to and from Metro. Pushing, rough play, running, or throwing objects (including snowballs) are prohibited on their way to school and home.
Car Riders
Students being dropped off or picked up must wait for the instruction of a staff member to exit or enter the car safely. Students remaining at school after 15 minutes will be sent to EDC where a parent will have to come to the office and ask for their child.
School Bus Riders
Students are to represent the Metro community and live our beliefs and values on the bus just as they do at school. At dismissal, students should proceed to their bus in a way that does not disrupt the school community. Students are responsible for adhering to bus safety regulations established by the individual school districts. Students who do not meet behavior expectations on the bus may lose the privilege of bus transportation.
Bus Safety Rules
Students shall:
● Follow all directions from the bus driver.
● Stay in their seats and keep aisles and exits clear.
● Keep all parts of their bodies inside the bus.
● Use appropriate language at all times.
● Never throw an object in or out of a moving vehicle.
● Keep their hands and bodies to themselves.
● Board and leave the bus at their designated location unless they have parental and administrative approval.
A bus driver may never be distracted. Each bus driver will review bus safety rules and procedures with students on his or her bus. The same expectations in the classroom apply to the bus. Students must listen to and respond to all instructions from the driver promptly and respectfully. Bus violations may result in school consequences such as detention or suspension from the bus. Suspension from the school bus does not excuse the student from attending school.
Inter-School Transportation
Metro Catholic School is one school with three buildings and two campuses. In order to promote school unity and spirit, students, by being enrolled in our school, may be transported to other campuses by the school without specific parental permission.
Visitors to the School
All visitors to the school building, at any time during the day, must report to the school office. The school office is located in the Stephen Building. You must buzz in using the main doors off of W. 54th. Parents planning to visit classrooms must report to the office upon arrival.
Weather-Related School Closure
Metro Catholic School closes whenever the Cleveland Public Schools close for weather related reasons. We may also choose to close independently. Please listen to major Cleveland radio or TV stations for school closing when weather is questionable. Please do not call the school.
Section 4: School Policies
Child Protection
The dignity of every child is sacred. The flourishing of each child is our mission, and keeping your child safe is paramount to us. In keeping with the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People of the US Congress of Catholic Bishops, our school complies with the Standards of Conduct for Ministry and the Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse of the Diocese of Cleveland.
Child Abuse
Teachers, leaders, and all members of the Metro team are legally obligated to report any suspected cases of child abuse or neglect to the proper agency. In so reporting, no allegation is made against a parent or caregiver. Rather, it is a judgment by the school reporter that the child may be presenting signs of abuse or neglect. This is a responsibility we take seriously, anchored in our belief that we are made for each other and our love for each child in our community.
Dress Code
We believe that we are better as a community, and that the little things matter. Each morning, we ask students to wear a uniform and adhere to a dress code that emphasizes their excellence, affirms their membership in our community, and ensures that they can focus on our top priority: rigorous academic instruction and human formation. In our belief that all students can learn, our dress code removes distractions from learning and reinforces our community identity while instilling the pride that comes with being a member of a team that is “dressed for success.”
Navy blue or black skirts, jumpers, or uniform pants may be worn. Girls may wear navy blue or black leggings UNDER a skirt or jumper in colder weather. No khaki colored bottoms.
No sweatpants are to be worn on non-gym days.
GIRLS K-8
BOYS K-8
Solid white, light blue, or navy blue blouses or knit polo shirts.
Navy blue or black uniform pants may be worn. No cargo pants permitted. No khaki colored bottoms.
No sweatpants are to be worn on non-gym days.
Solid white, light blue, or navy blue blouses or knit polo shirts.
Shoes should be mostly solid in color. Rubber soled dress shoes or tennis shoes may be worn.
SHOES K-8
SWEATERS & SWEATSHIRTS K-8
No crocs, heels, moccasins, open backs or toes, and slipper footwear may be worn to and from school or during the school day.
During winter weather boots may be worn to school and changed upon arrival to the classroom.
Solid black, gray, or navy blue cardigans may be worn over blouses or polo shirts.
All sweatshirts are to be Metro Catholic Sweatshirts.
Hooded sweatshirts, including MCS, are ONLY to be worn outside and are not permitted in the classroom.
SPIRIT WEAR
HAIR
MAKE-UP
JEWELRY
Students are permitted to wear purchased spirit wear as part of their daily uniform.
Gym shirts ONLY on gym days.
Each Friday we celebrate Metro Family Fridays. All students are invited to dress down and wear any Metro Catholic gear (except hooded sweatshirts).
Hair may not be worn in a way that impedes student vision. Teachers or leaders may request that loose hair or braids be tied back.
Hair color is only permitted in NATURAL colors. Colors such as pink, blue, purple, etc. are not permitted and should not be woven in.
Hairstyles that distract from student learning are not permitted.
No facial hair for boys.
Make-up is not permitted. Acrylic or artificial nails or tips are not permitted. Students may not wear nail polish at school. Lip gloss with color, glitter, or shine is not permitted.
Earrings are limited to one pair of post earrings or small hoops. Piercings, other than a girl’s ears, are not permitted.
Boys are permitted to wear a small post pair of earrings. No hoops or dangling earrings permitted.
Excessive or offensive jewelry may not be worn.
Smart watches are not permitted.
If any jewelry becomes a distraction, the student will be asked to remove it per the discretion of the teacher/leaders.
PE DRESS CODE
DRESS DOWN DAYS
DRESS UP DAYS
Additional Dress Code Notes:
MCS navy blue gym shirts and approved Metro Catholic sweatshirts may be worn.
MCS issued shorts and sweatpants ONLY. Tennis shoes and socks should be worn.
Jeans or athletic pants are permitted. Any jeans with rips in them must have leggings underneath.
Tops should be appropriate. No vulgar language, pictures, or writing. No midriff showing or low cut in the back or front.
In warm weather shorts may be worn, length should extend at least as far down the leg as fingertips dangle.
No crocs, sandals, or slippers are permitted.
Dress pants, skirts/dresses of modest length, and shirt dress, and NEAT jeans may be worn.
Dress shoes or athletic shoes may be worn. Refrain from heels that are above 2 inches.
No midriff, low cut in the front or back, and back cut outs may not be worn.
Straps on dresses and shirts should cover all undergarments.
● Uniforms look alike! Please put your child’s name on their uniform pieces.
● School uniforms should be neat, clean, and properly sized.
● Snow boots may not be worn in the classrooms. If a student wears boots to school, he/she must change into uniform shoes before coming into the classroom.
● Students may follow the dress up or dress down codes for Birthdays.
● Students must follow the dress up code for Picture Day.
● Perfume, cologne, and spray deodorants are not to be used at school. Roll on deodorant should be worn daily.
*The final decisions as to whether or not a student is in violation of the dress code lies with Metro Catholic School leaders, teachers, and staff.
Behavior Expectations
Guiding Beliefs
“See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little.”
These words of Saint Pope John the 23rd remind us that the work of formation is to pay attention to our mistakes, forgive them, and extend grace to ourselves and those in our community who are working to meet our expectations. We shape the future, but we are not there yet, and while children are in the process of formation, there will be times when they do not meet expectations. Our Catholic worldview holds that we can always get better, so we see student failures to live up to expectations as developmentally normal opportunities for learning and growth.
All actions taken on the part of the faculty and staff to address failures to meet expectations shall be aligned with our belief that each student is made in the image and likeness of God. The goals of any disciplinary actions are to help students to learn self-discipline, which strengthens and promotes the values incorporated in our Catholic faith community. As the school builds community, it develops in students the awareness that sensible rules serve to safeguard the individual's freedom and provide an atmosphere conducive to learning. Our disciplinary measures have as their end the flourishing of the human person in community.
By enrolling a child in this school, the parent agrees to support the rules that the school identifies as critical in the spiritual, academic, and character growth of the child.
Our Approach
Teachers set expectations for behavior in their classrooms and hold students accountable for adhering to the rituals, routines, and procedures of the daily life of the school day.
Most behavior incidents are handled in the classroom, by teachers, according to procedures, policies, and expectations established by the classroom teacher. Students are expected to meet the expectations for behavior of their classroom teacher and other expectations throughout the school day. Typically, teachers will ensure that students meet the expectations described below, which are all directed toward maximizing learning, ensuring safety, and developing a strong community.
Students will be expected to:
● Follow teacher and school leader directions.
● Meet specific classroom expectations set by the teacher (i.e., raise hand before speaking, remain in seat unless given permission to get up, keep voice at whisper level during pair-share activity, etc.)
● Take proper care of books, desks, and other school property.
● Participate actively in class and assemblies.
● Demonstrate respect and reverence at prayer and liturgies.
● Adhere to the dress code.
● Maximize learning for all other students in your classroom and others by being quiet in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways.
● Go only to locations where the student has permission to be.
● Eat food only where permitted.
● Use appropriate language at all times.
● Take safety drills seriously.
● See God’s face in all people, and treat teachers, aides, staff, school leaders, and other students with dignity.
● Return signed behavior notifications to school promptly.
● Interact and play safely on the playground and in the gym.
● Be friendly and patient at all times, and keep hands and bodies to self.
When students do not meet these expectations, disciplinary situations—typically minor and easily redirected or corrected—arise. Teachers handle disciplinary situations with students directly for minor classroom disruptions (i.e., not coming prepared to class; not being in the complete school uniform; not completing assigned homework; minor verbal disputes with other classmates). When necessary, teachers notify parents of classroom problems and ask for help to ensure that inappropriate behavior is modified.
Some classroom discipline issues will be referred by teachers or staff members to the principal. These would include chronic minor problems listed above or major problems (i.e., chronic lateness; verbal abuse of the teacher by a child; signs of disrespect to a teacher or another adult on the staff; fighting; physical, sexual, or verbal harassment or bullying of a fellow student; violent behavior; stealing; smoking; vandalism; or the possession of drugs, drug paraphernalia, cigarettes, alcohol, dangerous items or a weapon). School leaders will consider each case individually to determine how best to respond.
Our progressive discipline system allows students who do not meet expectations for behavior in minor ways to learn from mistakes, shift course, and avoid severe sanctions. Repeated violations, however, will incur increasingly severe consequences, up to and including suspension from school or a request to withdraw from the school community.
Teachers are never permitted to use corporal punishment with any child. Perceived acts of corporal punishment should be reported to the principal of the school immediately by students and/or parents.
Serious Breaches of Community
For more serious actions that cause significant harm to the community, such as, but not limited to, fighting, stealing, vandalism, and harassment, the student may immediately be suspended for a period of one to five days. In cases of vandalism, the parent must pay the full cost of the repair or replacement of the item before the child may return to school. In cases of theft, the item must either be returned in good condition or the cost of replacement be borne by the parent before the child can return to school.
There are some incidents when actions can rupture the trust of a community; some ruptures require time to heal and grow. There are some actions that make it difficult, and at times impossible, for a student or the community to flourish unless the student separates from the school.
These incidents might include:
● Apparent gang-related activity (see Gang Policy)
● Physical fighting and hitting
● Disrespect for members of the community
● Destruction of property
● Possession of weapons or abusive substances
● Disruption of the learning environment
● Harassment (see Harassment Policy)
● Threats (see Threat Policy)
● Theft
● Dishonesty
● Cyber Bullying
In cases where a child engages in a fight which causes injury to another child or adult, the police may be summoned and, then, the parents will be notified. Likewise, parents will be notified and the police may be summoned if a child is found to be in the possession of drugs or alcohol. The school reserves the right to request an expulsion from the Superintendent of Schools for such an offense.
If a child brings a weapon to school, the police are summoned, and then the parents are called. The school reserves the right to request expulsion by the Superintendent of Schools for any serious offense.
Individual-directed threats of violence or harm communicated directly or indirectly by any means, as well as building-directed threats of violence or harm communicated directly or indirectly by any means (e.g., shooting, bomb threats), or to harm students, employees, or visitors are taken seriously. Upon knowledge of the threats, the principal will notify the Superintendent and determine the course of action to be taken, which may include contacting parents, calling law enforcement, requiring a mental health referral, and/or expulsion. A complete copy of the threat policy can be found in the appendix.
It is the expectation of this school that student behavior is exemplary both on and off school grounds. A student always represents the entire school community. Therefore, the school reserves the right to discipline students for acts such as, but not limited to: stealing, fighting, vandalism, destructive use of social media, bullying or any other
type of threatening or inappropriate misconduct (personally, via telephone, or the internet). Such misconduct could result in punishments including suspension and/or expulsion.
Lastly, a student’s arrest for a crime on or off of school grounds, within or beyond the vicinity of the school, at any time could result in the student’s suspension or expulsion. Conviction of a crime on or off of school grounds, within or beyond the vicinity of the school, may result in expulsion.
Consequences & Processes
Lunch/Recess Detentions
Minor infractions of classroom codes of conduct, including but not limited to the following, may result in lunch/recess detentions after multiple attempts to redirect students and warnings:
● Excessive disturbance in classrooms, hallways, bathrooms, or stairways
● Being in places in the building without permission
● Eating food outside the cafeteria
● Using inappropriate language
● Misbehaving during safety drills
● Disrespecting teachers, aides, staff, or school leaders
● Not returning detentions
● Not following classroom, cafeteria or playground rules
● Harassment
● Unwanted physical contact with another student, including hitting.
When a student receives a detention, students will receive a Behavior Notification which should be taken home to their parents. Parents will also receive the same Behavior Notification via email.
Behavior Contracts
To support students who struggle chronically to meet behavior expectations, school leaders and teachers may develop behavior contracts. The goal of a behavior contract is to create a clear plan for improvement and to provide students with support to build healthy habits to fully participate in and contribute to our learning community.
If the behavior contract is not successful, it may lead to suspension, dismissal or to not being permitted to register for the following year. Some actions that rupture our community severely (including but not limited to fighting and threats) may result in an immediate behavior contract. All new students will be placed on a 9-Week Behavior/Academic and Attendance Contract. Failure to comply may result in permanent dismissal from Metro Catholic.
Suspension (In-School and Out-Of-School) and Expulsion
Suspension or expulsion from school is reserved for cases that cannot be addressed better in another way. In some cases, school leaders may deem an action by a student so disruptive to the community that the only way for the child and the school community to flourish is for both to separate via expulsion. This decision is the right and responsibility of the administration. In other cases, school leaders may determine that a temporary suspension from school is appropriate. In the case of suspensions, students may make up quizzes, tests and projects, but may not complete classroom or participation work for the days suspended. In-School Suspension (ISS) can be given to students as a result of multiple detentions and chronic behavior infractions. Students receiving an ISS will report to homeroom and then be placed in a secure, supervised location. Students will not participate in the daily routine of their classmates, but will receive work to complete during the day and will receive lunch at the appropriate time. All
decisions are final and made by the principal with clear knowledge to determine the best course of action for each individual case.
Behavior Off-Campus
It is the expectation of this school that student behavior is exemplary both on and off school grounds. A student always represents the entire school community. Therefore, the school reserves the right to discipline students for acts that occur off campus such as, but not limited to: stealing, fighting, vandalism, destructive use of social media, bullying or any other type of threatening or inappropriate misconduct (personally, via telephone, or the internet). Such misconduct could result in punishments including suspension and/or expulsion.
A student’s arrest for a crime on or off of school grounds, within or beyond the vicinity of the school, at any time could result in the student’s suspension or expulsion. Conviction of a crime on or off of school grounds, within or beyond the vicinity of the school, may result in expulsion.
Metro Catholic students represent the Metro Catholic community at all times. All behavior expectations apply while a student is off-campus, including time spent riding on a school bus, either on a field trip or while being transported to or from school, and when on a field trip.
Discretion: In humility, we recognize that we may not foresee every situation that might arise. Teachers and leaders may, at their discretion, issue detentions or other appropriate discipline measures for behaviors that are not aligned with our beliefs or values, including for behaviors that are not specified here.
Fighting
Fighting, violent physical contact, and play fighting will not be permitted in our school.
If a child is involved in a fight, he or she may be suspended or expelled from school, regardless of the role the student played during the altercation.
Whenever a physical altercation takes place, the principal will investigate the incident to determine the best way to move forward to strengthen the school community and to ensure that all students can return to learning as quickly as possible. This will include determining any potential consequences for involved students.
Sharing information
It is the policy of Metro Catholic to speak with parents only about their own children. We will never discuss disciplinary issues or consequences given to another family’s child with you. It is common for parents to ask about the consequences another child has received after an incident; please remember that each of our children is made in the image and likeness of God, and they are each made for greatness. They make mistakes, and they grow as a result. We will not share your child’s consequences with anyone but you, and we will not share another child’s consequences with you. If your child is in an altercation with another child, please rest assured that we will not share the contents of our conversations about your child or their consequences with any other family. At the same time, please keep in mind that we will not discuss the other child’s consequences with you.
Harassment/Bullying/Conflict Policy
Harassment is behavior that demeans, humiliates, or embarrasses another person. It is typically intimidating, hostile, and offensive.
Bullying is different from conflict, and it has a legal definition.Conflict is a disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views.Bullying is negative behavior directed by someone exerting power and control over another person. It is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that is marked by a power imbalance and is targeted toward someone repeatedly, over a period of time.
In Ohio, bullying is legally defined as “Any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both:
(i) Causes mental or physical harm to the other student;
(ii) Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student.
The Metro Catholic School team believes that we are made in the image and likeness of God and that we are better as a community. We will not tolerate harassment or bullying of any type, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken when it occurs. Disciplinary action may include suspension or expulsion, though we recognize that children who engage in bullying are, like those they bully, also made in the image and likeness of God. Often, they are themselves most in need of formation and our community may be best served by providing that formation through consequences and reconciliation. At other times, the bullying may rupture the community so severely that separation may be necessary. These decisions are at the discretion of the principal with the approval of the superintendent.
No teacher or staff member will knowingly allow or participate in harassment between students or allow inappropriate conversations about students or any member of the school community to take place in his/her presence. Examples of harassment include, but are not limited to, verbal or written taunting; bullying; offensive, intimidating, or hostile conduct; jokes, stories, pictures, cartoons, drawings or objects which offend, annoy, abuse or demean an individual or group.
Social Media Bullying (Cyber Bullying) Policy
Bullying through social media is not permitted in our school community. Threats, harassment of any sort, pictures, videos, gestures, or insinuation of these types of activities intended to offend, annoy, taunt or intimidate another student will be subject to immediate disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion. It may also be necessary to involve law enforcement in certain situations.
A complete copy of the harassment/bullying policy is on file in the office.
Phones/Electronics Policy
Cell phones and electronic devices are not allowed to be used during the school day. Smart watches may not be worn. Students may bring devices to school at the parent’s discretion and risk. Devices must be turned off during the school day and given to the student’s teacher upon arrival. Devices will be kept in the office. Devices that are not turned in and are seen or heard will be confiscated, and will only be released to a parent. The second time a device is confiscated (and each time thereafter), parents may retrieve the item for a fee of $25.00. The school is not responsible for broken, lost, misplaced, or stolen devices that are in the possession of the student. Metro Catholic School may search a student's desk, handbags, book bags, purses, or person if school officials have reason to believe that the student possesses a device.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to, the following specific instances: verbal sexual abuse; disseminating obscene or sexually explicit material, whether in the form of music, written lyrics, pornographic pictures or other literature, or having such material in one’s possession in the school, on school grounds or at schoolsponsored activities; obscene or sexually explicit graffiti anywhere in the school or on the school grounds; continuing and unwanted written or oral communication directed to another of a sexual nature; spreading sexual rumors/innuendoes; obscene T-shirts, hats or buttons; touching oneself sexually in front of others; obscene and/or sexually explicit gestures; and any other inappropriate behavior of a sexually explicit or obscene nature that demeans or offends the recipient. The above list is not meant to be all-inclusive, but is intended to provide guidance as to what may constitute sexual harassment. Isolated, trivial incidents are not sufficient to constitute sexual harassment and will be handled according to the student behavior code. A complete copy of the harassment policy can be found in the appendix.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is a serious health problem and should not be taken lightly. A complete copy of the Substance Abuse Policy can be found in the appendix.
Theft
We are better as a community, so we respect each other’s belongings. While we trust our community, we discourage students from keeping expensive items of clothing or valuables in their bookbags. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen objects of any kind.
Metro Catholic School may search a student's desk, handbags, book bags, purses, or person if school officials have reason to believe that the student possesses stolen/missing items.
We take respect for each others’ belongings seriously; theft is a serious breach of community trust that may require notification of the police and could result in immediate suspension or expulsion.
Threats
God is in all things. Threats of bodily harm to self or others are taken seriously. Students who become aware of a threat should report it to an adult immediately. Students who threaten harm to fellow students, teachers, leaders, themselves, or others gravely disrupt community trust. Their actions may warrant notification of the police and could result in immediate suspension or expulsion. A complete copy of the threat policy can be found in the appendix.
Weapons
Metro Catholic School provides a safe, secure educational environment for student learning. Students who bring or threaten to bring weapons to school break the community trust and are subject to disciplinary action. Their actions may warrant notification of the police and could result in immediate suspension or expulsion. A complete copy of the Weapons Policy can be found in the Appendix.
Youth Gangs Policy
Participation of students in youth gangs and gang-related activity are prohibited. A complete copy of the Youth Gangs Policy can be found in the Appendix.
Section 4: Special Programs
Assemblies
Educational and cultural assemblies covering such areas as science, music, art, drama, self-esteem, safety and health are offered throughout the year. Grant money and fund-raising profits are used to pay for these opportunities.
After-School Activities
A variety of after-school activities are offered each year. Students who are not picked up on time will be sent to aftercare. Students may not be unsupervised on school grounds or in the building while waiting for rides. Student learning is the first priority at Metro; students may not be permitted to participate in after-school activities until their conduct and academic performance meets expectations.
Lunch Program
At Metro Catholic School, all of our children will receive a healthy lunch each day of the 2024-2025 school year at no charge to your household. No action is required of you. There are no fees and no need to submit an application.
Field Trips
Field trips can be opportunities to deepen student learning outside the classroom. They are arranged occasionally during the school year to provide new experiences and enrichment and are supervised by teachers, aides and parent volunteers. Parents must sign a diocesan permission slip before any child may leave campus. Permission must be in writing and may not be given over the telephone. When we leave campus, we represent the Metro Catholic community to all of Cleveland, and all expectations for student conduct and engagement remain the same as in the classroom. Students who do not meet conduct expectations in the classroom may not be permitted to represent the Metro community on field trips.
Ordinarily, students are transported to and from field trips by bus. In special cases when cars are used, the drivers are required to provide a copy of their driver's license. Vehicles must have seat belts for each child.
Conclusion
The Metro Catholic School leadership team has attempted to be thorough in providing the information in this Handbook. We recognize, however, that it is not possible to foresee every eventuality. Therefore, in all matters, the judgment and decisions of the school leaders will be final. The greatest opportunity for growth and maturity of students comes from cooperation among the school, parents, and students. Consistent with this philosophy, parents and students will participate in any decision as far as, in the judgment of the School Administration, it is practicable. A student's enrollment at Metro Catholic School constitutes his/her and his/her parents' acceptance of the terms set forth in this Handbook and in any subsequent updates or additions. Parents and students are required to sign a yearly contract stating that they agree to uphold the policies found in this Handbook, and all other decisions of Metro Catholic School 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.
APPENDIX
Asbestos Management Plan
To: Employees, Parents, Building Occupants and their Legal Guardians
From: Metro Catholic School
Subject: Asbestos Management Plan
Date: August 2024
Dear Sir/Madam:
Federal Law now requires all schools to inspect their buildings for asbestos-containing materials and to develop Management Plans for those materials found. Our school has completed this Inspection/Management Plan and has submitted a copy to the Ohio Department of Health. This Asbestos Inspection/Management Plan is available for review, by appointment, during our regular business hours. If you wish to see the report, please contact the school office for an appointment. All appointment requests will be honored within five (5) working days of their receipt. Also, a copy of the Inspection/Management Plan can be made available, upon written request, for the cost of reproduction. Our school custodial staff has received specialized asbestos training, and will visually survey the asbestos-containing materials in our buildings every six (6) months. A complete re-inspection, by an EPA-accredited inspector, will occur every three (3) years, and copies of these inspections will be available for your review. If asbestos abatement is ever required, other than small-scale, short duration repairs, only fully EPA accredited asbestos contractors will be used.
Please be assured that we are concerned with your safety and will make every effort to comply with all laws and regulations pertaining to asbestos.
Sincerely,
Allison Klutarich Principal of Metro Catholic School
Emergency/Crisis Plan
Steps have been taken to ensure your child’s safety while in school. The Emergency and Crisis Plans have been reviewed and updated for the current school year.
Students will also participate in the ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) Training: Instructor led activities to provide preparation and a plan for individuals and organizations on how to more proactively handle the threat of an aggressive intruder or active shooter event.