Welcome!
Webelievethateducationbeginsandissustainedathome,becausewebelievethatthefamilyisthe primaryeducatorofthechild WestandreadyatMetroCatholicSchooltopartnerwithyou biological parents,adoptiveparents,step-parents,grandparents,andotherguardians toensureyourchild experiencesfullhumanflourishing,becomingacitizenandleaderinthislifeandbeyondthewallsof Metro
ThisFamilyHandbookwillfamiliarizeyou studentsandparents withourschool’sbeliefs,purpose, andvalues,anditwillprovideanoverviewofthepolicies,procedures,andprogramsthatmakeupthe day-to-daylifeofourschoolcommunity
ThishandbookconsistsofthepoliciesandproceduresthatallmembersoftheMetrocommunitymust adheretoinorderforourschooltobemostsuccessful Itdescribestherelationshipweexpecttohave amongstudents,teachers,leaders,andfamilies;itspellsoutwhatyoucanexpectfromyourchild’s teachersandleaders;anditarticulatestheschool’sexpectationsofyourstudentandfamily Weaskthat eachstudentandthefamilymembersresponsibleforthestudentunderstandandadheretothe expectationsandpoliciescontainedinthishandbook
Oneofourcorevaluesishumility wearealwayslearning Policiesandproceduresinthishandbook maybeamended,revised,addedto,ordeletedduringtheyear.Intheeventofchanges,theschoolwill notifyfamiliesinadvance.
Notwofamiliesarealike,andourstudentshavemanydifferentpeopleintheirliveswhosupportandcare forthem.Throughoutthishandbook,theterm“parent”isusedtorefertotheadultswhoarethestudent’s primarycaregivers.Thesemaybebiologicalparents,adoptiveparents,step-parents,grandparents, other guardians,orsomecombinationofthese.
MetroCatholicSchooladmitsanystudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigintoalltherights, privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool.Itdoes notdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalandethnicorigininadministrationofitseducational policies,admissionspolicies,scholarshipandloanprograms,andathleticandotherschool-administered programs.
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.
RootBeliefs
AtMetroCatholicSchool,webelievethat…
● Godisinallthings
● WearemadeintheimageandlikenessofGod.
● Wearebetterasacommunity
● Allstudentscanlearn.
● Weshapethefuture
● Thelittlethingsmatter
● Wecandohardthings.
Mission
MetroCatholicSchool 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.
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
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
FaithformationextendsbeyondthereligionclassroomatMetroCatholicSchool byaligningourpolicies, procedures,actions,habits,androutineswithourrootbeliefsandvalues,weinfuseeveryaspectofourdaywith faith
Allstudents,Catholicandnon-Catholicalike,participateinreligionclasses,prayer,andworshipheldduringthe schoolday Wearemadeforeachother,sowemodelmutualrespectforpeopleofallfaithsandthosestrugglingto believe,andweteachandexpectourstudentstodothesame Weencourageallstudentstobeactivemembersof theirhomechurches Weencourageallstudentstoliveactivelivesofprayerandtoliveaccordingtotheteachingsof JesusChrist
OurTeamatMetroCatholic
WhenwehiremembersoftheMetroCatholicSchoolteam,welookforzeal:aburningdesiretomakeGodknown, lovedandserved.Ourteamofdedicated,professionalteachers,administrators,andfront-lineworkersiscommitted tothePartnership’scorevaluesofIntegrity,HardWork,Humility,andService Allofourteachersarecertifiedby theStateofOhioandmeettheacademicandprofessionalstandardssetbythePartnershipSchoolsandtheDiocese ofCleveland
Section2:AcademicProgram
OurgoalistopreparethestudentsofMetroCatholicforthebestcollegepreparatoryhighschoolsinCleveland We strivetoputeachofourstudentsonapaththatgivesthemanopportunitytochoosecollege,afulfillingcareer,and ultimately,heaven Wewillensuretheyhaveteacherswhobelieveinthem,holdthemtohighexpectations,and providerigorouscurriculumandinstructionsotheyarepreparedforhighschoolandbeyond.
Ourteachersregularlyevaluatestudentprogresstowardsmasteryofessentialcontentandskillsandintermsoftheir characterdevelopmentandgrowth Thisprogressiscommunicatedtoparentsonaregularbasisthroughouronline gradebookingsystem.Familieswillalsoreceiveprintedprogressreportsatthemidpointofeachquarter.
Moreover,studentsareexpectedtoperformtothebestoftheirability Thatmeansthatstudentscometoschooland classpreparedandreadytolearn,andtheyareexpectedtofollowschool-wideandclassroom-specificrulesandto participateincommunityeventsandactivities
Curriculum
Metro Catholic School implements a researched,content-rich,knowledge-buildingcurriculumwithstrongresultsin 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 preparestudentsforthecollegepreparatoryhighschoolstheywillattendaftertheirtimewithus,wheretheywill deepentheiracademicandpersonalformationandcontinuetobepreparedtobecollege-ready.
70-79
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.
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.
Significantlybehindgrade levelexpectations
0-59
Significantlybehindgrade-levelexpectations inaccomplishinggoals,objectivesand requirements;Showsinsufficientknowledge andlackofskillsincontentareas;Doesnot demonstratecapacitytoworkindependently andcooperatively;Doesnotcompletedaily workorassignments;Assessmentscores indicatefailuretoachievelesson/unit objectives.
4th-8th Grade Grading Scale
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.AtMetroCatholicSchool,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 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
*ThirdgradestudentswhodonotpasstheOhioStateMandatedReadingAchievementTest(ThirdGrade Guarantee)willberetainedinthirdgradeuntiltheyachieveapassingscore
Technology for Learning
ParentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignandfollowanAcceptableUsePolicythatoutlinesappropriateuseofschool technologyresourcesatthebeginningofeachyear
Section3:SchoolOperations
Admissions
WebelievethateachchildismadeintheimageandlikenessofGod OurroleasCatholicschooleducatorsistohelp familiesensurethattheirchildrenexperiencefullhumanflourishing,andourdesireistoprovideaCatholic educationofthehighestqualitytoasmanychildrenaspossibleinourcommunity
WewelcomeallstudentstoapplytojointheMetroCatholicSchoolcommunity WebelieveGodisinallthings,and discriminationisrepugnanttoournatureandmission
MetroCatholicadmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigintoalltherights,privileges,programs andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool Itdoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisof race,color,nationalandethnicorigin,orgenderintheadministrationofeducationalpolicies,admissionpolicies, scholarshipprograms,andathleticandotherschool-administeredprograms
Acceptanceisbasedona“firstcome,firstserved”policyforallstudentswhosubmitapplicationmaterialsina timelymanner Pleasenotethatenteringkindergartenstudentsmustalsocompletereadinessscreening Inclasses withlimitedspace,theschoolmaygivepreferenceinadmissionstosiblingsofcurrentlyenrolledstudents
Attendance
Whenitcomestolearning,webelieve all students can learn Itisimportanttorecognizethat every minute matters Tooptimizeyourchild’slearning,theymustattendclass,ontime,everyday,forthefullday,wheneverpossible Statelawrequireschildrenbetweentheagesof6and18toattendschooldaily Itisourresponsibilitytoworkwith civilauthoritiestoreportexcessiveabsencesfromschool
Statescholarshiprecipientsarerequiredtoattendschooldaily,andwearerequiredtoreportdailyattendancetothe state Whenstudentsmissmorethan20daysofschool,theymaybeineligibletoreceiveorrenewtheirscholarship Inthesecases,familiesareresponsibleforpayingtuitionfortheirstudent(s).
Absences
Intheeventofstudentabsence,itistheresponsibilityoftheparenttonotifytheschoolofficeby8:30a.m.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
MetroCatholicSchoolrequiresaregistrationfee,whichservesasanon-refundabledepositthatguaranteesyour 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 Financialaidisavailableforstudentswhoarenoteligible forstatescholarships,andapplicationsareavailablefromtheschooloffice.
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
MetroCatholicSchoolacceptsallpaymentsviacheck,cashorcreditcard MetrousesFACTStomakepayments AllchecksmustbemadepayabletoMETROCATHOLICSCHOOL
DailySchedule
Theschoolofficeisopenforbusinessfrom7:15amto4:00pmMonday-Friday
Bell Schedule for Michael/Stephen Building
7:15AM Doorsopen.
Studentsarrivingbetween7:15-8:00AMreporttothecafeteriaor gym.
Supervisionprovided. Studentsmaynotarrivebefore7:15AM.
8:00AM FirstBell.
Parentsmaynotenterclassroomsinthemorning. Parentsmaycometotheofficeasneeded. Classesbeginandattendanceistaken.
Studentsnotintheirseatsatthistimeareconsideredtardy
3:15PM FinalBellrings. Announcements
3:20PM Dismissal.
Busridersand7thand8thgradersgetpickeduponW.54th Carriders&walkersarestaggeredbygradelevelandpickedupinthe carlinethatformsonW.57th.
Bell Schedule for Boniface Building
7:15AM Doorsopen.
Studentsarrivingbetween7:15-8:15AMreporttothecafeteria. Supervision&breakfastareprovided. Studentsmaynotarrivebefore7:15AM.
8:00AM FirstBell.
8:15AM SecondBell.
Parentsmaynotenterclassroomsinthemorning. Parentsmaycometotheofficeasneeded. Classesbeginandattendanceistaken. Studentsnotintheirseatsatthistimeareconsideredtardy
3:20PM FinalBellrings.
Announcements
3:30PM Dismissal.
Early Dismissal
Dismissal is at 2:00 PM everyFriday(2:15PMforBoniface),exceptonthefirstFridayeachmonth,whenschoolis dismissed at 12:00 PM (12:15 PM for Boniface). There are 12:00 PM dismissals scheduled; please refer to the schoolcalendarforthosedates
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.
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
Lunch
AtMetroCatholicSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceiveahealthyluncheachdayofthe2023-2024schoolyearat nochargetoyourhousehold StudentsattheBonifaceBuildingreceiveabreakfastdaily Noactionisrequiredof you.Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmitanapplication.
Studentsmayalsobringtheirlunchfromhome.Studentshavetimebuiltintotheirdaytohaveahealthysnack broughtfromhome Wediscouragesendingglasscontainers,fastfood,carbonatedbeveragesandcandytoschool
SeparatingfromtheMetroCatholicSchoolCommunity
WebelievethateverychildcanlearnandthattheyaremadeintheimageandlikenessofGod Weexpectthatallof ourstudentswillgraduatefromMetroCatholicSchool,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,andhealthrecordsfromMetroCatholic Schooldirectly.Recordswillnotbegiventoparents.Academicrecordswillnotbereleaseduntilanyoutstanding financialobligationstoMetroCatholicaremet
Transportation Walkers
Studentsshouldwalkwithcautioninthestreetandshouldneverrunoutfrombetweenparkedormovingcars.At dismissalstaffmembersareatthecrosswalksandstudentsareexpectedtolistentothedirectionsgivenbyanystaff memberwhencrossingthestreet.StudentsrepresentourschoolcommunityontheirwaytoandfromMetro. Pushing,roughplay,running,orthrowingobjects(includingsnowballs)areprohibitedontheirwaytoschooland home.
Car Riders
Studentsbeingdroppedofforpickedupmustwaitfortheinstructionofastaffmembertoexitorenterthecar safely Studentsremainingatschoolafter15minuteswillbesenttoEDCwhereaparentwillhavetocometothe officeandaskfortheirchild
School Bus Riders
StudentsaretorepresenttheMetrocommunityandliveourbeliefsandvaluesonthebusjustastheydoatschool Atdismissal,studentsshouldproceedtotheirbusinawaythatdoesnotdisrupttheschoolcommunity. Studentsare responsibleforadheringtobussafetyregulationsestablishedbytheindividualschooldistricts Studentswhodonot meetbehaviorexpectationsonthebusmaylosetheprivilegeofbustransportation.
Bus Safety Rules
Studentsshall:
● Followalldirectionsfromthebusdriver.
● Stayintheirseatsandkeepaislesandexitsclear
● Keepallpartsoftheirbodiesinsidethebus
● Useappropriatelanguageatalltimes
● Neverthrowanobjectinoroutofamovingvehicle
● Keeptheirhandsandbodiestothemselves.
● Boardandleavethebusattheirdesignatedlocationunlesstheyhaveparentalandadministrativeapproval
Abusdrivermayneverbedistracted Eachbusdriverwillreviewbussafetyrulesandprocedureswithstudentson hisorherbus. Thesameexpectationsintheclassroomapplytothebus. Studentsmustlistentoandrespondtoall instructionsfromthedriverpromptlyandrespectfully Busviolationsmayresultinschoolconsequencessuchas detentionorsuspensionfromthebus. Suspensionfromtheschoolbusdoesnotexcusethestudentfromattending school
Inter-School Transportation
MetroCatholicSchoolisoneschoolwiththreebuildingsandtwocampuses Inordertopromoteschoolunityand spirit,students,bybeingenrolledinourschool,maybetransportedtoothercampusesbytheschoolwithoutspecific parentalpermission
VisitorstotheSchool
Allvisitorstotheschoolbuilding,atanytimeduringtheday,mustreporttotheschooloffice Parentsplanningto visitclassroomsmustreporttotheofficeuponarrival
Weather-RelatedSchoolClosure
MetroCatholicSchoolcloseswhenevertheClevelandPublicSchoolscloseforweatherrelatedreasons Wemay alsochoosetocloseindependently PleaselistentomajorCleveland radioorTVstationsforschoolclosingwhen weatherisquestionable Pleasedonotcalltheschool
Section4:SchoolPolicies
ChildProtection
Thedignityofeverychildissacred.Theflourishingofeachchildisourmission,andkeepingyourchildsafeis paramounttous InkeepingwiththeCharterfortheProtectionofChildrenandYoungPeopleoftheUSCongressof CatholicBishops,ourschoolcomplieswiththeStandardsofConductforMinistryandthePolicyfortheSafetyof ChildreninMattersofSexualAbuseoftheDioceseofCleveland
Child Abuse
Teachers,leaders,andallmembersoftheMetroteamarelegallyobligatedtoreportanysuspectedcasesofchild abuseorneglecttotheproperagency Insoreporting,noallegationismadeagainstaparentorcaregiver Rather,it isajudgmentbytheschoolreporterthatthechildmaybepresentingsignsofabuseorneglect.Thisisa responsibilitywetakeseriously,anchoredinourbeliefthatwearemadeforeachotherandourloveforeachchildin ourcommunity.
DressCode
Webelievethatwearebetterasacommunity,andthatthelittlethingsmatter Eachmorning,weaskstudentsto wearauniformandadheretoadresscodethatemphasizestheirexcellence,affirmstheirmembershipinour community,andensuresthattheycanfocusonourtoppriority:rigorousacademicinstructionandhumanformation. Inourbeliefthatallstudentscanlearn,ourdresscoderemovesdistractionsfromlearningandreinforcesour communityidentitywhileinstillingthepridethatcomeswithbeingamemberofateamthatis“dressedfor success.”
Navyblueorblackskirts,jumpers,oruniformpantsmaybe worn GirlsmaywearnavyblueorblackleggingsUNDERa skirtorjumperincolderweather.Nokhakicoloredbottoms.
Nosweatpantsaretobewornonnon-gymdays.
GIRLSK-8
Solidwhite,lightblue,ornavyblueblousesorknitpolo shirts
Navyblueorblackuniformpantsmaybeworn Nocargo pantspermitted.Nokhakicoloredbottoms.
Nosweatpantsaretobewornonnon-gymdays.
BOYSK-8
Solidwhite,lightblue,ornavyblueblousesorknitpolo
SHOESK-8
SWEATERS&SWEATSHIRTSK-8
shirts
Shoesshouldbemostlysolidincolor.Rubbersoleddress shoesortennisshoesmaybeworn
Nocrocs,heels,moccasins,openbacksortoes,andslipper footwearmaybeworntoandfromschoolorduringthe schoolday
Duringwinterweatherbootsmaybeworntoschooland changeduponarrivaltotheclassroom.
Solidblack,gray,ornavybluecardigansmaybewornover blousesorpoloshirts
AllsweatshirtsaretobeMetroCatholicSweatshirts
Hoodedsweatshirts,includingMCS,areONLYtobeworn outsideandarenotpermittedintheclassroom.
Studentsarepermittedtowearpurchasedspiritwearaspart oftheirdailyuniform.
SPIRITWEAR
GymshirtsONLYongymdays.
EachFridaywecelebrateMetroFamilyFridays.Allstudents areinvitedtodressdownandwearanyMetroCatholicgear (excepthoodedsweatshirts).
Hairmaynotbeworninawaythatimpedesstudentvision Teachersorleadersmayrequestthatloosehairorbraidsbe tiedback
HAIR
MAKE-UP
HaircolorisonlypermittedinNATURALcolors Colors suchaspink,blue,purple,etc arenotpermittedandshould notbewovenin
Hairstylesthatdistractfromstudentlearningarenot permitted
Nofacialhairforboys
Make-upisnotpermitted.Acrylicorartificialnailsortipsare notpermitted Studentsmaynotwearnailpolishatschool Lipglosswithcolor,glitter,orshineisnotpermitted.
Earringsarelimitedtoonepairofpostearringsorsmall hoops Piercings,otherthanagirl’sears,arenotpermitted
BoysareNOTpermittedtowearearrings
Excessiveoroffensivejewelrymaynotbeworn
JEWELRY
Smartwatchesarenotpermitted
PEDRESSCODE
DRESSDOWNDAYS
Ifanyjewelrybecomesadistraction,thestudentwillbe askedtoremoveitperthediscretionoftheteacher/leaders
MCSnavybluegymshirtsandapprovedMetroCatholic sweatshirtsmaybeworn.
MCSissuedshortsandsweatpantsONLY Tennisshoesand socksshouldbeworn.
Jeansorathleticpantsarepermitted Anyjeanswithripsin themmusthaveleggingsunderneath
Topsshouldbeappropriate Novulgarlanguage,pictures,or writing.Nomidriffshowingorlowcutinthebackorfront.
Inwarmweathershortsmaybeworn,lengthshouldextendat leastasfardownthelegasfingertipsdangle
Nocrocs,sandals,orslippersarepermitted
Dresspants,skirts/dressesofmodestlength,andshirtdress, andNEATjeansmaybeworn.
Dressshoesorathleticshoesmaybeworn.Refrainfrom heelsthatareabove2inches
DRESSUPDAYS
AdditionalDressCodeNotes:
Nomidriff,lowcutinthefrontorback,andbackcutouts maynotbeworn.
Strapsondressesandshirtsshouldcoverallundergarments.
● Uniformslookalike!Pleaseputyourchild’snameontheiruniformpieces
● Schooluniformsshouldbeneat,clean,andproperlysized
● Snowbootsmaynotbewornintheclassrooms.Ifastudentwearsbootstoschool,he/shemustchangeinto uniformshoesbeforecomingintotheclassroom
● StudentsmayfollowthedressupordressdowncodesforBirthdays
● StudentsmustfollowthedressupcodeforPictureDay
● Perfume,cologne,andspraydeodorantsarenottobeusedatschool.Rollondeodorantshouldbeworn daily
*ThefinaldecisionsastowhetherornotastudentisinviolationofthedresscodelieswithMetroCatholic Schoolleaders,teachers,andstaff.
BehaviorExpectations
Guiding Beliefs
“Seeeverything,overlookagreatdeal,correctalittle”
ThesewordsofSaintPopeJohnthe23rd remindusthattheworkofformationistopayattentiontoourmistakes, forgivethem,andextendgracetoourselvesandthoseinourcommunitywhoareworkingtomeetourexpectations.
Weshapethefuture,butwearenotthereyet,andwhilechildrenareintheprocessofformation,therewillbetimes
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.
Ourprogressivedisciplinesystemallowsstudentswhodonotmeetexpectationsforbehaviorinminorwaystolearn frommistakes,shiftcourse,andavoidseveresanctions Repeatedviolations,however,willincurincreasinglysevere consequences,uptoandincludingsuspensionfromschoolorarequesttowithdrawfromtheschoolcommunity
Teachersareneverpermittedtousecorporalpunishmentwithanychild Perceivedactsofcorporalpunishment shouldbereportedtotheprincipaloftheschoolimmediatelybystudentsand/orparents
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(eg,shooting, bombthreats),ortoharmstudents,employees,orvisitorsaretakenseriously. Uponknowledgeofthethreats,the principalwillnotifytheSuperintendentanddeterminethecourseofactiontobetaken,whichmayinclude contactingparents, callinglawenforcement,requiringamentalhealthreferral,and/orexpulsion.Acompletecopy ofthethreatpolicycanbefoundintheappendix
Itistheexpectationofthisschoolthatstudentbehaviorisexemplarybothonandoffschoolgrounds Astudent alwaysrepresentstheentireschoolcommunity Therefore,theschoolreservestherighttodisciplinestudentsfor actssuchas,butnotlimitedto:stealing,fighting,vandalism,destructiveuseofsocialmedia,bullyingoranyother typeofthreateningorinappropriatemisconduct(personally,viatelephone,ortheinternet) Suchmisconductcould resultinpunishmentsincludingsuspensionand/orexpulsion
Lastly,astudent’sarrestforacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,withinorbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,atany timecouldresultinthestudent’ssuspensionorexpulsion Convictionofacrimeonoroffofschoolgrounds,within orbeyondthevicinityoftheschool,mayresultinexpulsion.
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
Suspensionorexpulsionfromschoolisreservedforcasesthatcannotbeaddressedbetterinanotherway.Insome cases,schoolleadersmaydeemanactionbyastudentsodisruptivetothecommunitythattheonlywayforthechild andtheschoolcommunitytoflourishisforbothtoseparateviaexpulsion.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
Discretion: Inhumility,werecognizethatwemaynotforeseeeverysituationthatmightarise Teachersandleaders may,attheirdiscretion,issuedetentionsorotherappropriatedisciplinemeasuresforbehaviorsthatarenotaligned withourbeliefsorvalues,includingforbehaviorsthatarenotspecifiedhere
Fighting
Fighting,violentphysicalcontact,andplayfightingwillnotbepermittedinourschool
Ifachildisinvolvedinafight,heorshemaybesuspendedorexpelledfromschool,regardlessoftherolethe studentplayedduringthealtercation
Wheneveraphysicalaltercationtakesplace,theprincipalwillinvestigatetheincidenttodeterminethebestwayto moveforwardtostrengthentheschoolcommunityandtoensurethatallstudentscanreturntolearningasquicklyas possible Thiswillincludedetermininganypotentialconsequencesforinvolvedstudents
Sharinginformation
ItisthepolicyofMetroCatholictospeakwithparentsonlyabouttheirownchildren.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, andoffensive
Bullyingisdifferentfromconflict,andithasalegaldefinitionConflictisadisagreementorargumentin whichbothsidesexpresstheirviewsBullyingisnegativebehaviordirectedbysomeoneexertingpower andcontroloveranotherperson Itisunwanted,aggressivebehavioramongschool-agedchildrenthatis markedbyapowerimbalanceandistargetedtowardsomeonerepeatedly,overaperiodoftime
InOhio,bullyingislegallydefinedas“Anyintentionalwritten,verbal,electronic,orphysicalactthata studenthasexhibitedtowardanotherparticularstudentmorethanonceandthebehaviorboth:
(i)Causesmentalorphysicalharmtotheotherstudent;
(ii)Issufficientlysevere,persistent,orpervasivethatitcreatesanintimidating,threatening,orabusive educationalenvironmentfortheotherstudent.
TheMetroCatholicSchoolteambelievesthatwearemadeintheimageandlikenessofGodandthatwe arebetterasacommunity.Wewillnottolerateharassmentorbullyingofanytype,andappropriate disciplinaryactionwillbetakenwhenitoccurs Disciplinaryactionmayincludesuspensionorexpulsion, thoughwerecognizethatchildrenwhoengageinbullyingare,likethosetheybully,alsomadeinthe imageandlikenessofGod Often,theyarethemselvesmostinneedofformationandourcommunitymay bebestservedbyprovidingthatformationthroughconsequencesandreconciliation.Atothertimes,the bullyingmayrupturethecommunitysoseverelythatseparationmaybenecessary Thesedecisionsareat thediscretionoftheprincipalwiththeapprovalofthesuperintendent.
Noteacherorstaffmemberwillknowinglyalloworparticipateinharassmentbetweenstudentsorallow inappropriateconversationsaboutstudentsoranymemberoftheschoolcommunitytotakeplaceinhis/her 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 MetroCatholic Schoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshavereasontobelieve thatthestudentpossessesadevice.
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.
MetroCatholicSchoolmaysearchastudent'sdesk,handbags,bookbags,purses,orpersonifschoolofficialshave reasontobelievethatthestudentpossessesstolen/missingitems
Wetakerespectforeachothers’belongingsseriously;theftisaseriousbreachofcommunitytrustthatmayrequire notificationofthepoliceandcouldresultinimmediatesuspensionorexpulsion.
Threats
Godisinallthings Threatsofbodilyharmtoselforothersaretakenseriously Studentswhobecomeawareofa threatshouldreportittoanadultimmediately Studentswhothreatenharmtofellowstudents,teachers,leaders, themselves,orothersgravelydisruptcommunitytrust Theiractionsmaywarrantnotificationofthepoliceand couldresultinimmediatesuspensionorexpulsion Acompletecopyofthethreatpolicycanbefoundinthe appendix
Weapons
MetroCatholicSchoolprovidesasafe,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
After-SchoolActivities
Avarietyofafter-schoolactivitiesareofferedeachyear Studentswhoarenotpickedupontimewillbesentto aftercare.Studentsmaynotbeunsupervisedonschoolgroundsorinthebuildingwhilewaitingforrides.Student learningisthefirstpriorityatMetro;studentsmaynotbepermittedtoparticipateinafter-schoolactivitiesuntiltheir conductandacademicperformancemeetsexpectations.
LunchProgram
AtMetroCatholicSchool,allofourchildrenwillreceiveahealthyluncheachdayofthe2023-2024schoolyearat nochargetoyourhousehold Noactionisrequiredofyou Therearenofeesandnoneedtosubmitanapplication
FieldTrips
Fieldtripscanbeopportunitiestodeepenstudentlearningoutsidetheclassroom Theyarearrangedoccasionally duringtheschoolyeartoprovidenewexperiencesandenrichmentandaresupervisedbyteachers,aidesandparent volunteers Parentsmustsignadiocesanpermissionslipbeforeanychildmayleavecampus Permissionmustbein writingandmaynotbegivenoverthetelephone.Whenweleavecampus,werepresenttheMetroCatholic communitytoallofCleveland,andallexpectationsforstudentconductandengagementremainthesameasinthe classroom.Studentswhodonotmeetconductexpectationsintheclassroommaynotbepermittedtorepresentthe Metrocommunityonfieldtrips
Ordinarily,studentsaretransportedtoandfromfieldtripsbybus Inspecialcaseswhencarsareused,thedriversare requiredtoprovideacopyoftheirdriver'slicense.Vehiclesmusthaveseatbeltsforeachchild.
Conclusion
TheMetroCatholicSchoolleadershipteamhasattemptedtobethoroughinprovidingtheinformationinthis Handbook Werecognize,however,thatitisnotpossibletoforeseeeveryeventuality Therefore,inallmatters,the judgmentanddecisionsoftheschoolleaderswillbefinal.Thegreatestopportunityforgrowthandmaturityof studentscomesfromcooperationamongtheschool,parents,andstudents Consistentwiththisphilosophy,parents andstudentswillparticipateinanydecisionasfaras,inthejudgmentoftheSchoolAdministration,itispracticable. Astudent'senrollmentatMetroCatholicSchoolconstituteshis/herandhis/herparents'acceptanceofthetermsset forthinthisHandbookandinanysubsequentupdatesoradditions.Parentsandstudentsarerequiredtosignayearly contractstatingthattheyagreetoupholdthepoliciesfoundinthisHandbook,andallotherdecisionsofMetro CatholicSchoolleaders
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
AsbestosManagementPlan
To: Employees,Parents,BuildingOccupantsandtheirLegalGuardians
From: MetroCatholicSchool
Subject: AsbestosManagementPlan
Date: August2023
DearSir/Madam:
FederalLawnowrequiresallschoolstoinspecttheirbuildingsforasbestos-containingmaterialsandtodevelop ManagementPlansforthosematerialsfound.OurschoolhascompletedthisInspection/ManagementPlanandhas submittedacopytotheOhioDepartmentofHealth ThisAsbestosInspection/ManagementPlanisavailablefor review,byappointment,duringourregularbusinesshours.Ifyouwishtoseethereport,pleasecontacttheschool officeforanappointment Allappointmentrequestswillbehonoredwithinfive(5)workingdaysoftheirreceipt Also,acopyoftheInspection/ManagementPlancanbemadeavailable,uponwrittenrequest,forthecostof reproduction Ourschoolcustodialstaffhasreceivedspecializedasbestostraining,andwillvisuallysurveythe asbestos-containingmaterialsinourbuildingseverysix(6)months.Acompletere-inspection,byanEPA-accredited inspector,willoccureverythree(3)years,andcopiesoftheseinspectionswillbeavailableforyourreview If asbestosabatementiseverrequired,otherthansmall-scale,shortdurationrepairs,onlyfullyEPAaccredited asbestoscontractorswillbeused
Pleasebeassuredthatweareconcernedwithyoursafetyandwillmakeeveryefforttocomplywithalllawsand regulationspertainingtoasbestos
Sincerely,
AllisonKlutarich PrincipalofMetroCatholicSchoolEmergency/CrisisPlan
Stepshavebeentakentoensureyourchild’ssafetywhileinschool TheEmergencyandCrisisPlanshavebeen reviewedandupdatedforthecurrentschoolyear.
StudentswillalsoparticipateintheALICE(Alert,Lockdown,Inform,Counter,Evacuate)Training:Instructorled activitiestoprovidepreparationandaplanforindividualsandorganizationsonhowtomoreproactivelyhandlethe threatofanaggressiveintruderoractiveshooterevent