ADMISSION POLICY

St. Francis School admits and readmits students on an annual school year basis.

All students are encouraged to participate in the Catholic educational experience and are nurtured to reach their potential. The feasibility of accepting any child into St. Francis School will be dependent upon the school’s ability to meet the child’s educational needs. Reasonable accommodations will be made, if feasible, to include a student in the St. Francis School community.

Students who are returning to St. Francis School and are being readmitted must have all financial obligations from the prior school year paid in full before they will be readmitted for the coming school year.

Non-Discrimination Policy: St. Francis School admits students of any race, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, disability, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school.

St. Francis School does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years of age by the beginning of the school year. Students entering kindergarten must also participate in a kindergarten screening before being admitted to St. Francis School.

St. Francis School Application Process and Checklist

Stage 1: Initial Documentation

To begin the application process, the following forms/documents must be submitted on behalf of each applicant.

_______Application for Enrollment

_______Special Services Form

_______Copy of Birth Certificate

_______Copy of Baptismal Certificate (If applicable)

_______Parent Questionnaire (Grades K and 1)

_______Teacher Questionnaire (Grades K and 1)

_______Copy of last report card (Grades 1 - 8)

_______Copy of all Standardized Test Scores (Grades 2 - 8) o IOWA, CogAT, TerraNova, or other relevant state assessments

Two recommendation letters from current teachers and/or principal (Grades 2 - 8)

_Complete scholarship paperwork if applicable to be submitted (see attached)

Stage 2: Review Process

Once the above documentation has been submitted, the Admissions Team will review the application based on St.Francis admissions criteria, specifically seeking students who are successful in their current academic environments by conducting themselves in a manner that fits with the St. Francis mission and culture of peacebuilding; and whose parents/guardians are invested in the education process. If the team deems that the applicant meets the above criteria, the applicant will be contacted to complete:

______Gesell Developmental screening (Grades K and 1)

______Leveled Entrance Assessment (Grades 2 - 8)

______Shadow Visit (Grades 3 - 8)

Stage 3: Enrollment Decision

After the student has completed the previous steps, the application will be evaluated and an enrollment decision will be made. It is possible that a student may be put on a wait list for classes that are at or near capacity. In any event, families can expect to hear back from St. Francis within 2 weeks of completing the review process.

Stage 4: Enrollment

Once a student is accepted, the following items are required in order to enroll in St.Francis School.

______Registration fee of $100 per student (non-refundable)

______Completed Registration Form/Tuition Contract

______Release of records form (Grades 1 - 8)

Questions/Feedback

St.Francis welcomes questions and feedback from applicant families at any time during the application process. Please contact the School Office at 216 361 4858 or send an email to The Enrollment Coordinator Keasha Hill @ hillk@stfranciscleveland.org.

Withdrawal Policy

A withdrawal form is given to the parent at the time of withdrawal. This form is taken to the child’s new school. The new school requests records from St. Francis School. Report cards and transcripts will be withheld for non-payment of debts owed to St. Francis School. This includes tuition, Extended Day fees, candy money or the fundraising fee, library fines and monies owed to the Breakfast and Lunch programs.

Preschool Program

● Students must be 3 years old by the beginning of the school year.

● 1190019539- license number

Preschool Enrollment Process:

1. Interest list: Give name, contact number, email, childs name and d.o.b.

2. Receive and complete enrollment packet

3. Waiting list- application to be reviewed

4. If applying for vouchers- student must be in the system before they begin.

5 Acceptance letter

6 Pay $100 registration fee

*Please note that a completed enrollment packet must be received in order to be added to the waiting list for St Francis Preschool

*Please allow at least 2 weeks for the preschool enrollment process to be completed

Parents As Partners

St. Francis Catholic School considers parents to be partners in the educational process.

Expectations

● To be treated with dignity and respect

● To be able to share concerns with the school administration

● To be able to schedule conferences with teachers/administration

● To receive school reports and informational bulletins in a timely fashion

Responsibilities

● To be role models of faith in the life of their child

● To encourage progress in learning, including completion of homework assignments and long-term assignments, when they are due

● To encourage their child’s best work in school and to applaud their efforts

● To notify the school of any change in address, telephone numbers, custody status, and/or child’s health status

● To schedule conferences to promote their child’s educational progress

● To participate in the life of the school by attending at least 2 parent engagement events per school year in the form of orientation, conferences, parent meetings, concerts, etc..

● To ensure their child arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day

● To enforce bedtimes on school nights

● To check uniforms to ensure their child is dressed according to the school dress code

● To provide their child with a suitable place to study

● To see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student

● To meet all financial obligations to the school

● To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health

● To complete and return to school any requested information promptly

● To read school notes and newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total education

● To support the religious and educational goals of the school

● To cooperate with school personnel in adherence to rules

● To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school

● To treat teachers with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems.

●

Faculty and Staff Expectations

● To be treated with dignity and respect

● To receive the cooperation of parents/guardians, staff, and students

● To teach and work in an orderly and safe environment

Responsibilities

● To treat students and parents/guardians with dignity and respect

● To arrange parent/guardian conferences

● To establish rules for student behavior

● To fairly and consistently enforce school and classroom rules

● To maintain necessary student records and provide periodic reports of student progress

● To provide students with appropriate classroom instruction as prescribed by the adopted courses of study

● To provide accommodations for a student when appropriate

● To maintain confidentiality at all times

Students

Expectations

● To be treated with dignity and respect

● To learn in an orderly and safe environment

● To receive substantially equal treatment in the enforcement of academic and behavior policies

● To have the opportunity to be heard in a discussion regarding infractions

● To be assured of confidential handling of their records

Responsibilities

● To treat teachers, staff, students, parents, volunteers, and other adults with dignity and respect

● To attend school daily and on time

● To wear the complete, correct school and physical education uniform

● To have all needed books and supplies daily and come to class prepared to work

● To strive to do their best work both in class and when doing homework and turn in all work when it is due

● To obey all school/class rules and regulations

● To respectfully accept behavior consequences

● To report serious incidents involving student safety

● To respect school property and the property of others

● To comply with the authority of all school staff members, including teachers, administration, office personnel, lunch/recreation area monitors, aides, bus drivers, before and after school personnel, and maintenance staff.

TUITION&FINANCIALAID

Registration Fee

The $100 registration fee is an annual, non-refundable fee required to hold a child’s place in the class for the upcoming school year. It is a fee separate from tuition.

The registration fee covers the cost of religious texts, some of the workbooks, the computer programs, classroom supplies and office supplies. It also covers the Diocesan Assessment Fee for each child.

The registration fee is to be paid by the last day of school prior to the start of the coming school year or at the time of registration. After this date the seat for any returning students will not be held and registration will occur on a first come first served basis.

Tuition

The tuition for the school year will be set and announced prior to the coming school year. Tuition is paid by parents or by the State of Ohio for Cleveland Scholarship Students. For the preschool program tuition is paid for by parents or by the county.

Parent tuition is paid monthly and is due by the first (1st) of the month.

If payment falls behind, the parents will be notified after the first week of the month. If the payment has not been made by the fifteenth (15th) of the month, children will be excluded from the school. Children are not permitted to return to school until a payment is received. Extended absences from school because of overdue tuition payments may result in dismissing a child from St. Francis School.

Parents who receive the Cleveland Scholarship Program Voucher will be notified when the vouchers arrive. The state of Ohio sends the vouchers three times during the school year. You are expected to come to the school and sign the voucher. Signatures on the voucher will be due one week after the vouchers have arrived. Students will be excluded from school if this does not occur. Preschool parents are expected to swipe their child in and out everyday if using a voucher.

All accounts must be kept current. When accounts fall into arrears, access to grades, report cards and transcripts will be restricted. All accounts must be current/paid in full for grades, report cards and transcripts to be forwarded to a new school, including high schools.

Preschool tuition is $210 per week to be paid in full before the start of the week.

Financial Aid

Diocesan Tuition Assistance Awards are dispersed yearly to needy families. To apply, contact the school office for a PSAS (Private School Aid Services) Form. The form must be completed and returned directly to PSAS with all required tax documentation along with the application fee. Deadline to apply is March 1st .

Families are encouraged to participate in The Cleveland Scholarship Program or The Ed Choice Scholarship. Applications for the voucher provided by this program will be available in the school office in February and are due in Columbus by mid April. Applicants for the voucher must be residents of the city of Cleveland and must have a qualifying income. Preschoolers are encouraged to fill out the application for child care benefits in order to receive financial assistance.

Preschool Program:

Diocesan Tuition Assistance Awards: Applications available in the office.

Vouchers: are accepted through the county. You may pick up an application for childcare benefits in the office during office hours. The program’s license number is 1190019539.

Refund Policy

All prepaid tuition is refundable at the time of withdrawal on a prorated basis. The daily rate is the tuition divided by 179 school days. All other outstanding fees are subtracted from the refund before it is issued. Refunds are sent to the state of Ohio on the same prorated basis. This is not applicable to preschool.

Fundraising Fee

Each family is required to take part in the annual fundraiser. If a family chooses not to participate, they are required to pay a fundraising fee of $50. This fee is set at the beginning of the fundraiser. The candy sale is a mandatory fundraiser and all families have a financial obligation to the school to participate in the sale. All candy money or the fundraising fee is due one week after the close of the fundraiser. We will hold report cards of any students who do not meet this financial obligation.

Returned Checks

A fee will be charged for each check that is returned for insufficient funds. The fee will be the current bank rate charged to the school.

Children between the ages of five and sixteen are required by law to attend school, punctually and regularly. Regular school attendance is important for success and also for building habits and attitudes of responsible behavior, which are important for life. House Bill 410 requires that all students have no more than 42 hours of unexcused abscences within a month and a total of 65 or more hours within the school year.

School Hours for Students

Regular Hours 7:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Early Dismissal Hours 7:30 AM – 1:00 PM

At St. Francis School, we work in partnership with parents to enable each child to develop as an independent learner. Parents should allow their child to enter the school building on their own each morning. To monitor the occupants of the building, provide a safe environment, comply with privacy laws, and to limit the disruption to the learning process, parents and all other visitors are asked to report to the office upon entering the building. Parents may not go to the classroom to confer with teachers during the school day. Preschool Parents must walk their student to the classroom and ensure that they are signed in as well as pick their child up from school to sign them out.

Daily Schedule

7:15-7:40 a.m

* Breakfast/ morning work in classroom

7:40 a.m.

* Five minute warning bell.

* The final bell rings. Classes begin. Attendance is taken. Students not in their seats at this time are tardy. Announcements are made. Birthdays and the Peace Builders of the Day are announced. The Pledge of Allegiance and the Peace Builder Pledge are recited. 11:00 – 1:30 p.m. * Lunch 3:10 p.m.

7:45 a.m.

* Dismissal.

Administrators’ Hours

If you would like to request an appointment with an administrator please contact the office and schedule a time between the following hours:

Monday- Friday 7:00-5:30 pm

Absence

Ohio State Bill 321 requires that parents notify the school the morning of the day of a student’s absence. Absences are to be called into the school office (216-361-4858) by 9:00 AM. The school is required to contact the parent at home or at work if the school has not been informed about the absence. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide the school with current contact numbers.

If a student is ill and will miss several days, the parent should contact the office to arrange for assignments to be picked up or sent home.

Students are responsible for all work missed during an absence. Teachers are willing to give assistance as needed; however, it is the duty of the student to request missing assignments and complete them. Parents and students should remember that, although the student can make up missed work, the daily interaction between the students and teacher cannot be recaptured.

Arrangements for tests and quizzes missed because of an absence are to be made with the individualteachers.

The absentee record for each student is recorded and sent to the Cleveland Scholarship and TutoringProgrammonthly. Excessiveabsencesmaybecauseforthevouchertoberevoked.

Habitualabsencesareunacceptable. St.FrancisSchoolwillobservethefollowing:

After10absences adoctor’snotewillberequiredforeachabsence

At15absences aletterwillbesenttoparentsnotifyingyouthatfive(5)more absenceswillbecauseforachildtobedismissedfromtheschool. At20absences thechildwillbedismissedfromtheschool

Tardiness

Since tardiness interferes with the child’s progress in school and disrupts the classroom, parents are requested to see that their children cultivate a habit of punctuality.

Students who enter the building after the 7:45 AM bell are considered tardy. These students must report to the office for a tardy slip that is then given to the homeroom teacher. Preschoolers must go to the office with a parent to get their tardy slip and must be walked to the classroom by the parent in order to be signed in.

The punctuality record for each child is recorded and sent to the Cleveland Scholarship Program monthly. Excessive times tardy may be cause for the voucher to be revoked.

Habitual tardiness is unacceptable. Students arriving at 10:00 or later will be marked one half (1/2) day absent. Students in grades K-4 will lose the morning recess on days that they are late. Students in grades 5-8 will not participate in extracurricular activities and sports on days that they are late.

Medical or Dental Appointments

All medical and dental appointments should be made outside school hours. Students needing medical appointments during school hours require a written note by the parent. Parents are required to sign out their child. If the child returns to school during the same school day, he/she must be signed back into school in the office. Students who are away from school for an appointment for 2 hours or more will be counted as absent for ½ a day.

Accident or Illness

If a child becomes ill or is injured during the school day, the parents will be contacted as indicated on the Emergency Medical Form that is completed at the beginning of the school year. Students must be picked up as soon as possible by the parent or a person designated by the parent. Students may not remain in the clinic for the entire school day. Students are to be signed out for the remainder of the day in the school office.

Students who may be injured during the school day are to always notify a teacher, teacher’s aide, administrator or the school nurse, so that appropriate care can be given.

The Emergency Medical Form is our way of contacting parents or another designated person. It is a parent responsibility to keep the office informed when phone numbers listed on the form change.

Leaving the Premises Early

If a child must leave the building, he/she must be signed out and accompanied by a parent/guardian or written designee, and if returning to school, must be signed back in upon his/her return. Permission to leave school early must be obtained from an administrator. School time (7:30 – 3:00) is time for your child to learn and should not be interrupted or shortened by leaving early.

Afternoon Lockdown

No visitors will be permitted to enter the building between 2:00 p.m. and dismissal in order to ensure the safety of our students during this transition. All doctor’s appointments, etc., need to be made before or after this lockdown period. There will be no student pick-up between 2:00 and 2:35. Due to state licensing, Preschooler’s are exempt from this procedure.

Vacations

The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate the need to interrupt a child’s learning process. If vacations are taken, parents should give the office and homeroom teacher written notification of the child’s impending absence. The student should contact the teacher(s) to get missed work. Assignments may be given at the teacher’s discretion. Students may work on long-term projects previously scheduled and standard weekly assignments (for example, studying in all subjects, spelling, vocabulary units, and math facts). Students are responsible for mastery of material presented during their absence. Work is to be completed within one week of the student’s return, unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.

Severe Weather/Emergency School Closing

We are closed when the Cleveland Public Schools are closed for weather-related reasons. We may also close independently for weather or other school emergencies.

Closings will be listed as St. Francis School – Cleveland. Please check your e-mail, Dojo, or text for school closing information. Early Dismissal for Faculty Meetings

There is an early dismissal for faculty meetings on the last Tuesday of each month (except in December). Reminders are sent home each month prior to the day.

Early dismissal is at 1:00. Students not picked up by 1:10 are sent to the Extended Day Program. Parents are responsible to pay the fee.

Classroom Disruption

Please do not go to the classroom and expect to speak with a teacher during the school day. The time from 7:45 when students arrive in the classroom until 2:30 when students are dismissed and walked out of the building is their time. The teacher’s time and attention needs to be on teaching and the students.

If you need to speak with a teacher, please e-mail or call the teacher to set up an appointment.

HOME To SCHOOL COMMUNICATIONS

Inordertoinsurethatallcommunicationfromschoolreacheshomeinatimelymanner, 17

St.FrancisSchoolusesthesemethods:

● The principal sends out a weekly update via e-mail making parents aware of whole schoolactivitiesandannouncements. Parentsareaskedtochecke-mailweekly.

● Parents are asked to have a Digital Academy account in order to monitor student grades andassignments.

● Teachers use Classroom Dojo to communicate about student conduct and classroom activities. ParentsareaskedtocheckDojodaily.

● Teachersuseacommunicatorfolderwithotherannouncements,homework,schoolflyers, orclassnewsletters. Parentsareaskedtocheckthisfolderdaily.

Emergency Messages

In an emergency, a message may be given to a child through the office. Parents are not permitted to go to the classroom or speak with the teacher during school hours.

Report Cards

Report Cards provide parents with tangible documentation of their child’s growth and development,whilepromotingmutualunderstandingandhelpfulnessbetweenhomeandschool. Report Cards are issued four times a year. Two copies of the reportcardwillbeprovided. One copyistobekeptbytheparentsandthesecondcopyistobesignedandreturnedtotheteacher.

Progress Reports/Interim Reports

Progress reports are sent home with the students halfway through the quarter to notify parents of student progress. Other progress reports may be given at any time at the discretion of the teacher. The progress reports are to be signed and returned to the teacher.

Parent-Teacher Conferences and Communications with Teachers

Parent conferences are scheduled twice during the school year. The first conference is scheduled for the end of the first quarter and is mandatory. The second conference is scheduled at the end of the second quarter and is optional. Communication between home and school is vital, allowing the teachers and parents to work together in the best interest of the student. All communication between the home and school must be conducted with mutual respect.

If a concern arises at any time during the year, the parent should feel free to contact the teacher for a conference. The parent must confer with the teacher before contacting the principal. Please contact the teacher via e-mail or phone call and the teacher will respond within 24 hours. In your message, leave a daytime phone number where you can be reached, as we respect our teacher’s evenings and weekends as a time for them to attend to their own families and homes. Teachers may never be called away from their class during school hours (7:30 - 2:35) when they are responsible for their students.

If parents wish to observe a class, arrangements should be made with the teacher involved and the principal should be notified of the day and time of the visit.

INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM Curriculum

In accordance with the Common Core State Standards, curriculum for all schools in the Diocese of Cleveland is developed by the Curriculum Department of the Office for Catechetical Formation and Education. St. Francis School uses this curriculum. The following areas constitute our curriculum: religion, language arts (reading, English, spelling and handwriting), mathematics, science (including health and safety), social studies, fine arts (music and art), physical education, and computer education. The curriculum of St. Francis School is a K – 8 sequential program in all areas. The Preschool Program uses a creative curriculum in addition to the Diocese Curriculum. The curriculum is aligned with Ohio standards and is developmentally appropriate.

Educational Programs

All students are to participate in additional educational programs, such as assemblies, field trips that correspond to curriculum objectives, and visits from guest speakers. Students also have the opportunity to participate in after-school clubs and extracurricular activities.

Religious Education Policy

Students are required to participate in religion classes, prayer, and worship held during the school day. We model mutual respect for all religions and expect the students to do the same. We encourage all students to be active members of their churches. All students are expected to live according to the teachings of Jesus.

Operation Keepsake

Operation Keepsake is a sexual abstinence program offered to students in grades 5-8. Operation Keepsake’s dynamic curriculum endeavors to provide interactive, ageappropriate, and medically accurate information to students. Operation Keepsake focuses on three key elements that determine behavior: personal efficacy, future orientation, and a personal value system, while emphasizing the importance of developing good character as a worthy life-long pursuit.

Computer Education

St. Francis School provides a computer lab, wireless access throughout the building and 1-to-1 computers and laptops for use in the classrooms. All students in grades PreK-8 have a regularly scheduled computer class to teach technology skills and integrate classroom learning. Parents and students are required to sign an annual Acceptable Use Policy.

Spanish Program

St. Francis School provides a Spanish program for all students PreK-8. Each grade received one Spanish lesson each week.

Fine Arts Program

Art and music are part of the curriculum for all students attending St. Francis School. Your child may receive a violin or cello to take home. Families are financially responsible for any loss/damage to the instrument.

Field Trips

Field trips can enrich classroom learning and open new areas of interest for the students. Please make sure the field trip forms are filled out for the Preschool students according to Ohio licensing.

1. Field trips are designed to correlate with teaching units and to achieve curricular goals.

2. Individual teachers, in consultation with the Administration, reserve the right to restrict or deny student participation on any field trip, due to poor conduct or lack of cooperation on the part of the child.

3. A written official permission slip, signed by the parent, is required before a child will be permitted to attend a field trip activity. (see Appendix C) Verbal permission cannot be accepted.

4. Parents may refuse to permit their child from participating in a field trip by stating so on the permission slip. Students who do not attend a field trip will remain at home with the parent and will be marked absent for the day.

5. All monies collected for the field trip are non-refundable.

6. Trips are carefully supervised by teachers, teacher aides and parent volunteers. Students and parents assume all risks and release St. Francis School from any liability whatsoever for any injury or damage incurred, directly or indirectly, in connection with the field trip.

7. All rules of discipline and decorum apply on field trips.

8. Ordinarily, students are transported to and from the field trip by bus.

9. When cars are used, the driver must provide a copy of their driver’s license and proof of insurance. The vehicle must have a seat belt for each child. Liability waivers must be filled out.

10. A teacher may require that a parent accompany a child on a field trip when a student’s conduct is questionable.

Assemblies

Educational and cultural assemblies covering such areas as science, music, drama, self-esteem, safety and health are provided throughout the year. Grant monies and fundraising profits are used to pay for these opportunities.

Grading Guidelines

Student Evaluation

Grading & Reporting Philosophy

All grading and reporting practices will support the learning process and encourage student success.

Student achievement is monitored on the basis of objectives stated in the Graded Courses of Study and incorporated into the teacher’s plan for daily instruction. Procedures for evaluating student achievement include, but are not limited, to the following: teacher’s observation of student responses, directed activities, quizzes, tests, participation in discussions, experiments, projects, oral and written reports, assignments, and written class work. (see Appendix D for Grading Scale)

Purposes for Grading Students’ Work

• Communicate achievement status to students, parents, and others

• Provide information/feedback that students can use for self-evaluation and growth

• Encourage student growth and progress in learning

• Identify students for available educational opportunities (e.g. Intervention/Title One programs)

• Evaluate the effectiveness of curricular, instructional, and assessment practices

Reporting:

● Grades will be posted on the Parent Access Portal of the Digital Academy once per week. Parents are responsible for staying up to date on the child’s grades.

Homework Policy:

● Homework will be given in spelling and math Monday through Thursday. In addition, it is required that students read at least 15 minutes nightly. There will be some method in the classroom to track this. Other homework assignments may be given at the teacher’s discretion, but not to exceed 10 minutes per grade (4th grade=40 minutes, 6th grade=60 minutes).

● Formal homework is assigned to help students become self-reliant and self-directed. Assignments are designed to reinforce daily lessons and to supplement and enrich class work. Studying for tests and quizzes is an important part of home study.

● Students in grades PreK-2 will have a weekly homework sheet provided by the teacher. It will be in the blue, vinyl communicator folder.

● Students in grades 3-8 will be provided an Assignment Notebook in which to write all assignments. Parents are asked to regularly check this notebook to ensure that all assignments are being completed daily by the student.

● Parents should encourage and guide students as they do their work at home, provide a specific time and a quiet place without distractions, offer assistance when needed, and check the quality of the student’s work.

● The following are general guidelines on the amount of time that should be spent on daily homework. Please remember that the ability level of the child, distractions to his/her concentration, and his/her motivation level all affect the amount of time actually spent on homework.

Grades Pre K-3 ........................15 to 30 minutes

Grades 4-5 ............................. 40 to 60 minutes

Grades 6-8 ............................. 20 to 30 minutes per subject

● Homework will be included in the computation of a grade.

Standardized Testing

The standardized testing program is designed to provide a systematic means of assessing student mastery of basic skills and evaluating the academic programs of the school. Standardized testing consists of the following:

● MAP Testing (math and reading) in Grades K-8 in the fall, winter, and spring.

● Students in grades 3-8 take the Ohio TIDE assessments.

● The ACRE (Assessment of Catechesis/Religious Education) is administered to students in Grades 5 and 8. These assessments evaluate the effectiveness of our religion curriculum.

Cheating

Cheating of any type will not be tolerated. Students who choose to cheat face a failing grade, detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

Promotion

Promotion to the next grade level is based on the satisfactory completion of the respective grade level work. The Administration may recommend the repetition of a grade, tutoring, or summer school classes as requirement for promotion when, after conferences with teachers and parents, it is believed that such action will better prepare the student academically or emotionally for the next grade.

Retention

Retention is considered in individual cases after thorough discussions between the teacher(s), administration, and parents. Discussion regarding possible retention may occur as early as the first quarter report card conference. Initial discussion of potential retention will never occur after the first week of the fourth quarter. Retention may be considered for the following reasons:

Primary Grades Pre K-2:

● Students who have not displayed grade level mastery in phonics, reading or mathematics.

● Students who have not demonstrated adequate skills in phonics, reading or mathematics for attaining success in the following grade.

Third Grade:

Due to the State of Ohio Revised Code, a child may not pass to the fourth grade until s/he has passed the requirements of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. More info on the Third Grade Reading Guarantee can be found on the ODE website.

Intermediate through Junior High 4-8:

● Students who have not worked to their ability, who have displayed a consistent lack of effort and have received a final “F” average in three major subjects.

● Major subjects are: Math, Reading, English, Social Studies, Science/Health.

● Students who are retained in grades 4-8 for the above reasons will not be permitted to repeat the grade at St. Francis School.

“The final decision to retain the child is made by the principal, in consultation with the teacher and parent.” (Secretariat for Education Policy 5116) Consistent with the Ohio Revised Code, it is the principal who makes the final decision as to the promotion or retention of a student. The retention decision will be presented to the parent in writing, Final Notification of Retention Form, and must be accepted in writing by the parent. Should the parent disagree and thereby refuse the retention decision, this fact should be documented in writing. The principal reserves the right to not enroll a student for the coming school year, if the parent chooses not to have his/her child retained.

Acceleration

Acceleration may be advised if all other avenues of meeting the needs of the student have been exhausted. Acceleration must have the approval of the teacher, principal, parent, and student. The basis of acceleration includes consistent and outstanding intellectual and academic achievement in most major subject areas and superior social maturity.

Graduation

Graduation ceremonies are held for the kindergarten and eighth grade students. Ceremonies are held in conjunction with an appropriate religious service. Ceremonies are followed by a reception.

Prior to graduation, all financial obligations to the school must be met. If financial obligations have not been met, students will not be allowed to participate in graduation ceremonies. Report cards and transcripts will be restricted, until all bills carry a zero balance.