Family Handbook 2022-2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS
3 Academic Honesty 24 Lost & Found
3 Academic Program and Policies 24 Lunch Program and Snacks 4 Access to St. John’s Campuses 24 Media Centers 4 Administration of Medication 24 Media Policy 4 Admissions 24 Medical Leave 5 Advancement 24 Mission Statement 5 After School Enrichment Attendance 24 Non Discrimination Policy 5 After School Program (ASP) 25 Outdoor Policy 6 Arrival and Dismissal Procedures 25 Parents’ Night 6 Attendance Policies and Procedures 25 Parent Teacher Conference Days 7 Awards 25 Pastoral Care 7 Birthdays and Party Invitations 25 Peer Conflict and Bullying 7 Campus Specific Information 26 Perpetual Enrollment 14 Chain of Command 27 Philosophy 15 Change of Address, Telephone, or Email Address 27 School Organizations 15 Chapel 28 Search and Seizure 16 Communication Between Home and School 28 Service Animals 16 Community Resources 29 Social Media 16 Concussion Policy and Return to Athletics 29 Standardized Testing 16 Core Values 29 Student Records 17 Disciplinary Philosophy 29 Student Use of Cell Phones 17 Distance Learning 29 Sudden Illness or Accident 19 Early Checkout 29 Summer Reading 19 Emergency Procedures 30 Technology Acceptable Use 19 Episcopal Identity 30 Tobacco Free Environment 19 Field Trips 30 Tutoring Policy 19 Financial Information 31 Uniform and Dress Code 20 Florida State Child and Abuse Hotline 32 Use of Illegal and Harmful Substances 20 Food Allergy Policy 32 Use of St. John’s Directory and Email 20 General School Rules 32 Use of St. John’s Facilities 22 Guidance and Counseling 33 Use of St. John’s Name, Mascot, or Logo 22 Health Policy 33 Visitors 23 Homework 33 Volunteer Non Solicitation Policy 23 Hours of Operation 33 Website 23 Legal Notifications 34 Glossary of St. John’s Terminology 23 Letters of Recommendation
ACADEMIC HONESTY
St. John’s students are expected to conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in their academic pursuits. Students are not to copy or share homework (unless instructed to do so as part of the assignment), give or receive answers, misrepresent another’s work as their own (plagiarism), or alter work without a teacher’s permission or direction. The consequences for a student found to have violated the School’s academic honesty policy are:
Lower Division
First Offense: A teacher student conference is held and parents are notified by the teacher
Second Offense: A parent teacher student conference is held; the student is required to redo the assignment
Third Offense: A parent student meeting with the Division Head will be held to review the situation and to determine appropriate actions and consequences.
Middle Division
First Offense: The student will receive no credit for the assignment, the parents will be notified, and a conference will be called with the teacher and the Division Head.
Second Offense: The student will receive no credit for the assignment, the parents will be notified, the student may be suspended, and a conference will be called by the Head of School.
Third Offense: The student will most likely be immediately dismissed from St. John’s.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM AND POLICIES
The academic program at St. John’s offers a course of study that is intellectually challenging and strives to inspire a love of learning. The School seeks, develops, and refines a curriculum that is designed to promote the education of students who are knowledgeable, questioning, integrated, and reflective. The curriculum provides a variety of approaches to teaching and learning and is reviewed in light of ongoing educational research and evaluation.
Primary Division Educational Philosophy
The St. John’s Primary Division is comprised of a K(4) and K(5) child centered, innovative educational experience for our Early Childhood students. The St. John’s program respects and honors the different developmental needs of each child.
Primary Division provides a balanced curriculum that includes both teacher directed and student initiated activities, quiet as well as active experiences, and the understanding that learning occurs in both formal and informal settings. Learning takes place in a warm, nurturing environment designed to stimulate thinking, develop language, promote creative exploration, and problem solving. The program encourages students to function independently and productively, foster satisfying relationships with peers and adults, develop a positive self image, and exercise choices, which lead to discovery, experimentation, and self expression. At its heart, the goal of the St. John’s early childhood experience is to prepare students to be confident lifelong learners.
Lower Division Educational Philosophy
The St. John’s Lower Division develops students through developmentally appropriate means. Ongoing collaboration takes place between administration, faculty, and staff to determine what we are doing well and what we can do better to challenge our students. Learning is active, engaging, and social. Our students are engaged because they are part of constructing meaning. They are encouraged to meet challenges creatively, collaboratively, and apply critical thinking skills to real world, unpredictable situations inside and outside of school, which will prepare them for future college, career, and citizenship success. Our classroom instruction embraces both high standards and accountability for students’ learning through learning strategies that focus on service and the community, experiential and cooperative. These engaging learning strategies are grounded in instructional objectives, provide clear feedback, and enable students to thrive cognitively, socially, emotionally, and civilly.
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Middle Division Educational Philosophy
The St. John’s Middle Division program provides a challenging above grade level academic program focused on developing a strong foundation, curiosity, critical thinking skills, and engaged learning. The learning community provides a safe and nurturing environment to support our students through the transitional phase of the early adolescent years by providing strong role models who foster learning, organization, and responsibility.
Students’ burgeoning independence and need to express themselves are developed by honoring and respecting student voices and involving students in the decision making process in the classroom and in student life. Our goal is to motivate Middle Division students to express themselves, try new things, and get involved in the life of the School. The Middle Division provides a variety of extra curricular activities including athletics, service, and clubs to meet the social and emotional needs of our students.
The ultimate goal of the program is to produce intelligent, inquisitive, and motivated students who succeed in high school and grow into leaders of strong character.
ACCESS TO ST. JOHN’S CAMPUSES
The St. John’s campuses are private property and no individual may be on the campuses or use campus facilities before, during, or after school hours without the express permission of the Head of School or his/her immediate delegates. Any individual who violates this policy will be considered as trespassing, and the school will respond appropriately. Furthermore, any individual entering a St. John’s campus without the express permission of the Head of School assumes all liability associated with his or her presence and releases St. John’s from any and all liability. This policy is in effect during the school year and whenever school is not in session.
ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICATION
Parents are encouraged to administer their child(ren)’s medications at times outside of school hours. If, however, there is an exceptional reason for administering medication at school, the school nurse will do so. If the school nurse is unable to be at the respective campus at the time medication is needed, the authorized office personnel will administer the medication The medication must be sent to the Division office with the child’s name and dosage properly labeled and a completed Parental Authorization for the Administration of Medication form must be submitted in Magnus Health. All medication, including over the counter medications, should be taken to the respective Division office at the start of the school day and be in its original packaging.
ADMISSIONS
Applications are submitted online to the Director of Enrollment Management. The Admissions Office will schedule an assessment date and time for the child. Three priority wait pool categories include siblings of current students in good standing, children of active parishioners, and alumni legacies. The regular list includes all other applicants, therefore early application is encouraged. Applicants must meet admissions standards to be accepted.
Primary Division
Students entering K(4) must be four years old on or before September 1st of the year of entry, and students entering K(5) must be five years old on or before September 1st.
All children must be toilet trained. Diapers, pull ups, or the equivalent are not permitted.
Students applying for K(4) and K(5) are given developmental readiness and group interaction assessments before admission. Admissions decisions are communicated to the parents at the end of the active admissions season.
Lower and Middle Divisions
Students applying for Grades 1 8 are assessed in reading comprehension, writing skills, and mathematics.
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Students applying for K(4) Grade 8 must also supply school letters of recommendation and transcripts as applicable. Notification of acceptance will be sent with a corresponding contract. Students who perform well on their assessment and evaluation are placed in the wait pool if a grade is already full through grade 6. All students admitted to St. John’s are held to the same standards of achievement, and they must be self supporting in all aspects of the curriculum and classroom activities.
ADVANCEMENT
Philanthropy is at the heart of the independent school experience. The Office of Institutional Advancement leads our philanthropic efforts. St. John's is primarily a tuition funded school, and our ability to provide a transformative education for our students depends primarily on tuition; however, the engagement and participation of our St. John's families and friends in philanthropic support for our mission and work serves to elevate, enhance, and enrich the educational experience of every child. The Office of Institutional Advancement welcomes parental interest in our advancement work and invites all parents to participate and engage in our efforts.
Charitable donations to the School are tax deductible to the full extent of the law and may include gifts of cash, stock, and in kind gifts, among others. Donations provide the additional resources needed to make the best education possible for every student. Each donation is truly appreciated as it supports and advances the mission of St. John's.
Eagles Fund
The Eagles Fund, our school's annual giving program, is the most important philanthropic effort leading our work to meet the highest fundraising goals of our school year. Unrestricted giving to the Eagles Fund benefits every student and teacher across the school, and is used to enhance the classroom experience, enrich extra curricular activities, the arts, athletics, empower professional development for faculty and staff, and provide tuition assistance for families with demonstrated financial need. As such, it is expected that every family contribute annually to the Eagles Fund to the very best of their ability. The Eagles Fund is a vital source of revenue for providing and enhancing each student's education.
Additional events throughout the school year may serve to support and enhance our annual giving goals, and serve as additional avenues in which St. John's engages the school community in philanthropic support. Specific major gift and/or capital campaigns aligned within our school's strategic plan cultivate and build support for endowment, construction/renovation, and/or large project expenditures.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT ATTENDANCE
• If your child does not attend school the day of the after school enrichment, your child may not come back to attend the enrichment after school.
• If your child is checked out from school in the afternoon and does not return to school during school hours, the child may not come back to attend the enrichment after school.
• If your child is checked out from school in the morning and returns after the appointment and is checked back into school in the morning, your child of course will be able to attend the after school enrichment.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (ASP)
The After School Program provides safe, appropriate supervision, and care. The After School Program begins immediately after dismissal. The following policies and procedures apply to the After School Program:
• Cost: $25 registration fee per child and a $30 drop in fee per child will be billed to parents (up to $300/month).
• A registration fee of $25 will also be charged on the first drop in bill, if not paid previously.
• ASP ends promptly at 6:00 p.m. on all campuses.
• To pick up a child at ASP, please call 813.849.6200 (Primary Division), 813.766.6164 (Lower Division), or 813.507.9237 (Middle Division).
• Children who have not been picked up from school within the standard allowed pick up time for their campus will be logged into ASP as “drop ins,” and they will be charged the daily rate regardless of how long they stay.
• Parents picking up children late from ASP will be charged $1 per minute, per child, for each minute late.
• Habitual offenders may be dropped from the program.
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• Payment of all fees to ASP is due the first of the month and is delinquent after the 15th. Delinquent accounts are charged a late fee of $25, and if payment is not received by the first of the following month ASP privileges will be revoked.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
The guiding principles behind our parking and car line policies are safety, efficiency, and respect. Accordingly, parents and other drivers are asked and expected to adhere to the established procedures.
Parents should be respectful of other drivers and surrounding streets and driveways. Parking in or otherwise blocking private driveways and public streets are inappropriate behaviors.
Primary Division
Drop off and pick up take place in the driveway directly in front of the Primary Division entrance.
● Please do not block the driveway at any time.
● Please do not stop or park in any red curb area or block any driveway while waiting in line.
● Drivers should approach the Primary Division driveway on Rome Avenue from the south (Bayshore Boulevard).
● U turns in front of the Primary Division campus are not allowed.
● Please avoid turning left from the Primary Division driveway.
● Parents should wait their turn, one car at a time, directly in front of the Primary Division entrance.
● Arriving children should be ready to exit the vehicle immediately, from the passenger door only. Departing children should enter the car on the passenger side as well.
● Parents who are walking should approach the Primary Division only from the Watrous Avenue side and accompany walking children from home to the main entrance door.
Lower Division
All Lower Division drop off and pick up traffic should approach Orleans Avenue from Watrous Avenue.
● Parents driving to school on Bayshore Blvd. should turn onto Rome or Howard, and then approach the School via Watrous Avenue.
● If our parents are delinquent in this matter, the city will force the School to hire police officers and to absorb all associated expenses.
● Children should not be dropped off or picked up from cars in the middle or left lane.
● Please have children ready to exit/enter car immediately on the passenger side of the car.
● Please do not have book bags or other school items in the trunk.
● Please do not park or stand within 10 feet of a driveway.
● Please do not park in the School pick up lane (yellow curb) during school days or in a designated 5 minute zone.
● If you need to walk into the School, please do not park along the School side of Orleans. Parents and children should use the crosswalk, and children should be physically escorted across the street by the parent.
Middle Division
To enter the Middle Division car line, drive down Platt St. and turn left onto Parker Street (the street between Zudar’s and Publix), turn left onto the brick alley (behind Zudar’s) and follow the alley into the front parking lot.
● Please do not cut across the large parking lot to join the car line.
● Parents who prefer to walk up to pick up their child should turn left at the Plant Platt intersection, and then immediately turn right onto Cardy Street to park in the parking lot behind the gym.
The School accepts NO liability for lost or stolen property or damage to any vehicle while it is parked on or near any of our campuses.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
St. John’s believes that regular attendance is an integral part of a successful learning experience. With the exception of absence caused by illness or a circumstance approved by the School, students are required to be present and on time. Student absence deemed
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avoidable or unnecessary by St. John’s is disruptive to the learning environment and considered unexcused. Examples of unexcused absence are: missing school for a family holiday, beginning school holidays late, or extending them. In such cases, teachers will not provide work for a student to complete during the absence, the ‘make up’ of work missed will not be allowed, and the student will receive a zero on all work missed. A student who is absent for three consecutive days is required to provide the school with a note from his or her pediatrician. In all cases, the School retains the right to determine whether a student’s cumulative absence throughout the academic year is excessive. Possible consequences of excessive absences include the student being ineligible to matriculate to the next grade, and the most severe cases non renewal of enrollment.
Absences
If a student is going to be absent for any reason, parents are asked and expected to call or email the respective Division office by 8:30 a.m. If a parent has not called in, office personnel will call home between 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.
A student absent longer than four days may be required to have a doctor’s note to return to school. If student absences exceed more than six days in a semester, a meeting with the parents may be called to review the situation. If a student’s absences exceed 14 days in a school year, grade advancement and/or course credit may be in jeopardy.
The School realizes the difficulty faced in scheduling medical and other appointments for children. It is strongly urged, however, that all appointments, insofar as possible, be scheduled after school hours. If a student must visit a dentist, doctor, etc. during a school day, parents are requested to send a note to school prior to the appointment informing the teacher and the office of the student’s altered arrival or departure time. Before returning to class, a student must check in at the respective Division office.
AWARDS
Students in Grades 1 8 who demonstrate exemplary citizenship throughout the year may be selected for the Soaring Eagle Award, to be announced at the year end awards ceremony. Also at the year end awards ceremony, the School makes an annual award in each section of Grades 1 8 to the student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has consistently demonstrated the greatest academic diligence throughout the school year. Diligence Awards continue to be the highest honor bestowed at St. John’s School.
BIRTHDAYS AND PARTY INVITATIONS
We celebrate student birthdays at St. John’s! During Chapel, students, faculty, and staff are recognized on their birthday. Students with summer birthdays are celebrated at a special summer birthday Chapel on the last day of the school year.
Parents are welcome to send treats for children who are having a birthday. Birthday classroom celebrations should be simple and are to be discussed in advance with the student’s teacher. Please consult the teacher so he/she can suggest the best day and time for treats to be shared. All treats should be simple and identical.
Balloons, gift bags, soft drinks, and food containing nuts are not permitted. Treats must be store bought. In Grades 1 8, the birthday child will share these treats with their homeroom at lunchtime. Pre cut or individual treats may be delivered to the teacher for K(4) and K(5) and to the front office assistant for Grades 1 8. It is not permitted to distribute invitations, bring presents, or bring sleeping bags to school for after school parties or functions. Exceptions may be made in distributing invitations at school with the foreknowledge and approval of the classroom teacher, and if the entire class is included.
CAMPUS SPECIFIC INFORMATION
Primary Division
Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Children may not be dropped off earlier than 7:30 a.m. Doors close and school starts at 8:00 a.m. Primary Chapel begins at 8:05 a.m. daily. If your child is tardy, he/she must be signed into the school office. Your child will be escorted to class by the Division Administrative Assistant. Students cannot be dropped off to school after 11:00 a.m.
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School ends at 2:50 p.m. Walk up dismissal runs from 2:45 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. Any student not picked up by 3:10 p.m. will be signed into ASP and charged the drop in rate. Students are not permitted to be dismissed early (before dismissal) on a regular basis for extracurricular activities (ex: dance, golf, etc.).
K(4) half day students are to be picked up at 12:00 p.m. Students in both K(4) and K(5), who choose the Friday only half day option should be picked up at 12:00 p.m.
Please place the sign with your child’s last name on the dashboard of your vehicle (you will receive these signs at the start of school).
Backpacks: Backpacks should be large enough to hold a large book and lunch box. Backpacks with wheels are not permitted.
Communication: Weekly class communication will inform parents of upcoming classroom activities and target their attention to important homework highlights and issues in the coming days.
Enrichment Opportunities: The Primary Division offers a variety of after school enrichments at an additional cost to each student. Enrichment classes vary each year but include activities such as dance, art, taekwondo, occupational therapy, and FitKids. Enrichment classes offer students the opportunity to explore and develop a variety of new interests.
Playground Safety: Playground rules are devised to ensure that students play safely and have a good time. St. John’s students are expected to respect and adhere to the playground rules. Swings are for swinging only, and students are expected to:
● Swing straight and face the playground.
● Have only one student on each swing.
● Stop the swing before getting off.
● When waiting for a swing, stand back from the student swinging and count to twenty.
Snacks: Parents should send a snack with their child every day. Snack baggies should be labeled. If parents wish to send in a special treat, which must be store bought for all section members, please notify the teacher at least a day in advance. Parents of students must send a lunch or purchase a lunch through the provided vendor.
Lower Division
Doors open at 7:30 a.m., close at 7:55 a.m., and School begins at 7:55 a.m. Chapel begins at 8:00 a.m. and the church doors will be locked for safety. If a child arrives after Chapel begins, he/she must be signed in at the office and will be escorted to Chapel via the back hallways.
If your child is tardy, he/she must be signed into the Division office. Your child will be escorted to class by the Division Head or the Administrative Assistant.
Students should not be dropped off at the Lower Division after 12:30 p.m. during the school day. Although academic classes do occur in the afternoon, it is most important for students to be present for the majority of the school day and not simply for the last hour or two. The Division Head has sole discretion to make allowances for student arrival after 12:30 p.m. as necessitated by unavoidable situations. Please reach out to the Division Head should you need to discuss a later arrival on any given day.
Dismissal runs from 2:50 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. for drive up and walk up. Children not picked up by 3:15 p.m. will be checked into ASP and will be charged the drop in rate.
For afternoon dismissal, the Lower Division employs the use of PikMyKid. Please affix the PikMyKid sticker (dispersed to families at the start of school) on the right, lower portion of your windshield so that the faculty dispatcher can clearly see the appropriate information. Please also be sure to announce your child(ren) at the appropriate check point within the dismissal carline or walk up line.
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If a dismissal change is to occur (i.e. carpooling or another person picking up a student) please add the appropriate delegate within the PikMyKid app. The Division Head can assist with any technical questions regarding the use of PikMyKid.
The School must also be notified of any dismissal change via phone call or email to the campus Administrative Assistant by 12:00 p.m. If a child has a medical appointment before dismissal or departs early for any reason, parents must sign their child(ren) out in the office.
Absences: If a student is going to be absent for any reason, parents are asked and expected to call or email the respective Division office by 8:30 a.m. If a parent has not called in, office personnel will call home between 8:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m
Discipline Philosophy: The focus of the Lower Division discipline policy is to promote positive behavior choices by recognizing students who engage in consistent, positive behavior. However, mistakes are a natural part of growth. Teacher’s help students reflect on errors in judgment and behavior and support them in learning how to make better decisions. We teach and model positive behavior, including listening, cooperation, and mutual respect. We encourage students to make independent decisions and act responsibly towards others and with school property.
While most students consistently follow these standards and behave safely and appropriately, there are times when misbehavior warrants intervention and consequences. Teachers and other staff use a variety of classroom and behavior management strategies to address such behavior. When these strategies are not successful in changing that behavior and/or serious incidents occur, it is necessary for additional action to be taken by the Division Head.
Careful consideration is given to individual situations so that the School’s response to the student is appropriate. Consequences may be increased in cases of repeat offenses.
Enrichment Opportunities: The Lower Division offers a variety of after school enrichments at an additional cost to each student. Enrichment classes vary each year but include activities such as art, science, taekwondo, innovation, and chess. Enrichment classes offer students the opportunity to explore and develop a variety of new interests.
Examinations: Grade 4 will take examinations at the end of Quarter 2 in December and Quarter 4 in May. The examination grades will be communicated and posted on both respective quarter report cards. However, fourth grade examination scores are not incorporated into quarter grades. Examinations in the fourth grade are designed to further prepare students’ test taking skills for their move to the Middle Division without impact of incorporating examination results into final quarter grades.
Grading: All graded work, tests, and examinations will be evaluated with letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F). These grades are described in qualitative terms and provided with numerical range equivalents (on a 100% scale). Plus and minus signs will be used to indicate high and low ranges for each letter grade.
Grade 4 will take examinations at the end of Quarter 2 in December and Quarter 4 in May. The examination grades will be communicated and posted on both respective quarter report cards. However, fourth grade examination scores are not incorporated into quarter grades. Examinations in the fourth grade are designed to further prepare students’ test taking skills for their move to the Middle Division without impact of incorporating examination results into final quarter grades.
Excellent Work A+ 98 100
A 93 97
Satisfactory Work C+ 78 79 C 73 77 A 90 92 C 70 72
Good Work B+ 88 89 Inadequate Work D+ 68 69 B 83 87 D 63 67
B 80 82 D 60 62
Art, Technology Innovation, Divinity, Music, Physical Education, SRA, Spanish, and Science (Grades 1 4) are graded E, S+, S, S , and U.
Homework: Homework at Lower Division will be left on the benches by the front gate of the Lower Division office by 3:30 p.m. so that it may be picked up by parents after dismissal.
Lunch/Snack: Parents should send a snack with their child(ren) every day. Parents must also send a daily lunch with their child(ren) or purchase a lunch through the school’s provided vendor. If parents wish to send in a special treat, please notify the homeroom teacher at least a day in advance. Special treats that are sent in for a particular class (or in some cases an entire grade) must be store bought and not homemade.
Playground Safety: Playground rules are devised to ensure that students play safely and have a good time. St. John’s students are expected to respect and adhere to the following playground rules:
● Students will use appropriate language at all times and be considerate of others’ feelings. No mean or hurtful statements will be allowed. All games will be open. Students will allow other students to join in games and share equipment at all times.
● No eating is allowed in designated play areas. After snack or lunch, all debris must be recycled/thrown away before going to a designated play area.
● Students are expected to stay within assigned playground boundaries. Bathrooms, classrooms, and hallways are not playing areas.
● Soccer balls, basketballs, foursquare balls, softballs, and volleyballs may not be thrown at students, adults, or buildings.
Structures: Student Rules
● No playing tag or running on the structures.
● No jumping off the structures.
Middle Division
Doors open at 7:30 a.m., homerooms open at 7:45 a.m., and School begins at 7:55 a.m. If a child arrives after 7:50 a.m., parents should walk the child to the office and sign them in. Dismissal runs from 3:05 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. each afternoon for drive up and walk up. Children not picked up by 3:30 p.m. will be checked into ASP and will be charged the drop in rate. Parents should use the PikMyKid to announce arrival on campus for pick up. Parents using the carline should push “announce” on the app when you approach the announce sign located in the alley. Parents using walk up should change the pick up mode on the app to “walk up” before 2:30 p.m. and push “announce” on the app after parking in the gym parking lot. Parents and those delegated to pick up should know the student’s PikMyKid number.
If a child has a medical appointment before dismissal, parents must sign the child out in the office. Please have children ready to exit/enter the car immediately on the passenger side of car. Please do not have book bags or other school items in the trunk.
Parents bringing students late for school should park only in the visitor spaces in front of the School and walk their child into the School office. Parents coming to School for business or visits should park in the visitor spaces in front of the School
Absences: When a student is out due to illness or planned absence, he/she should observe the following policy:
• Students should rely on MyBackPack and Google Classroom/Docs. Upon return, students should follow up with their teachers on what was missed.
• Work is not given in advance to Middle Division students, nor available for pick up in the front office. Assessments and in class assignments missed during absences must be completed within the equal number of days a student was absent from School. In the event of multiple tests missed, administration will create a schedule and notify teachers and parents. Assessment make ups can occur during Choice Time and Testing Center.
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Academic Probation and Retention: If a student receives two D grades, or one F grade or more at the end of any marking period, his/her long term enrollment is in jeopardy.
If a Student Council member goes on Academic Probation, he/she will be placed on inactive status with Student Council. No student may be elected to the Student Council while on Academic Probation.
If a recommendation is made for a student to repeat a grade the following year, the parents will be contacted and at least three conferences will be held. Criteria used in evaluating the need for retention include the following:
● The student is more than one level behind the expected St. John’s reading level for that grade.
● The student has a failing average in language arts or math.
● The student has not demonstrated mastery of skills for that grade after remediation.
● The student demonstrates a maturation and developmental rate slower than others at that grade level.
● It is felt that the student will benefit from the retention.
If there is a question as to whether a student will qualify to return to St. John’s for the following year, his/her enrollment contract deadline may be extended. If a Grade 8 student has a failing grade average in any graded course by the end of the school year, his/her transcript will state that the student did not complete the full academic requirements for graduation from St. John’s and must satisfactorily complete a remediation plan created by the School in order to receive a St. John’s diploma.
Athletics: The major reason for the St. John’s athletic program is to have fun and enjoy participating in an activity. We always strive to win, but that is not our main focus. Our most important victory is building self esteem and developing positive social skills. Officials and opponents are not enemies; they are always to be treated with the utmost respect. Arguing with or denigrating teammates is never tolerated. This spirit of respect, cooperation, and friendship applies as well to coaches, parents, cheerleaders, and fans. It is our goal that participation in this league is a positive experience for all involved. For some students and parents, this philosophy may not be consistent with theirs. We respect this and suggest they find other programs compatible with their ideas.
Coaches will make all decisions based on what they feel is in the best interest of the team as a whole. Playing time, players’ positions, and strategy are determined solely at the discretion of the coach. Parents are not to confront a coach at a game or practice. If there is a concern to discuss, please contact the St. John’s Athletic Director.
Students are eligible to play on a St. John’s athletic team if they are in good academic and behavioral standing. If a student misses a class during the School day for any reason other than an unchangeable doctor’s appointment, he/she may not be eligible to compete in an interscholastic game/match on that day. An excused absence requires a formal, signed doctor’s note at the time the student signs into school late. Otherwise, all student athletes must be at School by 8:15 a.m. in order to be eligible to play in a contest that day. The Head of School may determine that a student is ineligible because of academic or disciplinary reasons.
A student athlete may participate in one sport per season. A player committed to a sport may not quit that sport during the season to begin practices for the next sport’s season. Students playing on a non St. John’s team are expected to prioritize their School’s sport in the event of schedule conflicts.
It is our hope that everyone who wants to play can be placed on a team. Coaches try to avoid “cutting” from any sport. Exception: Tennis teams (boys and girls) are limited to 11 athletes per team. At the beginning of each season, try outs will be held to determine team placement.
Grades 7 and 8 are eligible to play at the varsity level, although it is possible for exceptional Grade 6 student athletes to participate at this level. Grade 6 student athletes are eligible to participate at the junior varsity level unless there is only enough athletes for one team overall. *Grade 5 student athletes may only participate in Cross Country and Track & Field in an "in house" intramurals capacity; they are not permitted to practice or play on any of the 6th 8th teams.
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Teams will always be transported to away games and to off campus practices by bus; however, it is a drop off only. Team members will need to be driven home by their parents. Parents/guardians will be responsible for a timely pickup from all sporting events. They must check out individually with the coach before leaving. Students represent St. John’s when they travel. They must be on their best behavior. Seat belts are required to be worn at all times when available in the vehicle.
Athletic uniforms are loaned to athletes at the beginning of each season, and uniforms must be returned to the coach within two weeks of the end of each season. A replacement fee of $100 will be assessed to lost, non returned, or damaged uniforms. Athletes will not be given a uniform for another sport until the prior season’s uniform has been returned or the $100 fee has been paid.
Athletic Teams by Season: Fall: Boys Soccer (Grades 6 8), Girls Volleyball (Grades 6 8), Cross Country (Grades *5 8); Winter: Boys and Girls Basketball (Grades 6 8), Girls Soccer (Grades 6 8), Track and Field (Grades *5 8); Spring: Boys Baseball (Grades 6 8), Girls Softball (Grades 6 8), Boys and Girls Tennis (Grades 6 8), Boys and Girls Flag Football (Grades 6 8)
Communications: Weekly Middle Division assignments are posted on MyBackPack by 5:00 p.m. every Sunday.
Discipline Policy: St. John’s strives to develop accountability, self discipline, honesty, and respect for others; however, sometimes, mistakes are made. Mistakes help us learn, grow, and become more accountable and responsible. When a student fails to meet an expectation, he/she will receive an infraction. Since we view discipline as a learning experience, the disciplinary response will vary depending on the nature of the offense. Examples of disciplinary responses may include the student meeting with a teacher, the Assistant Director of Middle Division, or a parent conference to make a plan to improve behavior. Depending on the violation, detention may be assigned. Detention is held during lunch or after school.
Examples of violations that may be considered as a serious disciplinary offense include but are not limited to the following:
● Accumulation of infractions
● Academic dishonesty
● Identifiable bullying behavior
● Fighting
● Inappropriate or vulgar language
● Theft or vandalism
● Alcohol, tobacco, or drugs
● Harassment
In school suspension means that the student will spend the day in isolation at school under the auspices of an adult. The student will work on class assignments, and teachers may visit the student to provide guidance for the work. The student will not be allowed to socialize with other students for the duration of the suspension. In addition, the student may not participate in any extra curricular activities for the duration of the suspension, including the afternoon or evening of the day(s) of the suspension.
Out of school suspension is a possible consequence if a student commits a major infraction or exhibits a pattern of violating behavioral expectations. If a suspension has been assigned as part of the student’s disciplinary action, a meeting with the Assistant Director of Middle Division, parents, and the suspended student may be required before the student may return to classes. Academics may be affected since the student will be required to take any quizzes or tests missed immediately upon return to classes. These quizzes or tests will be made up between the hours of 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on consecutive days beginning with the student’s first day back. The student is also responsible for any quizzes or tests due to be taken on the day of return. The student is prohibited from attending school related or sponsored activities while on suspension.
Disciplinary probation is a period of time during which the student is subject to expulsion should he/she break a major rule. In addition to other penalties, major violations may result in disciplinary probation for up to one year.
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Probation prohibits a student from seeking an elected office and/or serving in such capacity and may also prohibit students from attending or participating in school functions including field trips. Probation may prohibit students from participating in any overnight trips. Students who wish to attend school functions while on probation may do so only with the permission of the Assistant Director of Middle Division. They must request this permission in writing.
Probationary status may be reviewed at the student’s request. The request should be in the form of a written letter stating what the student has learned from the entire experience and requesting removal from probation. The reasons for requesting this removal should be clearly stated. The student’s request is then presented to the Assistant Director of Middle Division, who may gather input from the faculty, and then discuss reasons for or against the student’s removal from probation. The Assistant Director of Middle Division, in consultation with the Head of Middle Division and the Head of School, makes the final decision. The decision will be made known to all involved.
The Assistant Director of Middle Division is responsible for notifying the parents and the faculty and for administering whatever punishment is indicated. It may be appropriate to recommend counseling. All records of disciplinary action are kept in the division office. Suspension and expulsion are part of a student’s permanent school record.
Being on time to class is a separate disciplinary issue. Each student is allowed five tardies to any class per quarter without consequence. Subsequent tardies will result in detention.
Grading and Examinations: Teachers grade all quizzes, tests, and compositions. Reports are conveyed electronically.
Grading Structure and System: All graded work, tests, and examinations will be evaluated with letter grades (A, B, C, D, and F). These grades are described in qualitative terms and provided with numerical range equivalents (on a 100% scale). Plus and minus signs will be used to indicate high and low ranges for each letter grade.
Semester grades will include the two quarter grades and the examination grade, according to the following formulae: the two quarter grades (40% each), the semester examinations (20%). Final grades for Grades 5 8 are calculated 20 20 10 20 20 10.
Excellent Work A+ 98 100 A 93 97
Satisfactory Work C+ 78 79 C 73 77 A 90 92 C 70 72
Good Work B+ 88 89
Inadequate Work D+ 68 69 B 83 87 D 63 67 B 80 82 D 60 62
Graduation Dress: Graduation dress and conduct need to match the special importance of this occasion. All male graduates must wear freshly pressed khaki pants, collared white dress shirts, a tie, navy sports coat or jacket, and dress shoes. All female graduates must wear a white dress that may not be floor length but must be at least finger tip length, must have a back, may not have spaghetti straps, and may not be low cut in the front. Shoes must be flat or low heeled.
Head’s List and Honor Roll: In order to attain the Head’s List, Middle Division students in Grades 5 8 must have grades of A or above in all of their letter grade courses. In order to attain Honor Roll status, Middle Division students in Grades 5 8 must receive grades of B or above. The Head’s List and Honor Roll will be determined at the end of each academic quarter, with appropriate recognition of the cited students.
High School Counseling: St. John's approaches the high school selection process with the mantra "High School is a match to be made and not a prize to be won." Identifying and selecting the optimal high school setting public or non public is an extremely important decision. The School strives to provide as much information as possible in order to assist our families in this process, while making it
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clear that St. John's is not a "feeder school" for any area high school. Our allegiance is to our families alone. In the Middle Division, where academic guidance is most important as the student plans for his/her future, the Head of Middle Division works with parents and students on high school selection and placement. The Head of Middle Division, in partnership with the faculty, completes high school registration documents and is in close contact with the Admissions Directors of Tampa area high schools. Local high schools are invited to present to Grade 8 students on our campus in the fall, and students are encouraged to shadow at their chosen school(s).
Lockers: Middle Division lockers are the property of the School and should not be locked with a personal lock. Objects or substances which are not allowed on campus may not be stored in school lockers.
Team Leaders: At the Middle Division, each grade has a “Team Leader” that serves as the first point of contact for teachers and parents regarding the academic and personal needs and development of individual students. In their roles as student advocates, Team Leaders will meet frequently with the School Psychologist and Assistant Director of Middle Division to review individual student progress and address any issues or concerns that are brought to them by colleagues or parents.
Technology/Graphing Calculator Policy: The School issues graphing calculators for students in Grades 7 & 8 who are enrolled in Algebra I and Geometry. If the calculator is lost or damaged during the school year, the student will be billed for a replacement. The calculators are property of the School and must be returned when a student graduates or leaves St. John’s, or they will be charged the full amount of the device.
Technology/iPad Policy: St. John’s provides Middle Division students with electronic tools and resources to enhance daily classroom instruction. The integration of the iPad into the classroom prepares our students for 21st century learning by encouraging innovation and collaboration. Student iPads are intended for academic use during the school day. Students are responsible for bringing their iPad, fully charged, to school every day. Use of the iPad must support the educational goals of St. John’s. All students are expected to follow the iPad use expectations set forth by their teachers and school administrators. Devices will be allowed to leave campus to complete homework and school related activities. If students leave their iPad at home, they are responsible for getting the course work completed as if they had their device present. Loaner devices will not be available to students who forgot to bring their device to school or failed to charge their device. Every iPad is supplied with a charging cable and plug. If these items are lost or damaged, it is the student’s responsibility to replace them or pay a replacement fee. The School supplies each iPad with a protective case. This case must remain on the device at all times and be free of any stickers or purposeful markings and decorations. Sound must be muted at all times unless permission is obtained for instructional purposes. Non educational games are not allowed to be accessed on the iPad during school hours. All iPads are to be returned to the School at the end of the school year, including the charging cable, plug, and case. Students will be charged if any of these items are missing or damaged. When a student graduates or leaves St. John’s, they must return the iPad to the school or they will be charged the full value of the device.
CHAIN OF COMMAND
Whenever School personnel needs to communicate with parents, they will email, call, or arrange a conference. When parents need to communicate with the school personnel, they should email the teacher and/or arrange for a conference through the appropriate Division office.
A Parents first contact should always be with the child’s teacher. If, after communication with the teacher, further discussion is needed, the respective Division Head will be available. If questions remain, parents may then make an appointment to see the Head of School. School personnel will strive to reply to all parental communications within 24 hours unless a weekend or vacation intervenes.
St. John’s strives to ensure that our families are always informed of all school activities in a timely fashion. This is done primarily through the School’s website, weekly Eagles Wings e newsletter, and social media. The ultimate responsibility for being fully aware of all School activities lies with parents.
● Parents are asked on a routine electronic cycle to update personal information, so the school database contains your most current information. This includes current home and business phone numbers and email information, including emergency contact
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information should you be unavailable.
● Parents will receive a weekly email newsletter, Eagles’ Wings, which contains important information/updates. Please take the time to review it, so you are apprised and prepared for scheduled school events.
● The School’s official website is www.stjohnseagles.org and it contains comprehensive information about the School.
● The St. John’s academic calendar is updated on MySJE annually in July, and throughout the year.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS, TELEPHONE, OR EMAIL ADDRESS
St. John’s families are requested to notify the respective division office immediately of a change of address, telephone number, or email address by updating their profile in MyBackPack.
Steps to update MyBackPack profile:
● Login to parent account
● Look for the “Settings” box (gray box in top, right hand corner)
● Click on “profile”
● Click on “edit”
● Update (address, phone number, etc.)
● Click on “save” button
CHAPEL
St. John’s begins the day with a Chapel service that joins the community in prayer, song, and sharing. Please see below for the Chapel schedules for Primary, Lower, and Middle Divisions.
Four days a week Chapel takes place, with Holy Eucharist (Communion/“Mass”) once a week (Lower and Middle Divisions). There are no Chapel services on days when classes are not in session. Chapel is designed to:
● Give expression to and offer experiences of God’s loving care in our world and lives.
● Deepen the sense of our Episcopal worship tradition in a welcoming, inclusive manner.
● Build community spirit and common concern for one another as a school family.
● Help us to meet the challenges of daily life with a sense of joy, gratitude, and peace.
The School Chaplain / Assistant Priest to St. John’s Church and other faculty lead these services. Members of the administration, faculty, and staff, as well as students, play an essential role through their presence and participation in the Bible readings and prayers, and by serving as acolytes and sacristans. Students and faculty share in the responsibility of ensuring that Chapel is a meaningful period of worship and reflection for the whole School family. Accordingly, students are expected to enter and leave Chapel quietly and reverently, be in proper uniform, and participate and share in the community worship experience. Attendees at Chapel may not bring food or beverages, must turn off all electronic devices, and remove hats or caps. No flash photography is allowed in the Church or Chapel during services.
Chapel Schedule
Campus Day of Service Time Location
1002 South Rome Avenue M F
Primary Division
8:05 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Breezeway
Lower Division
906 South Orleans Avenue M, T, Th, F W (HolyEucharist)
Middle Division
240 South Plant Avenue M, T, F Th (HolyEucharist)
8:00 a.m. 8:10 a.m.
8:00 am 8:45 am St. John’s Church St. John’s Church
8:00 a.m. 8:20 a.m.
8:00 am 8:45 am Price Chapel Price Chapel
Primary and Lower Division parents are invited to attend Chapel with their child on scheduled days starting at the end of September.
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COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL
St. John’s recognizes the value and importance of timely and respectful communication between home and school and strives to do so in good faith and the best interests of our students, families, and School. When students and families reciprocate in kind, ensuring that discussions in school and in the community are constructive with positive attributions, our potential for a successful working partnership is maximized as we strive for excellence in all our endeavors.
We value constructive, respectful feedback from our constituents. Parents interested in discussing any aspect of their child’s experience at St. John’s are welcome to contact the appropriate individual or individuals identified on pages 4 6 so that concerns or issues can be identified and addressed in a timely and effective manner.
St. John’s will communicate with divorced parents of students according to any arrangement(s) specified in court documents provided to the School. In the absence of any specific legal directive to do otherwise, St. John’s will provide all parents/guardians of record with school information, including copies of their student’s academic, attendance, and other records.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Division Head Coffees: Parent coffees are offered by the respective Division Heads. The dates and locations of these will be communicated to parents.
Monthly Coffees with the Head of School: Monthly parent coffees following morning Chapel take place from September through May and are hosted by the Head of School. Morning coffees provide an opportunity for parents to meet with the Head of School, as well as join with other parents in an informal setting to discuss educational and school community topics. Please consult the St. John’s calendar for scheduled dates and locations.
CONCUSSION POLICY AND RETURN TO ATHLETICS
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “A concussion is a type of brain injury that changes the way the brain normally works. A concussion is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. Concussions can also occur from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Even what seems to be a mild bump to the head can be serious.” Using the Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the School has established the following policies for head injuries in School:
● Any student suspected to have sustained a head injury no matter how minor will be sent to the respective Division office to be evaluated for signs and symptoms of a concussion.
● If signs and symptoms of a concussion are present, the student’s parents/guardians will be contacted for immediate follow up with a physician, urgent care, or the Emergency Room.
● If signs and symptoms of concussion are NOT present, the student is okay to return to class. The respective Division office will contact by phone the parents/guardians advising of the head injury.
● If any of these signs or symptoms of a concussion develop, the family should follow up with a physician, urgent care, or Emergency Room immediately.
● In the case of a severe head injury, Emergency Services will be contacted. Parents/guardians will be contacted after 911 is activated.
A student who has suffered a concussion will be allowed to return to athletic competition upon the provision of a note from the student’s attending physician stating the student is medically cleared to do so.
CORE VALUES
Academic Excellence
St. John’s proudly prioritizes academic excellence, an evolving concept in today’s dynamic world. Never static, the St. John’s curriculum not only prepares its students for future academic success but also builds a platform for students to explore confidently and creatively an ever changing world of opportunities.
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Citizenship
St. John’s is committed to our internal St. John’s family and our surrounding community. This commitment means we are servants to each other after the example of Christ, and we recognize that the blessings we enjoy provide us with the opportunity and obligation to give back.
Diligence
St. John’s fosters an environment in which the simple pursuit of our goals defines success. Initiative, effort, and personal responsibility, once instilled, help St. John’s students overcome any perceived obstacle, building resilience and empowering the individual to define their own growth.
Inclusiveness
Situated just outside of the heart of downtown Tampa, St. John’s strives to reflect our city’s diverse communities. As an Episcopal school, we seek to cultivate open hearts and open minds, and understand the power of cultural and spiritual inclusivity in our increasingly global environment.
Integrity
St. John’s honors the high ethical standards we set for ourselves and each other, and we lead by example in our lives both inside and outside St. John’s.
DISCIPLINARY PHILOSOPHY
Discipline is vital to the development of character and self control. St. John’s discipline policies and procedures are established to protect the good of all and teach responsibility, accountability, and character building. School rules and regulations exist in order to create a respectful campus atmosphere in which students of differing interests and personalities come together in community to live out the Mission and Core Values of St. John’s. As parents/guardians are the primary educators of their children and responsible for their development and the discipline necessary to achieve self directed, kind, and ethically sound behaviors, the School expects to partner with parents in this responsibility and to work cooperatively with them in mutual support for the benefit of the student.
Disciplinary procedures are developed in light of the educational Mission of the School and designed to reinforce self discipline, the acceptance of personal responsibility, and respect for self and others. St. John’s recognizes that children are indeed ‘works in progress’ and provides a nurturing and supportive environment for their personal, social, and emotional growth and development. However, if the School concludes a student’s negative behavior is detrimental to the learning environment and/or opportunity for others to learn, he/she will most likely be permanently separated from the School.
Reporting of Discipline
As part of their process, many independent school admissions offices require the student and/or St. John’s to provide information about the student’s disciplinary history. If such a request is made to St. John’s, the School will respond honestly.
DISTANCE LEARNING (Available for Students of Grades 1 8)
St. John’s believes that when a student is not well enough to attend school, they are not well enough to participate in the learning process. At the same time, there may be circumstances surrounding anextendedabsence(greater than one day) that allow for a student to participate via distance learning. In such circumstances, the School strives to be fully supportive and accommodating of families, while also retaining the discretion to determine whether or not it can offer distance learning, and for how long. Timely communication by the family is key, and any family requesting this accommodation should contact the respective Division Head(s).
Distance Learning Policy General
The following information sets out the expectations and details associated with Distance Learning: ● Students enrolled in distance learning will be held to the same academic standards as those on campus.
● Students are expected to follow along with the class and complete assignments during the class period as if they were in the class on campus.
● Students will complete all homework assignments and submit them electronically by the posted due dates.
● Students should use Google Classroom to communicate with teachers. It is the student’s responsibility to check for teacher communication notifications.
● Students are expected to exhibit the same courtesy, respect, digital citizenship, and academic integrity online as you would on campus.
● Students may be required to take tests on campus in an isolated setting after school.
Parent Expectations
● Parents should check MyBackPack each Sunday after 5:00 p.m. for upcoming week’s homework and tests.
● Parents should monitor MyBackPack to check on student’s grades and progress.
● Parents should email the teacher with concerns. All emails are answered within 24 hours.
● It would be helpful for parents to have a printer available for student use.
● For students in younger grades (First and Second), it may be reasonable and necessary at times for a parent to assist and participate in their child(ren)’s distance learning school day.
What Distance Learning is Not
● Given the logistics involved with distance learning (the need for the student to collect learning materials and the teacher to prepare a hybrid classroom), distance learning is not intended for or available for an absence limited to one day.
● Distance Learning is not intended for or available for family convenience (running late, to accommodate trips or vacations when school is in session (please see the Attendance Policy for more details)
● Fine Arts and Physical Education will not be offered to students via distance learning. We encourage students to use the time in the schedule for Fine Arts and Physical Education to get rest or read.
Zoom Procedures and Policies
● All school supplies and books, including a St. John’s iPad, will be sent home as soon as possible before the absence begins. Further materials determined by curriculum and schedule may need to be picked up if and as the absence continues.
● Students and parents will be required to sign a Zoom policy.
● Students will follow the homeroom class schedule and will participate via Zoom.
● Students should sign on to Zoom on his/her school iPad during passing time before class starts so the teachers can accept the student to the Zoom before class begins.
● All non lesson materials (toys, trinkets, etc.) should be kept off screen.
● Students should not play music during a lesson that would be distracting for him/her or others within the class.
● Students will use Google Classroom for information regarding announcements and assignments.
● The student profile picture should be the student’s first name only.
● Students should have on a uniform top (or spirit shirt on Friday) and be seated at a table or desk.
● The video must be on at all times. If a student would like to use a green screen to block the view of the room and interior of the house, he/she must choose one of the school approved options.
● The audio should be on mute.
● Students should always be respectful of the proper use of Zoom functions (sharing their screens, annotating, chat features, etc.) and only use them when instructed by a teacher and never at other times.
● The student should use the “raise hand” option if he/she has a question. As feasible during a given lesson, and with respect in mind, a student may ask for help audibly if the teacher does not discern the “raise hand” function after a reasonable amount of time.
● Student cell phone use during class time is prohibited.
● There will be opportunities (arranged by the teacher(s) and parents) throughout the week for students to meet remotely with their teacher(s) to connect and communicate about the work and the curriculum.
● Attendance is expected every day, and students should attend the entire lesson and not leave after a portion of it.
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● Meals and snacks should not be consumed while on Zoom during dedicated class time.
EARLY CHECKOUT
A student may leave early if signed out by his/her parent in person. Parents should come to the office to sign out the student. The administrative assistant will contact the child’s teacher, and the student will go or be brought to the office. When the student is returned to school, the parent must go to the office and sign the child back into school.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
The School has contingency plans for weather, accidents, medical emergencies, and crises. Fire extinguishers are located strategically throughout the buildings. Faculty and staff members have specific instructions to follow if a fire is suspected. Fire escape routes are posted in each classroom. Unscheduled fire drills are carried out regularly. Routine inspections are made by the Fire Marshal. There are security cameras on all three campuses. There are AEDs in all campus offices and in the gymnasium.
Inclement Weather Closing
The decision to close St. John’s is made by the Head of School. The notice to close is usually posted by 6:00 a.m. on the School’s website, social media, and sent via text to members of the school community.
EPISCOPAL IDENTITY
St. John’s is an Episcopal Parish Day School and as such has a foundation in the Christian faith. We seek to integrate religious and spiritual formation into the overall curriculum and life of our school community in a way that celebrates the inclusiveness that is the Mission of Episcopal schools. We invite all who attend and work at St. John’s Episcopalians and non Episcopalians, Christians and non Christians, and people of no faith tradition both to seek clarity about their own beliefs and religions and to honor those traditions more fully and faithfully in their own lives. Above all, we exist not merely to educate, but to demonstrate and proclaim the unique worth and beauty of all human beings as creations of a loving, empowering God.
FIELD TRIPS
Participation in any School sponsored field trip is a privilege. The parent or guardian understands and agrees, on behalf of his/her child or ward, to all of these terms, and further agrees to fully release and hold harmless St. John’s Inc. and St. John’s Parish Inc., and its employees, administrators, vestry members, Trustees, affiliates and insurers (the “released individuals”) from any and all injuries, damages, or losses of any kind to his/her child or ward, or to the property of the child or ward, arising out of or related to the use of any electronic device on campus or during a school sponsored trip. The parent or guardian fully understands and agrees that this agreement operates to waive all rights to pursue relief for injuries, damages or losses against the released individuals in any forum and under any theory, including theories of contract, invasion of privacy, property damage or tort, related to the use or exposure of his/her child or ward to electronic devices or to the use of electronic devices by other students on campus or during a school sponsored trip. The School retains the sole discretion to send a student home from a school trip.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The Board of Trustees sets the comprehensive tuition.
Legacy Growth Fee
A one time, once per family Legacy Growth Fee of $750 per year for four years for a total of $3,000 will be assessed to all parents or guardians enrolling a first new child in the School in K(4) Grade 4. A Legacy Growth Fee of $500 per year for each year a child is enrolled in the Middle Division will be assessed to all parents or guardians enrolling a first new child in the School in Grades 5 8.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition, fees, and payment schedules are issued on or about February 1st. The following terms apply to payment of tuition and fees:
● Full payment on or before May 1st of the school year, or
● Semi annual plan on May 1st and January 20th, or
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● Ten monthly installments, July 5th or 20th April 5th or 20th, paid through automatic withdrawal (ACH) or credit card.
● Payment received seven days after the monthly due date is delinquent and will incur a $25 late fee.
● If payment is not received by the 15th of the next month, an additional $25 late fee will be added.
● If payment is still not received by the third month, an additional $25 late fee will be incurred.
● Students whose accounts are not up to date by the Christmas holiday may not be permitted to return to School for the next semester.
● If the past due balance is not paid by May 31st, the student’s registration for the next school year may be canceled.
● A student will not be allowed to return for a new school year if there is a past due balance from the previous school year, unless special arrangements have been made with the Head of School. All past due balances must be paid by July 1st of the new school year. The School, at its sole discretion, may withhold academic records (including, but not limited to, report cards and transcripts) for any student whose account is not current. School records, transcripts, or online report cards sent to the parents or any outside agency for a student whose account is not current will include ‘Account Past Due’ on the document. The School will not provide teacher recommendations for a student applying for admission elsewhere whose account is not current.
● If repeated attempts to arrange payment fail, a collection agency and/or attorney may be engaged.
Tuition Assistance
In keeping with the School’s mission and educational philosophy, St. John’s strives to maintain a student body that reflects a balance in social and economic backgrounds and cultural experiences. St. John’s believes that the family has primary responsibility for financing their children’s education to the extent they can. However, a limited amount of assistance is available to help families who would otherwise find enrollment impossible for K(5) Grade 8. To apply for tuition assistance, families should contact the Business Office for a copy of the St. John’s Tuition Assistance Policy. All information associated with tuition assistance is strictly confidential.
FLORIDA STATE CHILD AND ABUSE HOTLINE
Legislation requires any individual who suspects that a child has been abused by any person to report that to the Florida Abuse Hotline. Any allegations a child was abused or neglected by a caregiver will be investigated by the Department of Children and Families, while allegations of child abuse by someone other than a caregiver will be accepted at the Hotline and immediately electronically transferred to the appropriate local law enforcement agency where the child lives. Suspecting a child is being abused but failing to report it is a felony. If you suspect or know of any child who is being harmed, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1 800 962 2873 (TDD 1 800 453 5145). If you see a child in immediate danger, call 911.
FOOD ALLERGY POLICY
St. John’s does not declare itself a nut/peanut free school. The School does make reasonable accommodations in an effort to keep all of our children safe. At the parents’ annual written request, accommodations can be offered. Please contact the respective Division Head to discuss these options.
GENERAL SCHOOL RULES
The following rules are designed to create, support, and maintain an enriched educational learning environment that encourages academic development, spiritual growth, personal maturity, appropriate behavior, and community awareness.
● Students may not participate in behaviors that endanger themselves or others.
● Physical violence, pushing, hitting, or fighting are prohibited.
● The use, possession, sale, or exchange of any drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is forbidden.
● Stealing, disrespect towards or destruction of property is not allowed.
● No bullying, mean, intimidating, or harassing behavior is permitted.
● Rude, hurtful, racist, sexist, discriminatory, foul language, or behavior is prohibited.
● Mean gossip, behavior, or language that intentionally excludes others is not allowed.
● The use or possession of any item that could reasonably be considered a weapon is prohibited.
● Students may not leave campus without checking out through the School office.
● No gum chewing is allowed on campus.
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Classroom Expectations
To ensure that no disruption to the learning process occurs, the following classroom rules are standards for all grades and are expected to be followed and supported by all faculty, students, and parents. St. John’s students are expected to:
● Be on time and prepared for all classes, activities, and events.
● Be attentive and focused in class and not distract others.
● Be courteous to teachers, staff, and fellow students.
● Complete all assigned work in a timely manner.
● Adhere to the School’s uniform and grooming requirements.
● Be honest in all academic work and with others.
● Be respectful of others’ property.
● Abide by the School’s Internet Use Policy.
● Respect all campus rules.
Harrassment
St. John’s is committed to maintaining a learning and working environment free of harassment. Accordingly, the School prohibits such conduct by its students and employees on and off School premises and at School sponsored activities, including transportation to and from such activities. Students and families are expected to uphold the School’s core values. St. John’s defines harassment as any and all behaviors that compromise the physical and/or emotional safety of any individual in our community, regardless of intent.
Emotional harassment is attacking the psyche and feelings of an individual in an attempt to undermine a person’s self worth. Emotional harassment can take many forms (verbal, physical, written, etc.) and examples include, but are not limited to:
● Rejecting or excluding
● Terrorizing or isolating
● Criticizing
● Spreading mean, vicious, or untrue gossip
● Belittling, degrading, or mean teasing and sarcasm
● Hazing
● Posting any inappropriate, mean, vicious, or belittling comments on email or social media
Teasing and quarreling can happen between schoolmates, but students should immediately tell a member of the faculty or staff if they believe they have been emotionally harassed and/or bullied.
Sexual harassment consists of unwelcome physical or verbal conduct of a sexual nature that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
● Physical contact of a sexual nature including, but not limited to, touching, pinching, patting, grabbing, poking, or brushing up against another individual
● Sexually oriented gestures, noises, remarks, jokes, comments, or propositions
● Display of sexually oriented pictures, calendars, graffiti, objects, or publications
● Any other conduct that is inappropriate
Any student who believes that he/she has been the subject of sexual harassment should immediately report that incident to a member of the faculty or staff. Any individual receiving a complaint of sexual harassment must then promptly report such complaint to the Head of School. Complaints will be handled in a confidential manner, to the extent possible.
Individuals will be advised of this matter on a need to know basis. No individual will be subject to retaliation by the School for reporting a complaint of sexual harassment, for assisting in making a complaint of sexual harassment, or for cooperating in a sexual harassment investigation.
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