St. Edmund Catholic School - Elementary Handbook

PURPOSE OF THE HANDBOOK  

The purpose of St. Edmund Elementary School Parent student Handbook is to inform parents and students of the policies, rules and procedures that have been developed by the principal, assistant principal and faculty to facilitate the day-to-day activities of the school.  The handbook also contains some policies of the St. Edmund School Board for St. Edmund Elementary School.  Other rules, some policies, and procedures can be found in the, Diocese of Lafayette, Administrators Manual, and the Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators – Nonpublic, Bulletin 741. All of these documents are available for parents in the school office.  The contents of these documents are considered as part of the contract between the parent(s), their children who are students and the school.  All are expected to know and follow all school rules, procedures, and policies.  

GENERAL PHILOSOPHY

We, the members of the St. Edmund School community, believe that a faith community is the gathering of the body of Jesus bound together by His message of salvation.  Because of love for the Lord, we are committed to serve Him in each other.  In this atmosphere of community and service, we proclaim Jesus’ message to our students, their parents, and their teachers.  We believe that by leading our students to this ideal of community, service, and proclamation of Jesus’ message as expressed by the Catholic Church, we will advance the cause of God’s kingdom in Eunice among the people of all races, creed and religion by installing a knowledge and an appreciation of all cultures. Therefore, the principle objective and the reason for the existence of St. Edmund School is to provide for the spiritual, educational, and social formation of our students within the context of the living Faith Community and to make this formation available to as many as is feasibly possible.

OBJECTIVES

--To help students become balance man an women who will be the Catholic Christian leaders in years to come.

--To foster and respect the natural role of parents as the prime educators of their children.

--To provide students with opportunities to plan and celebrate what they are becoming in liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations.

--To provide and opportunity for the faculty to pray and celebrate as a community of Christians.

--To encourage teachers to remain professionally qualified and informed in all subject areas in which they teach.

ADVISORY SCHOOL BOARD  

St. Edmund School Board is advisory or consultative in nature.  At present, it consists of members elected by the Parent Teacher Support Club to serve a three-year term.  It also consists ex-officio, non-voting members, viz.; Pastor of St. Anthony and St. Thomas More Parishes, the St. Edmund Principal and Assistant Principals, the Booster Club President, the PTC President, and the Development Coordinator.  The Board meets on the last Monday of each month.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

St. Edmund Elementary accepts student applications for admission to any grade regardless of race, or national origin.  There is no discrimination in the administration of educational policies, of scholarships and loan programs and of athletic and extra-curricular programs.

PRIORITIES FOR ADMISSION

First   preference is given to brothers and sisters presently attending St. Edmund.

Second, Catholic families from St. Anthony Parish (active parishioners).

Third, Catholic families from St. Thomas Moore and St. Mathilda.

Fourth, all other Catholic families.

Fifth, non-Catholic families of brothers and sisters presently attending St. Edmund.

Sixth, open to anyone who can meet the academic and Christian standards of the school.

St. Edmund School abides by the Diocesan policy on school integration, which is as follows:  “Catholic Schools of the diocese are committed to the principle of school integration, be that in a Catholic or public school.  By policy, therefore, Catholic Schools

are obliged to support this principle by refusing admission to those applicants who by public acts, in the judgment of the school, do not uphold this principle and thus seek refuge in a Catholic School.”

ACADEMICS

GRADING SYSTEMS/STUDENT EVALUATION

Students receive report cards each six weeks grading period.  Students are graded in each subject by letters having these numerical values:

            SUPERIOR                                         A         95-100         

            ABOVE AVERAGE                            B          88-94

            AVERAGE                                          C          79-87

            POOR                                                  D         70-78

            FAILURE                                            F          Below 70

AVERAGING GRADES

Numerical averages for each six-week grading period are to be used to compute the final grade or year average for each subject.  Numerical averages will be rounded to the nearest whole number for the six-week period. These whole numbers will be used to determine the final average.  Decimal points are used only to break ties for the highest averages or other academic honors. 

FREQUECY OF EVALUATION

Student learning is to be tested or evaluated regularly.  Written tests or other objective means of evaluation are given for two reasons:  (1) to determine how effective the teacher has been in presentation of the material, and (2) to determine how much the student has understood, retained, or progressed.  Each evaluation should provide the student and the parent(s) an easily understandable means of determining what has been learned or not learned to date.  In grades one through six, no fewer that six teacher-made tests or evaluations will be administered and graded per six week period, per subject area, unless otherwise approved by the assistant principal.  Test papers are to be sent home on a weekly basis, signed by the parent(s) and returned to the teacher on the next day.  These will be sent home in a school-home communication folder.  Each teacher will keep on file all tests taken by the student until the middle of the year and then from the middle to the end of the school year.  If a student habitually does not return test papers, the school will discontinue sending his or her papers home.  The parent(s) will have to come to school to see the papers.

TYPES OF EVALUATION

Teachers are to assign grades based on class participation, homework, class projects, written work, weekly tests, skill checklists, oral and written presentations, criterion-referenced mastery tests, group work, criterion-referenced examinations of benchmark skills, and six-week tests (optional).  Teachers are encouraged to use a variety or evaluation techniques that will assess the strengths of individual students and their learning styles.  Grades given on a regular basis within a six-week grading period should be weighted to reflect the scope and sequence and importance of the objectives being tested/the scope of the assignment.  The final grade for the grading period is to reflect the comprehensive performance of a student.

EXTRA POINT WORK

While teachers may allow additional assignments or alternative assignments for extra points within a six-week grading period, this opportunity will not be given to students who have not completed all assigned work and taken all required tests.  This option is designed primarily to assist industrious students who are having difficulty maintaining a “C” average.  It is not designed to allow students to neglect work and study throughout the grading period and then recover grades by doing easier assignments.  Nor is it designed to assure a student that he/she will make the honor roll.  Requests for extra point assignments should be made a least one-week prior to the end of a grading period.  The teacher consultation with the assistant principal will determine appropriateness of the request.

INCOMPLETE GRADES

The letter grade “I” will be given if assignments are incomplete due to excused absence(s).  The incomplete grade will remain on the student’s records until the work is made up.  A period of time to complete the work missed will be set by the teacher and school administration based on the student’s need.  Failure to meet these conditions will result in the letter grade “F” (60) being assigned for the six weeks in which the work was incomplete.  All incomplete assignments and work must be completed by the designated last day for testing at the end of the year for the work to be considered in the student’s average.  Failure to meet this deadline will result in the student being given a zero for incomplete work.

HOMEWORK

St. Edmund Elementary School encourages its faculty members to challenge their students by giving homework and test assignments regularly.  The teachers are encouraged to provide enough homework to stimulate and reinforce class work, but not to the extent that homework will interfere with family events.  The age of the student should be considered in determining the type and length of homework assignments.  Homework may be graded for content or for completeness and assigned a point value by the individual teacher.  This varies from teacher to teacher.  It is the parent’s responsibility as well as the students’ to see that the assignment is properly done and turned on time.  Each student should have a regular study period at home to complete given assignments.  It is important to remember that students work at a different rate.

Recommended time allotment for an average student's written homework is:

1^st Grade – 10 minutes              2^nd Grade – 20 minutes            3^rd Grade – 30 minutes

4^th Grade – 40 minutes             5^th Grade – 50 minutes              6^th Grade – 60 minutes

ASSIGNMENT SHEETS

On Monday, each St. Edmund student will be made aware of the content and assignments for the week in various subject areas.  It will be sent home in a school-home communication envelope and/or posted on REN WEB.  This is for the parents to have for reference to aid in planning study times and weekday activities for the child.  It should also be of benefit to parents in helping to keep current those students who are occasionally absent from school.

MAKE-UP WORK

Students who have an excused absence are allowed to make up the work missed. If a test has been missed, the teacher will allow a reasonable time for that test to be prepared for and administered.  This will depend on the length of time absent from school.  The teacher will determine a time and a place for making up work.  A student who is absent only on the day a test is given should be prepared to take that test on the day he/she returns to school.

Make-up tests will usually be given by the student’s teacher and will not be more difficult than the regular test.  However, the make-up test may be a variation of the test initially given to the class from which the student was absent.

If it appears that a student is taking advantage of this rule and misses too many scheduled tests, the teacher will contact the Principal who will arrange for a parent conference to discuss the problem and possible suggestions for change for the student in question.

INTERNET USE BY STUDENTS

An acceptable use policy for St. Edmund students is found by following this link.

PROGRESS REPORTS

It is important for parents to keep informed about their child’s progress at school.  Listed below are the ways that St. Edmund Elementary School will communicate with parents.

1. Report cards are issued at the end of each six-week grading period.  These contain a comprehensive assessment of the student’s achievement in each major and minor subject area.

2. Weekly, all St. Edmund Elementary students will bring home a school-home communication envelope containing test papers from the previous week.  Enclosed test papers are to be signed by parents and returned to school on next day.

3. Kindergarten reports will be sent to the parents after the initial six-week orientation period.  An evaluation of each student’s social, emotional, and academic performance will be made available to the parents each six-weeks period.

4. Teachers are encouraged to communicate formally with parents by calling home or sending a note if a student’s progress and/or deportment is not satisfactory.

5. Parents are encouraged to call the office for an appointment with their child’s teacher if they have any concerns or need more information on the child’s progress.  Parents should call if the home-school envelope contains poor work.

PROMOTION AND FAILURE

If a student is earning unsatisfactory grades in two or more subjects, a committee composed of the student’s teachers and the Principal who will meet and decide on the proper course of action and grade placement for the following year.  Parents will be notified of this meeting. 

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Awards at the end of each grading period:

1. “A” Honor Roll:  Given for all “A”s in all subjects including conduct for the grading period.

2. “A-B” Honor Roll:  Given for all “A”s and “B”s in all subjects including conduct for the grading period.

3. Christian Award:  Given to one student in each homeroom for demonstrating outstanding Christian behavior and attitude throughout the grading period.

 Awards at the end of the year:

1. Blue Book Superior Award:  Given to any student achieving an end of the year average of all “A”s.

2. Blue Book Award:  Given to any student achieving an end of the year average of all “A”s and no more than two “B”s.

3. Perfect Attendance Award:  Given to students having no absences for the school year.

4. Cooperation Award:  Given to one boy and to one girl in the elementary school who has exhibited outstanding cooperation, especially in physical education activities, throughout the year.

ATTENDANCE

EXCUSED ABSENCES

Absences due to personal illness, medical appointments, serious illness or death in the immediate family, educational trips, and other absences approved in advance by the office are considered excused absences.  A doctor's excuse must be submitted to school. Excused absences entitle a student to make arrangements with teachers before leaving or on the day they return to make up any work missed.  The teacher and the office will set a time limit for the work to be completed.  If parents know that their child will be absent, they should give the school notice well in advance and inform the teachers so that special arrangements can be made.

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Off campus activities such as social studies fairs, field trips sponsored by the school, 4-H competitions or other school club activities, and school athletic events count as a day of school.  Other events, in which a student is not directly representing St. Edmund Elementary, are days absent (unexcused.)

PART OF A DAY

If a student leaves campus for a doctor’s appointment and returns to school without missing more that ½ of the day, he/she is considered as having been in attendance for that day.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

Unexcused absences are any absences not approved by the office.  Parents are responsible for informing the school of the reason for a student’s absence.  Students with unexcused absences will not be allowed to make up work missed.  Excessive unexcused absences are considered a major violation of school rules and will be dealt with as such.

MAXIMUM DAYS ABSENT

By Louisiana law, students must attend 160 days of school in order to be promoted to the next grade level.  Excessive absences will be reported to the Parish Supervisor of School Welfare and Attendance for investigation.

PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS

If a child is absent unexpectedly and the office has not been notified in advance, the parents should call the office before 9:30 AM to notify the secretary (457-5988).  The parent should state at this time the estimated length (number of days) of the student’s absence from school and whether or not he/she will come to school to pick up the student’s assignments and/or books.  The student must present to the office a signed note stating the reason for his/her absence.  Teachers will be notified about the status of the absence, excused or unexcused.  Failure to comply with this procedure will result in an unexcused absence being recorded for the student.  Students with medical problems must have written documentation from the doctor to verify lengthy medical absences.

TARDINESS

If a student arrives late at school, the parent must accompany the student to the office to sign him/her in.  Parents should make every effort to have children at school by 7:55 AM.  Tardiness disrupts the office and classroom routing.  Habitual tardiness will be reported to the assistant principal for contact with the parent.

SIGNING STUDENTS OUT DURING THE DAY

Students who must leave the campus with their parents during the school day must check with their teachers for assignments.  Parents must sign the sign-out form in the office and the time of return.  Students are responsible for checking with their teachers to get assignments missed during their absence.  Students may leave campus with authorized adults only, that is, adults that the parent or guardian has listed as those who may check out the student.

SIGNING STUDENTS OUT AT LAST HOUR

Parents should refrain from checking students out early without serious reason.  This practice disrupts instruction in the classroom and work in the school office.

DISCIPLINE

In order to meet its goals and objectives, St. Edmund Elementary School must instill in each of its students a sense of discipline appropriate to the age and development of the student.  Discipline is a standard of behavior and a mental attitude that is evidenced by appropriate conduct in all situations.  Without discipline in a school, the learning environment is minimized. Therefore, the school has established rules and procedures for the school and each classroom to govern the behavior of students.  These rules or standards of behavior must be adhered to for the proper functioning of the school and the development of a sense of discipline or self control in the student.  This means that student must sometimes subjugate his/her individual desires for the good of his/her classmates and the school.  The administration of the school, teachers, parents, and students all share in the responsibility of creating and maintaining an orderly learning environment appropriate to the aims of a Catholic school.

In keeping with the goals of the school and the Lafayette Diocese, St. Edmund School does not use corporal punishment.

When it is deemed necessary, we have the following disciplinary procedures:

1^st Occurrence – teacher/pupil conference – teacher may discipline student.

2^nd Occurrence – teacher/parent conference – teacher may discipline student.

3^rd Occurrence – referral- sent to the office.

1^st Referral – Student conference with principal.

2^nd Referral – Parent conference with principal.

3^rd Referral – After school detention – 2:55 PM to 3:45 PM.

4^th Referral – Saturday Detention – 8:00 AM  to 10:00 AM.

5^th Referral – In school suspension.

6^th Referral – Out of school suspension.

The following are a list of minor and major violations of St. Edmund School policy.  A minor infraction will result in a student following the disciplinary procedures listed above. A major infraction will result in a student being suspended in or out of school.

MINOR VIOLATIONS

a.       Disturbing class

b.      Excessive talking in class

c.       Failure to do assignments

d.      Gum chewing, eating candy/food in the school building

e.       In “off limits” area

f.        Littering the campus facilities

g.       Any conduct unbecoming to a St. Edmund student

h.       Tardiness

i.         Out of uniform

j.        Cheating (1^st occurrence)

MAJOR VIOLATIONS

a.       Habitual violation of minor rules

b.      Cutting class- leaving campus without permission of teacher/administration

c.       Excessive tardiness and/or absences

d.      Possession of tobacco in any form, firearm, knife, lighter, or any instrument that can be used to cause harm

e.       Disrespect for any St. Edmund employee

f.        Instigates or participated in fights

g.       Threatening, injuring, or verbally abusing faculty, students or other St. Edmund personnel.  This rules applies to any place or time

h.       Vandalism/destruction or defacement of school property or school personnel’s property.  Students who deface, mark, or damage school property will pay for the repair cost and/or clean the damaged property while also receiving disciplinary action.

i.         Possession or distribution of drugs, alcohol or any substance that may be harmful to students

j.        Gambling or stealing

k.      Molesting any student

l.         Indecent behavior

m.     Profane/obscene language or notes

n.       Habitual violation of the uniform rules or grooming rules

o.      Extortion

All adults on the campus are authorized to correct students who are in violation of these rules during the school day or at extracurricular events.  This includes regular faculty, substitute teachers, parent volunteers assuming teacher duties, volunteer coaches, and cafeteria and maintenance personnel.  Violations should be reported to faculty members and/or administrators for disciplinary measures. 

GENERAL RULES

1.      Additions or deletions to these regulations may occur during the school year with notification from the administration.

2.      Exceptions can only be made by the Principal.

3.      Failure to comply with these rules and regulations set forth by the school will only result in the student receiving consequences or dismissal from school.

4.      Parent Grievance Procedure – The following procedure must be adhered to concerning grievances by appointment

If after this procedure has been followed and no resolution can be agreed upon, grievances may be made to the St. Edmund School Board according to the Diocesan Policy below.  It is important to remember that the St. Edmund School Board is an advisory board to the Administration and Pastor.  The St. Edmund Catholic school Pastor has ultimately the final word.

The following excerpt is taken from the Diocese of Lafayette's Policy Handbook for Duties of the School Board:

ARTICLE II

Duties of the School Board

The School Board is to provide expertise and advice to the local pastor/chancellor in accordance with the Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, the Synodal Law of the Diocese of Lafayette and the Regulations and Policies for Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Lafayette.

The primary functions of the School Board are to develop a budget to provide for the school's financial and physical well-being and growth; to implement a development program incorporating a long-range plan and including active, positive public relations and marketing of the school; and to formulate broad policies for the school.  The board will assist in the selection of a new principal as set forth in diocesan guidelines, and it may periodically evaluate the principal's relationship to the board as its chief executive officer.  The board will evaluate its own effectiveness annually.

All meetings of the board are to be meetings open to school employees and parents of children at the school unless designated as an executive session by a majority of the voting members present or by the pastor/chancellor.

No person or group shall be granted the right to address a meeting of the board or participate in its deliberations unless prior approval to do so has been obtained.

BEHAVIOR AT CURRICULAR AND EXTRACURRICULAR EVENTS

As representatives of St. Edmund Elementary School, whether at this school or another, students should demonstrate their very best Christian and social behavior at all times.  Students should seek to have their behavior reflect positively on their home and school training.  The RULES OF BEHAVIOR apply not only to the school day, but also to school field trips, sporting events, and all extracurricular activities whether the student is a participant or an observer.  St. Edmund Elementary school students, faculty, and parents must remember that they represent the school at all times and must never bring discredit to the school.  Everyone must earnestly strive to live by our school philosophy at all times.

 DAILY DISCIPLINE

Teachers generally handle the daily discipline of the school.  Each teacher is required to have a list of procedures for disciplining students.  These vary slightly from teacher to teacher and are appropriate to the age and development of the student.  Rewards considered appropriate are unexpected surprises, extra recess time, small gifts (special pencil, stickers), etc.  Punishments considered appropriate are loss of privileges, written punishments, “time out”, isolation from the class, recess and after school detention where students will clean the grounds, rooms, etc…

SUSPENSION

The Rules of Behavior outline serious infractions of rules and unacceptable behaviors, any one of which, depending on the circumstances, could result in suspension of the student(s) involved.  Suspension of a student may be decided upon as the necessary means of discipline by the administrator after consultation with the teacher and/or investigation of the situation.  The parents will be notified before the student is suspended, and the suspension may vary from one to three days.  If sent home, the student may return to school only after school officials and parents confer.  During suspension period the student is marked absent.

 EXPULSION

A student will be expelled from school only when all other means of disciplinary actions have failed and/or when a student is a moral or physical threat to the spiritual and/or academic welfare and progress of students and/or faculty or staff. Expulsion may result with no prior violations of school rules for very serious offenses.  The administrator is the final recourse in disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his or her discretion.

 SCHOOL SUPPLIES

A school supply list will be provided to each family in May and during summer registrations.  Students are encouraged to have all their supplies on the first day of school.  Supplies must be labeled with student’s name.  Every student must have a book sack.  St. Edmund textbooks must be properly covered at all times.

 LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

Students may not leave the school grounds during the day without the Principal’s permission.  This permission may be granted only after parents have come to the office to check out a student. Students who regularly ride the bus will be allowed to walk home from school only if a note from the parents requesting permission is brought to school and signed by the administrator.  Parents who allow their children to walk home after school are required to send a permission slip to the office.  These parents assume all responsibilities once the child leaves the school campus.  Parents are also responsible for students who ride in a car without their permission.  In order for students to ride a bus that they do not ordinarily ride, permission must be requested of the bus driver.  A note by the parent making the request must be signed by the Principal.

 SEARCH AND SEIZURE POLICY

The administrator or his/her designee reserves the right to search any student, his or her personal belongings, and surroundings for any contraband that the administrator has reason to believe the student may possess. Contraband is any thing, item, or article forbidden on campus by the civil or criminal law or by school policy.  The administrator may also search individuals or groups of students for stolen items.  No student will be asked to remove clothing other than outer garments (jackets, vests, sweaters, etc.).  No search of an individual will be conducted without the presence of a school staff member as witness.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM S

CHAPTER 1 PROGRAM

A supplemental remedial reading/math program for grades K-6 is provided by the Federal Government for a limited number of students.  Qualifying students receive 30 minutes of computer-assisted instruction each week.

PUPIL APPRAISAL SERVICES

St. Landry Parish’s Special Education Department provides evaluation services for our students upon referral made by teachers, administration and parents.  The purpose of Pupil Appraisal Services is to assist students who have learning problems, adjustment problems, or other special needs by providing services to students, parents, teachers, and other school personnel.

RESOURCE

An instructional program in which a resource teacher provides special education instruction to students in grades K-6 who hold a current multi-disciplinary evaluation, which indicated the student requires remedial and rehabilitative work.

SPEECH THERAPY

These services are rendered to those students holding a current multi-disciplinary evaluation who require rehabilitative attention in the areas of speech, language, and/or hearing therapy.  Speech is provided here on the St. Edmund Elementary campus.

GIFTED AND TALENTED PROGRAM

A parish-wide program for the gifted and talented students provides enrichment experiences that enable qualified youngsters to pursue learning in a manner consistent with their own interests and preferred styles of learning itinerant and resource center settings.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

A variety of extracurricular activities are provided at St. Edmund Elementary School for the students.  Students are encouraged to participate in these activities in order to promote growth in intellectual, emotional, physical and social skills.  Parents are urged to be supportive and teachers are to be cooperative in these endeavors.  Awareness of academic requirements and individual club regulations are made available to interested parties.  Each club sponsor or activity sponsor/coach has a list of requirements and rules concerning that club or activity.  These will be sent to parents when students sign up for an activity.

ACTIVITIES

1.      4-H Club – Students from grades 4-6 are eligible for membership.  It is an extra-curricular activity that is very enriching to the student.

2.      Beta Club – The National Junior Beta Club is a non-secret, non-profit, leadership-service club for members of the 5^th and 6^th grade.  The purpose is to encourage effort and reward merit, and to promote those qualities of character that make for good citizenship.  Qualifications for membership are:

a.       A designated academic average

b.      Worthy character

c.       Creditable achievement

3.      Student Council – Officers are elected yearly from grades 5 and 6 with class representatives from grades K through 6.

4.      DARE –The Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Department sends trained officers to speak to students on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.  Fourth and fifth graders participate in this program for a full semester.  The whole school celebrates National Red Ribbon Week.

5.      Social Studies and Science Fairs – These fairs are held annually to create an interest in these subjects. Local winners may advance to regional and state contests.

6.      School Parties – Parties held during school time will be limited to Christmas and Easter.

ATHLETICS

1.      Girls’ Basketball – Grades 5 & 6

2.      Boys’ Basketball – Grades 5&6

3.      Boys’ Baseball – Grades 5 & 6

4.      Girls’ Softball – Grades 5 & 6

5.   Boys' Football - Grades 5 & 6

ATHLETIC GOALS AND POLICIES

The goal of St. Edmund School athletic program is to develop discipline, character, and a love of God.  To be eligible to participate in St. Edmund School team, the following guidelines will be used:  Under the scholastic rule, a student must have no failing six-week average in any subject area including conduct.  The grades at the end of each six-week period will determine eligibility for the following six-week period.  Attendance rule:  a student must attend school on the day of a scheduled game/event in order to participate in the event after school hours.  Conduct rule:  a student must maintain a passing mark in conduct during school hours and school sponsored activities in order to be recommended as a team member by the teacher and school administrator.

PARENT PARTICIPATION IN ATHLETIC EVENTS

Parents are reminded that coaches, whether employees of the school or parent volunteers at the elementary level, are to be respected.  They have been encouraged by the administration of the school to head up our athletic programs.  Confrontation with coaches in public, during games, or after games, is inappropriate and in conflict with the school’s stated goal for its athletic program.  Any suggestions or complaints regarding our coaches or athletic programs should be brought to the school administration.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT

PARENT TEACHER SUPPORT CLUB

St. Edmund Parent Teacher Club is a viable, active group that supports the school and its goals in various ways.  All parents are encouraged to join and participate.  The Parent Teacher Support Club meets no less than 4 times per year. The St. Edmund faculty and staff are strongly encouraged to attend all meetings.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Parent interest is the spiritual, educational, social, sporting, and extracurricular activities of the school are vital in developing and sustaining an outstanding school.  Parents are encouraged to become involved and to volunteer their services in whatever way the feel able.  Be assured that the interest of parents and grandparents is needed and the faculty and administration appreciate the efforts and generosity of these individuals. (See Volunteer Handbook)

VISITORS ON CAMPUS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY

Parents and other interested individuals are always welcome to St. Edmund Elementary School, however, in the interest of safety and the efficiency of the school all visitors must check in at the office.  Parents are not allowed to proceed to classrooms without first receiving permission from the office. Teachers are asked to send unannounced visitors to the office to check in before speaking with them.  Any stranger or unauthorized person seen on campus by teachers, staff or students should be reported to the office immediately.

SERVICE HOURS

All sixth grade students are required to complete a designated number of service hours before the end of the school year.  The religion teacher designated and communicates the number of hours and due dates at the beginning of the school year.  If these hours are not complete by the end of the school year, the student will not be allowed to take part in St. Edmund Closing Ceremonies.

PARENT CONFERENCES

Parents are encouraged to contact the school whenever they desire a conference with a teacher or the Principal. An appointment can be acquired by phoning the school office.  If parents are unable to come to school, the teacher will return the parent’s phone call.  Parents are requested not to call a teacher’s home in the evening unless the teacher has provided his/her phone number and specifically invited the parents to call.  It is highly advised that if a parent has a complaint about a teacher, the parent should discuss the difficulty FIRST with the teacher.

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS OF PARENTS

Parents are expected to take their financial obligations seriously.  The school has financial obligations that it must meet through the timely payment of tuition and other fees.

TUITION AND REGISTRATION

St. Edmund utilizes a tuition draft program.  Families may pay tuition in any of the following ways:

      * Pay tuition in full by June 1,  (Receive a 3% discount off tuition)

      * Pay tuition in monthly installments by bank draft.

Draft fees are $0.91 per draft.

You must make your payments by bank draft.  Families are required to contact school if at any time they are unable to make a payment due to an extraordinary circumstance. 

Registration is held in the spring of each year.  Currently enrolled students are allowed to register first along with siblings who are just entering school.  New students must present a copy of the birth certificate, baptismal certificate, and immunization cart at the time of registration.  Everyone must pay the Diocesan Tax.  Tuition fees are determined by St. Edmund School Board and are subject to change.

 FEES

Spring Fair

Each family is required to work a two-hour shift at the St. Edmund Spring Fair per child.  Families that do not work their required hours will be assessed a fee of $150 for not working those hours.  It is suggested that if a family cannot work the fair, they try to find someone to take their place.

Processing Fee

This fee pertains to new families registering for the first time.  We ask new families at registration to pay a month's tuition in advance.  This is not an additional fee, simply an advance payment of the last month's tuition.  Families are only asked to pay the processing fee in their first year of enrollment.  This fee is due at registration and credited as May tuition.

 Registration:

One month’s tuition (advanced payment for May)

 Monthly Tuition:

One child (K-6)--------------------------$270

Family plan offered for more that one child registered K-12

Tuition is payable on a twelve month basis.

 Pre-School Tuition:

$345 per month, per child

Not subject to family plan

Diocesan Tax:

$12 per child is assessed by the Diocese of Lafayette per year for each child registered to help cover the costs of maintaining the Office of Catholic Schools which oversees all the Catholic Schools in the Diocese. This fee is due at registration

Technology Fee:

$50 per child due at registration 

Book/Workbook/Supply Fee:

$100 per child due at registration

 Building Maintenance Fee:

$100 per child due at registration

 Church Subsidy:

$150 per child up to 3 children

This fee applies to all families.  If your church parish does not pay the subsidy, it becomes the families’ responsibility.

Family Discount

A family discount of 12% is applied for two children, 15% for three, 19% for four, 22% for five, 25% for six and 29% for seven children for students k-12.  Pre-K is not included in the Family Plan.

TUITION AID

Some limited funds are available for families in need.  Application forms are available in the office and must be submitted to the administration before May.   Only registered students are eligible for aid.

Note: Children returning to St. Edmund are considered registered students for the next school year upon receipt of all required paperwork.  All payments through March must be paid in full before registration for the next school year will be accepted.  Registration fees are non-refundable.

LUNCH PROGRAM

St. Edmund School has a clean, comfortable lunchroom.  Food is both appetizing and nutritious.  All students are required to each lunch in the lunchroom unless a doctor certifies that for medical reasons the student cannot eat meals served in the lunchroom.  Prices for meals (lunch) are set by the Diocese of Lafayette on an annual basis.  Free lunch applications are available for all parents.  St. Edmund Cafeteria has a pre-pay, no refund policy.  Parents will pay for 178 feeding days in nine monthly installments.  Lunch envelopes will go home on the first day of school and monthly thereafter.   Students are given three days in which to pay for lunch.  The Cafeteria may refuse to allow the student to eat if lunch payment is not received by the third day of the new month.  Not all months have an equal number of days, however, the total number of days paid for will be 178.  Parents may pay in advance for the school year.

STUDENT HEALTH AND SAFETY

MEDICATION FOR STUDENTS

St. Edmund medication policy to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of our children who need medicines during the day:

A.     In order for medication to be given at school, the parent or legal guardian must complete and sign an administration-of-medication form in its entirety.  The licensed physician of dentist must also sign this form.  This form may be picked up in the school office.

B.     Medicine should be in a container with a label from the pharmacy or manufacturer with the patient’s name, name of medication, strength, dosage, and directions for administration.  Unit doses or blister packs are strongly recommended.  Please ask your pharmacy to provide separate bottles for home and school use.  No more than a twenty-five day supply of the medicine should b delivered to school.

C.     Medicine should be delivered to the school by the parent, guardian, or a responsible adult whom you designate.  Students may not deliver medicine, nor are students allowed to have any medication in their possession on school grounds or on the school bus.

D.     Medication is to be administered by school personnel who have been trained according to state law (17:436.1) or by personnel under the supervision of the assistant principal.

EMERGENCY ILLNESS

Parents should provide the school with names and numbers of people who can pick up a child who becomes ill at school.  When parents are out of town or otherwise temporarily unavailable, they should notify the school with the name and phone number of adults who may assume responsibility for their child in time of emergency.

EMERGENCY DISMISSAL

Each family should develop and teach to all the children in a family a plan for emergency dismissal during the day.  In a family, one child should be designated to call whoever will pick up the children.  Each child should know the name and number of the person to call or who will call for them.  If buses are picking up children, children should know whether to ride the bus or call someone.  Parents who work out of town should designate a relative or friend who lives in town to pick up children in an emergency situation.  The children should know the name and phone number of this individual who will take responsibility for them. In case of emergency dismissal, the radio stations KEUN & KJJB in Eunice, are always notified.  KLFY, Channel 10 and KATC, Channel 3 are the television stations notified.  In dangerously stormy weather, the children will remain in the building and parents must come to get them.   Children who ride the bus will be called when the bus arrives.  In case of fire, bomb threat, or some other reason that necessitates evacuation the building, the students will be brought to the Church or Church grounds and kept away from the building.  Emergency information will be broadcast over the television and radio stations previously mentioned. 

STUDENT ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

Students are not to be dropped off at school until 7:20 AM.  There is no one to supervise students before this time.  Arriving at school too early presents a real safety hazard to the children.  Generally, the Principal or a teacher will be on campus by 7:20 AM.  Teachers begin arriving at 7:30.  Students who arrive prior to 7:20 AM are not the responsibility of the school and are required to report to the cafeteria where they will be under the supervision of the lunchroom manager or designee.  They are to remain in the cafeteria until the duty teacher arrives at 7:20 AM.

STUDENT DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

In order to make student dismissal safe and orderly, students who are picked up in cars will be picked up in front of the school.  Parents are asked not to walk in between the line of cars picking up students.  Parents should appropriately walk on the sidewalks.  Bus riders will be picked up in front of the school. All cars must stop and allow buses to pick up students. Teachers are on duty in these areas to supervise students.  Parents must pick up students by 3:30 (official school time).  Students who ride a school bus will wait for the bus in the designated area.  They are not to return to the building or leave the area being supervised.

PRECIOUS ITEMS

Students should not bring expensive toys, electronic games, radios, watches, etc. to school.  Students should not wear expensive coats or jewelry.  These things may get broken, stolen, or damaged.  Do not allow students to bring or wear anything the student cannot bear to lose.

ACCIDENTS/ACCIDENT INSURANCE

All accidents in the building, on school grounds, at practices, or any school event must be reported immediately to the adult in charge.  The adult in charge will fill out a school accident report in the office as soon as possible.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

All members of St. Edmund Elementary faculty are actively engaged in professional development activities to educate themselves about the special needs of students with physical or mental handicaps.  Individually, and as a faculty, we believe that all children can learn and are seeking new ways and methods to accommodate the diverse needs of these learners in our classrooms.  Parents of students with handicapping conditions or other special needs are encouraged to come to the school for a conference with the administrator and the child’s teachers early in the year to discuss the child’s condition and needs.

CHILDREN OF DIVORCE

Parents who are divorced or separated and experiencing special problems of custody or other matters should notify the school office.  If a non-custodial parent is not allowed to check out a child, or speak to a child, we must be informed.  This school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents.  In the absence of a court order to contrary, St. Edmund Elementary will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the child.  If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.

PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

4 YEAR OLDS

St. Edmund Elementary offers a developmental Pre-K program.

Programs Guidelines are as Follows:

1)      Class will be located in the Peck Building on campus.

2)      Will serve children age 4 prior to Sept. 30.

3)      Full time qualified teacher paid according to St. Edmund salary schedule.

4)      Aids will depend on class size.

5)      Entry into the program is governed by the same priorities as entry into Kindergarten.

6)      Enrollment in the Pre-K program guarantees acceptance into St. Edmund Kindergarten.

7)      Tuition rates not subject to family plan.

8)      Program will be developmental in nature.

9)      Time schedule is separate from K-6.

10)  Participation in all religious instruction and activities.

11)  Cafeteria lunch.

12)  St. Edmund uniforms are strongly encouraged, but not required.

TUITION:  Full Day = $345 per/month (12 payments)

                   Cafeteria lunch according to Diocesan Plan

CHURCH SUBSIDY:  $150 per child

OTHER FEES:  same as K-6

PARENTS SUPPLY THE FOLLOWING:

1)      Birth Certificate

2)      Baptismal Certificate

3)      An up-to-date Health Record of Immunizations

4)      Copy of Social Security Card

ST. EDMUND SCHOOL DRESS CODE

Standard Uniform for girls (PreK-6)

Jumper:          Grades PreK-K  Plaid Poly/cotton fabric.  Approved brand:  Young   Fashions Uniform Co., Oday’s Children’s Clothing Store and any other local merchants.

Skirt:               Grades 1-6   Plaid stitched down pleats, poly/cotton fabric, approved brand; specified above.

 Slacks:            Grades PreK-6  Navy blue slack, pleated front; 65% - 35% poly/cotton, standard slack required.  No alterations to slack bottoms such as pegging of pants or rolled bottoms, approved brand:  specified above.

Shorts:            Grades PreK-6  Uniform plaid walking shorts, plaid shorts have no belt loops, the backs are elasticized, approved brand; specified above.

Shirt:               Grades PreK-6  White heavy knit polo type, 50% poly/cotton with collar and button front or white oxford with button down front.  No logos or symbols other than the approved school logo.  Long or short sleeves are acceptable.  Plain white undergarments only.  Approved brand; specified above.

Skorts:            Grades PreK-6  Plaid, poly/cotton fabric, approved brand; specified above.

T-Shirts:         A St. Edmund spirit shirt may be worn on Fridays, unless other circumstances arise.

Sweatshirts:    Navy or royal blue, no logos or symbols other than the approved school logo or school name.

Sweater:          Navy, plain weave, plain v-neck, pullover, cardigan or pocket cardigan.  Sleeveless sweaters or sweatshirts are not permitted.  Sweaters must be no longer that hip length, approved brand: specified above.

Belt:                Navy, brown, or black.  Plain buckles only.

Socks:             White or navy, mid-calf length, plain, solid color, no logos or symbols.

Shoes:              White, navy, black or brown.  Athletic or dress shoes, shoestrings must be a solid white, navy, black, or brown to match shoes.   Athletic shoes must have subdued markings. No gaudy colors or designs.  No sandals or boots (including granny, western, or ankle boots) permitted.

Jacket:            Navy or royal blue, no denim jean jackets or camouflage jackets, no logos or symbols other than the approved school logo or school name.

Tights:            White or navy, solid in color, plain.

Barrettes:       Colors appropriate to uniform.

Bows:               White, navy, or uniform plaid.

Standard Uniform for Boys (PreK-6)

Pants:             Navy twill pleated model, stitching to match, inset front pocket, no pegging of pants or rolled bottoms, 65% - 35% poly/cotton, belt loops required, except for Pre-K and K, approved brands.

Shorts:            Navy twill or dress shorts, belts must be worn, except for PreK and K, approved brands.

Shirt:              Grades Pre-K-6, white heavy knit polo type, 50% poly/cotton with collar and button front, no logos or symbols other than the approved school logo, long or short sleeves, plain white undergarments only.  Approved brands.

T-Shirts:         A St, Edmund spirit shirt may be worn on Fridays, unless other circumstances arise.

Sweatshirts:    Navy or royal blue, no logos or symbols other than the approved school logo or school name.

Sweater:         Navy, plain weave, plain v-neck, pullover, cardigan or pocket cardigan, sleeveless sweaters or sweatshirts are not permitted. Sweaters must be no longer than hip length, approved brands.

Belt:                Navy or brown or black, plain buckles only, belts must be worn with pants and shorts, except for PreK and K.

Socks:             White or navy, mid-calf length, plain, solid color, no logs or symbols.

Shoes:             White, navy, black of brown, athletic or dress shoes, shoe strings must be a solid white, navy, black, or brown to match shoes, athletic shoes must have subdued markings, no gaudy colors or designs, no sandals or boots permitted.

Jacket:           Navy, or royal blue, no denim jean jackets or camouflage jackets, no logos or symbols other than the approved school logo or school name.

General Appearance:     Shirts will be tucked in at all times from arrival at school until the end of the school day.  Shoes must be tightly laced and properly tied.  If the uniform is worn to a school sponsored activity at any time, these rules apply.

Coats:             Any form of overcoat may be worn as long as it is in good repair.  Loud colors and multicolored designs are discouraged.  Navy or subdued color patters are recommended.  Blue jean jackets, work, Or hunting type items, sleeveless vests, garments made from camouflaged materials or award jackets from other schools may not be worn.  Coats are to be worn only on days when the temperature is in the 50 degree or below range.  At others times students are expected to wear uniform sweaters or jackets.  On cold days students are allowed to wear white, long sleeve turtle neck or mock turtle neck shirts under the standard long sleeve uniform shirt.  No turtleneck shirts are to be worn alone.  With this extra layer of clothing allowed, students should rarely have need of an overcoat or heavy jacket.

Specific Expectations

1.      Boys will be clean-shaven.  No mustaches, beards, or sideburns below the bottoms of the ear.

2. Neither boys nor girls may wear any type of make-up.

3. Earrings:  Boy may not wear earrings.  Girls may wear one pair of plain, non-dangling, in gold, silver or colors that complement the uniform.  Neither boys nor girls may wear nose rings. 

4. Fingernails:  Boy’s nails should be trimmed with no colored nail polish.  Girls may have moderate length nails and wear clear nail polish.

5. Hair:  Boys should have neatly trimmed hair with at least the bottom half of the ears exposed and a length not touching the top of the collar. No gaudy or unusual cuts, designs, artificial highlights or colors are allowed for boys.  Girls may wear any tasteful hairstyle.  No gaudy or extreme cuts, designs, artificial highlights or colors are allowed for girls.

6. Shorts for boys and girls should be:

1. 4” from the floor when kneeling

2. loose fitting

3. not jean type shorts

7. Skirts for girls should be:

1. not more than 3” from the floor when kneeling

2.  loose fitting

8. Hats are not allowed on campus.

9. No shorts may be worn under uniform shorts.

10. Only solid white t-shirts may be worn under uniform shirts.

11.  Watches (without alarms) and religious medals (tucked inside shirt) are permitted.  For safety reasons, necklaces, bracelets, and rings are not allowed.

The Principal reserves the right to make a final decision on any of the above items.

School Logo:    St. Edmund Elementary has adopted a special, individualized crest/logo to be worn on shirts, sweaters, etc.  Shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets will not be required to carry the logo.  Shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets with the crest/logo are available from Young Fashions, Oday’s, Impact, and Sunsport’s.

Photo Permission Slip 

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Throughout the year, we will be taking digital photos of projects and activities across the school campus.  Some photos may be used on the St. Edmund School website, RENWEB and in the local newspaper. 

 It is School Policy that we obtain parental permission before we may publish the photos on the school’s website and/or before we may submit them to Eunice News for publication. Please fill out the following form acknowledging your preference.

*The pictures on the website will not have captions. No names will be listed.

**Pictures submitted to the newspaper will have captions with the first and last names of the student(s).

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

□       I give permission for my child’s photo to be used on the school website, RENWEB and in the local newspaper.

□       I DO NOT want my child’s photo used on the school website or in the local paper.

 Child’s name _______________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature:__________________________________________________

Date: _________________________