ST. MARGARET REGIONAL SCHOOL

HANDBOOK

 

            Welcome to St. Margaret Regional School.  It is our hope that you find this family to be a model of Christian love, concern, and care for our students, their parents, and each other.

 

            With this in mind, always, we will strive to work with you by:

 

1.                  Being models of a vital, active, Christian faith that characterizes our lives as distinctively marked by Christ-like qualities.

2.                  Including the Will and message of Christ’s Gospel into our total curriculum.

3.                  Recognizing that our lives and our eternal life is our individual responsibility and is worked out in communion with others.

 

We will strive to empower our students by:

 

1.                  Providing high quality instructions in all areas of curriculum.

2.                  Encouraging an appreciation by all of true academic challenge and true success.

3.                  Helping develop a concern, respect, and an affirmation of the individual gifts each of us possess.

4.                  Modeling and teaching the skills and self-discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to stand up for their personal convictions.

5.                  Gracing them with the reverence for the gifts of life.

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT

            St. Margaret Regional School is a Catholic, co-educational, elementary school in the Fall River Diocese, serving students from a wide geographic area and from diverse backgrounds.  As a school community dedicated to the message of Jesus Christ, as handed down to us through the teachings of the Catholic Church, we are called to educate our students and to give them witness to this message.

            It is our goal to provide a nurturing, respectful, disciplined family atmosphere that encourages spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional growth.  Staffed by qualified, caring, and dedicated faculty, St. Margaret offers a strong curriculum in order to prepare our students for future learning and for life.

 

SPIRITUAL LIFE

            In addition to religious instruction classes, daily classroom prayers, rosary, Grace before/after meals and end of day prayers, all students of St. Margaret Regional come together to celebrate Mass once a month.  Parents are invited to attend this 10:00 AM Mass and join in our common prayer life.  Students participate in the celebration of the Mass as servers, scripture readers, and choir participants.  Our Spiritual Committee provides spiritual speakers, special liturgies, seasonal liturgical activities, and adult instruction opportunities on an occasional basis throughout the school year.  Please join with us as we build our Christian family at St. Margaret Regional School.

 

ADMISSIONS POLICY

            Saint Margaret Regional welcomes persons of all race, creed, ethnic and economic backgrounds. Respect, inclusion and equality are encouraged for everyone. Interviews with prospective student and parents are required. The applicant needs to have paid the registration fee and filled out the registration form. The applicant is asked to shadow a student for a day in order to get a feeling for the school. Records need to be made available along with the latest report card.The principal will call the previous school before acceptance is finalized.

 

HARASSMENT / TOLERANCE

            Students, faculty, staff members and others connected with St. Margaret Regional School should expect to be treated with consideration.  As a community, embodied by its diversity, all members have a right to feel both safe and respected to live, work, and learn in an environment, which is free from harassment.  To preserve and protect the health of the community and those differences among individuals, the school will not tolerate harassment of any kind and is prepared to respond with appropriate discipline, including dismissal.

            St. Margaret Regional is committed to maintaining a school and work environment that is free of harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender or handicap. St. Margaret School expects all employees and members of the school community, (students, volunteers and parents), to conduct themselves in an appropriate and professional manner with concern for their fellow Christians.

            Harassment in any form will not be tolerated. HARASSMENT MAY INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:

·        repeated or persistent offensive remarks

·        intimidation for favors

·        overt threats or demands

·        unwanted physical contact

·        display or circulation of written materials or pictures of a derogatory nature

            Any violation of this policy should be brought to the attention of the principal as soon as possible who will conduct an investigation and take appropriate action.

 

PROCEDURES

            If you feel you or your child is a victim of harassment, contact the principal immediately to discuss the issues regarding the perceived violation.

The complainant, to ensure effective, timely results, should use the following steps.

1.                           Report any incident to the principal immediately. Be sure to include the person’s name, nature of the incident, date, time, place or location and any witnesses.

2.                           Keep written notes on all things relevant to your complaint. Make at least two copies of said notes for reference purposes.

3.                           File a complaint in writing with the principal within 24 hours of the incident so that the important data will not be forgotten or misplaced and while issues surrounding the incident are still fresh in memory.

4.                           Make an appointment with the principal to review your complaint as soon as possible.

 

BULLYING

Definition of Bullying

            Bullying is an ongoing physical or verbal mistreatment where there is:

·        An imbalance of power.

·        The victim (target) is exposed repeatedly to negative actions on the part of one or more other students.

 

Behaviors associated with Bullying

                 Intimidating type of behaviors such as:

·        Offensive name calling-verbal and written

·        Aggressive personal contact

·        Threats-verbal and written

·        Intimidating body language

·        Damage, destruction and theft of property

·        Invading personal space

·        Intentional/continual noise making

·        Intentional exclusion

The test conditions for harmful bullying:

·        An intent to harm by the perpetrator

·        Intensity and duration

·        Abuse of power

·        Vulnerability of the victim

·        Isolation and lack of support for the victim

Consequences of Bullying:

·        Warning-written form signed by student and parents identifying the occurrence and the formal warning.

·        Possible In/Out of school suspension-followed with a conference with student, parent, teacher and administrator.

 

SCHOOL HOURS

 

Monday – Friday                      8:00 AM to 2:30 PM

Early dismissal              8:00 AM to 11:30 AM

School office hours                   7:30 AM to 3:30 PM

Before school care                    7:00 AM to 8:00 AM

After school care                      2:30 PM to 5:00 PM

Summer hours                          7:00 AM to 1:00 PM

 

ARRIVAL, DISMISSAL AND PARKING LOT PROCEDURES

            All students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 enter the building through the door bordering the parking lot by the kindergarten. Students in grades 5 & 6 go to the Science Lab and students in grades 7 & 8 go to the Art Room. Students should be dropped off between 7:40-8:00. If dropped off earlier than 7:40 students will be sent to extended care at a charge. Students should be in class at 8:00 AM.  Tardy students should enter the office door (up the ramp adjacent to the Church portico) where they will receive a tardy slip from the school secretary in order to be admitted to class. After 3 times tardy an after school detention will be issued.

 

(a)                ARRIVAL-ALL STUDENTS will be dropped off at school following the traffic pattern described below:

 

1.                  Drivers should enter the parking lot via the St. Margaret Street entrance.

2.                  Drop off students at the corner of Cohasset Avenue.

3.                  Exit the parking lot turning onto Cohasset Avenue.

THE SCHOOL WILL NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS BEING DROPPED OFF ON MAIN STREET.

*SOVEREIGN  BANK HAS ASKED THAT PARENTS DO NOT PARK IN THEIR PARKING LOT TO DROP CHILDREN OFF.

 

Parents needing to stop in the school for any reason MUST

 

a.                   First drop off students and exit the parking lot as described above; then

b.                  RE-ENTER the Church entrance from Main Street to park.

 

(b)               DISMISSAL

 

Drivers picking up students at dismissal time should ALL:

 

1.                  Enter via St. Margaret Church parking lot on Main Street.

2.                  Meet students at designated dismissal door.

3.                  Walk students to their car.

4.                  Exit parking lot at St. Margaret Street.

            Students will only be dismissed to adults indicated on the emergency card or with a written note of permission from parent/guardian. Students who have written parent/guardian permission to leave school premises after school are no longer the responsibility of the school and once they leave they are not to return to school grounds.

 

ALL TRAFFIC MUST ROUTE ALONG THE FENCE BORDERING THE FAR SIDE OF THE PARKING LOT TO EXIT.  NO CARS WILL BE ALLOWED TO TRAVEL ALONG THE SIDEWALK AREA WHERE STUDENTS EXIT THE BUILDING.

            For safety reasons, we request that parents get out of the car, pick up your child and closely supervise children in the parking area. All drivers need to exercise common sense with regard to driving slowly and safely and not blocking the way of other cars entering and exiting the lot.  PLEASE park ONLY in parking spaces designated by white painted lines. PLEASE observe the orange cones for traffic flow.

 

ATTENDANCE

            Regular school attendance is the ever-constant characteristic of students who are successful.  We encourage you to attend school promptly and to participate fully in all class activities.  However, we realize that sickness, and family emergencies occur. When absence is a reality, the following is our stated procedure:

 

ABSENCE:                  Upon a student’s return to school, a written note signed by a parent/guardian is required to excuse an absence.  Students are responsible for securing and completing work missed during an absence. More than three days absence requires a doctor’s note.

 

TARDINESS:              School begins at 8:00. Students who are late need to obtain a tardy slip from the office. Three tardy slips will result in an hour detention. Habitual offenders will have a longer detention.

 

APPOINTMENTS/

DISMISSALS             Medical, dental and counseling appointments are to be made after school hours.  However, should it be necessary to make an appointment during school hours, early dismissals will be allowed, provided that a written note is given to the teacher and approved by the principal. Dismissal will only be allowed to individuals identified by parents/guardians and who meet the student in the office. The student dismissal log must be signed prior to the student’s release from the building.

 

VACATIONS:             Prolonged vacation during school time is discouraged.  The school expects student responsibilities for class work, assignments, standardized and other tests, missed by the students, to be made up.

 

 *It is not the teacher’s responsibility to prepare work for students on extended vacations.  Parents are asked to talk to the student’s teacher and to respect the classroom policy, which will vary from grade to grade.

 

EMERGENCY CLOSING

            In the event of a school cancellation or delayed opening, the following should be noted: St. Margaret Regional School follows the closure policy of the BOURNE PUBLIC SCHOOLS.  Notification of cancellation will be made on all CAPE radio stations.  Station WPLM (99.1 FM) in Plymouth, WQRC (99.9 FM), WCIB (101.9 FM), and the major Boston TV stations, Channels 4, 5, 6 and 7.

 

EARLY DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

            When early dismissal is necessary, the procedure is by:

 

1.        Radio

2.        TV

 

            NOTE:  Should weather warnings be made on radio or TV stations, please be responsible and react to these emergency-closing notices with timeliness as weather and driving conditions can deteriorate rapidly. Please leave our school phones lines open.

 

            With a delayed opening, morning care will run 1 hour before the start of school.

 

TELEPHONE USE

            The school telephone is for school business.  The secretary, via the teacher, will give messages for children to them.  Teachers and students will not be called from the classroom except in cases of emergency.  Students may not use the telephone unless the principal or secretary grants permission.  No cell phones are permitted at school. If there is a problem please call the office and arrangements will be made for the phone to be in the office until the end of the day. Phones will be confiscated and not returned until the end of the year.

 

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE LINE

            An additional telephone line has been established at the school for EMERGENCY USE.  This number is (508) 759-9540.  This number is to be used only in cases of emergency and should not be used for any other purposes at this time.

 

UNIFORM POLICY

            Students at St. Margaret Regional School are required to wear uniforms.

If there are 3 demerits during a month students will be ineligible for a dress down day on the last school day of the month unless designated otherwise. The office keeps records of infractions monthly.  The uniforms are described below:

 

Girls

 

K-4                              Blue plaid uniform jumper (with emblem)

Yellow blouse with Peter Pan collar-long sleeve or short sleeve (when worn with pants/shorts a blue crosstie must be worn)

Navy blue uniform shorts with belt /yellow knit polo shirt with school emblem (Sept., Oct., May, June)

Navy blue uniform slacks with belt/yellow knit polo shirt with school emblem 

 

                                    Navy blue cardigan sweater with school emblem

                                    Black and white saddle shoes or solid black shoes

                                    Navy blue socks or leotards. Leotards must be worn in the winter.

 

 

5-8                               Blue plaid uniform skirt (can only be shortened to 1” above the knee)

Yellow blouse, oxford material with button down collar, long or short sleeve, tucked in and top button buttoned

Navy blue uniform shorts or long uniform pants with belt/yellow knit polo shirt with school emblem (Sept., Oct., May, June)

Navy blue uniform pants with belt / yellow oxford shirt with cross tie

Navy blue sweater with school emblem

Black and white saddle shoes or solid black low heeled shoes

Navy blue socks or leotards

Blue or plaid cross-over tie

 

 

Boys

 

K – 4                           Navy uniform pants with solid belt (blue/black) yellow polo shirt with emblem

                                    Navy uniform shorts with belt /yellow polo shirt with emblem (Sept., Oct., May, June)

                                    Navy blue V-neck sweater with school emblem

                                    Black oxford shoes

                                    Black or blue solid belt (with shorts and long pants)

                                    Black or blue socks (no white socks or peds)

 

Grades 5 – 8                Navy uniform pants with solid blue or black belt/yellow oxford button down shirt, long or short sleeve (top button buttoned), blue or plaid tie

                                    Navy uniform shorts or long pants with solid blue or black belt, yellow polo shirt with emblem (Sept., Oct., May, June)

                                    Navy blue V-neck sweater with school emblem

                                    Necktie of navy blue or uniform plaid

                                    Black oxford shoes

                                    Black or blue socks (no white socks or peds)

                                    Black or blue belt (worn with both shorts and long pants)

Gym Uniform

 

All Grades:                   Navy blue tee shirt with school emblem

                                    Navy blue sweat pants or shorts with school emblem (Elastic may be taken out of cuff but pants not cut)

                                    Navy blue long sleeved crew neck sweatshirt with school emblem

                                    No jewelry to be worn during gym (for safety)

                                    Sneakers (tied)

                                    Blue or black socks or white socks or peds

 

Cold Weather Months:

 

           When boots are worn to school due to inclement weather, students must

bring their uniform shoes to be worn in the classroom. 

 

Other:  Girls may wear one pair of stud post (not to gym).  Boys are not allowed

to wear an earring. Bandanas, as well as baseball/football/hockey caps are not to be

worn during school hours.

            The following may not be worn:  Make-up, fingernail polish, fake nails, fashion jewelry, chains, colored hair, hair extensions or numbers cut in hair. Gum chewing is not allowed.

            The following may be worn: (not to gym) watch or one bracelet (no colored bracelets), one special ring, one small cross.

            The Principal reserves the right to waive the dress code for certain occasions. 

(On no uniform days, conservative school clothing may be worn). No jeans or

 halter tops, short skirts/shorts, sagging pants, bare midriff or spaghetti straps.

 

Uniform Purchase:

Student uniforms are purchased through:

 

Harvey Uniforms

1950 Fall River Avenue

Seekonk, MA  02771

1-800-462-8192

 

              The School has a uniform consignment program whereby used uniforms in good

condition may be obtained free of cost.

 

STUDENT EVALUATION

              Report cards and progress reports are issued three times per year.  You

will receive these dates on the school calendar. Grades are based on a

combination of test results, homework, projects and classroom participation.

 

                                    The academic marking code for grades 1,2,3,4:

 

M- Mastery

G- Generally Performs Skills

E- Emerging

N- Needs Improvement

 

                                    The academic marking code is as follows for grades 5,6,7,8:

                                                             

                                                                                                      Performance Key:                                      

A+                               100-97                          C+      79-77            M-Mastery

A                                  96-94                           C        76-74            P-Progressing

A-                                93-90                           C-       73-70            R- Needs Reinforcement

B+                               89-87                          D        69-65            NA- Not Applicable

B                                  86-84                          F         below 65

B-                                 83-80

 

Work Skills:                                                                                         Performance Key:

Grades 1,2,3,4

1.                  Good                                       O- Outstanding Achievement

                                    2.          Fair                                         S- Satisfactory Achievement

                                    3.          Needs Improvement                M- Minimal Achievement

                                    4.          Poor

Grades 5,6,7,8

1.                  Acceptable-meets expectations

2.                  Unacceptable-does not meet expectations

 

 

 

TESTING PROGRAMS

            Standardized tests, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, are administered to grades 2-8 annually. The COGAT is administered to grades 3, 5, and 7.Testing results are sent to parents and conferences may be scheduled to review results if desired. The Metropolitan Readiness Test is given to Kindergarten. Parents will receive notification of testing programs prior to administration of tests.

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN TEACHER CONFERENCES

            Conferences for Grades K, 1, 2 and 3 are scheduled as follows: K,

December, grades 1, 2, 3 –October. Individual conferences can be arranged with teachers outside of the regular conference schedule if parents have a special concern about their child.

 

PROMOTION

            Any question of promotion will be discussed with the parent by the beginning of the third trimester.

            Any student failing two subjects in a marking period will be reviewed for retention.  Notification of possible retention will be made in writing to the parent/guardian in March of the school year.  Final retention decisions will be made by June 1st of the school year.

 

HOMEWORK POLICY

            Homework is an essential part of the study program.  It will be required for the students of St. Margaret Regional School.  Keep in mind that homework grows out of class work, and is intended to supplement that class work.  The assignment should be a review of classroom material and used as reinforcement.

 

            Parents are responsible to check the homework each night and be aware of any difficulties students may be experiencing.  If academic struggles should arise, please contact the classroom teacher.  Please remember that reading is the most important part of homework and should be encouraged nightly, whether formally assigned or not.

 

            Starting with Grade 3, an agenda will be assigned to each student.  The student is responsible for writing the assignment daily in the log. It is the responsibility of the parents to review the assignments nightly.  All students are required to carry the agenda to and from school every day.  This agenda will become a very important line of communication between students, parents and teachers. The cost of the agenda is $7.00

 

            Grade 5-8 homework responsibilities are gradually transferred to the student. An agenda ($7.00) is still required with the same policy as above. Nightly and long-term assignments may be found on our web site (saintmargaretregional.com)

 

            If your child is spending too much time on homework, something is wrong.  Please contact the classroom teacher.

 

SPORTS POLICY

            Sports are an important part of our school curriculum.  To ensure the physical safety and academic standing of all students involved in our sports programs, the Athletic Director will give out specific policies for each sports activity.  The parent/guardian and student will be required to read and sign the form. No sport can be played without a physician approved medical sports form. This physician signed form must be on file before the child can play any sport during the year. This applies to practices also. IT IS THE PARENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO COPY THE PYHSICIAN SIGNED SPORTS FORM AND GIVE TO THE SEASONAL COACH. A separate copy of the physician signed sports form is required for each sport each year.

 

            With a failing grade in one or more academic subjects, the student will be temporarily or permanently suspended from the team

           

            If the student is absent, serving a detention or suspended they may not attend practice that day. (If the student is tardy the privilege to practice or play is up to the principal’s discretion.) Two unexcused absences (detention is considered an unexcused absence) or suspension will result in removal from the team. Fees paid will be non-refundable.

 

            Specific policies for each sport will be provided at the beginning of each season.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

            Students of St. Margaret Regional School are expected to demonstrate responsible behavior that follows Christian values and focuses on respect for all adults, peers, personal and school properties.

 

            St. Margaret Regional School endorses fair and appropriate school rules which ensure a safe and orderly educational environment.

 

            School personnel, parent and guardians working together can teach respect for others.

 

            Group rules are necessary for maintaining a peaceful, Christian and safe environment.

 

 

ACCEPTABLE

 BEHAVIORS

·        Walk at all times for safety sake.

·        Keep inappropriate non-school related objects at home.

·        Disagree peacefully; ask for help.

·        Treat everyone with respect and courteous behavior.

·        Stay in the school area.

·        Take care of books and supplies.

·        Have and keep what is yours.

·        Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

·        Take care of school property and the property of others.

·        Demonstrate high Christian standards of language and actions.

·        Wear uniform with pride.

 

 

 

NOT ACCEPTABLE

BEHAVIOR

·        Running in school.

·        Throwing things in school or on the playground.

·        Disrespect to staff, parents or other parties.

·        Fighting, bullying or shoving.

·        Swearing, vulgar motions or language, teasing, name-calling, interrupting others.

·        Gum chewing in school.

·        Writing on or damaging books or supplies.

·        Taking things that do not belong to you.

·        Destroying or defacing school property.

·        Possession of a weapon or objects that could cause harm to others.

·        Smoking, drugs or alcohol possession of, or sale thereof.

·        Using medications without permission (including over the counter products)

·        Non-conforming to uniform dress code.

 

PROCEDURES

            When a child’s behavior departs from the school’s standards of an acceptable behavior any of the following may take place as determined by the teacher and the principal.

·        An incident report and/or conference with the student by the teacher and/or the principal.

·        Loss of recess and/or class privileges.

·        Removal from class.

·        Parents notified.

·        In/out of school suspension.

 

EXPULSION

             In the event of a serious infraction, or in the case of repeated suspensions, it is within the jurisdiction of the principal to expel a student from school.  Parents/guardians will be required to meet with all involved parties. A student leaving school under these circumstances will not have his/her tuition refunded.

 

SEARCH

            Consistent with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the principal has the right to conduct a search of the student’s desk and personal belongings.

 

PLAYGROUND RULES

·        There will be no running

·        There will be no pushing, tripping or general roughhousing on the playground area.

·        Students must wait their turn for equipment use.

·        Children must play within the designated area and need permission to re-enter the school building.

·        Students should seek the assistance of the recess duty teachers if any difficulties arise.

·        Any infractions of these rules may result in removal from the playground area and loss of recess.

·        No Walkman or electronic toys are allowed on the playground or on school property.

·        No cell phones are allowed on school property without permission.

 

CLASSROOM RULES

            Classroom contracts, stating accepted classroom behavior, will be established between the teacher and students, and will not supersede school policies.

 

LUNCH

            A hot lunch program will be offered daily, with the exception of early dismissal days.  Menus are provided in advance and they must be returned by the return date.  Any menu returned after that date may be returned to you.  We cannot provide a meal on a day-by-day basis.  In an emergency, we will provide a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at a cost to you. Please do not bring restaurant/fast food items into the lunch room at lunch time. Soda is not allowed before, during o rafter school except during special functions. No fast food is to be brought into the lunch room.

 

ACCIDENTS

             From time to time, accidents in school or on the playground will occur.  In order to ascertain that students will be properly treated, students will be treated according to First Responder guidelines.  A record of all witnesses, action taken, and first aid administered will be kept in a log in the school office.  If there are any questions on the severity of the injury, paramedic and EMT help will be called and parents will be notified immediately.

 

MEDICINE

            MA Health Laws require that the following forms must be on file in your child’s health record before we begin to give any medicine, including cough drops, (prescribed and/or over the counter) at school:

            1. Signed consent by the parent or guardian to give the medicine.

                   (forms available in the office)

             2. Signed medication order. The written medication order should be taken to your child’s licensed prescriber (physician, nurse practitioner, etc.) for completion and returned to the school secretary. This order must be reviewed as needed at the beginning of each academic year.

                  You or a responsible adult whom you designate should deliver medicines to the school in a pharmacy or manufacturer-labeled container. Please ask your pharmacy to provide separate bottles for school and home. No more than a 30-day supply should be delivered to school. This applies to prescription and non-prescription medicines.

                  When your child needs a medicine to be given during the school day, please act quickly to follow these policies so we may begin to give the medication as soon as possible.

                  Medicines that are needed urgently such as epipens, asthma inhalers and insulin may be kept on the student.

 

IMMUNIZATIONS

                  State law requires that students be excluded from school unless parents provide proof of immunization or obtain official exclusion for medical or religious reasons. Accordingly, any child will not be allowed to attend school if the immunization record is not up to date. If a child for any reason does not have to have a vaccine we must have a written note from the physician.

 

Required immunizations for Kindergarten include:

                  5 DPT-Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus Toxoid vaccine

                  4-5 TOPV-Trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine

                  2 MMR-Measles, Mumps, Rubella

                  3 –Hepatitis B

                  4 Varicella (1 dose)

                  Public Health regulations require children to present evidence of having been previously screened for lead poisoning as a condition for entry into kindergarten.

                  Physicals should be updated for K, grade 4 and grade 7. Physicals are valid for one year from date of exam. Report Cards will be held until physicals are turned in.

                  Please check sports policy for physicals and sport participation.

 

ILLNESS

                  Please use good judgment in determining if your child is well enough to be in school. Sick children will be sent to the office. Depending on the severity of the illness the child will wait in the office or be sent back to class. Parent will be contacted. If you are notified please respond quickly so as not to leave a sick child waiting for a lengthy time. A written note by the parent/guardian needs to be given to the PE teacher in order to be excused from gym. A doctor’s note may be required to participate if the need arises after being absent or injured.

 

FIELD TRIPS

            Field trips of an educational nature may be scheduled by the teachers to enhance the classroom curriculum. Students must have written parental permission to participate and students without such permission will not be allowed to participate. Permission slips must be the legal documents given out by the teacher. No other form is acceptable due to legal complications. Phone permission will not be accepted. No student will be excluded for behavior due to rules infractions, but parents may be required to chaperone their own child if there is a need for this action. The cost of the field trip will be pro-rated by class membership and will not normally exceed $12.00 for admission and transportation.  No child should be excluded due to financial hardship (please contact the office.) Any and all chaperones must have participated in the Abuse Training Program.

 

FIRE DRILLS

            All rooms are equipped with a diagram of primary and secondary fire exits.  Fire drills will be held at the discretion of the fire department. Visitors are asked to respond to the alarm by quickly exiting the school building via the nearest outside door. For additional procedures, in case of an emergency, please see our School Crisis Plan.

 

VISITORS

            In order that we may note your presence and offer assistance, all visitors must report to the front desk at the main entrance to the school.  Visitors will be asked to sign in and sign out on the Daily Visitor Log sheet.  Parents may not interrupt teachers during class time.

 

 

 

CUSTODY ISSUE

            In instances where parents are separated or divorced, the school will assume that both parents have access to the children and their records.  If court documents countermand this assumption, you are required to inform the principal in writing with dated court order. If duplicate school notices, report cards, progress reports, etc., are needed, the school secretary must be informed in writing.  It is of utmost importance that custody issues as they relate to the child’s daily dismissal are on record with the school.

 

TEXTBOOK POLICY

            Textbooks are owned by St. Margaret Regional School and are loaned to students free of charge.  Many Catholic schools charge an annual fee, which we are not doing thus far.  To continue this policy, we ask that all students exercise care with the books, including keeping them covered and in a safe place at home and in the schoolyard.  Normal wear is expected, but any student who is issued a book in new or good condition and returns it in fair or poor condition will be expected to pay to replace the book.  Lost books will be paid for before another text is issued to the student.  Please be aware that continued dropping of book bags might result in broken bindings, which will not be considered normal use. Students will be asked to purchase special books for a certain class and a school agenda. If there is a financial problem please contact the office.

 

EXTENDED CARE

            Extended Care is available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM and from 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and is offered to every working parent. Students arriving before 7:40 AM or remaining after 2:40 PM must go to extended care and parents will be charged for the service. Cost is $3.00 AM, $10.00 PM and $5.00 for each additional sibling. Charge for late pickup is $5.00 per student. Payments need to be made daily or weekly.

 

REGISTRATION

All students must reregister yearly with a $50.00 registration fee.

 

PAYMENTS

            All payments, fundraising, lunch, computer fees, extended care, athletic fees and library books must be up to date at the end of each trimester or your child’s report card will be held.

 

 

FINANCIAL AID

            Financial Aid is given first by the St. Mary’s Fund. Applicants need to apply in January. If, after applying, you do not receive aid from the fund a letter stating your needs must be written to the principal explaining your situation and stating what you feel you can afford.

 

 

TUITION

            Tuition for the year 2006-2007 is $3,000. A non-refundable registration fee is $50. Parish subsidies are at the discretion of your pastor. The amount varies and is given directly to the school by your pastor after a requisition has been filed with him. Parish subsidies are not considered part of your tuition, and as such are not refundable in case of a withdrawal during the school year. Regardless of how many days are left in the month your child will be assessed a full month’s tuition. Payments are to be made in the following manner: 1. Pay tuition in full. 

2. Payment through FACTS Tuition Management. This is done in 10 monthly payments. If you should fail to make 2 payments, not only will FACTS send you a note, we will too. After a 3rd missed payment you will be asked to leave.

 

FUNDRAISERS

             During each year there will be three fundraisers. The first is a calendar fundraiser that is mandatory. Failure to participate in this $200.00 per family fundraiser will result in the assessed amount added to tuition payments. There are two more “fun” fundraisers which you are asked to participate in, the Silent Auction and Golf Tournament.

 

DISCLAIMERS

            The policies and procedures presented herein have in some cases been condensed to fit the format of this handbook.  The Diocese of Fall River maintains a comprehensive policy and procedure manual.

 

            The principal of St. Margaret Regional School retains the right to amend any section of this Handbook. Parents will be given written notification if any changes are made.


SAINT MARGARET REGIONAL SCHOOL

STUDENT HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

 

 

I have read the Saint Margaret Regional Student Handbook. I am aware of and I agree to be bound by the policies and guidelines found therein.

 

Parent’s signature___________________________________

 

Parent’s printed name________________________________ Date____________

 

Student’s name/grade _______________________________