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HSCS Student Handbook
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ACADEMIC INFORMATION
CURRICULUM
The
curriculum at Holy Spirit Catholic School is formulated in a
manner to assure that we are aligned with educational
research. Holy Spirit Catholic School's mission is to
prepare students with a strong foundation in basic skills.
The curriculum is reevaluated in a timely manner to assure
that we are aligned with educational research
Holy Spirit Catholic School, in
adherence to diocesan policy, hopes to accept students who sincerely seek
a religion-based education. Students will not be denied admission on the
basis of race, sex or national origin.
Religion:
Students in all grades are presented with instruction in the
basic beliefts of our faith, prayer and worship, sacraments,
Christian morality, and scripture. Students are given
opportunities to celebrate special seasons of the liturgical
year and participate in preparing and serving in various
roles at Mass. Catholic customs and devotions are
taught and practiced as a regular part of the school
program. Student involvement in community and parish
service projects is encouraged.
Mathematics:
Students are challenged to develop skills in operatins and
concepts, geometry, measurement, algebra, data analysis and
probability. Strong emphasis is placed on number
theory, computation and problem solving.
Language Arts:
Our
students will be exposed to a variety of literature from the
very early grades. Reading skills are a priority
throughout the grades, but most especially in K, 1, 2 and 3.
Language development is further broadened by the studey of
English grammar, vocabulary and spelling. Writing
skills, including handwriting, is included in the language
arts program.
Technology:
Lifelong skills are provided to students to enable them to
use various media to enhance their learning. This
includes computer keyboarding, work processing,
spreadsheets, Internet skills, desktop publishing and
graphics.
Social
Studies:
We
incorporate history, geography, economics, civics and
current events into our social studies. Primary
students study family, friends and communities. Fourth
grade traditionally studies Wyoming history.
Intermediate students study United States history and
geography, as well as ancient history (Greece, Egypt and
Rome).
Science/Health:
Hands-on science is evident from the earliest classes.
Students learn scientific inquiry methods with exploration
in such areas as air and weather, solar systems and energy,
structures of life, motion, electricity and land formation.
Laboratory skills are emphasized. Health is covered
both in health classes from K-6 and in the physical
education component of the classes. General phsyical
care is taughs as well as growth and development.
Music:
Music
education is provided to the students with their own
personal development at the core. The curriculum
includes singing, performing with musical instruments,
reading music and dance.
Physical Education:
Students are encouraged to develop good sportsmanship as
well as opportunities to develop fitness. Health and
social skill development is a big part of the curriculum,
taught so as to allow for opportunities to explore a variety
of experiences.
GRADING
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Kindergarten through Second
Third through Sixth
O -
Outstanding
A = 90-100%
S -
Satisfactory
B = 80-89%
P -
Progressing
C = 70-79%
U -
Unsatisfactory
D = 60-69%
NI -
Needs Improvement
F = Below 60%
REPORT
CARDS/PROGRESS REPORTS
Report
cards are an important form of communication. Report
cards will be given out four times during each school year
at the end of each quarter.
Progress reports will be given midway between each grading
period. All assigned work must be submitted to the
teacher within three days of the progress report. Zero
credit will be given for work not completed in this time
frame.
PARENT/TEACHER
CONFERENCES
Formal conferences
are scheduled at the end of the first quarter and at the end
of the third quarter. Conferences at other times may
be scheduled with teachers or the principal at the request
of either parents or staff.
STUDENT RECORDS
Holy Spirit Catholic
School adheres to the Buckley Amendment (Family Education
Rights and Privacy) with regard to accessing student
records. Students requesting records must make that
request to the school office. All such records will be
forwarded by U.S. Mail to the requesting institution.
No records will be sent to other schools for students whose
financial commitments are in arrears.
TESTING
Dibels tests are
given in grades K through 3. Standardized testing
(PAWS) is given to students in grades 3 through 6.
These tests are administered by the teachers. Results
are distributed to parents when scores become available.
HOMEWORK
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All homework
assignments are designed to be an extension of what has been
taught in the classroom. Homework is meant to
reinforce daily lessons. Since all learners are
unique, we cannot determine the specific amount of time to
be spent on each assignment. If the work seems to be
overwhelming for your student, the teacher should be
contacted immediately. Home is assigned Monday through
Thursday. No homework assignments will be given on
Friday.
PROMOTION
AND RETENTION
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Successful
completion of all subject areas is a must for promotion to
the next grade. The Principal may recommend the
retention or tutoring of a student after careful
consideration of records and conferences with both parents
and teacher. Conferencing with everyone involved as
well as recorded facts will have to be considered before
retention is considered. No decision of this soft will
be made without a face-to-face conferencing with parents,
teachers and the principal.
If a student is clearly unable to
profit from the school because of academic or emotional difficulties, or is
uncooperative, disruptive or abusive to staff or other students, the student may
be required to transfer to another school.
ADMISSION
New admission
procedures will include, but are not limited to, an
interview with the principal and the evaluation of prior
academic records. A copy of all prior transcripts will
be placed on file at the school office.
In the event that
some grades may have more applications that places available
at registration, those students will be placed on a waiting
list.
Places for admission
will be subject to the following priority assignment to a
class or waiting list:
Siblings of
registered parish students currently enrolled at HSCS
Siblings of
non-parish students currently enrolled at HSCS
Applications
received completed will be dated on a "first come" basis.
Admission procedures
will include, but are not limited to, an interview with the Principal and
the evaluation of prior academic records. A copy of all prior transcripts
will be placed on file at the school office.
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Students entering
Pre-School must have reached the age of 4 on or before September 15th
of the current school year.
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Students entering
Kindergarten must have reached the age of 5 on or before September 15th
of the current school year.
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Students entering
First Grade must have reached the age of 6 on or before September 15th
of the current school year.
ATTENDANCE
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Compulsory Attendance:
Under the Wyoming
Education code, every parent, guardian or other person
having control or charge of any child who is a resident of
this state and whose seventh birthday falls on or before
September 15th of any year and who has not yet attained
his/her sixteenth birthday or completed the tenth grade
shall be required to send such child to, and such child
shall be required to attend, a public or private school each
year during the entire time that sais schools shall be in
session.
When said school
determines that a child is a habitual truant as
defined within this code, the administration shall notify
the District Attorney. "Habitual truant" means an
child with five (5) or more unexcused absences in any one
school year.
Absences:
When a student is absent
form school, a parent should call the office by 10:00 am
each day of the absence. Being absent other than for
illness is discouraged. The calendar for the year
provides for extended time off through the year.
Parents are encouraged to schedule trips, etc. during these
times so as to eliminate the need to interrupt the learning
process. Missed assignments are the student's
responsibility. Students who have been ill have one
day for every day absent to do any make-up work, including
tests. If medical appointments have to be made during
the day, they should be done as close to dismissal time as
possible. In the event that a child must go to an
appointment during the school day, that child needs to be
signed out by the parent.
Excessive absenteeism
could be cause for retention.
Tardies:
Children who are tardy miss a portion
of their lessons. It is also disruptive to the whole
class. Three (3) tardies in a month's time will be
converted to one-half (1/2) day absent. Being on time
should be part of the students learning of organization and
accountability.
Parents As Partners
You, as parents, are the primary role
models for your children. The development of your
child - physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally
is ultimately your responsibility. Remember that Good
Example is always the best teacher. Your personal
commitment to God and the Church community will affect the
way your child relates to God and all that surrounds him.
The spirituality taught and exhibited here at Holy Spirit
Catholic School is not going to be well rooted unless it is
nurtured by the examples being taught in the home.
Your child needs constant support from both parents and
faculty in order to develop his/her moral, intellectual,
social and physical well-being.
It is of the utmost importance that
your child take full responsibility for his behavior and
achievement while attending Holy Spirit Catholic School.
This responsibility hinges on the support of his/her
parents.
As parents it is you responsibility to
set rules, times and limits so that your child:
- Gets enough rest during the school
week
- Arrives on time and is picked up on
time
- Follows the uniform dress code
- Completes assignments on time
- Has lunch money or appropriate lunch
each day.
- As parents you should also:
- Actively participate in school
activities
- Be active participants in
parent/teacher conferences
- Notify the school when your child is
absent
- Be an active member of the Home &
School Association
- Volunteer in school fundraising
activities
- Meet all financial obligations to the
school in a timely manner
MEDICATION
If a child must take
any medication in school which is prescribed by a doctor,
that medication must be sent to the school office in the
container received from the pharmacy. The container
should be placed in a plastic bag clearly marked with:
All non-prescription
medication (cough drops, etc) should be taken to the child's
teacher in a plastic bag clearly marked with:
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Child's name
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Reason for the
medicine
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Duration needed
IMMUNIZATION
REQUIREMENTS
The State of Wyoming
mandates certain immunizations for all students in public
and private schools. We urge you to check with your
personal physician to determine if your child is
appropriately immunized as required by state statue.
We require:
Proof of proper
immunization as required by law - presented on the State of
Wyoming Official Record of Immunization (yellow card) at the
time of enrollment.
If there are
exceptions to this law for your child, please have
physician verification.
NOTIFICATION PROCESS
FOR MEDICAL RELATED INFORMATION
The office will
notify all classroom teachers about the nature of any life
threatening allergies faced by students. If the parent
agrees, this information will be distributed to designated
staff that will come in contact with the student.
Staff is always reminded that all medical information is
confidential and shared only on a need-to-know basis.
Teachers will be responsible for keeping an updated
substitute folder containing information that needs to be
shared.
GIFTS/DELIVERIES
Students will not be
allowed to exchange individual gifts at school. This
can cause hurt feelings amount other students. If your
child is having a party of any kind, invitations may not be
distributed at school unless every child in the class is
receiving one. This is being done in consideration of
the feelings of all children. Since some children
would include children from other classes in their
invitations, it is better to mail all such invitations.
Please do not have
balloons, flowers or any other kids of gifts delivered to
your child at school. This, too, causes hurt feelings
among the other children. It is also disrupts the
learning day. Keep in mind that deliveries will not e
accepted at the office.
TELEPHONES
Students maybe carry
their own personal cell phones in their backpack only.
Cell phones must be turned off during the school day.
Permission to use the school telephone must be obtained from
the teacher and the office. The office phone is a
business phone and students may only use it for emergencies.
Forgotten homework, snacks, etc. are not considered
emergencies. Students and parents should make
arrangements for afterschool visits and lunch for the day at
home before coming to school.
EMERGENCY DRILLS
Holy Spirit Catholic
School has a locked procedure in place at all times.
Parents are asked to use the front doors when coming to the
school during school hours. Ring the buzzer on the
front doors for entrance and then check in with the office.
The office will notify the classroom to send your child to
the office. Please do not wander through the building.
The office conducts the business of the school and should
not be considered an area for visiting and gathering.
State law requires
that fire drills be held monthly. During the fire
drills students will follow the posted and practiced
procedures.
LOST & FOUND /
UNIFORM DONATION BOXES
There is a Lost and
Found box located across from the office. Any items
found around the school will be placed in that box.
Parents are asked to check the box periodically if items
appear to be misplaced. There is also a box in the
same location for donated uniforms. Please make sure
these uniforms are clean an din good condition before
donating.
UNIFORMS AND DRESS
CODE
All students are
expected to follow and abide by the dress code on school
days. All uniforms should be neat, clean and fit the
student properly. Uniforms must be worn during the
entire school year, except on designated Free Dress days.
The Principal will on occasion distribute free dress coupons
for good deeds or other positive actions. Your child
may choose the day he/she wants to have free dress and give
the coupon to the principal upon arrival at school that day.
On the first Friday
of each month we will observe a "spirit day." Students
are not required to be in uniform on this day. Parents
are responsible for sending their child to school in
appropriate clothing. That would include clean jeans
or walking shorts with the spirit day t-shirt or sweatshirt
or an appropriate top. Inappropriate messaged printing
on clothing and revealing tops will not be allowed.
If the temperature
reads higher than 40 degrees, uniform shorts or capri pants
may be worn with a uniform shirt. Shorts must extend
to slightly above the knee. The child's fingertips
should touch the bottom edge of the shorts.
Students may wear
any combination of the items below unless otherwise
specified:
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Solid navy blue
pants or shorts (corduroy is acceptable, no knits)
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Blue and green
tartan skirts, skorts or jumpers
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White shirts - long
or short sleeve polo, oxford or turtlenecks (no laces or
embroidery)
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Navy blue cardigan
sweaters, vests or pullovers with no logos
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Specific Dress Code
Regulations:
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Shirts must be
tucked in at all times
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No logos or crests
on clothing
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Skirt/skort length
no shorter than 3 inches above the knee
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Socks must be worn
at all times
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Knee-hi socks,
anklets or tights in solid coordinating colors are
recommended.
-
No flip flops,
clogs, clunky heels or open-toe/heal shoes; no Heelys
- shoes must be functional and neat.
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Sneakers must be
worn on PE days or child may not participate
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Shoes must be tied
and secure at all times
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During PE classes,
shorts may be worn under skirts or jumpers, but pants are
really recommended
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Hoodies/sweatshirts
may be worn as a coat but must be removed during school
hours
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Navy blue fleece
vests are acceptable
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Pants must fit
properly - baggy, spandex or hip-hugging styles are not
acceptable.
STUDENT
EXPECTATIONS:
Our philosophy at
Holy Spirit Catholic School is to provide an environment
which is safe, responsible and respectful. Students
are expected to work toward their highest potential and as a
result we must provide an atmosphere which is conducive to
the highest level of learning. We expect students to
be responsible for their own learning with guidance from
staff members. we will provide each student with the
maximum opportunity to acquire a good education.
Therefore:
No student has the
right to interfere with the opportunity of other students to
learn.
Poor actions,
manners, and lack of consideration will not be tolerated.
This expectation
will apply throughout the school - classrooms, hallways,
lunch room, playground and at any event where students may
be participating.
Expectations at
school are of no value if there is no follow through at home.
parents are an integral part of the consistency of our
student expectations.
How to Handle a
Problem:
Talk the problem out
with the other student - ask them to stop the questionable
actions.
Go to a supervising
teacher and report the action (reporting inappropriate
behavior is not tattling).
Ask to speak
privately to the principal.
SCHOOL-WIDE PROCEDURES
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Do no argue with
staff or other students
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Rudeness is
unacceptable
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Use appropriate
language at all times
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No gum chewing
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Keep hands to self
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Walk and no talking
in hallways
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Stay on task in
class (no playing around, no talking during lessons, no
wasting time, follow directions)
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Return homework and
assignments on time
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No fighting -
Verbally or physically anywhere within the school building
or grounds
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Keep all toys,
electronics and other valuables at home (with the teacher's
permission some days may be designated as "Show and Tell" -
however, the items brought on these days must stay in one
location at all times)
LUNCHROOM EXPECTATIONS
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Line up quietly and in an
orderly fashion while going to the lunchroom and leaving.
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During the meal use inside
voices when conversing.
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Eat what I have on my tray.
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No throwing, flipping or
spitting food.
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No crushing or dismantling milk
cartons.
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No running in the lunchroom.
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Use appropriate table manners.
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Dispose of trash in the proper
containers.
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Sharing of food is not an
appropriate behavior.
PLAYGROUND EXPECTATIONS
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Line up quickly
and quietly at the sound of the bell.
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Stay in the playground area /
let a teacher know if a ball leaves the playground area.
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Return any equipment being use
to the appropriate area.
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Use equipment in a safe manner.
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Do not pick up or throw rocks or
snow.
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Sit appropriately on the slide -
no stomach or backward sliding.
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Show good sportsmanship at all
times.
CONSEQUENCES OF
BEHAVIOR
All teachers will
keep a record of behavior within their supervisory area.
If inappropriate
behavior is noted, the teacher will issue a verbal warning
and note it.
The second
inappropriate behavior will result in the student being sent
to the office for a conference with the principal, teacher
and student. Parents will be notified by phone or
note.
Every child has an
opportunity to modify his/her behavior and we would hope
that this would happen at this point.
If behavior is not
modified and the behavior continues, a behavioral contract
will be put into place with all parties being a witness to
it (student, teacher, principal, parents) by signing off in
an agreement.
If the behavior
contract does not modify the behavior in a month's time, the
parents will again be called and in-school suspension will
be put into place with the principal for an agreed upon
amount of time.
Holy Spirit Catholic
School provides a safe environment for all students.
Verbal or physical threats made against the physical or
emotional well-being of any individual are taken very
seriously. Anyone making such threats (seriously or in
jest) will face expulsion from school. Harassment of
any type will not be tolerated. The principal will
investigate all complaints or harassment and meet with the
student and parents to resolve the issue. If no
solution can be reached, expulsion will be the end result.
Any student who have been expelled may not return to Holy
Spirit Catholic School without an interview with the
principal and the pastor.
TUITION & FEES – 2008-/09 School Year
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Registration Fees:
A non-refundable
registration fee will be assessed to each family and is due with the
completed registration paperwork. This fee is in addition to the cost
of tuition and will not be applied to the annual tuition obligation for the
school year. Application packets will not be accepted if incomplete
and not accompanied by the registration fee. Admittance to the school
will be permitted only when the packet accompanied by the registration fee
are returned to the office.
Family with
1 child: $250
Family with
2 children: $470
Family with 3 children:
$690
Annual Tuition:
Baptized Parish Members:
Pre-School (4 year old): $1,400
Kindergarten – Sixth Grade: 1
child
$2,299
2 children $3,299
3 children $4,299
Non-Baptized/Non-Catholic:
Pre-School (4 year old):
$1,400
Kindergarten – Sixth Grade: 1 child
$2,962
2 children $3,962
3 children $4,962
All tuition payments
are processed through our school office. Tuition payment plans are as
follows:
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Payment in full by September 5,
2008 - 5% discount
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Two (2) semester payments due by
September 2, 2008 and January 5, 2009 - 3% discount
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Ten (10) equal installments due
by the 15th of each month
Tuition may be paid my money order,
cash or check. Checks returned for insufficient funds will incur a $25
processing fee.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications for up
to $500 can be made to the principal and superintendent at
the time or registration. In order to qualify, one
must be a practicing member of the parish and provide a
current tax return with the application. Forms may be
picked up at the principals' office.
DELINQUENT PAYMENTS
Past due tuition
accounts will be subject to tuition review procedures with
consideration of the student's continuation in the school.
A letter from the Principal requesting arrangements be made
to bring the past due account current will be sent to any
family who's account reaches two months in arrears. If
after 15 days from the date of the letter no attempt has
been made to remit the past due amount or make other payment
arrangements, a formal tuition review meeting will take
place between the family, the School Superintendent,
Advisory Board President and Finance Committee Chairman in
an attempt to arrange payment of the account. If the
family does not honor the payment terms agreed upon during
the formal tuition review, the student(s) will be dropped
from enrollment at Holy Spirit Catholic School effective
immediately.
In the even that
default on tuition occurs, Holy Spirit Catholic School will
assess upon delinquent accounts, in addition to full payment
of the unpaid tution balance, all reasonable and necessary
costs of collection incurred to collect monies for services
provided by Holy Spirit Catholic School, including but not
limited to costs of any collection agent or agency; costs of
Court; reasonable and necessary attorney's fees; prejudgment
interest at the maximum rate allowed by law.
Test results, grades
and report cards will not be provided to a student's
parent/guardian or to other schools, no will students be
allowed to graduate until accounts are paid in full.
All fees and tuition must be paid in full in order for a
student to re-register. If prior to the first day of
the new school
term a parent
is transferred from the area, registration and general fees
may, at the principals' discretion, be refunded. Proof
of transfer/move is required. Otherwise, all fees are
nonrefundable.
PIP HOURS - PARENTAL
INVOLVEMENT PROGRAM
Each family is
required to perform 35 hours of involvement per school year.
Any incomplete PIP hours will be charged at the rate of $25
per hour. Payment for unworked PIP hours must be made
before the student's report card will be released to
parent/guardian.
The primary purpose
of PIP hours is for fundraising activities to support the
school. However, other activities that benefit the
school will be considered for PIP credit. The
following list are some examples of ways to earn PIP hours.
-
Attend monthly Home
& School Association meetings
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Participate in
Orientation at the beginning of the school year
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Various duties for
the school and classroom (upon staff request/approval)
-
Library Duty (within
child's grade)
-
Homeroom
captain/Co-captain
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Field Day
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Assist with Catholic
School Week activities
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Assist with Home &
School lunches during the last week of the school year
-
Collecting Boxtops
For Education coupons and Campbell's Soup Labels
-
Rummage Sale -
Fall/Spring
-
Cooke Dough
fundraiser
-
Fall Festival
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Santa's Secret Shop
-
Breakfast with Santa
-
Bake Sale (when
applicable)
-
Celebrity Auction
-
Book Fair
-
Golf Tournament
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