FamilyHandbook

2019-2020

SaintMariaGoretti

CatholicSchool1200SouthDavis

Arlington,Texas76013817-275-5081

www.smgschool.org

12019/2020

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool1200SouthDavisDr.Arlington,Texas76013

August12,2019

DearSaintMariaGorettiFamilies,

WelcometoSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool!WearegladthatyouhavechosentobepartofourwonderfulCatholicschoolcommunityduringthe2019-2020schoolyear.InchoosingSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool,youhavedemonstratedacommitmenttothevaluesandphilosophyofaCatholiceducation.

ThisistheofficialSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolFamilyHandbookanditreflectsthepoliciesofSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolforthe2019-2020schoolyear.Pleasereadthisdocumentcarefullyandsigntheattachedagreement.ThesignedagreementisduebacktotheschoolbyAugust30,2019.ThisagreementstatesthatyouintendtoabidebythepoliciesofSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolduringthe2019-2020schoolyear.

ThefacultyandstaffofSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoollooksforwardto assistingparentswiththeeducationandformationoftheirchildreninTruth,Goodness,andBeautythroughaChrist-centeredenvironment,challengingacademics,andhands-onlearningsothateachchildbecomesadiscipleofChrist,preparedtorespondtoGod'scall.TogetherletuspraythatGod,whohasbegunthisgoodworkinus,mayhelpuscarryitthroughtocompletion.

Godblesseachofyou,

LauraBehee,M.Ed.St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolPrincipal

22019/2020

Table of Contents

Calendar Page 4 Mission Page 4 Vision Page 4 Philosophy Pages 4-6 Our Story Page 6 Asbestos Page 6 Admissions Pages 6-9 Notice of Non-Discrimination Page 9 FACTS/RenWeb Page 9 Student Participation in School Sponsored Activities Pages 10-11 Tuition Page 12 Office Records Page 13 School Endorsements Page 13 Reporting Student Progress Pages 13 Report Cards and Progress Reports Page 14 Academic Honesty and Academic Irregularity Pages 15 Contacting Teachers Page 15 Volunteer Hours Page 15 Channels of Communication for Concern Pages 15-16 Office Hours Page 16 Academic Program Pages 16-17 Homework and Responsibility Pages 18-20 Student Service Hours Page 20 Parent/Teacher Conferences Page 20 Testing Page 21 Promotion and Retention Policy Page 21 Eighth-Grade Promotion/Gradation Page 22 Excused and Unexcused Absences Pages 22-24 Tardiness Pages 24 Items Brought to School Page 24 Lockers Page 25 Lost and Left Page 25 Money at School Page 25 Evaluation Requests Page 25 Uniforms Pages 26-27 General Appearance and Grooming Pages 28-29 Cafeteria Page 30 Snacks Page 31 School Supplies Page 31 Classroom, Birthday, and School Parties Page 31

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Arrival and Dismissal Procedures Pages 31-33 After School Care Page 34 Health Pages 34-38 Weather Related Health Concerns Page 38 Library Page 39 Field Trips Pages 39-40 Fines Page 41 Communication Page 41 Inclement Weather Pages 41-42 Emergency Drills Page 41-42 Discipline Program Pages 43-50 School Logo Page 50 Picture Media Release Page 50 Posters, Flyers, and Written Communication Page 50 Relaying Messages to Students Page 51 Returning to School After School Page 51 Textbooks Page 51 Associations Page 51 Visitors Page 52 Keeping Our Youth Safe Page 52 Legal Agent Page 52 Child Abuse Page 52 Custodial Rights Page 52-53 Right to Amend Page 53 Acceptable Use Policy Pages 54-60 Disability Discrimination Complaint Process Pages 61-62 Parents’ Permission, Release and Indemnity for Field Trips (PreK-1) Page 63 Parents’ Permission, Release and Indemnity for Field Trips (2-8) Page 64 Social Media Acknowledgment Form Page 65 Cell Phone Policy Page 66 Morning Drop Off Map Page 67 Afternoon Carline Map Page 68 Spirit Hour Information Page 69-71 Parent Signature Page Page 72

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Calendar

2019-2020

FirstDayofSchoolAugust13

LastDayofSchoolMay28

StudentHolidayDatesSept.2Oct.24Oct.25

Nov.25-29Dec.23-Jan.6

Jan.20Mar.9-13April10May25

StudentHolidaysLaborDay

Parent/TeacherConferencesDiocesanIn-ServiceThanksgivingBreakChristmasHoliday

MartinLutherKing,Jr.DaySpringBreakGoodFridayMemorialDay

StudentEarlyDismissalDays(12:15p.m.)/StaffDevelopmentIn-serviceDaysforFaculty

Aug.13,Oct.4,Oct.24,Dec.20,Feb.7,Mar.6,April9,May27

ExtendedDaycarewillNOTbeavailableonDec.20,April9,orMay27

StaffWorkdays/DiocesanIn-serviceWorkdaysAug.1-2,5-9,12

Oct.24Oct.25Jan.6

Aug1–July31

TeacherWorkdays

Parent/TeacherConferencesDiocesanIn-ServiceDay

TeacherWorkday4“Flex”TeacherWorkdays

PreK-8thGradeSchoolHours 7:55a.m.–3:15p.m.

ReportCards&ProgressReports

ReportCardsemailed:Oct.24,Jan.10,Mar.20,LastDayofSchool(eithersenthomewithstudent

ormailed)ProgressReportsemailed:Sept.13,Nov.15,Feb.7,

April24

SchoolMakeup/InclementWeatherDays

Firstmakeupdaytobeused:April14

Secondmakeupdaytobeused:April13

The1stQuarterand1stSemesterbeginthefirstdayoftheschoolyear.

The3rdQuarterand2ndSemesterbeginthefirstdayaftertheChristmasholiday.

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SAINTMARIAGORETTICATHOLICSCHOOLPARENTANDSTUDENTHANDBOOK2019-2020

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolleadsprekindergartenthrougheighthgradestudentsclosertoChristbyofferingadeeperconnectiontoacademics,spirituality,servicetoothers,andaloveoflearning.Classroomsarestaffedbyqualifiedlayteachersinterestedinthetotalgrowthofthechildrenthroughtheirdailycare.TheadministrationandfacultyarededicatedtotheChristianeducationofyouth,whichtakesinthewholeaggregateofhumanlifeinordertoelevate,regulate,andperfectitinaccordancewiththeexampleandteachingofJesusChrist.

Today’schildistomorrow’scitizenwhomustlivealifeinChristanddisplayitinallhis/heractions.Apartnershipbetweenthefaculty,students,andparentsiskeytoaCatholiceducation.TheSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolfaculty&staffhaveworkedtogethertoofferbestpracticesandwillcontinuetostrivetohelpparentswalkthejourneyofraisingchildreninthefaithandteachingtheirchildrengospelvalues.

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolisaccreditedbytheTexasCatholicConferenceofBishopsEducationDepartmentAccreditationandisrecognizedbytheTexasEducationAgency.TheschoolholdsmembershipintheNationalCatholicEducationalAssociationandtheInstituteforCatholicLiberalEducation.

MISSION

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolisalivingtestamenttoourLord’sworkinhisyoungestdisciples,exemplifiedbyacademicexcellence,spiritualformation,andcompassionateservicetoothers.

VISION

CatholicschoolsintheDioceseofFortWortharecommittedtoopeningthedoorssothatourstudentscanreachfurtherthanthewallsthatwouldotherwiseenclosethemandthereforeareabletorecognizeandcherishtheeternalandtranscendentalgoodsofTruth,Beauty,andGoodness.

PHILOSOPHY

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool’sphilosophyistopartnerwithourparishandparentstoprovideanauthenticCatholiceducationtoourdiversestudentbody.ACovenanthasbeenformedamongtheschool,parents,students,andparishtoensureaqualityexperiencethateducatesthewholechildinacademicandfaithformation.

TeachersandStaff

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolprovidesteachingthroughbothtraditionalandinnovativemethodsinfusedwithCatholicSocialTeachings.TheschoolseekstohelpthechildgrowinfaithandfulfillthepromiseofBaptismbybecomingbelieving,trusting,loving,andparticipatingmembersoftheCatholiccommunityandoftheworld.SaintMariaGorettiaspires,alongwiththevitalhelpofparents,tograduatestudentswhoarecriticalthinkers,productivemoralcitizens,andfaith-filledspiritualleaders.

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Parents

Inchoosingthistypeofeducation,parentscommitthemselvestopartnerwiththeschoolandparishtocarrythemessageofChristandsustainsuchvaluesathomebywordandconstantexample.ParentsareexpectedtotaketheleadasprimaryteachersoftheirchildreninChrist,participateinthelifeofboththeschoolandparishthroughgiftsoftime,talent,andtreasure.Thepartnershipbetweentheparents,schoolandparishhelpsteachthe“wholechild”thefoundationsoftheCatholicfaithinanacademicallychallengingenvironment.FamiliesfulfilltheirrolebyworshipingonweekendsandHolyDaysofObligationinaCatholicparish,ortheirrespectivechurchesifnotCatholic.

ParentsAsPartners

AspartnersintheeducationalprocessatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool,weaskparentstocomplywiththefollowingguidelines:

Setrules,times,andlimitssothatyourchild:

● Getstobedearlyonschoolnights ● Arrivesatschoolontime(7:40AM)andispickedupontimeattheendoftheday(3:15PM) ● Isdressedaccordingtotheschooldresscode ● Completesassignmentsontime ● Eatsbreakfastandhaslunchmoneyornutritionalsackluncheveryday ● ActivelyparticipatesinschoolactivitiessuchasParent/TeacherConferencesandHomeandSchool

Meetings ● Seesthatthestudentpaysforanydamagetoschoolbooksorpropertyduetocarelessnessor

neglectonthepartofthestudent. ● Calltheschoolonthemorningofachild’sabsenceandsendthechildbacktoschoolwithawritten

notewhenthestudentreturnstoschool.(Notegoestohomeroomteacher.) ● Notifytheschoolofficeofanychangesofaddress,importantphonenumbers,and/ore-mail

addresses. ● Meetallfinancialobligationstotheschool. ● Informtheschoolofanyspecialsituationregardingthestudent’swell-being,safety,andhealth. ● Completeandreturnpromptlytotheschoolanyrequestedinformation. ● Readschoole-mails,notices,FACTS/RenWebandtheschoolwebsiteonaregularbasis. ● Supportthereligiousandeducationalgoalsoftheschool. ● AttendweekendMassandobserveHolyDaysofObligationwithyourfamily. ● Supportandcooperatewiththedisciplinepolicyoftheschool. ● Treatteachers,faculty,andstaffwithrespectandcourtesyindiscussingstudentproblems.

Students

Studentsshouldstrivetoliveuptotheirpotentialbyactivelyparticipatinginacademic,social,andspiritualformationofferedbytheparishandschool.Asanactivememberoftheschool,studentsshouldfollowthepolicies,rules,andproceduresoftheschoolsoastopromoterespectforallindividuals.StudentsareexpectedtorepresenttheparishandtheschoolwellinthesightofothersbyfollowingthemoralteachingsoftheChurch.Eachstudentisalsoexpectedtolearnhabitsofgoodsportsmanshipandfairplay,aswellasdevelophealthyandsoundbodies.

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Parish

The parish fulfills the role of spiritual guidance and exercises good stewardship in the allocation ofresources to support the school through finances, materials, personnel, spiritual formation, andcooperativeleadership.TheFriarsandstaffprovideleadershipinworship,celebrationofthesacraments,andvisitstotheschoolandclassrooms.ThemissionofthechurchandSaintFrancisishighlightedthroughthesupportoftheparish.

InthespiritofworkingtogetherfortheadvancementoftheGospelmessageinthenameofSaintMariaGoretti,ourcovenantguidestheschool’sphilosophytoformthenextgenerationofleadersinourglobalsociety.

OURSTORY

TheSistersofSaintMaryofNamurfoundedSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolin1954andprovidedallthe principals and many of our teachers for SMG's first 36 years. The moral guidance, Catholicatmosphere,andexpectationofacademicexcellencetheyinstilledareverymuchapartofoureducationalexperienceatSMG.Weareforevergratefultothesespecialwomenandowetheirreligiouscommunityatremendousdebtofgratitude.

ASBESTOS

Tothebestofourknowledge,St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchooldoesnotcontainanyidentifiedasbestos-containingmaterials.AlldocumentationregardingasbestosinSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolismaintainedinthebusinessoffice.

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ADMISSIONS

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchooladmitsstudentsofanyrace,color,andnationalorethnicorigintoalltherights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsoftheschool.Itdoesnotdiscriminatebasedonrace,color,nationalorethnicoriginintheadministrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionspolicies,orathleticandotherschool-administeredprograms.

Thefollowingadmissionorderandcriteriawillbeconsideredinacceptingtheapplication.Order:1.Currentlyenrolledstudents/siblings2.St.MariaGorettiCatholicChurchparishioners3.OpenenrollmentCriteria:1.Alltuition,fees,andotherauxiliarybalancesatthetimeofapplicationmustbecurrent2.Studentsmusthaveshownappropriategrowthinacademicandbehavioralstandards.(Summerschool/tutoringmaybearequirementforre-registration.)3.Allstudentsandparentsjointlyagreetoabidebythefollowing:AdministrativePoliciesandRegulationsSchoolPoliciesandRulesClassroomProcedures

EntranceAssessment

EntranceassessmentsareadministeredtoallnewstudentsenteringKthrough8thgradeatanon-refundablecostof$30.00perchild.NewfamilieswillbeinterviewedbyeitherthePrincipalorAssistantPrincipal,priortoadmission.

Registration

StudentsenteringPre-Kmustbe4yearsofageonorbeforeSeptember1st.

StudentsenteringKindergartenmustbefiveyearsofagebySeptember1st.StudentswillbeconditionallyacceptedintoKindergartenwithfullacceptancecontingentondisplayedreadinessontheKindergartenentrancetestandteacherrecommendation.

Atthetimeofregistration,allnewstudents(K-8thgrade)seekingadmissiontoSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolareassessedbasedoncurrentstandardizedtestscores,reportcards,andteacherrecommendations.

Forallnewstudents,thefollowingdocumentsmustbeprovidedtotheadministrationbeforeenrollmentiscomplete:

• AdmissionApplication• Verificationofactiveparishaffiliation/stewardship• OngoingDirectoryRelease/PermissionforPublicationForm• Useofweeklyenvelopesorautomaticdeposit

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• HealthRecords• ImmunizationRecords• AllstudentsenteringSaintMariaGorettimusthavecurrentimmunizations.Theonlyexemptionto

thepolicyisintheeventofastudentwithanillnessthatwouldcompromisehis/herlifebybeingimmunized.

• Informationaboutspecialhealthneeds• Documentationregardingpsychological,medical,oreducationalevaluations• BirthCertificate(original)• BaptismalCertificate(Catholicapplicantsonly)• SacramentalrecordofFirstReconciliationandFirstEucharist,whereapplicableforCatholics• ReportCards• StandardizedTestResults• RecordofSpecializedandFormalPlans(optional)• Registrationfeepaidinfull• AssessmentfeepaidforallnewstudentsenteringKthrough8thgrade

Allnewstudentswillbegivenatrialperiodofnotlessthanonesemesterinwhichtoprovehimself/herselfbothsociallyandacademically.Ifduringthistrialperiodthereareanyproblems,astudentmaybeaskedtowithdrawhis/herattendanceatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool.Therecommendationanddecisionoftheschoolisfinal.

SaintMariaGorettiislimitedinitshumancapitalresourcesandwillmakereasonableaccommodationsforlearningdifferenceswhenpossible.SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolcannotaccommodatestudentswhohaveextraordinarylearningdifferences.

Non-CatholicstudentswhoseparentsacceptthephilosophyofSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolwillbeacceptedonaspaceavailablebasis.Non-Catholicstudentsareexpectedtoattendallreligiousobservances.

Re-EnrollmentForallre-enrollingstudents,thefollowingisrequiredpriortoadmission:

1. CompletedOnlineAdmissionApplication 2. Currentonfinancialobligationstotheschool 3. Registrationfeepaidinfull 4. Allapplicablefees

NOTICEOFNON-DISCRIMINATION

St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolisincompliancewiththeCivilRightsActof1964andotherfederalstatutesfornon-discriminationinitsemploymentandadmissionspractices.

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FACTS/RenWeb

ParentsandguardiansofSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolareauthorizedtoestablishanaccountwithFACTS/RenWeb,ourlearningandfinancialmanagementsystem.Atthiswebsite,youcancheckgrades,homeworkassignments(maychangeatteacher’sdiscretion),recordservicehours,checktheschoolcalendar,andaccessotherfunctions.Pleasefollowthesestepstoestablishyouraccount:

1. Enterwww.renweb.comintoyourbrowser.2. ClicktheLoginstab,thenParentsWebLogin.3. EntertheDistrictCode:SMGT-TX.4. ClickthelinkforCreateNewParentsWebAccount.5. FollowdirectionsforsettingupyourownFACTS/RenWebaccount.

AnemailfromFACTS/Renwebwillbesenttoyouremailaddresswithyourpassword.Afteryoureceiveyourpassword,returntoFACTS/RenWeb,clickonParentsWebLogin.Completetherequestedinformationtologintoyouraccount.

STUDENTPARTICIPATIONINSCHOOLSPONSOREDACTIVITIES

Participationinmanyschool-sponsoredactivitiesareprivilegesthatmustbeearned.Theyarenotrights.Theseactivities includebutarenot limitedtoathletics,academics,parties,andfieldtrips.Studentsearnthese rights by meeting academic and behavioral expectations. Students who do not meet theseexpectations may not be allowed to participate in these and similar activities. In principle, anytime astudentisrepresentingSMGinwordordeed,thatstudentmustasaminimummeetallschoolstandards.

EXTRACURRICULARACTIVITIES

Studentsingrades5-8whohavenofailinggradesandwhoseconductisingoodstanding(asdeterminedby teachers/administration) are eligible to participate in activities such as Sports, Yearbook, StudentCouncil,Robotics,PrivateSchoolInterscholasticAssociation,NationalJuniorHonorSociety,andanyotherextracurricularactivity.

Studentsparticipatinginextracurricularactivitiesareconsideredtobeinoneofthefollowingcategories:eligible, on probation, or ineligible. A student is eligible to participatewhen his/her grades are 76% orhigherandhe/shedemonstratesgoodconduct.Astudentisineligibleifanygradeis69%orlowerand/orhis/herconductdoesnotmeetexpectations.Astudentisonprobationifanygradeisbetween70%-75%orthestudent’sconductdoesnotmeetexpectations.Astudent’seligibilitystatusisreviewedeachweekduring the school year and the extracurricular eligibility requirement applies any time an activity issponsoredbySMG,orastudentwearstheSMGuniformorrequiresadministrativeapprovaltoparticipateinanyeventsuchasatournamentorcompetition.Studentswhoareineligiblemaynotparticipateinthesport or activity until the assigned grade(s) has been brought to passing. Ineligible students may notparticipateineithergamesorpractices.

Parentsareurgedtokeeptrackoftheirchild(ren)’sgradesonFACTS/RenWebatalltimes.

Studentswhohavebeensuspendedfromschoolmaynotparticipateinextracurricularactivities.Studentsmustbepickeduppromptlyfollowingextracurriculareventssuchaspracticesand/orgames.Nounsupervisedstudentsmaybeoncampusorinthegymatanytime.

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ATHLETICCOACHES

The administration reserves the right to approve all coaches and assistant coaches of athletic teamssponsoredbytheschool.Coaches/assistantcoachesmustapply inwritingtotheathleticcoordinatorforpermission to coach. The athletic coordinator will conduct an orientation for coaches and then giveapprovaltocoachtothoseadultswhohavebeendeterminedcanbestsatisfytheathleticphilosophyofthe school and the diocese. All coaches and assistant coachesmust have a background check. CoachesmustattendVirtusTraining,formerlySafeEnvironmentorKeepingChildrenSafetraining,whenofferedasa condition for coaching. Coaches are expected to understand and implement the diocesan athleticphilosophyandparticipateintrainingforPlayLikeAChampionToday.

ATHLETICPHILOSOPHY

As our school continues to compete in the Diocesan sports league, it is important that each of youunderstandstheschool’sathleticphilosophy.Thisphilosophyguidesourthinking.Ifyouknowwhatitis,itiseasiertounderstandwhycertaindecisionsaremade.Athleticsareanimportantpartofourschoolprogram.Theyhelppromotegoodhealth,instillconfidence,and develop athletic skills. The idea and value of teamwork is learned. Teamwork and confidence aretransferableskillsthatwillhelpstudentsbesuccessful intheclassroomtodayandinthefuturebusinessworld.Positiveathleticexperiencesthataregainedatschoolleadtolifelonginterestsincertainsports.Competition and pressure to succeed is natural and it can be a positive experience if handled in anappropriate manner. However, if the competition and pressure that is inherent with athletics is nothandled in an appropriatemanner, it can have a very negative impact on children. Toomuch pressurefromadultstowinisnothealthyandcannegatemostifnotallofthebenefitsofathletics.WeparticipateintheDiocesanSportsLeague,whichemphasizestherecreationalaspectsofathletics.Itisnotacompetitiveorselectleague.Itspurposeistoteachskills,havefun,andtolearnsportsmanship.Thismeansthatweprepareourathletestocompetetothebestoftheirability.Weaskthemtoplayhardandfairly. Everyone gets to play.We emphasizewhat they can do, notwhat they can’t do.Wewant theirathletic experiences to be positive and developmental, while encouraging good sportsmanship andteamwork.SeeAthletes’HandbookandContractforadditionaldetailsregardingathletics.

RECESSANDPHYSICALEDUCATION

Studentsareexpectedtodressproperlytogooutsideforrecess. Ifastudentisunabletogooutsideforrecessorparticipateinphysicaleducation(PE)duetomedicalreasons,awrittennotefromaphysicianisrequiredstatingthereason(s)yourchildisunabletoparticipateinrecessorPE.

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TUITION

The prompt payment of tuition facilitates the sound financial operations of our school. Therefore, it isnecessarythatparentsbefaithfulinmeetingtheirfinancialobligations.

AFACTSpaymentplanmustbe inplace for theupcomingschoolyear.Paymentcanbemade ina lumpsum,orintwo,ten,or12-monthinstallments.

Itistheresponsibilityoftheparentstonotifytheschooladministrationoftemporaryfinancialdifficulties,sothatafinancialarrangementmaybeagreeduponwiththeadministration.Unlessfinancialobligationsaresatisfiedpromptly,thechild/childrenmaynotbeallowedtocontinueasstudentsatSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchool.

St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolreservestherighttowithholdofficialstudentrecordsand/ornotallowastudent to register for the next school year until the payment of tuition, fees, and other financialresponsibilitiesaresatisfactorilyfulfilled.

WithdrawalPolicy

• Familiesmustnotifytheschoolinwritingifastudentiswithdrawnfromtheschool.

• Ifthewithdrawalisduetoachangeinjoblocation,aletterfromhis/heremployerwillbenecessaryforconsiderationwhendeterminingadherencetothispolicy.

• Registeredstudentswhowithdrawbeforethefirstfulldayofschoolareresponsiblefor1/3ofthefulltuitionamount.

• Registered students who withdraw between the first day of school and December 15th areresponsiblefor½ofthefulltuitionamount.

• RegisteredstudentswhowithdrawafterDecember15thareresponsibleforthefulltuitionamount.

• Theschoolwillnotforwardrecordsforstudentswhowithdrawwithanoutstandingbalance.

• AlldecisionsregardingthewithdrawalpolicyareatthediscretionofthePrincipal.

• DiocesanpolicyrequiresfamiliescurrentlyenrolledinadiocesanschooltogetanExitReportfromtheircurrentCatholicschoolbeforeseekingenrollmentatanotherschoolwithinoursamediocese.

A RETURN FEE OF $50.00 WILL BE ASSESSED TO YOUR ACCOUNT FOR ANY RETURNED TUITIONPAYMENT.

PLEASEADDRESSALLTUITIONQUESTIONSTOTHESCHOOLBUSINESSMANAGERat817-275-5081.

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OFFICERECORDS

Parents/GuardiansarerequestedtonotifytheSchoolOfficeinwritingofanychangeofaddress,custody,hometelephonenumbers,cellphonenumbers,businessphonenumbers,e-mailaddressesand/orphonenumbersofemergencycontacts.Thiswillguaranteethatofficerecordsareaccurate,complete,anduptodate.

SCHOOLENDORSEMENTS

Occasionallyduringtheschoolyear,SMGsendshomeflyersadvertisingvariousevents,services,anditemsthat are available to our school community. The inclusion of these flyers does not constitute anendorsementoftheevent,service,oritembytheschool.Ourintentistoprovideinformationforyoutoevaluateanduseasyoudetermineappropriate.

REPORTINGSTUDENTPROGRESS

Anexplanationofthegradingsystemcanbefoundbelowandonthereportcardforeachgradelevel.Nogradeinexcessof100foranine-weekgradingperiod,semesterexam,orthesemesteraverageshallberecordedonthereportcard.

GradingSystem Usedforgrades4th-8thandforcoresubjectsforgrades1st-3rd

GradingSystem UsedforspecialsubjectsK-3rdandbyprimarygrades1st-2ndSocialStudiesandScience:

A=100—94 S=Satisfactory86-100

B=93—86 I=ImprovementNeeded70-85

C=85—76 N=NotSatisfactory0-69

D=75—70

Pre-KandKindergartenhavetheirowndistinctcard.

F=69—0

Studentgradesshouldbeatruereflectionofacademicsuccess.Teachersshouldprovidejustopportunitiesforachildtoshowproficiencyofaskill.Withinacategory,thereshouldbeatleast3test/assessmentprojectgradeseachquarter.

In Grade 1 - science and social studies will follow the Satisfactory, Improvement Needed, and NotSatisfactorycriteria,andnumericgradeswillbegivenincoresubjects(reading,English,math,religion).

In Grade 2 – 8, numeric grades are given for core subject classes (including Spanish for grades 3-8).Satisfactory,improvementNeeded,andNotSatisfactorygradeswillbegiveningradesK-5Music,Library,Art, PE,Band, Spanish, andComputer classes. Students in grades6-8 receiveanumeric grade in theseSpecialsclasses.

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ReportCards&ProgressReports

Students are evaluated during a grading period that ends every nine weeks. There are four gradingperiods inanacademicyear.There isamandatoryParent/TeacherConference to receive the firstnine-week Report Card. Progress reports will be emailed to parents and available for viewing onFACTS/RenWebattheendofthefifthweekforeachgradingperiodforGrades1-8.Gradesaregivenforacademic achievement, effort, and conduct. After the first quarter, report cards for Grades 1-8 aregeneratedattheendofeachnine-weekperiodandwillbeemailedtoparentsandavailableforviewingonFACTS/RenWeb.Pre-KindergartenandKindergartenreportcardsaredesignedtoinformparentsofspecificskillareasandconceptsmasteredandaresenthomeattheendofeachnine-weekperiod.Attheendofthe school year, final report cards for Grades PreK-8 will be mailed home. (NOTE: If a family has anoutstanding account balance, report cardsmay not be released until all financial debts are paid.) Anexplanationofthegradingsystemcanbefoundonthereportcardforeachgradelevel.Nogradeinexcessof100foranine-weekgradingperiod,semesterexam,orthesemesteraverageshallberecordedonthereportcard.

StudentsinGrades6-8:Ifastudentisabsentduringmid-termsorfinalexams,reportcardswillhavean“INC” (incomplete) for each subject in which the examwas not taken. Upon returning to school, thestudentwillhave5daystomakeuptheexamandhavetheINCreplacedwiththeappropriategrade.Noexamswillbeadministeredpriortoexamweek. Pleasechecktheclassroomcalendarforspecificexamdates.

FamilieswithoutstandingaccountbalanceswillbedisabledfromFACTS/RenWebuntiltheiraccountispaidinfull.Thisincludesdisablingthegradebookandreportcardfeatures.

HonorRoll

Studentswhoachievesuperiorgradeswillberecognizedwithappropriateawardsandhonors.Studentsingrades 4-8 are honored in the areas of both academic achievement and outstanding effort. For theacademicHonorRoll,allcoresubjectsareconsideredaswellasforeignlanguageforgrades6-8.

HonorRollqualificationsareasfollows:

● HighHonors:allgradesmustaverage94-100

● Honors:allgrademustaverage86-93

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ACADEMICHONESTY&ACADEMICIRREGULARITY

Students at Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School need to understand the importance of the virtue ofintegrity. They should strive to uphold the highest standards of academic honesty and be willing toprovideappropriatehelptotheirpeers.Itisthestudent’sdutytoabidebytheteacher’sinstructionsbothinside and outside the classroom, and to avoid any unauthorized use of sources that could constitutecheating or plagiarism. Cheating on tests, copying homework, and all forms of plagiarism constituteseriousoffenses.

Astudentathleteorstudentinvolvedinextra-curricularactivitieswhoisinvolvedincheatingwillalsobeunabletoparticipateinsports/extra-curricularcompetition.Talkingoranynon-verbalcommunicationatany timeduring theadministrationofa test,even ifa student’spaperhasbeen turned in,except inanemergencydefinedbytheteacher,willresultinagradeofzeroforthestudentsinvolved,nomatterthesubjectoftheconversation.

CONTACTINGTEACHERS

Teachersworkverylonghoursinordertoserveourfamiliesandstudents.Eachofthemhasalifeoutsideofschool.Pleaserespecttheirprivacyandpersonaltime.Contactthemonschoolmattersonlyatschool.Call themat schoolore-mail themat school todiscussyourchild.Teachersarenot required todiscussbusinesswithparentswhiletheyareathome.Thereisampletimetodothisduringtheschoolday.

VOLUNTEERHOURS

Familiesarerequiredtoperform40hoursofvolunteer(20eachsemester),calledSpirithours,toSt.MariaGoretti Catholic School each school year. The school policy dictates themonetary amount each servicehourisworth.Spirithoursthatarenotperformedwillbebilledatthisamount.BillswillnormallybesentinDecemberandMayandmustbepaidbeforeschoolrecordssuchasreportcardsareprovided.Servicehours are recorded on the Spirit Hours form (found in this handbook and on the school website) andsubmittedtotheSpiritCoordinator(spirit@smgschool.org)orturnedintothefrontoffice.DetailsofSpirithourrequirementscanbefoundontheschoolwebsite(smgschool.org).

CHANNELSOFCOMMUNICATIONFORCONCERN

1.Contacttheteacherregardingquestionsaboutinstruction,discipline,learningmaterials,classwork,orhomework. The principal will not discuss teacher-related situations with parents until the parent hascontactedtheteacherandattemptedtoresolve/discusstheproblem.

2. Contact the principal regarding questions about school procedures and day-to-day operations of theschool.

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3.ContacttheAdvisoryCouncilconcerningpoliciesandlong-rangeplanningoftheschool.Thecouncilisanadvisingbodyonlyanddoesnotbecomeinvolvedintheday-to-dayadministrationoftheschool.

4.AnygrievancethatisnotsatisfiedinoneoftheabovethreeprocedureswillbehandledinaccordancewithDiocesanpolicy.

NOTE: The Catholic Schools Office at the Diocese of Fort Worth is not involved in the day-to-dayadministrationoftheschool.

Theteacherwillneverquestionyourauthorityasaparent.Never,underanycircumstances,questiontheauthorityofateacherwhenyourchildispresent.

ParentscannotexpecttheschooltobeeffectiveincommunicatingChristianvaluesifthesevaluesarenotlived at home. Children lose respect for their school and the facultywhen they listen to parents speakadversely or negatively about the school and the parish community. St. Maria Goretti Catholic SchoolfamiliesareexpectedtoliveasmatureChristiansandtorefrainfromgossipinallofitsforms.

Constructivecriticismof the school iswelcomewhen it ismotivatedbya sinceredesire to improve thequality of the educational program and to equip the school to perform its task more effectively. Anymisunderstandingthatarisesshouldbepresentedtotheteacherfirst,whenitpertainstohis/herclassandthentotheprincipal.

OFFICEHOURS

Theschoolofficehoursarefrom7:30AMto3:45PMweekdays.Onearlydismissaldays,theofficewillbeopen from7:30AMuntil 12:30PM.At any other time, a parentmay leave amessageon the answeringmachine.

ACADEMICPROGRAM

Curriculum

Toaddresstheneedsofallstudents,St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolfocusesonthespiritual,academic,emotional,andphysicalneedsofthechild. Developmentallyappropriateteachingstrategiesareusedinthecurriculum.Ahands-onapproachfostersgreaterinvolvementandmotivationinallareasofstudy,asdoesavarietyofstudent/teacherinteractionthroughindividual,smallgroup,andlargergroupactivities.ThecurriculumincludesReligion,Literature,English,Phonics,Spelling,Handwriting,Mathematics,Science,History, Library Skills,Music/PerformingArts/Band,Art, Physical Education, and Foreign Language. TheschoolfollowsTCCBEDaccreditationguidelinesfortimeallotmentsforeachsubjectareaaswellasskillstobemasteredateachlevel.Gradelevelcurriculumguides,basedontheTexasEssentialKnowledgeandSkills (TEKS) Standards, the Archdiocese of Hartford Curriculum Standards for religion, and St. JeromeClassicalEducationalPlanareavailableintheschoolofficeforreview.

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Tutorials

Teachersmayofferbeforeorafterschoolsessionsintheirclassroomforstudentswhoarestrugglingwithspecificconceptsorassignments.Theteacherwillarrangethetutorialwiththestudentandparent.

FaithFormation

ThefaithformationofourstudentsisatthecoreofourmissionatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool.Ourcurriculum is centered on Catholic Christian vision and values. Children must see faith valued andpracticedinthefamilybeforeitcanbecomeameaningfulpartoftheirlives.Itisstronglysuggestedthatthefamilymodeltotheirchildrentheprivilegeofprayerandworship,especiallytheSundayandHolyDaycelebrationsoftheEucharistwiththeparishcommunity.

StudentsingradesK-8attendMasseachWednesdaymorningat8:00AM.MassonHolyDaysofObligationiscelebratedat10:00AM.SecondgradestudentspreparetoreceivetheSacramentsofFirstReconciliationand Eucharist. On Fridays, K-8 students spend silent time with Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration andopportunitiesforstudentstogotoConfessionareofferedthroughouttheyear.Familiesarewelcomeandencouragedtoattendthesecelebrationswiththeschool.

Virtues in Practice is a program for children in gradespre-kindergarten througheight to grow closer toJesusbyimitatingHislifeandvirtues.Itissetupinsuchawaythatawholeschoolstudiesthesamevirtueseachmonth,toprovideawhole-school(andathome,whole-family)focus.Theprogramcovers27virtuesover a three-year cycle,with 81 saints held up asmodels of the virtues. Information aboutVirtues inPracticecanbefoundbyvisiting:https://www.nashvilledominican.org.

Students at each grade-level aremembers of their homeroomHouseholds. Households come togethereachFridayafternoontopray,readtheGospelthattheywillhearatMassonSundaywiththeirfamiliesandreflectonthatGospel,andworkonserviceprojectsandotheractivitiesasaclassfamilyorHousehold.EachHouseholdhasaHouseholdnameandabanner,andaspecialHouseholdMasswillbecelebratedatleastonceaquarter.Householdsdevelopastrongersenseofbelonginginstudentsandcreatesstrongerbondsandastrongerfaith-filledschoolcommunity.

ChurchEtiquette

Pleasekeepinmindthisisareverentserviceandnotaperformance.IfyouwishtoattendMass:

● Sitwiththeparishioners ● NOFLASHPHOTOGRAPHY ● Please remain seated rather thanapproaching the frontof thechurch togetabetterphoto shot

duringMass ● PicturesmaybetakenofstudentsafterMass ● StayfortheentiretyoftheMass ● PleaserefrainfromapplaudingatanypointduringtheMassunlessinvitedbythePriest ● Nofoodorbeverages

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HOMEWORKANDRESPONSIBILITY

Homeworkisdefinedasanyworkortaskplannedbytheteachertobecompletedbythestudentoutsideoftheregularclassroomwithoutimmediateanddirectteacherinteraction.Homeworkprovidespractice,enrichment, and extension opportunities with already taught skills and concepts. Homework alsoencouragesstudentstotakeinitiativeandresponsibilityandallowsfamiliestoprovideasupportiveroleintheirchild’seducation.

Homeworkshouldbeassigned:

1. Tohelpthestudentbecomemoreself-reliant 2. Tolearntoworkindependently 3. Toimprovetheskillsthathavebeentaughtinclass 4. Tocompletecertainprojectsthatrequireindividualandcreativeeffort 5. Toencourageparentstobecomeinvolvedintheeducationprocesswiththeirchild 6. Toassisttheteachersinassessingindividualandgroupreadinessinordertomoveto

thenextconcept.

It is suggested that parents check student assignment books (student planners grades 2-8), and/orFACTS/RenWeb daily. Teachers in all grades will have classroom information and information aboutassignments in FACTS/RenWeb,but thisdoesnot relieve the studentof any responsibility to copy theirassignmentsfromtheboardifthatisaprocedureoftheclassroomteacher.Lowergrades(PreK4-1)donotuse planners. Communication for these grade-levels is primarily sent through the daily folder,FACTS/RenWeb, andemail. Please inform the teacher if your child is experiencingdifficulty.Homeworkshouldreinforceclassroomlearningobjectivesandberelatedtoindividualstudentneedsandabilities.

Studentsareresponsibleforcollectingworkmissedduetoanabsence.Studentshavetheresponsibilitytocheckwitheachteacherforclassworkandhomeworkmissed.Thisisneededevenifahomeworksheetissent home. Students are responsible for checking with each teacher upon return from an absence formissed assignments, regardless if themissed assignmentswere requested ahead of time. TeacherswillhaveagenerallessonplanfortheweekinFACTS/RenWebforstudentsandparentstogetanideawhatiscomingupintheclass.Studentsarestillresponsibleforkeepingupwithassignmentsthatteachershaveplacedontheboardorgiventhemorallytoplaceintheirplanners.

HomeworkPolicyduetoIllness

Aparentmayrequesthomeworkassignmentsviaemailtotheteacherifastudentwillbeabsentduetoillnesslongerthanoneday.Homeworkassignmentsmaybepickedupattheschoolofficebetween3:00-3:30p.m.

Students may make arrangements with classmates regarding assignments or check FACTS/RenWeb.Studentsmayalsoreceivemissedassignmentsfromtheirteacher(s)whentheyreturntoschool.

Studentswillbeallowedonedaytomakeupworkforeachdayofabsenceduetoillness.Forexample,astudentwhowasabsentforthreedayswillbegiventhreedaystocompletethemissedwork.

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Ifastudentisabsentandmissesatestoraprojectduedate,theywillmakeuptheirtestand/orturnintheprojectupontheirreturntoschool.Ifthereareextenuatingcircumstances,specialarrangementscanbemadewiththeindividualteacher.Shouldanabsenceforanyreasonotherthanillnessseemimperative,parentsarerequestedtoconsultwiththePrincipaland/ortheAssistantPrincipalwithawrittenreasonfortheabsence.

HomeworkduetoVacations/PlannedAbsences

Theschoolcalendarprovidesforextendedweekendsthroughouttheschoolyear.Parentsareencouragedtoscheduletripsorfamilyoutingsduringthesetimestoeliminatetheneedtointerruptachild’slearningprocess.

LateWorkPolicy

PreK-3,PreK-4andKindergartenWillsendanotehomewiththestudentoremailtheparentastowhatneedstobecompleted.

Homework Policies for 1st through 3rd gradewill be distributed by classroom teachers during Back toSchoolNight.

Grade4throughGrade8Assignments turned in the following day may receive a 10% deduction. (These assignments must beturnedintotheteacheratthebeginningoftheclassperiod).Anadditional10%maybedeductedforeachlateday. If a studentdoesnothavehis/herassignmentby the thirdday,agradeof “0”maybegiven.Parentswillbenotifiediftheassignmentisstillmissingatthattime.Moredetailsonthe3rd-8thgradehomeworkpolicywillbegivenbythegrade-levelteachersduringBacktoSchoolNight.

Allassignmentsmustbecompletedandturnedinforfeedbacktoshowcontentmasteryandensurethereisanunderstandingofthematerial.

ParentResponsibilities

1. CheckhomeworkonFACTS/RenWebdailyafter5:00p.m. 2. Bepositive,provideencouragement,andmakesureassignmentsarecompletedontime. 3. Assistthestudentwithbudgetinghis/hertime. 4. Providetimefordailystudy. 5. Supervisethehomeworkandmakesurethestudentunderstandsdirectionsandworks

carefullyandneatly.6. Whenneeded,helpfindmaterialsandresourcestocompletehomework

assignments.7. Encouragethechildtodevelopasenseofresponsibilityforkeepingtrackofschool

materialsandassignments.

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StudentResponsibilities

1. UpdateStudentAssignmentPlannerdaily. 2. Listencarefullyandfollowdirectionsgivenbytheteacher. 3. Usestudyaidsasprovidedbyteacherandparents(flashcards,etc.). 4. Usetimeefficiently.Planahead.Don’twaituntilthelastminutetodolong-range

assignments.5. Studyinawell-lighted,distraction-freearea. 6. Findtimetostudyeachday. 7. Discusshomeworkassignmentswithparents. 8. Talkwiththeteacherifyouhaveproblemsdoingyourhomework. 9. Beneat,well-organized,andproudofyourwork!

Tutorials

Teachersmayofferbeforeorafterschoolsessionsintheirclassroomforstudentswhoarestrugglingwithspecificconcepts,ratherthantorecoverworkthatisnotturnedin.Theteachermayarrangethetutorialwiththestudentandparent.

Occasionally, a child will benefit academically from professional, outside tutoring. If this situation isrecommended for a childbya teacher, St.MariaGoretti Catholic Schoolwillmakeaneffort toprovidedirection and resources to the parent. Fees for outside tutoring sessions are the responsibility of theparent.Pleasenote,however,thatSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolteachersareneverpermittedtotutoracurrentstudentforafeeduringtheacademicschoolyear.

STUDENTSERVICEHOURS

Studentsin6th-8thgradearerequiredtocomplete20hours.Hoursmaybeaccumulatedandcompletedintotalthroughoutthesummerandturnedinonorbeforethefirstquarterduedate.

Hours can be acquired through service to the school, to the church, or throughout the community byvolunteeringtoserveasaVacationBibleCampVolunteer,AltarServer,HospitalityMinister,ParishChoirorCantor,orbyvolunteeringservicewithothernon-profitorganizationsoractivitiesservingtheneedsofpeople throughout our community outside of the academic school day. Service hours DO NOT includefamilyobligationssuchasbabysitting, lawnmowing,etc.Asservicehoursare forvolunteering,studentsreceivinganytypeofcompensationforserviceswillnotbecountedasqualifiedservicehours.

Servicehoursaredirectly related to the school andReligion curriculum. Student servicehoursarenon-transferabletosatisfyparentalservicehourrequirements.

PARENT/TEACHERCONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher conferences for all students in grades K-8 are scheduled after the first grading period.Additional conferences may be requested by the teacher or by the parent when needed. If a parentwishestoscheduleaconferencewithateacher,theyareaskedtoemailtheteacherdirectly.Pleasenotethat teachers have been provided with planning periods daily for purposes which include parentconferences. PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE TEACHER DURING ARRIVAL ANDDISMISSAL TIMESOF THE SCHOOL DAY. These times are periodswhen the teachers are occupiedwith

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supervisingthesafetyofchildrenandplanningfortheschoolday.Itistheintentionoftheschooltokeepinclosetouchwiththeparentsandstudentsalike.TheRomanCatholicChurch’sprincipleofsubsidiaritystatesthatproblemsshouldbesolvedatthelowestlevelpossible.Withthisinmind,apersonshouldgodirectlytotheonewithwhomtheyarehavingaproblembeforegoingtothatperson’ssuperior.

Processforcommunication:

● Parent/Teacher ● Parent/Teacher/AssistantPrincipalorPrincipal ● Parent/Teacher/Principal/Pastor ● Parent/Teacher/Principal/Pastor/Superintendent

TESTING

Standardizedtestsareadministeredinthefalleachyear.Whentheresultsarereturnedtotheschool,anindividualreportforeachchildismadeavailabletoparents,usuallyduringParent/TeacherConferencesinOctober.Thestandardizedtestsinclude:

• IOWABasicTest:Grades1-8 • CogATTest:Grades1-8 • ACRE:Grades5and8 • AssessmenttestingforallnewstudentsingradesK–8(priortoenrollment)

PROMOTIONANDRETENTIONPOLICY

Advancement to the next grade in Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School is based on a student’s dailyperformance, test results, recommendations of teachers, and the student’s ability to complete worksuccessfullyonamoreadvancedlevel.

Promotiontothenextgradedependsonsuccessfulcompletionofall subjectareas. TheAdministrationmay recommend the repetition of a grade, tutoring, or summer school classes as requirement forpromotionwhen,afterconferenceswithteachersandparents, it isbelievedthatsuchactionwillbetterpreparethestudentacademicallyoremotionallyforthenextgrade.

● Students in grades 2-3 shall earn a final average of “70” in each major subject in order to bepromotedtothenextgrade.Themajorsubjectsforthesegradesarereligion,reading,Englishandmathematics.

● Students in grades 4-8 shall earn a final average of “70” in each major subject in order to bepromoted to the next grade. The major subjects in grades 4-8 are religion, Literature, English,mathematics,history,andscience.

Studentsmaynotberetainedmorethanoncepergradeandnotmorethantwiceinelementaryschool.Generally,studentsshouldbeidentifiedandretainedinthelowestgradepossiblesothattheiracademicfoundationcanbestrengthenedbeforemovingontothepartsofthecurriculumthatrequirehigherlevelthinkingskills.Studentswillbeconsideredforretentioniftheyfailtwoormoreclassesfortheentireyearand retention could reasonably be expected to improve their academic performance. Studentsmay berequired to be tested for a learning disability if in the opinion of the teacher and administration it iswarrantedbytheiracademicperformance.

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Studentsmayonly recover two failingclassesduring the summer toprogress to thenextgrade level.Apassingscoreorassessmentadministeredbyschoolpersonnelwilldeterminereadinessforthenextlevel.Failingmorethantwoclassesmayresultintransfertoanotherschool.

Astudentmustalsobe incompliancewith theTexasCouncilofCatholicBishopsEducationDepartment(TCCB ED) in regard to the attendance regulations. A student may not miss more than 10% of theacademiccalendardays(nomorethan18absences).

IncompleteCoursework: In extraordinary circumstances, such as a significant illness or a family emergency that requires aprolongedabsence,ateacherwillassignaquartergradeof"I”(incomplete).Itistheresponsibilityofthestudent and his or her parent to make sure that the missing coursework is made up within the timeallottedbytheteacherandnolaterthantheendofthequarter(ortheendofthesummerinthecaseofa4thquarterincomplete).Anincompletegradethathasnotbeenmadeupwithintheallottedtimewillbe

re-calculated based on the student’s actual grades for the quarter in which he or she received anincomplete. In the case of a student who has withdrawn from Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School,incompletegradeswillremainincompletesonthepermanentrecordandnocreditwillbegiven. ThePrincipal’sdecisionshallbefinal.

EIGHTH-GRADEPROMOTION/GRADUATION

Eighthgradestudentswillbeaskedtoparticipateinthegraduation/promotionexercisesandwillreceiveacertificateprovidedthat:

AllfeesandtuitionhavebeenpaidbytheendofthesecondFridayinMay.Inordertoparticipateinanygraduationactivities,allfeesandfinesmustbepaid.

Thestudentsuccessfullycompletesallrequiredcoursesintheeighthgradeandcompletesall20hoursofrequired serviceby the secondweekofMay.Studentswho failoneor twocourses for theyearwillbepermittedtoparticipateinthegraduationactivitiesbutwillnotreceivethecertificateuntilthecoursehasbeenmadeupinanapprovedsummerschool.Thecertificatewillbe issuedwhenthefailedcoursesaremadeup.StudentswhofailmorethantwoclassesfortheyearwillnotbeabletoreceiveacertificatefromSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool.

EXCUSEDANDUNEXCUSEDABSENCES

A student is either absent from school or present. This status is documented on the report card.Administratively,absencesaredesignatedaseitherexcusedorunexcused.Excusedabsencesaremadeforimmediate family emergencies (e.g., death of an immediate familymember), an extended sickness, orotherreasonsacceptabletotheadministration.Allotherabsencesareunexcused.Theexcused/unexcuseddesignation ismade so that the teacherwill knowhow to treat the homework for the absent student.Statecompulsoryattendancelawsstatesthatstudentsmaynotmissmorethan10percentofscheduledschool days. For St. Maria Goretti Catholic School, that is 18 days. Excess absences may result inconsequences,includingbeingrequiredtomakeuptheschooldaysafterthenormalschoolyear.

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EXCUSEDABSENCESExcused absences are generally for sickness, family emergencies that are death or serious illness ofimmediatefamilymembers,orotherreasonsacceptabletotheAdministration.Ifachildisabsent,parentsmust call or e-mail the school office before 9:00AM to inform the administration of the nature of theabsence.Workforstudentsmayberequestedatthattime.Itwillbeavailableforpick-upintheofficeat3:00PM. Aphysician’swrittenexcuse isrequiredwhenthechildhasbeenabsent5consecutivedaysormore.Students are expected to completework thathasbeenmissed. The studenthasoneday for everydayabsent to make up work starting with the day the student returns to school. It is the student’sresponsibility to contact the teacher for make-up assignments. Students with an excessive number ofabsences(18)ortardies(16)willbecontactedbytheprincipalorassistantprincipalandmaybesubjecttodisciplinaryactioninaccordancewithschoolandDiocesanpolicy.Medical, dental appointments, etc. are to be scheduled outside school time as much as possible.Exceptions may be made if absolutely necessary, but in many cases the child will miss importantinstruction.Studentsmustbeinattendanceaminimumoftwohoursinthemorningandtwohoursintheafternoontobeconsideredpresentfortheday.Onehalf-dayabsencewillbeannotatedonthereportcard.Studentswhoareabsentfromschool intheafternoonbecauseof illnessorunexcusedabsencemaynotparticipate in SMEED or any after school extracurricular activities or that occur that evening only. Forexample, a student who is absent Friday afternoon because of sickness may not participate inextracurricularactivitiesonFridayevening.UNEXCUSEDABSENCESAmajorgoalofanyschoolistoteachresponsibilitytothestudent.Studentsshouldnotbeoutofschoolfor family vacations, scout trips, ski trips, visits to Disney Land, and so on. These are examples ofunexcusedabsences.Parentswhochoosetotakestudentsoutofclassforanyreasonotherthanillness,deathintheimmediatefamily, or other reasons acceptable to school administration must realize that students are ultimatelyresponsiblefortheworkmissed,andforfeitanyteacherexplanations,quizzes,tests,etc.whicharegivenduringtheirabsence.Teachersarenotresponsibleforbringingstudentsuptodateoncontentduringthestudent’s unexcused absence. Homework that would have been submitted on an unexcused day ofabsence may not be accepted (teacher’s discretion). When the student returns from an unexcusedabsence,theteacherwillprovidealistofassignments,copiesofworksheetsandothersimilaritemsthatthestudentmissed.Thefamilyisresponsibleforteachingthismaterialtothestudentandcompletingthe

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other requirements so that the student is currentwith the other students. At the teacher’s discretion,quizzes and tests that weremissed during the unexcused absencemay be given for grades as well asdiagnosticpurposes todetermine if theconceptsandcontent thatwasmissedhasbeenmastered.Thisevaluationmaystartonthesecondfulldayafterreturnorlaterasdeterminedbytheteacher.Parentsneedtoaskthemselvesifschoolorotheractivitiesarethefamilypriority.Youcommunicatetheimportanceofschooltoyourchildrenbythereasonyouallowyourchildrentobeabsent.

TARDINESS

It istheresponsibilityoftheparenttoseethatstudentsarriveatschoolontime. Studentsarriving latedisruptclasstimeandthe learningenvironmentoftheclassroom. Beingontimeresults inteachingthevirtuesofpunctualityandrespect.Pleaserespectyourchildandtheotherchildrenintheclassbybeingpunctual.Morningprayerwillbeginat7:50AMeachmorning.Studentsarrivingafter7:50AMareconsideredtardyandmustcheck-inatthefrontofficewheretheywillreceiveatardypasstopresenttotheirhomeroomteacher.Anyonepresentinthehallways(students,parents,orvisitors)at7:50AMisaskedtostopandjoinusintheMorningPrayerandquietlyexitthebuildingafterannouncements.

1. Studentsarrivingtoschoolafter10:00AMwillbecountedabsent½day. 2. Studentsleavingbefore10:00AMwillbeconsideredabsentfortheday. 3. Inordertoreceivecreditforhalf-dayattendance,astudentmustbeinclassforthree

consecutivehoursofinstruction.4. After10tardies,studentsandtheirparentsmaybecontactedbytheprincipaland/orthe

assistantprincipaltodetermineacourseofactionregardingtardiness.Tardinessisdisruptivetotheclassasawholeandteachespoorlifehabitstothechildwhoisperpetuallytardy. This is a seriousmatter. Additionally, the administration reserves the right to impose additionalsanctionsuptoandincludingdenialofadmissionforsubsequentschoolyears.Tardinesswillordinarilybeunexcused(exceptforemergencysituations)andworkmissedmaynotbegivencredit.Thispolicywillberelaxedduringadverseweatherasdeterminedbytheadministration.

ITEMSBROUGHTTOSCHOOL

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolisnotresponsibleforlossordamagetoanyitemsbroughttoschoolbyastudent.Thisincludesbutisnotlimitedtoallelectronicdevices.

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LOCKERS

Eachstudentisassignedalockeror“cubby”inwhichtostoreclothingandtextbooks.Inordertomaintainaquietatmosphereforclass,studentscangototheirlockersatspecifiedtimes.

Lockersareschoolpropertyandmaybesearchedatanytime.Theschoolalsohastherighttosearchbookbags,gymbags,purses,phones,etc.Nolocksarepermittedonschoollockersatanytime.

LOSTANDLEFT

AnyitemsleftintheschoolbuildingorontheschoolgroundsshouldbegiventotheschoolreceptionisttobeplacedintheLostandLeftbasket.ItemsplacedintheLostandLeftremaintherefor10days.After10days,itemsaredonatedtocharity.

MONEYATSCHOOL

Moneyshouldnotbesenttoschoolforanyreasonunlessotherwisespecified.

EVALUATIONREQUESTS

Please allow at least two weeks for teachers and/or administrators to complete requests for writtenevaluations on studentswho are being evaluated (by their physician or diagnostic practitioner) for anylearningorbehavioraldifferences.Thecompletedevaluationformmustbemailed,faxed,oremailedfromSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchooldirectlytothedesignatedschoolortestingauthority,andwillNOTbegivendirectlytoaparent/guardian.

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UNIFORMS

AllstudentsshouldtakeprideintheSaintMariaGorettiuniformandrememberthattheyrepresenttheirschool when seen in uniform.Uniforms and all shoesmust be purchased atMills Uniform Company(locatedinFortWorthoronline).

Students are expected to dress in an appropriate manner. If there is a question concerning theacceptability of the attire, it should not be worn. Any facultymembermay question whether attire isacceptableandreflectstheintentofthedressstandard.*IfastudentisnotinproperuniformthestudentwillbeissuedademeritandtheparentorguardianwillbenotifiedthroughFACTS/Renweb.Unauthorizeditemssuchasjewelrywillbetakenbytheteacherandgiventotheparenttotakehome.

Theadministrationreservestherighttosendhomeanystudentwho isdressed improperly. Inallcases,theinterpretationremainswiththeadministration.

Theuniformcodewillbestrictlyenforced.

RequiredUniformmust bewornonallMass days andother specified days. Each studentmust have arequireduniform.

TheREQUIREDuniformforPreK4-FifthGrade:

Girls:

Plaidtunicjumper(GradesPreK4-3)Plaidskirt(GRADES4and5ONLY)Whitebutton-downoxfordorPeterPancollaredblouse(longorshort-sleeve)Tieforgrades2-5ModestyshortforunderjumperSolidwhiteknee-highsocks(logosarenotallowed)KedsSaddleOxfords(blue/white)RedcardigansweaterwithSMGPatchoverleftchestarea

Boys:

Navybluedressslacks,eitherpleatedorflatfrontWhitebutton-downoxfordshirt(longorshort-sleeve)Tieforgrades2-5BlackbeltBlackCrewsocks(logosarenotallowed)SolidblacktennisshoeRedcardigansweaterwithSMGPatchoverleftchestarea

TheOPTIONALuniformforPreK4-FifthGrade:

Girls:

NavybluedressslacksNavybluewalkingshortsWhiteknitpolowithSMGembroidery(longorshort-sleeve)

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RedfleecewithSMGPatchovertheheartRedV-necksweatervestwithSMGPatchoverleftchestareaSMGspirit-wearsweatshirtsSolidwhiteorblacktennisshoesTightsareallowed-solidwhiteonly

Boys:Navybluewalkingshorts,eitherpleatedorflatfrontLightbluepolowithSMGembroidery(longorshort-sleeve) RedfleecewithSMGPatchovertheheartRedV-necksweatervestwithSMGPatchoverleftchestareaSMGspirit-wearsweatshirts

TheREQUIREDuniformfor6th–8thGrade:

Girls:

Box-PleatskirtWhitebutton-downoxford(longorshort-sleeve)TieModestyshortforunderskirtSolidwhiteknee-highsocks(nologos)LeatherSaddleOxfords(blue/white)orWomen’sSperryKoifishShoesNavycardigansweaterwithSMGPatchoverleftchestarea

Boys:Khakidressslacks,eitherpleatedorflatfrontWhitebutton-downoxfordshirt(longorshort-sleeve)TieBrownbeltKhakiCrewsocks(nologos)Men’sleatherSperryboatshoes NavycardigansweaterwithSMGPatchoverleftchestarea

TheOPTIONALuniformfor6th-8thGrade:

Girls:

KhakidressslacksKhakiwalkingshortsWhiteknitpolowithSMGembroidery(longorshort-sleeve)RedfleecewithSMGPatchovertheheartNavyVnecksweatervestwithSMGPatchoverleftchestareaSMGspirit-wearsweatshirts

Boys:Navybluewalkingshorts,eitherpleatedorflatfrontLightbluepolowithSMGembroidery(longorshort-sleeve) RedfleecewithSMGPatchovertheheart

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NavyVnecksweatervestwithSMGPatchoverleftchestareaSMGspirit-wearsweatshirts

GENERALAPPEARANCEANDGROOMING

TheoutwardandgeneralappearanceoftheCatholicschoolstudenthastraditionallybeenonethatisanexcellentreflectiononthestudent,his/herfamily,andtheschool.Inkeepingwiththissenseofpride,werequiredthefollowingappearancestandards:

Hair:

Hairmustbeworninatastefulmannerawayfromtheface(includinggirls’bangs).Nounnaturalcoloredhairorexcessivestylesareallowed.

Boys’hairshouldnotfallbelowthetopofthecollar,norovertheeyebrows.Hairneedstobecutabovetheears.Generalrule:Overtheears,offthecollar,outoftheeyes.Hairaccessoriesmaybeworn,butmaynotbeadistractiontoclassroom instruction.Bowcolorsmayconsistofnavy, red,blue,green,gray,orblack.NoMEGABOWSorbowswithcolorsotherthanthosepreviouslylistedareallowed.

Jewelry:

• Watches,oneperstudent,maybeworn.Alarmsonwatchesmaynotbesoundedduring schoolorchurch(soundingalarmswillresultinaconfiscatedwatch).

• NoApplewatches,FitBits,orotherSmartwatches,willbeallowed. • Onegenuinelyreligiousnecklace,and/oronegenuinelyreligiousbraceletand/orone

genuinelyreligiousringmaybewornasdeterminedbytheschool.• Onlygirlsmaywearearrings—onesetonly,andontheearlobe.Forsafetyreasons,the

earringsshouldnotbelongerthanthebottomoftheearlobe.

Fingernails:

Fingernailpolishandacrylicnailsarenotallowedforanygirl.

Makeup:• Girlsingrades6,7,8maywearminimalmakeupconsistingoffoundationonly-neutraland

naturaltones.• Othermakeup–eyeshadow,mascara,blush,eyeliner,lipstickandglossare

notallowed.• Notattoos,whetherpermanentortemporary,areacceptable.

FacialHair:

Boyswillbecleanshaven.Skirts:

Skirtlengthwillbekneelengthatthebeginningforthefirstandsecondsemester.Thiswillallowroomforgrowthduringeachsemester.Atnotimeduringtheyearmaytheskirtbemorethan3inchesabovetheknee.

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Free-Dress:

Uniformswillbewornunlessotherwisecommunicated.Free-dresswillconstitutejeans,spiritshirts,andathleticshoesonly.AnewDiocesanPolicyregardingfree-dresswillbecommunicatedtoalldiocesanschoolswithinthefirstseveralweeksofschool.

BirthdayDress:

InanticipationofthenewDiocesanPolicyregardingfree-dress,studentswhoarecelebratingabirthdaywillnolongerbeallowedtobeoutofuniformontheirbirthdayorhalf-birthday.Studentswillstillberecognizedwitharibbon(fromthefrontoffice)ontheirbirthday(orhalf-birthday).

SpiritDay:

ThegoalofSpiritDayistogivestudentsanopportunitytoshowschoolprideandmaintaintheintegrityofthedresscode.SMGSpiritDaywillbeonFridays.

• SaintMariaGorettistudentsmaywearSpiritshirtswithuniformbottoms(jumpers,skirts, pants,shorts)

• NoJeans • SchooluniformshoesaretobewornonSpiritDays. • StudentsmaywearthecurrentyearKountryKarnivalshirtonMondaysduringthemonthof

September.TheweekbeforeKountryKarnivalstudentsmayweartheirKKshirteverydayexceptWednesday(MassDay).StudentsmayalsoweartheKountryKarnivalshirttheMondayfollowingtheKountryKarnival.

Judgmentcallswillbemadebytheadministration.

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CAFETERIA

The cafeteria is an importantpartofour school. Food services are available toprovideawell-balancedlunch that is offered at a reasonable price. Childrenmaybring sack lunches alongwith drinks andmilkfromhome.Monthlymenuswillbepostedonthewebsite.StudentsmaypurchaseicecreamonFridays.To promote healthy and nutritional choices, candy and soda are not permitted as part of students’schoollunch.

LunchroomGuidelines:

1. Studentsareexpectedtoshowrespectandcourtesytotheirclassmates,thelunchroomstaff,andparents.

2. Studentssitasassignedbytheteachertoabench. 3. Studentsremainseatedunlessgettingfoodorgoingtothetrashcontainer. 4. Studentsareresponsibleforcleaninghis/herarea. 5. Studentsarenotallowedtosharefoodwithotherstudents.

Parentsareinvitedtoeatlunchwiththeirchildrenonaspecialoccasion,suchasabirthday.Weaskthatyoulimityourvisitstothelunchroomtojustspecialoccasionsandobservethefollowingguidelines:

1. Allparents/guestsmustsigninattheFrontOfficeandreceiveavisitor’sbadgebeforegoingtothecafeteria.

2. Pleasedonotbringanyfoodforstudentsotherthanyourchild. 3. Aseparatetablewillbeavailableinthecafeteriaforparentstoenjoylunchwiththeirchildonly. 4. Adultvisitorsshouldbedirectlyrelatedtothestudent. 5. AllothervisitorsshouldbeaccompaniedbytheSaintMariaGorettistudent’sparentforthevisit.

LUNCH/RECESS SCHEDULE 11:00-11:20 Lunch: Pk-3, Pk-4, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade 11:20-11:40 Recess: Pk-3, Pk-4, Kindergarten, and 1st Grade 11:25-11:45 Lunch: 2nd Grade and 3rd Grade 11:45-12:05 Recess: 2nd Grade and 3rd Grade

12:09-12:29 Lunch: 4th Grade and 5th Grade 12:29-12:49 Recess: 4th Grade and 5th Grade 12:09-12:29 Recess: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade 12:29-12:49 Lunch: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade

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SNACKS

Eachdayfrom9:30-9:45AM,studentswillhaveabreak/recess.Studentsarepermittedtoeatahealthysnack(fruit,veggies,granola)andwaterduringthistime.Nocandy,soda,orsportsdrinksareallowed.

SCHOOLSUPPLIES

Parentscanpurchasetherequiredschoolsuppliesthroughtheschoolandhavethemdeliveredtotheschool.Parentsmayalsoopttopurchaseschoolsuppliesindependently.Students/parentsareresponsibleforreplenishingthesesuppliesasneeded.

CLASSROOM,BIRTHDAY,ANDSCHOOLPARTIES

Please mail invitations to private parties or distribute them off the school premises. On campusdistributionofinvitationsisonlyappropriateifallstudentsintheclassareinvited.ParentsmaysendinaNon-Foodbirthday treats (I.e. birthdaypencils, etc.) for every student in the class, if theywish.Due toallergies, do not bring any food products to school (at ANY TIME) to share with other students incelebrating your child’s birthday, I.e. brownies, cupcakes, cookies, etc. Please DoNot have balloons,flowers,etc.deliveredtotheschoolforyourchild.

Thefollowingaretheonlyapprovedschoolparties:AllSaintsDay,Christmas,Valentine’sDay(ifitdoesnotfall during Lent), and an end-of-the-year party. Roomparents should assist the classroom teacherwiththesepartiesandteacherswillapprovethetypeofpartytobeheldintheirclassrooms.Candlesmaynotbeusedatparties.

ARRIVALANDDISMISSALPROCEDURES

Theprocedureswillhelpfacilitatemorningarrivalandafterschoolpick-up.

BeforeandAfter-SchoolCare(SMEED)

Students may sign up for morning care through our Saint Maria Educational Extended Day (SMEED)program. SMEED is available each school day from 7:00AM – 7:30AM. Students arriving for morningSMEEDmustbewalkedandsignedinbyaparentintheCafetoriumeachmorning.

MorningDrop-Off

School is in session from7:50AM to 3:15PM. Students are expected to be in the classroomby 7:50AMdaily.Studentswhoarrivebetween7:30-7:40AMwillbemonitoredinaMorningRoomaccordingtogradelevels. Students should check signs on classroom doors for the correct Morning Room. At 7:40AM,studentswill reporttotheirhomeroom.Studentswhoarriveator laterthan7:50AMshouldcheck inattheschoolofficebeforegoingtotheirclassroom.Achildisconsideredtardyafter7:50AM.Forthesafetyofyourchildren,pleasedonotdropstudentsoffbefore 7:30AM as the school does not accept responsibility or provide supervision for children on thegroundsbefore7:30AM,andthedoorswillnotbeopeneduntilthistime,unlessthestudentisenrolledinSMEED.

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**Pleasenote,afterLaborDayallstudents(evenPreKstudents)mustbedroppedoffattheirdesignateddrop-offlocations.Parents/guardianswillnotbepermittedtoescorttheirstudent(s)intothebuilding.ThisisanewDiocesanpolicythatwewillbeginfollowingthisyear.Theprimaryreasonforthispolicyisoutofconcernforthesafetyandsecurityofallstudents.Thetwotimesa(school)buildingisleastsecureisduringmorningdrop-offandafternoonpick-up.Aswell,wehopetofosterasenseofindependenceinourstudentsbeginningatayoungage,whilealsohelpingthemtosettleintoapositiveschoolroutine.

PK3andPK4Parents are asked to park in the front parking lot. Please do not park in the fire lane in front of thebuilding.ParentswillbepermittedtoescorttheirPreKstudent(s)totheirclassroom,ortheymayutilizethemorningdrop-offcarlineinthewestlotwhereschoolfacultyandsafetypatrolstudentsareavailableeachmorningtohelpstudentsoutoftheircarsandguidethemtotheclassroom.PreKstudentsarrivingafter 7:50AM,must be signed in at the front deskby a parent/guardian and school faculty or staffwillescortthestudenttohis/herclassroomfromthere.

Kinder–8thGrade

Studentsaredroppedoffonthewestparkinglotstartingat7:30AM.Pleasepullyourcarasfarforwardaspossible and have students exit from right side of the vehicle. Students should not be asked towalkacrosstrafficfromaparkedcar.Allstudentsshouldbedroppedoffinthecarline.

StudentswhowalktoschoolMUSTbeescortedontoschoolpropertybyaparentoradultguardian.SMGfacultyandstaffareresponsibleforsupervisingcar lineandstudentsgettingoutofcars inthemorning.They cannotbe responsible for supervising studentswalking andentering schoolproperty fromvariouslocationsalongthesurroundingstreetseachmorning.

Remember it is illegal to be on a cell phone, even a hands-free device, in a school zone. Please bemindfulofthislawasitistoensurethesafetyofourstudents.

DismissalandCarline

PK3through2ndGradeStudentsOnlyChildren-DismissalPKthrough2ndGradestudentswithnosiblingsintheschool(onlychildren)willbedismissedbeginningat3:15PMfromtheCafetoriumsteps.Parentsareaskedtoparktheircarandpresenttheirdismissaltagtothefaculty/staffondismissalduty. 3rd–8thGradeStudentsOnlyChildren–ExpressCarLineDismissalAt3:15PM,studentsintheExpressCarLinewillbedismissed.ExpressLinedismissaltakesplaceinthedrivewaylaneimmediatelynexttotheSt.MariaCenterbuilding(seemapbackofhandbook).Studentsingrades3rd-8thwithnosiblingsandwhoarenotpartofacar-poolwillbeclassifiedasExpressCarLine.Parentswillbe issuedanExpressCarLinetagattheMeettheTeacherevent. ExpressCarLinewillbeamoving car line; therefore, car tags must be visible to the faculty/staff. Please pay attention to the

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directionsof the faculty/staffwhenmoving through theExpressCar Line.When theExpressCar Line isfinished,studentswithsiblingswillbedismissed.PK4through8thGradeStudentswithSiblings–RedLineDismissalPrior toRedLinedismissal,all students ina family/carpoolwillbebrought to theoldeststudent in thatfamily/carpool’shomeroom.WhenExpressCarLineisfinished,RedLinedismissalwillbegin.Parentswillbeassignedaparkingareabasedupontheiroldestchild’sgradelevel.Pleasebesuretohaveyourcartagsclearlyvisible.Parents/guardiansshouldstay intheircarandwait fortheirstudentstocometothem.Studentswillbedirectedtotheirassignedareasbytheir teachers.Whenallchildrenaresafely intheircars,trafficflowwillbegin.Noonewillleavetheparkinglotuntiltheyhavebeensignaledbyfaculty/staff.Weareallresponsibleforthesafetyofourchildren!LateDismissalStudents remainingafter3:30PMwillbeescorted toSMEED.SMEED is located in theCafetorium in theafternoon.Ifastudent(s)issenttoSMEEDandpickedupbefore3:45PM,therewillbeaminimumchargeof$2.50.Ifthestudent(s)ispickedupafter3:45PMtherewillbeaone-hourminimumchargefee($8.00),inadditiontoanyfurtherhourlycharges.Onthesecondoccurrenceofanon-registeredstudentgoingtoSMEED,thefamilywillbechargedtheregistrationfee($45.00perchild)inadditiontothehourlyfees.SpecialNeeds/AppointmentsIfyouhaveanappointmentthatrequiresanearlydismissal,pleasepickupyourchildby2:55PM.ParkintheFrontparkinglotandsignyourchildoutattheSchoolOffice.Pleasenotifythehomeroomteacherorofficeinadvancetoexpeditepickup.Failuretofollowtheseproceduresmaydetainyou.IndoorDismissalOnrainydays,dayswhenthetemperature/heatindexis95degreesorabove,orthetemperatureisbelow32 degrees, we will have Indoor Dismissal. Parents will pick up their child/children from theirhomeroom(s).Noonewillbeadmitted intotheschooluntildismissal timeat12:15PMifearlydismissalday, or 3:15PM on regular dismissal days. The Front Office and West doors will open at 12:15PM or3:15PMon IndoorDismissaldays. Studentsend instructional class timeat12:10PMor3:10PM,but theschool doors will not open until 5 minutes later to give students time to return to their homeroomandpackuptheirbelongings.AREDFLAGwillbepostedat theFrontOfficedoorandWestentrancedoorby11:45AMor2:45PMtoindicateanIndoorDismissal.AtextalertwillalsobesentviaFACTS/RenWeb.

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AFTERSCHOOLCAREThe St. Maria Extended Education Day (SMEED) is before and after school care is provided by schoolpersonnel.Studentsneedtoregister for theprogramandcandosoatanytimeduringtheschoolyear.Registration paperwork is available in the school office, duringMeet the Teacher, and on the schoolwebsite.

HEALTH

St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolhasanurseonstaffchargedwithmanagingthehealthcareneedsofyourchildrenduringschoolhours.TheschoolnursefollowsDiocesanpoliciesregardingdispensingmedication,sendingsickchildrenhome,screeningsandchildhoodimmunizations.TheDiocesecomplieswithstatelawinperformingvision,hearing,heightandweight,acanthosisnigricansandspinalscreenings,allofwhichareunder thepurviewof theschoolnurse.TheDiocesealso followsTexas state lawregarding requiredimmunizations.

HEALTHREQUIREMENTS

1. AphysicalexaminationisrequiredofallstudentsnewtotheCatholicSchoolSystem. 2. No person may be admitted to any elementary school unless he/she has been immunized

accordingtothecurrentrequirementssetforthbytheTexasStateDepartmentofHealth. 3. Nopersonwithevidenceofactivetuberculosismaybeadmittedtotheschool. 4. All children participating in extracurricular sports must have a health examination signed by a

doctor,datedafterJune1ofthatyear,andshowevidenceofinsurancecoverage. 5. AsrequiredbytheTexasStateDepartmentofHealth,studentsingradesPreK4,Kindergarten,1st,

3rd,5th,and7thwillbescreenedforvision,hearing,andAcanthosisNigricans.Allgirlsages10and12andboysages13and14,asofSeptember1,2019,willhavespinalscreeningsdone.

6. CatholicSchoolHealthReportformmustbeusedforallhealthexamreporting.Formsareavailableontheschoolwebsiteorinthefrontoffice.

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students enrolled in SaintMariaGoretti Catholic Schoolmust have current immunizations. The onlyexemptiontothepolicyisintheeventthatastudenthasanillnessthatwouldcompromisehis/herlifebybeingimmunized.Documentationofacompromisingcondition,suchas,butnotlimitedto,leukemiamustbepresentedpriortothefirstdayoftheschoolyear.Thestudentwillnotbeadmittedwithouttheproperimmunizations on record. Parents will need to show proof of immunization record for admittance.Religiousobjections to shots arenot accepted. Studentswithmedical exemptionsmusthave amedicaldoctor’snotethatisapprovedbytheschoolnurse.

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MEDICATIONS

Sothatallsafeguardsmaybetakentoprotectthehealthofthechild,theschoolnursemustbenotifiedbeforethefirstdayofschool,concerningprescribedmedicationsand/oranyspecialphysicalconditionsofthe child. Diocesan policy states that necessary medications such as those needed for epileptics,asthmatics,diabeticsandhyperkineticsmaybegivenatschool.Parentsoranauthorizedadultmustbringanymedication to the school nursewhich is prescribedby a doctor in the container received from thepharmacyandmusthaveonitslabelthefollowinginformation:

● Child’sname ● Nameofdoctorprescribingthechild’smedication ● Frequency ● Dose ● Date

If a child bringsmedication to the nurse, the parent will be called, and themedication not given.Parents are requested to notify the school nurse by the first day of school concerning any specialmedicationfortheirchildren.

Nomedicationofanykind(evenoverthecounter)willbedispensedthroughtheschoolclinicunlessthemedicationitselfisaccompaniedbytheproperdiocesanformrequestingadministrationofmedicationbyschoolpersonnel.Thisincludescoughdrops,throatlozenges,etc.

Thisformisavailableintheschoolofficeandontheschoolwebsiteandmustbesignedbyaphysician(nosignature stamps). Antibiotics will not be given at school by school personnel. If the parent feels theantibiotic must be given during the school day, the parent may come to the school office/clinic andadministerit.

Students are not permitted to keep any medication in their possession, even over-the-countermedications. ItCANNOTbe inbackpacks, lunchboxes,etc. This includes throat lozengesandcoughdrops.

Allmedicationmustbeturnedintotheschoolnurseandadministeredonlybytheschoolnurseorotherauthorizedfaculty.Studentsrequiringanymedicationmusthaveasignedauthorizationfromtheparentandaphysicianrequestingitsadministration.

Ifmedicalinformationchangesatanytimeduringtheschoolyear,forthesafetyofeachstudent,parentsorguardiansmustpromptlynotifytheschoolofficeandschoolnurse.Adoctor’snoteisalsorequiredforastudenttohavecrutches,brace(s),oranyothermobilitydevice.

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ILLNESS

If a childbecomes ill at school,parentswill benotifiedby the schoolnurse to comeand take the childhome. Please have current home and emergency numbers and address filed in the school office, socontactcanbemade.

A childwhohas been absent due to a fever (100°F ormore) or flumay not comeback to school untilhe/shehasspent24hoursfreeoffever.Achildmustbefever-freefor24hourswithoutanyTylenol,Advilorotherfever-reducingmedicationinordertoreturntoclass.Inaddition,achildwhohashadvomitingordiarrhea in the morning before school may not attend school that day. Conditions may necessitate astudent’sexclusionfromschool.

Astudentwhogoeshomeearly for illnessmustbefever freeand"throwup"freefor24hours,sothatmay mean he/she will not be participating in athletic games or tournaments. If a child has a doctorappointment, he /she must attend part of the school day to participate in the athletic game orextracurricularactivity.

Incaseoffailuretoabidebytheseguidelines,theparentwillbecalled,andthechildmustbepickedup.

Parents are requested to notify the school office if a child becomes ill with a contagious condition. Aphysician’s note will be needed to return to school. Notification will be sent home via email to otherparentsifstudentshavebeenexposedtocontagiousdiseases.Pleaserefertothecurrenthealthchecklist.

COMMUNICABLEDISEASES

The following guidelines for excluding students from school are found in theTexasCatholic ConferenceEducationDepartmentSchoolHealthManual.SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolwillusetheseguidelineswhendecidingwhetherornotastudentshouldbeexcludedfromschoolinordertominimizetheriskofotherstudentscontractingacommunicabledisease:

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InfectiousandContagiousDisease

GuidelinesforExcludingStudentsfromSchool

KeepChildatHomeGuidelines ReturntoSchoolGuidelinesOraltemperatureof100orabove Feverfreefor24hourswithoutthehelpof

feverreducingmedicationsVomiting Symptomfreefor24hoursNauseaorseverestomachpains SymptomfreeMarkeddrowsinessormalaise SymptomfreeuponarrivaltoschoolSorethroat,acutecoldorpersistentcough SymptomfreeuponarrivaltoschoolRed,inflamedordischargingeyes WrittenphysicianreleaseAcuteskinrashesoreruptions WrittenphysicianreleaseSwollenglandsaroundthejaws,earsorneck

Writtenphysicianrelease

Suspectedscabiesorimpetigo WrittenphysicianreleaseAnyskinlesionintheweepingstage Coveredanddiagnosedasnon-infectiousEarache SymptomfreePediculosis(headlice) Nitfree-mustbeclearedbyschoolnurse

beforereadmittedtoschoolOthersymptomssuggestiveofacuteillness

Writtenphysicianrelease

Diarrhea 24-hourSymptomfree Aparentmustkeepachildhomeifhe/she:● Isunabletofollowtheclassroomroutine ● Coughsexcessivelyand/ormightinfectothers ● Isadisruptiontotheclassroom ● Hadafeverorvomitedinthenight ● Hasanactive,contagiousinfectionordisease.

ParticipationinPhysicalEducationClassesInordertobeexcusedfromphysicaleducationclasses,itisnecessarythatthechildhaveasignedexcusefromaphysician. AccidentsandInjuriesEvery accident or injury occurring in the school buildings, on school grounds, or at school- sponsoredeventsmustbereportedimmediatelytothepersoninchargeoftheareaandthentothePrincipal’soffice.Awrittenaccidentformmustbecompletedtodocumenttheincident.

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AllergyPolicyIf thestudenthasanynotedallergiesrequiringtheuseofanEpiPen,theparentshall furnishtheschoolwithtwoEpiPensforthestudent.Anallergyplanofcareforthestudentmustbeinplacebythe1stdayofschool and at all times that the student attends the school. The EpiPen and the DiocesanMedicationPermitFormmustbesignedbyboththephysicianandtheparentorthechildcannotbeinschool.Priortoeachfieldtrip,theParenthastheresponsibilityofremindingtheteacherthattheEpiPenistogoonallfieldtripswiththestudent.

TheEpiPenfurnishedtotheSchoolbytheParentmustbecurrentlyvalidandanyexpiredEpiPensaretobeimmediatelyreplacedbytheParent.

AllschoolemployeeswillhaveannualEpiPentraininginAugustduringorientation,andrefreshertrainingasneeded.

AtanytimethataParentisnotincompliancewiththispolicy,thestudentcannotattendtheschoolandschoolrelatedfunctions. Illness/InjuryDuringSchoolHours Shouldachildbecomeillorinjuredduringtheschooldayandthemattercannotbehandledatschool,theparentwillbecalledtomakefurtherarrangements.Achildwhosetemperatureis100degreesorabovemust be picked up from school as soon as possible. Please list an emergency contact that can arrivewithin30minutesofnotification.

ACHILDMUSTBEFREEOFFEVERAND/ORVOMITING24HOURSPRIORTORETURNINGTOSCHOOL.

WEATHERRELATEDHEALTHCONCERNS

St. Maria Goretti Catholic School follows the Diocesan Heat and Cold Guidelines relative to outdooractivities.WhentheTemperature-Heat-Index(THI)reaches95degrees,outdooractivityislimitedto10–15minutes.When the Temperature Heat Index (THI) reaches 100 degrees, no outside recess, P.E., ordiocesansports/practiceforelementary/middleschoolsareallowed.Whenthetemperatureand/orwindchill isbelow32degrees, thechildrenwillbekept indoors forPEandrecess.Pleasedressyourchildrenappropriatelyfortheweather:shortsandshortsleevesinthewarmmonths;longpantsorhose/tightsandlongsleeveswithsweatersandjacketsforcoldweather.Ozonealerts:OnconfirmedPurpleozonedaystherewillbenooutdoorPEorrecess.OnconfirmedRedozonedays,childrenwithknownlungdiseasewhoaresensitivetotheozonefactorwillbekeptindoors.On Orange ozone days, we will monitor sensitive children during outdoor activities. If your child has

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respiratorydifficultyduringperiodsofhighozoneandyouwant tobe sure thathe/she is kept indoors,pleasesendanotetotheschoolnursewithspecificinstructions.

LIBRARYGenerally,thefollowingloanperiodswillapply:

● K-2ndGrade:Oneweek ● 3rd-5thGrade:Twoweeks ● 6th-8thGrade:Threeweeks

Sometimes,however,duetoholidaysandotherevents,loanperiodsmaybeextendedorshortened.

Weaskstudentstocomplywiththefollowinglibraryrules:● Twobooksmaybecheckedoutatatime. ● Library privilegeswill be forfeited if a student abuses the books or is habitually late in returning

them. ● Overdue noticeswill be issued to the students via the Friday Folder. However, non-receipt of a

noticedoesnotexemptastudentfromapplicablefines. ● Ifastudentisabsentonthedayanitemisdue,theitemwillbedueonthedaythestudentreturns

toschool,notthenexttimethestudenthaslibraryclass. ● Lostordamagedbooksmustbepaidforatreplacementcost. ● Records will not be released, or registration not finalized to students who have not returned

overduebooksand/orpaidtheirfines.

Topromoteliteracyandthelifelonghabitofreading,allstudentsareencouragedtohavealibrarybookwiththematalltimes.Theymayreadastheyfinishindependentworkinclass,attransitiontimes,andothertimesdesignatedbytheteacher.

FIELDTRIPS

Participationinfieldtrips isaprivilege,notaright. Studentsconsideredbytheteachertobedisruptivemayberestrictedfromparticipatinginfieldtrips.

Thestudentsmusthaveasignedpermissionsliptobeabletoparticipate ina fieldtrip (seebackofthehandbook).AcopyoftheFieldTripPermissionSlipisavailableonthewebsite.Telephonedpermissionwillnotbeaccepted.Signedfaxedpermissionslipsareallowed.Thesignedpermissionslipmustbeatschoolbeforetheclassleavescampus.

Unlessotherwisedirected,studentsmustwearthecompleteuniformonfieldtrips.

FieldTripDrivers

Parentswhowish to drive for field tripsmust complete aDriver Information Sheet. Driver InformationSheets are available in the school office. The Diocese of FortWorth requires that all volunteer driverspossess a valid driver’s license, have proper and current license and vehicle registration, and have therequiredinsurancecoverageineffectonanyvehicleusedtotransportstudents.Theminimal,acceptableliability limit forprivatelyownedvehicles is$100,000/$300,000.Driversunder theageof25willnotbe

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permittedtotransportchildrenfromtheschool.Alldriversmustmeettherequirementsofavolunteeraswell.

● Safetyrequiresthatallsupervisoryadultsbeabletogivetheirwholeattentiontothechildrenintheclass. Siblings including pre-school or school-aged are not allowed on the field trip must notaccompanydriverswhileonfieldtrips.

● All childrenmust wear a seatbelt or be in a booster seat according to current state law.Whenseatingachildundertheageof12,pleaseplacethechildinaseatNOTprotectedbyairbags.

● Carsgoingonfieldtripsmuststayincaravan;allleaveandallreturntoschoolatthesametime. ● Driverswillnotprovidesnacksand/ordrinks. ● Driversmustremainwiththeclassforthedurationofthefieldtripunlessdirectedotherwisebythe teacher.

● Drivershelpingonfieldtripsareexpectedtohelpmonitorthebehaviorofallchildrenintheirgroup. ● Driversarenottosmokeorengageincellphoneusagewhenparticipatinginfieldtrips. ● FieldtripdriversarenotallowedtodisperseanymedicationorEpiPens.

Fieldtripsaredesignedtocorrelatewithteachingunitsandtoachievecurriculargoals.Fieldtripsarere-evaluatedeachyeartodeterminethecompatibilityofthefieldtripwithcurriculargoals.

1. Afieldtripisaprivilegeandnotaright. 2. Thereareno“traditional”fieldtrips.Classparticipationinafieldtripoverconsecutiveyearsdoes

notmeanthatthistriphasbecomeaschooltradition. 3. Allgradesdonotalwayshavethesamenumberoffieldtrips. 4. Field trips are permissible for all grades when advanced planning, location, and the experience

ensureasuccessfullearningopportunity. 5. Individual teachers, in consultationwith theAdministration, reserve the right to restrict or deny

student participation on any field trip due to, but not limited to, poor academic performanceand/orpoorconduct.

6. Awrittenofficialpermissionslip,signedbytheparent,isrequiredbeforeachildwillbepermittedtoattendafieldtripactivity.Verbalpermissioncannotbeaccepted.Permissionslipsaredueintheofficeforty-eight(48)hoursafterreceiptofthepermissionslip.

7. Afieldtrippermissionslip isprintedattheendofthisbook.This is theonlyformatthatmaybeused toallowa student to leavecampusduring schoolhours. If your child fails tobringhis/herpermission sliphome, youmay tearoutanduseor copy the formprovided. Call the school forinformationneededtocompletetheform.

8. Parentsmayrefusetopermittheirchildfromparticipatinginafieldtripbystatingsoontheproperform. Studentswhodonot attend a field tripwill remain at homewith the parent andwill bemarkedabsentfortheday.

9. Whenstudentswhoareparticipatinginthefieldtripmustrideabustoandfromthefieldtripwiththeirclass.Studentsnotonthebusmaynotparticipateinthefieldtripandwillbecountedabsentfortheday.

10. Allmoniescollectedforthefieldtriparenon-refundable. 11. Studentcellphonesarenotallowedonfieldtrips. 12. Parentswhoarenot“official”chaperonesmaynotdrivetheircartoafieldtripdestinationwiththe

planofaccompanyingtheclassonthefieldtrip.Ourriskmanagementinsurancecompanyensures

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the“official”chaperonesandparticipationbyunofficialchaperonesjeopardizestheprotectionforourstudentsandallother“official”adultsonthetrip.

FINES

All finesmustbepaidbeforeparticipating in anyend-of-year activity, including field trips, fieldday, 8thgradepromotion,etc.orbeforereceivingreportcards.

COMMUNICATION

E-mail and the Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School website (www.smgschool.org) will be the primarymeansofschoolcommunicationtoparents.ParentswillhaveafamilyaccesscodetoFACTS/RenWebtoallowthemtoaccesstheirpersonalinformationaswellasclassroominformationfromtheteacher. TheFACTS/RenWebCallerSystemwillbeusedforvariousmeansofcommunication,butprimarilyforschoolclosingsandemergencyinformationwhereweneedtocommunicateonamassscaleinashortperiodoftime. Aswell,The Trojan Times, the school’sweekly newsletter is sent outweekly, usually on Sundayevening.

FridayFolders

CommunicationsfromtheschoolsuchasSCRIPorderformsandfilledorders,flyers,classroomnewsletters,permissionslips,completedstudentschoolwork,etc.,willbesenthomeviatheFridayFolders.StudentsareaskedtoreturnthesefolderseveryMondaymorning(orfirstdaybackfollowingaweekendorbreak).ClassroomteachersmayutilizetheFridayFoldertoreturncompletedworkormaysendtheworkhomeonanotherday.Theclassroomteacherwillcommunicatehis/herroutineforreturningcompletedstudentworktoparents.

INCLEMENTWEATHER

Intheeventofsevereweather:

1. FACTS/RenWebCallerSystemwillbeusedtoalertparentsviatext,email,phone,oralltheabove. 2. ChecktheSaintMariaGorettiwebsite.

Thedecisiontocloseorhavealatestart(10:00a.m.forstudents)willbemadeby6:30A.M.

EMERGENCYDRILLS

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolhasimplementeda“crisisplan”incaseofafire,tornado,orlockdownemergency.Allteachersandstaffareawareoftheprocedurestofollowtokeepyourchildrensafe.

Fireandtornadodrillsarescheduledperiodicallytoensurethesafetyofeveryoneatschoolintheeventofsuchanemergency.Firedrillsaresignaledbythefirealarmsystem.Studentswillproceedtotheassignedexit incompletesilence.Teacherswill remainwithyourclassuntilsignaledtoreturntoclass.Lockdowndrills will be conducted as well using verbal directives as listed in our emergency procedures manual.Failuretocomplywithemergencyregulationsmayresultindisciplinaryaction.

State Law requires that firedrills be heldmonthly. During the fire drills, students should follow theseregulations:

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1. Riseinsilencewhenthealarmsounds; 2. Closewindowsanddoors; 3. Walktotheassignedplacebriskly,insinglefile,andinsilence; 4. Standinacolumn,facingawayfromthebuilding; 5. Returntobuildingwhensignalisgiven.

Tornadodrillsareheldperiodically.

Theproceduresare:

1. Riseinsilencewhenthealarmsounds; 2. Walkbrisklytotheassignedplaceinsinglefile; 3. Sit,facewall,andputhandsoverhead; 4. Returntoclassroomwhensignalisgiven.

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DISCIPLINEPROGRAMPhilosophyAtSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchool,oneofourobjectivesistoassistparentswiththeformationofgoodbehaviorandvirtueintheirchildren.Toachievethis,weprovideopportunitiesforstudentstoencountergoodness, grow in goodness, and desire goodness. The ultimate example of goodness is Jesus Christ.Therefore,weseektoencounterHim,followHim,andbecomeHisdisciples.Thelifeofadisciplerequiresdiscipline,adisciplinethathelpsusgrowaccordingtoourhumannature,cooperatewithgrace,and,inthewordsofSt. Irenaeus,become"fullyalive"sothatourmoral lifeisorderedandourgiftsandtalentsarecultivatedandmayflourish.Livingthisrequiresvirtue,the"habitualandfirmdispositiontodothegood."(CCC1803)AtSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchool,weaimtoprovidealearningenvironmentwherevirtueiscultivated,andstudentsrespecttheirneighborsandthemselves.WehavehighexpectationsforbehaviorandcooperativeinteractionamongallmembersoftheSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolcommunity.Ourschool'sapproachtodisciplineformationandstudentbehaviorisreliantonasecurecommongoodandacommunitywhosemembersworktogether.Therefore,whatwedotoothersandtoourselvesmatters.Behaviorsandmisbehavioraredecisions,anddecisionsengenderconsequences.AtSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchool,webelieveinnaturalconsequencesforactions.Theconsequencesforpoordecisionsshouldflowfromthenatureofthemistake,andreconciliationisbasedonmendingthecommunity.Consequencesreflectthenaturaloutcomeofpoorlymadeorinappropriatedecisions. All peopleneedhelp in realizing that theyarenotperfect, and theyare likely tomakepoorjudgmentsandmistakeswhilelearningandgrowing.Each serious incident referred to the administration is different and will be treated differently. Theadministrationwill revieweach serious incidentusinganyandall factors that are consideredpertinent.Therefore,youshouldnotexpecttheconsequencesoftwoincidentstobethesamesincetheextenuatingandmitigatingcircumstancesareprobablyquitedifferent.Theadministrationwill considernotonly theimmediate incident in determining appropriate consequences but also any other factors that areconsidered pertinent. This could include past behavior, parental cooperation and support, number ofincidents,studentattitudetowardsdisciplineandsoon.Justbecausethecircumstancesoftwoseparateincidentsappearsimilar,doesnotmeanthattheconsequencewillbesimilar.Onesizedoesnotfitall.Onlytheadministrationhasaccesstoallinformationrequiredtomakethesedecisions.OurresponsetobehaviorproblemsistocorrecttheactionandapplytheappropriateconsequenceswhilerememberingandremindingthechildrenofourcontinuedloveandtheirGod-givendignity.

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BehaviorStandardsOurultimateconcernistheformationofyoungmenandwomenasdisciplesofChristwhoarepreparedand disposed to respond toGod's call. Toward that end, our discipline program seeks to recognize thedignityoftheindividual,fosteringinthechildaloveofGod,neighbor,andself.Weseektoaccomplishthisbyhelpingstudentscometoliveavirtuouslife.Theobjectivesofourplanare:·Togroundstudentsthoroughlyinanunderstandingofthevirtues·Tosupportstudentsinmakingtherightdecisions·Toinstruct,correct,anddevelopself-controlandorderlyconduct·TouseconsistentandlogicalconsequencesratherthanpunitivemeasuresOurexpectationsarethree-fold:● BeSafe:Domyactionspromoteasafeenvironmentformyselfandothers? ● BeResponsible:AmItakingresponsibilityformyactionsandtheiroutcomes? ● BeRespectful:Aremyactionsshowingconsiderationfortherightsofothers?

Fromtheseexpectations,thefollowingstandardsareobservedatalltimes:AllSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolstudentswill…

1. Bepoliteandkindtoothers,bothadultsandstudents,inspeech,action,andmanner.2. Displayrespectandprayerfulparticipationduringliturgy.3. Followallrulesandproceduresmaintainingorderlybehaviorwhileusingschoolandchurch

facilities.4. Respectpropertyoftheschoolandchurch,aswellasthepropertyofothers.5. Worktothebestofhis/herability.6. Bepreparedforclasseachdaybyhavingthenecessarymaterials.7. Beacademicallypreparedforclassbycompletingallassignmentsontime,turninginallwork,and

activelyparticipatinginclass.Teachersareempoweredtouse individualdisciplinarytechniques intheirclassroomsthatpromoteself-discipline and emphasizemutual respect and courtesy for all people. Any “Quiet Time” or “TimeOut”responsestoachild’sneedforreevaluationofaspecificbehaviorwillbedoneintheleastembarrassingandnon-threateningmanner.Self-disciplineisthegoalforeachofourstudentsand,workingtogetherasa team, the school community strives for the transition from externally imposed discipline to self-discipline.St. Maria Goretti Catholic School follows the Diocese of Fort Worth’s strict guidelines of allowing NOcorporalpunishment.CounselorAcertifiedcounselorwillbeavailabletofamiliestoservetheneedsofstudentsandparentsthroughprivatepayandconsultation.

GumStudentsmaynothaveorchewgumoncampus.Weareagum-freecampus.

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DisrespectofProperty,Stealing,VandalismAnyactwhichdemonstratesalackofintegrityorrespectforthepropertyofothersisneveracceptable.St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolwillnottoleratevandalismorstealing.Studentswhochoosetoengageinsuch activitymay be suspendedormay be expelled.Consequenceswill be left to the discretion of theprincipal.Theschoolreservestherighttosearchanythingbroughtonschoolproperty.Fighting,Harassment,orBullyingSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolrecognizesthateachpersonhasgreatdignitybecauseeachismadeintheimage and likeness of God; therefore, each person deserves respect. Respect and dignity may beunderstoodthroughtheTenCommandments;wedonotsteal,lie,cheat,hurtapersoninspiritorbody,ordoanything thatwouldhurt thedignityofanother.Such inappropriatebehaviorwillbehandledby theteacher.

InunionwithourfellowschoolsintheDioceseofFortWorth,thestaffandteachersofSt.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolwillnottoleratefighting,harassment,orbullyingonoroffcampusorwhilestudentsareundertheirsupervision.Fighting,intimidation,bullying,andharassmentofanykindareinappropriateandalso unacceptable. Depending upon the type and severity of the offense, a student may be given adisciplinaryreferraloradetention.Astudentmayalsobesuspendedorexpelled.Note:Parents,pleasecommunicatewithyourchild’steachershouldyouhaveaconcerninthisarea.InappropriateLanguageThewaywespeaktoortreatoneanotherdirectlycorrelatestorespect.Ourabilitytocommunicateisagreat gift fromGodwho sent His Son, theDivineWord, to us in complete communication of His love.Chiefly,ourspeechshouldreflectapuremindandacleanheart.BlasphemyorsacrilegeagainstGod,HisChurch,theBlessedMother,ortheangelsandsaintsarenotacceptable.Profanity,crudeorinappropriatelanguage,andrudegesturestowardotherpeoplearealsoneveracceptable.Studentsshouldalwaysshowtheutmost respect for faculty, staff, and fellow students.Violating this ethicwill result in adisciplinaryreferral.Note:Parents,pleasecommunicatewithyourchild’steachershouldyouhaveaconcerninthisarea.

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BEHAVIORPLANS

*PreK3–3rdgradebehaviorplananddisciplinaryactionswillbehandledbythehomeroomteacher.MoredetailedinformationwillbegivenatBacktoSchoolNight.4th–8thGradesSchoolBehaviorExpectationsExpectations: BeSafe BeResponsible BeRespectfulClassroom Keephandsandfeetto

yourself.Storematerialsunderyourdesk.Donotthrowobjects.

Arrivetoclassontime.Bringnecessarymaterials.Beontask.

Followdirections.Bekind.Takecareofpersonalandschoolproperty.

Recess Staywithindesignatedrecessarea.Donotplayaggressively(tackling,shoving,etc.).

Lineupassoonasyouhearthewhistle.Bringinrecessequipment.

Allowanyonetoparticipateinactivities.Preparetoenterthebuilding(tuckinyourshirt,quietyourself,etc.).

PositiveConsequences:

Natural SchoolAction● Growthinvirtue ● Helpingothers ● Self-satisfaction

● Merits

NegativeConsequences:

Natural SchoolAction● Lossofvirtue ● Damagingrelationships ● Hurtingone'ssoul

● Warning ● Demerit ● Detention ● Conference

Behaviorresultinginanautomaticdetentionor,inserioussituations,suspensionand/orexpulsionfromschool:

A) Damagingproperty*B) Fighting*C) Stealing*D) Inappropriatehandgestures*E) Cheating/plagiarism*F) Bullying*(SeedetailsinBullyingPolicytofollow)

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*Theseareexamples,notanall-inclusivelist.Procedure:Behaviorconcerns(includingdemerits)arenotedinFACTS/RenWeb.

1) Verbalwarningsorstudent/teacherconferencemaytakeplacewithanybehavioratanytime.2) Demeritsmaybegivenbyanyteacher,supervisor,orsubstituteteacher.3) If a student accumulates three demerits, that student receives a detention. Detentions will be

servedonWednesdaysfrom3:15-4:00p.m.4) Continuousdisruptionsmaycausethestudenttoberemovedfromtheclassroomandsenttothe

office.Thiswillbefollowedbyparentcontact.5) Anautomaticdetentionwillalsowarrantaconferencewiththeteacher,child,andparent.6) When a suspension is warranted, a conference will be scheduled with the student, parents,

teacher, andprincipal or assistantprincipal. Twoormore suspensionswithin the yearwill beoflongerdurationand/orprobationorexpulsion.

7) Astudentmaybeplacedonprobationwithawrittencontractwhichisthecontinuedenrollmentofastudentbutwithspecifiedconditions.

Certaincircumstancesmaywarrantawrittencontract requiringcounselingand/oroutside interventionsbefore a student is eligible to return to school. If the behavior continues, parents may be asked towithdrawtheirchildfromtheschool,ortheschoolmaybeginexpulsionprocess.Asperdiocesanpolicy,expulsioninvolvestheprincipal,pastor,andtheschoolsuperintendent.Conference with Parent, Teacher(s), and/or Administration:When a single behavior is extreme or apattern of behavior is concerning, the teacher and/or administration may call a parent conference todiscusstheconcernandaplanofaction.Pleasenote,ateacherwillalwaysbeaccompaniedbyapeeroradministratorinaconferencewithparent(s).SuspensionsSuspension isaserious response toviolations involving fighting, seriousdisrespectfulbehavior towardastaff member, an adult, or another student; stealing or any other action that endangers the safety ofothers;andanyinvolvementwithtobacco,drugs,alcohol,orweapons.St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolwillnotifythestudent’sparent/guardianoftheirsuspensionandwillrequireaconferencebeforethechildmayreturntoschool.Parents/guardiansofastudentwhoistoserveanin-schoolsuspension(ISS)willberesponsibleforpayingthedailyratetohireasubstituteteacher($80-100/day)toworkwith/monitorthestudenteachdaythestudentisservinganISS.St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolhasaZEROTOLERANCEpolicyconcerningweapons,drugs,andalcoholonschoolgrounds. Anystudentwhoviolatesthispolicyissubjecttosuspensionand/orexpulsionfromtheschool.Workmissed during suspension is due the first day a student returns to the classroom. This includesassignments to be turned in and tests to be taken. A maximum grade of 70 will be given for bothassignmentsandtests.

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Studentsparticipatinginsportsandotherextracurricularactivitieswillbesubjecttothatprogram’scodeofconductagreementaswell.Schooldisciplinaryissuescanaffectextracurricularparticipation.Student’swillnotparticipateinsportorextracurricularactivitiesduringasuspension.PLEASENOTEDIOCESANPOLICY#5220–SUSPENSIONANDEXPULSIONAddendum.

HARASSMENT/BULLYING

Harassment/Bullying Harassment is when one personmakes repeated verbal or physical contacts withanotherpersonwhodoesnotwantthesecontacts.“Repeated”isdefinedasmorethanonce.Examplesofconduct that could constitute sexual harassment include: sexual propositions, off-color jokes,inappropriatephysical contact, innuendoes, sexualoffers, looks andgestures.Harassment is consideredseriousandwillbereferredtotheadministrationforaction.

Accordingtowww.stopbullying.gov,bullyinghasthefollowingdefinition:

Bullying is unwanted, aggressivebehavior among school aged children that involves a real orperceivedpower imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullyingincludesactionssuchasmakingthreats,spreadingrumors,attackingsomeonephysicallyorverbally,andexcludingsomeonefromagrouponpurpose.

Allmembersof the school communityareexpected to contribute to thepositive climateof the school.Student behavior should reflect acceptance and respect for others. Inclusion of others is the guidingprinciple. Reported incidents of bullying will be investigated and appropriate interventions and/orconsequenceswillbeusedtoaddressthereportedincident.

ADULTBEHAVIOR

Adults are also expected to demonstrate good behavior on and off campus at activities in which ourstudentsareparticipatingorthataresponsoredbySMG.Thiswouldincludebothcoachesandspectatorsat athletic events. The actions of adults speak more powerfully to our students than words ever will.Therefore,itisanadultresponsibilitytoactinanappropriatemannerthatnotonlysetsagoodexampleforourstudentsbutalsoreflectsinapositivewayonourschool.Anyotherbehaviorthatislessthanthishigh standard and expectation will be reviewed by the school administration for action. The schoolreservestherighttoremovestudentsfromtheschoolbasedonparents’orfamilymembers’actions.

CONFISCATIONOFELECTRONICDEVICES,ETC.

Studentsarenot tobringanyof theirownelectronicequipment toschoolwithoutpermission fromtheteacher.Devicesbroughttoschoolwithoutpriorpermissionfromtheteacherwillbeconfiscated,labeledandsenttotheAssistantPrincipaland/orPrincipal.Aparentmustclaimconfiscateditems.A$15feewillalsobeassessedatthetimethedeviceispickedup.

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StudentswhoplantobringacellphonetoschoolmusthaveasignedCellPhoneAgreementonfilewiththeschool.StudentsatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolarenotallowedtohaveacellphone/deviceonduringtheschoolday.Phonesmustbeturnedoffbeforeenteringthebuildingandmaybeturnedonafterexiting the building at dismissal. Student phones need to remain off and turned into the communityholdingcenterinthehomeroomthroughouttheday.Ifastudentiscarryingthephoneontheirperson,anadultwill take the phone andbring it to theAssistant Principal and/or Principal,where the parent canretrieve it at theendof theday. A$15 feewill alsobeassessedat the time thephone ispickedup.Student use of a cell phone/devices during the restricted hours will result in disciplinary action.StudentsmaynotusephonesorelectricaldevicesduringSMEED.Theadministrationreservestherighttosearchthecontentsofaconfiscatedcellphone.

VIOLENCEANDWEAPONS

Theschoolisconcernedwithprovidingstudentsandemployeeswithasafeandproductiveenvironment.Assuch, theschoolexpresslyprohibitsanyandallactsor threatsofviolencebyoragainstanystudent,employee,familymemberofastudent,vendor,orothervisitortotheschoolfacilities.Thispolicyappliestoallstudentsandemployees,whetherornottheyareengagedinbusinessonbehalfoftheschool,andwhetherornottheyareonschoolpremises.

Inaddition,theschoolstrictlyprohibitsthepossessionof,exhibitingorthreateningtoexhibitortouse,oruseofanyandallweapons, includinghandguns,onschoolpremisesbyanystudentoremployee,familymemberofastudent,vendor,orothervisitor,whetherlicensedorunlicensedandwhetherconcealedorvisible.Schoolpremisesinclude,notonlythemainfacilities,butalsotheparkinglots,entrancesandexits,breakareas,etc.

Studentsandemployeesarefurtherprohibitedfromthepossessionof,exhibitingorthreateningtoexhibitortouse,ortheuseofanyandallweaponswhileconductingbusinessonbehalfoftheSchooloffSchoolpremises.

TheschoolisrequiredtopostsignscontainingthewrittenstatutorynoticeprohibitingbringingconcealedweaponsontheSchoolproperty.

The school administration, in accordance with state laws, will determine the appropriate disciplinarymeasures to be taken concerning the presence of these items in the school. Items taken away fromstudentswillbereturnedtotheparent(s)/guardian(s)onthelastdayoftheschoolyear.

OFF-CAMPUSMISCONDUCT

TheadministrationofSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolreservestherighttodisciplineitsstudentsforoff-campusbehaviorthatisnotinlinewithbehaviorexpectationsofitsstudents.Thisoffcampusbehaviorincludesbutisnotlimitedtocyber-bullyingandthemisuseoftechnologyandsocialmedia.

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REGISTEREDSEXOFFENDERS

Noindividual,whoisrequiredtoregisterasasexoffenderunderChapter62,CodeofCriminalProcedure,oranyotherstatute,maybeastudent.Anystudentwhoisrequiredtoregisterasasexoffendershallbeexpelledfromtheschool.

StatutoryNotificationofaSchooloftheArrestofaStudent

Article15.27oftheTexasCodeofCriminalProcedurerequiresthepolicetogiveaprivateschool,inwhichachildisenrolled,oralorwrittennotificationthatthechildhasbeenarrestedforafelonyorcertainmisdemeanors.

“(h)Thisarticleappliestoanyfelonyoffenseandthefollowingmisdemeanors:

anoffenseunderSection20.02[UnlawfulRestraint],21.08[IndecentExposure],22.01[Assault],22.05[DeadlyConduct],22.07[TerroristicThreat],or71.02[EngaginginOrganizedCrime],PenalCode;

theunlawfuluse,sale,orpossessionofacontrolledsubstance,drugparaphernalia,ormarijuana,asdefinedbyChapter481,HealthandSafetyCode;or

theunlawfulpossessionofanyoftheweaponsordeviceslistedinSections46.01(1)-(14)or(16),PenalCode,oraweaponlistedasaprohibitedweaponunderSection46.05,PenalCode.”

TheoralorwrittennotificationrequiredbyArticle15.27oftheTexasCodeofCriminalProcedureoranyotherstatutetoaschoolthatastudenthasbeenarrestedforafelonyormisdemeanorthatthelawrequiresthepolicetonotifytheschoolofthearrestisgroundsfortheexpulsionofthestudentfromtheschool.

SCHOOLLOGO

Noactivity(sports,dances,parties)maycarrythenameoftheschooloranyclasswithintheschoolunlessit is officially sanctioned by the school administration. Jerseys, shirts, or any material item includingpostingsonSocialMediamaynotincludetheschoolnameorlogowithoutpermissionfromthePastororPrincipal.

PICTURE/MEDIARELEASE

Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School uses students’ photographs in electronic media and in publicizedadvertising.TheDioceseofFortWorthrequires thateachstudenthaveaPermissiontoPublishphotoreleaseformsignedbytheirparentonfilewiththeschool.Ifaparentdoesnotwishfortheirchildtobeincluded in electronic media and/or publicized advertising, they must notify the Principal via writtennotificationbeforethefirstFridayoftheschoolyear.

POSTERS,FLYERS,ANDWRITTENCOMMUNICATION

Posters, flyers,andotherwrittencommunicationsmaybepostedatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolonlywiththeapprovalof thePrincipalorherdesignee.Theyshouldalwaysbe ingoodtasteandneatlydesigned. Thosewho postwritten communications are responsible for removing them after the event,whichtheyadvertise, iscompleted. PosterswillnotbepermittediftheyadvertiseeventswhichconflictwiththoseoftheSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool.Signs,bannerspublicpostings,orparentemailsforsports, fundraising, any events, or distribution of information, must be approved by the Principal ordesignee.

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RELAYINGMESSAGESTOSTUDENTS

To avoid the interruption of classes, only in cases of serious emergencies will telephonemessages bedelivered to studentsduringclass. Studentswillnotbecalledoutof class forphonecalls.Any studentscontactingparents through textingor callingduring the schooldaywill result inadisciplinaryactionbyschooladministration.

RETURNINGTOSCHOOLAFTERSCHOOL

Studentsarenotpermittedtoreturntotheschoolbuildingafterthe3:15PMdismissalunlessaccompaniedbyateacher. Thispolicy isdesignedfortheprotectionofyourchild inadditiontohelpingyourchildtobecomemoreorganizedandpersonallyresponsible.

TEXTBOOKS

Textbooksareexpensive,andstudentsareexpectedtotakegreatcaretoseethattheyarenotabused.Textbooks are required to be covered at all times. Though normal wear is expected and reasonable,damage beyond this normal wear will be assessed fines. When students are issued textbooks at thebeginning of the school year, they will complete a textbook information form, noting any pre-existingdamagetothebook(s).Theseformswillbekeptonfileandreviewedattheendoftheyearwhenstudentsturnintheirtextbooks.Bookdamagefineswillbebasedonthefollowingguidelines:

BentCorners $1.50ea.corner

InkMarks $.50-$1.50ea.mark

Marker One-halftowholecostofbook

MinorDamage $2.00-$5.00

MajorDamage Newbookcosttoreplace

LostBooks Chargedatreplacementcostofnewbook

ASSOCIATIONS

AnelectedSchoolAdvisoryCouncilassistsandadvisestheadministration.Thisbodyworkstoensurethefinancialandphysicalwell-beingoftheschool.Unlikegovernmentbodies,itisnotresponsibleforhiringorsupervising teachers or disciplining children.Meetings areopen, and interestedparties arewelcome toattend.Themeetingdatesarelistedontheschoolcalendar.

The Home and School Association fosters greater interest, understanding, and cooperation amongparents,teachersandstudents.Thefundraisingcontributionshelpmaintainoperatingcostsandprovideteachingaids.EachfamilysendingachildtoSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolisconsideredamemberoftheAssociationandisencouragedtoattendsponsoredactivities.

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VISITORS

Teacherswill not permit visitors to classwithout a notification fromadministration. The administrationreservestherighttolimitthenumberofvisitorsonagivenschoolday.Visitorsshouldbedirectlyrelatedto the student (immediate family). All other visitors should be accompanied by the SaintMariaGorettistudent’sparentforthevisit.

KEEPINGOURCHILDRENANDYOUTHSAFE

ThediocesehasprovidedschoolprogramsforgradesPreK-8tohelpchildrenprotectthemselvesagainstabuse.Theactivitiesareageappropriateandledbytheclassroomteacher.AllvolunteersarerequiredtohavetakenVirtusTraining (formerlySafeandSacredTraining)prior toparticipating inschoolactivitieswheretheywillbeindirectcontactwithchildren.

LEGALAGENT

Noparentorstudenthastheauthoritytosignanyagreementorcontractfortheschool.OnlythePastorandthePresident/PrincipalarelegalagentsoftheBishopinmattersofcontracts.

CHILDABUSELAWS

SaintMaria Goretti Catholic School abides by the Child Abuse laws of the State of Texas. This lawmandatesthatallcasesofsuspectedabuseand/orneglectbereportedtoChildProtectiveServices.

CUSTODIALRIGHTS

Saint Maria Goretti Catholic School adheres to the Buckley Amendment (Family Education Rights andPrivacy Act) in regard to privacy of student records and the rights of non-custodial parents. It is theresponsibilityoftheparentstoshareanyofficialcustodialinformationdecidedthroughthecourts.OfficialcustodialagreementswillbekeptinaconfidentialfileintheofficeofthePrincipal.Intheabsenceofanycourt document, the school will view each parent as having full legal custody of his/her child. In theabsenceofa courtorder to thecontrary,non-custodialparentshave the right to receive recordsabouttheirchild’sacademicprogressorlackthereof.Theschoolreservestherighttochargeashippingandprocessingfeeforextrarecordssenttomorethanonehomeaddress.Beadvisedthatifateacherissubpoenaedtotestifyinachildcustodycase,theparentwill pay the cost of a substitute teacher and any other costs associated with the testimony (mileage,parking,food,etc.).From time to time, the school may be required to retain outside legal counsel to respond to parentrequestsordemands, requestsor subpoenas for testimonyordocuments in legalproceedings towhichtheschool isnotaparty,or toaddressother issuesaffectingor involvingonlyoneora fewstudentsorfamilies.Insuchsituations,theschoolistypicallyrequiredtoexpendfinitefinancialresourcestoaddressanissuewhichotherwiseaffectsonlyaverysmallportionoftheschoolcommunity.Insuchsituations,theschoolwill require the family or families involved to reimburse the school for attorney’s fees, costs ofcourt,andotherexpensesincurred(including,withoutlimitation,thecosttosecuresubstitutestaffwhenschoolpersonnelaresubpoenaedtotestifyincourtproceedings).

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Accordingly,eachpersonwhoacknowledgeshisorheragreementtothecontentsofthishandbook,eitherby written or electronic signature or by enrolling a student in the school, agrees that, in the school’sabsoluteandsolediscretion,heorsheshall indemnifyandreimbursetheschoolandrepresentativesondemandfromandforanyandallattorney’sfeesandrelatedcostsincludingwithoutlimitationthecostofrespondingtorequestsfordocumentsorotherrecordsorinformationarisingfrom,inconnectionwith,orrelated to 1) a violation of any provision of this handbook, 2) any request or demandmade upon theschoolwhichpertainstoalegalproceedingtowhichtheschoolisnotaparty,3)threateningorharassingcommunicationsdirectedtoanyindemnitee,or4)threatenedoractuallitigationagainstanyindemniteewhichdoesnotresultinafinalandappealablejudgmentadversetotheindemnitee.

RIGHTTOAMMEND

St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchoolreservestherighttoamendthisHandbook.Noticeofamendmentswillbesenttoparentsviatheweeklynewsletterorthroughemailcommunication.

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ACCEPTABLEUSEPOLICY

DiocesanPolicy6200.UseofTechnology

AccesstothetechnologyresourcesintheCatholicSchoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorth,includingtheInternet,shallbemadeavailableprimarilyforinstructionalandadministrativepurposes.Accesstotheschool'scomputers,network,andInternetresourcesisaprivilege,notaright.AllusersshallhavetheresponsibilitytousetheequipmentandsoftwarewithcareandtocomplywiththeDiocese’sAcceptableUsePolicy.Teachersmaygrantstudentsaccesstotheschool’stechnologyasdeemedappropriatebytheteacher.Usersoftheschool’stechnologyshallnotpurposefullyaccessmaterialsthatareconsideredanUnacceptableUseasdefinedhereinafter.IndividualsmakinganUnacceptableUseoftheschool’stechnologywillbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction,whichmayinclude,butnotbelimitedto,terminationofemploymentorexpulsionfromtheschool.

InternetTerms,Conditions,andRegulations

ItisthepolicyoftheCatholicschoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorthtorequiretheAcceptableuseoftheInternetandrelatedtechnologiesbyallemployees,volunteers,patrons,guests,andstudentsassetforthbelow.Accessprivilegesmayberevoked,disciplinaryactionmaybetaken,and/orappropriatelegalactiontakenforanyUnacceptableUseoftheschool'stechnology.

AcceptableUse—TheuseofInternetandrelatedtechnologiesmustbeinsupportofeducationandresearchandconsistentwiththeeducationalandreligiousobjectivesoftheCatholicschoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorth.Useofotherorganizations’networksorcomputingresourcesmustcomplywiththerulesappropriateforthesenetworks.

UnacceptableUse—TransmissionofanymaterialinviolationofanyU.S.orstateregulationisprohibited.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto:copyrightedmaterial,threatening,violent,orobscenematerial,ormaterialprotectedbytradesecret.Useforcommercialactivitiesisnotacceptable.Useforproductadvertisement,politicallobbying,gameplaying,unauthorized“chat,”orchainlettercommunicationisalsoprohibited.Otherexamplesofunacceptableinformationarepornography,informationonbombs,inappropriatelanguageandcommunications,flameletters,etc.

Actsofvandalismareprohibited.Vandalismisdefinedasanymaliciousattempttoharmordestroydataofanotheruserortodamagehardwareorsoftware.Thisincludes,butisnotlimitedto,theuploadingorcreationofcomputerviruses.Unauthorizeduseofanother’scomputer,accessaccounts,and/orfilesisprohibited.

Privileges—TheuseoftheInternetandrelatedtechnologiesisaprivilege,notaright,andUnacceptableUsewillresultincancellationofthoseprivileges andmaysubjecttheindividualtodisciplinaryaction,whichmayinclude,butnotbelimitedtoterminationofemploymentor,expulsionfromtheschool.EachuserwhoisprovidedaccesstoInternetandrelatedtechnologieswillparticipateinatrainingsessionwithassignedstaffperson(s)concerningtheproperuseofthenetwork.Thefaculty,staff,orparent/guardianmayrequesttheadministratorordesigneetodeny,revoke,orsuspendaspecificuser’saccesstotheInternetandrelatedtechnologies.

Copyright—ItisthepolicyoftheCatholicschoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorththatallemployees,volunteers,patrons,guests,andstudentswillabidebythefederalcopyrightlaws.Employees,volunteers,patrons,guests,andstudentsmaycopyprintornon-printmaterialsallowedby:

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● copyrightlaw ● fairuseguidelines ● specificlicensesorcontractualagreements ● othertypesofpermission

Employees,volunteers,patrons,guests,andstudentswhowillfullydisregardcopyrightlawareinviolationoftheCatholicschoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorthpolicy,doingsoattheirownriskandassumingallliability.

Other

● Securityproblemsmustbepromptlyreportedtothesupervisingadult.Userswillnotifythesupervisorimmediatelyifanyindividualistryingtocontacthim/herforillicitorsuspiciousactivities.

● Usersshallnotrevealtheirpersonalhomeaddress,phonenumber,orpersonalinformationaboutanyoneelse.Users’personalidentifieronanyE-mailmustusetheschooladdressonly.

● Nosoftwareofanykindmaybebroughtfromhomeforuseinanyschoolcomputer.Allschoolsoftwaremustbeproperlypurchasedordonated,includinglicenses.

● Networkaccountsaretobeusedonlybytheauthorizedowneroftheaccountfortheauthorizedpurpose.

● Usersshallnotintentionallyseekinformationon,obtaincopiesof,ormodifyfiles,otherdata,orpasswordsbelongingtootherusers,ormisrepresentotherusersonthenetwork.

● Malicioususeofthenetworktodevelopprogramsthatharassotherusersorinfiltrateacomputerorcomputingsystemand/ordamagethesoftwarecomponentsofacomputerorcomputingsystemisprohibited.

● PriorapprovalisrequiredfromtheschoolforListservesusebyorforEmployees,volunteers,patrons,guests,andstudents.

6205ONLINESOCIALMEDIA

AlthoughthispolicycloselymirrorstheDiocesanpolicyonsocialmedia,duetothespecial,privilegedandpowerfulrelationshipbetweenaCatholicschoolanditsparentsandstudents,sectionsofthispolicyaremorerestrictive.ThefirstlegaldutyofaCatholicschoolistokeepthoseentrustedtothemsafe.

TheCatholicschoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorthacknowledgetherightofemployeestousepersonalwebsites,socialnetworks,wikis,weblogsandotheremergingtechnologiesnotonlyasaformofself-expression,and,intheirindividualcapacity,asameanstofurthertheworkoftheChurch.Additionally,thesamerulesthatapplytoschoolemployee’smessagingandcommunicationsintraditionalmediaapplyintheonlinesocialmediaspace.Thisspecificallymeansthatteachersandallschoolstaff,includingsubstitutesandvolunteers,arenevertousesocialmediatodirectlycommunicate,interactorresponddirectlytostudentsunlessthatsocialmediaisoperated,controlledanddirectedbytheschoolitself.Simplybecausethedevelopmentandimplementationofanonlinesocialmediaprogramcanbefast,easy,andinexpensive,doesnotmeanthatdifferentrulesapply.Schoolemployeesshouldbearinmindthatpostingofcertaincomments,photos,linksorreferencestothirdpartywebsitesandinformationonwebsites,socialnetworks,wikisandweblogsmayhaveaharmfuleffectontheChurchanditsschools,theirreputation,andtheiremployees.

Inlightofthispossibility,schoolemployeesarerequiredtoadheretothefollowingpolicyregardingtheuseofpersonalandprofessionalwebsites,socialnetworks,wikis,weblogsandotheremerging

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technologies.ThispolicysupportsotherrelatedDiocesanandschoolpolicies,includingAcceptableTechnologyUseandtheCodeofConduct&BehaviorStandardsforAllClergy,ReligiousandLayMinisters.

Schoolemployeesmayonlyaccesswebsites,weblogs,wikisandsocialnetworksforlegitimateprofessionaljob-relatedpurposesduringtheworkdaywiththeapprovaloftheirdirectsupervisor.Schoolemployeesarenottocreate,postorotherwiseaccessweblogs,personalsocialnetworks,wikisorpersonalwebsitesforpersonaluseduringnormalschoolworkinghours.Employeesshouldexercisesoundjudgmentandcommonsensetopreventonlinesocialmediasitesfrombecomingadistractionatwork.

IfyouidentifyyourselfasanemployeeofaCatholicschoolonapersonalwebsite,weblogorsocialnetwork,youmustmakeitcleartoyourreadersthattheviewsyouexpressareyoursaloneandthatyourviewsdonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsoftheDioceseoritsschools.IntheeventthatyouidentifyyourselfasanemployeeofaCatholicschoolonapersonalwebsite,weblog,wikiorsocialnetwork,tohelpreducethepotentialforconfusion,youarerequiredtoputthefollowingnoticeinareasonableprominentplaceonyoursite(e.g.,atthebottomofyourpersonalprofilepage)inatleastasize12fontbolded:

“Theviewsexpressedonthiswebsite/weblog/socialnetworkareminealoneanddonotnecessarilyreflecttheviewsofmyemployer.”

● Schoolemployeesareprohibitedfromdisclosingonpersonalorprofessionalwebsites,weblogs,wikisorsocialnetworks,anyinformationthatisconfidentialorproprietarytotheDiocese,itsschoolsortoanythirdpartythathasdisclosedinformationtotheDioceseoritsschools.

● Theschoolhasexclusiveownershiprightswithrespecttocertainconceptsanddevelopmentsyouproducethatarerelatedtoschoolbusiness.Employeesmaynotuseschooltrademarksontheirsiteorreproduceanyschoolmaterialsorlogos.PleaseconsultwithyourPrincipalifyouhavequestionsaboutappropriatenessofpublishinganythingthatmayberelatedtotheschoolonyoursite.

● Schoolemployeesmaynotusethecopyrights,trademarks,rightsofpublicity,andotherthird-partyrightsintheonlinesocialmediaspace,includingwithregardtouser-generatedcontent(UGC),withoutthenecessarypermissionsoftherightsholder(s).

● Schoolemployeesareprohibitedfromprovidingalinkorotherwisereferringtotheschoolwebsiteontheirpersonalwebsite,socialnetworks,wikisorweblogswithoutconsultingwithandobtainingtheapprovalofthePrincipalofthespecificschool.

● Schoolemployeesshallnotallowanyobscene,harassing,offensive,derogatoryordefamatorycommentsandimageswhichreflects/discreditsorcausesembarrassmenttotheDioceseanditsschools,theiremployees,patrons,vendors,partners,affiliates,agencies,students,andothersonpersonal,theschool’sandprofessionalwebsites,anyothersocialnetworks,wikisorweblogs.

● AllsocialmediabeingusedbyCatholicentitiesmustbeclearlybrandedinorderprovideinstitutionalauthorityaswellasavoidconfusion.UnlessyouhavebeenofficiallyauthorizedinwritingtospeakoractonbehalfofaCatholicentity,employeesareprohibitedtousesuchbrandingsorcreatesecondarysocialmediasitesthatgivetheillusionofbeingauthoritative.

● AllsocialmediausedbyCatholicentitiesmustcomplywiththeMinimumSocialMediaRequirementscontainedinPolicy6210.

Theschoolreservestherighttoregularlymonitoranyandallschool-basedcomputers.Inaddition,itisthepolicyoftheCatholicschoolsoftheDioceseofFortWorththateveryportableinformation/datastorage

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deviceusedbyaschoolstaffmemberorstudentmaybeexaminedatanytimebecauseitmaycontainsomethingdangerous.

● Theschoolreservestherighttomonitorprofessionalwebsites,socialnetworks,wikisorweblogscreatedonschoolcomputersduringthecourseofanormalworkday,oronschoolcomputersonpersonaltime.

● Onceinformationispublishedonline,itisessentiallypartofapermanentrecord,evenifyou"remove/delete"itlaterorattempttomakeitanonymous.Ifyourcompletethought,alongwithitscontext,cannotbesqueezedintoacharacter-restrictedspace(suchasTwitter),providealinktoanonlinespacewherethemessagecanbeexpressedcompletelyandaccurately.

● Theschoolrequiresthatyouconfineyourpersonalwebsite,socialnetworkorweblogcommentarytotopicsunrelatedtotheDioceseoritsschools(orincertaincases,thatyoutemporarilysuspendyourwebsiteorweblogactivityaltogether)ifitbelievesthisisnecessaryoradvisabletoensurecompliancewiththispolicyorfederalandstatelaws.

● SchoolemployeeswillcomplywithallaspectsoftheChildren’sOnlinePrivateProtectionAct(COPPA).Employeesareforbiddentopostordistributepersonalidentifiableinformationincludingpicturesonanychildundertheageofeighteenwithoutparentalconsent.Personalidentifiableinformationincludesname,homeaddress,emailaddress,telephonenumberoranyinformationthatwouldallowsomeonetoidentifyorcontactachild.Ifwrittenverifiableconsentisobtainedfromaparent,itisimportantthattheparenthasapprovedtheinformationthatistobeprovidedandhasfullknowledgeofitsuse,purposeandhowtheinformationisgoingtobeprovided.Likewise,parentsshouldbemadeawarethattheschoolismakinguseofonlyschool-controlledwebsites,socialnetworks,weblogsandotheremergingtechnologiestocommunicatewithstudents.

Schoolemployeeswillmodelsafeandeffectiveuseoftechnologyforstudentsincludingdevelopmentallyappropriateinstructionsonresponsibilityassociatedwiththeuseoftechnologyandthepossibledangersassociatedwithtechnology.

SchoolemployeeswhoviolatethisOnlineSocialMediapolicywillbesubjecttodisciplinaryaction,uptoandincludingtermination.Ifyouhavequestionsaboutthispolicyoranymatterrelatedtoyoursitethatthispolicydoesnotaddress,pleaseconsultwiththePrincipalofyourschool.

6210THEMINIMUMSOCIALMEDIAREQUIREMENTS

Thefollowingguidelinesarerequiredforschoolswishingtoestablishsocialmedia.Theserequirementsapplytoallcurrentandfuturesocialmedia,includingbutnotlimitedtowebsites,wikis,Facebook,Twitter,blogsandotheremergingtechnologies.

● Siteadministratorsmustbeadultsand/orapprovedemployeesoftheschool ● Theremustbeatleasttwositeadministratorsforeachsitetoallowforrapidresponseand

continuousmonitoringandupdatingofthesite. ● AllsocialmediamustbereviewedbythePrincipalorthePastorbeforeimplementationtoensureit

isnotinconflictwithcurrentstandards,policiesandCatholicteachings. ● Personalsitesshallnotbeusedinconnectionwithschoolprogramsortocommunicatewith

students.StudentsaredefinedasanyandallstudentsenrolledinaCatholicschoolintheDioceseofFortWorth.

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● Passwords,namesofthesitesandthesiteaddressesorsitelocationinformationshallberegisteredinacentrallocationintheschoolandatleasttwo(2)adultsmusthaveaccesstothisinformation.

Inestablishingaschoolsite,knowandabidebythesekey“RulesoftheRoad”:

● Abidebyalldiocesan,parishand/orschoolguidelines ● AllcommunicationbyschoolemployeesreflectontheChurchandtheschool ● Donotclaimorinanywaygivetheimpressionortheappearanceofrepresentingtheofficial

positionoftheschoolortheteachingsoftheChurch,unlessyouhavewrittenauthorizationtodoso.

● Allschoolsocialmediasitesshallbeclearlybrandedandidentifiedtoprovideinstitutionalauthorityandtoavoidconfusion.

● Abidebyallcopyright,fairuseandfinancialdisclosurelaws. ● Neverdivulgeconfidentialinformation. ● Donotciteothers,postphotographsorvideosofotherindividualsorlinktotheirmaterialwithout

expresswrittenapproval.Mediainvolvingminorsmusthavewrittenparentalapproval. ● PracticeChristiancharity.

STUDENTSCANBEHELDACCOUNTABLEBYTHESCHOOLFORTHEINAPPROPRIATEUSEOFSOCIALMEDIAWHILEOFFCAMPUSIFTHISBEHAVIORBECOMESDISRUPTIVETOTHELEARNINGENVIRONMENTOFTHESCHOOL.CONSEQUENCESCANBEADMINISTEREDIFASTUDENT’SUSEOFSOCIALMEDIACONFLICTSWITHOURDIOCESANACCEPTABLEUSEPOLICY,THESCHOOL'SBULLYINGPOLICYORTHETEACHINGSOFTHECATHOLICCHURCH.

AcceptableUsePoliciesforInternetAccess

TelecommunicationsaccessatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolisprovidedforthepurposeofstudentenrichmentinelementaryandjuniorhighinpreparationforhighereducationandultimatelytoprovidestudentwithskillsforlifelonglearning.StudentsandparentsagreetosupportalllegalandethicalguidelinesestablishedbytheSMGAdvisoryCouncilandAdministration.

● AlluseoftheInternetmustbeinsupportofeducationandresearchandconsistentwiththemissionoftheCatholicschool.

● Theusermustabidebyacceptableuserulesofanynetworkbeingused/accessed. ● AnyuseoftheInternettofacilitateillegalactivityisprohibited. ● AnyuseoftheInternetforcommercialorfor-profitpurposesisprohibited. ● AnyuseoftheInternetforadvertisementorpoliticallobbyingisprohibited. ● Unauthorizeduseofcopyrightedmaterialisprohibited. ● Networkaccountsaretobeusedonlybytheauthorizedowneroftheaccountfortheauthorized

purpose. ● ElectroniccommunicationstoandfromSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolshouldreflectthe

Christianprinciplesandeducationalgoalsoftheschool.

OnlyInternetServiceProvider(ie.Comcast,Charter,TimeWarner,SBCGlobal,ATT,etc.)addresseswillbeacceptableforelectronicmailaccess.AccesstoWorldWideWeb(ie.Yahoo,Gmail,MicrosoftLive,MSN,andetc.)servicesareprohibitedonschoolcomputers/devices.

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Netiquette

● Bepolite. ● Donotusevulgarorobscenelanguage. ● Usersshallnotintentionallyseekinformationon,obtaincopiesof,ormodifyfiles,otherdataor

passwordsbelongingtootherusers,ormisrepresentthemselvesontheInternet. ● AllcommunicationsandinformationaccessibleviatheInternetshouldbeassumedtobeprivate

property. ● Donotintentionallydisruptthenetworkorotherusers. ● Nouseofthenetworkshallservetodisrupttheuseofthenetworkbyother;hardwareorsoftware

shallnotbedestroyed,modifiedorabusedinanyway. ● Usecautionwhenrevealingyouraddressorphonenumber(orthoseofothers). ● Electronicmailisnotguaranteedtobeprivate. ● Postingofanonymousmessagesisprohibited. ● Abidebygenerallyacceptedrulesofnetworketiquetteandethics.

InappropriateUsesofTechnology

● Hatemail,harassment,discriminatoryremarks,andotherantisocialbehaviorareprohibited. ● Theillegalinstallationofcopyrightedsoftwareforuseonschoolcomputersisprohibited. ● Textingbetweenstudentsandteachersand/orstaffmembersofSMGSchoolisprohibited. ● “Friending”onsocialnetworkingsitesbetweenstudentsandteachersand/orstaffmembersofSMG

Schoolisprohibited. ● AccessingmusicorvideoservicessuchasSpotify,Pandora,Amazon,iTunes,Netflix,etc.byStudents

withoutpriorpermissionatSMGSchoolisprohibited.

InappropriatePostingstotheInternet,Texting,orCyberBullyingStudentsshouldbeawarethatthetextingoforpostingofinappropriate,vulgar,threatening,ordemeaningstatementsorimagesontheinternetwillsubjectthemtoschooldisciplineforengaginginsuchbehavior.Whilethetextingorpostingofdemeaningorthreateningstatementsmaynothaveoccurredonschooltimeorutilizedschoolequipment,they,nonetheless,havethepotentialtonegativelyimpacttheschool’seffortstomaintainasafeanddignifiedlearningenvironmentforallstudents.EngaginginCalumny,detraction,orotheroffensesagainstthedignityofothersviatextmessageorontheinternetwillbedisciplinedaccordingtotheschool’sDisciplineSystem.Theschoolhastherighttodemandthatastudentremovesuchpostingsasaconditionofhis/hercontinuedenrollmentintheschool.Whileoncampusorusingschoolequipment,studentsshouldnotaccesssocialnetworkingsitessuchasFacebook,Instagram,Twitter,Snapchat,Vine,etc.

Blogs

Engagementinonlineblogssuchas,butnotlimitedtoFacebook,etc.mayresultindisciplinaryactionsifthecontentofthestudentorparent’sblogincludesdefamatorycommentsregardingtheschool,thefaculty,otherstudentsortheparish.

Noparentshouldopen/post/tweet/commenttoasocialmediablogsitesuchasaFacebook,Twitter,etc.accountunderthenameoftheschooloraparticulargradeororganization.TheonlyofficialSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolFacebook®pageistheonecreatedandmonitoredbytheSMGstaff.Aparentwho

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choosestocreate/contributetosuchanaccountmaysubjecthis/herchild(ren)toseparationfromtheschool.

SocialMediaPostingsofStudentPhotographs

SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolworkstoprotecttheconfidentialityrightsofallstudents.TheFamilyEducationRightsandPrivacyActof1973(FERPA)andtheChildProtectionActof2012(CPA)weredesignedtoprotectpersonallyidentifiableinformationofminors.SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchooladherestotheselawsinitsattempttoprotecttheprivacyrightsofallstudents.Asaresult,theparentsofstudentsenrolledatSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolareforbiddenfrompostingphotographstakenatschoolsponsoredeventsthatincludetheimagesofstudentsotherthantheirownchildwithoutparentpermissionontheirpersonalFacebook®pageandothersocialmediasites.SuchpostingsareaviolationoftheSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool’sadherencetoFERPAandtheChildProtectionAct.ThestudentsofparentswhopostsuchphotosmaybeseparatedfromSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool.

Instagram®andotherSocialMediaResources:

AsstatedintheSocialMediaPolicy,photosandcaptionsonastudentorparent’sInstagram®oranyotherSocialMediaResourcesaccountthatdepicttheschool,thefaculty,otherstudents,ortheparishinadefamatorywaymayresultindisciplinaryaction.

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DISABILITYDISCRIMINATIONCOMPLAINTPROCESS

Section504oftheRehabilitationActof1973isafederalstatutethatprohibitsdiscriminationonthebasisofdisability.ThepurposeofthisComplaintReviewProcessistoprovideastructureforbringingaboutresolutionandreconciliationwhendisagreementsarisebetweenaschoolfamilyandtheSchoolarisingoutofastudent’sphysicalormentalimpairmentordisability.

EveryoneinvolvedintheComplaintReviewProcessistobefreefromrestraint,coercion,discrimination,orretaliationinanyform.TheComplaintReviewProcessshouldbeusedwhenissuesariseattheschoolrelatingtoyourchild’sdisabilitythathaveasignificantimpactonyourchildandyouhavebeenunabletoreacharesolutionwithyourchild’steachersorothermembersoftheSchoolstaff.

I.InitialComplaintProcess

1. Ifyouhaveacomplaintordisagreementregardingyourchild’sdisability,youshouldfirsttrytoresolveyourcomplaintbydiscussingitpromptlywiththeperson(s)involved.

2. Ifyoucannotreacharesolutionoryouarenotcomfortablewithdiscussingtheissuewiththeperson(s)directlyinvolved,youmaybringthemattertothePrincipaloftheschool.NotificationtothePrincipalmustbewrittenandwithinfifteen(15)daysoftheeventwhichisthesubjectofyourcomplaint.IfyoudonotsubmitawrittencomplainttothePrincipalwithinthefifteen(15)dayperiod,yourcomplaintwillbeconsidereduntimely.

3. ThePrincipalwillconductaninvestigationaspromptlyaspossible.Thescopeandnatureoftheinvestigationwilldependonthenatureoftheissuepresented.Thegoalistoachieveajustresolutionandreconciliationwitheveryoneconcerned.Thepartiesareadvisedtomaintainconfidentiality.ThePrincipalwilladviseyouinwritingoftheoutcomeoftheinvestigationandhisorherdecisionofsubmissionofyourwrittencomplaint.

II.ReviewLevel

1. IfyoudisagreewiththedecisionofthePrincipal,youmayappealthedecisioninwritingtothenextlevelforreviewwithinfifteen(15)daysfromthedateofthePrincipal’swrittendecisionoryourappealwillbeconsidereduntimely.TherequestforreviewmustbesenttotheSuperintendentoftheCatholicschoolsoftheCatholicDioceseofFortWorth.ThesuperintendentcanbereachedattheaddressofTheCatholicCenter,800WestLoop820South,FortWorth,Texas76108-2919,andtelephonenumber(817)560-3300.

2. Thesuperintendentwillsetthedate,time,andlocationforthereview.Yourreviewmaybeconductedbyasinglepersonorbyarepresentativecommittee,asthecasewarrants.Allpersonsinvolvedinthecomplaintmayselectsomeonetohelpinpreparationforthereview,toattendthehearing,andtoprovidesupportduringtheprocess.Noattorneysareallowedtoappearatorparticipateinthehearing.

Thehearingwillbesetafterreceiptofyourrequestforreview,givingconsiderationtotheschedulesofallpersonsinvolved.

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AttheReviewHearing:

1. Youexplainyourcomplaint,presentrelevantdocumentation,andanswerquestionsthereviewer(s)mayhave.

2. Thereviewer(s)interview(s),orotherpartiesinvolvedinthecase,givingeachanopportunitytorespondtothecomplaintandpresentrelevantfactsanddocumentation.

3. Thereviewer(s)willencouragethepartiestoreconciletheirdifferencesandcometoamutualagreementonsomeorallissues.

4. Ifthecomplaintcannotberesolvedatthereviewhearing,thereviewer(s)willprepareafinal,bindingdecision,whichwillbecommunicatedtoallparties,inwriting,withinten(10)daysofthehearing.Thedecisionofthereviewer(s)isfinalandisnottobesubjecttoanyothergrievance,arbitration,review,orreconciliationprocedureoftheCatholicDioceseofFortWorth.

5. YourparticipationinthisComplaintReviewProcessdoesnotpreventyoufrommakingacomplainttoanapplicablegovernmentagency.

HOWTOREQUESTAMINORADJUSTMENTPURSUANTTOSECTION504OFTHEREHABILITATIONACTOF1973

Ifyoufeelthatyourchildwithadisabilityneedsaminoradjustmenttoenablehim/hertoparticipateinthegeneraleducationcurriculumoftheschool,pleasetalktoyourchild’steacherand/orPrincipaloftheschool.Bepreparedtosubmitmedicaldocumentationtoverifybothyourchild’sdisabilityandthenatureandextentoftherequestedminoradjustment.

StudentNon-DiscriminationPolicy

Theschool,mindfulofitsmissiontobeawitnesstotheloveofChristforall,admitsstudentsregardlessofrace,color,nationality,and/orethnicorigintoallrights,privileges,programs,andactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool.

Theschooldoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,disability,sex,nationalityand/orethnicoriginintheadministrationofeducationalpoliciesandpractices,scholarshipprograms,andathleticandotherschool-administeredprograms,althoughcertainathleticleaguesandotherprogramsmaylimitparticipation.

Whiletheschooldoesnotdiscriminateagainststudentswithspecialneeds,afullrangeofservicesmaynotalwaysbeavailabletothem.Decisionsconcerningtheadmissionandcontinuedenrollmentofastudentintheschoolarebaseduponthestudent’semotional,academic,andphysicalabilities,andtheresourcesavailabletotheschoolinmeetingthestudent’sneeds.

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SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool(Pre-Kindergarten–1stGrade)

Parents’Permission,ReleaseandIndemnityforFieldTripsPleaseread,signandreturnthistopportiontoschool.

Irequestthatmychild,___________________________________, attendandbepermittedtoparticipateinthefieldtripwith__________________________________ classon_______________________________________ To_________________________________________________________________________________________.Cost:______________________________ Theeducationalpurposeofthisfieldtripis:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tothebestofmyknowledgehe/sheisphysicallyfittoengageinsuchactivityandisnotsufferingfromanydiseaseor injury. Iagreeanddoherebywaiveandreleaseall claimsagainstSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolandanyteacher,employee,orotherpersonengagedintheactivityinquestionandagreetoholdthemharmlessfromanyandall liability relating tomyson/daughter foranypersonal injuryor illness thatmaybesufferedorany lossofproperty that may occur to my son/daughter. If an emergency arises and the parents cannot be reached, Iauthorizeanynecessarytreatment.______________________________________________________________________________ (Signatureofparent/guardian) (Date)__________________________________________Phonenumberwhereparentcanbereached Icandriveonthisfieldtrip (pleasecircleone):YesNoKeepinginmindthateverystudentrequiresaseparateseatbeltandthatstudentsundertheageof12maynotsitinthefrontseat,howmanystudentsareyouabletotransport?__________________Ifdrivingforanyschooltrip,acurrentandcorrectDriverInformationSheetmustbeonfileintheschooloffice.

LauraBehee,M.Ed.,Principal 08-2019revised———————————————————————————————————————————————

Pleaseretainthissectionforyourinformation.SENDABOOSTERSEATFORYOURCHILDDateofFieldTrip:________________ Place:______________________________ Class:__________________

Times: Leaveschoolat_____________________ Return to schoolat_______________________ Lunch: _____Bringsacklunchandboxeddrink_____WilleatatschoolasusualDress: _____inuniform_____outofuniformSpecialInformation:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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SaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchool(2nd–8thGrades)

Parents’Permission,ReleaseandIndemnityforFieldTripsPleaseread,signandreturnthistopportiontoschool.

Irequestthatmychild,___________________________________ ,attendandbepermittedtoparticipateinthefieldtripwith______________________________________ classon___________________________________ To_________________________________________________________________________________________. Cost:________________________________ Theeducationalpurposeofthisfieldtripis:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tothebestofmyknowledgehe/sheisphysicallyfittoengageinsuchactivityandisnotsufferingfromanydiseaseor injury. Iagreeanddoherebywaiveandreleaseall claimsagainstSaintMariaGorettiCatholicSchoolandanyteacher,employee,orotherpersonengagedintheactivityinquestionandagreetoholdthemharmlessfromanyandall liability relating tomyson/daughter foranypersonal injuryor illness thatmaybesufferedorany lossofproperty that may occur to my son/daughter. If an emergency arises and the parents cannot be reached, Iauthorizeanynecessarytreatment.__________________________________________________________________________ (Signatureofparent/guardian) (Date)_______________________________________Phonenumberwhereparentcanbereached Icandriveonthisfieldtrip (pleasecircleone):YesNoKeepinginmindthateverystudentrequiresaseparateseatbeltandthatstudentsundertheageof12maynotsitinthefrontseat,howmanystudentsareyouabletotransport?___________________ Ifdrivingforanyschooltrip,acurrentandcorrectDriverInformationSheetmustbeonfileintheschooloffice. LauraBehee,M.Ed.,Principal 08-2019revised

————————————————————————————————————————————————Pleaseretainthissectionforyourinformation.

DateofFieldTrip:_______________________ Place:__________________________ Class:_______________

Times: Leaveschoolat___________________ Returntoschoolat_____________________ Lunch: _____Bringsacklunchandboxeddrink_____WilleatatschoolasusualDress: _____inuniform_____outofuniformSpecialInformation:___________________________________________________________________________

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SOCIALMEDIAACKNOWLEDGEMENTFORM

IhavereceivedandreadacopyoftheDiocesanSchoolPolicy#6205OnlineSocialMedia.I have also received and read a copyof theDiocesan School Policy #6210TheMinimumSocialMediaRequirements.Iunderstandbothpolicystatementsandagreethatallstudentmembers of my family will abide by the standards set forth in both policies. I furtheracknowledge that any violation of these policies by a studentmember ofmy familywillresultindisciplinaryactionagainstthestudentmember(s)ofmyfamilyuptoandincludingexpulsionfromtheschool.

ONEFORMPERSTUDENTFamilyName:__________________________________________________________Date: StudentName: HomeRoomTeacher:_________________________________________________NameofSchool:St.MariaGorettiCatholicSchool ParentSignature: StudentSignature:__________________________________________

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St. Maria Goretti Catholic School

Cell Phone Policy Students at St. Maria Goretti Catholic School are not allowed to have a cell phone on during the school day. Phones must be turned off before entering the building and may be turned on after exiting the building at 3:15PM. Student phones need to remain off and in their homerooms throughout the day. If a student is caught using a cell phone during the restricted hours and/or carrying the phone on their person, an adult will take the phone and bring it to the Assistant Principal and/or Principal, where the parent can retrieve it at the end of the day. A $15.00 fee will be assessed at the time the phone is picked up. Student’s Printed Name ____________________________________ Student’s Signature ________________________________________ Parent’s Printed Name ______________________________________ Parent’s Signature _________________________________________ Student’s Cell Phone Number ________________________________ Date _________________________________________________

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What is SPIRIT? SPIRIT stands for St. Maria Goretti Parents Involved to Render Inspiration and Time and is the name of the volunteer program at SMG. All families are required to volunteer a minimum of 40 hours for the school throughout the year.

Why do we have this program? Volunteer hours are crucial to helping ensure the smooth daily operation of the school, help manage special events and activities, and keep costs and tuition low. At least 10 hours of your 40 hour commitment MUST be related to our major fundraisers — our annual Kountry Karnival (KK), KK Rame, or Dinner Dance (DD) events, as they directly impact our tuition rates. WhatdoIneedtodo(andwhen)?

1. CompleteSafeEnvironmentTraining(assoonaspossible)2. Findwaystoearnyour10requiredKountryKarnival/DinnerDance(KK/DD)SPIRIThours(bytheend

ofSeptember).Gotosmgschool.org>SignUpGenius>selectanactivity.3. Exploreothervolunteeropportunitiesthatinterestyoufortheremainderofyour40hourcommitment

(beforetheendoftheschoolyear;theearlieryoustart,theeasieritistomeetyourcommitment)4. SubmityourSPIRIThourstotheSPIRITCoordinator(withinoneweekofvolunteering)

What is Safe Environment Training (Virtus) and how do I sign up? Child and Youth Protection Safe Environment training is a training program developed by the Diocese of Fort Worth in response to the issues of abuse within our society. The purpose of the program is to make participants aware of the behaviors and attitudes associated with abuse and to help keep all our children safe. Anyone who will be earning SPIRIT hours for your family must be up to date on this training prior to volunteering. Free training is available and is good for three years. Contact the school office for information or email secretary@smgschool.org

How do I find volunteer opportunities? SignUp Genius is our online volunteer scheduling tool, accessible via the school website. It shows currently available volunteer opportunities and is continually updated. Visit www.smgschool.org > SignUp Genius > select an activity. Once inside, look for the colored tabs to find different categories there are left/right arrows which allow you to scroll through all the available options. To sign up for a volunteer opportunity, click on your selection, scroll to the bottom to submit and follow the directions. Note: Signing up via SignUp Genius does not turn in your volunteer hours for you — you are responsible for submitting your actual hours worked to receive SPIRIT credit.

Who keeps track of all this?

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We have a SPIRIT Coordinator who is responsible for tracking all the volunteer hours submitted for each fami)y and providing you with periodic SPIRIT Reports. Our SPIRIT Coordinator can be contacted at SPIRIT@smgschool.org

What if I can't volunteer at school? There are limited opportunities to volunteer from home as well as opportunities to donate your talents and treasure in lieu of your time.

What happens if I don't earn all 40 hours? All SMG families must complete 40 hours (20 hours by December 20, 2019, and 20 hours by May 15, 2020). Otherwise, $400 per family will be billed ($200 in January and $200 in May). You are only charged for the hours you did not complete. Ex. You complete 19 hours by December 20, 2019, you will only be charged for the one hour you did not complete.

How will 1 know if I have completed the required 40 SPIRIT hours? Periodically throughout the year, you will receive official reports ofthe volunteer hours that you have submitted. The first report will be sent in November and will include all Kountry Karnival hours that were turned in- The SPIRIT Coordinator will track the first 40 hours you submit; any hours you choose to volunteer beyond 40 do not have to be submitted. Official reports will be discontinued once you have completed a total of 40 hours.

Updated August 2019 What counts towards SPIRIT hours? We give SPIRIT hours for the time, talent, and treasure that families give in support of approved activities that benefit SMG School. In general, SPIRIT Hour are given for things that will save money or make money for SMG School, e.g,:

• Helping teachers with classroom projects or serving as Lunchroom helper, Playground Monitor, etc.

• Field trip chaperone, party worker, Room Parent, etc. • Donations of time, talent, or treasure (including food/beverage, gift cards, or other

items) to support an approved fundraiser, Marketing/Development or Teacher Appreciation event. Donated items cannot exceed 10 hours per item regardless of the time invested to make the item or the monetary value of the item, e.g., quilts or craft items, airline tickets, etc.

What does NOT count towards SPIRIT hours? In general, these are things that families do in support of their student or our community that don't meet the requirements for SPIRIT hours, for example:

• Donations offood/beverage/decorations/favors for any class party/dance/other non-fundraising event (we do give hours for working parties/events) e Donations of food/gift cards for families in need

• Donations of food/beverages for parent meetings (e.g., H&S meetings)

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• Volunteering for the Parish (Lector, Eucharistic Minster, Youth Group, etc.) • Volunteering for another community organization

What is the difference between Service Hours and SPIRIT hours and who can earn each? SPIRIT hours are earned by parents, relatives and friends (including older siblings in high school) who have current safe environment training and may be used to complete your SPIRIT Hour Commitment. Service Hours are earned by junior high and high school STUDENTS to meet their school's student volunteer requirements. High School students may earn EITHER Service Hours for their school OR SPIRIT Hours for SMG, but the same hours may not be applied to both. Current SMG students may only earn Service Hours.

How do 1 submit SPIRIT hours? Signing up to volunteer for an event via SignUp Genius DOES NOT submit your hours. There are TWO ways to submit SPIRIT hours, either by using a paper form or via email. With either method, your volunteer activities must be verified by the chairperson or coordinator of the activity. No hours may be verified by the individual doing the work. SPIRIT Hours Submissions received without verification will not be recorded. Methods of verification are as follows:

I. Paper form: This can be either a sign-in sheet at the event or an individual SPIRIT Submission form. Submit a completed SPIRIT Hours Submission Form (available in the school office or at www.smgschool.org Forms SPIRIT Forms) to the chairperson of the activity for their verification/signature, and then submit the completed form to the school office or via KIDMAIL.

2. Email: Send an email which includes: Family Name Receiving SPIRIT Credit, Volunteer Name (if different),

Activity Description/Date, and # Hours Worked to the chairperson/coordinator or teacher sponsoring the activity. Ask that they verify the hours and forward the email to SPIRIT@smgschool.org.

Exceptions: • Lunchroom and Playground Monitor hours are submitted by the school office

monthly. • Generally, if there is a sign-in sheet available when you volunteer, that will be used to submit your hours. E.g., hours worked during the weekend of Kountry Karnival will be submitted via sign-in sheets. ALL OTHER KK HOURS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED VIA ÑETHODS 1 OR 2 LISTED ABOVE. Booth and activity chairpersons will have their hours verified by the chairperson responsible for their area. Updated August 2019

722019/2020

Parent Signature Page

To St. Maria Goretti Catholic School: I have read the St. Maria Goretti Catholic School 2019-2020 Parent/Student Handbook and agree to follow the school policies and procedures as stated.

Family Name_________________________________________________

_________________________________ ____________________ Parent Signature Date _________________________________ ____________________ Parent Signature Date

_________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

_________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

_________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

_________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

_________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

_________________________________ ____________________ Student Signature Date

*Parents and students must both sign.

SIGNED FORM DUE TO HOMEROOM TEACHER OF THE OLDEST CHILD BY AUGUST 30, 2019.