Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Faculty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Admissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Curriculum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Graduation Requirements . . . 7Report Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

School Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Attendance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Arrival & Dismissal . . . . . . . . . 9Cancellation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Parents’ Meetings . . . . . . . . . . .15

Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Comportment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Meals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Physical Education . . . . . . . . . .21

Field Trips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Books & Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . 23Tuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

School Newspaper . . . . . . . . . . 25

Uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Visitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Monastery Dress Code . . . . . . 27

Conflicts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Immaculate Heart of Mary School95 Fay Martin Road

Richmond, NH 03470603-239-6495 (phone)

603-239-4502 (fax)ihmsisters@Catholicism.org

www.blueberryfiddlefestival.com

IHMSchool’s Parent & Student Handbook

Immaculate Heart of MarySchool (IHM) is a private, tradi-tional Roman Catholic schoolunder the direction of the Sistersof the Slaves of the Immaculate

Heart of Mary(MICM). Im-maculate Heartof Mary School,Inc., is a non-profit corpora-tion in the State

of New Hampshire and is sup-ported by tuition and charitablecontributions.

Our aim is to build a solidfoundation for the future by giv-ing every student a well-roundededucation. Each child/youngadult is being trained to be agood citizen in this world andthe next. All subjects are taughtin light of the perennial teachingof our Holy Mother, the Church,

so that every student may de-velop physically, morally, spiritu-ally, and intellectually to the bestof their ability as a knowledge-able child of God. Thus each in-dividual will be prepared to carryout God’s Will, apostolically, inany state of life. The special notethat shines forth in all of ourteaching endeavors is a filial loveand devotion for the Mother ofGod, especially by means of theTrue Devotion expounded bySaint Louis Marie de Montfort.Our special patrons after OurLady—Saint Philomena andSaint John Bosco—are highly ac-claimed by the Church asguardians of the Catholic educa-tion of youth. With their aid, wewish to make IHM a consolationprize for Our Lady.

In accordance with NewHampshire requirements for pri-vate schools, our teaching staffmay or may not consist of indi-viduals who are certified and/orhave degrees in education. Allteachers who agree to teach atIHM have been deemed quali-fied by the Sisters, MICM.

“The Catholic teacher hasbeen called to a sublime office.She is, as Bernard Overberg ob-serves, the teacher of truth andvirtue, the representative of theparents and a spiritual mother,the gardener of the parish nurs-

Introduction

Philosophy

3

“Our school should be aconsolation prize to OurLady.”

– Brother Francis, M.I.C.M.

Faculty

ery, the visible guardian angel ofthe children, the custodian of thelikenesses of God, the guardianof the living temples of the HolyGhost, and the guide and com-panion of the pilgrims on theirway to heaven. What St. JohnChrysostom says of the teacherin general is true of her in partic-ular: ‘There is no painter, there isno sculptor nor artist that can becompared to the man who knowshow to form the minds andhearts of the young. This is awork far surpassing the finestcreations of human art: to repro-duce in souls the living image ofJesus Christ.’” (The CatholicTeacher’s Companion, Rev. FelixM. Kirsch, O.M.Cap, BenzigerBrothers, 1924)

Our teachers, religious andlay, strive to live up to this exaltedduty that Our Lady (and eachparent) has entrusted to us. Welike to work closely with the par-ents and encourage regular com-munication.

The selection of new studentsto fill available openings is basedon the academic and personalpromise of each candidate forenrollment, without regard torace, creed or national origin,with preference given to thoseindividuals whohave siblings al-ready enrolled atIHM. The fac-ulty of IHM re-serves the rightto (1) reject anyapplicant whodoes not meetour basic aca-demic require-ments, and (2)place each stu-dent where he orshe will best fitinto the aca-demic program.

Due to our limited facilityand faculty, we are not able to

4

Admissions

“There is no painter, there isno sculptor nor artist thatcan be compared to the manwho knows how to form theminds and hearts of theyoung. This is a work farsurpassing the finest cre-ations of human art to repro-duce in souls the livingimage of Jesus Christ.”

– Saint John Chrysostom

meet the special needs of chil-dren on behavioral medications.Likewise, we will recommendthat the parents of a child that ismore than one year behind his

normal agerange in ourcurriculumlook into otheroptions.

Upon re-quest for ad-mission toIHM, the Sis-ters will sched-ule an interviewwith the par-ents and stu-dent(s) toreview thehandbook andapplication pa-

perwork as well as to answer anyquestions the family may have. Anon-refundable application feeof $100.00 per family is to bepaid at the time the applicationforms are submitted. Placement

testing will then be scheduled.Following the testing, parentswill be notified via mail or meet-ing of each student’s placementand formal acceptance to theschool, usually within ten days.Any admission requests receivedduring the month of May willcarry a $75.00 non-refundablelate fee. Requests received duringthe month of June will carry a$175.00 late fee. Requests re-ceived after June 31 will not beconsidered for the coming schoolyear, but will be noted for the fol-lowing year.

Families with students alreadyenrolled in IHM do not need tocompletely re-apply. For each ad-ditional student coming into firstgrade, paperwork needs to befilled out and there will be a $30testing/application fee (with thesame deadlines as above). Place-ment testing will be scheduledand parents will be notified viamail or meeting of each student’splacement and formal acceptance

“Mindful of the fact thatman has been redeemed byChrist, the Catholic schoolaims at forming in the Chris-tian those particular virtueswhich will enable him to livea new life in Christ and helphim to play faithfully his partin building up the Kingdomof God.”

– The Catholic SchoolThe Sacred Congregation for

Catholic EducationMarch 19, 1977Paragraph 36

5

music, art, biology, and other sci-ences, IHM graduates have asolid foundation on which tobuild for the rest of their lives.

Our science programthroughout allgrade levels isentirely tradi-tional, yet up-to-date. We do notteach the un-provable theoryof evolution.The importantresponsibility ofeducating thechild in mattersof human sexu-ality, other thanbiological factsand moral re-sponsibilities,will be left entirely to the parents(whose rights are carefully up-held by our faculty). The annualScience Fair is held in January.Students from grades seven andup participate.

to the school, usually within tendays of the placement test.

The curriculum of IHM uti-lizes many outstanding Catholictexts and educational materials toprovide a solid, basic educationwith a strong emphasis on mem-ory work and the essential tools oflanguage and mathematics.

The elementary school fo-cuses on the Baltimore Cate-chism, Bible history, phonics,reading, spelling, English gram-mar and composition, and tradi-tional arithmetic along withhistory, geography, science, art,and music.

The high school curriculum,rooted in the liberal arts, hasbeen designed to prepare stu-dents for the rigors of under-graduate studies. With religion,drama, logic and rhetoric, Eng-lish grammar and composition,research papers, history, litera-ture, algebra, geometry, Latin,

6

Condemned in theSyllabus of Errors, #48:

“Catholics may approve ofthe system of educatingyouth unconnected withCatholic faith and the powerof the Church, and which re-gards the knowledge ofmerely natural things, andonly, or at least primarily, theends of earthly social life.”

– Blessed Pius IX

Curriculum

An important part of ourcurriculum is the Exercise for aHoly Death. We have combinedthis lovely practice—adopted in

imitation ofSaint JohnBosco, whonever consid-ered a schoolyear well-begununtil after thefirst “prepara-tion fordeath”—withthe devotion ofthe Nine First

Fridays. On the Thursday beforethe First Friday of each month,Religion class is dedicated tomaking a meditation on the fourlast things (Death, Judgment,Heaven, and Hell), making anExamination of Conscience,forming resolutions for the nextmonth, and going to Confessionas if for the last time. The follow-ing morning, the students receiveHoly Communion as they would

“Music can noble hintsimpart,

Engender fury, kindle love,With unexpected eloquence

can moveAnd manage all the man

with secret art.”

– Joseph Addison

7

wish to receive their Viaticumand in reparation for the offensescommitted against the SacredHeart of Jesus. Far from makingthe students morose, this exer-cise keeps before their mindstheir last end—“Rememberyour last end and you shall neversin”—prevents an unwholesomefear of death and encouragesvirtue. In fact, this exercise givesthe students the freedom to livelife to the full!

Since educators throughouthistory have appreciated thevalue of music in education, weare delighted to be able to offermusic lessons once a week.Grades one through four arecombined for choir, where theylearn to sing on key and in parts.Music theory and appreciationare also incorporated.

Starting with fifth grade,group instrument lessons are of-fered. Students may choose tolearn old-time fiddle or classicalguitar (or they may choose to re-main in choir). A rent-to-owninstrument program is available.

High School students are en-couraged to take the followingtests: PSAT (Grades 10-12)—ad-ministered at IHM, and the SAT(Grades 11-12). [ETS #300529]At this point in time, we do not

Testing

Music

—all academic subjects as well asConduct and Effort—and Char-acter Development. ScholasticProgress isgraded eithernumerically oralphabetically,depending ongrade level andobjectivity. Thedivisions ofCharacter Devel-opment (Reli-gious Habits,Study Habitsand SocialHabits—each di-vided into threecategories) aresimply markedas “satisfactory” or “improve-ment needed.”

The grading scale usedthroughout the entire school is:

administer standardized testing(CAT, Idaho Basics, etc.) on amandatory basis in any of thegrades. Of course, regular quizzesand tests in each subject of theIHM curriculum are worked intothe regular daily schedule.

High school students are re-quired to earn a minimum oftwenty-seven credits in order toreceive their diploma. Depend-ing on the available classes, stu-dents have an opportunity toearn up to thirty-six credits.

Credits Required PossibleReligion 4 4Math 3 4English 4 4Literature 4 4Latin 2 4Science 2 4History 4 4Music 2 4Art 1 2Research 1 2

Total 27 36

Report cards will be issued atthe end of each quarter. Parentssign the report cards—and re-ceive a copy—at their quarterlyconference with the teachers (theoriginals will be reserved untilthe end of the school year).

Students are evaluated in twomajor areas: Scholastic Progress

8

“The man that hath nomusic in himself,

Nor is not moved byconcord of sweet sounds,

Is fit for treason, stratagems,and spoils;

The motions of his spirit aredull as night,

And his affections dark asErebus:

Let no such man be trusted.Mark the Music.”

– William ShakespeareMerchant of Venice

Graduation Requirements

Report Cards

Grading

Grading Scale:A+ 97-100 B+ 87-89A 94-96 B 84-86A- 90-93 B- 80-83

C+ 77-79C 74-76 F 0-69C- 70-73

The IHM school day runsfrom 7:25am to 2:45pm, Mondaythrough Friday, from the weekbefore Labor Day until approxi-mately the middle of June—ac-cording to the school calendar.As an approved New Hampshireprivate school (for attendancepurposes—#26805), IHM is insession for a minimum of 180days (also meeting the hourly re-quirements of 945 & 990 instruc-tional hours per year throughhigh school).

Every school day begins withHoly Mass at 7:30. Prayers aresaid before every class; the An-

gelus is said before breakfast andlunch; and patriotism is prac-ticed with the daily Pledge of Al-legiance to the flag.

The daily class schedule inthe elementary school varies fromclassroom to classroom, but timeis set aside for a quick breakfastas well as the following recesses:morning (10:00-10:15), lunch(11:30-12:00)—followed by adecade of the Rosary in the chapel,and afternoon (1:45-2:00). Thehigh school has seven forty-minute periods besides Mass,morning breakfast/hagiographi-cal reading and the noon chapelvisit. High school students havefive minutes between each classand share the elementary lunchand afternoon recesses.

It is the responsibility of par-ents (and high school drivers)who drive their children (andsiblings) to school to see to it thatthe students arrive early enough

Attendance

9

School Hours

punishment (and the work muststill be madeup).

The numberof days eachquarter that astudent wastardy, absent, orleft early isrecorded on thereport card. Stu-dents missingmore than fif-teen (15) days ofschool in theschool year maybe required torepeat the gradelevel.

We ask thatparents drop offtheir children atthe school ramp(the only door to be used by stu-dents during school hours) at

to be present when attendance istaken. Students arriving after7:25 am will be marked tardy. El-ementary school students will begiven a writing assignment ifthey do not have a parental ex-cuse in hand.

Students must be on time andmust not leave school propertyduring school hours.

If a student will be absent,parents must call the school by8:00 that morning (with an “at-tention” to their teacher). A mes-sage left on the Sisters’ answeringmachine will be acceptable.

Parents should schedule allmedical or dental appointmentsfor a time that doesn’t interferewith school hours. If, on rare oc-casions, a student must leave be-fore 2:45, a signed excuse shouldbe sent in no later than thatmorning.

Students with unexcused ab-sences (including suspension)will receive a 0% in every classmissed in addition to any other

10

Harmony of form, harmonyof color, harmony of sound,harmony of motion . . . allthese blend into a deeperharmony still: the harmonyof man “whose bodily forcesand mental powers are inequipoise . . . whose lifemoves on in rhythmical ac-cord with God, nature, andman, with no discord . . .This was the ideal education,such as the ancient teachersconceived it. This is the idealmusic into which all the har-monies of the world wereblended. This is the idealman, the musical man, ofwhose possibility the ancientphilosophers dreamed.”

– C. C. Felton, LL. D.Greece, Ancient and Modern

Volume One, page 144

Arrival &Dismissal

7:15 am (not before) and pickthem up at 2:45 pm from thelower chapel vestibule.

Dismissalprocedure:Teachers taketheir classes tothe chapelvestibule at2:45pm.There the stu-dents willwait—undersupervision—until the par-

ents (or siblings with drivers’licenses) come to claim them.Parents who wish to send theirchildren home with anotherfamily must call or a send in anote. Students walking home willleave immediately, high schoolstudents meeting their youngersiblings in the chapel vestibule.Students staying for the after-noon Rosary will kneel with theadult who picks them up andwho is then responsible for their

behavior. Students will not be al-lowed back upstairs unattended.

When the weather is danger-ous, school may be delayed orcancelled. We follow the decisionof the Monadnock RegionalSchool District. This informationmay be had by calling the Mon-adnock Reginal High School at:603-352-6575 ext. 1.

The same information isavailable on the MonadnockRadio Group stations: WKNE103.7 FM, WKBK 1290 AM,WOQL 97.7 FM, WZBK 1220AM, or WINQ 98.7 FM; and atwww.wmur.com/closings/index.html.

In the event that we need tocancel school due to our localweather conditions, we will con-tact the families by 6:45 am.

Students are not allowed towalk, drive cars, or ride bicycles

“Education is the constrain-ing and directing of youthtowards that right reason,which the law affirms, andwhich the experience of theeldest and best has agreed tobe truly right.”

– Plato’s Laws, Book II

11

Transportation

Cancellation

classroom. Homework also fos-ters responsibility, self-reliance,research skills, and pupil initia-tive and time management skills.It helps students develop compe-tent study habits, while provid-ing opportunities for the pursuitof truth and the glorification ofAlmighty God.

Various types of homework:— Studying for tests and

quizzes— Correcting or re-doing

daily work— Completing schoolwork

not finished in class— Maintaining and organiz-

ing notes— Working on projects and

presentations— Completing reading as-

signments— Reviewing concepts and

skills presented in class

Student Responsibility:Each student should be

to and from school withoutparental permission on file at theschool. The use of bikes is not al-lowed on the playground.

Students are not allowed toleave school property duringschool hours. Written permissionfor doctors’ appointments andschool field trips are the excep-tions.

All drivers, pedestrians, andbikers are expected to be cau-tious and follow all safety rules,not just on Center property, butalso on Fay Martin, Tully Brook,etc.--remembering that their be-havior should always be honor-able and never a cause of dangeror scandal to our neighbors.

The purpose of homework, anecessary component of thelearning process, is to reinforceskills taught in class. This out-side practice helps the studentbecome independently successfulwith skills being taught in the

12

Homework

aware of the IHM School home-work policy.

On a daily basis the studentshould record all homework inhis assignment notebook.

It is the student’s responsibil-ity to completehomeworkneatly, correctly,and in a timelymanner.

Studentsshould ensurethat all home-work meets ahigh standard.

Studentsshould seek as-sistance whenencounteringdifficulties.

Studentsshould adhereto all teacherspecifications

pertaining to written work.

Parental responsibility:It is the parents’ responsibil-

ity to support the IHM Schoolhomework policy by encourage-ment and involvement with boththe student(s) and the teacher.

Parents should teach theiryounger children to keep theircompleted homework in a desig-nated location each night so itwill not be forgotten the next day.

Homework assists the stu-dent’s progress in learning. Par-

ents should emphasize to theirchildren the value of the knowl-edge being taught—more thanjust grades are at stake. Parentsshould refrain from telling theirchildren that it is not necessaryto complete all assigned work.(This will only undermine au-thority in the children’s minds.)

Parents are encouraged toprovide academic assistance totheir children at home. Parentmust NOT, however, do theirchildren’s schoolwork (to do soresults in academic dishonesty).

Parents should praise thethings their children do well, andnot dwell on their shortcomings.

Parents should provide astudy area for their children withgood lighting, proper seating andsufficient space for materials.Distractions, such as radio, TV,or other children, should beavoided (if possible).

On the natural level:

“The three main objectivesof schooling are: preparationfor earning a living; prepara-tion for intelligent fulfill-ment of one's civic duty, tobe a good citizen of the re-public; preparation for ful-filling one's moral obligationto lead a morally good life,enriched by the continuationof learning after all schoolingis terminated.”

– Mortimer AdlerLowell LectureApril 11, 1990

13

Recommended time alloca-tion for home-work (includinginstrument prac-tice):Grades 1-2: 15-30 minutes daily(primarily re-viewing/drillingwith parents)Grades 3-4: 45minutes dailyGrades 5-8: 1.5-2.5 hours dailyHigh School: 2-3 hours daily

N.B. Majortests, examina-tions, researchpapers, requiredreading, andmake-up workmay vary theamount of timeprescribed. Indi-vidual circum-stances (e.g.student laziness,absenteeism, andpoor time man-agement) maycause some stu-dents to needmore than theaverage time forhomework.

Any student who does notsubmit a completed assignmenton time will either get a 0% or bepenalized with a ten-point de-

The child should have a spe-cific time period each day forhomework. Parents should estab-lish firm rules against using thephone, watching TV, playingcomputer games, and participat-ing in other activities untilhomework is completed.

Parents should avoid com-plaining about their children’shomework. Such complainingmay cause the child to lose confi-dence in the teacher or even loseinterest in school.

If a child is having difficultycompleting homework, parentsshould check his study habits.Parents are encouraged to main-tain regular and open communi-cation with the teacher(s) oftheir children.

When possible, parentsshould supervise homework, en-suring that each child hasenough time, understands direc-tions, and works carefully.Parental supervision and disci-pline will gradually help the childdevelop self-discipline. Parentsare also encouraged to: provideassistance with memory drills bycalling out words or questions,provide materials and resources,and help with ideas for projects.

Parents should not challengeteachers when they penalizeschoolwork that is incomplete,late, disorderly, or in breach ofany specification mandated bythat teacher.

14

“Many parents have thewrong expectation of theprofit to be derived fromschooling. They think thatthe only purpose of schoolsis to prepare their children toearn a living. While that cer-tainly is an objective to beserved, it is, in terms ofhuman values, less importantthan preparation for citizen-ship and for leading a richlyrewarding, good human life.Even with regard to earninga living, most parents do notunderstand that in our high-tech economy, preparationfor earning a good living ismore readily secured bythose who can read, write,speak, and figure well andwho have learned how tothink critically and reflec-tively, rather than by thosegiven specialized job trainingin vocational trainingcourses.”

– Mortimer AdlerFrom the essay: ReformingEducation – No Quick Fix

duction per day. Full credit isnever awarded for a late assign-ment without just cause.

If a student is unable to com-plete his homework after work-ing hard for a reasonable amount

of time—or ifsome emer-gency arises—asigned notefrom a parentwill excuse thestudent frompunishmentsand give themanother day tocomplete thework (in addi-

tion to the next day’s assign-ments).

For grades seven and up, wehave slips for missing homework.These notify the parents by re-questing their signature thattheir child either didn’t do orcomplete his homework, or thathe received a failing grade on atest or quiz. The teacher gives the

slip to the child and marks therecording chart. The slip(s) mustcome in the next day with a par-ent’s signature (they will be gath-ered in the morning at the sametime as sentences) or else an-other slip goes home requesting aparental phone call. There is noformal punishment attached tomissing homework (except thelow grade), but the parents areinformed, and the students getthe necessary pressure to fulfilltheir duty.

Make up work due to absen-teeism:

Students with unexcused ab-sences (including suspension)will receive a 0% in every classmissed in addition to any otherpunishment. The work must stillbe made up, however, and thosegrades will be averaged with theircorresponding zeros. In the caseof suspensions, students must dothe work, although no make-upgrade will be given.

Assignments missed due toan excused absence must bemade up the following day. Ex-tended catch-up work may be al-lotted more time based on theteacher’s discretion.

Failure to complete assignedmake-up work will result in stu-dent receiving ZERO CREDITon missing work. Low grades onstudent report card will reflectsuch a penalty. At the discretionof the principal in communica-

“When literary, social, do-mestic and religious educa-tion do not go hand in hand,man is unhappy and help-less.”

– Pope Pius XIOn Christian Education

December 31, 1929Paragraph 59

15

well as discuss various issues—the Mothers’ Tea is a lovely aid tomaintaining our espirit d’corps.

Parents represent God totheir children and are entitled tobe “honored” with respect andobedience in all things, exceptsin. Hence, children obey Godwhen they obeytheir parents. Intheir parents’absence, chil-dren obey both God and theirparents when they obey personsin authority. A priest, orreligious, on account of his con-secration, represents God di-rectly; ergo, doubly when he isteaching.

Whenever an adult is notpresent, the oldest student willtake responsibility for the groupand must be honored by the stu-dents under his care.

Good discipline originates inthe home because the parents arethe first teachers of the child. It isthe parents’ obligation, by teach-ing and by example, to developin the child good habits of be-havior as well as proper attitudestoward school.

Our attitude towards disci-pline is that of Saint John Bosco:reason, religion and kindness.His system is preventive ratherthan repressive. With the aid ofthe Sacraments, the teachers are

tion with the child’s teacher, thestudent may not be promoted tothe subsequent grade.

All members of the faculty ofIHM want to work closely withthe parents and encourage regu-lar communication. Everyteacher is available every after-noon from 2:45 until 3:00 to an-swer any questions, etc. (Theteachers try to communicate withthe parents of each student intheir classes at least every twoweeks.)

Besides these regular com-munications, the quarterly re-port-card conferences, andfundraising meetings, we alsohave a monthly Mothers’ Tea. Anopportunity for the mothers tosocialize with each other, the Sis-ters, and other lady teachers as

16

Parents’ Meetings Discipline

All obedience is to God.

friendly guides training, helpingand reminding the students in a

positive manneralong theproper behav-ioral channels.Of course,human naturebeing what it is,our free willsmust be trainedto choose thegood. When-ever we chooseevil, we arepunished, ei-ther in this lifeor the next, un-less we makereparation.

When thefaculty of IHMmust give pun-ishments(whether it beloss of reward,

a lower grade, restricted recesses,push-ups, etc.), it is always with

this purpose in mind: to help thechild to make reparation, andthen to train his intellect to knowand his will to choose the good.If we help the children now, theywill not have to suffer later.

IHM is a Catholic school,and we expect the children tokeep the Commandments all thetime. Disrespect is not tolerated.Severe infractions will be auto-matically dealt with by more se-vere punishment.

Our scale of procedures inthe disciplining of deliberate in-fractions (used according to eachteacher’s discretion—the lastthree with the permission of thePrincipal and/or Vice Principal):

1) Verbal warning/re-minder

2) Loss of reward, removalfrom classroom, a written as-signment, etc.

3) Written notice to par-ents requiring a response

4) Suspension5) Expulsion

A writing as-signment given inpunishment dou-bles in quantityevery day the stu-dent is late turningit in.

We have noted adirect link betweenthe behavior, atti-tude and attentionspan of our stu-

“Disorderly inclinationsthen must be corrected, goodtendencies encouraged andregulated from tender child-hood, and above all the mindmust be enlightened and thewill strengthened by super-natural truth and by themeans of grace, withoutwhich it is impossible to con-trol evil impulses, impossibleto attain to the full and com-plete perfection of educationintended by the Church,which Christ has endowedso richly with divine doc-trine and with the Sacra-ments, the efficacious meansof grace.”

– Pope Pius XIOn Christian Education

Paragraph 59

17

we expect. If parents have al-ready taught these manners totheir children, the students willnot feel overwhelmed by “rules.”

Basic Manners & Comportment

Focus: Silence is generallykept at all timeswithin theschool halls andclassrooms, inthe chapel, andduring all in-structions. Stu-dents must raisetheir hands andwait to be calledupon before standing to askquestions or give answers. If ateacher wishes to hold a rapid-fire drill or a more relaxed dis-cussion, she will make clear thebeginning and end of that excep-tion.

Students should look at andpay attention to any adult who isspeaking to them and should notinterrupt him.

dents and their choice of maga-zines, books, television, music,movies, amount of sleep, andcompanions.

Obviously, we hope that whatwe are teaching the students dur-ing school hours about theirFaith is simply an extension ofthe daily life they are already liv-ing. When this is not the case,changes need to be made athome. We request that “screentime” (videos, computer, etc.) belimited to schoolwork, except onweekends.

A gentleman (or lady) isknown by his manners. As heirsto the Kingdom of Heaven, wehave an obligation to act accord-ingly. When students rememberthat those around them are livingtabernacles of the Blessed Trinity(with a guardian angel besides!),treating others with respect be-comes much easier. What followsis a resume of the comportment

18

Comportment

“Folly is bound up in theheart of a child and the rodof correction shall drive itaway.”

– Proverbs XXII, 15

Posture: Students should situp straight with hands folded ontheir desks (unless taking notes,etc. as directed by the teacher)

and feet flat onthe floor. Theymay not sit onporch, ramp, orstair railings.

Studentsshould stand upstraight andwalk quietly,hands by theirsides, withouttouching walls.

In theChapel: Stu-dents shoulduse holy water;

genuflect, and make the Sign ofthe Cross reverently; kneel withtheir hands folded; pay attentionto Father; close their eyes afterHoly Communion in order topay attention to Our Lord; andmean what they say when theyspeak to Jesus, His Mother Mary,St. Joseph, the angels and saints.

Courtesy: All adults must betreated with respect and ad-dressed cheerfully with a “Goodmorning, Brother (Sister, Father,Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, etc.)!”This courtesy also includes say-ing, “Yes, Sister…,” “No, Mr….,”“Thank you, Father” (or Sister,Brother, Mr…., Mrs…., Miss…,

as the case may be).Students must hold doors

open for adults and, without let-ting the door slam, make sure itis closed all the way. Gentlemenalways hold the door for ladies.

Students should stand whenany adult enters the room. Theyshould wait for permission to beseated (or, if nothing is said, untilthe guest leaves) before sittingback down.

When passing an adult, stu-dents should step aside, saying,“Excuse me.”

Physical violence (pushing,shoving, hitting, tripping, etc.)

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“Even ordinary householdobjects are our teachers; arealso fitting objects for ourcontemplation. Doors teachus courtesy, patience, hospi-tality; clothes teach us mod-esty, purity, elegance, dignity,consecration; tools teach uspoverty. Work days teach usdedication; feasts days teachjoy and devotion.”

– Brother FrancisThe Challenge of Faith

Meditation on the Book of Nature

Lunches should be wholesomeand filling. It is not polite to be inthe habit of saying: “I forgot mylunch,” “My mother didn’t makeme a lunch,” or“I wasn’t hungrywhen I waspacking myfood,” in orderto get a lunchfrom someoneelse.

Respect for Property: Stu-dents should save their creativityuntil they have a piece of paperto write on (at the proper times,of course!). Anyone in the habitof mistaking the desk, books,shelves, doors, etc., for paper willbe given private instruction andapprenticeship in fine arts (e.g.refinishing the furniture).

ItemsNot Allowed: Chewinggum, passing notes, smoking,and illegal substance use are for-bidden—as are electronic devices

and name-calling are strictly for-bidden. Comments that discour-age other students do not pleaseOur Lady, and so they are not al-lowed. Helping friends to studyis a great charity, but helpingthem to cheat is being theirenemy.

Comportment: Pockets arenot to be used for students’hands; they are mainly for deco-ration and storing handkerchiefs.

Gentlemen always removetheir hats as they enter a build-ing.

TableManners: Studentsshould always pray before meals,use napkins and proper utensils(fork, spoon, knife), and chewwith their mouths closed (with aslittle noise and “show” as possi-ble). Elbows belong next to one’ssides. Talking must wait until themouth is empty. Making com-ments about someone else’s foodis usually considered rude.

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“Blessed is the man thatfeareth the Lord: he de-lighteth exceedingly in Hiscommandments.”

– Psalm CXI

(tape recorders, radios, CD play-ers, computergames, etc.),which will beconfiscated.Students dis-covered lying,using impurelanguage orvulgarities, en-gaging in inde-centdiscussions oractivities,and/or listeningto bad music(especially thevarious formsof rock) will bedealt with se-verely. Becauseof the loss ofstudy time,moral dangers,and cultural de-generation in-volved,MySpace ac-counts aregrounds for ex-pulsion.

The performance and behav-ior of the students greatly im-proves when they have enough toeat, little or no sugar, and a goodserving of protein for breakfastand lunch. Their concentrationcapacities depend upon this in

no small degree.Only bag breakfasts/lunches

will be brought to school. Thelunch hall Sisters will keep an eyeon the students to make sure thatthey do eat what is packed. Stu-dents are not permitted to usethe microwave.

At lunchtime, the studentseat in silence after grace. There isa ten-minute reading, and thengrace-after-meals is said. At thispoint, those who are done eatingmay go outside; those with morelunch to eat may sit back downand finish it.

Eating is not allowed duringclass, but snacks may be had atrecesses.

All medications and direc-tions (from cough drops andtinctures to inhalers) will begiven to the student’s teacher bythe parent personally (prescrip-tion medications need to come inthe original container). The

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Health

Meals

“It is no less necessary to di-rect and watch the educationof the adolescent, ‘soft aswax to be moulded into vice,’in whatever other environ-ment he may happen to be,removing occasions of eviland providing occasions forgood in his recreations andsocial intercourse; for ‘evilcommunications corruptgood manners.’

“More than ever nowadaysan extended and careful vigi-lance is necessary, inasmuchas the dangers of moral andreligious shipwreck aregreater for inexperiencedyouth. . . . How often todaymust parents and educatorsbewail the corruption ofyouth brought about by themodern theater and the vilebook!”

– Pope Pius XIOn Christian Education

Paragraphs 89 & 90

other organized/monitoredgames build coordination andencourage thepractice ofvirtue.

If it is rain-ing or the tem-perature outsideis below ten de-grees—or ifthere is a wind-chill warning—breaks will beheld indoors. Coats are requiredfor elementary students when-ever the temperature is belowfifty degrees. For temperaturesfifteen degrees and below, all stu-dents must have coats, hats,boots, scarves, and gloves inorder to go out.

Students failing to meet theserequirements will not be allowed

teacher will administer the nec-essary dosages and will be theonly one to do so. Cases ofchronic illnesses will be dealtwith on an individual basis.

Behavioral medications arenot allowed.

Since we do not have the reg-ular services of a school nurse,parents must be responsible forregular health examinations, in-cluding eye and dentalexams/care, as needed. First aidsupplies are kept at the school inthe event of an injury.

Medical releases are signedfor each student and kept on fileat IHM to be used in case of anemergency.

Important parts of each stu-dent’s moral and physical devel-opment are the recess activities.Soccer, baseball, football, ice-skating, jumping rope, tag, and

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Physical Education

“Suffer the little childrento come unto Me, and forbidthem not; for of such is thekingdom of God.”

– St. Mark 10, 44

outside and will have to spendtheir break doing writing assign-ments.

The girls and young ladiesare allowed to wear leggings or

loose pantsunder theiruniform whenoutside, butthey should notshow below thehem of theskirts orjumpers. Thelittle ones(grades onethrough four)and older boysmay wear snowpants.

We recom-mend (espe-cially for the

boys) that the students (gradesfive and up) bring a change ofshoes for outdoor recesses. Thiswill help to keep their niceschool shoes in good condition.

(Cleats are not allowed, but thereare no other restrictions.) For thelittle ones, boots will be neededfrom the beginning of winterthrough mud season.

Field trips are organized bythe teachers of each classroom.Permission slips with detailed in-formation regarding time, place,and expense will be sent homein advance. Only students regis-tered at the Immaculate Heart ofMary School will be allowed togo on school field trips.

Students in grades seven andup are encouraged to come withus on the long four-day Pilgrim-age of Restoration from LakeGeorge, NY, (Lake of the BlessedSacrament) to the shrine of theeight North American martyrs inAuriesville, NY. Students in theelementary school are encour-aged to join us (with their fami-lies) on Saturday from Fonda toAuriesville. We have a long-

“Being aware that Baptismby itself does not make aChristian - living and actingin conformity with theGospel is necessary - theCatholic school tries to cre-ate within its walls a climatein which the pupil's faith willgradually mature and enablehim to assume the responsi-bility placed on him by Bap-tism.”

– The Catholic SchoolThe Sacred Congregation for

Catholic EducationParagraph 47

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Field Trips

Fiddle Festival, besides perform-ing at the Winchester Pickle Fes-tival, nursing homes, etc.

A book fee isincluded in theannual tuition.Some books areconsumable, butothers are veryexpensive orout-of-print(some never gohome for thisreason). Thestudents are re-sponsible for thebooks and areexpected to takecare of them. Ifexcess wear isnoted, parentswill be asked topay an addi-tional fee. A school supply listwill be issued before the start ofeach school year. These items,

standing custom that those stu-dents who come on the four-daypilgrimage or—if they wear theiruniforms—just on Saturday willbe treated to pizza for lunch thefollowing Tuesday. More infor-mation (cost, supplies, etc.) willbe sent home with the juniorhigh/high school students.

There is a tradition in thehistory of the Slaves of the Im-maculate Heart of Mary at SaintBenedict Center of holding pro-grams to provide our own enter-tainment. There are five everyyear: Thanksgiving, Christmas,January 17 (the Anniversary ofthe Order), Saint Patrick’s Day,and the End of the Year SchoolProgram. While the first is op-tional, the others (held on theclosest Sunday) count as schooldays and attendance is taken.IHM also holds an annual Sci-ence Fair, the yearly Spelling Bee,and the Richmond Blueberry

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“Christ, therefore, is theteaching-centre, the Modelon Whom the Christianshapes his life. In Him theCatholic school differs fromall others which limit them-selves to forming men. Itstask is to form Christianmen, and, by its teachingand witness, show non-Christians something of themystery of Christ Who sur-passes all human under-standing.”

– The Catholic SchoolThe Sacred Congregation for

Catholic EducationParagraph 47

Books & Supplies

Programs

such as loose-leaf paper, note-books, pens, pencils, etc. are pur-chased by the students or their

families. Stu-dents shouldtake good careof all materials,whether be-longing tothemselves orthe school.

Tuition atIHM currentlycovers onlyabout one-fourth of thecost to run theschool. For thisreason, we askparents whocan afford moresupport to jointhe Patron’sProgram and

give a monthly sum over andabove tuition. We also ask for

references of relatives andfriends who might be interestedin supporting education.

Tuition may be paid daily,weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, or annually. This willbe arranged at the beginning ofthe school year with each familyindividually. Deductions are pos-sible with early payment and fes-tival participation.

Parents who need financialaid (scholarships, etc.), shouldrequest the NAIS Financial As-sessment Form. The assessmentis done by NAIS, a certifiedthird-party. Financial aid/schol-arships will be given on a per-need basis, depending on thefunds available.

It is expected that parents co-operate with volunteer activities.That all the families share in theactivities is important for therunning of IHM School(fundraising events, etc.). It has

“. . . Catholics will never feel,whatever may have been thesacrifices already made, thatthey have done enough, forthe support and defense oftheir schools and for the se-curing of laws that will dothem justice.

“For whatever Catholics doin promoting and defendingthe Catholic school for theirchildren, is a genuinely reli-gious work and therefore animportant task of ‘CatholicAction.’”

– Pope Pius XIOn Christian Education

Paragraphs 83 & 84

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Fundraising

Tuition

This sum will be determined bydividing the income of a particu-lar event by the number of IHMfamilies whowere involved inthat endeavor.

Our schoolpaper is theQueen’s Quar-terly. An oppor-tunity toshowcase stu-dent work andactivity, it is alsoa means oftelling othersabout the schooland obtainingsupport—spiri-tual, moral, andfinancial. All students, alumni,parents, and faculty are encour-aged to submit articles, stories,photos, and artwork.

been proven time and again thatchildren perform better whenparents are actively involved inthe school. As parents are wel-come to volunteer for activities atwhich they are most competent,we do not feel that this participa-tion is too heavy of a burden forfamilies who care about theirchildren’s future and the futureof the school.

Our major fundraiser eachyear is the Richmond BlueberryFiddle Festival; but we also holdbake sales, perform various plays,and maintain a mailing list ofsupporters (May and Octoberappeals, the Queen’s Quarterlysubscribers, and the Patron’sProgram).

Parents who choose not toparticipate in one or more proj-ects (realizing that this lack of in-volvement will show up in theirchildren’s attitudes), will be re-quired to provide the financialsum that would otherwise havebeen brought in by their efforts.

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SchoolNewspaper

“It is necessary not only thatreligious instruction be givento the young at certain fixedtimes, but also that everyother subject taught, be per-meated with Christian piety.If this is wanting, if this sa-cred atmosphere does notpervade and warm the heartsof masters and scholars alike,little good can be expectedfrom any kind of learning,and considerable harm willoften be the consequence.”

– Pope Pius XIOn Christian EducationQuoting Pope Leo XIII

Militantis Ecclesiae, Aug. 1, 1897

Students must arrive atschool, attend classes, and leavein full uniform. Full uniform isalso required on school fieldtrips (unless otherwise noted).All components of uniform mustbe: cleaned and/or polished,mended (no holes or rips), andworn properly (buttons but-toned, shirts tucked in, ties tied,etc.).

The use of non-regulationcolors or items, make-up, finger-nail polish, earrings (except oneset of gold or silver studs), andall other jewelry is forbidden.Students who wear such itemswill have them removed andconfiscated. [NB—The highschool students are allowed towear one ring on Wednesdays, inhonor of Saint Joseph. Also, stu-dents with an IHM class ring areallowed to wear it all the time.]

Uniforms are purchasedfrom Harvey Uniforms. Sweaters

must be worn in the chapel (un-less the temperature is above 70degrees—grades 7-12, and 80 de-grees—grades 1-6), on field trips,and for special events. They maybe removed in the classroomwith permission from theteacher. The vests of the oldergirls must always be worn.Coats/jackets/sweatshirts maynot be worn in the classroomwithout permission. However,the (optional) IHM fleece jacketmay be worn at any time.

For outdoor/recess require-ments, see Physical Education.

Note: For the definition of“regulation”, please see the Uni-form Order Forms.

Boys’ Uniform

1. Sweater: regulation, withbadge

2. Shirt: regulation (whitedress shirt), with non-printed,white tee-shirt underneath

3. Trousers: navy, regulation4. Belt: black5. Tie:—red plaid (grades 1-6)—red (grades 7-8)—navy (grades 9-12)6. Shoes: plain black or navy

oxfords with navy blue or blacklaces (no exaggerated soles)

7. Socks: navy or black8. Hair: short and well-

groomed (no gel). The Brotherswill decide what haircuts aresuitable for the boys. Gentlemen

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Uniform

bands, or ribbons (red, white, ornavy blue only—high school mayalso choose from gray and ma-roon). The Sisters will decidewhat hair-styles are suitable forthe girls.

8. Veil: regulation (in chapel)

Children not registered atImmaculate Heart of MarySchool will be allowed in schoolonly with the advance permis-sion of the Principal. If allowed,they will abide by the schoolrules and the Monastery dresscode. Only students registered atthe Immaculate Heart of MarySchool will be allowed to go onschool field trips.

In obedience to Our Lady’srequests at Fatima and in accor-dance with the standards ofCatholic modesty in dress, weask that all of our friends andvisitors observe the following

will be clean-shaven (no facialhair).

Girls’ Uniform

1. Sweater/Vest: regulation,with badge

2. Jumper/skirt: regulation(grades 1-6: with badge)[NB: Hems must be well belowthe knee (mid-calf). To allow forgrowth, hems should fall be-tween the ankle and lower calf.All young ladies must wear slips.]

3. Blouse:—white, short-sleeved, with

Peter Pan collar (grades 1-6)—white, long-sleeved, with

pointed collar (grades 7-12)4. Crossover Tie:—red (grades 1-6)—blue (grades 7-12)5. Shoes: plain black or navy

oxfords with navy blue or blacklaces (no heels/extra thick soles)

6. Stockings: navy or black(tights or knee-socks)

7. Hair: neatly pulled backout of face with barrettes, hair

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Visitors

Monastery Dress Code

dress code in the Chapel and onthe monastery grounds:

Men and boys, please noshorts, “tank-tops”, or tight-fit-ting clothing.

Women and girls are asked towear dresses or skirts that are

well below theknees. Please, notight, sheer,sleeveless, orlow-cut blouses.Out of respectfor Our Lord’spresence in theBlessed Sacra-ment, we alsoask that theladies wearchapel veils

while they are in the chapel.Modesty in dress is a

Catholic virtue. Your coopera-tion will not only be gratefullyappreciated, but eternally re-warded.

In the event a student deemsthat he has suffered an academicor disciplinary injustice, the stu-dent should not vocalize his ob-jection or challenge his teacherin front of the class. Such a re-sponse disrupts the class and theChristian climate that we wish tomaintain at all times throughoutthe day. Such a response also un-dermines the authority of theteacher and will not be tolerated.

The proper course of action: Thestudent should make an appoint-ment to discuss the matter withhis teacher in private and con-duct himself in a manner becom-ing a young Catholic gentlemanor lady, always respecting the of-fice and authority of the teacheras well as recalling that our dutyas Christians is to pursue thepath of virtue and sanctity.

If a parent believes that thereis a problem that needs to be ad-dressed, the parents should firstcontact the teacher. They shouldmake an appointment to meet inperson with the teacher, if at allpossible. Parents should not in-volve other teachers, students,and parents who are not the pri-mary parties in a real or apparentconflict, nor should they discussit in person, on the phone by e-mail, or letter with friends, fam-ily, and members of thecommunity. Parents doing sowould directly or indirectly fo-ment dissension or contribute to

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Conflicts

the fragmentation of the schooland the families who comprisethis Christian community.

If the subject matter is minor,it should be brought to the atten-tion of either the student’steacher or to the Vice Principal;if the subject matter is serious, itshould be brought to the atten-tion of the Principal or the VicePrincipal. This may be done ei-ther verbally or in writing. In ei-ther case, the situation will bediscussed, consulted on, and/orrelayed to other members of thefaculty, as the subject mattershall warrant.

If you have any questions re-garding our school policy forconflict resolution, please con-tact the Principal or the VicePrincipal. Ave Maria!

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“Let it be loudly proclaimed and wellunderstood and recognized by all, thatCatholics, no matter what their nation-ality, in agitating for Catholic schoolsfor their children, are not mixing inparty politics, but are engaged in a reli-gious enterprise demanded by con-science. They do not intend to separatetheir children either from the body ofthe nation or its spirit, but to educatethem in a perfect manner, most con-ducive to the prosperity of the nation.Indeed a good Catholic, precisely be-cause of his Catholic principles, makesthe better citizen, attached to his coun-try, and loyally submissive to consti-tuted civil authority in every legitimateform of government.”

– Blessed Pius IXOn Christian Education

Paragraph 85

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Personal Notes

32

The Sisters of the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary would like to express ourgratitude to the many school administrators who shared and took the time to discusswith us their policies and procedures. We would like to thank especially the Board ofDirectors and Brother Fidelis-Joseph, Headmaster, of St. Augustine School, Inc., Hart-ford, Wisconsin, for giving us permission to use the wording from their handbook. Wetook advantage of this, especially in the section on homework.

Thanks are also due to the loyal, sacrificing parents and teachers of IHM School forhelping us to work out these policies and for being so supportive of our endeavors.

May Our Lady bless them all with Her Holy Child! Semper Deo gratias et Mariae!