parent handbook 2010-2011 - stbens.net · 1 St. Benedict School Parent Handbook 2010-2011 4811...

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St. Benedict School Parent Handbook

2010-2011

4811 Wallingford Avenue North Seattle, Washington 98103

Phone: 206 633 3375 Fax: 206 632 3236

www.stbens.net

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ST. BENEDICT SCHOOL

4811 Wallingford Avenue North

Seattle, Washington 98103

206-633-3375

www.stbens.net

August 2010 Please sign this signature page and return to the school by Friday, Oct. 1. The Family Handbook contains essential information about St. Benedict School, Preschool through Eighth grade. For this reason, it is important that each Parent/Guardian and Student read the handbook. It is expected that each person will make a sincere effort to comply with the School's regulations, and that each family will support the Catholic nature of the School. All policies and procedures expressed in the School Handbook are in effect as of August 2010 and supersede all previous ones. The Principal retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause, and if changes are made, parents will be given prompt notification through the “Connections” newsletter. This contract is subject to change and parents will be notified of changes. Attendance at St. Benedict School assumes acceptance of the policies set forth in this handbook. The signature of both Parents/Guardians and all Students attending the School is required and attests to their acceptance of these policies and procedures. Family Name______________________________________________(please print) We, the Parents / Guardians of ___________________________________________ have read and agree to be governed by / comply with, the policies and procedures set forth in the St. Benedict School Handbook. ______________________________ ______________________________ Parent / Guardian Parent / Guardian ______________________________ ______________________________ Student Signature Student Signature

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St. Benedict School Family Handbook 2010-2011

A LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL Dear St. Benedict Families, Founded in 1908, St. Benedict School in the heart of Wallingford and locally famous for the annual Wallingford Wurst Festival, proudly embarks on its second century of providing quality, Catholic education. St. Benedict attracts students from the nearby community, as well as, throughout greater Seattle and provides a rigorous, challenging and values-based education that nurtures every child's individual gifts. Parents, administrators, faculty, staff, parishioners and our Pastor all play a significant role in creating a positive school environment where all children will flourish. Our community is called together to both educate and develop children in four areas: spiritually, intellectually, emotionally and physically. The Family Handbook is designed to communicate important information for you to assist us in accomplishing these goals. As the primary educator in your child’s life, please take a moment to read and discuss the contents of the student expectations together. Your reinforcement of the reasons for high expectations for behavior and for achievement will make all the difference in a student’s disposition toward school. Statements made herein reflect Archdiocesan as well as St. Benedict School policy. Not all situations are described nor every question answered. Please do not hesitate to contact the school administrator if you have suggestions or questions. This year we have updated Traffic/Carpool procedures and ask that extra effort be put towards following these procedures for the safety of all. Please sign and return the agreement form on the cover page by October 1, 2010. Thank you for sharing your children with us during their elementary school years. They are truly a reflection of God’s joy. In God’s Love, Mrs. Maureen Blum Principal

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MISSION St. Benedict is a Catholic school that nurtures the individual, fosters intellectual curiosity, encourages spiritual and personal growth, supports loving relationships, and promotes caring service to the community.

PHILOSOPHY St. Benedict School is an integral part of the St. Benedict Parish and greater Wallingford community. With the guidance and support of the Parish, St. Benedict School is committed to providing its students with an outstanding value-based education that is also affordable and accessible. Saint Benedict School educators and administrators work to meet the needs of all children. Faculty and administration recognize the parent responsibility as the primary educator for their children. Through the collective efforts of our staff, parents, and parish community our children develop a strong sense of purpose and gospel values within a challenging and contemporary curriculum.

HISTORY The St. Benedict Parish was formed in 1904. The parish was formally established by the Archdiocese in 1906. The original St. Benedict Church and school building were constructed in 1907. The first classes at St. Benedict School began in September of 1908, staffed by two nuns of the Dominican Sisters of Edmonds, Washington. In 1909, the Benedictines relinquished the responsibility for the parish. In 1910, Fr. Eugene A. Dorgan, OMI, a Missionary Oblate of Mary Immaculate, became the pastor. The parish remained in Oblate hands until 2002 when the Archdiocese of Seattle assumed responsibility for St. Benedict Parish after the Oblates left. The current school building, built in 1924, has a long history of educating children who live in the Wallingford neighborhood and beyond. As St. Benedict School begins its second century of service, the Five Year Plan will be one way to achieve the mission for which the school was founded: to prepare and train young people to be leaders in their church and community. St. Benedict School is accredited by Northwest Association of Accredited Schools (NAAS) and Washington State approved.

6 STAFF 2010-2011 – this section updated October 29, 2010 Pastor Father Steve Sallis 632-0843 [email protected] Principal M-F 7:45-4 Mrs. Maureen Blum 633-3375 ext. 138 [email protected] Pre-School M-F 8-12:30 Ms. Janet Delmore 633-0507 ext.111 [email protected] Pre-Kind. M-F 8-12:30 Mrs. Nora McConnell 633-0507 ext.111 [email protected] Kindergarten M-F 8-3:30 Mrs. Mariko Fitzpatrick 633-0507 ext.100 [email protected] Grade 1 M-F 8-3:30 Ms. Cassie Kastens 633-0507 ext.101 [email protected] Grade 2 M-F 8-3:30 Ms. Maureen Moreland 633-0507 ext.102 [email protected] Grade 3 M-F 8- 12:00 Mrs. Marlene Muller 633 0507 ext. 103 [email protected] M-F 11:45-3:30 Ms. Erin Bartram 633-0507 ext.103 [email protected] Grade 4 M-F 8-3:30 Miss Megan Ackerman 633-0507 ext.104 [email protected] Grade 5 M-F 8-3:30 Ms. Rosemary Kuschell 633-0507 ext.105 [email protected] Grade 6 M-F 8-3:30 Mr. William Gentzler 633-0507 ext.106 [email protected] Grade 7 M-F 8-3:30 Ms. Barbara Ruzzo 633-0507 ext.107 [email protected] Grade 8 M-F 8-3:30 Ms. Allison Druffel 633-0507 ext.108 [email protected] Art T and Th 8-3:30, Mrs. Debbie Bellia 633-0507 ext. 110 [email protected] and Fri 8:30-12:00 Spanish K-8/Gr 6 & 7 LA Miss Dorothy Cicero 633-0507 ext. 115 [email protected] Cust. /Main M-F 8-4:00 Mr. Tony Ancich 633-0507 ext. 114 Drama Mr. Michael Dunlop message at office Ext. Day Coord. Varies Ms. Lisa Wescott 633-0507 ext.109 [email protected] Library/Tech W-F 8-3:30 Ms. Susan Lisi 633-0507 ext.110 [email protected] PE/Music M-F8-3:30 Ms. Sue Rivord message at office [email protected] Learning Specialist M-F Mrs. Roxanne Fisher 633 0507 ext. 115 [email protected] Kind Asst M-F 8:15-3 Miss Marie Calimlim 633 0507 ext. 100 [email protected] Pre-S Asst. M-F Ms. Catherine Juel 633-0507 ext.111 [email protected] Pre-K Asst M-F Ms Joan Nelson 633-0507 ext 111 [email protected] Secretary M-F 7:45-4 Ms. Mary Ancich 633-3375 [email protected] Development varies Mrs. Sandra Convery 633 0507 ext. 118 [email protected] Development Data varies Mrs. Mona Fonesca 633 0507 ext. 118 [email protected] PROCEDURE FOR CONTACTING TEACHERS Call the school office and leave a message for the teacher to return your call with the school secretary or on the teacher’s voice mail. A note to the teacher to request a callback is also appropriate. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to use the Conference Request forms available in the school office. Please allow two (2) school days for staff to return messages. Teachers are not to be expected to access e-mails and voice mails during the teaching day (8:30-3:00). Principal is typically available between 8 and 3:30 to meet with parents. Please contact Principal via e-mail and/ or voice mail to set meetings and allow for two business days for a response. Faculty and staff are not available for meetings on Tuesdays from 2-4 p.m. as this is staff meeting and in-service time.

7 SCHOOL COMMISSION Each parish with a Catholic school shall create a school commission as a consultative body to advise and support the pastor and principal. The responsibilities of the school commission, in cooperation with the pastor and principal, include recommending a mission statement for the school grounded in Catholic faith tradition, recommending policy, setting long range goals for the school, developing means to finance the school (including tuition structures, financial development, and fund-raising), promoting communication, public relations, and evaluating the school’s goals and plans. Charlene Aguilar (2011) Chairperson Mike Carlin (2011) Connie Fraser (2013) Theresa Lourde (2012) Secretary Suzanne Schulte (2012) Greg Schuler (2011) Finance Debbie Udycz (2012) Roz Borroughs (2013) Mike Cowden (2013) Finance Non-voting ex-officio members: Father Steve Sallis Maureen Blum Kelly Rosa - Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) Representative

PARENT ADIVSORY COMMITTEE ( FORMERLY PARENT CLUB) The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) meets monthly in the school. The purpose of the PAC is to promote child welfare and to serve as a means of communication between the school, school commission, and parents of the students. The PAC implements and sponsors activities supporting the well being of the students and the betterment of the school community. OFFICERS 2010-2011

• President – Kelly Rosa • Event Coordinator – Randy Bremgartner/Jeff Dome • Treasurer – Danae Hollinger • Secretary – Cecile Meister • VP/Volunteer Coordinator – Heidi Westling • Room Parent Coordinator – Katie Cowden • Auction – Suzanne Schulte • Wurst Festival – Contact Randy Bremgartner

**Right to Amend St. Benedict School reserves the right to amend this Handbook. Notice of amendments will be sent to parents via the Connections or through e-mail communication

8 ABSENCE DURING SCHOOL DAY Students needing medical appointments during school hours require a written note by the parent. Parents are required to sign out their child. If the child returns to school during the same school day, he/she must be signed back into school in the office. Students who are away from school for an appointment for 3 ½ hours or more will be counted as absent for ½ a day. Three (3) early withdrawals each of which are less than 3 ½ hours are considered a one-half day absence. ATTENDANCE State Law requires that all students attend school punctually and regularly. Attendance at school is extremely important to the academic success of the student. All absences are recorded in the school office. Absences from school are excused for reasons of personal illness, death in the family, family emergency or health-related appointments, which cannot be scheduled outside school hours. Doctor, dentist, and any other appointments should be scheduled outside school hours whenever possible. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student and family. Teachers are not required to give make-up tests or assignments for absences due to vacations. No assignment will be given in anticipation of the vacation. Families who must schedule trips during school days need to obtain school assignments as they are assigned. Teachers will not be available to create packets of homework prior to these absences. Parents must notify the school office by 9:00 a.m. concerning any absences. A written note from the parent is required when the student returns from an absence. Students who are not to participate during recess and/or physical education must have a note from home or from a doctor. BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCES Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 may come to school dressed out-of-uniform on their birthday or half-birthday. In addition, birthday treats may be brought to school for students. Students are invited to come to the Principal’s Office for a birthday treat. BULLYING POLICY (adopted May, 2007) As a matter of both school policy and religious obligation, it is recognized that bullying behavior is not tolerated at St. Benedict School. Students who are victimized by the abusive power exerted by bullies suffer serious harm to their self-esteem and their feeling of safety as they pursue their academic and social lives, often resulting in feelings of isolation and insecurity. In the extreme, a bully's victim can suffer serious physical and/or psychological injury. St. Benedict School seeks to create an environment of learning, compassion and safety by educating parents, teachers, staff and students concerning respect. All members of the St. Benedict community are expected to discourage, prevent, intervene, report and otherwise appropriately address bullying behaviors. Bullying is defined as an abuse of power by an individual (or group) who deliberately targets others for repeated physical or psychological abuse. Examples of bullying behaviors include, but are not limited to, a pattern of intimidation, threats, menacing, taunts, teasing, the spreading of rumors, and other psychological abuse; and/or physical contact aimed at either provoking a defensive or aggressive response, or -- in the extreme -- causing injury. Bullying can also include a pattern of deliberate isolation or exclusion of another with the intent to be hurtful. This section is intended to serve notice to students, their parents and all members of the St. Benedict community, that bullying conduct is an immediate cause for intervention consistent with the disciplinary policy outlined in the Family Handbook. In addition, we seek in this section to alert all concerned parties -- whether students engaged in bullying behaviors (and their parents or guardians); victims of bullying (and their parents or guardians); or witnesses to the victimization of another by a bully -- that bullying is a community concern requiring community-wide accountability and commitment to both its prevention, as well as prompt, appropriate and effective response if and when it occurs. The Archdiocesan Anti-Bully policy is available in the school office.

9 COUNSELOR Certified counselors are not available on site at St. Benedict School. If there is a need for counseling please contact school principal to discuss resources. Most counselors are contracted through Catholic Community Services or private contractors. DAILY SCHEDULE 8:15 – 8:30 a.m. Patrols on Duty – 8:25 a.m. Students Go to Classrooms 8:30 a.m. School Begins – Tardy Bell 10:15 – 10:30 a.m. Recess – Grades 6 - 8 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Recess – Grades K – 5 12:00-12:20 p.m. Lunch – Grades K-4 12:20 – 12:45 p.m. Recess – Grades K-4 12:00 – 12:20 p.m. Recess – Grades 5-8 12:20 – 12:45 p.m. Lunch – Grades 5-8 2:00 – 2:15 p.m. Recess – Grades K – 5 3:00 p.m. Dismissal 2:00 DISMISSAL on all Tuesdays 3:00 – 3:10 p.m. Patrols on Duty. All students who are not picked up by 3:10 p.m. will be directed to the Extended Day room. Students may not be on the school grounds before 8:15 a.m. after 3:10 p.m. (or 2:10 on Tuesdays) unless they are supervised by their parents or enrolled in an after school program. No supervision is provided prioir to 8:15 a.m. or after 3:10 p.m. (or 2:10 on Tuesdays). DISCIPLINARY POLICY Discipline is achieved in the classroom and throughout the school when students work cooperatively with the principal, the teachers, and their classmates toward an attainment of class and school objectives. All students will be informed of school and classroom rules and procedures. Students are responsible to themselves for following the clear procedures as guided by their teachers. Students are informed of the consequences for breaking classroom and school-wide rules. Disciplinary action will be directly related to the infraction of rules, procedures or expectations. Any disciplinary action involving the principal will be reported to the family by the student, with a follow-up call from the principal. When a student is detained at the end of a school day, he/she will phone home to explain the delay. EXPULSION/SUSPENSION In the event of a situation where several efforts have been made to resolve serious misbehavior and in the opinion of the school authorities, expulsion would occur when the student would not gain by continuing in the school and/or the student’s continued presence would be detrimental to the good of the school community. Other reasons for suspension include: 1) repeat offences following suspension; 2) an action or actions that result in the student posing a clear and present danger to the safety and well-being of others. Examples of actions that might result in suspension or expulsion are: cheating, conduct harmful to the school’s reputation, forging signatures, forming cliques or excluding others, bullying, going off grounds, lying, repeated disrespectful or rude behavior, smoking, spreading rumors, stealing, vandalism, destroying another person’s reputation, extortion of money from another student, harassment, lying or misleading adults in disciplinary matters, major vandalism or destruction, possession of handguns, rifles, shotguns, knives, possession or use of alcohol or drugs or related paraphernalia, behavior that harms the community, skipping school. SUSPENSION In the event of serious infractions of school rules, procedures and expectations, the student’s family will be contacted immediately. A student who is suspended shall remain at home or school in a supervised environment for a short-term suspension period from one to ten days or in a long-term suspension period from ten days to the remainder of either the end of the trimester or the end of the school year. He/She will be allowed to make-up work missed and will not be academically penalized. Suspension would occur only after consultation between the student, teacher(s), principal, the pastor if necessary, and the parent(s) or guardian(s).

10 PROCEDURE FOR SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION: 1. Parents will be notified; a conference will be arranged at the earliest date possible. 2. Agreed upon terms will be specified for resolution of the situation. 3. The principal shall record all parts of the agreement in writing. 4. Suspension will depend on either the outcome of meeting and/ or inability to meet the terms of the agreement within a time frame. 5. In cases of expulsion, an appeal may be made to the pastor/administrator, who will consult with all concerned before rendering a decision. Should a course of action be needed due to unacceptable behavior, the class and school-wide discipline procedures will be followed. In certain circumstances, immediate suspension or expulsion may take place at the discretion of the principal.

EMERGENCY DRILL PROCEDURES FIRE DRILL

• Signal: 1 long bell (10 seconds) • Exit Building • Preschool, Learning Specialist,1st, 6th,, and 8thgrade rooms assemble by apartments (N. 48th St) • Pre -K, K, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, Art, Media Center and PE assemble in front of the Church (N. 49th St) • Send runner with attendance to Principal or Secretary on Wallingford side of the school. Note missing

students. Students who are not with class at time of alarm are to report to nearest teacher. All classroom doors are to be closed to keep fire from spreading and teacher is to take emergency bag

• Re-enter after hearing end of recess bell • Egress and regress to be done with total silence. Students wait in silence when outside.

EARTHQUAKE DRILL • Signal: 5 short bells (3 seconds each) • Get under desks – head away from the windows in the event of flying glass • After earthquake ends there is an exit bell ( 1 long bell ) . Leave classroom doors open, take

emergency bags. • Exit building to circle on playground (preschool through grade 8)

LOCKDOWN DRILL • Signal: “Code Blue” announcement over intercom • Teacher lock classroom from inside • Lower blinds to sill and close completely. • Communicate over intercom • Unlock room when all clear is announced

In the event of an emergency, parents who happen to be at school please follow directions of the staff to help children. When picking up your child(ren) please check you child out of office or, if school building is closed, at the check out table at the front of the school. DO NOT remove children without checking them out with office staff. The school will try to answer the phone if possible and we will make every effort to put an announcement on the school website. Children are not to use cell phones to call parents as cell phones may not work and we are trying to keep a calm atmosphere for all. If there should be a need to evacuate the campus (i.e. in the event of a fire) arrangements have been made to move the students to Meridian School. ENTERING SCHOOL Please enter using 48th street door. Ring the doorbell to come in. Check in at the office. If you will be going beyond the office area sign into the visitor log and get a visitor pass. EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM

11 St. Benedict School offers a safe, happy environment for children to relax, play, and do homework both before and after school. Enrichment opportunities are available for children to interact with each other and make new friends. The program is open for children age five and enrolled in Kindergarten through age 12. If there is enough interest a program for 13 and 14 year olds may be available. Please contact the Extended Day Director for more information. The Extended Day program runs in the morning from 6:30 - 8:25 a.m. In the afternoon it is open from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. and Tuesdays 2 pm – 6pm. The program is in operation on all school days and some days when school is closed. It is closed on holidays and snow days. Extended Day will be provided on the occasional half days that may occur during the year from 12:00 – 6:00 p.m. Extended Day is provided during vacations and during the summer depending upon family need and staff availability. The Extended Day program is housed on the first floor. The Extended Day program offers students a wide variety of activities in a relaxed setting. The children participate in homework completion, organized games, art activities, and supervised outdoor activities. Please refer to fee chart for monthly rates. Late pick-up fee is $1.00 per minute after 6:00p.m. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are a privilege afforded to students; no student has an absolute right to a field trip. Students can be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements upon recommendation by the teacher to the principal. All pupils participating must have written consent from parents and conduct themselves in a manner appropriate for any outing in the community. The principal will have final authority. There is educational value in field trips and outside activities. In order to provide these valuable experiences in a cost-effective manner, parent drivers are often necessary. Please let the homeroom teacher or principal know if a particular field trip causes a financial hardship. The following Field Trip Guidelines will be used: 1. Written Parent/Guardian permission is absolutely necessary for all students participating in the field trip. Students who do not return a signed Archdiocesan Field Trip Parental/Guardian Consent Form and Liability Waiver will not be allowed to go on the field trip (no exceptions). Phone calls will not be accepted in place of the written permission form. 2. Each child must have a Student Emergency Information Form on file in the school office. Money collected for field trips is non-refundable unless the trip is canceled. 3. Drivers must carry a copy of the signed Archdiocesan Field Trip Parental/Guardian Consent Form and Liability Waiver forms for each student in their carpool. This form is returned to the office when the students are checked back into school. 4. Under normal circumstances, carpools will be used for transportation and teachers will assign carpools. 5. Field trip drivers must have a current Field Trip Driver Information Form on file in the school office. The school does not carry liability insurance for injuries to passengers or damage to the car. Drivers will be responsible to see that students assigned to their car leave and return, seat-belted or otherwise appropriately restrained, in the same car. Parents who drive on field trips are required to complete a Field Trip Driver Form that verifies they have $100,000/$300,000 personal liability coverage and to complete the Archdiocesan Volunteer Background Check form. The payment of any ticket received by the Field Trip Driver for violation of the law is the responsibility of the Driver. 6. No additional stops are allowed. 7. Drivers must accompany students into the building and personally check their group through the teacher.

12 8. Drivers must return all Archdiocesan Field Trip Parental/Guardian Consent Form and Liability Waiver forms to the office or the teacher. 9. Field Trip Drivers are required to have appropriate passenger restraint in accordance with Washington law for each Student transported. As required by Washington state law, effective July 1, 2007, any child less than 8 years of age or 4' 9'' tall (whichever comes first) traveling in a private vehicle must be restrained in an approved booster seat with a lap and shoulder belt. It is the responsibility of the driver to assure that all children under the age of sixteen are traveling in the proper restraint system. . FUNDRAISING The purpose of fundraising has two parts: to keep tuition affordable at St. Benedict School and, to help students learn the value of making a personal contribution to the school with their family’s participation. The annual goal for fundraising will be based on approximately 10% of the annual operating budget, determined by the principal, pastor, and Finance Committee. The goal is approved by the St. Benedict School Commission and Parish Council. There are four major fundraising efforts. They are conducted under the authority of the Parent Club. They are the Wurst Festival, the Auction, and SCRIP. Development is a long-term relationship building and financial investment program outside the fundraising venue . Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten parents are invited to support St. Benedict School fundraisers through time and talent. They are not required to volunteer to be part of the school community. Service projects and service money collections are not considered part of the school fundraising. HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR BEHAVIOR Each student is expected to: Respect oneself, the person and property of others. Cooperate with teachers/adults. Be honest and courteous. Complete all school assignments on-time. Respect school property. Follow school rules and procedures. Students at St. Benedict School have high expectations for positive behavior. For instance, St. Benedict students do not chew gum, create a disturbance inside or outside of the school building, eat food in undesignated areas, engage in verbal or physical fighting, use inappropriate or vulgar language, fail to complete school assignments or attend school out of uniform. Students walk in the halls and classrooms. They keep their voices at an indoor, conversational level and they respect personal space, keeping their bodies, their hands and their feet to themselves. Students speak respectfully, courteously and obediently to faculty, parents, adults and other students. Students arrive at school on-time and remain in designated areas until 8:25 a.m. before entering their classrooms. Students demonstrate honesty; they honor the Ten Commandments. Students demonstrate the Beatitudes in their everyday actions. Students develop inclusive relationships with classmates rather than forming cliques or in any way causing others to be excluded. Students refrain from spreading gossip by keeping rumors to themselves and considering the impact their words might have on others.

13 Students develop an identity with the school and maintain conduct to protect the school building from vandalism. Students maintain and promote a tradition of excellence in education to ensure a long-lasting, positive reputation for their school. IN THE BUILDING: Each student is expected to: Come into the building no sooner than 8:25 A.M., Move quietly in the hallways. Line up quietly according to classroom routines. LUNCHTIME: Each student is expected to: Eat and talk politely in an appropriate, indoor tone of voice. Clean up after eating. Follow the routine for eating established by the lunchroom supervisor/s. PLAYGROUND: Each student is expected to: Play in the area designated for his/her class. Cooperate with and include all other classmates in games/activities. Find positive ways or seek teacher assistance to resolve conflicts on the playground. Return promptly when the bell rings. Report any strangers to the nearest school adult. HOMEWORK POLICY Homework shall be assigned on a regular basis in relation to the age, maturity, and needs of the students. Homework practice and good study habits contribute to a student’s success at school. When a student refuses to submit assignments, his/her parents will be notified. The following schedule illustrates the average amount of time to be spent on assigned homework according to grade level per school night:

PRIMARY Grades K - 3: 20 - 30 minutes INTERMEDIATE: Grades 4 - 5: 40 - 50 minutes JUNIOR HIGH: Grades 6 - 8: 60 - 90 minutes

If a student consistently spends more quality study time than indicated above the teacher should be notified. If a student is consistently spending less time on homework, it should be determined if he/she is doing the quality of work that is consistent with his/her ability. Grades 7 and 8 may have homework on weekends. This is practical preparation for high-school where weekend homework is the norm. If homework cannot be completed on a particular occasion, the Parent or Guardian is asked to write a note to the teacher explaining the circumstances, and arrange to have the homework completed as soon as possible. A student who chooses not to complete a homework assignment and has no written excuse by the time the assignment is due will accept the consequence of that choice. After-school detention may be required if homework completion becomes a problem. Students are expected to be responsible for making up assignment missed through absence. If a student is ill and will miss 3 or more days, the parent must contact the classroom teacher to arrange for assignments to be sent home. Parents can do their part by:

• Providing suitable study conditions • Encouraging their student • Expressing an interest in the student’s work • Insisting that poorly done work be redone • Cooperating with the school’s homework policy • Requiring a nightly study time, even if assigned work is ‘done’ • Helping the student plan long term assignments

14 HONOR ROLL The purpose of the Honor Roll is to encourage our sixth through eighth grade students to work above and beyond expectations for achievement and to develop academic and Christian social qualities as a discipline for life-long learning. To determine honors status, academic subject grades are weighted by the frequency of instructional periods in each subject per week. We recognize our students who have worked exceptionally hard and made exceptional academic progress each grading trimester. The criteria for placement on the Honor Roll include the following grades in core subjects:

High Honors: 4.00 - 3.70 GPA (A) No grades lower than C+

No minuses in Christian Social Qualities or Study Habit Honors: 3.69 - 3.30 GPA (A-)

No grades lower than C+ No minuses in Christian Social Qualities or Study Habits

LEARNING NEEDS Should you have a student with learning differences, please communicate this with the school principal and have a copy of the testing on file at the school. If your child has an Individual Education Plan please give a copy to the school principal and classroom teacher.

LOCKERS Each student is grades 6-8 is assigned a locker or cubby in which to store clothing and textbooks. In order to maintain a quiet atmosphere for class, students are allowed to go to their lockers only at specified times. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time. LUNCH PROGRAM Students bring sack lunches to school. Refrigeration is not available; please include an ice pack if you need one. Microwaves are not available for use. Children are seated at tables with a mix of grades and seating is changed on a regular basis. Pizza Lunch and free dress is once a month. Parents may order student lunches through Subway or Fantazimo, both businesses deliver lunches to the school. MATCHING GIFTS Many businesses match the financial gifts and/or volunteer hours of their employees. Please check with your employer’s Human Resources Dept. to initiate the process. These businesses include but are not limited to: Microsoft, Boeing (and Boeing retirees), Safeco, Kimberly-Clark, Federated Stores, Wells Fargo Bank, and U.S. Bank. MONEY SENT TO SCHOOL Whenever money is sent to school with the children, please send it in a sealed envelope with the following information on the outside. Name and grade of student

Amount enclosed in the envelope Purpose for the money

Students should not bring valuables to school. If they do the school is not liable for loss or damage. NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY St. Benedict School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its education policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

15 OFFICE RECORDS Parents/Guardians are requested to notify the School Office in writing of any change of address, home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, business phone numbers, e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers of emergency contacts. This will guarantee that office records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled in the fall during the month of October. The conferences schedule for this time are only done during the conference times. Please line up family vacations outside of this time or ask for a conference at the beginning of the conference days. If at any other time, parents are concerned about a specific problem or feel they need to talk to a child’s teacher, they may request a conference by calling the teacher at school for an appointment. PROCESS FOR ADDRESSING CONCERNS All meetings with concerns must be documented using the Conference Form – available in school office or with

teacher. 1. Meet with the teacher with whom there is a concern 2. Put in writing concern to the teacher 3. Meet with principal 4. Put in writing concern to the principal PARENT-TEACHER RELATIONS Parents of school age children delegate a share of their authority to teachers. It is therefore important that there be unity of purpose and practice between parents and teachers. Serious harm may be done to a child, a class, a teacher, and to the school’s reputation in general if rumors are circulated and acted upon without proper investigation. For this reason, parents are urged to bring their concerns regarding school-oriented incidents to the teacher first by taking the following steps: 1. Listen to what the student has to say. 2. Speak directly to the teacher about your concern. 3. Put your concern in writing to the teacher. 4. Speak directly to the principal. 5. Put your concern in writing to the principal. If students are to reach their full potential, a spirit of cooperation between the school and the home must exist. PARTY INVITATIONS Invitations to personal parties distributed at school should be for the entire class. These can be a source of hurt feelings and unnecessary quarrels at school. We realize it is often necessary to limit the number of children who can attend a party, but in the interest of all students, please find other ways of distributing the invitations if the entire class is not invited.

PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY Personal electronic devices such as cell phones, IPods, and MP3 players may be brought to school or school sponsored activities under the following conditions: 1. Personal electronics must be kept in the OFF position and must be left in backpacks and out of sight during school hours. 2. Personal electronics may not be used for picture taking. 3. No harassment or threatening of persons via electronics is permitted. 4. Personal electronics may not be used for games, internet or email access, text messaging, gambling or purchases. Violations of any of the above rules may result in forfeiture of the privilege of bringing these devices to school.

16 PHONE DIRECTORY The Phone Directory is published at the beginning of each school year and includes family names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. It also includes class lists and staff contact information. Directories may not be given to anyone outside the school community or be used for business reasons beyond St. Benedict School. The first directory is free, and additional directories are available for a nominal charge. Parents will need to notify the school each year if there is information they do not wish to release. PLAY CREATION RULES GENERAL RULES • Students must receive an orientation from the P.E. teacher prior to use. • The playground supervisor must be present for use during the school day. • It is off limits immediately before and after school without supervision. • The playground supervisor determines its safety when raining, snowing, ice present etc. SPECIFIC RULES • Sliding must be done in the sitting position. • Running, jumping off, or walking up the slide are not permitted. • Balls and jump ropes are to be kept our of the area. • Twirling on individual parallel bars not permitted and students must go in one direction. • Balancing, walking, crawling on, or hanging off railings is not permitted. • Balancing on, walking on top of, or crawling on top of Wave Net is not permitted. • Climbers are for going in an “up” direction only. • The Fire Pole and Corkscrew are for students grade 1 and above. • .Jumping off decks is not permitted. • In general if students can reach something without help from another student they may use that piece of

equipment. • Lifting students onto equipment is not permissible. • Special safety rules may be enforced by the pre-school and pre-kindergarten program. CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING RULES • Failure to follow rules results in restriction from use for a period of time. PLAYGROUND CO-OPERATIVE The Playground Co-operative is to foster a well-connected community amongst parents and children of St. Benedicts School thru social activities while honoring the needs and guidelines of our school. The parent community of St Benedicts is informed and agrees to safety rules on school grounds and we follow the school rules. The co-operative enables us to stay on the playground after school with our children. Join parents after school at 3:10 any day of the week. History: During the 2009-2010 school year PAC formed “Afterschool Activities Ad Hoc Committee” to explore the needs of school families. The purpose of this ad-hoc committee was to manage afterschool extra-curricular and social activities and to coordinate these with Extended Day. Today, both private and public schools, ask parents and kids to clear the grounds after school gets out. This request is due to the busy world we live in, rich in liability concerns, safety rules and the coordinating needs for working harmony with our wonderful after-school programs. Conflict can arise as parents value this after-school time to socialize, get acquainted, be involved and process supportive actions for our school and kids. Out of this arose the Playground Cooperative. The school grounds are opened to our community of parents provided we follow the parent-school agreement contract. There are specific participation requirements parents must agree to. This is not an alternative to Extended Day. As a reminder, students who are not here for Extended Day or Playground Cooperative or Kids Club are to leave the school grounds by 3:10 p.m. as St. Benedict School does not offer other supervision. Effective winter, 2010 PROMOTION POLICY

17 Annually students are promoted in June. Promotion to the next level is based on the students having fulfilled the requirements of the current grade level. Any student may be required to repeat the work of a grade, whenever, in the judgment of the principal, teacher, and parents/guardians, it would be to the child's educational advantage to repeat rather than be promoted to the next grade. When a student’s retention is at risk, parents will be advised of the situation at least three months prior to the end of the school year, when possible. If a student is promoted contrary to the recommendation of the school professionals, signed documentation by parents/guardians and St. Benedict School will be kept on file in the student's records. The following guidelines are in effect for students in grades 6-8:

1. A student receiving grades of “A”, “B”, “C”, and no more than two “D” grades in the major academic areas will be promoted to the next grade. 2. A student receiving two or more “D” grades on a progress report or report card in any major academic area is in danger of being placed on academic probation. Probation requires notification of the parents/guardians in order to plan for improvement in the student's academic performance. Follow-up will be determined when plan for improvement is created. 3. A student receiving a grade of “F” (Failure) in a major academic area in the first two trimesters must demonstrate marked improvement in the last trimester to be eligible for a final passing grade. 4. A student receiving a grade of “F” (Failure) in two or more major academic areas in the last trimester may not be promoted to the next grade until documented evidence of satisfactory completion of a course of study in subject(s) is presented to the principal. Summer school and/or professional tutoring are examples of acceptable courses of remedial study. Students in grades 6 and 7 may be retained at present grade level. Students in grade 8 may be given a Certificate of Attendance.

Passed at School Commission May 20, 2010 REGISTRATION AND CLASS SIZE Children entering Pre-S must be three (3) and Pre-K must be four (4) years of age by August 31st. Children entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years of age by August 31. At the time of registration, all new students (Grades 1-8) seeking admission to St. Benedict School are evaluated on the basis of current standardized test scores and report cards and teacher recommendation. These will be reviewed to determine whether the program at St. Benedict School will meet the educational needs of the students. in order to ensure the success of new students enrolling at St. Benedict School, new students may be placed on probation for a month or more following a conference between the principal and the family. During that period the student must demonstrate self-discipline and diligence in his/her studies. The class size per grade at St. Benedict will be limited to 25 students. It is within the discretion of the school administrator to increase the enrollment for each class by 10% with the understanding that if the Kindergarten class size exceeds 19, a minimum of a part-time teacher's aid will be hired to assist the Kindergarten teacher. Admission Priority (passed by School Commission December, 2009)

Siblings of students enrolled in K-8 in good standing, prior to December 1, 2010 will have priority admission for grades K-8. Those who started pre-school fall, 2009 will have priority admission for Kindergarten fall, 2011. The admission priority deadline is February 1 prior to beginning of next school year for all applicants (Class size for pre-school is 14/day. Class size for pre-kindergarten is 18-20/day)

A. Admission priority for new students into St. Benedict School--Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten: 1. Siblings of current students of St. Benedict Parish Families 2. St. Benedict Parish Family students 3. Siblings of current students of non-St. Benedict Parish Families 4. Other Catholic students 5. Other students

B. Admission priority for current St. Benedict pre-school to St. Benedict pre-kindergarten

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1. All St. Benedict pre-school families are guaranteed to have the same days and number of spots in pre-kindergarten that they had in pre-school

2. Priority for increasing number of days will be determined date of returning completed registration form to the school office. (first come, first serve).

3. 3 days/week n pre-kindergarten if there are not enough spots for those who want four or five days. 4. Beginning 2011-2012 - only four or five day/week options for pre-kindergarten.

C. Admission Priority for new students into St. Benedict School--Kindergarten: 1. Siblings of current students of St. Benedict Parish Families 2. St. Benedict Parish Family students 3. Siblings of current students of non-St. Benedict Parish Families 4. Current St. Benedict School Pre-Kindergarten students from other Catholic Parishes 5. Other current St. Benedict School Pre-Kindergarten students 6. Other Catholic students 7. Other students

D. Admission Priority for new students into St. Benedict School—Grades 1-8: 1. Siblings of current students of St. Benedict Parish Families 2. St. Benedict Parish Family students 3. Siblings of current students of non-St. Benedict Parish Families 4. Students who attended other Catholic schools 5. Other Catholic students 6. Other students

Note: St. Benedict Parish Families must meet criteria specified in Handbook, e.g., actively participating in St. Benedict Parish. REGISTRATION FEES Registration fees are paid on a yearly basis. For new families registering at St. Benedict School, the registration fee and the first month’s tuition are due at the time of registration; the registration fee and first month’s tuition are non-refundable. Students currently in kindergarten through grade seven must be re-registered for the following school year with the non-refundable registration fee of $100 per student by March 31. Students currently in Pre-school and Pre-kindergarten must be re-registered by February 1 for the following school year (see admission guidelines above). St. Benedict School is not obligated to reserve a place for any student who is not registered by the appointed time. Similarly, St. Benedict School is not obligated to hold a place for any student who has outstanding debts of any kind (tuition, fees, fines, commitment hours, etc.) to the school. REPORT CARDS St. Benedict School uses trimester report cards. Progress reports will be sent home mid-trimester. These are an estimation of a student’s progress to date. When a student is not achieving to anticipated capacity, the parents will be notified in an effort to help the child overcome his/her challenges. Grades K-3 are evaluated with symbols. Grades 4 and above receive trimester letter grades (A, B, C etc.). These are the numerical values for the following letter grades:

A 4.00 100% - 96% A- 3.70 95% - 93% B+ 3.30 92% - 90% B 3.00 89% - 86% B- 2.70 85% - 83% C+ 2.30 82% - 80% C 2.00 79% - 76% C- 1.70 75% - 73% D+ 1.30 72% - 70% D 1.00 69% - 66%

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D- .70 65% - 63% F - 62% or below

I - incomplete - must be converted by the following trimester

All subjects which receive a trimester grade (A, B, C, D) will be counted toward a student's GPA.. Grades will be weighted according to the frequency of instruction during the week. REIMBURSEMENT FOR EXPENDITURES Parents working on any committee or activity must receive approval from the Principal or Parent Club for expenditures prior to spending any money. Requests for expenditures, which are not part of the approved budget, are considered on an individual basis. Reimbursements for expenditures not previously approved cannot be guaranteed.

RELEASE OF PUPILS DURING SCHOOL DAY Archdiocesan policy states: “No teacher or principal shall release any pupil to any person who calls at the school to pick them up unless the release is to the child’s parent or to their delegate, and is verified in writing.” To comply with this policy, when picking up your child during the school day, please send a note to the teacher that morning and, upon arrival sign out in the school office. RETURNED CHECKS Those who have NSF checks will pay an NSF fee of $30 for each NSF check. SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION Children who are baptized Catholic and have reached the age of reason (second grade), are eligible to prepare for celebrating the sacraments of Penance/Reconciliation and Eucharist. Preparation for the celebration of these two sacraments for the first time occurs through the parish outside of regular classroom instruction and includes parent participation. Those preparing for celebrating Eucharist for the first time need to be prepared to celebrate the sacrament of Penance/Reconciliation as well. Instruction on the sacraments of Penance/Reconciliation and Eucharist is also a part of the Grade 2 religion classes. Children who are baptized Catholic and are older than second grade who have not celebrated the sacraments of Penance/Reconciliation and Eucharist may also be prepared to celebrate these sacraments with their parents’ permission. This preparation takes place through the parish and is offered every year. Children who are not baptized Catholic and are second graders or older and who wish to become Catholic, with their parents’ permission, can also be prepared to become Catholic. This preparation also takes place through the parish and is offered every year. For further information on preparation for sacraments, please contact the Parish Office. SCRIP AND eSCRIP The following programs describe two easy ways to contribute to the school at no extra cost: Scrip Scrip is a gift card or gift certificate for businesses frequented by St. Benedict School parents and parishioners. Scrip is purchased by St. Benedict School at a discount and sold at face value as a means for fundraising. The school gets a percentage of the scrip value ranging from 3% to 25% depending on the vendor. The gift cards and gift certificates are used like cash to purchase anything from groceries, clothing, books, toys, and gas to dining and home improvement goods. Every purchase you make will benefit the school at no extra cost to you. Each family is encouraged to participate in the program. Purchases can be made in several ways:

• at the scrip table outside the office on Wednesday and Friday mornings • in the Vestibule at the Parish on the 1st and 3rd Sundays after the 10:00 AM Mass • through the scrip poly-envelope included in your Thursday Envelope each week

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• eScrip

eScrip is another simple and easy way to raise money for St. Benedict. eScrip contributes a percentage of your grocery loyalty card, credit card, and debit/ATM card purchases to our school. All you need to do is register one or more (or all!) of your cards with eScrip for use in the program at the secure eScript website: http://www.escrip.com/. Contributions will automatically be deposited to the school’s account for purchases made on registered cards. Every purchase you make will benefit the school at no extra cost to you. Be sure to include the St. Benedict group number: 8566846 SNOW DAYS & EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSURE School is in operation for normal school hours times unless an official announcement on the radio and/or TV states differently. Please listen to your radio and/or TV (KOMO - 1000/Channel 4, KING 1090/Channel 5, or KIRO -710/Channel 7) for reports during inclement weather of school closure specifically for St. Benedict School. On extremely snowy/icy days we may start an hour or two late. When the school schedule is changed or school is canceled, the media will be notified, staff will be notified via a phone tree, and every effort will be made to post on the school website and the school voicemail. If you do not hear of a closure then presume the school is open. On most days that school is closed, the Extended Day Program is also closed. STUDENT AND SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP A distinctly Catholic school has an atmosphere of care and respect among students and staff. Christian justice and mercy temper disciplinary procedures that protect the rights of all students and teachers. Pupils must observe good order, be diligent in study, respectful to teachers and classmates, be clean and neat in person and attire, and obey the regulations of the school. Pupils are responsible to the school staff for their behavior in school, at school-sponsored activities, and while going to and from school. (Archdiocesan Policy #1419) COMMUNITY: Students, faculty and parents at St. Benedict School participate in a community with roots and reputation in the neighborhood, church, and Seattle communities. Each of us is expected to act in a way that demonstrates our respect for ourselves, other people, and St. Benedict School. We are proud of who we are and what St. Benedict School stands for in this community. AGREEMENT: Registration at St. Benedict School constitutes an agreement on the part of the parent and student to abide by the academic, procedural and behavioral requirements of the school. St. Benedict School has the right, therefore, to review the progress of each student with a view toward determining continued participation in St. Benedict School. STUDENT RIGHTS: Students have the right to expect to be treated with respect by the staff and volunteers working in the school. Students have a right to learn in class. Students have the right to safety. Students have the right to be heard when there are needs, concerns or when various views are presented. SPECIAL FAMILY SITUATIONS: If your family has special circumstances please inform the office and the homeroom teacher. If you have a legal parenting plan please have a copy put in your child’s file so the school staff can follow the guidelines. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES Students have the responsibility to treat others with consideration and respect. Students have the responsibility to complete school assignments to the best of their ability. Students have the responsibility to contribute to a positive and safe learning environment. Students have the responsibility to follow rules that insure a school climate where everyone has an opportunity to learn. TARDINESS Students are expected to arrive by 8:25 a.m. Students must go directly to the office to get a tardy slip if they arrive after 8:30 a.m. Parents should write an excuse if the tardy is excused. All tardies are recorded. Parents are notified if tardiness becomes excessive. TEACHER, ADMINISTRATOR AND PARENT RIGHTS: Teachers, administrators and parents have the right to be respected in how they are treated, spoken to, and referred to by all. Teachers, administrators and parents

21 have the right to be heard. Teachers, administrators and parents have the right to be contacted about students when there are issues that impact their relationship with the children. Teachers, administrators and parents have the right to reinforce rules, policies, and procedures that enhance their work with the children. TELEPHONE USE The school telephone is reserved for official school business. Use of this phone by students is limited to emergencies and should only be done with permission of a teacher, the school secretary, or the principal.

THURSDAY ENVELOPE & CONNECTIONS The school newsletter “Connections” is sent home in an envelope every Thursday with the youngest child (or designee) in each family. This is one of our PRIMARY means of communication with parents. Please read it carefully. If the Connections does not arrive home, please contact the school office. The envelope should be returned by the following Monday. If you have something you wish included in the newsletter, please email it to the connection editor at [email protected] by 9:00 a.m. each Wednesday. TOYS Toys, radios, and other personal belongings should not be brought to school unless for specific projects or presentations. The school is not responsible for items that may be damaged. Items such as bats or baseballs should be left at home. TRAFFIC SAFETY & STUDENT DROP OFF & PICK UP GUIDELINES -Updated August 6, 2009

Drop off and pick up at school pose a significant safety challenge for students, staff, and parents. The school-side of N. 48th St., N. 49th St., and Wallingford Ave. N. are designated school “Load Zones” from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m. School traffic in the morning and the afternoon is directed clockwise around the school, allowing cars to pull into the curb for safe drop-off and pick-up of students. NO LOADING OR UNLOADING IS ALLOWED IN THE STREET. Please note, between the hours of 8:15-8:45AM and 2:45-3:15 PM, parking will NOT be allowed in the following locations:

• Along the west side of Wallingford Ave. N., from N. 49thSt. to N. 48th St. • Along the north side of N. 48th St., from Wallingford Ave. N. to Densmore Ave. N. • Along the south side of N. 49th St., from Densmore Ave. N. to Wallingford Ave N.

These areas are designated “Load/Unload Only” zones during these times. Vehicles left unattended during these times may be cited. As a reminder, please do not block the crosswalks or park in the handicapped parking spaces at any time. To help alleviate traffic congestion and encourage parking along Densmore Ave., a new “foot traffic” gate has been added to the fence on the west side of the playground. This gate will provide convenient access to the playground from the west side of school property. Parents may use the Load Zone for short term loading of goods into or out of the school after 9:00 a.m. and before 1:30 p.m.; driver must be actively loading/unloading in this zone. Unrestricted parking is available on both sides of Densmore Avenue and across the street from school on N. 48th St., N. 49th St., and Wallingford Ave. N. Staff supervision for students is provided before school from 8:15 – 8:25 a.m. on the playground near the Big Toy and after school from 3:00 – 3:10 p.m. Students should not arrive at school before 8:15 a.m. and should leave the school grounds by 3:10 p.m., unless they are enrolled in Extended Day. Students are not admitted into the building until 8:25 a.m., unless they are enrolled in the AM Extended Day program. School grounds are for school sponsored activities from 8 am until 6 pm Monday through Friday. Students on the grounds before 8:15 a.m. or after 3:10 p.m. must have parent supervision. Students not supervised will be send to Extended Day and parents will be charged for the supervision.

22 Out of this arose the Playground Cooperative coordinated by PAC. The Playground Co-operative is to foster a well-connected community amongst parents and children of St. Benedicts School thru social activities while honoring the needs and guidelines of our school. There are specific participation requirements parents must agree to. This is not an alternative to Extended Day. As a reminder, students who are not here for Extended Day or Playground Cooperative or Kids Club are to leave the school grounds by 3:10 p.m. as St. Benedict School does not offer other supervision. (implemented April, 2010) Students will be dismissed through the doors on 49th St. (grades 6-8), Wallingford Ave. (grades 4 -5), and 48th St. (grades K-3). For supervisory purposes, it is important to distinguish between the students who are released to go home and those enrolled in Extended Day. Use caution as students are arriving at and are dismissed from school and as drivers are picking up. Please follow the direction of school Traffic Safety Volunteers and student Crossing Guards as they direct traffic and assist pedestrians. Please see map for details.

24 TRANSFER OF CURRENT STUDENTS Notice of withdrawal of a student should be made by the parent in writing to the Principal in advance of the withdrawal date. This enables the school to prepare necessary information and settle accounts. No student records will be forwarded to another school until accounts have been settled. TUITION ASSISTANCE St. Benedict School is committed to providing affordable education to families by offering financial assistance through Archdiocesan tuition assistance and the school financial aid program. The Archdiocese of Seattle provides tuition assistance on a limited basis with verification of need. Application and qualification for Archdiocesan tuition assistance should be completed and submitted prior to applying for St. Benedict School scholarships. Applications for the Archdiocesan scholarships may be obtained from the school office and are submitted in March for the following school year. Parents in need of financial aid for tuition must contact the principal in the spring, prior to or at the time of registration for the following school year. Application forms for St. Benedict School financial aid are available in the school office. A conference with the principal may be held to determine the degree of need. St. Benedict School scholarships will be granted on a financial need basis determined by the principal. Scholarship monies may only be applied to tuition payments. Scholarships are granted for only one school year period. All existing accounts at St. Benedict School must be current prior to the awarding of any additional scholarship monies. Financial assistance for tuition at the local school level is intended as a priority for parish members. TUITION 2010-2011 TUITION RATES Number of Children attending One Two Three Parish family $4,665 `$7,930(30% discount) $10,496 (45% discount) Non-parish family $6,149 $12,298 $18447 2010-2011 PRE-SCHOOL AND PRE-KINDERGARTEN TUITION RATES Number of Days Attending Three Four Five All Families $2,883 $3,705 $4,557 *The Parish Family rate is for families who are registered in the parish, attending Mass, and are regular participants in the Stewardship Program (with a pledge on file and fulfillment of that pledge) at St. Benedict Parish. Parish Family students are to be baptized Catholic or participating in the RCIA. Parish families who want to seek Parish Family rate for tuition for the first time must meet with the pastor and principal to receive Parish Family tuition approval. Review of eligibility for Parish Family tuition for returning parish families will be conducted during the re-registration each spring for the following school year. The Parish Office will conduct this review. Notification will be sent to any family with a change in status, which will determine the tuition for the next year. Appeals for Parish Family tuition must first be presented in writing to the Principal, then to the Pastor. There are two options for tuition payment: Enrollment in the F.A.C.T.S. Tuition Services with monthly or quarterly payments. Payment in full prior to August 15

25 TUITION ARREARS POLICY The school will hold report cards and transcripts at the end of each school year for failure to pay tuition, fees, fines, or up-to-date parish responsibilities (for In-Parish tuition). In the event that any family is behind in tuition payments, the F.A.C.T.S. Tuition Collection Program shall notify the family. The principal will be contacted to arrange a mutually agreeable payment schedule with the family involved to resolve the tuition arrears. A revised tuition payment schedule shall also be executed with interest as specified in the F.A.C.T.S. Tuition Collection Program. If the family involved is subsequently behind in the scheduled payments, the family will be mailed notifications as agreed upon from F.A.C.T.S. Tuition stating the penalties and consequences of non-payment. The promissory note may be turned over to a collection agency for action. Any family whose financial status changes drastically during the year may apply for financial aid. Should a family withdraw with an outstanding balance of tuition, fees or other obligations, records will not be sent until resolved with school administration.

UNIFORMS St. Benedict School has an official school uniform, consistent with our intent to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. The students’ dress and appearance should always reflect neatness, cleanliness, modesty and good taste. Parents are expected to understand, support and enforce the uniform policy and should help students make good choices about appropriate attire. The uniform is a symbol of a student’s pride, and a symbol of pride in the School. Uniform plaid is only available at Dennis Uniform www.dennisunioform.com 1-‐800-‐854-‐6951. Sweatshirts are available only through the School. Pieces may be purchased elsewhere as long as they conform in style and color to what is available at Dennis Uniform. There is a uniform exchange located in the lower floor white cabinet by the boy’s bathroom. Parents are encouraged to donate clean, and neat used uniforms. These may be turned into the school office labeled “Used Uniforms”. Please contact the school office for guidance if you are unsure if clothing items qualify as uniform. In addition, families should contact the School principal directly if in need of financial assistance to purchase a uniform. Students wear uniforms regularly to campus except when the principal gives special permission for free dress days or on a student’s birthday. In emergencies, when it is not possible for a student to wear the uniform, the parent/guardian must send a hand-‐written note explaining the circumstance to the school office, and the student must deliver the note prior to reporting to class.

• Practical shoes are required. No open-‐toed or backless shoes, flip-‐flops, sandals, rubber boots, Crocs or water-‐sport shoes allowed. On physical education days, students are required to wear securely fastened tennis shoes with a sole during PE class.

• Students must wear solid white or navy socks, knee-‐highs, tights, or ankle-‐length leggings. Socks must be visible.

• Students may not wear hats or hoods in the school building –even at Extended Day. • Students are not allowed to wear make-‐up, fingernail polish, and unnatural hair colors. (Blemish cover-‐

up and acne cream is not considered make-‐up.) • Students are not allowed to wear earrings that hang below the ear lobe. • Students may wear a St. Benedict medal or simple cross and chain. • Students may wear St. Benedict School hoodies on Mondays unless there is a special Mass • Students may not wear colored and layered clothing that contrasts or shows beneath the school

uniform.

Clothing Item Grade Color

26 Sweatshirts (REQUIRED) (Available in the school office-‐$15.00)

K -‐ 5 6 – 8

Red Navy

Pants K -‐ 5 6 – 8

Navy (twill) Khaki (twill)

Walking Shorts (No shorter than 3” above the knee. Shorts may be worn March 1 – Nov. 1.)

K -‐ 5 6 – 8


Skorts (No shorter than 3” above the knee.)

K – 5 6 – 8


Polo Shirts K -‐ 8 White Turtleneck Shirts K -‐ 8 White Jumper K -‐ 5 Woodland Plaid Skirts (No shorter than 2” above the knee.)

K – 8 6 – 8

Woodland Plaid Khaki

Cardigan Sweater (optional) Sweater must be identical to the Dennis Uniform sweater

K -‐ 8 Navy

Socks (required) K -‐ 8 White or Navy Free Dress days must reflect neatness, cleanliness, modesty and good taste. (No shoulder or midriff showing, no sleeping attire, no boxers) Guidelines for earrings/hair color/polish/makeup apply to free dress days. Students may wear free dress on their birthday. Please refer to school calendar for regular free dress days which usually fall on the last Friday of the month which is also Pizza Lunch Day. “Perfect Uniform Day” is on Mass days and other days as determined by principal. Perfect uniform definition: sweater/sweatshirt (no hoodies), pants/skirt/skort/jumper, and white blouse/polo shirt. Shirts must be tucked in with colors pulled out. Parents/Guardians will be notified about uniform infractions through Uniform Slips. Multiple infractions will be handled under regular discipline rules. Our uniform policy is enforced by all school personnel. Failure to adhere to the uniform policy may result in non-‐admittance to class, referral to the principal and/or a call to the parent or guardian. Students may wear the Wurst T-‐shirt as part of the uniform between the first day of school and the Great Wallingford Wurst Festival. Passed by School Commission May 20, 2010 VOLUNTEER COMMITMENT HOURS – Families for Grades K-8

27 St. Benedict families are expected to contribute a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer time per family. Volunteer hours may also be contributed in the name of the family by friends and relatives who are high school age or older. 20 hours per family are directed to the Wurst Festival in September 20 hours per family are directed to other fundraising activities, classroom assistance, coaching or other school related events which includes an expectation that all families will contribute a few hours to the auction in the spring. Please note that all families are required to bake for the Great Wallingford Wurst Festival but the baking hours are NOT part of volunteer hours.l In addition to providing volunteer hours to the auction, each family needs to donate a new item or service to be sold at the auction that has a retail value of at least $200. Items of lesser value may be grouped together to equal $200. Families who do not fulfill this commitment will be billed $200. The value of each hour of volunteer time is $20 per hour. Families will be billed for hours that have not been fulfilled. It is the responsibility of each family to regularly report their volunteer hours to the Parent Club either with the on-line form that is available on the school website. All individuals who volunteer in the school must complete Archdiocesan mandated background check and Safe Environment Training for Volunteers. Details on this is at www.seattle.setanet.org. After a parent has completed the three hours “Called to Protect for Ministries” training they must maintain the training through online class. All volunteers are expected to dress appropriately. Clothing should be modest and neat. The main responsibility of a volunteer is to assist the administration or teachers. For this reason, pre-school siblings are not allowed to accompany parent volunteers to school for meetings, to serve lunches, to assist with class parties, or to decorate bulletin boards. Rules and Code of Ethics for School Computer Users and Student/Parent Permission Form It is the goal of St. Benedict School to encourage students to work independently and collaboratively using technology skills and resources. As a computer user, I agree to follow the rules and code of ethics below when working with a computer while attending St. Benedict School. I I recognize that all computer users have the same right to use the equipment; therefore, I will use the computer resources for assigned academic purposes only; I will respect equipment and supplies provided by the school; I will respect the rights of others to work. II I understand that the school does not make any warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service it is providing; therefore, I will be responsible for evaluating the information gained through the Internet for its reliability and accuracy; I will be responsible for reporting to the person in charge, any websites that may violate school policy and/or this policy; I will not access email accounts, chat rooms, or make other, unauthorized direct electronic communications of any kind using school computers; I will not order or purchase or attempt to purchase any item or goods for sale from Internet vendors. III I recognize that not all information found on the Internet is correct, ethical, or appropriate for school use; therefore, I will respect and comply with the school’s authority on the monitoring of Internet use; I will respect the authority of those in charge who are monitoring the selection and use of Internet sites and defer to their decision regarding whether any particular site is inappropriate and should not be accessed; I understand that no filtering system is capable of blocking 100% of the inappropriate material found on the Internet and just because the filtering system does not prevent me from accessing a particular site, this does not automatically guarantee this site is appropriate for me to visit.

28 IV I recognize that software is protected by copyright laws; therefore, I will not make unauthorized copies of software found on school computers by copying them onto my own medium or onto other computers through electronic mail or bulletin boards; I will not give, lend, or sell copies of software to others unless I have written permission from the copyright owner or the original software is clearly identified as shareware or in the public domain. I will not upload copies of any software I own onto any St. Benedict School computer without the express permission of St. Benedict School administration or faculty. V I recognize that the work of all users is valuable; therefore, I will protect and respect the privacy of others; I will not copy, change, read, or use files in another’s software, without that user’s prior permission; I will not attempt to gain unauthorized access to the system programs, computer equipment, or school servers; I will not use computer systems to disturb, harass or bully other computer users; I will not download information onto the hard drives of any school computers for permanent storage. (I will download information with permission of the instructor onto diskettes or other mediums when planning to store information.)

VI I recognize that included in the definition of vandalism is any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, the school network or Internet service provider, which also includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses, and/or “spam” email.

VII I understand that network storage areas may be treated like school lockers. Network administrators and/or teachers may review files and communications to maintain system integrity and insure that users are using the system responsibly. Users should not expect that files stored on the school network will always be private.

I will follow the code of ethics given in this document. Access to St. Benedict School computers and resources is a privilege, not a right. Violations of the rules and code of ethics described above will be dealt with seriously; therefore, I understand that violators will lose computer privileges and may be subject to other disciplinary actions.

St. Benedict School User Agreement and Student/Parent Permission Form

29 PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN TO SCHOOL BY DATE___________ Student User Agreement As a user of the St. Benedict School computer network, I hereby agree to comply with the statements and expectations outlined in this document and to honor all school rules and restrictions. Student Signature ___________________________Date _______ Parent/Guardian Permission: As the parent or legal guardian of the minor student signing above, I grant permission for my child to access networked computer services such as electronic mail and the Internet. I understand that individuals and families may be held responsible for violations. I understand that students’ computer use is reasonably monitored at school and I accept responsibility for guidance of Internet use -setting and conveying standards for my child to follow when selecting, sharing or exploring information and media. This permission is granted for an indefinite period of time unless otherwise requested. Parent Signature ___________________________Date _______ Publishing to the World Wide Web Your child’s work may be considered for publication on the World Wide Web, specifically on the St. Benedict School’s web site. Such publishing requires parent/guardian permission (see below). The work will appear with a copyright notice prohibiting the copying of such work without express written permission. In the event anyone requests such permission, those requests will be forwarded to the student’s parent/guardian. Unidentified photos of students may be published on the St. Benedict School web site, illustrating student projects and achievements. If you do not want your child’s photo to be published on the school web site, please indicate this below. I grant permission for the above named student to: (initial appropriate items) _______have his/her materials published on the school web site ______have his/her unidentified photo published on the school web site These permissions are granted for an indefinite period of time, unless otherwise requested. Parent Signature _________________________Date _________

parent handbook 2010-2011 - stbens.net · 1 St. Benedict School Parent Handbook 2010-2011 4811...

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