Parent HandbookFor

The Sacred Heart of JesusParish Catechetical Program

Sacred Heart of Jesus ParishServing

Highland Falls, Fort Montgomery,West Point and Bear Mountain, NY

353 Main StreetHighland Falls, New York

845-446-4609/ FAX 845-446-4610

Website: www.sacredheart-highlandfalls.org

PastorReverend Joseph Tokarczyk

Religious Education CoordinatorMrs. Mary Ann Brigham

Table of Contents

Letter from Pastor and Coordinator

A. Mission Statement/ Philosophy 4B. Living a Christian Life 4C. Role of Parent/ Guardian 4D. Role of the Student 4E .Role of the Religious Education Director 4F. Role of the Catechist 5G. Programs 5

Parish Based 5Special Needs 5Sacramental Preparation 5Reconciliation 5Eucharist 6Confirmation 7Youth Ministry 8Vacation Bible School 8Adult Education 8Instructional Guidelines 8Curriculum 9-11

H. Attendance 11Absences 11Arrival & Dismissal 12Supervision 12

L Student Behavior 12Vandalism 12

J. Admissions 12Registration for New Students 12Tuition and Fees 12Re-registration 13Class Placement 13Transfer/Early Withdrawal 13Medical Emergency 13

K. Communication 13Meetings 13Calendar 13Letters/Flyers/Announcements l3Parish website 13

L. Safety 14Transportation 14Fire Drills 14Emergencies 14Trips 14

M. General Information 14Phone Use 14Valuables 14Lost & Found 14Unscheduled Early Dismissal 14

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Dear Parents:

SACRED HEART CHURCH353 MAIN STREET HIGHLAND FALLS,

NEW YORK 10928

Right after your child was baptized; the priest offered the following blessing for fathers and mothers:"God is the giver of all life, human and divine. May He bless the [parents} of this child...they will be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith. May they be also the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord."

In addition to instructing your children in Christian truth, we welcome the opportunity to assist you in fulfilling your obligation to help you teach your children to walk in the ways of faith. This can only be done when each family places Jesus Christ and His teachings at the center of their lives through Sunday worship at Mass, family prayer and the daily living out of the Christian message.

We ask you especially to recognize that attending Mass with your children is an essential part of their religious formation.

We look forward to cooperating with you in passing on Catholic Christian values to your children. We need to pray together, talk together, and plan together. In that way, we can draw fully from Sacred Scripture and Church teachings and work to support each other in instilling these values in our children - values which are so very important in today's world. This handbook will help all of us establish and fulfill our goals.

name.May God bless us in the work of Christian education in which we carry on in His

Blessings,

Father Joseph Tokarcyk, Pastor Mrs. Mary Ann Brigham, Coordinator

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A. Mission Statement/ PhilosophyAt the Parish of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, we look upon religious education as a total parish

experience involving not just the child, but also parents, families, catechists, and priests that form our parish community of faith. We believe that religious education is getting to know Jesus and learning what is expected of one who chooses to follow Him in the Catholic tradition. Our catechetical program reflects an integrated learning experience composed of: prayer, Catholic doctrine, biblical studies, liturgy, sacramental preparation, community building, and other dimensions of vibrant church life. Through the light of faith, we hope to develop in those entrusted to our care a deeper relationship with God.

B. Living a Christian LifeLiving the Christian Catholic life is not simply done by going to Mass regularly or attending

religious education classes. It is a lifestyle that is to be witnessed everyday by what we say and what we do at home, at work, at school and at play.

Mass Attendance - An integral part of any religious education program is that students attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation and participate fully in the sacramental life of the Church. Learning in class can only be effective when one meets the Lord at the altar partaking of the Eucharist.

C. Role of parent/guardianThe parent/guardian has the primary and sacred responsibility to educate their child in the faith.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus Religious Education Program is established to assist in this responsibility. It is essential to the child’s growth and development in the Catholic faith that the parents/guardians live the life of faith in the home. The effectiveness of the religious education process radically depends upon this. The child learns in religious education classes that celebrating the Eucharist on Sunday with other members of the faith community is essential to being a Catholic. Therefore, the child should be attending the Sunday or Saturday evening liturgy along with his/her parents.

It is obvious that the values of the parents/guardians become the values of the child. The child receives a "mixed message" which causes inner conflict when what is taught by the Church is not experienced by the child in the family.

D. Role of the StudentSpiritual: Regular attendance at Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation, frequent

participation in the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist, living a moral life reflecting the values and teachings of Jesus, trying one's best to follow the laws, norms and guidelines that tell Catholics how to Love God and neighbor (10 Commandments, Beatitudes, Laws of the Church, Corporal Works of Mercy, Spiritual Works of Mercy).These, in part, contribute to a student's spirituality.

Academic:Weekly attendance at religious education classesProper preparation for class instructionComplete assigned homeworkParticipation in class discussions and activities Satisfactory completion of special assignments Textbook available for each classPutting one's best effort into one's work.

Just "getting by" is not a good goal.

E. Role of the Religious Education Director/CoordinatorThe Director/Coordinator of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Religious Education Program is delegated

by the Pastor of the parish to be responsible for the development, implementation and administration of the parish catechetical program. The parish program is in accordance with the guidelines of the Archdiocese of New York. The Director has the responsibility of implementing the principles of the civil law concerning the safety of students and in line with the Safety Guidelines of the Archdiocese.

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The Director/Coordinator is also required to provide catechesis/religious education for all students of the parish including those who have physical, emotional, mental, or learning disabilities. The Church is responsible to nourish the faith of the baptized person to the degree that the individual is capable of growing. The Director/Coordinator determines the placement of the student, after consultation with the parent and catechist. These programs are developed in accordance with the Archdiocesan Guidelines for students with special needs.

F. Role of the CatechistA catechist is a person of faith, who has the task of creating the atmosphere of the Holy Spirit to bring

about growth in faith among believers. They foster "mature faith" through a regular systematic presentation. The primary mission of catechist is to communicate God’s love to those entrusted to their care, by proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ This is accomplished through the four-fold activities of message, community, worship and service.

The task of the catechist is as follows:To help others grow in their personal faith and spirituality.To initiate others into the faith community and its life, worship, symbols and practices. To pass on a set of shared meanings and values that is Catholic and Christian.

G. ProgramsA Parish Based Program -Our religious education program offers instruction to students in elementary and

middle school who attend Sacred Heart of Jesus Church. It offers a 10-year course of study starting a t a g e f o u r . The program offers an ongoing development of the Christian personality. This program is not merely to provide the convenience and the vehicle for the reception of the sacraments of Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation. Just as sacraments are not isolated events, but rather an integrated part of the Christian life, so too, each grade in religious education adds to the development of the Christian life. Our aim is provide a loving and caring Christian atmosphere in which our parish children and youth can develop sound Christ-like attitudes and values.

Religious Education for Special Needs -This ministry responds to the religious and spiritual needs of persons with a physical, mental or emotional disability which impairs their functioning in a regular classroom. Because of that disability the student may require individualized instruction in a small group, a one-on-one setting or in a regular program with some assistance. The universality of the Christian message: "Go teach all nations" includes those who may be restricted because of limitations. The Church's responsibility is to nourish the faith of the baptized person to the degree that the individual is capable of growing in that faith.

In consultation with the parent, the Director/Coordinator will appropriately place each child in a program that will best provide for his/her special needs and further encourage spiritual growth.

Sacramental Preparation-The policy of Sacred Heart of Jesus is that a young person who will prepare for the sacraments (First Penance, Eucharist and Confirmation) must have completed one full year and is currently enrolled in the second year of the catechetical program. For Penance and First Communion, first grade should have beencompleted. For Confirmation, the young person must have completed sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.

Reconciliation Jesus began His work on earth by calling people to repentance and faith: "Reform ye, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1,15) The Sacrament of Reconciliation continues his work of forgiving and reconciling. Catechesis of young people for reconciliation must always respect the natural disposition, ability, age and circumstances of individuals. It seeks:

1. To make clear the relationship of the sacrament to the child’s life.2. To help the child recognize moral good and evil, repent of wrong-doing, and turn for

forgiveness to Christ and the church.3. To encourage the child to see that, in this sacrament faith is expressed by being forgiven and

forgiving.4. To encourage the child to approach the sacrament freely and regularly.

Parents should be involved in the preparation of children for this sacrament. Preparation for the sacrament of reconciliation starts at the second grade level. It is a joint effort of the parents and catechists. The

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following is used in the instruction for this sacrament:• The second grade curriculum covered in class.• The involvement of parents

The example set by parents is of utmost importance.Parents: are the primary educators of their children

are responsible for initiating their children into the sacramental life

serve as models for their children by being moral Christiansreceive the Sacraments of Reconciliation regularly with their families help children in forming a good conscience and a Christian code of

moralityare asked to attend meetings, participate in activities and prayer services

that are planned to help their child prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are asked to take time with their child to talk about reconciliation,

to read bible stories and to pray togetherare asked to determine their child's readiness for Reconciliation

The first reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is usually celebrated in February. All children preparing to receive their First Eucharist must first be instructed and prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Eucharist - Catechesis recognizes the Eucharist a s the heart of Christian life. It helps young people understand that celebration of the Eucharist forms and nourishes the faithful with Christ, the bread of life.

Catechesis for children seeks to strengthen their awareness of the Father’s love, of the call to participate in Christ's sacrifice, and of the gift of the Spirit. Children are taught that the Holy Eucharist is the real body and blood of Christ, and what appears to be bread and wine are actually his living body. They learn that the Eucharist is both meal and sacrifice and that it is a memorial of the Last Supper.

Parents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First Communion. Catechesis aims to help parents grow in understanding and appreciation of the Eucharist and participate readily in catechizing their children.

Catechesis for First Communion is conducted separately from introductory catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation s in ce each sacrament deserves its own concentrated preparation. It starts at the second grade level. It is a joint effort of the parents and catechists.

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The following is the instruction for this sacrament:• The second grade curriculum that is covered weekly in class by the catechist• A First Eucharist program that helps explain to young people the Eucharist, familiarize them with

the main events of Jesus' life, help them to participate more meaningfully in the action of mass, and to receive Christ's body and blood in communion in an informed and reverent manner. The children learn that they may receive Holy Communion in the hand or on the tongue. Catechesis includes the requirements for fasting (no food or drink except water or medicine for one hour before receiving Communion). One general rule: children may receive both species after confirmation, but may receive at an earlier age if desired by the parents.

• Responsibilities of ParentsParents: are the primary educators of their children

are responsible for initiating their children into sacramental life serve as model for their children by being moral Christians worship regularly with their familiesnurture their child in faithare asked to attend three meetings, participate in activities and prayer services that are

planned to help their child prepare for this important sacrament of Holy Eucharistare asked to take time with their first communicants to talk about the Eucharist, to read Bible stories and to pray togetherare asked to determine their child's readiness for the Eucharist must attend Mass weeklymust see that their child attends the First Communion Retreat Day.

The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is celebrated in the month of May. All children preparing to receive their First Eucharist must have already been prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Confirmation-As a Sacrament of Initiation, Confirmation is intimately related to Baptism and the Eucharist. Christians are reborn in Baptism, strengthened by Confirmation, and sustained by the food of the Eucharist. In Confirmation young people are signed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and become more perfect images of their Lord. This sacrament renews and strengthens their baptismal call to bear witness to Christ before the world and work eagerly for the building up of his body.

As the primary educators of their children, parents, along with sponsors, are to be intimatelyInvolved in the catechesis for Confirmation. This will help them renew and strengthen their own faith, besides enabling them to set a better example for their children or godchildren.

Components of Confirmation Program• Weekly attendance at religious education classes• Proper preparation for class instruction and completed homework assignments• Textbook available for each class and participation in class discussions and activities• Confirmation name (Saint's name)-preferably Baptismal name• Christian Community service (50 hours)• Obtain Sponsor's Certificate or letter from Pastor• Candidate demonstrates an adequate grasp of the content of the Catholic faith• Confirmation RetreatSpiritual

Weekly attendance at Mass..Periodic participation in the Rite of ReconciliationLiving a moral life that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus

Participation in a Confirmation retreatParticipation in the Rite of Enrollment

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•Responsibilities of Parents

1. Share their faith with their children both in word and action2. Encourage their child to reflect on and thoughtfully consider the decision to receive the

sacrament of Confirmation3. Are asked to attend two meetings, participate in activities and prayer services that are planned

to assist their son/daughter prepare for and freely request sacrament of confirmation 4. are asked to assist their child with the immediate preparation for the Sacrament of

Confirmation, through prayer, study, and Christian service5. Should stress the initiation aspect of the sacrament by encouraging their son/daughter to

continue learning more about their faith6. Should help their child in understanding that Confirmation service project is the

beginning of a life committed to Christian service

Youth Ministry- The Sacred Heart Youth Ministry offers high school and middle school students in the parish an opportunity for the deepening of their relationship with God and one another. Our Youth Ministry for high school and midd le schoo l is called Life Teen

Fellowship. Both programs are a joint effort with Sacred Heart, Highland Falls and Most Holy Trinity(West Point)Life Teen m e e t s on Sunday night from 7:30-9:00pm.The middle school group meets on Sunday from 3:00-4:30 pm. Meetings include: discussions and reflection on living as Catholic Christians in our world today, group prayers, guest speakers, outreach projects and lots of fun. New me mbers are welcome at all times. Contact Valentina Rossi (615) 427-9051.

Vacation Bible School- Takes place during the summer during the month of July. It is a 9:00 to 12 program that has a focus on Scripture, music and activities.

Adult Education - Please consult the bulletin for ongoing and seasonal programs.

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Instructional Guidelines Archdiocesan G u i d e l i n e s- The A r c h d i o c e s e of N e w

York h a s p u b l i s h e d Guidelines for Catechesis for Grades l-6 and Grades 7 & 8 that will ensure a clear and uniform presentation of the faith for each grade level. The Guidelines are not considered a substitute for the textbook. Rather, they assist the catechist in the use of the textbook by identifying the essential content to be taught.

Catechesis - Sacred Heart's Religious Education Program meets all of the requirements of the Catechetical Office of the Archdiocese of New York, and adheres to the Archdiocesan Guidelines for Catechesis. Our program ensures for all the children of our parish a clear and uniform presentation of the faith in concepts appropriate to each age level we instruct. The Religious Education Program is designed to assist parents in their sacred responsibility to educate their children in the faith. It complements, but can never replace parents in carrying out their responsibilities. "Parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children."

(National Catechetical Directory for Catholics of the United States.) In addition to enlightening your children in doctrines and tenets of our faith, our Religious Education Program welcomes the opportunity to assist you in teaching your children to walk along the path of faith. This can only be achieved when parents, through word and example, place Jesus Christ and His teachings at the center of their lives through liturgical worship, frequent prayer, and communication of Christian values and attitudes. In this way parents make meaningful their professions of belief and nurture faith in their children by showing them the richness and beauty of the lived faith.

Pre K-4-Kindergarten-First GradeTheme – Catechesis of Good Shepherd For Grade Pre-k-4, Kindergarten and First Grade, we offer Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS). Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori based approach to the religious formation of children, rooted in Sacred Scripture, Liturgy, and respect for the child’s rich relationship with God. Central to CGS is the atrium, a room containing beautiful materials that focus the child’s attention on key scripture passages or liturgical moments. Because children learn by using their hands, working with materials allows them to enter more deeply into meditation, nurturing their relationship with God.

Grade TwoTheme – Jesus nourishes us and strengthens God’s life and grace within us. .Objective: To present Jesus as the model for Christian living.

To introduce the sacraments of Baptism, Penance and Eucharist.Prayers: Act of Contrition, Simple responses at Mass

The Apostles’ Creed; (up to “He will come again to judge )All prayers taught in Grade 1.

Grade ThreeTheme - Jesus continues his life and work through the Church.Objective: To deepen the child's understanding of the Church and to help the child experience tbe

Church as a Christian community.Prayers: The Apostles Creed, Glory Be,

All prayers taught in grades 1 and 2

Grade FourTheme - As God's people we are called to live as Jesus did, choosing a life of love, characterized

by obedience to God and service to others.

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Objective: To help the children form their consciences according to the teachings of theCatholic Church and to learn the basis of Christian morality as taught in the Old and New Testament.

Prayers: Joyful Mysteries of the RosaryThe 10 CommandmentsActs of Faith, The Stations of the CrossAll prayers taught in grades 1, 2, and 3

Grade FiveTheme- Through the sacraments the Church celebrates Christ's saving actions in our lives.

Objective: To help the child experience and understand the rites of the sacraments and so becomea more conscious and active participant in the Church's sacramental life.

Prayers: Gloria, Sorrowful Mysteries of the Rosary, Act of LoveAll prayers taught in grades 1, 2, 3 and 4

Grade SixTheme- God's saving actions are found throughout history. The Bible, written under the inspiration of theHoly Spirit, records God's plan of salvation.

Objective: To understand the Old Testament as the revelation of God in history of a people, arevelation fulfilled in the New Testament.

Prayers: Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, Act of Hope, All prayers taught in grades I, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Grade SevenThemes: Personal Growth-Part 1:The Human Person

Jesus and the Gospel MessageSacramentsHuman Sexuality

Prayers: The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary

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Personal Growth - Part I: The Human PersonThe growth and change experienced during adolescence are part of the unfolding of God's plan for

our development as fully Christian persons.Objective: To develop in the young adolescent a sense of self-worth and self-respect

nurtured and strengthened by a knowledge of God's love.To acquaint the young adolescent with an understanding of the virtues necessary

for a life of goodness and faith.

Jesus and the Gospel MessageThe gospels reveal Jesus as the Savior and the Risen Lord who calls us to advance the Kingdom of

God through discipleshipObjectives: To broaden the young adolescent's understanding of the Gospels through a

study of their formation, themes, message, and literary aspectsTo help the young adolescent grow in a personal relationship with Jesus by

encountering Him in the Gospels.

Sacraments-The mystery of Christ continues in the Church through the sacraments which are visible signs of the love and saving action of Jesus.

Objectives: To help the young adolescent understand, appreciate and celebrate the continuing presence and saving action of Jesus in the Church.

To lead the young adolescent to a full and active participation in the sacramentallife of the Church.

Human Sexuality. -Sexuality is a gift from God. It embraces psychological, spiritual and physical characteristics of men and women. We as human beings need to integrate our sexuality into our total personality in order to develop into the persons God has called us to be. All topics covered are done with information provided to parents before each lesson.

Objectives: To help the young adolescent appreciate the gift of sexualityTo assist the young adolescent in developing correct and positive attitudes

concerning sexuality.To clarify for the young adolescent how the gift of sexuality can be misused.

Grade EightThemes: Personal Growth, Part II -The Human Community

Church HistoryMoralityPrayer

Personal Growth, Part ll - The Human Community-The developing of relationships with others and with God is essential to becoming our true selves.

Objectives: To help the young adolescent understand the elements which are essential todeveloping positive relationships.

To help the young adolescent understand that true community is built on honest, loving and respectful relationships.

Church History-Jesus' life and mission continue through the Church, the community of believers called by God and empowered by the Spirit to be the sign of the Kingdom of God.

Objectives: To deepen the young adolescent's knowledge of the history of the Church.To lead the young adolescent to a participation in the life and mission of the Church.

Morality-Through our relationship with Jesus, we grow in an ever-deepening awareness of who God is, who we are, and how God calls us to live. Catholic Christian morality gives direction to our response to God's call.

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Objectives: To help the young adolescent grow in an understanding of the moral responsibilities arising from one's relationship with Jesus.

To help the young adolescent understand what conscience is and how to form his/her conscience according to the Catholic faith.

To help the young adolescent learn basic concepts of morality and develop skills for moral decision-making.

To enable the young adolescent to recognize the role of the Holy Spirit and thewitness and guidance of the Catholic Christian community in moral living.

Prayer- Prayer is an expression of our awareness of and response to God's presence, love, goodness, and saving power.

Objectives: To assist the young adolescent to grow in a desire for and appreciation of prayeras essential to the Christian life.

To help the young adolescent, through the presentation and experience of a variety of prayer forms, to develop the ability to pray.

Homework -Homework reinforces classroom learning and can provide opportunities for independent study and creative thinking. Parents can help their children by arranging a quiet, comfortable place for their children to complete their assignments.

Testing: Since there will be formal testing at each grade level, a certain amount of knowledge will be expected to be retained by each student involve in our program. Home study is necessary. The objective of testing is to monitor student growth and effectiveness of our religious education program. In grades 3 to 8, a mid-term and end-term test is usually given. Students may be asked to say prayers as well. If a child does not fulfill grade level requirements, a meeting will be arranged with the parents, the catechist, the Director/Coordinator of Religious Education and, at times, the Pastor to discuss the situation. Upon consultation it will be decided if the child needs to repeat the year.

Report Card/Progress Reports-Religious formation of the child takes place in the home, in church and in the classroom. Report card for the Religious Education Program reflect class performance only. They are issued at the end of the year to indicate the strengths and weaknesses that the students are demonstrating. In grades 3 to 8, a grade average is given on the report card.

Retention - Students who do not satisfactorily complete the course of study at each grade level or do not attend the required number of catechetical session may be retained and required to repeat the course of study for that grade. This is at the discretion of the Director/Coordinator and the Pastor. In some cases, make-up classes could be scheduled as a means of avoiding repeating of that grade.

Textbooks-The Religious Education Program provides textbooks to all students enrolled in its classes. This is done with the hope that this investment will be properly safeguarded. Classroom catechists will distribute textbooks on the first day of classes. Students are to place their name and their catechists’ name on the front inside cover of the book. Textbooks remain at school but study sheets are regularly sent home.

Academic Warning Notice: Whenever a student is not working up to their potential, a deficiency notice will be mailed to the home, advising the parent of the situation. It should be signed and then returned to the office of the Director/Coordinator.

H. Attendance PoliciesAbsences- Your child's regular attendance at religious education classes is very important. These

classes should take priority over other programs and activities. Absence from classes may result in a student repeating the grade level. A conference between the Director/Coordinator and the parents will be scheduled regarding this matter. Make-up classes can be arranged. Please call the religious education office if your child cannot attend class. If a student misses more than 6 classes (that is 20% of the year's classes), the child may have to repeat the grade.

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Arrival/Dismissal Procedure - Students enter the building through the gym doors of the school for S u n d a y sessions. O n W e d n e s d a y t h e y w i l l e n t e r t h e c h u r c h a n d e x i t b y t h e g y m d o o r . On Wednesday, each parent must pick up their child from the gym. Children will not be let out of the building on their own. Please call the religious education office by 2:00 on Wednesday if someone has been designated by you to pick up your child.

Supervision/Loathing - Students shou ld leave the parish premises after classes are dismissed. Parents should arrive on time for dismissal. Children not in the program are not permitted in the building at any time. Children in the program should arrive for classes NO earlier than 10 minutes before class. Supervision is not provided prior to that time or after the dismissal time. lt is essential that all students be supervised when they are in the building. Those supervising are scheduled to arrive ten minutes before class.

I. Student Behavior -Every student that attends the Sacred Heart of Jesus Religious Education Program is expected to cooperate with those in authority. Out of basic respect and courtesy as well as for safety concerns, disruptions, disrespect, defacing or the damaging of property is not acceptable. Students will be held responsible for their conduct...

The following conduct will be regarded as unacceptable:Fighting Disrespect of staff Use of profanityRefusal to do assignments or participate in classPossession of dangerous objects, cigarettes, controlled substancesDamage to propertyLeaving the building during the class without permissionHabitual tardiness and absenteeismBullying other studentsCheatingGum chewing/eating during class sessionsThrowing snowballs in winter

Vandalism: The willful damage or destruction of property will not be tolerated. The parent of the student responsible should pay for the vandalism. Any accidental damage should be reported to the director/coordinator immediately.

J.AdmissionsRegistration for New Students- takes place through the year. Families enrolled in the Religious

Education Program of Sacred Heart should register in the parish as well. Children regardless of race, sex, or national origin will be admitted into the parish program.

Registration requirements for new students: Completion of registration form Completion of a medical emergency card Payment of the registration feeCopy of the baptismal certificateCopy of the First Communion (if received)Records of attendance if child was enrolled in another parish religious education program

Tuition and Fees- registration/tuition fees are used for educational materials, supplies, copier use, etc. These fees do not fully cover the cost of the program as the parish subsidizes much of the cost of the program.

Fees are as follows for the 2015-2016 school year:1child $1052 children $1403 children or more $195

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Re-registration requirements for former students in the program: Completion of registration form for the present school year Completion of an updated medical emergency card Payment of registration fee

For returning families, registration forms are e-mailed in May and are expected to be returned by AugustThis is done to ensure that there are enough teachers for upcoming classes.

Class Placement- As recommended and directed by the Archdiocese of New York, students are expected to attend religious education classes continuously from kindergarten to grade 8. In order to be able to receive First Communion, the student must complete the first two years of a religious education program. Any child older than the first grade level who enters the program without previous formal religious education must complete the first and second grade course of study in order to receive First Communion. They can also take the option of attending a class for older children who have not yet received their First Communion. Regular attendance, of course, is expected. If a grade level is lacking, it is possible that Confirmation may be delayed until the end of the 9th grade. _

Children who leave the Sacred Heart of Jesus Religious Education Program after receiving First Communion and have a gap of years in their attendance will have to complete the course of study for the grades they have missed.

The placement of the student is determined by the Director/Coordinator after consultation with the parent and, at times, the Pastor.

Student Transfer/Early Withdrawal - If a student is moving or intends to transfer to another religious education program, records will be transferred upon notification by the parents to the Sacred Heart of Jesus Director/Coordinator of the Religious Education Program_

Medical Emergency Record- It will be necessary for each parent to complete a medical emergency card for each child they have in the program. The information provided is very crucial if an emergency arises. A parent's signature validates the forms. A new card is filled out at the beginning of every school year. Any changes in information during the year must be made in writing by the parent.

Medical Condition of the Student- The parent/guardian needs to inform the Director or Coordinator about any special medical conditions which may affect the child in class or may have an impact on the learning environment (e.g. allergies, asthma, auditory or visual impairment, the possibility of seizures, learning disability, hyperactivity, attention deficit disorder, etc.) The Director will communicate this confidential information to the catechist. A record of all medical alerts is kept on file in the religious education office.

K. CommunicationsParent Meetings - Take place for all parents whose children are preparing for the sacraments of

Reconciliation, Eucharist, and Confirmation.

Calendar - A calendar listing the sessions for the year is distributed upon registration. A list of other important dates involving sacrament meetings,. class Masses, and other events is also distributed in the Fall

Letters/Flyers/Bulletin Announcements – Emails, mailings, and flyers sent home with students, and parishbulletin announcements provide ongoing communication between the religious education o f f i c e and the home.

Parish Web Site – www.sacredheart-highlandfalls.org

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Cancellation of Class or Events Due to Inclement Weather: In the event of inclement weather, cancel1ations will be announced on the local radio station (WHUD-100.7 FM). On school days, the public schools will be notified to announce the cancellation. If weather causes the public schools to be closed (or there is an early Wednesday dismissal because of weather), it is understood that the religious education classes are cancelled as well.

Visitors - Visitors are not permitted i n the classrooms or the building during sessions. In case of an emergency, a visitor should report to the religious education office.

L .SafetyTransportation - parents assume responsibility for the transportation of their children to and from

the Sacred Heart School building.Fire Drills- A fire drill is held at least one time during each semester.Medical Emergency Procedures: If a relatively minor accident occurs to a student while attending the program, the

following steps are taken:The catechist reports the accident immediately to the Director/CoordinatorIf bleeding is involved, the procedure outlined under "Blood Borne Pathogens" is followed.

The Director notifies the parent. If the parent cannot be reached, the Director contacts the person(s) listed on the medical emergency card.

If there does appear to be injuries, the director completes an accident report. A copy of this report is also sent to the Archdiocesan Insurance Division.

In case of a serious accident or illness:The Catechist reports the accident immediately to the Director/Coordinator. The local police/emergency rescue squad is called immediately.The Director notifies the Archdiocesan Insurance Division.The Director completes the accident form, keeps a copy on file and sends one copy to the

Archdiocesan Insurance Division.

Medication: No medication of any kind (over-the-counter and prescription) should be administered to, or taken by, the student during the program. If any exception has to be made, the parent must provide a written request and directives.

Field Trips -If a trip is planned, the parish-sponsored trip permission form must be completed by the parent of every minor child who will participate. Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of written permission forms.

M. General InformationPhone Use - the office telephone is a business phone and is not to be used by students except in an emergencyValuables -The Sacred Heart Religious Education Program and its staff cannot be responsible for valuables which

students bring to class. Such items should not be brought to school in the first place.Lost & Found -Items that have been turned in may be claimed at the religious education office after proper identification is provided.

Snacks -Are allowed at the Wednesday session as children arrive prior to the start of class. No food items are allowed to be brought to the classrooms. Please notify the Director and/or catechist of any food allergies.

Unscheduled Early Dismissals - If someone other than the parent or designation substitute is to pick up the child, this change must be in writing to the Director prior to the session in question. Catechetical staff will not drive children home (unless they are the parent). On Sundays, children are dismissed from the building. On Wednesdays, children are brought to the gym/cafeteria and are picked up by their parent or an adult designated to pick the child up.

If a child is going to be dismissed early, the request should be given in writing by the parent to theDirector and presented prior to the scheduled class. This request should include the name of the person picking up the child, the date and the time, the reason and the parent's signature.

Children should be carefully instructed that if they have not been picked up they should go to theDirector/Coordinator and inform the Director/Coordinator of the situation. The child will remain with theDirector/Coordinator until the parent arrives.

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