St. Francis Solanus School

Quincy, Illinois

Lord, make me an

instrument of thy peace

Where there is hatred,

……let me sow love;

where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith;

where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light;

and where there is sadness, joy.

O divine master

Grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is dying that we are born to eternal life.

-----Saint Francis of Assisi

The Lord will give goodness.

-ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS SCHOOL MISSION-

      We here at St. Francis strive to provide for each student a healthy, social, emotional, physical, intellectual, spiritual, and moral climate enabling each to reach his or her fullest possible development as a Christian.  This is to be achieved by instilling reverence for each person and for the person he or she is striving to become.

      We believe that parents are the first and foremost educators of their children (Vatican II – Declaration on Christian Education).

      We believe that Catholic Schools are the most effective means available in the church for the education of children and young people.  (To Teach As Jesus Did.)

-ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY-

We teach:

Love for God and His church

Christian ideals and virtues

Participation in the Liturgy

Scripture and Prayer

Preparation for the reception of the Sacraments

Christian community and love for others

Devotion to Mary and the saints.

We value:

Honesty, Reverence, Integrity, Good Will, Courage, Dedication, and Effort.

We foster:

Mutual Respect, Self-discipline, a Warm Heart and Helping Hand, Good Manners, Leadership, Sharing, Friendliness, Good Cheer and Modesty. 

We believe in:

Solid Instruction, Hard Work, Sound Christian and Moral Training, Creativity, and Responsibility. 

We promote:

School Pride, Good Sportsmanship, and the Fine Arts.

We stand for:

Thoroughness and Excellence in all things.

We maintain that:

God is all.

Love of God is basic to good citizenship.

The child and his/her parents are central to our educational system.

The child has unlimited potential for goodness, happiness, and life.

Home and school educate and train according to the same basic philosophies.

OBJECTIVE

Once the child is enrolled, parents should cooperate and communicate with, maintain interest in, and support the school in every possible way.

            Self-discipline is basic to living and learning, prayer, good example, positive encouragement and firmness of purpose constitute the most effective means of inculcating spiritual and moral values.  Respect and reverence begin with God and oneself and extend to all other persons and things.  The school’s main trust should be academic in nature, stressing fundamentals and clear thinking.  Student participation is essential to learning.  Here at St. Francis, we hold as a high priority and value, the development of our children into mature, healthy, and competent worshipping Catholics.  The end product of Christian education is the loving, intelligent, human person, and the responsible citizen actively witnessing to Christ in the world .                        

ADMINISTRATION

            The pastor is the chief administrator of the parish.   His responsibility is to see that an effective program of religious education is maintained in the school.  The immediate direction of the school and its instruction program is, however, delegated to the principal, who is responsible for its organization, supervision, and discipline.  The Principal has the right to amend all policies and procedures in cooperation with the Pastor at any time during the year. To assure good communication between home and school, the proper line of communication to be followed is: teacher, principal, pastor.

FACULTY & STAFF 

Lee Hoffman – Principal

Jan Koester – Preschool – 3 and 4 year olds

Barb Peters – Preschool Aide

Susie Eaton – Kindergarten

Dawn Peters - Kindergarten Aide

Maureen Makarewicz – Kindergarten

Barb Truitt – Kindergarten Aide

Mary Fuelling – 1^stGrade

Roseann Stuckman – 1^st Grade

Linda Dawson - 2^nd Grade

Chris Knuffman – 2^nd  Grade

Susan Heikes – 3^rd Grade

Sarah Klingele – 3^rd Grade

Connie Tenhouse – 4^th Grade

Carla Slough – 4^th Grade

Patti Babyak – 5^th Grade

Vicky Mitchell – 5^th Grade

Kim Nixon – 6^th Grade/computers

Connie Bergman - 7^th Grade

Nancy Walker – 7^th Grade

Rhonda Gianfriddo – 8^th Grade

Chad Struck - Physical Education

Rebecca Butler - Art

TBA - Spanish

Judy Steers - Music

Quincy Public School -   Title I

Carol Seifert – Coordinator of Religious Education

Penny Mummey – School Secretary

Judy Patterson -  School Secretary

Donna Kimbrell – Head Cook

Martha Kovachevich - Cook

Harold Sharp – Custodian

Fr. Kurt Hartrich, OFM – Pastor

Fr. Tom Shaughnessy, OFM – Sr. Parochial Vicar

Fr. James Wheeler, OFM – Parochial Vicar

ST. FRANCIS SOLANUS SCHOOL POLICIES

 ADMISSION

            St. Francis will consider enrollment as outlined in Section A through D below:  However a student’s enrollment status may be changed or discontinued at any time during the year, as determined by the principal and the pastor.  It is a privilege, not a right, to attend St. Francis School.  Transfer students must be in good standing as indicated on our records transfer form to continue enrollment.

 ELIGIBLE STUDENTS:

Children of parishioners or legal guardians who:

Are registered in the parish.

Have an active and financial commitment on record with the parish.

Are willing to cooperate with the school by supporting the staff, policies and procedures. 

Children of new parishioners or legal guardians who:

Satisfy requirements 1, 2, & 3 of A above.

Produce baptismal certificate, if not baptized at St. Francis.Produce birth certificate at time of registration. 

Children of non-parishioners or legal guardians with the consent of the pastor and the principal of St. Francis.

1.  CatholicWith written permission of their pastor.Payment of charged tuition.

Are willing to cooperate with the school by supporting the staff, policies and procedures.  

2.    Non-CatholicsPayment of charged tuition.Are willing to cooperate with the school by supporting the staff, policies and procedures. 

Students entering Kindergarten must be five years old on or before September 1st.

ASBESTOS

            Notification of School Asbestos Management Plan:

            The School Asbestos Management Plan required by the Federal Government was completed and submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health in 1989.  Recommendations of the plan have been accepted by the School and State.  A copy of the Asbestos Management Plan is on file in the school office and is available for inspection during normal school hours.

ATTENDANCE & ABSENCES

            Good attendance is necessary for student progress.  School is in session from 8:20 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The first bell rings at 8:10 a.m. In case of illness or an appointment, it is required that parents call school and report the reason for the absence or tardiness.  Please do this before 9:00 a.m., if possible. 

            Any time a student is not in school, he/she is designated absent.  A written excuse from the parents or the guardian of the child is required for each absence.  A student missing more than eight days in a quarter will automatically fail the quarter, withstanding extenuating circumstances.  If a pupil is absent without an excuse, or for more than one day and the school has reason to suspect the validity of the excuse, the principal will investigate the situation.  Children who must be excused for medical, dental, funeral, or other reasons during school time are considered absent.  A written notice must be sent in advance stating the time, length and reason for the absence.  Each morning the school office personal will call the parent at home or the work place to account for any student absent without notification.  This is done before 9:00 a.m., if possible.

             Dismissal for students eating lunch at home requires written permission of parents and the principal.

             Students who fail to follow attendance policies may be declared truant and will be subject to procedures from the principal on a case by case basis.

BIKE POLICY

            Bikes must be parked in provided racks on our premises.  St. Francis School is not responsible for damages to or loss of bikes.  Bicycles ridden to school must have locks.  If there is a problem with damage to the bikes, please report it to the office.  While we will not be responsible for their safety, we will try to cooperate in helping you find the person responsible for the damage.  Walk your bikes while on school property to insure safety to all our students.

BUSES

            Bus transportation is provided by the Quincy Public School system.  Problems concerning bus transportation should be referred to the transportation division, at 224-5910.

            The bus driver is in full charge of the students to and from school.  When disciplinary problems arise, drivers refer students to the principal and disciplinary action is taken.

CANCELLATIONS

            In case of bad weather, if you are in doubt about whether the school will be open or not, do not call the rectory or school.  Please listen to the radio and it will be announced with other school announcements.  All the Public and Catholic schools in Quincy will be doing the same thing and will all be announced together.  (Stations WGEM 1040, WTAD 93.0 or WWQC 90.3) and local TV channels.  The School Reach telephone system will be activated when school is dismissed during the school day.

CARE OF PROPERTY

            Students are expected to show respect for all school and personal property including desks, books, playground equipment, and other school owned items.  Students are also liable for damage to the personal belongings of others.  Students will be held responsible for property that is damaged or destroyed through negligence, carelessness, or deliberateness.  The damage should be reported to the principal and arrangements will then be made for the repair or replacement of the property.  The principal and/or pastor will determine the use of the facilities. 

CURRICULUM

• Students are expected to work to the best of their ability so they are prepared to move to the next grade level.

KINDERGARTEN:  Religion, Reading, Math, P.E., Readiness, Motor and Social Skills, Computers, Social Studies, Science, and Music

PRIMARY:  Religion, Reading, Math, Spelling, Phonics, Penmanship, Music, P.E., Art, Science, Social Studies, and Computers.

INTERMEDIATE AND UPPER:  Religion, Reading, Phonics, English, Spelling, Math, Social Studies, Science, Penmanship, Music, Art, P.E., Computers, D.A.R.E., Toward 2,001, Anti-Drug Education, and Spanish.

DISMISSAL

            Responsibility for the students begins when students arrive at school.  They may never leave the school premises without the permission of the principal or designee. 

            St. Francis School provides extended care for students before and after school.  The school day runs from 8:20 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Children may arrive at school no earlier than 15 minutes before the bell rings in the morning.  Children arriving before this time or remaining in the building after 3:15 p.m. are to utilize the Extended Day Program, as there is no other supervision at this time.  Children seen unsupervised in the school building at these times will be designated to the Extended Day Program at the parent’s expense.

            No student should stay at school unless the parents have been notified by the student or the teachers.  If a student must stay for disciplinary reasons and has forgotten or failed to inform the parents, he/she should not stay until the parent has been notified.

            When medical or dental appointments require students to leave school, a written, signed note from the parents to this effect must be given to the principal that day, preferably before school begins in the morning.  The office informs his/her teachers or noon hour supervisor concerning the permission.  For the safety and protection of the children, the parent or whoever is designated, is asked to report to the office to sign the child/ren out whenever he/she/they are dismissed from school early.  Unless thoroughly informed by the parents, the school cannot be held responsible for strangers and/or unidentified persons who pick up students for the parent, after school, in times of emergency, sickness or injury.

            If school personnel determine that your child has a fever, the parent will be contacted and the child must be taken home.  The child may return to school if he/she is fever free without Tylenol or other fever reducers.  If the fever is associated with contagious disease, longer absences from school may be required. 

DRESS CODE

GIRLS

1. Girls may wear skirts, jumpers, slacks, capri pants, skorts, or walking shorts in the solid colors of navy blue, black, or khaki tan.  They are to have no lettering, emblems, or designs and are to be made of a “dress material” such as cotton twill, wool, corduroy, or polyester blend.  Skirts, jumpers, skorts and shorts must have a hemline no shorter than three inches above the knee.  Sweatpants, bib overalls, jeans denim, nylon sportswear, leggings, and spandex are not allowed.
2. Girls are to wear blouses, shirts, or turtlenecks in the solid colors of red (not maroon), white, light blue, navy blue, black, or forest green.  All tops may have emblems or a small logo (no larger than 2” x 2”) original to the shirt.  Shirts and blouses must be tucked in at all times.  T-Shirts and other shirts worn under regular school shirts must be white with no lettering or pictures to show through the school shirt. 
3. Girls may wear tights in the solid colors of red, white, blue, forest green & black. 
4. No make-up may be worn to school.  Clear fingernail polish is allowed.  Artificial fingernails are not permitted. 

BOYS

1. Boys are to wear slacks or walking shorts in the solid colors of navy blue, black, or khaki tan.  They are to have no lettering, emblems, or designs and are to be made of a “dress material” such as cotton twill, wool, corduroy, or polyester blend.  Shorts must have a hemline no shorter than three inches above the knee.  Sweatpants, bib overalls, jeans, denim, nylon sportswear, leggings, and spandex are not allowed.
2. Boys are to wear shirts in the solid colors of red (no maroon), white, light blue, navy blue, black, or forest green.  Shirts must have turndown collars and may have long or short sleeves.  No lettering, contrasting colors, emblems or a small logo (no larger than 2” x 2”) original to the shirt. 

EVERYONE

1. 1. Neatness and cleanliness are very important.  Clothing must be neat and clean, must fit appropriately, and be properly mended, as needed.

2. Sweaters, sweater vests, fleece and sweatshirts in the solid colors of white, red, light blue,  navy blue, black or forest green may be worn over the regular school shirt.

3. Scouting uniforms may be worn on scout meeting days.

4. Socks are required.  They are to be a solid color and must be visible above the shoe.

5. Shoes:  Sandals, flip-flops, backless shoes, and high-heeled shoes are not to be worn to school for safety reasons.

6. Jewelry, including watches, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, should not be distracting to the student or to others.  Due to safety reasons, only small post-style earrings are allowed.

1. 7. Hair cut, color, appearance and accessories should not be a distraction or disruption to the student or to others.  Hats, scarves, etc. may not be worn in the classroom during the school day.
2. 8. Tattoos (permanent or temporary) and visible body piercing other than ears is not allowed.
3. 9. Shoes with wheels must be inoperable on school property.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

            Annually parents are asked to complete a new emergency card for each child attending St. Francis School.  Parents are notified of emergencies by the School Reach telephone system.  Please be sure the information on your emergency card is current at all times. 

FIELD TRIPS

            Field trips are an extension of the learning process and are a privilege, not a right.  Field trips will be planned by the teacher and approved by the principal.  Written permission must be secured from the parents or guardians of the students prior to the trip.  Students must travel to a destination with the teacher.  Only the child’s parent may pick up the student at the end of a trip activity.  Failure to sign and return the permission slip will mean that your child will not be able to attend the field trip.

SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS AS CHAPERONES:  A parent chaperone’s primary responsibility is to assist the teacher in safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of the students; therefore, parents are not to bring younger children on field trips.

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS

            Each year, private schools are allowed to participate in various state and federal projects.  Some of these are ongoing, while others are a one-time allowance.  The amount per child varies year to year in each program. 

• Illinois Free Textbook Program provides money for text books.
• Title I provides our children with remedial reading assistance.
• Speech therapy.
• Learning disabilities testing by a school psychologist through the public schools.
• Title II provides equipment and teacher in-services each year. 

Accommodations may be made with the staff for individual students.

Catholic Charities provides counselors to serve the children at St. Francis.

Information on any of these services can be obtained by calling the school office.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

            The State of Illinois requires all children entering school Kindergarten and Ninth Grade to have a physical examination.  Beginning in the 2009/2010 school year, Sixth graders will be required to have a physical examination.  In addition to a physical examination, the school code now requires that the children entering Kindergarten be immunized against the following:

            1.  Diphtheria                             4.  Polio                                                 7. Chickenpox

            2.  Whooping cough                   5.  MMR – Measles, Mumps, Rubella

            3.  Tetanus                                6  HB – Hepatitis B

            The school reserves the right to refuse admission to any child not having the required immunizations.  Current health records must be maintained by the school office; hence, you will be asked periodically to revise your child’s records.

            All Illinois Children in kindergarten, second and sixth grades will be required to have an Oral Health examination.  Examination must be performed by a licensed dentist and he/she shall sign the report form.

            Vision tests are required for all students entering kindergarten and any student enrolling for the first time in school shall have an eye examination by a licensed physician or optometrist.  Yearly vision testing is administered to the students of Grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 7, and new students, as well as, those referred by the teachers and/or parents.   These school vision screenings do not take the place of eye exams required by the State for incoming kindergarten and students enrolling for the first time in school.Hearing tests are also administered yearly to the students of Grades K, 1, 3, 5, 7, and new students and those referred by teachers and/or parents.  Special testing is available upon referral for vision and hearing.

             State law prohibits the dispensing of internal medicines, even aspirin, without parental knowledge and consent.  Provision for indicating such permission is on the annual emergency card filed in the office.  Any child who needs to take medication during the school day should bring the medication to the office and parents should fill out the required state form.

DENTAL

            All students in grades kindergarten, second, and sixth grade must have a dental exam and the

dental form on file in the school office. 

AIDS

            Students with AIDS*who are enrolled or who are seeking enrollment shall be permitted to attend school and/or parish religious education programs.  Students who are known to have AIDS should be individually evaluated by the pastor, appropriate administrator(s), physicians(s), and other professional personnel in order to determine if their behavior or physical condition poses a high risk or spread of the disease.  One of the purposes of the evaluation is to prepare a specific plan for the education and care of the student. 

            Persons seeking employment is parishes, school, and other facets of the educational mission shall not be discriminated against on the basis of AIDS, unless the nature and extent of the illness reasonably precludes the performance of such employment or impairs any of the operations of employing agency.

            Employment by the parish, school, or other facet of the educational mission shall not be terminated unless the nature and extent of the illness reasonably precludes the performance of such employment or impairs any of the operations of the employing agency.

            The parish/school should respect the right of privacy of the individual.  Knowledge that a student or teacher has AIDS should be confined to those persons with a direct need to know.  Those persons should be provided with appropriate information as well as procedures and precautions that may be necessary.  Those persons should also be made aware of confidentiality requirements.

*Any reference to AIDS in this policy statement is to be read as referring to AIDS, ARC (AIDS related complex) and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS, also known as HTL VIII or LAV).

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

            Our Home & School Association is made up of parents and guardians of children attending St. Francis and the staff.  We encourage active involvement starting with attendance at meetings, publicized in the Parish Monitor.  Usually meetings are on the second Tuesday every other month, beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Officers for the Home & School Association – 2009-2010 school year are:

           Kelly Doellman– President

           Debbie Beard/Misty Cramsey - Vice Presidents

           Chryssia Hea -  Secretary

           Holly Hummel – Treasurer

HOMEWORK POLICY

            As a general rule, homework is not assigned over weekends, holidays, Christmas and Easter vacation.  Homework is not “busy-work,” rather it is to reinforce instruction and to incorporate parents in the learning process.  Please check teacher web sites to confirm date homework was assigned.

            Written assignments are checked for completion, accuracy, and neatness.  The recommended times for homework is as follows: Generally, only one subject should have homework assigned per day.  Class work that is plagiarized will receive a zero.

            Kindergarten                                           5 – 15 minutes

            Grades 1 – 3                                          10 – 30 minutes

            Grades 4 – 6                                          40 – 60 minutes

            Grades 7 – 8                                          60 – 90 minutes

These times are based on the average student and may need to be adjusted somewhat, depending on your child’s ability.

INSURANCE

            School insurance is optional but available for the school year to those families who wish either school time or full time protection.  Envelopes for this purpose are sent home at the beginning of the school year or are available at any time in the school office.  Checks are to be made payable to Markel Insurance Company.  St. Francis is not affiliated with this insurance plan. 

LIBRARY

            St. Francis has a library in the lower level of the school.  Each class is allowed to use the library weekly and check out books for a period of one week.  If books are overdue, there is a fine on each book of .10 cents per day/per book.  Children are expected to handle books carefully.  Lost or severely damaged books must be paid for in full.

LUNCH FEES

            Each child will be given a lunch ticket with a bar code.  The charge for hot lunch is $2.25 per lunch.  The tickets will be collected from the students in the lunch line and will be returned each morning to the classrooms.  Children eating hot lunch that day will have their tickets scanned and charged to their account.  Lunch money can be paid monthly or weekly.  Unpaid balances on lunch accounts will be billed at the end of each month. 

            Milk is included in the hot lunch price.  The children are expected to receive a portion of 3 of the 5 items served.  Children are encouraged, but not forced, to eat all their food.

            Children may bring a cold lunch.  Milk or juice tickets are offered for .35 cents. 

            Free and reduced price meals are available to those who qualify by receiving and filling out an application form from the hot lunch program in the office.  These forms may be obtained any time throughout the school year.  We encourage all who might be eligible to apply.  This information is confidential and children on free and reduced lunches will receive the same tickets and scanning as full paid lunch students.  This program benefits our hot lunch budget.

PARENTS PLAYGROUND DUTY OBLIGATIONS

1. 1. Please check in at the cafeteria by 11:40 a.m. on your assigned days for playground 
supervision.  Recess is over at 12:45 p.m.

1. 2. A monthly schedule will be sent home informing parents of their time for playground supervision.  This schedule is made on a rotational basis.  If you cannot come to supervise on the day assigned, you are asked to exchange with another parent, get a substitute, or send $5.00 for the school to pay a substitute for you.  This $5.00 charge will be strictly enforced as we are required to pay $5.00 for a substitute for your position.  If you would like your name removed from the playground duty list for the year, please send $50.00 to cover the cost of a sub for your playground duties throughout the year.

• Your cooperation is vital.  Playground supervision is a safety concern.  The more parents we have on duty the easier and safer it is for everyone.

PLAYGROUND DUTY RULES FOR THE CHILDREN

1. 1. Children must stay in their assigned areas.
2. 2. Children may not leave the playground area without the principal or designee’s permission.
3. 3. Stand in your assigned area so that you can see all the children in your assigned area.
4. 4. Children are not to re-enter the building without permission.
5. 5. Only the supervisor is to retrieve the ball, if it goes outside an assigned play area.
6. 6. Respect for parent supervisors is expected.
7. 7. Boys and girls are to play in their separately assigned areas.
8. 8. Stress kindness and acceptance of others in observation of group play.
9. 9. Children are expected to respect all supervisors.  Please ask for that respect by the way you act and react with other children.  If there is a problem during recess, either inside or outside, please report it to the office.
10.  Proper behavior must be maintained.

MESSAGES AND MATERIALS FOR STUDENTS

            For the welfare of your children and to insure an environment conducive to learning, we ask that no parents go to any classroom after the class has begun, or before the dismissal bell.  If it is necessary to bring materials or messages for your child, please leave them at the office and they will be delivered.    If you need to speak with a teacher, call ahead for an appointment so you will know that the teacher will be available.  Teachers have many meetings and scheduled appointments after school and cannot always be available on a “walk-in” basis.  The time before school in the morning is set aside for preparation and staff meetings.  If it is necessary to get a message to one of the teachers in the morning, please call or stop by the office and the message will be delivered.  Usually messages and materials will be delivered at 12:00 noon and 2:50 p.m. Please check in at the office if you are going to be in the building.

MISSIONS

            Special activities are held annually to collect and dispense money for the missions.  It is important for all to participate in the missionary activity of the church.

NEEDS LIST

            The Needs Lists were sent home with the students at the end of last school year.  They are also available in the office and have been posted at most local stores.

NONDISCRIMINATORY

Following the lead and direction of the Diocese, we wish to make the following official statement:

            St. Francis Solanus School admits student of any race, color, gender, 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, color, gender, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarships and loan programs, and athletic and school administered programs.

PARTIES

            The time spent in school is very valuable educationally.  Parties to celebrate the students’ or the teachers’ birthdays or other occasions are not allowed on school time.  However, small treats, preferably in the primary grades only, may be passed out if so desired.  Only on bigger occasions, such as Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day, general permission for the room Mothers to treat, or to help in the serving of treats, is granted and appreciated.  During such times, limited to not more than 20 minutes of class time, educational activities or games may be conducted.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

            To further maintain open communication between the teachers and parents, St. Francis School offers a formal parent/teacher conference.  Parents are encouraged to attend.    Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher/s or the principal for a private conference if you need one.  Teachers are expected to contact parents when they have academic or social concerns.  Parents who wish to visit classrooms must make arrangements with the principal and teacher in advance.

POLICE QUESTIONING AND APPREHENSION

            When students become involved with law enforcement officers, the officer is to be requested to confer with the student when he/she is not under the jurisdiction of the parish/school if this can be arranged. 

The following steps shall be taken to cooperate with the authorities.

• The officer shall properly identify him/herself.
• The parent(s) or guardian shall be notified immediately and informed of the intent of the law enforcement authorities.
• The student’s parent(s) or guardian have (has) a right to be present if the conference is held in the parish/school.
• If the student’s parent(s) or guardian cannot be located, authorities are not to confer with the student unless they produce a warrant.

If there is a warrant or if it is impossible for the parent(s) or guardian to be present and they request it, the administrator should be a witness to the conference held in the parent/school. 

PHOTO-VIDEO RELEASE

            I hereby give permission for my son/daughter to be photographed or videotaped at St. Francis Solanus School.  I realize that the photo may be published in the newspaper, a magazine, the school website, or other publication.  The video may be used for informational or educational purposes regarding the programs or curriculum at St. Francis Solanus School.

• Parents who do not want their child identified in any news release or newspaper, television report are to notify the principal in writing.

PREGNANCY/PARENTING POLICY:

            St. Francis Grade School affirms the moral teaching of the Catholic Church including the teaching of holiness and the giftedness of life, the values of forgiveness and compassion and believing that the truly Christian response to an adolescent boy/girl facing adult situations and decisions is focused on the person.  The administration will deal with each boy/girl involved in pregnancy/parenting in a sensitive and Christian manner on an individual basis.  A conference will be held with the student, his/her parent, the principal, and the pastor, to determine arrangements for the student’s completion of his/her education and maintenance of his/her health and well-being. 

RECORDS

            Parents shall have the right to inspect and review any and all permanent records, files, and data directly related to their children, and intended for school use.  Written notice is requested 24 hours in advance.  Written consent of the parents must be obtained before a student’s records are to be made available to parties outside the school system. 

            St. Francis abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of Non-custodial Parents.  In the absence of a court order to the contrary.  A school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other School-related information regarding the child.  If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given.  It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a copy of the court order.

RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT

            Religion is taught daily.  In addition, the children have an opportunity to participate in school liturgies weekly.  All school liturgies are celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:35 a.m.  Parents, friends, and parishioners are always welcome and are encouraged to attend whenever possible.

            The second graders are instructed and prepared for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist.  The eighth graders are instructed and prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Seminars for the parents of the students preparing to receive these sacraments are mandatory.  Confirmation is administered by the Bishop on a yearly basis.

REPORT CARDS

            Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter (consists of nine weeks). 

            Mid-quarter reports will be handed out after the first four weeks of each quarter.

            Promotion:  A student’s promotion to the next grade level will be based on their success in the classroom.  At the end of 8^th grade, students who have met all religion and academic requirements will be promoted to high school. In some cases, a student may be transferred to the next grade.

            If two classes are failed for the year, the student will be strongly recommended to take summer remediation or repeat the same grade.

            If three classes are failed for the year, the student will be strongly recommended to repeat the grade.

Report cards for the intermediate and upper grades use the following grading scale:

            99 – 100           A+                                79 – 83              C

            96 – 98             A                                  77 – 78             C-

            94 – 95             A-                                 75 – 76             D+

            92 – 93             B+                                72 – 74              D

            88 – 91             B                                  70 – 71              D-

            86 – 87             B-                                Below 70            F

            84 – 85             C+              

Grades are based upon student participation, oral and written work, homework, unit and quarterly tests.

An effort grade is given in each area.  Honor and effort rolls are published at the end of each quarter.  Those students receiving an A average, with 10 points on their report cards will be recognized on the A honor roll.  Those students receiving a combination of A’s , B’s and C’s will be recognized on the B honor roll, if they have an average of at least 7 points.  To be on the effort roll, a student may have no 3’s, 4’s, or 5’s in any class.  He/she must also show that great effort is being exerted even though he/she may not have achieved the honor roll.

NOTE:  An optional means of evaluation may be implemented at the principal’s discretion.

SCHOOL BOARD

            Our School board is made up of nine members.  The board advises the pastor in the establishment of policy and the principal in the execution of policy.  Meetings are held on the Monday of the first week of the month, and are open to observation.

Officers of the School board – 2009/2010 are:

                        Fr. Kurt  Hartrich, OFM                                                               Bruce Broemmel

                        Lee Hoffman– Principal                                                               Debbie Beard

                        Linda Zanger                                                                               Mike Bryson

                        Mary  Pat Vahlkamp                                                                    Wendy Hughes

                        Greg Frieden                                                                                Joe Bocke

                        Mark Horman

SCHOOL REACH

            School Reach, an emergency phone calling system, is in place at St. Francis School.  This will enable us to call all parents in our database within one minute of activation.  You will hear a real-time message from the principal or a designee explaining any emergency situation at school that you need to know about.

SCHOOL RULES AND EXPECTATIONS

1. No running is allowed inside the school. 
2. Verbal/physical fighting is prohibited.
3. Remain quiet in the halls and classrooms.
4. Bicycles are to be walked from the bike rack to the nearest corner before being ridden.
5. Gum/candy are prohibited unless otherwise directed by a teacher.
6. Foul language, stealing, destruction of school property, disrespect to teachers, use of drugs and/or look-a-likes, and any disregard for others will be considered as grounds for suspension and/or expulsion.
7. Harassment, threats, violence, cyber-bullying of any type is not permitted.
8. Electronic devices are not permitted without permission from a staff member.
9. Cell phones may be brought to school or a school activity under the following conditions:

     A.  Phones must be kept in the OFF position from 8:10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. or until the student is off school grounds.

     B.  No harassment or threatening of persons via the cell phone is permitted.

BEHAVIOR PLAN

            The following behavior plan is designed to provide a uniform set of guidelines for classroom management.  The ultimate goal of the behavior plan is to teach students self-discipline and appropriate social skills.

            St. Francis School’s Behavior Plan is based on the great commandment Jesus gave to his disciples:

            “A new command I give you;  Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another.  By this all men will know you are my disciples…”  John 13:34-35.

            The St. Francis Behavior Plan provides progressive consequences for students who do not meet behavior expectations.  The severity of the consequence increases with the frequency of violations.

            Teachers will keep a record of each student’s behavior.  A student will be subject to consequence #1 after his/her first violation.  Subsequent violations will lead to the imposition of the next level of consequence.

The administration reserves the right to discipline students for off-campus conduct.

The principal will make the final determination how and when the consequences are imposed.

• K – 8^TH BEHAVORIAL EXPECTATIONS

1. 1. BE PROMPT AND PREPARED

• Arrive on time with your assignments completed.
• Bring all necessary materials.

1. 2. RESPECT AUTHORITY

• Listen to directions and then follow directions
• Be responsible for your behavior.

3. RESPECT THE RIGHTS OF OTHERS

• Treat other people the way you would want to be treated.
• Listen when others speak and respect the opinions of others.

4. RESPECT PROPERTY

• Respect the property of others as well as your own property.
• Use materials and equipment appropriately.

5. DEMONSTRATE A CONCERN FOR LEARNING

• Do all of your work on time.
• Allow others to do their work.

6. DISPLAY APPROPRIATE SOCIAL SKILLS

• Be kind to all people
• Get along with classmates.
• Learn to deal with disagreement, teasing, and failure

7. DISPLAY APPROPRIATE CHARACTER

• Display positive character….do what Jesus would do.
• Display productive character….use your God-given talents to the best of your ability.

·         PROGRESSIVE CONSEQUENCES

            (Developing Student Ownership & Responsibility)

1. WARNING

2. BEHAVIOR IMPROVEMENT PLAN

3. PHONE CALL TO PARENTS

4. DETENTION

5. MEETING WITH PRINCIPAL

6. MEET WITH PARENTS

7. PROBATION

8. IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION

9. OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION

10. EXPULSION

• Step(s) may be advanced as the situation dictates to a more severe level.  Parents or students with questions or concerns are to contact the teacher first, then the principal and as a last resort, the pastor.

• The principal reserves the right to waive and or deviate from any and all disciplinary regulations for just cause at his discretion.  Student behavior during non-school hours may also be held accountable for cause.

• DETENTIONS

Detention will be 45 minutes in length.  Students will perform an assigned academic task during detention.  Detention will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

1. Detention is assigned and not scheduled at the student’s convenience.
2. Parents will receive advanced notice of all detentions.  (day minimum)
3. Detention is scheduled through the principal’s office.
4. Failure to stay a scheduled detention will be an additional violation.

SERVICE HOURS

            Service hours are defied as “any time given by a parent/stepparent or grandparent on an activity or event sponsored by the Home & School Organization, the parish or during/for school that directly saves or raises money for St. Francis Solanus School/parish.”  Parents receive a service sign-up sheet with their registration packet and are asked to serve ten hours during the school year.  Those who do not wish to fulfill their service hours are required to pay $10.00 per service hour per school year.  All parents/stepparents are invited to become involved in the school.  Service has been very strong and important to our school over the years.  Without it, we would be unable to maintain our quality school.    Assistance from any of our parishioners will always be welcome and very much appreciated, as well. 

SEX OFFENDER REGISTRATION INFORMATION

The Illinois Sex Offender Registry is available through a link on the Illinois State Police website, at http://www.isp.state.il.us/.  Individuals may search the database by name, zip code or county.  Access is free.

SPORTS POLICY – QUINCY CATHOLIC SCHOOLS-CATHOLIC YOUTH ORGANIZATION

            Approved by all pastors and principals of Quincy Catholic Schools, May, 1985.

The purpose of Catholic elementary school athletic programs are to teach the skills of games, to foster healthy exercise, to teach fair play and to give enjoyment to students.  Athletic programs which deny to certain children these opportunities, or that exert undue pressures on children, are inconsistent with these purposes.  Programs for girls and boys are equally encouraged.

            As of 1985, the Quincy Catholic Schools Athletic policy will consist of the following:

A.         Before playing, students will have proper medical insurance coverage and the necessary physical exams.

B.         When a student becomes 15 years old he/she is ineligible to play on any team.

C.         Students will have competent supervision that is approved by the principal and/or sports director; and equipment will be maintained with safety in mind.

D.         A student cannot be on more than one team at a time, and he/she will experience an equal amount of playing time despite his/her ability level.

E.         The length of season for all sports will not exceed 15 games and 2 tournaments.  All schedules must be approved by the principal.

F.         No cheerleading squads of any kind are permitted.

ELIGIBILITY

1. Grades, conduct and effort are all considerations in determining the eligibility of a youngster who is participating in extra curricular activities.
2. A student participating in extra curricular activities must be doing well in all three areas to maintain his or her eligibility.  In the event that a student is not performing at a level satisfactory to the teacher, a meeting will be held with the parent, teacher and principal to determine the student’s continued eligibility.

STANDARDIZED TESTS

• Kindergarten Readiness Test is administered as a pre-test for Kindergarten.
• Terra Nova
• Standardized Religion Tests (ACRE)

STUDENT RECORDS

            Student records are maintained in accordance with state law.  Transfer of records is  done within 10 school days of notice and based on written permission from parents.   Custodial parents may view the student permanent records by giving the school 24 hours written notice.  The school abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents.  In the absence of a court order to the contrary, a school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding the child.  If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. 

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

            It is recommended that the number of students in a classroom will not exceed 30.  If there are more than 30 students in a grade, then they can be accommodated by:  combining two grades, using part-time teachers, or using teacher aides.

TARDINESS

            Students who are not in their room by 8:20 a.m. are considered tardy.  After the third unexcused tardiness during a quarter, the classroom teacher will notify the principal and arrangements may be made for the time to be made up that was missed.

TELEPHONE

            The telephone in the school office is an extension phone and is to be used for school business.  We discourage the use of the phone by students except in cases of sickness or other emergency.

TUITION ASSISTANCE

            Tuition refunds are decided on a case by case basis by the pastor.

WEAPONS/ALCOHOL/TOBACCO

            Any student found using or in possession of any item that can be described as a weapon shall be given an immediate 5 to 10 day suspension.  Arrest and prosecution may be recommended.  Expulsion may occur if recommended by the Principal to the pastor.  The principal will notify the parents when the suspension will begin.  Look-a-likes are considered to be real weapons.

            Any student receiving a suspension will be required to meet with the principal and/or pastor before re-admittance.  The determination of whether an item is a weapon shall be determined by the principal and shall not be subject to review.

            Any student of St. Francis School found to be in possession of alcohol or tobacco, or under the influence of alcohol on school property and/or while attending or participating in a school activity shall be given an automatic 1 – 10 day suspension and may be expelled if recommended by the principal to the pastor.  The principal will notify the parents when the suspension will begin.