St. Michaels Academy- Grades PRE-K thru 8TH Fernandina Beach Florida

St. Michael’s Academy is in compliance with all Federal and State Non-discrimination and Equal Opportunity Laws and Regulations regarding admissions and employment.

All new students must present at the time of initial enrollment a baptismal or birth certificate, a record of immunizations, and a transfer card where applicable. Testing in Reading, Math and Writing will be held for all incoming students in Grades 1 – 8. Grade placement may be changed depending on test results.

New students will be given a nine-week probation period in which to prove him/herself both academically and socially. If during this trial period there are any problems, a student may be asked to withdraw his/her attendance. The period of probation can be extended.

Catholic schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. The schools in the Diocese of St. Augustine do not discriminate on the basis of color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of admission or education policies, athletic or other school-administered programs.

Non-Catholic students whose parents accept the philosophy of St. Michael’s Academy will be accepted on a space available basis.

The responsibility for school attendance rests with the parents and students. The school will notify parents of excessive absences in order that parents may comply with Florida State Law, Chapter 232.09 which in part, reads: “Parents Responsible for Attendance of Children – Each parent of a child within the compulsory attendance age shall be responsible for such a child’s school attendance as required by law”.

All records of enrollment and attendance shall be kept by the homeroom teacher. A record of all absences shall be sent to the office by 8:30 a.m. daily. Parents are asked to call the school before 9:00 a.m. to explain the reason for absence. *You may call anytime during the night/early morning to leave a message on Ext. 10. A (dated) written excuse must be given to the homeroom teacher upon the return of the child to school.

ASSIGNMENTS: If requested before noon, homework will be available on a table near the office at the end of each day for pick up. Make-up work schedule in general is: one day out, one day to get work in; two days out- two days, etc. A student will be required to take a test covering material presented before an absence.

A. After 10 cumulative days of absenteeism, a written warning will be sent home.

B. After 18 cumulative days of absenteeism, a parent conference will be held to inform parents of appropriate corrective measures.

C. If absenteeism continues, the decision to request student withdrawal is the responsibility of the pastor, vice principal and principal.

Each absence shall be determined as either excused or unexcused. The following criteria shall be used:

A. “Unexcused” absence shall be defined as: excessive travel, baby-sitting for younger brothers and sisters, staying home because another sibling is ill, and “unnecessary” family activities during the school year.

C. Special exemption: Principal shall have the authority to excuse absences for other reasons.

A. Each student is expected to report to his/her homeroom each morning. Beginning at 7:30 a.m., children may be dropped off at school. No parent is to accompany a tardy student to his/her classroom. A tardy slip will be issued in the office if a child arrives later than 8:00a.m. Prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance begin at 7:50a.m.

B. Excuses for tardiness will be issued upon satisfactory explanation. Excessive unexcused tardiness (5 or more times) will result in a meeting with the child’s teacher - BOTH the parent and student will be present.

D. After five(5) tardies the student must attend Saturday Detention and/or an After School Detention.

D. Requests for early dismissal or absence must be made in writing and signed by the Principal. The parent/guardian must go to the office to pick up the child and sign the child out. The office receptionist will buzz for the child to come to the office.

E. Doctor and dental appointments should be made outside school hours when this is possible.

If a child needs to be excused from gym classes he/she must have a note from a parent/guardian. A prolonged absence from classes is only allowed with a doctor’s diagnosis and request.

The foundation of Christian discipline is self-discipline. Respect is the key word in our school’s concept of discipline. Being Christian in a Catholic school means we respect the rights of others and seek to have our own rights respected. Therefore, each student:

- Will speak in a respectful manner to teachers, aides, playground supervisors, classmates and all with whom contact is made.

- Will show proper reverence during daily prayers and in Church. It is also expected that students will show proper respect for the flag at all times.

- Will endeavor at all times to use the ordinary social amenities such as “Thank you”, “Please”, “Excuse Me”, etc.

- Will obey playground rules in order that students will be as free as possible from injury.

- Will not gather with others in bathrooms and other areas where the rights of others may be infringed.

- Will respect books, property and equipment belonging to the school or other individuals, and leave the desks and lockers of others undisturbed.

- Will dress in uniform, unless otherwise stated, there are no individual choices.

- Will observe the regulation of not chewing gum or eating candy in school or on the premises.

Those students who fail in any of the above regulations will receive an infraction slip. The infraction slip always carries with it consequences in accordance with the inappropriate behavior.

Detentions: Middle School detention will be served each Friday from 2:45-3:45 pm for students who receive two signatures in any one of the following four areas: BEHAVIOR, UNIFORM, HOMEWORK, NOT PREPARED. Students will be required to work on missing homework assignments, in silence; or on another task assigned by the proctoring teacher. If a student receives more than two detentions within a month, he/she will serve a detention at Saturday School.

Saturday School: This detention will be held on the first Saturday of the month. There is a $20.00 assessment per child per Saturday detention. Saturday School detention must be served on the day assigned. Failure to attend detention on Saturday assigned or inappropriate behavior during this time, will result in an in-school suspension, at a cost of $70.00 for the substitute teacher.

a) First violation: Teacher or adult in charge warns the student (s) about the consequences if the behavior is repeated.

b) Second Violation: Student is given an infraction sheet and the parents are contacted.

c) Third violation: Student is given another infraction sheet, supervised suspension and required to begin counseling.

d) Fourth Violation: Student is given an out of school suspension and/or an alternate placement w/continued counseling.

Minor Offense Conduct Referral Form

Infractions of the school rules will be conveyed to the parent in writing by the Minor Infraction Form. A parent signature is required with the return of the form the following day after issuance. Parents will be called if forms are not returned on time. If a student receives three of these forms from the same teacher, a conference will be held with the student, parents, and teacher. If a student has an additional three forms, a staff conference with parents will be held.

Suspension shall be used as an alternative for serious or repeated misbehavior by a student. The Principal, in consultation with the Pastor and Vice Principal, may suspend a student. Suspension is defined as a period of time in which the student may not attend class, and they are usually an in-school suspension.

Major Offense Conduct Referral Form

Infractions of the following rules will be conveyed to the parent in writing via the Major Infraction Form. A parent signature is required with the return of the form the following day. A major offense results in IMMEDIATE DETENTION. A teacher/parent/student/principal conference will be required and may result in suspension or possible expulsion.

- Deliberate disrespect, defiance or direct disobedience to the principal, faculty, staff or delegates in authority.

- Causing serious harm or injury to others through fighting, bullying, verbal abuse.

- The use or possession of cigarettes, matches or lighters, alcohol or any controlled substance, or any harmful object.

- The possession of inappropriate CD’s or tapes containing vulgar language or messages.

- Truancy or leaving the school grounds during class time or lunch period without the permission of the parents and principal.

Dishonesty on Tests

If a student is found cheating on a test, he or she will receive a zero grade for that test and will not be permitted to make up the test.

Expulsion follows the same guidelines of notification of parents as the policy for suspension. In addition, the principal must report to the Director of Schools detailing the circumstances which led to the action. Expulsion is defined as a permanent dismissal of a student from the school. This action will be imposed only after serious deliberation of Pastor, the Principal and Faculty.

A copy of the student’s misconduct record and the warnings of the consequences given to the student and his parents must be retained in the school files.

IN CASE OF EXTREMELY SERIOUS SITUATIONS, SUCH AS DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND VANDALISM, EXPULSION MAY BE THE FIRST ACTION TAKEN BY THE PRINCIPAL IN CONSULTATION WITH THE PASTOR.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

The Academic Subject: All grade levels are taught according to the curriculum guides provided by the Diocese of St. Augustine. Parents are expected to encourage good study habits, as in all other subject areas. All students enrolled in St. Michael’s Academy are required to take Religion classes. Students participate in weekly Liturgies and special prayer services. Reconciliation services are celebrated during Advent and Lent.

Again, the full cooperation of the parent is vital, not only to attend meetings and parent/student sessions, but also to supervise study, to encourage and to lead by example. Only when parents cooperate fully with the teachers and the priests of the parish will the child be both prepared and motivated to receive the sacraments. All students in the parish are prepared together for the Sacramental programs.

Christian Human Sexuality

A formal program for students in Grades 4-8 is taught. Parents are given the choice to have their child participate. This program is mandated by the Diocese of St. Augustine.

A. The academic year is divided into two semesters, each semester into two quarters. Report cards will be distributed after each quarter. Specific distribution dates will be announced in the school calendar for the year.

B. In evaluating students, we stress the importance of each child working to the best of his/her ability. The effort put forth by the student is more important than the grade he/she receives.

Interim reports, if necessary, will be sent to the parents of students in Grades 1-8 at mid-quarter. These are signed and returned to the teacher. Teachers will send home tests and other papers periodically.

C. If a student is doing unsatisfactory work or has unsatisfactory effort or conduct at other times throughout the marking period, an individual call may be made by the teacher to the parent, or a special deficiency report will be mailed to the parents.

We depend on symbols, check lists and individualized teacher comments in our Kindergarten class. A letter grade system is used beginning with Grade 1. We all know that a grade, whether letter or numerical, is a symbolic “shorthand” equivalent of the best professional judgment a teacher can make. We employ the following scale of equivalency in Grades 1-8:

Parent/Teacher Conferences shall be scheduled after issuance of the report cards. Parents are, of course, welcome to discuss their child’s progress with teachers at any time. However, we urge you to call the school office for an appointment in order that the best use may be made of this opportunity. Telephone calls to teachers at home inevitably present some problems, and we ask you to bear this in mind. Teachers have their own families and responsibilities. Furthermore, no teacher likes to discuss a student’s work without the relevant records at hand, and this is often not possible at home. Consequently, we ask your understanding if a teacher requests the opportunity to call you back the next day or offers to meet with you personally at a mutually convenient time.

Clinic diagnostic testing by a psychologist or by a school counselor may be mandated. Parent’s permission is required before these tests are given. Parent cooperation with the teacher or principal will enable us to give help before poor social, emotional or academic habits have become too deeply ingrained and the child he/she is unsuccessful in school.

In order to meet the needs of a student, retention is sometimes used as a tool by the administration, faculty and parent. The procedure for retention is structured in such a manner that it allows for the maximum benefit to be provided for the academic career of the student.

1-8 Teacher judgment (absences, report card grade point average, social skills, parent conferences, reading, math level below grade currently enrolled)

1-8 Two (2) or more failures in any major subject must repeat the grade. Any teacher may recommend summer school if he/she feels that the child needs reinforcement in a particular subject.

Mandatory tutoring during the summer may also be required if a student fails one subject.

a) Any student failing one major subject must receive 30 hours of tutoring in that subject area.

b) Any student failing two subjects must receive 50 hours of tutoring in those subject areas.

c) The summer school tutor must be a certified teacher approved by the school's administration and provide documentation of completed work.

Routine written and reading assignments for homework are considered an essential part of the education at St. Michael’s Academy. The schedule below gives a general guideline for homework assignments:

If you are concerned that your child has too much or too little homework, a visit with the teacher is appropriate. Please remember that homework assignments are made to reinforce and expand upon work done in class. Parental assistance with homework assignments is always of concern, and the rule of good judgment must apply.

On the other hand, take an interest in what your child is doing, ask questions about school assignments, make sure (for younger students especially) that homework assignments are recognized, time allowed for their completion, and that the student leaves the next day with the finished product safely in hand. All of us from time-to-time are going to be asked to “help” with a homework assignment. Often, this help can be most useful; e.g., reviewing vocabulary or spelling words, checking to make sure all questions have been answered.

ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE TO BE NEAT, LEGIBLE, SPELLED CORRECTLY AND SUBMITTED WHEN DUE. NO ASSIGNMENTS SHOULD BE HANDED IN ON SPIRAL NOTEBOOK PAPER.

1. Homework is required to be turned in on date due. No late homework accepted unless ill. In case of absence, all class work must be made up after returning to school. It is the student’s and/or parent’s responsibility to acquire the make up work. Work not completed within the period set up by the teacher will be given a zero grade, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

4. In case of absence, all class work must be made up after returning to school. If a student is absent one day, then the student has one day to make up the work, etc. It is the student’s and/or parent’s responsibility to acquire the make up work. Work not completed within this period will be given a zero grade, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

5. Students who take vacations are responsible for making up all work within the guidelines provided by the teacher. Parents need to send a letter to the Principal and the teacher at least one week in advance of a trip so that plans can be made for makeup work.

6. If requested before noon, homework will be available for pick up on a table near the office at dismissal (2:45 pm).

4. In case of absence, all class work must be made up after returning to school. If a student is absent one day, then they have one day to make up the work, etc. It is the student’s and/or parent’s responsibility to acquire the make up work. Work not completed within this period will be given a zero grade, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

6. If requested before noon, homework will be available for pick up on a table near the office at dismissal (2:45 pm).

The annual testing program, sponsored by the Diocese of St. Augustine, includes the following areas of the elementary level:

B. Annual Standardized Achievement Tests (Grades 3-8) – Iowa Tests of Basic Skills

A. Tests are administered in the fall for grades 3-8. Testing for Gr. 2 is given in the spring.

Screening and interviews for incoming Kindergarten students will be given after Kindergarten registration has taken place in the spring.

DRESS CODE

The Dress Code shall be enacted as determined proper by the Principal, Vice Principal, and faculty of the school.

1. All students will be required to wear school uniforms from the first day of school until the last week of school, unless otherwise stated.

A. Girls: Make-up should not be worn. Simple pierced earrings are permissible (no large hoops or dangling earrings).. Girls with multiple piercing are to wear only one pair of earrings to school. Simple jewelry is allowed, but no jewelry on P. E. days. Necklaces made of glass or mercury are not allowed at school. Nail polish may be worn in a soft pastel or neutral color only. The hemline on skorts/skirts/jumpers will be one inch above the knee. Girls in Grades 4-8 are allowed to carry a pocketbook (purse) to school. Please keep the size of the purse small. Blouses should be tucked into shorts at all times. A brown or black belt must be worn with pants/shorts with belt loops. White socks.

B. Boys: Hair is to be neatly trimmed. No razor cuts, creative designs or tails are allowed; the bangs should not touch the eyebrows; hair should be cut above the ears and the back should not touch the collar of the shirt. Shirts should be tucked into the pants/shorts at all times. Brown or black belts must be worn with pants/shorts that have belt loops. Earrings are not allowed. White socks.

C. White/burgundy sweaters (cardigan or pullover) are considered to be part of the uniform and are worn as needed during the school day in cool weather by both boys and girls. Jackets and coats may be worn to school, but are not worn during the school day. Sweat pants and sweat shirts of uniform color may be worn on cold days. Sweat shirts may be worn over the uniform during the day.

Grades 3-8: Sweat pants may be worn over shorts, however, they will be removed in the classroom. Usually long pants are worn on cooler days.

D. Students are to be dressed in the school uniform at all times on the school grounds unless they have been excused for other activities, which require non-dress uniforms.

E. Grades Pre-K & Kindergarten: Each student is to send in a pair of non-uniform Khaki shorts, regular t-shirt, underwear & socks. Please place these articles of clothing in a Ziplock bag labeled with the students name and grade. These clothes will be stored in their cubbies, in case of an accident.

F. Please label all articles of clothing: school uniforms, sweat pants, etc. with your child’s name. This is very important.

Simple white socks – no logos, crew anklet or knee highs. Athletic shoes sneakers or athletic shoes - no high tops, bells, lights, whistles, etc. (These can be tie or Velcro closure). This will be strictly adhered to…again we know the rules for shoes and it is not fair for some to adhere to our dress code and others to choose to do what they like.

Girls: Black “Mary Jane” or simple black dress shoes – not athletic – no platform heels, no “backless” (eg. clogs, mules) black dress shoes

2. Parents are responsible to see that their children are properly dressed when they leave for school in the morning. If there is a violation of the school uniform, the student will be given one warning. If there is a second offense, parents will be called and the student will be sent home to put on the correct uniform.

3. Dress clothes may be worn for special occasions or “Dress Up Day”. Girls are asked to wear dresses, dress slacks or a skirt. Blouses must have collars and sleeves. No tee-shirts or tank tops. Mini-skirts or short shorts are not acceptable. Boys are asked to wear a collared dress shirt, dress shorts or pants (no jeans), uniform socks and dress shoes. When shorts or pants require a belt, a belt must be worn. Special days will be assigned for jean days; days with other dress up themes will be announced.

PLEASE NOTE: Not wearing the uniform will result in out-of-uniform referral and call. After three uniform referrals, a student will be issued a minor conduct referral.

· The school office hours are 7:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. when school is in session and is closed when school is not in session.

· Faculty members do not arrive on the school grounds until approximately 7:25 a.m. each day and leave at 3:30 p.m. unless there is a specific activity scheduled for students at which the faculty will be supervising.

· Students may be dropped off at school after 7:30 a.m. Students will arrive according to placement in the carpool line and will be expected to enter the building quietly where they will be supervised.

· Therefore, please understand that we cannot provide supervision or assume responsibility for students arriving before 7:30 a.m. or remaining after 2:45 p.m.

· *Students who are not picked up at dismissal will be brought to the After School Program and will be charged for the day. The parent’s are responsible for signing students out and paying for their after-care.

· The Before School Program will be provided for those who need to arrive before 7:30 a.m. The program begins at 7:00 a.m.

Students may be dropped off at school after 7:30 a.m. Since teachers need the time prior to 7:50 a.m. for class preparation, meeting with the teachers in the mornings will be restricted unless an appointment has been set up. Please follow procedures for drop off and dismissal (on separate sheet).

2. TELEPHONE: The school phones are for school business only. No child may use the phone without the permission of the staff. No child will be called to the phone. ONLY EMERGENCY MESSAGES WILL BE DELIVERED DURING SCHOOL HOURS.

3. INCLEMENT WEATHER, EMERGENCY EVACUATION: In the event of extreme weather conditions, turn to the local station for information concerning the intensity of the oncoming storm and school closing announcements. If a hurricane warning has been issued, please do not come to school. The school will be evacuated and the students will be properly secured. They will not leave until we have been properly informed that the storm has passed. In the event of school evacuation, we will need to keep the phone lines open. Do not call the school. We will follow the directions of the public school in regard to closing and opening of school at these times. In the event of a school closing, your children will be dismissed if you personally come for them. In order to take a friend’s child, you must present the teacher with a note authorizing you to do so.

4. BOOKS AND SUPPLIES: A book fee is included in the registration fee. However, an additional charge must be made for lost or damaged books. This applies as well to lost or damaged library books.

5. FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are educational and will be arranged by the faculty throughout the year. They are regarded as an extension of the curriculum and are considered a regular classroom experience. Written permission to participate in the field trip will always be requested from parents before a child will be allowed to go with the group. A nominal charge may be assessed for each field trip. No parents should take students any place other than the designated place (e.g., for ice cream). Drivers’ licenses and insurance cards for volunteer drivers must be on file. Parents who drive on field trips are asked to refrain from speaking on their cell phones while driving except in an emergency. Parents may not be a volunteer driver when accompanied by younger siblings in the family, however, with teacher permission, you may drive separately and meet you child's class at the destination. This is for the security of the school children being chaperoned.

6. FIRE/HURRICANE/TORNADO DRILLS: The school has regular fire drills throughout the school year. Hurricane/tornado drills will be held twice a year. The school has a crisis management plan in place.

7. LOST AND FOUND: Lost and found items are kept in the school office. Items unclaimed after two (2) weeks will be donated to the Barnabas Center.

8. ROOM PARENTS: Every class has two or more “Room Parents”, volunteers who serve as coordinators for that particular grade level, and assist in a variety of school activities. They may help organize a class party or field trip, assist in providing refreshments or transportation, or help in contacting other families of students in that grade when necessary information must be circulated quickly.

9. SACRAMENTS/MASS: The students of the Parish who are in second grade will be prepared in a parish setting for the Sacraments of the Eucharist and Reconciliation. The student body celebrates the Liturgy regularly, on Holy Days of Obligation, and on other important occasions of the church year. An opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation is given to the students in Grades 3-8 at regular intervals. Class Masses are held throughout the year on Friday at 8:30 a.m.

0. FRONT OFFICE PROCEDURES: Any items forgotten at home by a student (lunch, books, homework, etc.) should be left with the receptionist in the office. PLEASE HAVE THESE ITEMS MARKED WITH THE STUDENT’S NAME AND THE HOMEROOM TEACHER’S NAME. Parents are asked not to approach the classrooms during school hours unless they are expected by the teacher. While in the office, all parents and students are asked to remain in front of the counter.

11. TRANSPORTATION: The school cannot be responsible for students remaining on the school grounds after school hours unless they are staying for an authorized activity.

A. Walkers: Children walking to and from school are expected to act as representatives from St. Michael’s Academy. No child is to walk home without an adult escort unless the parent has put this permission in writing and has sent the note to the Principal.

B. School Pickup: No one is to leave the school pickup area without an adult escort. Parents are asked to follow the procedures set by the school.

12. TUITION/FEES: Parents are notified of tuition rates and additional fees. Parents must sign a FACTS contract regarding a payment schedule. Tuition may be paid in full by the first day of school or the FACTS Tuition Payment Plan will be utilized. No report cards will be issued if tuition fees are not up to date.

13. SCHOOL INSURANCE: Every student enrolled at St. Michael’s Academy is to be covered by school insurance. The Diocese will send us information since it is mandated by the Diocese that every child be covered through this policy regardless of family coverage. This insurance covers those in sports programs. N.B.: Our school insurance is secondary after parent’s insurance.

This program is available for those students who attend St. Michael’s Academy ONLY. The hours are:

Only students who are registered for the program may attend. Weekly payments will be expected on the last day of the week. *Pay by check only, no cash will be accepted. Please see the following rates:

If more than one child in the family attends after-care any child attending Pre-K will always be considered the first child, with the other students charged as second child, third child, etc.

K-8 2:45- 6:00 pm- First child- fee is $8.00 per hour or a flat rate of $15.00 per day.

Any child picked up after 6:00 p.m. pays an additional $5.00 for every 15 minutes after 6:00 p.m.

-Fees will be collected on a weekly basis. Any student more than two weeks in arrears on their Before/Aftercare payments will not be able to attend the program until their account is paid in full. PAYMENT - CHECKS ONLY.

Discipline and respect are expected of the students. Failure to follow the instructions of the supervisor or inability to follow the group schedules will mean withdrawal from the program. Since this is an extended part of our school day, the philosophy of St. Michael’s Academy will be strictly adhered to.

This is a service we render to the working parents of our students. We need your support and cooperation to continue what has become a worthwhile and valuable program.

Extended school care will be available for parents when school is in session. When school is dismissed early, extended school care services will be available to working parents who have their children enrolled in the Program. We may need volunteers to help us on these days.

NOTE: Tardiness in picking up your child, unless there has been an unusual circumstance will result in a late fee of $5.00 for each 15 minutes of tardiness. You may always call the After School Program to let us know if there is an emergency or call the Parish Hall at 261-1998 to leave a message.

The Birthday Book program has become part of our school tradition. A selection of pre-coded library books are available for purchase through the school librarian. It is also a wonderful way for parents, grandparents, both near and far, to do something memorable for the birthday child. A bookplate indicating the student’s name will be placed on the inside cover of each book.

Birthday celebrations for the students in individual homerooms are determined by the teacher. Individual birthday parties are discouraged. Invitations will not be handed out in school unless there is one for every student in the class.

Re-registration will take place in January. The registration fee is non-refundable. Registration of all new students will take place in February with testing in March.

Our means of getting important announcements and school news to you are limited. The easiest way to stay on top of school information is by checking our website: www.stmichaels-academy.org. The “WHITE ENVELOPE” will be sent home every Thursday with the oldest child from each family. PLEASE read the information carefully. Sign the envelope and return it to school on Friday. This will greatly help us. Emergency information during the week will be given to students to take home. If the envelope is not returned to school, no paperwork will be sent home to that family, as the parents must come to the school office with the lost White Envelope or $2.00 (charge to replace the lost envelope). Only then will they receive the school information. Much time, effort and expense goes into this project so we know you will give us your full cooperation.

A change of address or telephone number (including cellular phones) should be reported to the school office immediately. Up-to-date records are important in handling emergency situations.

Under the direction of the Nassau County Health Department, we have a program to safeguard the health of our students. The program includes weighing and measuring students, vision and hearing screenings for all students. The schedule for this meets the needs of certain grades each year. If a teacher notices a specific problem in a student, he/she notifies the office and parents are then notified. The Public Health Nurse assigned to our school comes periodically throughout the year. Parents are urged to make all health problems known to the school office and teacher during the first week of school.

Any students from out-of-state must present a Nassau County immunization form and a physical examination form prior to admission to school. A medical examination or proof of such by a physician is required by the school of all Kindergarten and First Graders.

Parents should notify teachers of any chronic or contagious illness a child may have. Updates on required immunizations will be sent to you as they are received from the Nassau County school nurse. Records must be on file in August.

The school clinic is for the sole purpose of emergencies. The clinic is supervised by the school receptionist, school secretary, and principal.

1. ACCIDENTS: Students are treated for minor cuts and bruises in the school clinic. Serious accidents are reported to the office and a parent/guardian is notified.

2. STUDENT ILLNESS: Sudden illness can be very upsetting to a young child. If a student becomes ill, a parent will be notified. Because of this, an emergency information form with up-to-date emergency telephone numbers is a must. It is essential that family emergency forms be updated with each new school year.

If any student is ill, injured or excused for any reason during the school hours, he/she must be met in the school office. Do not send your child to school with a fever. A child must take antibiotics a full 24 hrs. before they are able to return to school. We strongly urge that parents do not send students back to school too soon after an illness.

By law principals and teachers are prohibited from dispensing any medication (including aspirins) except under the direction of a physician. In such cases, all medications should be given to the principal, vice principal, school secretary, or school receptionist. A release signed by the parent must also accompany the medication. Medical Release forms may be obtained from the school office.

SCHOOL OFFICE IN THE PRESCRIBED CONTAINER WITH THE NAME OF THE STUDENT, THE NAME OF THE PHYSICIAN, THE NAME OF THE

DRUG AND AMOUNT TO BE TAKEN ON IT. IT MAY NOT BE PLACED IN AN ENVELOPE OR ANY CONTAINER OTHER THAN THE AUTHORIZED ONE THAT THE MEDICATION CAME IN. (THIS IS A STATE LAW AND WE WILL NOT VIOLATE IT.)

The Principal or an authorized person will administer medication prescribed by a physician that must be taken during the day if a parent signs a Medication Release form.

Children must never carry medication of any kind on their person or in their lunchbox.

*If a child must take prescription drugs during the day, the drug should be brought to the school office in the morning with a clearly written note of directives and a measuring device (for liquid medicine) for administering the medication. The parents must complete and sign a Permission to Medicate Form.

Our volunteer teachers’ aide program is a very important part of St. Michael’s Academy. Our teachers depend on their aides coming faithfully each week, and the students also look forward to your coming. Please remember to dress appropriately for a school setting. If for some reason you are unable to come (i.e., sickness or travel), please call the school so the teacher can be informed of your absence that day.

While working in the classroom, you may observe or hear information about a student(s) that is confidential and should never be discussed outside the school with anyone.

1. Working with individuals or small groups of students in reading, math, english, art, etc., as needed.

3. Tracing and cutting out letters, numbers, patterns or pictures for art projects or bulletin boards.

Again, you are an extremely important part of our school and very much appreciated by the teachers. The rewards that you will receive by helping even one child are immeasurable.

Each class is scheduled to use the computer lab twice a week. Small groups may work in the library when supervision is available; however, an entire class must be accompanied by a teacher. A quiet atmosphere is to be maintained in the library.

Our program of Physical Education contributes to all phases of individual growth and development through movement experiences and physical activities.

Some objectives to be realized are: The development of locomotor skills, non-locomotor skills, physical game skills, total fitness, safety skills and attitudes, desirable social standards, ethical concepts and wholesome recreation for leisure time. Good sportsmanship is always emphasized.

The 2006-2007 PE shirt is burgundy. All students in Grades Pre-K - 8 are required to wear a St. Michael’s PE shirt (twice/week), sneakers and white socks. Students in Grades K-8 will wear PE shorts, and Pre-K will wear their khaki shorts. White "Islander" shirt and other St. Michael's team jersey shirts may be worn on PE day. Eg.: cross-country, soccer, basketball, softball.

School parties are left to the discretion of the teacher. The room parents help organize and clean up after the parties. All parents are encouraged to help the room parents.

Birthday celebrations for the students in individual homerooms are determined by the teacher. We encourage you to bring cupcakes/cookie for the birthday parties due to ease of service. Individual birthday parties are discouraged.

All students will agree to comply with the Diocesan Computer and Network Guidelines for acceptable use of the internet.

Saint Michael's Academy 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, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to all academic records and school information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that no information be given to the non-custodial parent, an

official copy of such order must be provided to the school. Since the school is not always aware of family situations, we suggest that the non-custodial parent request IN WRITING that the school office forward all ongoing and academic information.

Parents will be held responsible for the willful or accidental breaking or destruction of school property by their children. This school is an investment of many parishioners, and it is our duty to protect their investment.

When assisting in school, for security reasons, please enter school at the main entrance and sign in at the office before going to any classroom. Likewise, volunteers not regularly assigned to assist the teacher (lunch duty, library, hot lunch program, etc.) should report to the office before reporting to the teacher they are working with for the day. Volunteers should make arrangements with the teacher ahead of time.

-A notebook is available at the front office in which you will sign in and sign out.

FINGERPRINTING: **All school volunteers who are new to the school must have a fingerprint card on file. **No one can volunteer at school or chaperone field trips if their fingerprints are not on file.

PROTECTING All GOD’S CHILDREN: Anyone who has any contact with the students at the Academy must attend the workshop: Protecting All God’s Children. We will offer two classes for our parents/volunteers on Saturday, October 1 in the Parish Hall. Morning session will run from 9am-noon and the afternoon session from 1-4 pm. Forms to sign up for either session will be available at school.

1. The person with the complaint should first request and meet with the teacher involved.

2. If no satisfactory agreement comes from this conference, the person should then meet with the Principal of the school.

3. If you have a particular curriculum problem that needs to be addressed, please contact the school Principal or Vice Principal for an appointment.

We will schedule an open house during Catholic Schools Week for parents/visitors to observe in the classrooms. These dates will be announced during the school year. No other observation dates will be authorized.

Each family of St. Michael Academy with a child/children in our school is required to give a minimum of 20 hours of service to the school and PTA. Every family is expected to participate in the annual golf tournament through the sale and/or purchase of raffle tickets. You may also help by volunteering the day of the tournament. Our school program has been successful because so many of our parents are very loyal and dedicated to St. Michael Academy and serve in many capacities. *You will receive the Involvement and Sharing Volunteer Program form in your Back-To-School packet. This lists some of the various ways you may volunteer during the school year.

An accurate record will be kept of service hours. Hours can be made up in the following ways:

6. Playground supervisors – a real need at lunchtime, as we have 2 playgrounds to watch.

8. School-support event worker – Festival, Pot Lucks, Fundraisers, Scholastic Book Fair

* At the end of the school year, in May, families will be assessed $20.00 per hour for each volunteer hour not served.

An active PTA is vital to the life of any school. The parent organization should be concerned with providing the administration and faculty of the school with support, encouragement and gratitude for assuming the task of formalized education.

5. To participate in the political action/responsibility of the school community.

The PTA is also concerned with providing parents with mutual support and encouragement in their God-given parenting role.

and school experience that complements, reinforces and supports one another so that every child is given the best possible witness and preparation for life’s experiences.

Meetings will be held regularly throughout the school year, and a minimal membership fee of $10.00 per family is required at the beginning of each year. This fee is used for speaker’s fees, and printing of the school directories. We are asking for your support in attending meetings and in helping with PTA sponsored activities.

During the course of the year the PTA will be actively involved in the activities and meetings listed above.

The Parent Teacher Association will begin in September. All guidelines for setting up a Parent Teacher Association will be taken from the National Catholic Education Association manual for Parent Teacher Associations.

PTA SCHEDULE

PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION 2007-2008 PTA CALENDAR

Parent Teacher Association meetings will be held on the following dates:

September 5 Parish Hall - 7:00 PM

October 2 Parish Hall - 7:00 PM

November 6 Parish Hall - 7:00 PM

December No meeting – Christmas Program December 12

January 8 Parish Hall – 7:00 PM

January 27- Feb. 2 Catholic Schools Week

February 5

St. Michael Academy Parent/Student Handbook 2007-2008

ADMISSION POLICY

Minor Offense Conduct Referral Form

Major Offense Conduct Referral Form

Dishonesty on Tests

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Christian Human Sexuality

DRESS CODE