A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Immaculate Conception Families,

            One of our primary responsibilities as educators is to make every effort to insure that our students feel safe and successful while they are in our care. Developing a positive self esteem and learning to love God, themselves, their family and their neighbors is part of our ministry.  The most effective way to accomplish this goal is through a cooperative effort between the school and home.  We look forward to working with you in a positive, mutually respectful manner where we support each other toward the accomplishment of this goal.

            The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint you with the policies and procedures that are pertinent to accomplishing the mission of our school while creating a safe, healthy learning environment.  Although it is never all inclusive, it is our hope that by providing you with this information, we will be able to serve you efficiently and effectively.  We ask that you read and familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures stated here and further ask that you commit yourself to following these guidelines as a condition of enrollment.  We also ask you to read and discuss this handbook with your child(ren).

            It is our hope and prayer that you will have a positive experience as part of the Immaculate Conception School family.  Please do not hesitate to communicate your thoughts or questions with us throughout the year.  God bless you for your support and prayers this year as we work together to bring your child(ren) closer to God while we learn, live, and grow together.

                                                                                                Blessings,

                                                                                                Paula Baird, Principal

a

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL

PRAYER

Memorare

Remember, most gracious Virgin Mary,

that never was it known

that anyone who fled to your protection,

implored your help, or sought your intercession,

was left unaided.

Inspired by this confidence,

I fly to you,

O Virgin of virgins, my mother.

To you I come;

before you I stand,

sinful and sorrowful.

O Mother of the Word Incarnate,

despise not my petitions,

but in your mercy, hear and answer me.

Amen.

b

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

Immaculate Conception Catholic School is a vibrant, caring community of Christian families and individuals dedicated to the formation of young people who will be lifelong learners and model Christian living in a manner that will be pleasing to God.

Vision Statement

Immaculate Conception Catholic School will always be an environment where learning is valued and ensured.

Philosophy

We believe that parents/guardians are vital partners in education.

We believe that every member of our school brings to the community unique gifts and talents that enrich the whole.

We believe that an effective community celebrates God’s presence through worship, prayer, and service.

We believe that students should be prepared to take their place as citizens in the larger world.

We believe that Catholic values should be integrated in all subject areas.

We believe in academic excellence.

We believe in providing for the academic needs of all students.

We believe in the importance of developing an appreciation for and an acceptance of cultural diversity.

We believe that the moral, ethical, and spiritual values, modeled by Jesus, should be reflected in the lives of the members of the school community.

c

ACCREDITATION

Immaculate Conception Elementary School is accredited through the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation of Non-public School State Accrediting Associations.  This association is comprised of non-public schools in the states of Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Arkansas, and Georgia, and is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Missouri State Board of Education and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Immaculate Conception completed the full self-study process in 2007-2008.  Schools are re-accredited on an annual basis

ADMISSION

Springfield Catholic Schools System is part of the teaching ministry of the Catholic Church.  Our primary mission, identical to that of the parish, is to proclaim the Gospel Message, build community, and educate for service.  We are a parochial school system committed to fostering the faith development of our students. 

In recognition of the important role parishes have in fostering the full development of our youth, our admissions procedures require that our Catholic parents obtain written approval from their Pastor to complete the registration process.

A child is to be four (4) years of age prior to Aug. 1 to be eligible for admission to pre-school and five (5) years of age prior to Aug. 1 to be eligible for admission to Kindergarten.

Immaculate Conception School follows the policies and guidelines set forth by the school board for admission into Springfield Catholic School programs.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURE

The safety of I.C. students is the first consideration when arrival and dismissal procedures are developed.  To ensure the safety of students, we ask that all parents or designated drivers respect and comply with all procedures.  Teachers have been directed to enforce procedures, so please cooperate with them as they carry out these responsibilities. 

Children will not be released to anyone other than their parent or guardian during the school day unless the school is otherwise notified.  Any child picked up during the school day must bring a note from their parent or guardian explaining the need to be dismissed early.  This note should be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the day.  On rare occasions, when unexpected appointments or circumstances arise that will call for an early dismissal, a phone call from the parent to the office will suffice.  Parents MUST report to the office and sign their child out before taking him/her from school any time during the school day.  Students who return to school before the end of the day must check in at the office upon their return to school.

 Guidelines for Arrival and Dismissal:

  *Please refer to the diagram included in this handbook, which will provide directions for traffic flow for our arrival and dismissal procedure.

  *Pull your car as far forward in the loading zone as you can before you stop.

  *All children must enter and exit cars on the passenger side of the car.

  *If you are parking, rather than using the car line, you must accompany your child to or from the crosswalk.  Children will not be dismissed to

   cross the parking lot without an adult to accompany them.

  *For safety reasons, parents are to wait outside the building in the pick up areas for their children rather than in the school hallways at dismissal

    time.

  *Any parent who accompanies their child into the building must park their car in the church parking lot.  For the safety of the children, we ask

    that parents do not pass other cars in carline.  

  *The school building will be opened at 7:30 a.m. daily.     Students in grades 6-8 may enter the school using the west wing (Jr. High)

    entrance between 7:30 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.   Students in grade 6 – 8 arriving at school before 8:00 a.m. will go directly to the Fine Arts room

    where they will be supervised.  Students in grades Preschool – 5   should enter using the main entrance.  Students in grades Preschool – 5

    arriving before 8:00 a.m. will go directly to the cafeteria where they will be supervised. 

  *Preschool and Kindergarten students may use the north side classroom entrances between 8:00 – 8:15 a.m..  Any

    student arriving after 8:15 a.m. should come through the south side main entrance to the school.

  *Children in grades 1-8 will dismiss on the south side of the facility, grades 1-5 from the main entrance and grades 6-8 from the west wing. 

    Students in grades 1-8 who have a sibling in the preschool or kindergarten will dismiss on the north side with their sibling.  Children in

    Kindergarten and Preschool will dismiss on the north side of the facility. 

  *Parents are expected to make arrangements to have their children picked up by no later than 3:30 (or 15 minutes after dismissal on early

    dismissal days.) The teachers' supervisory duties normally end at 3:30.  Parents who do not use the Prime Time after school care program and

    who do not pick up their children on time, place a hardship on the staff.   If for some reason children have not been picked up after school by

    3:30 p.m., they will be taken into the building to wait for parents, who must come into the building to pick them up.  After 3 (three)

    infractions of picking up children late, parents will be asked to register for Prime Time or make other child care arrangements.

  *Students who either walk or bike to and from school must have written permission from their parent. These students will be dismissed at the

    conclusion of car line.

*For safety reasons, students may not reenter the building during carline.

*For liability reasons, the diocese does not allow for booster/car seats to be left at school for installation in a vehicle by someone other than a parent/guardian.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN

Immaculate Conception Elementary School families should be informed that there is asbestos present in our school.  It is non-friable and does not present a hazard in its present form (floor tile adhesive).  Immaculate Conception is in compliance with AHERA regulations.  A management plan is in existence and is available for inspection in the school office by appointment.

ATTENDANCE: TARDINESS/ABSENTEES

Regular school attendance and punctuality is a condition of enrollment at Immaculate Conception.  All parents are to call the school office by 9:00 a.m. if a student will be absent for the day.  All healthy children are expected to be at school for the full school day.  Parents are discouraged from taking their student out of school except for family emergencies or doctors' appointments.  Tardy students must check in with the office and will be issued a tardy slip.  Students are considered tardy if they are not in their assigned classroom at 8:15 a.m.   Parents are requested to send a note to school if a student will be leaving for an appointment during the school day.  Students gone for less than 1 ½ hours anytime during the school day will be issued a tardy slip.  Excessive absences and/or tardiness cannot be tolerated.  More than 5 days absence in a quarter can be considered neglect, according to the Division of Family Services, and can be reported as such to the Division. 

Students gone for less than 1 ½ hours at the beginning, the end or during the school day are considered to be tardy.  Students gone from school for more than 1 ½ hours but less than 3 ½ hours are counted as ½ day absent.  Students gone for more than 3 ½ hours are considered one full day absent.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The philosophy of discipline of Springfield Catholic schools is based on the life and teachings of Jesus.  These principles are the foundations for Christian learning.  Springfield Catholic schools will strive to provide an education in a safe, disruption free environment where each person is valued as a unique individual.  Students are to show care, concern and respect for all individuals.  Students at Immaculate Conception are expected to act in a way that reflects the strong Christian values that have been taught by their parents as well as reflecting the philosophy of the school.   “Students who engage in conduct, whether inside or outside the school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school, faculty, or staff may be disciplined by school officials.”  Positive reinforcement for good behavior and clearly established rules of conduct for the classroom and school building help students to know and understand what is expected of them while they are under our care and supervision.  When occasions arise where students do not reflect those high values, teachers are expected to handle those situations appropriately and to communicate with the parents regarding these things.  If necessary, the principal and /or assistant principal will become involved to the extent that the teacher and/or parents believe it will be helpful or the administration feels it is necessary.

·          Verbal teasing and threats will not be tolerated. (this includes cyber-bullying.)

·          The use or possession of any potentially dangerous or lethal weapon is prohibited on all school campuses and at all school-related functions.  

·          “Threats of violence will be taken seriously.” 

Diocesan guidelines are established that direct the administration in serious cases where suspension or expulsion might be considered. Students who are suspended from school may not participate or attend extracurricular activities when suspended from school.   Corporal punishment is never an option; however, removal of student privileges or service work might be a consequence.  Cooperation, communication, and a positive approach to the relationships between home and school will always be the key to happy and successful student life.

“Students, coaches, parents and participants in or at any extra-curricular event should demonstrate behavior that reflects the strong Christian values of Catholic education.  Extra-curricular events include academic and sporting events.  Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.  Anyone displaying unsportsmanlike conduct will be asked to leave the event.”

Making peace must start within us, in our homes, and in our school.  Each of us, as members of Immaculate Conception School Community, commit ourselves to act as peaceful and respectful people:

·         To Respect Self and Others:

We will respect ourselves, affirm others, and avoid uncaring criticism, hateful words, physical attacks, and self-destructive behavior.

·         To Communicate Better:

We will share our feelings honestly, look for safe ways to express our unhappiness, and work at solving problems peacefully.

·         To Listen:

We will listen carefully to one another, especially to those who disagree with us, and consider others’ feelings and needs rather than insist on having our own way.

·         To Forgive:

We will apologize and make amends when we have hurt another, forgive those who have hurt us, and keep from holding grudges.

·         To Respect Nature:

We will treat the environment and all living things with respect and care.

·         To Play Creatively:

We will select activities and toys that support our school’s values and avoid activities that make violence look exciting, funny, or acceptable.

·         To Be Courageous:

We will reject inappropriate behavior in all its forms whenever we encounter it, whether at home, at school, or in the community, and we will stand with others who are treated unfairly.

“Let us, then, make it our aim to work for peace and to strengthen one another.” 

Romans: 14, 19

 COMMUNICATION           

Consistent communication and cooperation between the home and school is vital to the success of any school program.  Teachers send the majority of their communications to the parents through their students' backpacks.  We recommend that all parents check their child's backpack on a daily basis so that important information will not be missed.  Some of the ways provided for communication are:

Mailbags:  The oldest child of each family will be issued a "mailbag" envelope at the beginning of the school year.  The majority of communication from the school office and the Home and School Association will come home in this envelope.  Parents are asked to return these envelopes weekly. 

Letters/Calendar/Lunch Menu:  There is a monthly newsletter, menu, and calendar sent home which includes activities and information.

Website: Information regarding the monthly calendar, cafeteria menu, student supply list, handbook, and classroom web pages can be found at www.springfieldcatholicschools.org and clicking on Immaculate Conception.

Assessment:  Student assessment will be sent home quarterly (report cards).  Mid-quarter progress reports are provided for parents to allow them the opportunity to assist in improvement or reinforcement.  Standardized tests are administered in the fall for grades 2-8.  In grades 5 and 8, a standardized religion test (ACRE) is administered in January.

When areas of concerns arise, parents are invited to communicate openly and honestly with the people who are most closely involved with the situation and can most likely help to resolve the situation.  Teachers can be contacted at school during school hours at which time appointments can be arranged to discuss issues that relate to school concerns.  “Teachers will keep confidential information entrusted to them so long as no one’s life, health or safety is at stake.” The principal and assistant principal are available for conferences and appointments in the same way as teachers.  Parents are encouraged to call ahead for an appointment with administrators.

Curriculum

Springfield Catholic Schools Curriculum Guide is available in the school office.

 DRESS AND UNIFORM

All students Pre - 8 will follow the dress code. Students in grades K-8 are required to wear the school uniform. The length of uniform skirts, shorts and skorts are to remain at factory length and  not be shortened.  T-shirts worn under uniform shirts may be green, blue, or white. Exceptions must be approved by the principal or assistant principal.  The uniform code is included in this handbook.  Body piercing and tattoos are not permitted.  An exception to this is one stud earring or one small hoop earring per ear.  Necklaces or ankle/ arm bracelets are not considered part of the school uniform and are not to be worn.  An exception to this would be a lightweight chain or cord with a cross or religious medal.  Students may wear one ring per hand.    Eye make-up, lipstick, nail polish, and artificial nails are not to be worn by students.  For safety reasons, sport sandals or “flip flops” are not to be worn at any time.  (See system-wide uniform code on page 8.)  Length of hair on forehead must be at or above eyebrows. Other issues related to cleanliness or neatness of the uniform, hairstyles or color, or general appearance of students, although not specifically addressed in the school dress code, can be judged appropriate or inappropriate by the administration.  If the administration determines that a student's appearance is distracting to the educational process at Immaculate Conception or diminishes the reputation of the school, they will request that the student make modifications and will expect that the parents will cooperate with, and help to enforce, these requests.  Students must wear tennis shoes to participate in P.E.

*Non-uniform days, including uniform buy-out days, are announced to parents.  Students are expected to be in modest and appropriate attire on non-uniform days.  Shirts, blouses and tops must be long enough to cover midriff when arms are extended upward.  Skirts and shorts must be knee length for students in grades 5-8. (Skirts and shorts must not exceed 2 inches above the knee.  At all other times, students are expected to comply with the requirements of the uniform.   Special exceptions to this requirement must be arranged with the principal or assistant principal.

(Please see 6^th, 7^th, & 8^th Grade Out of Uniform Dress Code on page 9).

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

The school must have an emergency form on file for each student in the school.  These must be filled out each year and returned to school in the first week of school.  If any information on the emergency form changes, it is very important that the school be notified immediately.  It is also very important that one parent or a designated responsible person be easily and quickly reached during the school day.  If you are going to be out of town, we ask that you advise us of the procedure that we should follow in your absence.  Please do this in writing so that it can be temporarily attached to the emergency form.

An Emergency Preparedness Plan for crisis situations is on file in the school office.  In the event of an emergency, parents are to follow the procedures and instructions of the administrator(s).  Parent cooperation in following administrative procedures will be necessary for the safety of the students.

FIELD TRIPS

“Field trips are privileges given to students.  Students may be denied participation if they fail to meet academic and/or behavioral requirements.”  All volunteer drivers for field trips must be 21 years old and have a "Volunteer Driver Form" on file with the school office.  We request that drivers do not bring younger siblings on field trips so that their full attention can be given to those students they are responsible for supervising.  Volunteer drivers must follow the specified route to and from the destination without deviation.

No student will be allowed to go on a field trip without returning a signed official copy of the field trip notification form.  A copy, which can be sent by FAX to the office in emergency situations, is included in this handbook.  Our FAX number is 881-7087.

For liability reasons, the diocese does not allow for booster/car seats to be left at school for installation in a vehicle by someone other than a parent/guardian..

GRADING SCALE FOR STUDENTS

Students will be assessed in a variety of ways during the course of their studies at Immaculate Conception.  The scale used for determining academic grades is a Diocesan Scale, which is the following:

                A +     100               C +   84                           E = Excellent

                A         94-99           C      77-83                     S = Satisfactory

                A -       93                C -    76                          P = Progressing but not yet satisfactory

                B +      92                D +   75                           U = Unsatisfactory

                B         86-91           D      71-74                             

                B -       85                D -   70

                                                F    Below 70 

HEALTH

All Springfield Catholic School students must comply with the health requirements determined by the Missouri and U.S. Department of Health with regard to immunization.  Our school nurse will coordinate efforts to keep and upgrade health records of students as well as to coordinate other health related programs.  She has the authority to see that all students are compliant with health department laws and may determine, with the administrators, if action should be taken in cases of non-compliance.  The nurse is available for advice related to health issues and will be on the premises two school days per week.

Children should be kept home from school when they are not well enough to actively participate in the school day, both for their sake and the sake of other children in the school.  Students returning to school after an illness should be free of flu symptoms and fever for a minimum of 24 hours.  If the school office personnel or the nurse calls to request that you pick up your child because of sickness or injury, we would expect the family to make whatever arrangements necessary to pick up the child in a timely manner.

School personnel have been directed by Diocesan policy not to administer any medication to students at school unless that medication is a prescription and is in the original prescription container with dosages specified, accompanied by written parental permission.  Special arrangements can be made with the administration to keep medication for certain medical conditions.  All other prescription medication needs to be brought to school on a day-to-day basis.  A form is available from the school nurse for dispensing any medication.   “The use of over-the-counter medications by a student requires the written approval of a parent or guardian or a physician.  School personnel may not administer over-the-counter medication without the written permission of a parent, guardian, and physician.  Medications must be in their original containers.”  The use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, illegal drugs or unauthorized prescription medications is prohibited on all school campuses and at all school-related functions.   Immaculate Conception School follows Missouri State law regarding mandatory reporting of possession of drugs.  Penalties will be in accordance with Diocesan guidelines.

HOME AND SCHOOL

Home and School Association is an organization established to provide activities and volunteer programs that add to the success of our total school program.  Meetings are normally scheduled for the 2^nd Tuesday of the month.  All parents are considered members of the Home and School Association and are encouraged to attend meetings and participate in school and system activities.    Volunteer sign-up opportunities are provided at various occasions throughout the year and we encourage all to consider ways that they can become actively involved in their children's educational journey. For the safety of all students, the diocese requires that all volunteers have a background check and documentation that they attended the Safe Environment Training on file with the school.

HOMEWORK

Homework is assigned to reinforce material already taught in the classroom.  Parents are encouraged to arrange a specific time and place for their children to do homework in order to develop good study skills.  Children should take responsibility for completing assignments and turning them in on time.   Teachers will not be expected to provide homework assignments in advance for students who will be gone for reasons other than illness, family emergency, or school activities.   Students are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments when they return to school after any absence.  Parents are to call the school by 9:00 a.m. if they want to pick up a student’s homework.  Homework may be picked up at the school office at 3:15 p.m.

JUNIOR HIGH SPORTS

The Springfield Catholic Schools organized athletic program at the elementary level consists of cheerleading, basketball, cross country and track for 7th and 8th graders.  The programs are governed by Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) guidelines.  Each student shall maintain a C average, with no more than one F, during each grading period.  Any student, who fails more than one subject, shall be ineligible the following grading period.  If the student does not meet this guideline, he/she may not practice or participate in any games.  At progress report time, the student will be re-evaluated and may rejoin or be removed from the team depending on their grades. 

 LUNCH PROGRAM

A hot lunch program is available at Immaculate Conception Elementary School for children in grades K-8 and for those preschool students who stay for afternoon daycare.  The cost for a student lunch is $1.75.   Lunch money is to be sent to the classroom teacher in an envelope with the child's name, grade, and amount enclosed for proper credit. Any amount of money can be placed in a student’s individual account. Students will be issued a lunch card (debit type) to purchase lunch, milk, water, or juice.  There will be a $5.00 charge to replace lost or damaged lunch cards.   Students must either purchase or bring a lunch each day.  Students without a lunch will be charged and served a hot lunch.  If a student charges more than two times the parent(s) will be contacted.  Milk is provided with a purchased lunch.  Extra milk or juice is available for purchase daily.

It is expected that every child must eat a lunch of some kind each day.  We request that parents do not deliver "fast food" to students or send excessive sweets in their lunches. Soda is not allowed in the lunch room during lunch.  Students should not share or trade lunch items.   For safety reasons, food or drink in glass containers is not allowed. (See wellness policy.)

Parents who wish to eat lunch with their child are asked to notify the office in the morning of their visit if they plan to purchase a lunch.  A designated area of the cafeteria will be provided for the parent to sit with their child.

Free and reduced lunches are available to those families who qualify for these programs.  We encourage all families who qualify to take advantage of this opportunity.

 PLACEMENT

Classroom assignments are determined by the administration with in-put from the teaching staff.  Parents are discouraged from making requests for specific placement for their child.  If parents believe they have a valid reason for their child not to be placed in a particular classroom, they are required to place the reason for that request in writing for consideration by the administrators.  These requests must be received in the office by June 1.

POLICIES

The complete Springfield Catholic Schools Policy Manual is available on-line at. http://www.scspk12.org  Click on school overview and then Policy Manual.

CHILD PROTECTION AND CUSTODY

“The Missouri Child Protection and Reformation Act (RSMo 210) require school personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional capacity may be an abused or neglected child must report this information to the Missouri Department of Family Services.”

Immaculate Conception “abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the right of non-custodial parents.  In the absence of a court order to the contrary, we will provide the non-custodial parent with access to academic records and other school information regarding his or her child.  If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the custodial parent’s responsibility to provide the school with a court-certified copy of the court order.”

Immaculate Conception School follows the Diocesan policies and the Safe School Act for student behavior and discipline.

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is committed to the protection of children and youth.  We believe strongly in our moral obligation to keep the young safe and provide them with a caring environment in which their faith can flourish.  In a continuing effort to keeping our children safe, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has adopted the Virtus Safe Environment Program. 

All Catholic School employees and volunteers working with students are required to undergo Virtus Safe Environment Training and Safe Environment lessons are taught a minimum of twice a year to students (once in the fall and once in the spring.)

Web Site/Multi-Media Policy

Diocesan Policy requires that all students have a signed parental/guardian multi-media release form on file prior to using an image of minors in newspapers, newsletters, Web sites, fund development efforts, newspapers, and television. Care will be taken that there is no identifying information about minors (as defined as someone under the age of 18 years and/or enrolled in high school) on a Web page.  (See Multi-Media Release Form on page 12 in the handbook.

Diocesan Policy # 5500 - Discipline

Discipline is not a form of punishment.  Its purposes are:

                A.  To help each student become more responsible to him or herself and to others.

                B.  To educate and assist students in developing self-control.

                C.  To promote classroom situations conducive to learning.

                D.  To create a harmonious school and classroom atmosphere.

Discipline is attained when students in a classroom and school cooperatively work with principal, teachers and companions toward the attainment of the class and school objectives.”

Diocesan Policy # 5600 - Suspension 

Every effort should be made to avoid suspending a student from school.  The principal can suspend a student from school for a justifiable reason, but in so doing judges this to be a course of action that will be preventive and corrective.  If, however, a suspension is warranted, parents are to be personally notified of the suspension of their child and also notified by mail by the principal.

Possible causes for suspension include but are not limited to:

                A.  Open defiance of school authority

                B.  Striking a teacher or other school personnel

                C.  Possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage at school or a school-related function

                D.  Possession or use of a controlled substance at school or a school-related functions

E.  Possession or use of a weapon or anything that would threaten the welfare of anyone present in

      the school or at a school-related function (immediate suspension)

F.   Any verbal threat, or physical threat of violence

Diocesan Policy # 5610 - Suspension

A student may not be suspended from school for the same offense for more than 10 consecutive school days.  In a more serious matter, the principal in consultation with the pastor of the parish school or president of the board in a consolidation may take another action as they see fit.

Diocesan Policy # 5620 - Expulsion  

The expulsions of a student by the principal from a Catholic school are very serious and this action should be evoked only as a last resort.  Moral delinquency is a sufficient reason for expelling if the delinquency is persistent or has a bad influence on the other students in the school.  The following are additional causes for expulsion:

A.  Civil marriage

                B.  Selling of a controlled substance at school or a school-related function

                C.  For a second offense during the school year of either possession or use of a controlled

                        substance or possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage at school or school-related

                        functions.

                D.  For a violation for which there were two disciplinary suspensions during the school year

                E.  For any other conduct or activity of a serious nature that is considered harmful to the school’s

                       reputation, or is contradictory to Catholic moral teachings and principles”

“The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his or her discretion.”

SCSS Transfer Student Policy # 1.14A

All transfer students will be admitted on a probationary basis.  Transfer student policy guidelines include the following:

1.  The Transfer Student form will be completed prior to registration.

2.  The administrator, coordinator of special services, guidance counselor and other appropriate personnel 

     may contact the former school(s) regarding the student's educational history.  Only students who are in

     good standing at their prior school will be considered for enrollment. 

3.  The administrator will conduct an interview with parents and student.

4.  The administrator makes the decision regarding enrollment.

5.  Transfer students will be admitted on a probationary status for 90 attendance days starting with the first

     day of attendance.  Anytime during the probationary period the administrator may:

                                A)  Remove the probationary status of the student,

                                B)  Extend the probationary status of the student,

                                C)  Dismiss the student from school.

SCSS Weapons Policy  # 1.35

In order to provide a safe environment, the possession of fire arm or weapons, including concealed weapons, by a person, student or adult, or in a vehicle, on the premises or property located, leased, or used by Springfield Catholic Schools is prohibited.  This penalty shall not apply to duly authorized law enforcement or security officers.  Penalties shall be in accordance with state and local law and Diocesan guidelines.

SCSS Student Usage of Electronic Devices Policy # 1.37

Students are prohibited from using and/or having cell phones or other electronic communication devices turned on during the school day, unless otherwise directed by a teacher, administrator, coach or other authorized adult.  This includes the lunch periods and passing periods, as well as on school sponsored trips.  “Using” refers to not only the making and receiving of calls, but also refers to using the electronic communication devices for any other purpose.

SCS Students With Disabilities Policy # 1.42

The Springfield Catholic School System attempts to address the special learning needs of all students within the parameters of the system’s human and financial resources according to guidelines.  Students are considered for enrollment when educational resources and programming are available which can address their specific needs and allow them to be successful.

The Springfield Catholic School System (SCSS) provides for a normal range of learning differences, but does not provide direct special education instruction.  The SCSS serves students whose instructional program requires minimal modifications. 

SCSS Harassment Policy # 3.53

The Springfield Catholic Schools will not tolerate sexual harassment, other unlawful harassment or discrimination by any employee, student or volunteer, male or female.  No one is exempt.  Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, which may include dismissal from employment or expulsion from school.

 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Students are expected to handle school property/equipment with care.  Students and/or parents will be held financially responsible for any misuse, damage, or loss of school property/equipment.  Students may not use school equipment without proper adult supervision.   Immaculate Conception administrators and teachers reserve the right to inspect desks, backpacks, gym bags and all items brought to school by a student at any time without notice.  Parent’s use of school property or equipment must be approved through the school office.  We are not able to provide photocopying service to organizations other than for our Home and School activities

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

7:30 -----------Building open/ supervision in cafeteria or Fine Arts Room

8:00 -----------Students dismissed from cafeteria or Fine Arts Room to classrooms

8:15 -----------Classes begin/tardy bell

11:15 ----------A.M. Preschool dismissal (except on scheduled 12:00 dismissal days.  Students will dismiss at 12:00 with the rest of the school.)

11:00 - 12:50---Lunch rotation (K - 8)

3:15 ------------Dismissal

EARLY DISMISSAL DAYS

1:30 Dismissal

School dismisses at 1:30 on the first Fridays of each month for faculty meetings.

12:00 Dismissal

There is no afternoon daycare on 12:00 dismissal days. (A.M. Preschool will dismiss at 12:00 on these days.)

Lunch will not be served on 12:00 dismissal days. Students need to be picked up no later than 12:15.

Students staying for Prime Time must bring a sack lunch on those 12:00 dismissal days.

SMOKE-FREE POLICY

Immaculate Conception Elementary School is a smoke-free building.  Smoking is not allowed in the building at any time.

TELEPHONE

All school telephones are business phones and can be used only with the permission of the teacher, administrator, or office personnel.  Only in case of emergency will a teacher be called to the telephone during classroom hours, or a student be called to the telephone during the school day.  Necessary messages will be delivered at designated times during the school day. 

TECHNOLOGY / INTERNET

A computer usage agreement must be signed and on file in order to allow any student access to a school computer.   (see Acceptable Use Policy.)  “Students will be responsible for accessing only appropriate web sites and reporting any accidental “hits” of inappropriate sites to the supervising teacher/staff.  Students who do not comply with usage rules will forfeit their usage privileges.”  Internet activities, whether inside or outside the school day, that are detrimental to the reputation of the school, faculty, staff, or other students, will not be tolerated.  Students who engage in such behavior may be disciplined by school administrators.

 SNOW DAYS CLOSING

When the Springfield Public Schools are closed due to the weather, the Springfield Catholic Schools will also be closed.  Parents are encouraged to watch the local television stations or tune in to the local radio stations for announcements about closings rather than calling the school office.