St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

handbook

Philosophy

Springfield Catholic Schools System is part of the teaching ministry of the Roman Catholic Church. Through education, we seek to prepare each student to proclaim the Good News, to translate it to action, and to transform oneself and society with God's help (To Teach as Jesus Did, pg. 29, #105). We integrate religious truth and values with life.

We strive to create a Christian educational environment conductive to spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and aesthetic growth of each student committed to the care of Springfield Catholic Schools. ―Prime responsibility for creating this unique Christian school climate rests with the teachers, as individuals and as a community (The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, pg. 13, #26). As an educational community, our intent is to enable our students, through a challenging curriculum, to reach their full potential as Christian individuals.

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SCS SYSTEM MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Springfield Catholic Schools is to prepare students, with God's help, to spread the Kingdom of God and to contribute to the world as responsible Christian citizens by providing a caring family environment where the Catholic Faith is taught and modeled in an atmosphere of academic excellence.
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SEAS Mission

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School strives to be a caring, disciplined learning community in which the partnership of Church, school, and home nurtures and challenges students as they develop their God-given spiritual, cognitive, physical, emotional endowments. This school's aim and desired result is to promote students who are well versed in the Catholic faith, academically prepared to continue their education, Christian in attitude and outlook, and prepared to give service to Church and community.
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Accreditation

Springfield Catholic Schools are accredited through the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation of Non-public School State Accrediting Association. 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. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton operates under the mantle of SCS and is fully accredited.
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Admission/Registration Requirements

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

SCSS Policy 1.12 Age of Admission

A child is to be three (3) years of age prior to Aug. 1 to be eligible for admission to preschool and five (5) years of age prior to Aug. 1 to be eligible for admission to Kindergarten.

The following should be presented at registration:

1. Baptismal Certificate (if student is Catholic)
2. Birth Certificate
3. Social Security Number
4. Current Immunization Record

SCSS Policy 1.13 Priority for Admission

Priority for admission into Springfield Catholic Schools programs will be given to active Catholic families who are registered in their parish.

Arrival - Dismissal Procedures

INSTRUCTION BEGINS AT 8:15 a.m.
The building opens at 7:30 a.m. Students report directly to the school dining room. At 8:00 a.m. students are dismissed to their classrooms. Students who arrive at school after 8:00 a.m. should report directly to classrooms. Afternoon Preschool (4 year olds) begins at 12:15 and students should not arrive before 12:00 noon.

Regular dismissal time for afternoon-daycare, afternoon preschool class and K-3 students is 3:15 p.m. Please make arrangements to have children picked up by no later than 3:30 (or 1:45 on early dismissal Fridays). Children not picked up by 3:30 will be taken into the building. Parents must come into the building to pick them up. For those families who might need the service, after school care is available for students ages 5 and up through the Springfield Family Y Prime Time Program. Preschool students are dismissed by 11:15 according to teachers' instructions.

EARLY DISMISSAL FOR TEACHER'S MEETINGS
The faculty meets on a regular basis for in-service and to discuss items which affect the entire school. Ordinarily these meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month. Classes will be dismissed at 1:30 p.m. on these days. Twice during the school year we will dismiss at 12:00 p.m. for meetings with all the Catholic Schools in Springfield. Please check the calendar, note early dismissal days & make prior arrangements for pick up.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURE
The safety of the students is the top priority when procedures for dropping off and picking up students at the beginning and end of the day are developed. A diagram and directions for this procedure are included in this handbook. General guidelines for arrival and dismissal:

• Pull your car forward in the drop-off/loading zone as far as you can before you stop.
• Extra care should be given as children enter or leave the vehicle.
• If you are parking and walking your child into the building you must use the parking lot and entrance on the east side of the building.
• Please do not drive down the lane on the South side of the building anytime during drop-off or pick up. The lane closest to the south side church office doors is a KID FRIENDLY zone and should remain CAR FREE during these times. It is an area for park and walk in only.

DISMISSAL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Students may not be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian unless the school has been otherwise notified. Parents are required to sign their child out before taking them from school during the school day; we strongly encourage families to help us minimize the interruption of the learning process in classrooms. Any child who has need for early dismissal should bring a note from their parent or guardian explaining the need, likewise, any child who will be leaving school with someone other than a parent should have a note of explanation to be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the school day. When unexpected circumstances arise, a call to the school will suffice. Students who return to school after an appointment should be accompanied by a parent/guardian to be checked in.

WINTER WEATHER – SCHOOL CLOSING
On days when unusual weather conditions exist, school closings will be announced on the radio and television. If Springfield Public Schools close, we will close also. We do not usually close early during the day because of weather, but parents/guardians can pick up their children early if they are concerned about the weather. Please notify the school by phone.
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Attendance: Tardiness/Absenteeism

Regular school attendance and punctuality is a condition of enrollment at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. All healthy children are expected to be at school for the full school day. A phone call should be made to the office to notify us of the child's absence. If calling before school hours a message can be left on the answering machine.

Students arriving after 8:15 are to be brought by parent/guardian to the office or classroom and will be marked tardy. Students who are gone from the school for less than 1 1/2 hours anytime during the day will be counted as tardy. Students gone from school 1 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours anytime during the day will be counted as 1/2 day absent. Please note: Students who arrive after 10:00 a.m. or leave before 1:30 p.m. will be counted as 1/2 day absent. Students gone from school or on the sick bed for more than 3 1/2 hours of the day are counted as a full day absent. When a child is absent from school, a written excuse signed by the parent or guardian is required when the child returns to school and must contain the DATE OF ABSENCE and REASON FOR ABSENCE.

When a child is absent, tardy, or released from school early, he/she is responsible for work assigned and the student should ask their teacher about make-up work.
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Birthday Celebrations

Invitations

Please consult with your child's teacher about how birthday treats are handled in the classroom. To prevent hurt feelings we request that parents refrain from handing out invitations for a party outside of school unless the ENTIRE CLASS or ALL THE BOYS or ALL THE GIRLS in the class are being invited, otherwise they should be mailed to the students' home address. Valentines distributed at classroom parties should include a Valentine for each student in the class.

GIFTS

Students should not exchange individual gifts at school. This gesture only creates hurt feelings among other students.
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Communication

Communication and cooperation between the home and the school is an important ingredient in any school program. Teachers strive to make parents aware of student progress and classroom/school activities primarily through their students' book bags. The Principal will be sending out ―news‖ via email, texting etc as much as possible. We recommend that parents check book bags and email on a daily basis so that important information will not be missed.

MAILBAGS
Notices and news from the parish, school system, or local organizations are generally sent the last day of each school week in a family mailbag. Parents should empty the mailbag and return it the next school day. Every family will be provided with one mailbag a year, replacement mailbags cost $.50 each. Mailbags may also include: Letters/Calendars, Lunch Menus, and Report Cards/Progress Reports.

CONFERENCES
When concerns arise, parents are invited to communicate openly and honestly with the classroom teacher who is most closely involved with the situation and can most likely help to answer questions. Teachers can be contacted through the school office and an appropriate time to meet will be arranged. A REQUIRED Parent-Teacher conference is scheduled for all students following the end of the first quarter. Additional conferences can be arranged at other times during the school year. The principal is also available for conferences. Parents are requested to call ahead for an appointment.

MAILBAGS (new this year...... Paper will only go home for those who choose it, all other information will be posted on the web page in an electronic mailbag) We will send a paper mailbag home for everyone the first Friday of the month (early dismissal) for things that cannot be sent digitally.

Parents as Partners

As partners in the educational process at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, we ask parents: To set rules, times, and limits so that your child:

• Gets to bed early on school nights;
• Arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day;
• Is dressed according to the school uniform code;
• Completes assignments on time; and
• Has lunch money or nutritional sack lunch every day.

To actively participate in school activities such as Parent-Teacher Conferences;

To see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student;

To notify the school with a written note when the student has been absent or tardy;

To notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers;

To meet all financial obligations to the school;

To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health;

To complete and return to school any requested information promptly;

To read school note and newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total education;

To support the religious and educational goals of the school;

To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school;

To treat teacher with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems.

PARENT’S ROLE INDUCATION

We at SEAS School consider it a privilege to work with parents in the education of children because we believe parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, it is your right and your duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life - physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Your choice of SEAS School involves a commitment and exhibits a concern for helping your child to recognize God as the greatest good in his/her life.

Good example is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God, with each other, and with the Church community will affect the way your child relates to God and others. Ideals taught in school are not well rooted in the child unless thee are nurtured by the example of good Catholic/Christian morality and by an honest and personal relationship with God in your family life.

Once you have chosen to enter into a partnership with us at SEAS School, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment. During these formative years (Preschool to 8), your child needs constant support from both parents and faculty in order to develop his/her moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical endowment. Neither parents nor teachers can afford to doubt the sincerity of the efforts of their educational partner in the quest of challenging, yet nourishing, the student to reach his/her potential. It is vital that both parents and teachers remember that allowing oneself to be caught between the student and the other partner will never have positive results. To divide authority between school and home or within the home will only teach disrespect of all authority. If there is an incident at school, you as parents must make investigation of the complete story your first step. Evidence of mutual respect between parents and teachers will model good mature behavior and relationships.

Students are naturally eager to grow and learn. However, sometimes in the process of maturation new interests may cause them to lose focus. As this natural process occurs, the student needs both understanding and discipline. At times, your child may perceive discipline as restrictive. However, it is boundaries and limits which provide a young person with both guidance and security.

It is essential that a child take responsibility for grades he/she has earned and be accountable for homework, long-term assignments, major tests, service projects, and all other assignments. This responsibility also extends to times of absence.

Together, let us begin this year with a commitment to partnership as we support one another in helping your child to become the best person he/she is capable of becoming.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Home and School Association works to support and enhance the educational ministry of the school. Fundraising, parent education, and building community are goals of this association.

By-Laws for the H & S are available on the school website.

The Home & School Association offers a tuition rebate through the participation of SCRIP fundraising program. More information about this program can be found on the school website.

All parents are considered members of the Home & School. A Home & School Association is a means to develop mutual understanding between parents and the school staff and to assist parents in achieving their mission with the school as co-educators of their children. The Home & School meetings, which are held as needed throughout the school year, provide parents and staff with opportunities to meet and discuss ways to work together for benefit of the entire school community.
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CURRICULUM

COMPUTER USAGE
The use of computers at SEAS School is a privilege and carries with it, the responsibility for appropriate use. Students who do not comply with usage rules will forfeit their usage privileges. All students/parents must sign a computer usage agreement form before the student will be allowed to use the computers school. Completed forms are kept on file in each classroom.

SUBJECTS
The curriculum places emphasis on the development of knowledge, skills, and understanding appropriate to its student body in accordance with stated goals, purposes, and objectives. Springfield Catholic Elementary Schools' curriculum includes:

Religion • Reading • English • Social Studies • Mathematics • Music • Science • Spelling • Spanish • Physical Education • Family Life • Art • Handwriting • Phonics • Computer Skills
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INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

SCS Policy #1.42A "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. SCSS serves students whose instructional program requires minimal modifications.
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REPORT CARDS

Report cards are important tools for communication. Report Cards will be given four (4) times during the academic school year or every nine (8) weeks.

Progress Reports will be available online via parental portal agreement. Teachers will post grades every 7 days at minimum.

No student will be given a Report Card if tuition, lunch fees, or library fines are in arrears.
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DISCIPLINE

The philosophy of discipline of Springfield Catholic schools is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. These principles are the foundation for Christian learning. Springfield Catholic Schools will strive to provide an education in a safe, disruption free environment where each person is valued as an individual. Students are to exhibit respect for all individuals. Students at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School 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. 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 in which students do not reflect those high values, teachers will handle those situations appropriately and will communicate with the parents regarding the conduct. If necessary, the 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.

Students, coaches, parents and participants in or at any extra-curricular event will 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, child or adult, displaying unsportsmanlike behavior will be asked to leave the event.

Diocesan guidelines are established that direct the administration in serious cases where suspension or expulsion might be considered. Cooperation, communication, and a positive approach to the relationship between home and school will always be the key to happy and successful student life.

School administration is mandated under penalty of law to report any person or persons, including minors, who bring a weapon onto school property.

GUM
Gum is not to be chewed on the premises during the school day.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish and the school are co-tenants. Administration has the authority to inspect all school or personal property. Items considered a hazard or a nuisance in the school or on the playground are subject to immediate confiscation and disciplinary action may be taken.

BLOGS
Engagement in online blogs such as, but not limited to, MySpace.com, Xanga, Friendster, Facebook, Twitter etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty, other students or the parish.

BULLYING AND CYBERBULLYING
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School attempts to provide a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made in any manner via any medium against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously, in jest, or online) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.
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HARASSMENT
Harassment of any type is not tolerated. The Principal investigates all complaints of harassment. Students involved in harassing behavior face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.
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CHEATING
Cheating of any type will not be tolerated. Students who choose to cheat face a failing grade, detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. A student athlete who is involved in cheating will also be unable to participate in sports.
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CHILD ABUSE LAWS
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School abides by the Child Abuse laws of the State of Missouri. This law mandates that all cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services.
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CONDUCT
In accordance with the stated philosophy of the school, which emphasizes deep respect for the human dignity and uniqueness of every individual, each student will be considerate of the rights of others in all interactions. All students are expected to cooperate with the spirit and policies of the school which are designed to foster mature development and personal responsibility. This requires courtesy in all personal relationships, promptness in fulfilling obligations, concern for the environment, and many other factors which the students’ sense of appropriateness will indicate to them.
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OFF-CAMPUS CONDUCT
The Administration of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School reserves the right to discipline its students for off-campus behavior that is not in line with behavior expectations of its students during the course of the school day. This off-campus behavior includes, but is not limited to cyber-bullying.

The Principal reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises.

Items that detract from a learning situation are not allowed at school at any time. Key chains and toys may not be attached to student backpacks. Please do not allow your child to bring toys from home unless it is for a special share time in class at which time it may be retrieved from their book bag. Electronic device cannot be used during school day unless authorized by staff.

The school Administration, in accordance with state laws, will determine the appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken concerning the presence of these items in the school.
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SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
Diocesan Policy # 5535 Any person who believes that he or she has been sexually harassed or subjected to other unlawful harassment should immediately report the matter to his or her supervisor, pastor, principal, or to the Chancellor of the Diocese. Any one who becomes aware of any possible sexual harassment should immediately advise the supervisor, pastor, principal, or Chancellor. The supervisor, pastor, principal should then report the complaint to the Chancellor of the Diocese, who will direct the investigation. The complaint will be investigated in as confidential manner as possible. A resolution of the issue will be offered within 60 days of the complaint and appropriate action taken. There will be no retaliation against persons complaining of harassment or against any persons who assist or give information in support of such complaints. If there are any complaints of retaliation, they should be brought to the attention of the Chancellor of the Diocese.

DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT (VIRTUS)
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 Schools employees are required to undergo safe environment training (Virtus for Adults) and offer awareness classes (PROTECTING GOD'S CHILDREN) twice a year to students. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School teaches one student awareness class each fall and one each spring.

TOBACCO USE
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School is a tobacco free building.

"The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his or her discretion."
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DRESS CODE AND UNIFORM

Springfield Catholic School students in grades K-8 through are required to wear school uniforms. The uniform code is included in this handbook.

PRESCHOOL DRESS CODE
Students should wear comfortable play clothes and socks with their shoes (Please, no shoes that leave black scuff marks). On P.E. days children are required to wear tennis shoes. Sandals, boots, and dress shoes inhibit their ability to safely participate in physical activities.

All students should wear tennis/athletic shoes to school on the days that they have a P.E. class. Footwear other than tennis/athletic shoes inhibits the ability to safely participate in physical activities. (Note: PLEASE, at all times, no black or red soled shoes that leave scuff marks!) For safety reasons, flip-flops or other open backed shoes are not permitted.
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FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are privileges given to students. Students may be denied participation if they fail to meet academic and/or behavior requirements. All volunteer drivers for field trips must be 21 years old and have a "Volunteer Driver Form" on file with the school office prior to driving with additional kids in their vehicles. No student will be allowed to go on a field trip without signed written permission from a parent/guardian, or adult designee of parent/guardian. These MUST be on file with the teacher no later than 24 hours in advance or by the date requested. For children requiring child safety seats (4 years old and under in child approved car seat, children 4-7 under 80 lbs or 4'9" in a child approved booster seat per MO law 210.104) and CANNOT be put in or secured into another vehicle by any Springfield Catholic School Employee for liability reasons. Parents of the child or another appointed person per the parent must make sure the appropriate seating arrangements are made prior to leaving the child the morning of the field trip. This must be done even if there is a permission slip on file.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY

ASBESTOS
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School is an asbestos free facility. The Diocese of Springfield Cape Girardeau has an Asbestos Management Plan available for review and follows all federal guidelines regarding asbestos.

CHILD PROTECTION AND CUSTODY
Springfield Catholic Schools abides by the Child Protection and Reformation Act (RSMO 210) that requires school personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional capacity might be abused or neglected must report to the Missouri Department of Family Services.

Springfield Catholic Schools abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the right of non-custodial parent for 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 give, it is the custodial parent's responsibility to provide the school with a court-certified copy of the court order.

In compliance with Diocesan policy, all paid staff and regular volunteers in our school are required to complete a "Child Abuse and Neglect Background Check" form and a "Sexual Misconduct Policy" of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau‖ form prior to working in our school and are required to undergo Safe Environment Training.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE/ILLNESS
Since children are in close proximity in a classroom, illnesses can spread rapidly. If a child is running a temperature, has a rash, has inflamed eyes, or has been sent home from school for these symptoms, please do not send the child back to school until he/she is healthy. STUDENTS MUST BE FREE FROM FEVER FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE RETURNING TO SCHOOL.

EMERGENCY DRILLS
In order to prepare the children for an emergency, fire, storm, and lockdown drills will be conducted at various times during the year.

EMERGENCY FORMS
An Emergency Form is kept on file for each child. The information on this form instructs the school regarding who should be notified in an emergency as well as the doctor/hospital to be contacted in case the parent cannot be reached. It is important that all requested information be given for school use in case of an emergency. Parents are responsible for keeping this information current. In the event of an accident or a sudden illness, parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible using contact information provided by parents/guardians on Emergency Form.

IMMUNIZATIONS
All students in the Springfield Catholic School System must comply with the health requirements determined by the Missouri and United States Department of Health with regard to school immunization. The school nurse has the authority to see that all students are in compliance with the health department laws and regulations and will determine if action should be taken in cases of non-compliance. The nurse is available for advice related to health issues and can be contacted through the school office.

MEDICATIONS
Student medications must be brought to the school office by parent/guardian in original packaging. All medications will be kept in a locked, safe area to be administered by a designated person as per label directions. An authorization form must accompany all medications and must have medication name, dose, parent/guardian signature. In compliance with school board policy, non-prescription medications will require the parental authorization form and written permission from the child's doctor.

RECESS
All students are expected to take part in activities outdoors unless weather is bad or the student has been asked to stay inside by a teacher. Students should come properly dressed for outdoor play.

SCHOOL INSURANCE
School insurance for injury or accident is available for families to purchase through the Schumacher Student Insurance for all families. Also, by request, applications are available for MC+ for Kids for families who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunches. All applications are available in the school's office.
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LUNCHES

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School offers a lunch program as a service to our students. All students are required to eat lunch (either purchased or brought from home) in the dining room. Menus are published monthly and sent home in your family's mailbag. Except in case of emergency please do not send/bring "fast food" lunches. It may be viewed by others as disruptive to the lunch time procedures. Soft drinks are strongly discouraged – glass containers are prohibited. We strongly encourage families who qualify for free or reduced lunches to take advantage of this benefit. Participation in these programs helps to raise revenues in the dining room and maximizes eligibility for federal grants to support supplemental academic programs. Application forms are available in the school's office.

BREAKFAST

• $1.50

LUNCH COSTS

• $2.25 for 1 Student lunch (includes milk)
• $.50 for extra milk (or for students who bring their lunches)
• $.50 for snack milk $2.50 for 1 Adult lunch
• We encourage our families to prepay for multiple lunches. Families will be notified when students have used up prepaid lunches.
• Weekly - 5 lunches $11.25
• Monthly - 22 lunches - $49.50

METHOD OF PAYMENT
Please send all lunch money to school in a sealed envelope with your child's NAME, and the AMOUNT OF MONEY enclosed written on the front of the envelope. Money envelopes can be given to your child's teacher or left at the school office. Please note that if your child's balances falls below zero, they will need to bring a sack lunch or will be served a peanut butter sandwich and milk for .75.
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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. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton administration and teachers reserve the right to inspect desks, storage units, backpacks, gym bags, or any items that students bring to school.
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Sacramental Program

The sacramental life of the children of the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religion program at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. Preparations for two sacraments, Reconciliation and Eucharist, form the core of instruction in Grade 2. In accordance with the diocesan guidelines, candidates for First Eucharist will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist. Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are only conferred to students baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition. back to top

School Hours

School hours are 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. (12:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. for afternoon preschool). Students who are not in their homeroom at 8:15 a.m. (12:15 p.m. for afternoon preschool) are considered tardy.

At St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, we work in partnership with parents to enable each child to develop as an independent learner. Parents should allow their child(ren) to enter the school building on their own each morning. Various classes invite parent involvement or visitation on particular occasions.

The school doors are opened for students at 7:30 a.m. Students arriving at that time will go to the cafeteria until they are dismissed to their classrooms at 8:00 a.m.

Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m. each day. Please have your child(ren) picked no later than 3:30. Please check the school calendar and weekly newsletter for early dismissal dates.

Prime Time is an after school care program provided by the YMCA. This is for students in kindergarten and up. Please call the YMCA for details.
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School Office Hours

The school office is open on all school days from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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School Property

The parent of a child who carelessly destroys or damages any furniture, equipment, buildings, or anyone's personal property will be obligated to pay the full amount of repairs and labor or replacement. Textbooks used by the student must have a proper book cover. No writing in school textbooks is permitted. The student will pay a fine or replacement for damaged or lost texts before any final reports, transcripts, or diplomas are presented.
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VISITORS

Visitors are welcome at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School. However, as a safety precaution, all parents/visitors/volunteers/family members are required to check in with the school secretary to sign in and get a visitor badge when entering the building for any reason and to sign out at the time of departure. It is imperative in today’s world that we remain vigilant regarding the safety of all our children and staff. We welcome volunteers and visitors but we simply ask that you stop in at the secretary’s office immediately upon entering the building. Please do not use any other entrance except the main doors located on the east side of the building. To protect our students during the school day doors are locked.
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Weather Emergencies

If it should be necessary to close the school because of weather conditions, an announcement will be made over local television and radio stations and phone calls will be made

Remember that when Springfield Public Schools are closed due to weather, Springfield Catholic Schools will be as well.
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WORSHIP/PRAYER

Our faith is as the core of our school day. Students, faculty, and staff participate in daily prayer and are given opportunities for regular Mass attendance, special prayer services, Stations of the Cross, devotion to the rosary, and special seasonal practices. The school staff and children will be attending Mass at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday mornings. The weekly Thursday school mass is not expected to take the place of your families mass times on the weekend. We ask that you add it in as an additional service. Your presence is always welcome and encouraged as a model to our young people. It not only enhances everyone's faith but it allows us to share our time and talent with God and our families in a very meaningful way.
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Springfield Catholic Schools' website address is: www.springfieldcatholicschools.org.

The Administration of Springfield Catholic Schools has final recourse and reserves the right to amend this handbook.
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UNIFORM CODE Springfield Catholic Elementary Schools

PRESCHOOL DRESS CODE
Students should wear comfortable play clothes and socks with their shoes (Please, no shoes that leave black scuff marks). On P.E. days children are required to wear tennis shoes. Sandals, boots, and dress shoes inhibit their ability to safely participate in physical activities. All students should wear tennis/athletic shoes to school on the days that they have a P.E. class. Footwear other than tennis/athletic shoes inhibits the ability to safely participate in physical activities. (Note: PLEASE, at all times, no black or red soled shoes that leave scuff marks!) For safety reasons, flip-flops or other open backed shoes are not permitted.

Girls Uniform Plaid Items:
Girls grades K-3: *Jumper or *Skort
Girls grades 4-8: *Jumper, *Skirt, or *Skort
  Two styles: fully pleated or double-kick pleat

* Jumper, skirt and skort may not be worn more than 2" above the top of the knee

All other uniform items:

Girls Grades K-5

• Navy Pants or Shorts (shorts may be worn year round)*
    Two styles: fully pleated or double-kick pleat
• White Peter Pan collar blouses – short or long sleeve*
• White or hunter green knit shirts – short or long sleeve*
• Dark solid color belt (optional)
• Green or navy sweatshirts (must be appropriate fit and purchased through SCS or Home and Schools)
• Solid white socks or footed navy or white tights

Boys Grade K-5

• Navy pants or shorts (shorts may be worn year round)*
    *Two styles: flat or pleated front
• White oxford cloth shirt – short or long sleeve*
• White or hunter green knit shirt – short or long sleeve*
• Dark solid color belt (optional)
• Green or navy sweatshirt (must be appropriate fit and purchased through SCS or Home & Schools)
• Solid white or navy socks

Girls Grades 6-8

• Navy or Khaki pants or shorts (shorts may be worn year round)*
    Two styles: Flat or pleated front
• White oxford cloth shirt – short or long sleeve*
• White, hunter green or navy knit shirts – short or long sleeve*
• Dark solid color belt Green or navy sweatshirts (must be appropriate fit and purchased through SCS or Home & Schools)
• Solid white socks or footed navy or white tights

Boys Grades 6-8

• Navy or Khaki pants or shorts (shorts may be worn year round)*
    Two styles: Flat or pleated front
• White oxford cloth shirt – short or long sleeve*
• White, hunter green or navy knit shirts – short or long sleeve*
• Dark solid color belt Green or navy sweatshirts (must be appropriate fit and purchased through SCS or Home & Schools)
• Solid white or navy socks

Shoes must be soft soled. No sandals, flip-flops or backless shoes. Springfield Catholic School suppliers are Work Apparel Store and Anna Sophia. The items listed are what are available through our suppliers in compliance with the uniform policy. You are not required to purchase every option but should order the items that best fit your child’s needs.

**At SEAS no fashion boots or shoes higher than the ankle will be allowed. Please make sure shoes are not slick or black soled in that they will leave black marks on the floor.

**SEAS will also be enforcing the no color finger nail polish or fake nails as they cause a distraction in class.

** NO dangling earrings or any earrings that may be a hazard during PE or on the playground.

**NO coats, sweaters, sweatshirts, hoodies etc will be allowed on the student while in the building or church unless it is the school sweatshirt or fleece (grades 6-8). We will no longer be wearing "whatever" to mass and or in the class rooms. Only those items prescribed by the uniform dress code will be allowed. Obviously a child will need to wear and bring their winter coat but they will not be wearing inside the building. If your child is cold natured, please purchase a school sweater, sweatshirt or fleece (6-8). Remember besides Anna Sophia’s, Work Apparel, St Joseph school will be housing gently used uniforms available for purchase.

CONSEQUENCES
The following steps will be followed when a student is out of uniform:

1. First time a warning and phone call home to parent
2. Student will be required to change the out of uniform clothing or shoes. We will have some donated items on hand but a parent may be called if nothing is available or if the student refuses to change. Parent will be notified.
3. Parent will be asked to come and pick up their child for the rest of the day. This will be considered defiance and will be given the due consequences ranging from ISS to OSS.

Please remember turtleneck shirts and or clothing with any type of visible labels are not part of the code. Wearing a tee shirt under the shirt for warmth is acceptable as long as it is not visible.

Vendors: Anna Sophia's (new and pre-owned uniforms) – 2714 S. Glenstone, 890-1563 Work Apparel Store (new uniforms) – 313 E Battlefield, 889-9675