PARENT - STUDENT HANDBOOK
This handbook contains certain policies and procedures of
this school. The School may change any of its policies and procedures and apply
them as circumstances dictate. If you have a question about a particular policy
or procedure, please contact the principal.
STUDENTS AND PARENTS MUST ACCEPT AND ABIDE BY THIS SCHOOL’S
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER FOR THE STUDENT TO ATTEND THIS SCHOOL.
School Philosophy and Objectives
Saint Hilary of Poitiers is a Catholic elementary school
dedicated to the gospel message of Jesus Christ. By embracing His teachings,
the pastor, administration, faculty, auxiliary staff, parents, and students
serve one another out of love for Jesus Christ. Working together, we seek to
develop each child spiritually, academically, emotionally, physically, and
socially, utilizing each individual’s gifts and talents. As we approach the
twenty-first century, the St. Hilary of Poitiers School Community realizes the
importance of our responsibility to prepare our children, thus enabling them to
reach out to the future with hope and to approach each challenge with courage.
This is OUR GIFT TO THE FUTURE!
Realizing that both home and school are integral to our
faith-centered community, parents and teachers work together to help each child
recognize and discover the Christ in all people. Through student-oriented
liturgical, paraliturgical services, and community outreach programs, we strive
to encourage the practice of Christian values and foster a sense of justice in
everyday life.
We at St. Hilary of Poitiers School provide an atmosphere,
which nurtures the development of the whole child. Students are encouraged to
develop personal responsibility, interpersonal skills, sportsmanship, leadership
and service, through activities such as prayer partners, CYO sports, visits to
the elderly and Thanksgiving food collections.
At St. Hilary of Poitiers School knowledge is viewed as a
gift from God. We encourage the students to discover and develop their
individual talents and potential to the fullest. Our goal is to stimulate and
challenge our students to be independent, critical thinkers. Thus, the students
are taught to view this education as an ongoing process that will enable them to
become informed Christians in tomorrow's society.
We approach academic development through content, as well
as, a process-oriented curriculum. The means of fostering growth in this area
vary according to the age and readiness of the student. At the primary level,
basic skills are presented using a multi-stimulus approach, moving from the
concrete to the abstract. As the student proceeds to a higher level of
intellectual development, the emphasis is placed upon a process, as opposed to a
content-oriented, curriculum.
Our teachers lead the students by serving as positive role
models. Their relationships with their students create an atmosphere conducive
to Christian development. The teacher/student relationship is a vital element
in the growth of the whole child. Although the teacher is the primary director
of the child's total school experience, parents work with teachers to help the
child grow cognitively and form a positive self- image. Progress is monitored
through formal parent/teacher conferences and informal communication.
Our teachers strive to bring out the best in their
colleagues by lending support, sharing ideas, and fostering professional
growth. By their dedication and enthusiasm, our teachers give witness to what
it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
The administration of St. Hilary of Poitiers School abides
by the policies and directives developed by the Office of Catholic Education of
the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. All school policies are implemented in
collaboration with the pastor, principal, faculty, and parents. Policy matters
are transmitted to each family through a school handbook. Other pertinent
information is communicated weekly.
The Office of Catholic Education issues curriculum
guidelines, which are updated periodically. Within the curriculum, the manner
and method of presentation is determined by the originality of each teacher. In
this way, the faculty exercises professional discretion about how best to meet
the needs of the individual student. The teachers evaluate student progress
through observation, class participation, as well as formal and informal
assessments.
Teacher performance is monitored informally on a regular
basis. In addition, the principal evaluates each faculty member formally
through an annual appraisal following the criteria mandated by the Office of
Catholic Education.
As we approach the third millennium, the students of St.
Hilary of Poitiers School are encouraged to use their education as a foundation,
which will enable them to live and preach the Gospel Message. By integrating
their school experience with their lives as Jesus' disciples, they will be
prepared to face the challenges ahead and truly become Our Gift to The Future.
(Originally printed as part of our Middle States Report -
October 1993) ▲
Attitude of Parents
The Parish School is an extension of the education that
begins the day an infant is brought home from the hospital. Long before a child
reaches the age of five, his parents have given him many habits. So, when the
child enters school, he is not beginning his education -- he is merely
continuing it, and he still needs the help of his parents.
Your attitude toward the school and the teacher is most
important, as it will reflect in the attitude of your child. Parents are
reminded that criticism, complaints, gossip, and words spoken in anger or jest,
are absorbed by the child and become a part of his education.
Parents are asked to maintain a UNITED AUTHORITY - between
themselves and with the school. You must preserve the union of authority that
makes the teacher in the classroom an extension of parental authority.
▲
Responsibility
A child can be taught responsibility. Many parents fail to
develop this most important trait. Responsibility is taught over a period of
days and months as the child learns that performance is expected and shirking
will not be tolerated. If the child is not taught this basic characteristic at
home, school tasks will also be disregarded as non-important. The child must be
prepared to receive what the school has to offer. ▲
School Problems
It is most important to withhold judgment on what appears
to be a grievance until you get all the facts.
1. Classroom teachers appreciate FIRST calls.
2. Get your facts from the proper person.
3. Discuss your problems with the proper person as soon as
possible.
4. When necessary contact the principal.
We stress this procedure because in most, cases, the
problem will be resolved with little difficulty. GOSSIP HURTS A SCHOOL.
Problems discussed with friends and neighbors tend to become exaggerated.
YOU HOLD THE KEY TO YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE…Your encouragement
can unlock for your child the best that education has to offer.
THE HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
The Executive Board of the Home and School Association
meets four times a year. The Board is composed of the officers and the heads of
the general committees. All parents are requested to be members of the Horne
and School Association and to attend the four general meetings held annually.
The Association strives to enhance the parents' and teachers' roles in education
at St. Hilary School by increasing their mutual understanding of the children
and by providing opportunities for parents and teachers to work together for the
good of the children. ▲
School Time Schedule
First Bell: 8:30 a.m.
Morning Recess: 10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.
Lunch (Grades K-4): 12:30 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Lunch (Grades 5-8): 12:55 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
PM Recess (Grades K-4): 12:55 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
PM Recess (Grades 5-8): 12:30 p.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Dismissal: 3:15 p.m.
Early Dismissals for Holidays and Faculty Meetings--12:00
Noon
No student may leave the building prior to dismissal
without the permission of the principal. Parents must sign their child out
before leaving for an early appointment.▲
General Supervision of the School Grounds
The school grounds generally are supervised during school
hours, from arrival time until dismissal time, when school is in session. There
also will be general supervision in connection with school-sponsored activities,
such as extracurricular events. Parents/guardians are responsible for insuring
that they and their children are not on the premises during other times. The
school has no responsibility for students or parents/guardians on the premises
during unsupervised times.▲
Absences/Late Arrivals
Absences must be phoned in to the School Office before
10:00 a.m. at 215-887-4520. Any pupil who is absent or late must bring an
excuse note on a 3 X 5 index card, signed by a parent or guardian upon his/her
return to school. A doctor’s certificate may be required for absence of an
extended nature (3 days).
If your child’s name appears on an attendance report from
the homeroom teacher and you have not phoned in to let us know, please expect a
call from the school to verify the absence or check on your child’s
whereabouts. Please help us in this endeavor by calling. Your child’s safety
and welfare are of great importance to us.
Any child who stays home without his/her parent’s knowledge
is liable to suspension. Any child who leaves school without permission is
liable to suspension.
In order to arrange for assignments for children who are
absent due to illness, kindly call the school office by 12 noon. This work may
be picked up by the parent at the school office no earlier than 3:00 p.m. It is
the responsibility of the student to complete work and tests that have been
missed due to absence.
Please make doctor and dental appointments on holidays or
early-dismissal days. If this is not possible, a written note requesting
permission for the child to leave school is to be sent to the
teacher/principal. Please report to the office to pick up your child for
his/her appointment. Do not go to the classroom.
Late students are to report to the school office for a late
slip, which will be presented to the teacher. Consistent unexcused lateness
will be considered parental neglect. Lateness, of course, impacts on a perfect
attendance record and constitute a serious infraction.▲
Admission - Registration
Our school admits students of any race, color, national or
ethnic origin to all of the rights, privileges, programs and activities
generally accorded or made available to its students. The school does not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the
administration of it educational policies, its admission policy, or in any
school-administered program.
The school endeavors to accommodate students with special
needs, as the school’s resources and capabilities reasonably permit. The school
reserves the right to decline admission or impose reasonable conditions of
attendance where indicated under the circumstances.
Registration for Kindergarten and First Grade is held in
February. A student who is 6 years old by September 1st is eligible for first
grade. A student who is 5 years old by September 1st is eligible for
Kindergarten.
For registration the following is required:
Students in St. Hilary Parish need a Birth Certificate, a
Baptismal Certificate (unless child was baptized at St. Hilary Church) and an
Immunization Card.
Students not member of St. Hilary Parish need a Birth
Certificate, a Baptismal Certificate, an Immunization Card, and a Letter of
Permission from their home-parish pastor and must make and appointment to meet
with the pastor from St. Hilary prior to registering.▲
Assemblies
The primary purpose of school assemblies is educational.
Being part of an appreciative audience is a learning experience. Therefore,
every student is expected to show proper respect and courtesy at this time.▲
Books/Book Care
Students are responsible for all books and materials
issued. All textbooks must be covered and transported in a schoolbag. Students
are not to write or draw on the cover or pages of any textbook or library book.
Neatness is a priority. All lost or damaged books must be paid for.
Parents are welcome to visit the Lost and Found located in
the school hall.▲
Cellular Telephones/Pagers/Handheld Electronic Games
Cellular telephones, beepers, pagers, handheld electronic
games, personal CD players and other items are, in the view of the school,
distracting and disruptive to the learning environment and are not permitted in
the school.▲
Conferences
Parent-Teacher Conferences are held at the end of November,
coinciding with the end of the first trimester, for Grades 1 through 8.
Parents may request a conference with a teacher at any time
by means of a note or phone call. Parents should not expect teachers to confer
with them during school hours.▲
Peace Program
In September 1994, St. Hilary of Poitiers School instituted
a Peace Program. This Peace Program became the philosophy of our school. It is
based on the principles taught by Jesus Christ. It infiltrates every curriculum
area and IS our discipline code. This NON-VIOLENT approach touches every person
in our school community. It touches our principal, teachers, staff members,
parents and students. ALL are required to follow these PRINCIPLES OF PEACE.
Armed with the knowledge that conflicts are inevitable,
teachers and students have been in-serviced and are expected to follow CONFLICT
RESOLUTION SKILLS. Good and healthy SELF-ESTEEM is promoted through these
skills. Children are taught to stand up for themselves and not allow others to
TEASE or BULLY them.
RESPECT, both in word and action, toward self, others and
the environment is the primary principle of our PEACE PROGRAM.
Disrespect, both in word and action, toward self, others or
the environment will simply NOT BE TOLERATED.
RESPECTFUL QUIET is expected to be observed in the hallways
at ALL times. This RESPECTFUL QUIET is also to be observed in response to BELLS
throughout the day.▲
Harassment
It is the intent of the school to provide an educational
environment free from all forms of improper threats, intimidation, hostility and
offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form
of unwanted verbal or physical conduct, verbal or written derogatory or
discriminatory statements, and behavior not otherwise conducive to the
educational and religious mission of the school. Unacceptable conduct – either
by a student or a parent/guardian – includes, but is not limited to, the
following:
disrespectful behavior of any kind toward or about any
staff, student, volunteer or parent;
insubordination;
fighting;
bomb scares or triggering other false alarms;
cheating or plagiarism;
use or possession of drugs or alcohol;
smoking;
stealing;
intimidation, harassment or threats of any kind; and
possession of any weapon.
These categories do not cover every possible situation.
The school will determine which behavior is inappropriate.
This policy applies both in and out of the classroom, in
the school community generally and outside the school community, where the
behavior is contrary to Catholic teachings or could bring disrepute or
embarrassment to the School.
Conduct by students or parents/guardians, or anyone acting
on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the
school is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to the
immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the
appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.
In addition, in the case of threats of violence or
harassment, in any form, including oral, written or electronic, by a student
against any member of the school community, the student, if suspended but not
dismissed, may be required to have psychological or psychiatric clearance before
returning to school.▲
Suspensions
Just, appropriate disciplinary policies are essential
educational processes, which include procedures, which are more remedial than
punitive, yet include the necessary provisions that protect the common good of
the school community.
Suspension may lead to dismissal. The Principal will
inform the parents/guardians of the seriousness of suspension and seek their
immediate cooperation in a corrective program designed to resolve the student’s
problem, if possible.
Procedures for student suspensions:
1)
Infractions of a serious nature, as determined by the School.
2)
Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the
suspension as soon as practicable.
3)
Suspensions will be implemented (in-School or out of School), at the
discretion of the Principal.
4)
Following suspension, parents or guardians will be interviewed by the
appropriate school official. Students removed from the school community will
not be readmitted before a parental interview has been conducted and all other
conditions for readmittance have been satisfied.
5)
Parents and student are to sign a formal agreement in which they signify
their understanding and agree to assume responsibility for future behavior.
6)
Where possible, a student will be referred to a counselor or a teacher
for counseling.
7)
Signed agreement of parents and a written report of the suspension will
be filed in the student’s record.
8)
Suspension records are not a part of the student’s permanent or
cumulative record. Ordinarily, suspension records only will be made available
to authorized school personnel and parents.▲
Dismissal
1)
After two (2) formal suspensions, a student may be dismissed.
2)
Students who are dismissed may apply for readmission after one full
year. The School will determine whether readmittance is appropriate.
3)
In certain instances the infraction may warrant immediate dismissal. The
School reserves the right to dismiss any student at any time where the School
considers the conduct of the student or parent/guarding to be inconsistent with
School policy, the good of the School community or Catholic teachings.
4)
Parents/Guardians of the student will be informed in writing of the
dismissal as soon as practicable.▲
Dress Code
Neatness and cleanliness in personal attire are part of a
child's education and are the responsibility of the parents. All children are
to be in complete uniform every day. Any irregularities because of emergencies
must be reported by note to the principal. ▲
School Uniform
Uniforms are to be worn on the first day of school.
Uniforms can be purchased at:
Kindergarten - Uniforms must be purchased
through school
Summer Uniform (only worn between the dates stated on
the school calendar)
- Solid red mesh shorts with St. Hilary School logo
- Gray T-shirt with St. Hilary School logo
- White sneakers
Winter Uniform
- Light gray St. Hilary School sweatpants with school
logo
- Light gray St. Hilary School sweatshirt with school
logo
- Gray T-shirt with St. Hilary School logo
- White sneakers
Winter Uniform
Shoes (All Grades) - School uniform shoes are required
Girls: PENNY LOAFERS OR WINE COLORED OXFORDS (Phil’s
Shoes)
Boys: BLACK OXFORDS (NO SNEAKERS/SKETCHERS)
Girls (Grades 1-4)
- Gray plaid jumper
- Light pink, long or short-sleeve blouse with Peter Pan
collar
- Wine colored sweater any style with school logo
- Wine colored knee socks or stockings
Girls (Grades 5-8)
- Gray plaid skirt (kilt) The skirt is not to be shorter
than one inch above the knee and is NOT TO BE ROLLED UP AT THE WAIST.
- Light pink oxford cloth shirt
- Wine colored sweater any style with school logo
- Wine colored knee socks or stockings
Girls (Grades 7/8) - Optional
- White turtleneck pullover worn with plaid skirt and
school sweater
Girls (All Grades)
- Optional Winter Uniform (December, January, February,
March)
- Navy blue pants with light pink Peter Pan or oxford
cloth blouse, school sweater, navy blue socks and school shoes.
Boys (Grades 1-8)
- Navy blue pants (purchased through the uniform store)
- No cargo pants with side pockets
- Black belt
- White long or short sleeve dress shirt
- Uniform tie (diagonal navy, white, wine stripe)
- Wine colored sweater any style with school logo.
Boys (Grades 7/8) - Optional
- White turtleneck pullover worn with navy blue slacks,
black belt and school sweater.
Summer Uniform
All Grades (Boys and Girls) - Optional (Only worn
between dates stated on school calendar)
- Navy blue walking shorts/ (purchased through the
uniform store) No cargo shorts with side pockets are permitted
- Black belt
- White golf shirt with school logo (No oversized golf
shirts or shorts.)
- White canvas or leather sneakers (no stripes/colors or
high-tops) with white socks
- Socks must be visible above the shoe
Girls (grades 5-8) may wear the white golf shirt
with school logo, the gray plaid skirt (kilt), and school shoes
Boys (grades 1-8) may wear the white golf shirt with
school logo, the navy blue pants, and school shoes
All golf shirts must be tucked into shorts, skirts or
pants.
Gym Uniform
All Grades (Boys and Girls)
Worn to school on Physical Education day
Winter:
- St. Hilary School T-shirt with school logo
- Light Gray or red sweatshirt with school logo
- LIGHT GRAY SWEATPANTS (School logo optional)
- Sneakers
Summer:
- St. Hilary School T-shirt with school logo
- Long, solid, red mesh shorts (School logo optional)
- Sneakers
Accessories
The only jewelry permitted is a religious medal on a gold
or silver chain, a watch (no bracelets) AND ONLY ONE PAIR OF SMALL EARRINGS.
Boys are not permitted to wear earrings
Size appropriate plain white T-shirts may be worn under the
uniform with no writing, logos or color of any kind and should not show below
the school uniform sleeve.
No makeup or nail polish is permitted.
No severe cut or outlandish hairstyles are permitted and
should not cover the eyes. Boys’ hair is to be a moderate length, no tail, and
hair should not be below the collar, or covering the eyes.
Simple plain hair accessories, which match the uniform
colors, are permitted for the girls.▲
Entrance and Dismissal
The morning bell rings at 8:30 a.m. Supervision of
children begins at 8:15 a.m. Any child who enters the school building before
8:15 is to sit outside his/her classroom. All children must be in the
schoolyard during regular recess periods, with the following exceptions:
emergencies (report to the office), inclement weather, and special arrangements
with the teacher.▲
Faculty Meetings
Faculty meetings enable the teachers to plan activities and
to share information pertaining to students' needs and abilities. At times
staff development and in-service programs will be scheduled.
Faculty meetings are held each First Friday and require a
noon dismissal for the students. These arrangements are in keeping with the
Archdiocesan policy.
Students whose school districts do not provide
early-dismissal transportation must make the necessary arrangements.▲
Family Envelopes
On the first day of school each family will receive a white
communication envelope. These envelopes will go home every Tuesday and must be
returned by Friday of the same week signed and dated. The envelopes will be
given to the youngest child in each family.▲
Family Trips
The planning of family trips during the school year is
strongly discouraged.
The school can understand, occasionally and for an
important reason that a child may be absent due to a family trip. However, the
child is responsible for any work that may be missed. Please discuss planned
absences in advance with the teacher/principal. ▲
Field Trips
All trips necessitate that a parental permission form and
all monies due be submitted two weeks before the day of the trip. All possible
precautions will be taken to prevent injuries during these trips.
Parents/guardians will cover the costs of transportation and any admission
fees. All trips are to be educational in nature providing enrichment as well as
enjoyment for our students.
A class trip is a privilege, which can be taken away if the
teacher/principal deems it appropriate.
If a parent/guardian does not wish a child to attend the
trip for any reason, he/she should notify the school. The child must attend
school on the day of the trip or be marked absent.▲
Fire Drills
Fire drills are conducted on a monthly basis. The students
are instructed to leave the building quickly and in silence when the alarm rings
according to directions posted in each area. Failure to cooperate is considered
a serious matter.▲
Graduation/Closing Exercises
Eighth grade students who have completed the prescribed
course of study and; maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible for
graduation if all financial obligations have been met. The administration and
the eighth grade teachers determine procedures for graduation.
Participation in closing exercises is a privilege, not a
right. The school has the right to deny any student from participating in
closing exercises if, in view of the school, the student’s conduct or academic
or disciplinary record indicate that the privilege should not be extended.▲
HEALTH SERVICES AND EMERGENCY INFORMATION
Parents are required to complete a yellow St. Hilary/or
Abington School District Emergency Information Card. Should an emergency or
sickness arise, these cards provide us with vital information about the relative
or neighbor who is to be contacted. Please remember to update this information,
as changes occur.
Health Services
The school health program assists in identifying and
correcting physical problems and controlling communicable diseases. A school
nurse from the Abington School District is at St. Hilary's School one half day
each week. Injuries occurring during the school day are tended to in the school
office.
The School Health Law requires the following:
1)
Physical examination upon entry into school (with documented proof that
the necessary immunizations have been received) and in Grade 6.
2)
Dental examination upon entry into school and in Grades 3 and 7.
3)
Tuberculin test upon entry into school.
4)
Height and weight checks annually by the nurse.
5)
Vision screening and hearing test annually by the nurse.
6)
Sixth and seventh grade students screen for scoliosis.▲
Medication
The school is not permitted to administer ANY unauthorized
medication during the school day. In the event a need for any medication
arises, we will contact a parent or adult listed on the emergency card.
It is generally recommended that prescription medicines be
given to the student before and/or after school in accordance with the
physician’s directions. In those instances where the medication must be given
during the school day, it should be take by the student in the presence of the
school secretary.
Parents/guardians are required to sign a medication
authorization form, which is available from the school, if the student must take
medication at the school.
Prescription and non-prescription over the counter
medications must be in the original container with a note from the
parent/guardian and physician to include: name of medicine, dosage, time of
administration, dates to be given, and reason for medication. No medications
should be placed in lunch boxes or school bags for students to self-administer.▲
Emergencies
No sick or injured student will be released from school
without notifying the family and an escort provided. Unless a student's life is
obviously in danger and/or immediate emergency treatment is necessary, the
parent of the pupil will be consulted before any treatment is administered. If
an emergency exists, the student will be taken to the hospital by car or
ambulance.
An emergency number must be available for every student.
Please include the name and telephone number of your child's sitter. If both
parents will be out of town for any reason, please notify the office of the name
and telephone number of an emergency contact person. ▲
Homework
Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that
will reinforce a concept presented in class. Homework includes both written and
study assignments, and should be such that the student can do them
independently. While this does not preclude parental help or interest, the
assignments should not require undue parental assistance or supervision. Ample
time should be allowed for the completion of out-of-class research assignments
or projects.
The following time allotment is suggested for homework.
This includes both written and study assignments.
Grades 1 and 2: 30 minutes
Grades 3 and 4: 60 minutes
Grades 5 and 6: 90 minutes
Grades 7 and 8: 120 minutes
If your child is consistently taking an abnormally long
amount of time to complete the assignments, kindly notify the teacher in
writing. Communicating this fact to us can be a service in helping us to
provide better limitations. ▲
Insurance
Each student receives accident insurance coverage through
an insurance program provided by the Office of Catholic Education and
administered by Maskin Management Corporation. This program provides coverage
for the hours when school is in session, and when students are attending or
participating in school-sponsored activities on or off the school premises.
Benefits are payable for the first $300.00 of covered expenses, without regard
to other insurance. Thereafter, benefits are payable for covered expenses above
$300.00 that are not recoverable from another plan providing medical expense
benefits. In case of an accident, accident report forms may be obtained at the
school office. Claims must be filed within 90 days. ▲
Library
The school library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and
Thursday. Classes visit the library each week, to select books, do research and
to receive instruction in library skills. Children are permitted to visit and
use the library during lunch periods.
Any lost or damaged books must be paid for. If a library
book is overdue for 4 weeks the student will lose all library privileges until
the book is returned.▲
Lunch Period
Lunch is sold each day and a varied menu is offered.
Students may bring lunches from home. Milk, juice, snacks and ice cream are
available for purchase.
On occasion the Home and School Association will sponsor a
special lunch. Information regarding this lunch will be sent in advance in the
family-information envelope. ▲
The principal or a teacher and parents provide supervision
of students during lunch.
Non-Discrimination Policy
In compliance with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office
of Catholic Education, St. Hilary of Poitiers School, mindful of the primary
mission as an effective instrument of the educational ministry of the Church,
and the witness to the love of Christ for all men, shall not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in the administration of
educational policies and other school-administered programs. ▲
Report Cards
Archdiocesan report cards are issued three times a year to
students in Grades 1 through 8. Each student is responsible for his or her own
report card grade by satisfactorily fulfilling the following requirements:
Major testing
Quizzes
Oral and written reports
Classroom independent work (copybooks and workbooks)
(studied and written)
Active participation in classroom lessons and activities
All special reports and projects must be submitted on the
due date to receive full credit.
Parents should keep abreast of grades by signing tests and
examining copybooks and workbooks.
For students in grades 4 through 8, academic deficiency
notices and progress reports for behavior will be sent one month prior to the
close of the report card period. This is simply a notice that a student is
having difficulty and may not receive a good grade in a given area.
No child will fail who is working to potential and who
completes class and home assignments when due. Failing grades are given only
when a student shows lack of effort and interest in schoolwork as reflected in
performance and participation.
Each parent/guardian is entitled to access all school
records of the child. ▲
Promotion or Retention
Student progress is monitored throughout the school year.
At the December report card period, the parent/guardian is informed of the
student’s academic, social and emotional progress. In March, the teacher will
contact the parent/guardian of a student who continues to experience difficulty
to discuss the possibility of retention and support services. By the end of
May, the teacher(s) will schedule a follow-up meeting with the
parent(s)/guardian(s). If retention is indicated, the parent(s)/guardian(s)
will receive an official notification which must be signed and returned to the
school administration.
Promotion or retention is at the discretion of the
administration in consultation with the teacher.▲
School Phone
The telephones are for school business only. Students are
not permitted to use them unless there is an emergency. ▲
School Supplies
All stationery: notebooks, folders, paper supplies, pens,
pencils, crayons, etc. are to be purchased by the student in accordance with the
teacher directives given out in June for the following school year. Children in
Grades 4-8 are to purchase homework copybooks in school. Children in Grade 5
are to purchase a Bible through the school for classroom use. Spiral copybooks,
large binders, trapper keepers, etc. are not permitted.▲
Snow Days and Emergency Closings
Any of the following will indicate St. Hilary School is
closed:
1)
St. Hilary Emergency Number - 382
2)
Abington School
District Emergency Number - 301
If we must close the school because of inclement weather, a
chain call of the families will begin. Please establish a plan for your
children. They must know what to do if school closes early. We cannot handle
individual requests for special transportation. It is the parents'
responsibility to decide whether a child will attend school on an inclement day
and to make contingency plans for travel. ▲
Testing Programs
A standardized testing program is administered annually to
students in Grades 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. Grades 4, 6, 7, and 8 are test in the
fall, while Grade 2, 3 is tested in the spring. This decision is mandated by
the Office of Catholic Education. Testing results are communicated to parents
by a bulletin complete with scores.
Testing results are utilized by teachers when assigning
students to groups for reading and math, and to plan for meeting individual
needs. ▲
Transportation
Bikers Students are permitted to ride bikes to
school. A bike rack is provided. The school is NOT responsible for damaged,
lost or stolen bikes. Any student who rides a bike must wear a helmet.
Buses Riding the school bus is a privilege.
Children must behave in an orderly fashion and follow the instructions of the
bus driver. Students who misbehave will be subject to disciplinary action and
loss of riding privileges.
The following policies apply to bus transportation:
1)
Children who are reported by the bus driver will receive three warnings.
Thereafter, an after-school detention will be given for all misbehavior.
2)
Children who receive a written report from the bus driver will be given
an in-school suspension and will not be permitted back into the regular
classroom until a scheduled parent- conference with the principal has been held.
3)
Children who receive three written reports from the bus driver will be
denied transportation privileges for five school days and will need to have
their own transportation provided.
4)
Children who have been denied transportation for a total of 15 school
days will be off the bus for the remainder of the school year.
5)
Abington School District Buses WILL NOT transport children from other
school districts. Abington students must use their assigned bus stops.
Cars: Parents dropping children off in the morning must
use the rectory entrance and follow the bus lane, leaving the school grounds by
the school driveway. The Mill Road Circle driveway is closed in the morning at
8:1 5 A.M. for safety reasons. In the afternoon, bus riders are dismissed
first. All cars are to park beyond the lampposts facing the Mill Road Exit.
Please be very cautious when leaving the school grounds▲
Transfer of Students
When a student transfers to another school, parents are
asked to meet with the principal to obtain the official transfer form and also
to sign a permission form for release of student records. Records are not
forwarded to another school unless a parent has signed this form and all
financial obligations have been met.▲
Tuition
Tuition rates are published annually prior to the close of
school. A book fee and a technology fee, payable in September, are also
published annually. The book fee, which is a per- child fee, covers
miscellaneous expenses such as Religion texts and materials, art supplies, etc.
The technology fee is a per family fee and covers the cost of hardware,
software, supplies and maintenance.▲
Visitors
All visitors to the school are to report to the school
office to sign in. No one may go to a classroom at any time. Parents bringing
lunches, books, etc. must leave these items in the office. Visitors are asked
to park at the upper end of the lot near the faulty cars so the play area will
not be limited.▲
Volunteer Aides
St. Hilary School truly depends upon the help of many
volunteers to enhance and maintain our fine academic program. Our volunteers
are indispensable, providing many activities that would otherwise not be
possible. Any parent or parishioner may volunteer by contacting the Home and
School Association.
Each family is required to assist at three lunch periods
per year. The Lunch Committee of the Home and School Association does
scheduling. Arrangements for substitute coverage of lunch duty can be made, if
you are unable to fulfill your responsibility. It is important that parents
supervise the lunchroom and yard, thereby providing a safe environment for the
children.▲
Principal's Right to Amend
The principal retains the right to amend this handbook for
just cause and as he judges fit. Parents and guardians will be given prompt
notification when changes are made.▲
Legal Custody Issues
Parents are asked to inform school personnel when legal
custody of the child(ren) resides with one parent. It is important for the
school to have a copy of the custody decree. This will help school personnel to
make effective decisions when the need arises. Custodial parents are likewise
asked to supply the school with copies of restraining orders if the need arises.
Those individuals who have legal custody of the student may
attend school meetings, participate in educational decisions and review
educational records regarding that student. Persons who do not have legal
custody (including those with visitation rights but not legal custody) have no
such educational rights and may not participate in these matters.
The school requires parents/guardians to sign an agreement
regarding the administration of parental participation issues and payment of
tuition.
Unless a court or custody agreement specifies otherwise,
each parent/guardian with legal custody is entitled to access all school records
of the child. Absent a subpoena or court order, school records of the child(ren)
may be disclosed only upon written consent of the parent/guardian with legal
custody.
A child will not be released to a parent/guardian that does
not have physical custody, without the written consent of the custodial
parent/guardian. To determine the custodial parent/guardian, all separated or
divorced parents of children enrolled in the school must provide the school with
a copy of the court order or custodial agreement adjudicating that determination
of custody. This Court Order/Custodial Agreement is placed in a confidential
file.▲
