The school mission statement flows from our parish mission statement that flows from the Diocese of Superior mission statement which correlates to the Gospels of Jesus Christ. Catholic education is an expression of the mission entrusted by Jesus to the Church He founded. This educational ministry of the Church is combined in three interlocking dimensions. The message, revealed by God, which the Church proclaims, fellowship in the life of the Holy Spirit, and service to the Christian community.
With the example and encouragement of the teachers and parents, the school provides a favorable environment for the building of a faith community. Both in the daily routine and in special school projects the students are helped to acquire skills, virtues and habits of heart and mind needed for effective service to others.
Thus, in accordance with the Bishop’ pastoral letter, “To Teach as Jesus Did”, St. Louis is committed:
A. Our philosophy at St. Louis Catholic School is to develop a Christian attitude through faculty, students and parental involvement - working for the total person in a Catholic Environment:
B. The students, faculty and families are partners in learning. Sharing experiences can benefit our school families by developing new knowledge and insights.
C. Through our educational program we promote the following skills/concepts necessary to function in future society as a contributing Christian:
1. Positive self-concept
2. Basic skills of learning
3. Critical thinking and self-direction
D. By the utilization of the variety of learning methods we provide each student with numerous learning experiences. We use the following learning methods: small group teacher-directed, small group student-directed, independent study, individualized instruction and prescribed group activities and other community opportunities The use of electronic media and teaching aids greatly enhances our programs.
E. The curriculum used at St. Louis School is developed by the Superior Diocese which incorporates the Wisconsin State Standards and the “Core Knowledge K - 8 Guide”. A reference book with national content guide lines. This curriculum is reviewed by the St. Louis Faculty on a 5 year time schedule to insure up to date requirements, practices and instruction for our students in all areas of study.
F. The Diocese of Superior organizes all the diocesan schools under the office of Christian Formation, which answers to the Bishop of the Diocese of Superior. Our Superintendent oversees all the schools of our diocese in curriculum, budget and operations. The local authority of the St. Louis School is the pastor of St. Louis parish. The principal leads the school and reports to both the pastor and the superintendent in the areas of spiritual, educational and managerial components of the school along with reporting to the Parish Council. The Education Committee advises the pastor and principal in the areas of budget, building and grounds, development and planning and reports to the Parish Council. The principal supervises the staff of the school and communicates to all stakeholders the state of the school.
Educating the child is the shared responsibility of parents and school personnel. However, parents remain the primary educators. Theirs is a natural inalienable right that is inseparable joined to a responsibility to educate their children. The parents role is decisively important and should include:
C. Withdrawals and transfers
When retention seems likely, parents are contacted several times during the year.
The final decision will rest jointly with the parent and school authorities.
1. Parent must be contacted.
2. If parent cannot be reached that day, a note or call will be made and detention will be specified as to date and time.
3. Parents are responsible for transportation home.
Report Cards
Mid-Quarter reports will be sent home for Grades K through 6 and parent/teacher conferences are held twice: when the first report card is given out and during midterms of the third quarter. There will be designated times and appointments for each parent.
Parent/teacher conferences may also be held upon request of either parent or teacher at any other time.
Final report cards will be withheld from any student losing a textbook belonging to the school until the books are returned or paid for.
Finance
The actual cost to educate one child at St. Louis School for 2008-09 is approximately $3,700.00. Our minimum tuition charge is set at 40% of the actual cost to educate your child. The balance of the cost to educate your child is funded through a combination of fund-raising activities, gifts and donations, bequests, and memorials and contributions from the parish of St. Louis Church. The largest portion comes from donations from benefactors who believe in catholic education and support our school. Due to the aging population of our parish, St. Louis Church is struggling to maintain its current level of giving and, as a result, we must find alternative ways to increase our school income. If you have the means to pay more than the minimum tuition, additional contributions are greatly appreciated and fully tax deductible. Your contributions will add to the stability of St. Louis School and will ultimately benefit your child.
Remember: NO CHILD will be refused the opportunity to hear the word of God and be included in our St. Louis School Family. Financial assistance is available for all students. Applications are available at the school office.
Payment Schedule Options:
____ 10 months (August-May) with one bill sent out at the beginning of the year.
____ Quarterly Payments: Sept, Nov, Feb, May
____ Two (2) Payments: Sept & May
____Automatic monthly withdrawal from your bank account (EFT) Electronic Fund Transfer.
ALL TUITION is to be paid in full by May 15th.
Health Records
Physical examinations and inoculations (5141.3G)
Section 140.05 (16) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Immunization Checkpoint Lay, enacted in July of 1975 requires that no child be admitted to an elementary school, day care or nursery school for the first time without one of the following:
1. An immunization history indicating that the child meets the minimum immunization requirements which are:
A. At least three doses of DPT of TD vaccine with at least one dose given after the fourth birthday.
B. At least three doses of Polio vaccine with at least one dose given after the fourth birthday.
C. One dose of Measles vaccine given after the first birthday.
D. One dose of Rubella vaccine given after the first birthday.
E. 2nd MMR
F. The (Children Pox) vaccine given after age 3 birthday.
G. Varicella (chickenpox) - Varivax or proof of having it.
2. Signed permission of the parent or guardian for the child to be immunized by a physician specified by the parent and/or the local public health agency.
3. An exemption for health reasons signed by a medical doctor or a doctor of osteopathy (not a chiropractor).
4. An exemption for religious reasons signed by the parent.
A medical eye examination is required for entrance into Kindergarten.
Medical examinations are required before entrance to the first grade, if not completed for entrance to kindergarten.
Medicine
All medicine and aspirin is to be brought to the school office and given to the child only if the parent gives written permission. Parents should notify teachers and school staff about students requiring inhalers to be kept with the student.
Emergency Information Sheets
Any illness or accident is to be brought to the attention of the Principal as quickly as possible.
If the situation warrants it, the parent or guardian is notified. When the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contacts from the information sheets will be notified. A sick child should be sent home only if there is assurance that someone is there to care for the child. An accident report should be made for all accidents occurring in the school and to and from school.
A pupil emergency information file should be available for quick reference. Cards, updated each year, contain information listing pertinent data needed in case of emergency.
Insurance (#5143)
Student Accident Insurance is available through the school for any parents wishing such coverage.
Appointments
If a child needs to leave school early, due to appointments, a note should be sent to school notifying the teacher and principal the day before the appointment. This should occur rarely. The child reports to the office and is picked up there by the parent.
Early Dismissal
When school must close with no more than the morning’s notice, it will be announced on the Ashland Radio Stations and on local TV stations. Closings of the Washburn School District includes the St. Louis School. Unless other wise notified St. Louis School will be open for school the same as the School District of Washburn.* Note changes on the school calendar.
Telephone usage
Students will NOT be permitted to call home for forgotten homework, books or school supplies.
Students will NOT be called to the phone. Messages may be left with the person answering the phone. It will then be delivered to the child concerned.
A fee of 25 cents will be charged for calls.
Hot Lunch
Hot lunch and milk is offered at noon for a pro-rated fee from the Washburn District from which meals are delivered. Menus are sent home monthly and selections and payment for the following weeks meal choices sent back to the office. Free and reduced lunches are available to families who fill out the survey and meet the qualifications.
Milk is available at a 25 cent cost for those eating sack lunch.
Kindergarten has an afternoon milk break each day with a cost of $30.00 per year.
Expelled
This category includes those students who have officially been expelled from school as cited Section 120.13 of the Updated Wisconsin School Laws:
(1) “The school board may expel a pupil from school whenever it finds the pupil guilty of repeated refusal or neglect to obey the rules, or finds that a pupil knowingly conveyed or caused to be conveyed any threat or false information concerning an attempt or alleged attempt being made or to be made to destroy any school property by means of explosives, or finds that a pupil while not at school or while not under the supervision of a school authority engaged in conduct which endangered the property, health or safety of others at school or under the supervision of a school authority, and is satisfied that the interest of the school demands the pupil’s expulsion.”
Extra-Curricular Activities
No student shall be able to participate in extra-curricular activities if that student receives a grade letter of F on his/her report card in any of the following subject areas: Reading, English, Spelling, Math, Science and Social Studies.
A student may participate with a grade letter of D on a probationary status. A determination of the status on whether a student may participate will be made by the St. Louis faculty and principal.
Physical examinations are recommended before a student participates in any sports.
St. Louis School students wishing to participate in extra-curricular sports will be required to read and adhere to our athletic handbook along with returning the signed portion of it to the office for our records.
Playground
It is a requirement for each family to assist for one week of noon playground duty for families with children in grades K-6th . Families will be assigned a week during the school year to help supervise from 11:45 to 12:15 each day of a week.
If you have a preference of which week you would like, please contact the office prior to the start of the second week of school. At that time a list for the year is sent home. If you find that you cannot fulfill your week, we ask that you contact another family to trade weeks, find subs for your week from the playground sub list or send in a $25 fee for the school to find subs for the week.
Students must remain on the playground during recess.
There will be NO snowball throwing on the playground at anytime. Wrestling type behaviors are not allowed.
Required behavior on the playground includes safe play and peaceful play. Time outs will be given for inappropriate or dangerous behavior. Families are asked to send an adult volunteer to help with supervision on the playground at noon recess. A faculty member will be assigned as head supervisor for each week of noon recess. This schedule is sent out during the first week of the school year.
Graduation
Each student is required to complete satisfactorily the course of study designated by the state and Diocese of Superior.
Bus
Students who are bussed to school are expected to behave while on the bus. Reports of misconduct will be filed with the Principal. Suspensions from bus service may result due to misconduct. Suspension is up to the discretion of the bus driver and the bus company.
High standards of discipline on buses must be maintained at all times in order to satisfy safety standards. Each bus driver has complete authority over the pupils riding the bus. Students are expected to follow all bus rules and procedures required by the driver.
All caution must be used to insure the safety of all concerned. Failure to comply with the following bus rules may result in suspension from the bus.
1. Students will follow the directions of the driver.
2. Students will safely wait for, board, and exit the bus at assigned bus stops.
3. Students will remain properly seated.
4. Students will keep hands, heads, arms and legs away from windows and confined to their own seat area.
5. Students will talk quietly. Loud voices and profanity are prohibited.
6. Students will not eat, drink, chew gum or bring tobacco products on the bus.
7. Students will not throw ANY objects on the bus or out of bus windows.
Drills
Fire and tornado drills will take place periodically throughout the school year.
Bikes
Students may ride their bikes to school. They must stand them up in the bike rack against the school, near the storage shed. The students walk their bikes out to Washington Ave. There is a stop sign at the corner which they must obey. Students will not be allowed to ride bikes or skate boards during recesses due to the limited play space and safety considerations.
Spiritual Opportunities
Each class will plan class liturgies and/or prayer services. Dates and times will be announced in the church bulletin.
Liturgy 8:30am Wednesday and Friday.
Special Birthday Liturgy: Students who have birthdays that month are recognized. We ask that birthday children for that month bring a cake mix or tub of frosting to school and we celebrate with cake at lunchtime.
Complaints
Complaints should be handled at the lowest possible level. Persons concerned about a teacher should first attempt to address the concern with the teacher. Only after such attempts have failed, should the principal be contacted.
Money
If money is sent to school, it should be put in a SEALED envelope with the CHILD’S NAME, GRADE AND PURPOSE OF MONEY. Money for hot lunch, tuition etc., should be immediately turned in at the office prior to 9:00 AM or upon arrival at school. Please make separate checks for hot lunch and tuition payments.
Clothing
Each student is expected to have 2 pairs of shoes here each day. One pair for outside and one pair for inside. Gym shoes with non-marking soles are required. These can either be the child’s inside shoes or another pair. All clothing should be labeled with child’s last name or initials.
Dress Code
No spaghetti straps, tube tops, halter tops or belly shirts are to be worn in school.
Shorts - Shorts are not worn to church and not after October 1 or before May 1. Students may bring them in backpacks on church days and change after Mass.
Students will be required to wear snow pants, mittens or gloves, hats, and boots during the wintertime when outside for recesses. Please mark all outerwear with last names or initials.
Absenteeism and Attendance
A call should be made by the parents to the school before 9:00 A.M. to report why your child will not be present. We will call if we are not notified.
A note must be sent with the student when he or she returns to school to explain the reasons for the absenteeism. A note should also be sent along with the child when he/she comes in tardy. A student is marked tardy if they arrive after the morning bell.
The only excused absences are those due to illness of pupil, death in the family, a doctor or dentist appointment, or whenever the principal, in consultation with the parent or guardian, considers that exemption from attendance is in the best interest of this pupil.
Compliance with the compulsory school attendance law (S.118.15) must be followed. Students enrolled at St. Louis School are subject to this law (5105.3G)
It is a duty of the school to insist upon regular attendance. The loss of even one day may be detrimental to a pupil’s progress, particularly in the primary grades.
When a child becomes ill during school, the parents will be advised by phone.
Information regarding missing assignments should be brought home by your other children or by a neighbor.
Please schedule dental appointments on the scheduled free days, or as close to dismissal as possible.
To leave school grounds during the day, a student must have the written permission of a parent and the approval of the principal. Pupils may participate in school sponsored trips only if they have the school permission form signed by parents. Handwritten notes will not be accepted. (Policy 6325G).
When a child is excused from school, parents or those authorized by them shall present themselves to the teacher before the child leaves the building unless otherwise arranged with the principal.
Students who are present during the school day will attend Mass and other religious activities and classes as according to Diocesan Supervision Policy regulation 5201,321E.
Abuse
(5142DP) According to Wisconsin law (548.981) any pastoral or school administrator, teacher, or related professional who has reasonable cause to suspect child abuse, or neglect, or who has reason to believe that a child has been threatened with abuse or neglect, is obligated to report the case immediately by telephone or personal visit to the local County Child Welfare Agency. If the accused is a cleric of the diocese, the following special steps will be taken: the Bishop or his representative will report the matter immediately to civil authorities. If circumstances seem sufficient, the bishop will either immediately restrict faculties or invoke an immediate administrative leave by virtue of Canon 1722. St. Louis School in accordance with article 13 of the USCCB charter will be educating our staff, students, parents and volunteers each year. Our students will be involved in age-appropriate discussions and view age-appropriate videos. As our teachers lead the discussions, please note that our main emphasis for students is to understand it is not their fault if it occurs and to continue to tell adults until someone listens.
Protection of Personal Property
Articles of clothing, boots, tennis shoes, lunch boxes, scissors, glue, crayons, rulers should be marked with the student’s name and grade so these items may be readily be returned whenever misplace. Students are not allowed to bring hand held electronics for recesses or to be used in school while it is in session.
Generally Speaking
The school building, Church, Parish House and the furnishings of these buildings are the property of the entire parish. These buildings and furnishings are to be well kept and preserved for the use of others. Any defacing of buildings, desks, chairs, school equipment, etc. is considered a very serious offense. Anyone who is responsible for any damage will be expected to pay for the cost of repair or replacement.
Discipline (#5120G)
Positive concepts of discipline are built on a belief in the dignity of each person. Self-direction rather than external control is the aim of true discipline. A climate of mutual understanding, respect and trust should be cultivated in order to promote self-discipline.
All students are asked to observe the rules of the St. Louis School. Any disregard of rules or disrespect of staff will be dealt with through appropriate disciplinary methods. Parents will be
contacted if the inappropriate behaviors are persistent or initially severe. Parents are expected to cooperate with the school authorities in correcting the behavior problem.
Conduct
The student is a St. Louis student at all times. A student who engages in conduct, whether inside or outside the school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school may be disciplined by school officials.
Disciplinary Situations
1. Late, incomplete or missing assignments
2. Bus or bicycle safety violations
3. Playground violations
4. Rudeness or disrespect
5. Fighting or unbecoming language
6. Disruptive behavior and/or continued inattention which interferes with normal classroom learning.
7. Intentional damage or defacing of property
Not following school rules:
1. Walk and speak quietly at all times.
2. Listen first time when directions are given.
3. No interruptions, one person speaks at a time.
4. No teasing, bad language or obscene gestures allowed.
5. Keep hands, feet and all objects to yourself.
6. Use God’s name correctly.
A child may be expelled for a grievous offense. 3 detentions in a grading period will result in a 1 day suspension. 3 suspensions in a 30 day period merits expulsion. Before a student is expelled there will be a meeting with these school personel: Pastor, Principal and classroom teacher.
Normal Disciplinary Actions
1. Reminder or warning
2. Loss of recess with a time out
3. Contact with parents
4. Detention
5. Conference with parents
6. Suspension
7. Expulsion
We hope that our students will act in a courteous, respectful manner and avoid this disciplinary measure.
Continual disregard for school rules will result in disciplinary action and/or expulsion.
Toward Faculty Members
Every faculty member is an individual dedicated to the cause of Christian education and truth. The teacher’s aides, lunchroom and playground personnel are members of the school’s administrative staff and as such, are to be accorded with same respect and obedience given to teachers.
Students should be alert to render small services, such as opening doors, carrying things, etc., in a casual way. Such attentions display the thoughtfulness of a courteous person.
In the Classroom
Students are expected to be in their classroom at 8:15 a.m. Classes will begin promptly at 8:20.
Students are NOT to arrive before 8:00 a.m. Weather permitting they will be supervised from 8 - 8:15am on the playground.
Eating in any form during instruction periods is unacceptable. Gum chewing in school is unacceptable.
Permission must be obtained from the teacher before a student may leave the classroom.
Contributions to class discussion should be made clearly and audible.
The ability to see another’s viewpoint and appreciate it’s validity is an asset to be cultivated.
Class participation is an integral part of school activities.
Books should be handled with care and be covered.
Use of Potentially Hazardous Materials and Tools by Student.
Teachers will directly supervise students in the use of potentially hazardous materials and tools in compliance with state and federal regulations.
Homework Policy
There will be no homework assigned on the weekend. This is family time. 1st and 2nd grades - 15 min., 3rd grade - 20 min., 4th grade - 30 min., 5th and 6th grades - 45 min.
Each of us has special gifts and talents. For some, academic studies are easy and homework can be completed quickly. For some, more effort and time will be required. This Homework Policy is a guide for parents and students.
If no specific homework has been assigned, the student should spend this recommended time reading.
Building Positive Self-Esteem
A positive self-esteem is crucial for a child to become a responsible, productive, fulfilled person.
Our staff consistently looks for the responsible, kind, positive actions of each child and recognizes these students weekly by designating a child to be “Student of the Week.” These students have their names written in the weekly newsletter.
In order to recognize academic excellence, an Honor Roll at the end of each quarter is posted for grades 3, 4, 5, & 6. These children receive an award. Children in the lower grades have their excellent work displayed and are recognized too.
Students who have followed the school rules and displayed appropriate behavior for the month receive a monthly award.
Field Trips
Field trips are privileges given to students and students may be denied participation if they fail to meet academic and/or behavioral requirements. A signed official Diocesan permission slip is needed for a student to participate in a field trip. Telephone calls will not be accepted in lieu of written permission. Faxed permission forms will be accepted. It is also the right of a parent to refuse to allow their child to participate in a field trip.
ST. LOUIS HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
The purpose of this organization is to provide greater communication and understanding among parents and teachers by being involved as a family in school life and activities.
Parents and school staff are official members. There is no fee associated with membership. Approximately three General Membership meetings are held a year. Our meetings allow for discussion of educational needs and wants of the parents and the staff of St. Louis School. These can be enrichment activities, classroom enrichment needs and monetary assistance for innovative programs by their collaborate roles in the education of the students.
The aims of the Home and School Association are three fold.
1. To offer well planned programs of interest to parents which will assist them in their roles as primary teachers of their children.
2. To provide occasions for experiencing a sense of community between school, home and church.
3. To provide the ways and means for our students to experience enrichment activities.
Election of officers occurs yearly at the final meeting. Offices are: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer with at large members who will attend monthly organizational meetings to plan for the aims of the Home and School Association.
The President of the Home and School Association should be an ex-officer member of the School Education Committee.
ST. LOUIS SCHOOL EDUCATION COMMITTEE
Diocesan Policy - Parish School Committee (# 9301G - 9307G)
A. The function of the School Education Committee is to:
(1) Carry out responsibilities delegated to it by the Pastor and Pastoral Council.
(2) Assist the Pastor and Principal in carrying out their leadership roles in the school program.
The School Education Committee is consultative. It cannot make decisions binding for the school without approval of the Pastor and Principal. The School Education committee operates with task forces which include: Planning, Finances, Buildings and Grounds, Development and Public Relations (9306G).
The programs and actions of the committee must be in accord with Diocesan policy (9302.4G)
B. The School Education Committee Members are appointed, with pastoral approval, by the Chair of the Pastoral Council. (9303.1G) Officers are elected by committee members - Chairperson and Secretary. The Chairperson is responsible for accurate recording of minutes, the transmitting of agenda and minutes to Parish Pastoral Council. (9304.G)
C. Dates for School Education Committee Meetings
The Committee meets once per month during the school year. Meeting dates are published in the school newsletter and parish bulletin.
*NOTE: Because of the size of our parish, our School Education Committee is combined with the Religious Education Committee.
The Religious Education Committee of St. Louis School has developed an organizational chart to better understand the chain of command at St. Louis School.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Superior is highest authority of the school. He oversees the Pastor and the Office of Christian Formation and the Office of Schools.
The Pastor oversees both the parish and the school. He is the local authority for St. Louis School to which the principal of St. Louis School must report.
The Parish Council and The Finance Council consult with the Pastor to make decisions about the school.
The school principal is required to report to both the Pastor and The Office of School for the Diocese of Superior. The principal also informs the school staff and students, along with communicating to the school families and the Religious Education Committee the state of the school.
The Home and School Association works with families and school staff to help provide for the needs of the school.
Table of Contents:
ST. LOUIS SCHOOL PERSONNEL page 2
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY/MISSION STATEMENT page 3
PHILOSOPHY AND GOALS page 4
SCHOOL POLICIES AND REGULATIONS pages 5-15
PARENTAL ROLE IN EDUCATION page 5
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS page 5
Report Cards page 6
Finance page 7
Health Records page 7
Medicine page 8
Emergency Information Sheets page 8
Early Dismissal page 8
Appointments page 8
Telephone usage page 9
Hot Lunch page 9
Extra-Curricular Activities page 9
Playground page 10
Bus page 10
Bikes page 11
Spiritual Opportunities page 11
Complaints page 11
Money page 11
Clothing page 11
Absenteeism and Attendance page 12
Abuse page 12-13
Protection of Personal Property page 13
Discipline and Conduct page 13- 15
Homework Policy page 15
Building Positive Self-Esteem page 15-16
Field Trips page 16
ST. LOUIS HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION page 16
ST. LOUIS SCHOOL EDUCATION COMMITTEE page 17
My child(ren) have read the Student Handbook and discussed it with my parents.
_____________________________ ________________
Student Date
____________________________ ________________
Student Date
____________________________ _________________
Parent Date
Please return this signed page to the St. Louis School Office.
