STUDENT PROGRESS

Report Cards

Report cards will be given out approximately every ten weeks (four times a year).  After the first quarter, report cards are given during parent-teacher conferences.  Report cards will be mailed after the fourth quarter.  REPORT CARDS ARE NOT GIVEN IF SCHOOL/CAFETERIA/TUITION FEES ARE NOT CURRENT.  An explanation of the grading system can be found on the report card. Kindergarten students receive a different report card than Grades 1 through 8. Grades 1 - 3 use an alternate grading system as described on the report paper. Grades 4 - 8 use the A,B,C system.

Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent home half-way through each quarter for grades 4 through 8.  These reports are to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to school the next day.

Honors

Students are recognized for various achievements at report card time.

Homework Award- Grades 1 - 8. Students receiving this recognition complete and submit all homework on time.

School Honors-Grades 4 - 8.  Students receiving this recognition have no F's and have a conduct grade of 1 or 2.

First Honors-Grades 4 - 8.  Students receiving this recognition have mostly A's with the allowance of two B's and have a conduct grade of 1 or 2.

Promotion

Unless unusual circumstances prevent it, students are promoted to the next level on an annual basis.  If a student cannot achieve satisfactorily, retention will be considered. Generally, the most beneficial time to do this is in the early grades. Parents are kept informed of the student's progress through report cards, progress reports in grades 4 - 8, periodic reports in grades K - 3, and parent/teacher conferences.    

Testing

Students are given standardized achievement tests according to State and Diocesan regulations in Grades 1, 3, 5 & 7. Additionally, students in Grades 5 and 8 are tested in Religion.

Writing Portfolios

All students in Grades 1 through 8 add to their writing portfolios each year. The current year's collection of student writing is sent home in the spring for parents to review with their children. A parent form sent with the portfolio allows parents to respond to the student's work and is returned with the portfolio. The purpose of the portfolio is an ongoing accumulation of a student's best work. The portfolio does not receive a grade. It is a collection of previously completed work. Optional conference time is provided in the spring for parents who wish to speak with teachers concerning their child's progress in writing. Portfolios are returned to students when they leave St. Therese School.

HOMEWORK

Type of Homework

Homework is given as a help to students. Homework assignments may include written practice, research, rewriting/reworking papers, reviewing notes, working on projects, reading books, watching a specially assigned TV program, memorizing facts, or studying for a test.  Parents can assist students by providing a quiet place and a regular time each evening and by showing interest in assignments.

Amount of Homework

The amount of homework varies according to grade level, the nature of the assignments, and the ability of the student.  Every attempt is made to see that the amount of time spent is reasonable.  Please consult with the teacher if you observe, over an extended period of time, that your child is spending an excessive amount of time on homework or if your child claims he/she has none.

COMMUNICATION

Newsletter and Calendar

A school newsletter and calendar is sent home to each family by the first Wednesday of each month.  This explains important information and events coming up during that month.

Homefolder

Generally, all written communication and information sent home is sent in home folders (on Wednesdays) to be signed and returned.  A menu for the next week along with reminders and notices is sent home in the Wednesday homefolder. Messages from organizations and other individuals can be placed in the homefolders only with permission of the administration.

Parent-teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences are held after the first quarter to review the progress made by students.  If a problem arises or there needs to be clarification about a classroom issue, parents are to speak directly with the teacher concerned first.  If an understanding or resolution cannot be reached, a meeting involving the Principal may be necessary.  Parents who would like to speak with a teacher or the Principal are asked to call the office or send a note requesting an appointment.  Unannounced visits by parents to their child's classroom during the school day are not permitted.

Phone Calls

The school phone is for business only.  Neither students nor teachers may be called to the phone during school hours unless there is an emergency.  Students may not use the phone for unnecessary phone calls.  Calling home for homework, gym clothes, or arrangements for after-school activities is not permitted.  Arrangements for transportation should be made in advance.  In the event that a phone call is necessary for a student, permission of the teacher or Principal is required.

BEHAVIOR AND DISCIPLINE

Courtesy

Respect for human dignity is a hallmark of Christian behavior and is expected from every person in every encounter with another person, whether child or adult.  Students are required to show, in word and action, courtesy and thoughtfulness at all times to every member of the faculty, staff, volunteers, visitors, and to each other.

Standards of Behavior

A school is a place for learning.  To promote this goal there must be a proper atmosphere in which students respect the rights of others and accept each other.  These standards extend to all phases of school activity, which include:

CHURCH - Students should recognize that the church is a place of God's special presence and that people are expected to act reverently there

CLASSROOM - Students are expected to contribute to the proper atmosphere for learning by following the classroom rules.

PLAYGROUND - Students are to use the time on the playground for relaxation, exercise, and enjoyment and allow others to do the same.  In order to ensure enjoyment and safety for all, the following rules are to be followed:

1.     Students are to stay in the play area assigned for their grade/class.

2.     Students are not to leave the playground without the permission of the teacher.

3.     Students are to use play equipment provided by the school.  Use of play equipment brought from home requires the permission of the teacher or supervising adult.

 4.    Snacks may be taken to the playground at morning recess only. Wrappers and trash should be placed in the cans provided.

Private Property

The school building and furnishings are private property.  A student will be held responsible for any damage done by him/her, and his/her parents will be expected to replace or pay for such destruction.  The faculty room, teachers’ desks and storage areas, the principal's office, and the secretary's desk and storage areas are considered private and students should not go in these places without permission.  Students' desks and lockers are school property available for the use of the students.  Students should not go in another's desk or locker without permission.

Discipline

A very important part of the philosophy of St. Therese School is to foster Christian values and to instill in students a proper moral attitude.  Any student whose attitude or actions are found to be contrary to the philosophy and objectives of St. Therese School, as defined by the administration and faculty and supported by the Board of Education, is punishable by appropriate disciplinary action to be administered by a teacher or the administration.

Procedure for Disciplinary Action:

1.     Written punishments or other age-appropriate consequence of the misbehavior.

2.     After-school time. Parents will be notified.

     3.     Detention (remaining for one-half hour or more on a designated day) - Parents will be notified at least the day before.  The student is responsible for bringing the notification to his/her parents and returning it signed the next day.   Examples of misconduct leading to detention:

(This list is not exhaustive.)

a.     Repeated failure to submit school assignments.

b.     Chewing gum on the school premises during school hours.

c.     Disrespect or disobedience to a teacher or supervising adult.

d.     Ridicule or disrespect toward another student.

e.     Use of profane or vulgar language (written, spoken, or gestured).

f.      Conduct which is disruptive to class.

Examples of misconduct which may warrant automatic detention:  (This list is not exhaustive.)

a.     Stealing or cheating.

b.     Forging a person's signature.  

c.     Bringing radios, cameras, noisy games, noisy watches, beepers and/or other electronic devices, or tape equipment to school without permission.

d.     Fighting with another student.

e.     Throwing any object in an unsafe manner.

f.      Unruly conduct.

  4.    Probation (usually following three detentions) - a period of time given to a student to improve his/her behavior and attitude toward school policy and to determine if the student will continue to benefit from a Catholic education at St. Therese School.  The specifics of the probation period are discussed at a conference involving the student, parent(s), principal, and teacher(s).  During the probation period, the student can be suspended from any extra-curricular activity sponsored by or having any connection with St. Therese School for a period of time to be determined by the school principal.  During the probation period, if conduct does not meet the required standards set at the conference, the parent will be informed about further disciplinary action.

 5.    Suspension (in-school or out-of-school) - removal of the student from classes for a period of one to three days.  The student will also be suspended from any extra-curricular activity sponsored by or having any connection with St. Therese School for a period determined by the principal.  The student and his/her parent(s) must meet with the principal in order to gain re-admittance into classes.  Depending on the nature of the offense, a student could be suspended without prior detention or probation.

6.    Expulsion - permanent removal of a student from membership of St. Therese School.  Depending on the nature of the offense, a student could be expelled without prior detention, probation, or suspension. 

        Examples of misconduct warranting suspension/expulsion:

(This list is not exhaustive.)

a.     Carrying a weapon or using an item as a weapon

b.     Possessing, handling, or using explosive devises or substances which could be used as explosives

c.     Destroying or marring property (school or personal)

d.     Leaving the school grounds without permission

e.     Smoking, chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol, abusing drugs and/or having any of these in one's possession

f.      Arson

g.     Physical or verbal assault without provocation

h.     Taking another person's property by force or by threat of force

i.      Placing a false fire alarm, bomb threat, or emergency call

j.      Breaking and entering school property

k.        Committing any criminal offense at school or on the school property

l.         Blatant and/or repeated refusal to cooperate with staff or administration

UNIFORM

 [Please put names on all clothing.]

Dress and Personal Appearance

Students are expected to be in uniform each school day. Exceptions are granted by the principal and notification is given to parents in advance.  Cleanliness is expected at all times.  Students are required to have orderly hairstyles and neat appearance.  (Boys' hair is to be collar length or shorter.)  Make-up, nail polish, and jewelry (other than a watch, a ring, and non-dangling earrings) are not permitted.

Uniform

The girls' uniform consists of a plaid jumper for grades 1-6 or a plaid skirt for grades 7-8 and a white or light blue blouse with a collar and long or short sleeves.  The length of the skirt or jumper may not be more than two inches above the knee.  Blouses must be tucked in at all times.  Sweaters may be cardigan, pullover, or sleeveless vests in navy, gray or white.  Slacks must be navy or gray poly/cotton or corduroy.  Belts are to be worn if slacks have belt loops.

The boys' uniform consists of navy or gray poly/cotton twill or corduroy pants with inset pockets.  (No flat-fell seams with contrasting stitching and no denim or stonewashed fabrics are permitted).  Belts are to be worn if pants have belt loops.  Shirts are to be white or light blue poly/cotton or oxford button down or knit with button placket.  Sleeves may be long or short.  Shirts must have collars and be tucked in at all times.  Sweaters may be cardigan, pullover, or sleeveless vests in navy, gray, or white.

Shoes and Socks

All students must wear any suitable school shoes and white, gray, or navy socks.

Other Uniform Options

Other uniform options (for boys and girls) are:

1.     Plain white turtlenecks may be worn under the dress shirt/blouse, sweater, St. Therese sweatshirt, or jumper. (Turtlenecks may not be worn alone.)

2.     Navy uniform shorts (from Huber/Casson) may be worn in place of the skirt/jumper or pants.  They must be the same length and style as those bought from Huber/Casson.  Belts are to be worn if shorts have belt loops.

3.     School sweatshirt (with the school emblem) as ordered through school at specified times, may be worn over a shirt/blouse, or turtleneck.

4.      Appropriate scout uniforms may be worn on the day when the troop meets. These should not be of the casual, play-clothes type.

Gym-Clothes

Students are required to bring a change of clothes for P.E. classes as follows:

T-shirt, shorts or pants, socks, and gym shoes.  Clothes should be loose-fitting enough to allow for easy movement.  Tank tops are not permitted.     

Determination of Appropriate Clothing

The principal will have the authority to determine whether clothing is appropriate for school within these guidelines.  If the clothing is not appropriate, the student may be kept from the classroom.

Parents will be asked to bring in appropriate clothing.

Rules for Out-of-Uniform Days

General                

All clothes and accessories must be tasteful and school-appropriate as defined by administration.* 

All skirts, dresses, and shorts must be a reasonable length.

Shoes and socks of choice may be worn.

Shirts without collars are allowed.

Shirts must not convey a double message or violence.

No make-up.

No hats.

No tight-fitting or see-through shirts or sweaters.

*Any clothing the administration/faculty deem inappropriate will necessitate a call to the parents to obtain a change of attire.

Description of Out-of-Uniform Codes

Casual "C" Dress Code

1.     A sweater or sweatshirt of choice may be worn.

2.     A shirt, blouse, or turtleneck must be worn under the above.

      3.    School-appropriate blouses/shirts may be worn. (no tank tops, tight-fitting body suits, etc.)

4.     Pants, jeans, or shorts are permissible.

       5.    Sweatsuits or windsuits may be worn.

Dressy "D" Dress Code

1.     Dress slacks may be worn.

2.     Dressy short outfits are permissible.

3.     Skirts or dresses.

4.     Dress blouses, shirts, or sweaters are allowed.

5.     No jeans, sweatsuit or windsuit outfits.

CAFETERIA

Lunch Program

St. Therese participates in the Federal Lunch Program.  Hot lunches are available to those who want to buy.  Those who prefer to bring their lunch may do so and may purchase milk, if they desire.  No soft drinks may be brought for lunch.  Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are available for students who do not want the main entree.  Lunch menus are distributed each Wednesday. No student may go home for lunch.               

Lunch Tickets

To procure a lunch ticket, put the child's name on the envelope along with the number of lunches or milks desired.  If your child is full price or reduced price, place the money or check inside.  If your child is eligible for free lunch, leave the envelope empty or place a blank piece of paper in there if you wish.  The envelope can be returned on Thursday or Friday mornings.

Charging Lunches

Students may not ordinarily charge lunches.  This should be an exceptional occurrence, only!  If a child has forgotten his/her lunch or money, a charge will be given, but it must be paid before another charge will be given.  Directives for charging lunches in exceptional cases will be given in August.

Free and Reduced Lunches

Guidelines set up by the U.S. Department of Agriculture determine the eligibility of school children for free or reduced lunches. Students, who are on free or reduced lunch must send in an envelope each Friday, marked with the number of lunches or milks desired and the child's name.  Information regarding this may be obtained from the office anytime during the school year. Application forms are distributed to all parents in August.

Cafeteria Fee

There is a $75.00 yearly charge for all families, to be paid before school opens each year.  Send payment to St. Therese Mothers' Club.  If you choose to work one day per month, $5.00 per day worked will be refunded to you.  (Please help us by volunteering to work yourself or by getting a family member or friend to work one day per month for your family. We need you!)

Cafeteria Regulations - All students should:

1.     Behave properly and use acceptable table manners.

      2.    Place dishes and waste in containers provided and clean his/her place.

3.     Eat food only in the cafeteria.

4.     Speak in a conversational tone of voice.

5.     Treat each other and all adults present with courtesy and respect.