SAINT BRENDAN SCHOOL
"Catholic Schools Celebrate Service"
Parent/Student
Handbook
2008-2009
www.st-brendan.org
INDEX
MISSION, TECHNOLOGY & VISION STATEMENT
HOME SCHOOL ASSOCIATION & EDUCATION COUNCIL
ADMISSIONS, TUITION, REGISTRATION & FUNDRAISING OBLIGATIONS
CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE & TRANSFER PROCEDURES
EARLY DISMISSAL & EMERGENCY CLOSING INFORMATION: SNOW DAYS
HEALTH & NURSING SERVICES: EPIPEN
INTERNET & COMPUTER USE POLICY
CONSORTIUM OF CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF PATERSON
At time when Catholic schools were never more necessary fore the well-being of our society, Saint Brendan's is alive and well. Solid learning takes place here in an atmosphere of Christian faith and love. We are proud of our dedicated staff, our good children, and your parents who make such big personal sacrifices to send and keep them here.
There can be no doubt that without the full, daily cooperation of the parents there is a little a school can do to influence a child's life toward what is right. You are not paying us to take over your responsibility; your dollars make possible an exciting and very rich extension of your home. We work as a team or we all fail.
You an your child are together by God's design--make no mistake about that. We believe the same Lord chose priests and religious and dedicated lay persons to collaborate with you in the formation of your child's life. Let us commit ourselves to each other in a sacred task.
Recognizing the parents are the primary educators of their children, St. Brendan School shares with the family the educational mission of the church. In such a partnership, St. Brendan School exists to educate the total child, therefore, its administration and staff strive to foster an atmosphere in which the intellectual, spiritual, personal, social and physical well being of the student is nurtured. In a community environment permeated by Christian example and moral values and by the Gospel spirit of freedom and love, St. Brendan School offers and academic program, which strives to meet the needs of our students as individuals.
Each child is recognized as a unique individual. It is believed that each child must be lead to discover who he is and to value that uniqueness. "Students are children of their own race, nationality, traditions, and family. They are children of our age. Each one has a distinct origin."1
Mindful of our Christina faith in the Roman Catholic tradition, Scripture, Doctrine, Sacraments and conscience formation are given priority in the total preparation of a child's development. Students from the earliest years are introduced to God as Creator and source of life. Therefore, provisions are made for the youngest to the oldest to participate in communal prayer, sacramental life, and service activities as well as the daily instruction of Religion classes.
Using a holistic approach, a flexible curriculum designed to foster integrated thinking, cognitive skills, and affective learning is pursued. Multi-sensory techniques provide hands-on experience in teaching basic skills on all levels. Carefully selected texts reflect student experiences and interests thereby arousing their natural curiosity to engage in self-motivating activities, which in turn reinforce basic skills. To insure that the intellectual experience of children progresses in an orderly sequential way, teachers adhere to Diocesan Curriculum Guidelines as well as NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards.
The challenge to each teacher is to model the person of Jesus and by example to lead students to do likewise. In a climate of mutual respect, not only does the student learn subject matter, but a way of life.
Parents as the natural agents in the education of their children need to enter into collaboration with teachers in the achievement of the goals of St. Brendan School. Such is recognized as a priority, although one not easily achieved. Parents and teachers enter into a partnership as they share in instructing, encouraging, and guiding children to grow to their fullest potential.
Vital to the Christian development of every child is the quality of the relationship among the significant adults who impact the child's life. Dedicated to building the Kingdom of God among us and striving to provide excellence in the academic curriculum is a goal toward which each strives. "Faithful to the past and open to the future, we accept the burden and welcome the opportunity of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ in our time."2
As we move into the next millennium, we try to maintain the balance between current technology, novel pedagogy and the gospel message of our mission.
The resilience of our Catholic Tradition is strengthened both by our school and parish community. The energy, enthusiasm and commitment of our mission is evident through our daily adherence to Christian principles.
1"Religion Dimension of Education in a Catholic School", Origins 18, September 15, 1988, P. 216
2"To Teach As Jesus Did, National Conference of Catholic Bishops, November 1972, P. 41
SAINT BRENDAN SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide a spiritual environment in which our students can learn with confidence and dignity while they strive to reach their highest potential. The enduring purpose of our mission is to advance and promote an educational standard that enables students to attain the skills necessary to become responsible adults.
VISION STATEMENT
We conceive our school committed to providing an array of skills: skills which reflect our dedication in developing the maximum potential of each student. The faculty, staff, and administration will promote and encourage the learning process while supporting the physical, emotional, and spiritual growth of the child.
We can only envision a school where
a love of learning,
a spirit open to God,
service to others,
and respect for all creation will be our legacy.
St. Brendan School believes in educating the whole child - spiritually, intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Technology is an effective and necessary tool that will enhance the child's learning environment, enabling him/her to have access to worldwide information, further develop communication skills, and become responsible and productive Catholic Christian citizens.
We envision a school where technology will enhance the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of its students, strengthening each child's God-given gifts and potential. Administrators, faculty, staff, and students will attain a level of competency is using technology that will allow them to select the appropriate technological tools for specific activities, understand how various technology functions, and access information.
St. Brendan students are taught to nurture not only the spiritual, intellectual and social aspects of their being but also the physical. Throughout the curriculum they are made aware of their needs and responsibilities as growth and maturation takes place.
A child's awareness of good social behavior develops gradually, and readiness for each step along that journey is recognized by our teaching staff. The very young child learns to interact with other children through play activities and learning to share with others.
The process of socialization continues as recognition of the rights of others and the duties of individuals are learned through activities, which encourage and teach cooperation, independence, interdependence, justice, respect, and acceptance of others.
Policy for the schools of the Paterson Diocese of which St. Brendan is a part is defined chiefly by diocesan leadership: the Diocesan Schools office (Superintendent and Assistant Superintendents) and the Diocesan Education Council. An administrator's handbook contains all pertinent and updated policies, which are to be carried out by the local leadership. The principal is recognized is recognized as a primary school leader. All matters pertaining to the life of the school are referred to the principal. As a primary leader, the principal is responsible to diocesan, parish, faculty, parents, and students for all decisions.
Teachers is St. Brendan are recognized as professional persons and are encouraged to use teaching styles and methods that are most conducive to personality and personal choice, and are, at the same time, grounded in sound educational practice. Various modes of teaching are utilized in an attempt to meet various learning needs.
The goal of evaluation is assess the individual growth academically, personally, and spiritually of the individually of the individual student. The assessment process is both formal and informal.
Building Christian community is of paramount importance in the society of today. Through a variety of activities, students are provided opportunities for mutual support, caring, and for cooperating with one another. Respect for each other is a primary expectation.
Consortium of Catholic Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson
St. Brendan School is part of a consortium of schools called the Consortium of Catholic Schools of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson which includes those Catholic schools in Paterson, Passaic and Clifton. Together, we are working to make Catholic education available, accessible, and affordable to every family that wants to send their child to a Catholic school. Members of the consortium are:
St. Brendan School
St. Andrew School St. Clare School St. Philip School Sacred Heart School
St. Gerard School St. Mary School St. Theresa School
St. Anthony - Passaic Catholic Blessed Sacrament School
Our Lady of Mount Carmel/St. Nicholas
The Consortium Objective
As presented by the Office of the Superintendent, Catholic Schools Office of the Paterson Diocese
The Consortium schools are committed to providing leadership, education and resources as our schools educate students to meet the intellectual, social, ethical and moral challenges of a technological and global society. We believe that a quality Catholic education should be available to those families who seek it. We commit ourselves to make the decisions and take the necessary steps to provide an education that is spiritually and academically comprehensive as well as financially feasible for families who share our philosophy.
The Consortium will provide greater depth and breadth to the educational program. It will allow for expansion of programs and a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of the urban student. There is an expectation that our schools will offer more effective academic emergence of new thinking in research-based curriculum and instruction offers an important opportunity to improve our schools. Catholic schools that are perceived as strong in Catholic identity and excellent in academics typically have waiting lists.
Additionally, the Consortium has set as its goal to make Catholic school education available, affordable and accessible to the underserved students in the urban centers. This includes achieving an economy of scale and utilizing resources in a more efficient manner.
The Consortium seeks to free principals to be strong educational leaders of their school communities and free pastors from administrative duties in schools so that they might become more involved in pastoral duties within the Catholic schools.
Outcomes and benefits of the Consortium include, but are not limited to: Catholic schools with a demonstrable Catholic character, superior academics and financial solvency. There will be budgetary accountability, a continued presence of Catholic school education for the underserved and wider support for urban schools.
The purpose of our handbook is to familiarize you with the total school policy. We ask that you take time to read it and then keep it for further reference should questions arise pertaining to our school.
HOME-SCHOOL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Mrs. Deleu and Father Frank Weber
President Roseanne Schultz
Vice President Felicia Pietruszka
Secretary Liz Nolan
Treasurer Ramona Marichal Serrano
Member at Large Lisa Nolan
Events Cooridinator Rozanne Sandy
Teacher Representative Diane DiCosmo
St. Brendan Home School Association serves as the major two-way communication link between parents and school. This association shall seek to establish and maintain clear and direct communication between parents and the school and to provide educational and other programs of interest to parents.
Each parent, as primary educator, is needed as a cooperative and supportive member of the St. Brendan School Community. Your child needs you, your faculty team needs you. Therefore, parents are expected to participate fully in the total school program. Your attendance at meetings and your presence at the various school functions impacts directly upon your child.
St. Brendan School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, sex, creed, national origin, age, or handicap in the admission process or in any activity related to its programs.
SAINT BRENDAN SCHOOL EDUCATION COUNCIL
Mrs. Deleu Monica Ramos
Fr. Weber Todd Coldiron
Judith Van Wie
| PASTOR: | Fr. Frank Weber |
| PRINCIPAL: | Mrs. Patricia Deleu |
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FACULTY |
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| PRE-K | Mrs. Margo Gaines |
| KINDERGARTEN | Mrs. Diane DeGhetto |
| KINDERGARTEN | Mrs. Diana Fierro |
| GRADE 1 | Mrs. Terri Kral |
| GRADE 1 | Sister Eileen Cullen |
| GRADE 2 | Miss Mary Ann Szuba |
| GRADE 2 | Mrs. Jody Enrique |
| GRADE 3 | Mrs. Diane Thorne |
| GRADE 3 | Mrs. Donna Polizzi |
| GRADE 4 | Mrs. Gay Patin |
| GRADE 5 | Miss Betty Grayson |
| GRADE 6 | Mrs. Maryann Gorman |
| GRADE 6 | Mrs. Carla Mazzarella |
| GRADE 7 | Mrs. Monica Ramos |
| GRADE 7 | Mrs. Barbara Davis |
| GRADE 8 | Miss Diane DiCosmo |
| Aides | Mrs. Barbara Santana |
| Mrs. Felicia Pietruszka | |
| PHYSICAL EDUCATION | Miss Melissa Pilkin |
| MUSIC | Ms. Claudia Swiderski |
| SCHOOL SECRETARY |
MRS. SUSAN TROVATO |
| SCHOOL SECRETARY | MRS. KATHY CAPOBIANCO |
| FINANCE MANAGER | MRS. ELLEN LESCH |
| HEALTH | |
|
SCHOOL NURSE |
MRS. MARIA SUDOL |
| MAINTENANCE | |
| CUSTODIANS |
ULTIMATE MAINTENANCE ALESSANDRI |
| OTHER PERSONNEL | |
| READING, MATH, LANGUAGE | MRS. LAURA KEATING |
| SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATION | MISS MARY ROSE SILVA |
| ESL SPEECH | MS. DENENE GUIDETTI |
WEB: www.st-brendan.org
| TELEPHONE NUMBERS | |
| SCHOOL OFFICE | (973) 772-1149 |
| FINANCE OFFICE | (973) 772-6777 |
| ROSE MARY ANDERSON | (973) 772- 6775 |
| SMART TUITION | 888-868-8828 |
| RECTORY | (973)772-1115 |
The age admissions requirements of our local public school boards are followed. Children must be five (5) by October 1st for entrance into our Kindergarten.
Our Pre-K program is for children who will be four (4) by October 1st. We have a full day program five days a week, and a 5 half day program.
Before we consider accepting a child into our school, we must review the cumulative records from the child's previous school, including financial records.
Tuition each year is determined by the yearly school budget. St. Brendan School has three sources of income;
TUITION
FUNDRAISING
PARISH SUBSIDY
SAINT BRENDAN SCHOOL - TUITION FOR 2007-2008
Grades Kindergarten through 8
| *Active Parish Family | |
| One Child | $3,265.00/$326.50 per month |
| Two Children | $5,385.00/$538.50 per month |
| Three Children | $6,340.00/$634.00 per month |
| Kindergarten - half day | $2,730.00/$273.00 per month |
| Kindergarten - full day | $3,265.00/$326.50 per month |
| Out of Parish Family | |
| One Child | $3,820.00/$382.00 per month |
| Two Children | $6,225.00/$622.50 per month |
| Three Children | $7,340.00/$734.00 per month |
| Kindergarten - half day | $3,030.00/$303.00 per month |
| Kindergarten - full day | $3,820.00/$382.00 per month |
Pre-Kindergarten
| FULL DAY PRE-K | |
| 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. | $3,505.00/$350.50 per month |
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Child must be 4 years old by the 1st of October. |
|
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HALF DAY PRE-K |
|
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5 half days/ Monday - Friday |
$2,730.00/$273.00 per month |
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8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon |
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An *Active Parish Family is one who:
has at least one spouse who is baptized Roman Catholic
attends mass regularly on Sunday's and Holydays
intends to share membership in the Roman Catholic tradition with the child
contributes a minimum of $12.00 per week toward the financial support of the parish via donation envelope system
has been registered as a member of St. Brendan's parish for at least six months.
TUITION PAYMENTS
Tuition each year is determined by the yearly school budget. St. Brendan School has three sources of income; tuition, fundraisers, and parish subsidy. A new tuition schedule is determined each year.
Payments begin July 1, 2008 and continue until April 1, 2009. Tuition must be paid by the 1st of the month. A late fee of $15.00 will be added to any bill not paid by the 1st. Payments are to be mailed to SMART. There will be a $38.00 fee per family due at the time of registration to cover enrollment in the TMS program. Every family is required to enroll.
Tuition is collected by SMART, a tuition company. A bill is sent to you and you must send them the payment by the 1st of the month. There is a $15.00 late fee if you do not pay the bill by the 1st..
OUTSTANDING TUITION GUIDELINES
After one month of outstanding tuition, parents will receive a written notice. After two months of outstanding tuition, parents will receive a written notice and will be requested to contact the school. After three months of nonpayment and if the parent has not contacted the school, educational services will be discontinued. If you are not current with your tuition by the first day of school, your child will not be able to enter school.
Registration for all students already in our school, as well as all new students shall take place the end of February or the beginning of March. At this time all financial responsibilities shall be explained and parents of students already in St. Brendan School must have med all financial obligations for the previous year. The specific date for this will be included in the calendar.
There will be a late fee of $25.00 charged to you if you are a returning family and do not register on March 7, 2007. New family registration will take place on March 12,& 13 from 10 am until 2 pm and on March 14 at 7pm.
At the time of registration, parents of new students must present certificates of birth and baptism.
Transfer cards, health and scholastic records for students registering for grades 1-8 must be mailed to us before a new student will be accepted into a class.
All immunization required by law must be sent before a student will be permitted to enter St. Brendan School.
REGISTRATION FEE: The registering fee (NON-REFUNDABLE) OF $135.00 per child is required for registered families and $185.00 per child for new families as well as a $21.00 Activity Fee per child and a $38.00 Tuition Fee per family. Tuition is collected by SMART-Tuition Management Systems.
AN ACTIVITY FEE of $21.00 per child is also due at registration to cover the following:
$3.50 for insurance
$1.00 for Home/School Diocesan Association dues
$16.00 for class dues and teacher gifts
$0.50 for refreshments at Home/School meetings
TOTAL REGISTRATION FEE: Tuition management fee, activity fee & registration combined
1 Child $248.00
2 Children $454.00
3 Children $660.00
All fees at registration are nonrefundable
No portion of tuition is refundable if you withdraw or transfer
FUNDRAISING OBLIGATIONS
Participation in fundraising is a great way to get to know other families in the school and to help enrich your child's educational experience. Each family is required to work at 2 activities comprised of about 10 - 12 hours each. You must participate fully in the activity selected but there is a wide variety of programs to choose from so there is bound to be something you will enjoy! All families are also obliged to sell a minimum of $100.00 worth of raffle tickets but most people find that these are easy to sell to family, friends and coworkers because the cash prizes are attractive to contributors.
If you choose not to participate in the fundraising program you are required to donate $300.00 in lieu of participation for each activity. If you do not work all the required hours, you will be charged $25.00 for each hour not worked. If you choose to chair or become a committee member for an event, do lunch duty or do tree sales; your activity obligation will be fulfilled and a second activity need not be selected.
To fulfill your obligation you may select one from the categories below:
Chair/Committee Member Lunch Monitor (12-12:45 once a week) Tree Sale (16hrs.over 3 weeks in Dec.)
or Choose Two from the following:
Tricky Tray (Winter 2007) - Picnic (October) - Grocery Auction (Fall) - Grocery Auction (Spring) - Halloween Happening - Breakfast With Santa - Fashion Show (March) - Moonlight Bowling
You must work the fundraiser or activity that you are assigned to. As chair person or committee member, you will be required to put in a minimum of 25 hours. All the other events, with the exception of chairperson, committee member, lunch monitor and tree sale require approximately 12 hours. These hours are per family and cannot be fulfilled by using multiple family members for the same scheduled time. If you do not fulfill your assigned fundraiser, you will be billed accordingly. If you choose not to participate and opt to contribute the in-lieu fee of $600.00, it must be paid not later than May 11, 2006. If it becomes necessary for you to withdraw from Saint Brendan School, only in-lieu fees will be refunded up to August 25, 2006.
When you work an even, make sure you sign in. YOU are responsible for fulfilling your obligation!
Students are expected to be in the school yard by 8:25 a.m. If a student arrives in school after 8:35 he/she must report to the office with his/her parent for a late slip before he/she will be admitted to class. The parent must sign the student in. Chronic offenders and their parent will meet with the principal to discuss the ramifications of this chronic behavior.
Regular attendance in school is essential for good school work. Illness, quarantine or a death in the family are the only legal absences according to school law.
Absence: When a child is absent please call the school between 8:30 & 9:30 to report such absence, giving the following information: name, grade, teacher, excuse of absence.
Following any absence, a written excuse to the homeroom teacher is required before a student will be readmitted to class. This excuse must be signed by the parent or guardian. Any absence of more than 5 days should be explained by a doctor's note.
Vacations: Our school calendar provides for extended vacations only at Christmas and Easter, and of course during the summer months of late June, July, and August. All other vacation are discouraged. Teachers cannot be expected to provide makeup time for work for extended absences from class during the normal school year. Taking children our of school interferes with the continuity of the learning process. If you take your children our of school other than at the regular holiday periods you will be responsible for school work missed. We will not assume that responsibility.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND /OR TELEPHONE NUMBER
It is most important that we have on file the correct telephone number and address of every student in our school. Please send any changes in to the school office immediately.
Emergency telephone numbers are for the benefit of school and home and it is essential that we have a relative or neighbor's number in the event that we cannot reach you in an emergency. The number should be that of someone in the local area.
PERMISSION FOR EARLY DISMISSAL must be in writing and reason for such a dismissal must be given. Parents must sign child out of school
PHONE CALLS -Students may never receive phone calls in school and only in emergency cases will messages be given to students. This is for security reasons.
Parents are asked to notify the school secretary in advance of the date of transfer. The following will be needed.
Name and grade of child
Age of child
Reason for transfer
New address, (if transfer is due to change of residence)
Name and address (including zip code) of the school your child will attend
Last date your child will attend this school
Upon receipt of the above information, the school secretary will give the transfer to the parent. A transcript of scholastic record and standardized test results and a duplicate of the health record with be mailed directly to the school. In most cases it will be necessary for parents to confer with the principal and pastor prior to a transfer.
Early Dismissals/Emergency Closing Information
Any Parent who wishes his child excused early from school for any reason must put this request in writing - giving the reason for such a dismissal. This note must be submitted to the homeroom teacher, who in turn, will present it to the office for approval.
Once approval is given, it is understood that you, the parent will call at the school for your child. No child will be permitted to leave the building unaccompanied by a parent or guardian and each child must be signed out by his or her guardian.
For any emergency which might arise during the time when school is in session necessitating an emergency dismissal, the parents will be notified via the class mothers; telephone relay system. No child will be sent home until a parent is notified.
For Snow Closings- We will depend upon the decisions
made by the public schools. When the principal receives word that
the public schools are closed, she will notify the class mothers and
activate the telephone relay system. Usually you will receive the
call by 7 a.m.
Please keep your phone free to receive your call. DO NOT CALL THE RECTORY. You may call the school office, go to www.weatherclosings.com , Channel 12 or Channel 2. The office answering machine will give you updated information.
A delayed opening means that we will not open school until all business traffic is gone, the roads are cleared, and until our teachers are able to get to school. Such "delayed openings" will usually be scheduled for 10:30 a.m.
The purpose of every field trip is to broaden the intellectual, cultural and social experiences of each child. Parents will be asked to chaperone such trips and written permission slips must be signed by parents in order for a child to participate.
St. Brendan does not provide bus transportation. If your child/children reside 2 or more miles from school, some municipalities will provide transportation or aid in lieu of transportation.
Please call the school office for an application. Each year it is the obligation of the parents to obligation of the parents to obtain an application form (B6T) from the school office between April 15th and May 1st and return it to the school office.
Every student enrolled in St. Brendan School receives student activity insurance coverage from Bollinger.
The curriculum for every parochial school of the Paterson Diocese meets the standards of the State of New Jersey Education Department. St. Brendan School follows the courses of study from the Diocesan School Office. the Pre-K to eighth grade programs in math, reading and language receive the greatest amount of time in the daily schedule. Evaluation is done periodically by the staff in the best interest of our students.
The total curriculum includes the following subject areas:
Religion:
Christian living
Reading
Mathematics
Language
Oral and written expression
Grammar
Social Studies
Science
Physical Education
Music
Computer
Art and Art Appreciation
Substance Abuse Prevention, as well as AIDS awareness and prevention Human Sexuality, Conflict Resolution skills are integrated into the total curriculum of our school.
Our Middle School is comprised of Grades 6,7, and 8
ESL - Students who speak a second language and who may be experiencing difficulty with English are also eligible for extra help in English. This tutoring is done as prescribed by law in the trailer outside our building.
REMEDIAL CLASSES in math, reading and writing along with speech therapy are provided to us via the Clifton Board of Education. Funding is provided via federal and state funds. To qualify for such classes students must fit specific criteria dictated by the educational commissions of state and federal agencies. Principal and teacher recommendations are also considered. Parents are asked to agree to remedial help for their child.
SACRAMENTS OF EUCHARIST & PENANCE
The children who are preparing for special Sacraments of the Church receive special instruction and parents are asked to become particularly active in these two programs. Special parent meetings and child/parent celebrations are scheduled in addition to he regular Religion program of our school. Ms. Rosemary Anderson coordinates these meaningful programs. It is expected that every child participant will be supported by parent participation.
The purpose of homework is to reinforce the skills taught in school or to provide meaningful work experiences. Research work will often be encouraged in graded 5-8. Independent reading of library books nightly should be encouraged by parents. Spelling words, multiplication, number facts, etc., should be studied nightly. As a gauge to time limits, homework for grades 1-3 is limited to about one-half hour; grades 4-5, one hour; grades 6, 7, 8, two hours maximum.
PUPIL PROGRESS is measured on an on-going basis both formally and informally.
Weekly pre and post testing of skills
Unit tests
Daily quiz
Oral review
Drills
Spelling bees, etc
Report cards are issues four times a year- November, February, April and June. A specific interval (see school calender) between report cards, progress or warning reports are given.
Children who participate in basketball, cheerleading, choir, or Student Council must maintain their grades or they will not be allowed to continue in that activity. Yearly, (see calendar), students 1-8 take a nationally normed test of scholastic abilities and basic skills - Terra Nova. Parents will receive these results each year in May or early June.
PLEASE REMEMBER: formal testing is only one means of measuring and grading students.
Some students textbooks are purchased with state monies through the Clifton Board of Education. Therefore, they are loaned to each student and must be paid for if lost or damaged.
All textbooks and workbooks must be covered (brown paper or ...) at all times. This helps preserve and keep books from damage.
Library books are borrowed on a weekly basis. A 10 cents fee per day is charged for all over due books. Your child will not be allowed to take out another book if he/she has not returned the book he/she has taken out.
One of the values of total education is to help students to develop proper ways of conducting themselves in the society in which they live. How to dress for the various occasions of live is an important value. Here at St. Brendan School it is expected that students come to school neat and clean. Except for the few occasions when students are permitted optional dress (for class trips, tag day, etc), for expediency and for financial reasons, a basic uniform is worn by all students from kindergarten through grade 8. All students must wear the prescribed uniform.
The uniform can be purchased through FLYNN AND O'HARA UNIFORMS by mail order or at the store in Parsippany. 1-800-441-4122 is a toll free number that can be used. Specific information regarding the ordering of uniforms will be given during the school year.
The uniform is -
Girls Grades K-5
Plaid jumper and yellow Peter Pan blouses (short or long sleeves
Sweater-Blue or green to coordinate with socks
Girls Grades 6-8
Choices of plaid skirt or kilt
Sweater vest or cardigan - green or blue
Knee socks to match sweater color
Boys - All Grades
Navy dress trousers
Choice of White, Yellow or blue Shirts (short or long sleeved)
Navy blue or plaid tie
Green or navy sweater if desired
Winter Uniform
Girls may wear green or plaid slacks with a yellow blouse and a sleeveless green V-neck pullover sweater from October 15th until May 1st. Girls skirts should be at a decent length and not too short
Summer Uniforms
Navy dress shorts, yellow, maroon, green, three button short sleeved knit embroidered with the St. Brendan school name and matching socks in the summer uniform. The summer uniform may be worn from the beginning of school until October 15th and from May 1st until the end of the year. Sneakers may not be worn to school except on gym days.
Gym Uniforms
All grades will wear green sweat suits, green tee shirts, green sweat shorts, sneakers and white socks.
During the warm weather students do not need to wear their sweatpants over their gym shorts.
Shoes
Although no uniform shoe is prescribed, it is strongly suggested that students wear shoes appropriate for school. Highly stylized shoes are not conducive to either good foot care or to safety while in the school building, and therefore may not be worn. Black sneakers are not an acceptable uniform shoe. Dark blue or black shoes are recommended. Heels should not be higher than one inch. clogs are not allowed in school.
Hair Styles
Hair should be neatly styled and groomed. No tails, razor lines, or designs are allowed.
Makeup
Makeup may never be worn to school. It is recommended that no jewelry is to be worn to school. Hoops or dangling earrings can be dangerous and are not allowed in school. Jewelry lost in school is the child's and parent's responsibility.
Tag Day
On certain days children will be allowed to dress down - school uniform not required. The cost will be $1.00 per child. Check the monthly calendar.
The Clifton Board of Health provides St. Brendan with a nurse on a part time basis. It is her responsibility to keep complete health records on every child. Therefore, we ask that you cooperate with us, and complete all forms when sent to you.
Illness - Parents will be notified if a child becomes ill at school. These children will then be sent home in the company of a parent at the discretion of the nurse.
Children may not take medication in school. State law states that no child may have medication on his person at any time. In extraordinary circumstances, when medicine is required to be taken during the school day, it must be sent to the nurse or principal in the original prescription bottle accompanied by an explanatory note from he doctor.
Children with contagious diseases must be excluded from school for the required specified time period. All contagious diseases should be reported to the teacher or nurse.
Accidents: Minor accidental injuries will be handled routinely by the nurse (or teacher when the nurse is not in the building). Parents will be notified if the children sustain more serious injuries requiring hospital or doctor's services and will be send home in the company of a parent or guardian.
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PRE - K THROUGH GRADE 8 |
| HEIGHT & WEIGHT |
| HEARING |
| VISION |
| DENTAL |
| CHECKING FOR PEDICULOSIS (LICE) |
|
KINDERGARTEN THE & 8TH GRADE |
| MEDICAL PHYSICAL EXAM |
| BLOOD PRESSURE |
|
KINDERGARTEN (PATERSON RESIDENTS 8TH GRADE 4TH THROUGH 8TH GRADE |
| TB TESTING (MANTOUX) |
| SCOLIOSIS |
All children require an immunization record. No child may enter school without evidence of at least one dose of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella); DPT, polio and a test for TB. No child may remain in school without meeting the vaccination requirements as designated by the New Jersey Department of Health
If your child has severe allergies and it is necessary to use an epipen in school and the nurse is not available, it will be necessary to for us to all 911 to administer to your child the car needed.
Each childe is a special child in the sight of God and possesses an individual dignity. To preserve that dignity and to inculcate respect for each other, order and right conduct must be stressed . It is therefore, necessary to have certain regulations by which children learn self-control and self discipline. Regulations are revised yearly by teachers and students and a copy is given to each student. Parents are asked to review the rules with children.
Communication between a parent and a child's teacher is essential for the student's growth process-- educational , spiritual, physical, emotional. What a teacher knows about a child is important in a classroom. The more she knows about each student, the better she can meet the student's individual needs. Each teacher, therefore, depends on communication with the parents of every pupil. Teachers observe that you , the parent, add another dimension, that of your knowledge of your own child.
We ask then that you feel free to all the school office any day between 9:00 am and 2:30 pm to make an appointment with a given teacher such an appointment will be arranged at the earliest convenience to you and the teacher.
It is imperative also that you respond to the teacher's request to see you. Please do not call any teacher for any reason at her home. All communication must be done during the school day.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Whenever it is necessary to communicate with teachers via the written word, it is proper to write your message on letter paper in ink and in enclose it in and envelope addressed to the teacher
Parents will receive a yearly calendar. It gives dates for Home School Parent Meetings, vacations, holidays - the dates of importance to you as parents.
Since not all events and happenings of a busy school can be known several months in advance, a Monthly calendar will be sent home
We ask that you take special notice of all events, when payments are due etc. and avoid unnecessary phone calls.
Faculty meetings will be held monthly, and dismissal on those days will be at 12:30 for all students. (See monthly school calendar) These afternoons provide a longer block of time in which the faculty, as a team or in area groups may work together for the improvement of curriculum and Christian values in our school.
To meet the needs of working parents St. Brendan School provides a weekly before school school and after school child care program. At present we have a two teachers staffed program:
One offers adult supervised play, reading, and quiet time activities for children Pre-K - 8 after school from 3:00 - 5:30
The second offers a teacher directed before school program for children in the Pre-K thru 8 from 7:30 - 8:25 am
Cost: $4:00 for the 1st hour and $3:00 for each additional hour each day.
We also provide after care at 12:30 dismissal days. After care on those days is from 12:30 until 5:30
Any child who is in after care after 5:40 p.m. will be billed a $30.00 late fee.
An intial payment of $100.00 per child is required when you register your child for any of these programs. This money will be credited toward your first bill. When the first $100.00 is used, another $100.00 is required. All programs must be prepaid in this fashion. We are using the debit method instead of a monthly billing.
St. Brendan School provides a lunch program for children five days a week. Pizza, hot dogs, pasta dishes, soups, burritos, chicken, and beef dishes, , a variety of cold and hot sandwiches , cupcakes, bagels, are being offered to our children. A monthly schedule will be sent home. Money and your child's order will be collected monthly. Please make sure your child's name, grade, and the words, LUNCH ORDER are written on the envelope and that the order comes to school on time or it will not be processed.
All monies must must be sent to school in an envelope. Please put on the outside of the envelope the student's name, amount of money and what it is for. All payments should be made in check form whenever possible. School supplies may be purchased with cash.
Children should not have to be responsible for large sums of money. If for some reason it is necessary for your child to carry more than a couple of dollars with them to school, they are asked to give it to an adult for safe keeping during the school day.
A new policy is now in effect concerning returning returned checks due to insufficient funds. There will be $25.00 service fee attached to any check returned to any check returned. Also, remember that no child will be allowed to begin school in September if there are any monies due from he prior school year.
Schools in the Diocese of Paterson maintain a zero tolerance in dealing with threats and incidences of actual or potential violence. All threats will be taken seriously. Students who make threats will be suspended from school, and normally will be required to get a psychiatric evaluation. The student can return to school only if he/she presents a written statement indicting he/she is ready to return to school and the administration is willing to have the student return. If the student returns to school, then the student's parents will be notified in writing that a second offense will result in automatic expulsion.
Cell phones are only allowed in school in the child's book bag and turned off. They should only be in school for an emergency. If your child's cell phone rings in school, or if it is not in your child's book bag, that cell phone will be taken away and will not be returned to the child.
Threats of violence and other forms of abusive expression, physical harassment, corporal punishment, use of inappropriate sexual words, actions or innuendoes and comments directed at a person's gender are inappropriate and will not be tolerated.
Although students have the privilege of using designated lockers/storage areas, the Principal or someone designated by him/her reserves the right to inspect lockers or other storage facilities at his/her discretion.
Divorced or separated parents must file a court certified copy of the custody section of the divorce or separation decree with the principal's office. The school will not be held responsible for failing to honor arrangements that have not been made known.
1. Students are expected to be cooperative and responsible members of St. Brendan School and to comply with all school regulations. Respect for self and all other persons is expected at all times, as is proper care of school properties and materials. Students will be held responsible for any damaged materials.
2. In order to maintain an environment conducive to good Christian living and education, students will treat each other and the members of the adult staff with courtesy at all times in speech and actions. This applies to any adult aide.
-Fighting is always against the rules.
- Foul or abusive language or gestures, degrades a person and yourself and is therefore never to be used
3. Students are responsible for keeping classroom, bathrooms, halls and stairs clean. They are also responsible for keeping all books and materials loaned to them in good condition. Students will be charged a fee for damaged books.
* Defacing of school property inside or outside of the school building is forbidden.
* Great care is given to landscaping our property. Students are not permitted to walk or run on lawns.
* All books, textbooks and workbooks, used by students are to be covered.
* Writing in or on textbooks and covers is not allowed.
* Chewing gum is never permitted since it contributes to the defacing of property.
4. The Student Council; and the Safety Patrol of St. Brendan School provide an opportunity for students to share in the governmental process; therefore, all students are expected to obey the members of the aforementioned organizations in everything that comes under their jurisdiction.
5. Students are expected to come to school on time, able, and ready to work.
6. Fire Drills: According to prescribed regulations, fire drills are conducted twice each month during school hours. Students must follow their respective teacher's instructions concerning exits and proper conduct during fire drills. Students will move quickly and in silence at the first sound of the fire bell. For everyone's safety, strict observance of fire drill regulations will be enforced. Moving quickly does not mean running.
7. Some specific regulations:
* Students in after care are not allowed to go back into their classrooms after they are dismissed from school.
*Students are not allowed to go into the classroom before the teacher arrives at school in the morning.
* Visiting classrooms at lunch time is not permitted.
* Unless needed for meetings, no student is allowed to return to the school building after school hours.
* Students are never allowed in the building or in a classroom without adult supervision.
*Throwing of any object in the school building, or out of windows is forbidden.
* Classroom activities during lunchtime and recess will be limited to quiet indoor games.
* Students must stay in the designated areas assigned to them in the playground during noon recess. Only nerf balls and jump ropes are allowed on the playground.
* No play is permitted in the morning before school starts. Students will stand by their respective lines and talk to/ with one another until 8:25 am
* No student may be in the school building before 8:25 am unless they are in the a.m. program. No student may go to the Church or the Church basement for any reason before or after school without permission. On cold or rainy mornings, students will be allowed to come into school at 8:15 am and will go to assigned areas.
* No one may leave the school yard at lunch time except for those who always go home for lunch as requested by their parents. For other students, permission must be obtained from the office.
* Smoking in or around school is strictly forbidden. St. Brendan is a smoke-free environment.
*Girls are not permitted to wear lipstick or any other makeup.
*No walkman, radios, cassette players, Gameboys/electronic games, MP3 players, wrestling/action figures are allowed in school.
8. Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion: Good cause for suspension or expulsion will include the following:
*Continued and willful disobedience or disrespect.
*Open defiance of the authority of any teacher or person having authority over him.
* Habitual use of profane or obscene language.
* Conduct of such character as to constitute a continuing danger to the physical well-being of other pupils.
* Taking or attempting to take personal property or money from another pupil by means of force or threat and intimidation.
* Willingly causing or attempting to cause damage to school property.
* Any suggestion of racial or ethnic prejudice.
* Acts of vandalism such as destruction of property.
* Smoking.
* Taking drugs or alcohol.
* Truancy.
* Leaving the school grounds without permission during the school day.
* Possession of a weapon or any object that can be used as a weapon.
The Principal reserves the right to change or add to the policies in this Handbook.
Saint Brendan School
School Emergency Operations Plan
Basic Plan
I. Introduction
A. Table Contents
B. Approval Statement and Date of Approval
C. Distribution List
II Purpose
III. Situation
IV. Operations and Control
V. Responsibilities
VI. Continuity of Leadership
VII. Administration and Logistics
VIII Appendices and Attachments
ANNEXES
A. Alert, Warning and Communications
B. Emergency Services
C. Evacuation
D. Facility Shut Down
STATEMENT OF APPROVAL
We, the undersigned Superintendent and Principal, understand, agree, and do approve the Emergency Operations Plan for St. Brendan School on this date.
Approval date ____________________ Superintendent _________________________________
Approval date ____________________ Principal ______________________________________
Distribution List
1. Mayor and Council
2. Emergency Management Coordinator
3. Emergency Operations Center
4. County OEM
Paterson Diocesan Schools
Internet and Computer Use Policy for Elementary Schools
St. Brendan School Internet and Computer Policy
St. Brendan School allows students to use Computers and the Internet at school. These pages tell you how you are allowed to use the computers and other electronic tools of the school. Even though we say "computer" and "computer system", what we say applies to all the computers and other electronic equipment (TV's, VCR's and DVD players, telephones and the like) that are here at school. These rules also apply to any information and software programs, not just to the actual equipment. The Internet system here at school is for school activities only. Whenever you are using the internet, the school uses a filter that controls the websites you can go to. There are things that you might be allowed to do using the Internet and computers at home that you are not allowed to do here at school. What you do using the computers here at school has to go along with what you are learning in your classroom. St. Brendan's can tell you what you are allowed to do, and what you are not allowed to do using the computers at school.
These are rules that we have made to help keep you safe, and to be sure that you use computers and the Internet the right way while you are in school. We want you to use the computers and the Internet in a way that is Christian and doesn't break any laws. You shouldn't use the computers and Internet at school to buy or sell things, and you can only use the computers and the Internet at school with permission of your parents, the Principal, and your teachers. Later on, we will ask you to sign your name to show that you understand these rules, and that you are promising to follow them. We will also ask your parents to sign so that we know that they agree with these rules, and have talked to you about these rules.1.
1. KEEPING YOURSELF SAFE
* You will not tell other people on the Internet where you or any of the other students live, or how they can find you or any other student.
* You will not send your picture or pictures of any other students to other people on the Internet
* You will not tell anyone you meet online that you will meet them somewhere in person. If someone you meet online says they want to meet you in person or talk to you on the telephone, tell your teacher and parents.
2. NOT DOING THINGS THAT ARE AGAINST THE LAW
* You will not try to use any computer, or anything on a computer at school without permission. If you have a password, you will not share it with anyone else. If you know someone else's password, you will not try to use it to get to their files and other stuff on the school computers.
* You will not try to do anything on purpose to the computers at school that would make them stop working. You will not try to change or erase anything that belongs to someone else that is kept on the computers.
* You will not try to change anything on teh school's computers without permission. This means that you won't try to change any computer settings or software settings.
* You will not use the school's computers to do anything that is against the law.
3.USING THE COMPUTERS CAREFULLY
* Your school might give you a special place to keep you files and other work on the computers in school. You should be careful to keep other people from being able to go to that place to use your special files and other stuff. If you have a special password that the school gave you, you will not give it to anyone else.
* If something does not seem to be working right, or if you have any problems with the school computers, you will tell you teacher right away.
* You are not allowed to download or copy anything from another computer or from the Internet without your teacher's permission. You should not try to add any programs or software to the school's computers without the permission of the person who is in charge of the computers at your school.
4. NOT USING BAD LANGUAGE
*Any time that you use the computers or Internet, you will remember that you are a student in a Catholic school. You will only use good language, and will never use words that someone else might think are mean or vulgar. You will not use language that shows disrespect or that would make someone else afraid or uncomfortable.
* You will not send or post information that puts someone else in danger, or is like an insult or attack on someone else.
* You will not annoy or pester other people online. If someone asks you to stop doing something online that they find annoying or that makes them upset, you will stop doing it right away.
5. RESPECT FOR PRIVACY
*You will respect the privacy of other students by not telling or writing about what someone else told you without permission of the person who sent you the message. But if an adult you meet online asks you to keep something secret or private, you ask you teacher and parents what to do.
* You will not tell private information about yourself or another person.
6. BEING FAIR ABOUT USING INTERNET AND COMPUTERS
*You will use the computers at school only for school work.
* you will share computers with others, and will only use the computers for as long as you teachers allow.
* You will not send unnecessary messages to people.
*You will use e-mail only with the permission of your teacher. If you have your own personal e-mail , you will not try to send mail or check you mail at school using the school's computers.
* You may use the tools of the internet that people use to talk to each other (e-mail, chat, instant messaging, and other things like that) only if your principal and teacher allow it. This will only be allowed if it is part of your school assignments or classes.
7. NOT COPYING OR STEALING THINGS
* You will not copy words or ideas that you find on the internet and try to pretend that they are your words or ideas.
* You will respect the rights of people who own things. You will not copy things that you find on the internet, like pictures or music, without the permission of the person or company that owns it. If you are not sure, you should ask your teacher.
8. BE CAREFUL OF WHERE YOU GO ONLINE
* You will not use the school's computers to go places or download things that are dirty, or against the law, or that talk about hating or hurting other people.
* Your parents might tell you about other things that they want you to stay away from while you are online. The school want you to do what your parents' tell you about this.
9. OTHER THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN'T DO ONLINE
*The school can tell you what you can and can't do while you're using the computers at school. This also means that the school can keep you from using the computers and the Internet while you are at school. Whenever you say or do anything while you are online at school, you must remember that you are a student in a Catholic school, and must act like a Christian.
* Remember that your Principal and teacher are allowed to look at anything tht you have stored on the computers at school, and anything that you make using the Internet or computers while you are in school.
In General
If the police or any other government official need to look at information on the school computers to investigate a crime or something against the law, the school will help them.
If you do anything that is against any of the things mentioned above, the Principal and your teacher may punish you. They may also stop you from using the computers or Internet while you are in school.
The school can't promise that the computers or Internet will always work at the school. You should always make a copy of anything you keep on the computers at school in case it is lost or damaged. You should always check with your teacher about any information you get from the Internet - sometimes it may not be right. If you do anything while you are online at school that casts money, you and your parents are responsible for paying for it. If you do something that breaks the computers, or costs the school money, you and your parents will have to pay for it.
The school might have to change what you are allowed to do using the computers and internet at school. We will tell you and your parents about any changes we need to make, and we expect that you will obey any new rules when we tell you about them.
The school expects that you will follow the directions of your teachers and other school authorities when you use the computers and Internet at school. Anytime you use the computers or the Internet, you must show respect for others. Your actions must also show that you understand that every person is important and that we are all God's children and are brothers and sisters.
PATERSON DIOCESAN SCHOOLS
Internet and Computer Use Agreement for Elementary Schools
Student Name (please print) ______________________________________
I have read, understand, and agree to everything in the St. Brendan Internet and Computer Policy. I understand that I am responsible for whatever I do while I am using the computers and Internet at school. I know that I am expected to act like a good student in a catholic school whenever I am using the computers and Internet at St. Brendan School
I understand that I may be punished and lose the privilege to use the computers and Internet at school if I break any of the rules in the Internet and Computer Policy of St. Brendan School.
To show that I understand, I am writing my name here.
Student Signature: _____________________________________________
Parental Permissions:
I am the parent/guardian of the student named above. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to all terms as outlined in the St. Brendan Internet and Computer Policy. I understand that my child will engage in supervised activities that involve the use of computers and the Internet while at school as part of his/her regular instruction. I have reviewed this policy with my child and have helped him/her to understand it. I also understand that this agreement will be binding during the entire career of my child at St. Brendan School.
For e-mail usage:
____ My child MAY use e-mail while at school according to the school's policy
____ My child MAY NOT use e-mail while at school.
For Independent Internet access:
_____ My child has my permission to be an independent Internet user, able to access the Internet at school without direct supervision or direction.
PARENT/GUARDIAN NAME (please print) ___________________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE ________________________________________
DATE SIGNED: ________________________________
Catholic Schools of the Paterson Diocese Policy on Posting of Information on the Internet
The internet is a public forum with unrestricted access. For this reason, the school restricts permission for the posting of information related to the school, our staff, and our students on the internet. No person is permitted to use images of the school, the school logo or seal, school staff, or students in any form on the internet or in any form of electronic communication without specific written permission form the administration. The posting of any such information on any website, bulletin board, chat-room, e-mail, or other messaging system without permission, or the posting or transmission of images or information in any format related to the school, staff, or students that are defamatory, scurrilous, pornographic, or which could be construed as threatening or impugning the character of another person is prohibited and will make any person involved in the posting or transmission of such material subject to disciplinary action deem appropriate by the administration at the parish, school, and/or by the Diocese of Paterson
Security in the building: In order to insure the safety of every individual student, the doors of the school are kept locked at all times.
When entering and leaving the building during the school day, for an appointment with the principal or nurse, or to work as volunteers in the lunchroom, classrooms, etc., you are requested to use the door nearest the office located on the south side of the building. (There is an intercom on the wall.)
Our students have been instructed NOT to open the door to anyone, not even if they know who it is. All visitors must report to the office as soon as they enter the building.
Our faculty have agreed to stop any "stranger" that they meet inside the building.
YOU CAN HELP!
1. Be sure your child is on time for school.
2. Be sure you child has lunch, sneakers, books, etc., so then you will not need to come to school.
3. Write a not to you child's teacher if it is necessary for the child to leave school early. The child will then wait for you at the first floor doorway. You must sign your child out.
STUDENTS
- no child is permitted to enter the school building before school unless accompanied by a teacher.
_ no child is permitted to return to school after dismissal.
_ no child is permitted to be in the classroom or school building at any time unless accompanied by a staff member.
- no child should arrive at school before 8:15 am.
PARKING AND TRAFFIC: It has been decided that in the morning parents are to drive into the large parking lot by way of Roosevelt Street, drop children off near the gate at East First Street and leave again by way of Roosevelt Street. Please follow the painted arrows in the parking lot for entering and exiting.
No cars should park on East First Street. You may drop off your child by the yellow curb on East First Street in the morning. You may not get out of your car, this is a drop off location. At 3 pm parents of children in grades 4-8 are to park in the parking lot and wait for children on the parking lot side of East First Street. When driving on Lakeview Avenue between 8:00 am and 9:00 am and between 2:30 pm and 3:30 pm, you may not turn onto East First Street to go past the school. IT IS ILLEGAL.
Children waiting for pickup: If your children must wait for you to pick them up, they have been instructed to wait on Lakeview Avenue either in the parking lot or along our fence on Lakeview. They are not to wait near the bus stop. (Only students taking the bus may wait in front of the Church.)
No Parking in Area Next to School: At no time are you permitted to drive into the parking area next to the school. This parking area is reserved for staff and faculty only. Please note this carefully. It presents a very dangerous situation to your children.
No Parking or Drop Off at Crooks Avenue: Please do not drop your children off or pick them up at the Crooks Avenue gate. It is a serious safety hazard.
Use Crosswalks: Parents are requested to influence and encourage safe crossing of streets, instructing children to cross public streets only at crosswalks and/or where Safety Patrols and Police Guards are assigned.
Strangers: Please carefully instruct children on what to do if approached by a stranger. Report any strangers or strange behaviors to the school or church office.
Walking Home: If you child walks home, you must send us a note to keep on file.
Buddy System: Be sure your child walks home with a friend; never alone.
