Revised August 2014
INTRODUCTION
The material contained in this Parent/Student Handbook is intended as a guide for parents, guardians and students. It includes some of the more important rules and regulations of the Education Department of the State of California, the Department of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, as well as guidelines pertaining to Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School. Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School will follow Archdiocesan policies and guidelines as stated in this handbook as well as guidelines particular to Mary Star of the Sea.
In compiling this information, it is our sincerest desire to establish a thorough understanding of the school’s policies and procedures and to enlist parental support and cooperation with the school administration and staff.
MARY STAR OF THE SEA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
HISTORY
In 1914 at the beginning of World War I, Father Patrick McGrath, as an act of deep faith, hope, and love, remodeled the old Mary Star of the Sea Church on 9th Street in San Pedro. With his vision and just a few cast off desks from the basement of St. Vibiana’s Cathedral, Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School came into being.
Sister Gertrude Barrett, I.H.M., the first principal, and five other members of the Immaculate Heart Order: Sisters Angel Price, Emmanuel Morcotti, Eidelia O’Connor, Anthony Walsh and Francis Bugudanch, staffed the first school. The enrollment at that time was two hundred students in six grades. Two years later in June 1916, the school had its first graduating class of four students.
In 1923, Father Anthony Jacob erected a new Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School at the corner of 8th Street and Meyler, the location of our present auditorium. There were eight classrooms and a cafeteria downstairs, four classrooms and an auditorium upstairs. The total cost of construction was $80,000.
For more than 20 years, the old school (present auditorium) served as the Church on Sunday and was used for school and parish activities during the week. In 1948, the pastor Monsignor George Scott built the present school, a convent (the Parish Center), a rectory, and the present church. Monsignor Patrick Gallagher served as the head of the school community from 1983 – 2008.
In September of 2009 Mary Star opened the doors to its new preschool under the direction of Mrs. Beth Castagnola.
Father Maurice Harrigan was appointed Pastor in July of 2014. The current principal, Noreen Maricich, took the position in 2002.
MISSION STATEMENT
In the tradition of Catholic Education, Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School promotes the growth of faith in Christ, academic excellence, and civic responsibility. As a small community, together with parents, faculty, and staff, it is our goal to develop these values in each student.
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School believes that each student is a child of God, endowed with unique gifts and talents. In cooperation with parents, the primary educators of their children, the school and church form a faith community dedicated to teach, nurture, and integrate Catholic values into student’s everyday lives.
Mary Star of the Sea Elementary is a Christ-centered environment that provides the opportunity for spiritual growth through the living traditions of the Church. Faith development is achieved with the practice of prayer, participation in Mass, and a strong religious curriculum. Students are able to celebrate the presence of Christ in themselves, and others, by displaying charity, performing service, and making faith-based decisions. Mary Star of the Sea is our mother and our model as we practice our Catholic Faith.
As a faculty and staff, our school strives for academic excellence through a standards-driven, assessment-based curriculum. Students are challenged and guided towards achieving grade level expectations within their individual capacities by way of lessons that reflect cross-curricular connections with real-life applications. By providing a strong foundation, students are prepared for the demands of high school and learning as a life-long process.
Our students will possess a working knowledge of their rights and responsibilities as a member of our community, and as a citizen in the United States. They will develop cultural awareness, show tolerance towards others, and have an appreciation for differences. Through cooperative learning, physical education, and extra-curricular activities, students exercise teamwork and good sportsmanship.
Furthermore, our students will exhibit both personal and academic accountability as well as the virtue of self-discipline. Through this integration of faith, academics, and personal development, we are preparing our students to become Catholic leaders of tomorrow.
Accreditation
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and The Western Catholic Educational Association (WCEA) jointly accredit Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School.
School Practices
Alma Mater: You’re a grand old school, Mary Star of the Sea, and forever so proud of your name. You’re a guiding star, the best by far, a symbol of truth and of faith. Oh, our hearts beat true for your gold and blue, and you taught us your loyalty. In the years to come you’ll hear us say, we love you Mary star of the Sea. All right!
Pledge to the Cross: I pledge allegiance to the Cross of Christ and to the Church for which it stands: One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic with grace and salvation for all.
The Angelus:
Leader:The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
All:And she conceived by the Holy Spirit
Leader:Hail Mary…
All:Holy Mary…
Leader:Behold the handmaid of the Lord.
All:Be it done unto me according to Thy Word.
Leader:Hail Mary…
All:Holy Mary…
Leader:And the Word was made flesh,
All:And dwelt among us.
Leader:Hail Mary…
All:Holy Mary…
Leader:Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
All:That we made be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Leader:Let us pray,
All:Pour forth, we beseech Thee O Lord, Thy grace into our hearts, that we to whom the incarnation of Christ Thy Son was made known by the message of an angel, may by his passion and death be brought to the glory of his resurrection, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
At Mary Star of the Sea Elementary
We…
Show our Catholic faith
Think and use what we learn
Achieve our academicgoals
Respect traditions and differences
Strive for personal success
STARS are who we are!
Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School
Schoolwide Learning Expectations
“What every student should know, understand, value, and be able to do by graduation.”
Show our Catholic faith
-Show appropriate participation in the Mass and the Parish community
-Know the foundations of the Catholic Church and its Catechism
-Understand and be able to use a variety of prayer forms
-Display strong moral values and faith-based decision making
Think and use what we learn
-Be capable of deductive reasoning
-Be able to recognize and state fact versus opinion
-Demonstrate the ability to make inferences across the curriculum
-Ask questions – How, When, Why….
Achieve our academicgoals
-Meet, if not exceed, grade level expectations
-Demonstrate proficiency in grammar, spelling, and use of the Writing Process
-Demonstrate comprehension of expository material
Exhibit a working understanding of basic math operations
Respect traditions and differences
-Be culturally aware, and show tolerance and appreciation for differences
-Participate in school traditions (i.e., Alma Mater, Pledge of Allegiance, etc)
-Be able to lead by example within a community, by demonstrating teamwork and good sportsmanship
Possess a working knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of being a Citizen of the United States
Strive for personal success
-Understand the concept of accountability both academically and personally
-Show the development of self-identity, beliefs, and opinions
-Continue to nurture personal gifts and talents
-Demonstrate self-discipline and healthy choices
-Have developed solid work habits and study skills (organization, productivity, and time management)
-Demonstrate computer literacy and technology skills
Administration, Faculty and Staff
Pastor:Father Maurice Harrigan
Principal:Mrs. Noreen Maricich
Vice Principal:Mr. Roberto Valadez
Preschool Director:Mrs. Beth Castagnola
Office Manager:Mrs. Judy Vidaillet
Office Staff/Health:Mrs. Cheryl Yamashita
Development:Mr. Eddie DiMaggio
Kindergarten:Mrs. Alyssa Kooper
Grade 1 /Primary Level Leader,
Religion Coordinator:Mrs. Nicole Moretine
Grade 2 /
First Communion Moderator:Mrs. Maria Poliseri
Grade 3:Ms. Susan Schugt
Grade 4:Ms. Katey Lynch
Grade 5:Ms. Agnese DiTucci
Grade 6:Mrs. Donna Steese
Grade 7:Ms. Juliette Ribiero
Grade 8/Student CouncilMr. Roberto Valadez
Physical Education:Mr. Dominic Freeman
Grade “K”: Aide:Ms. Veronica Yamashita
Grade 1 Aide:Ms. Lindsay Ringelman
Preschool Teacher:Mrs. Nina Agrusa
Preschool Teacher:Ms. Vanessa Spychaj
Preschool Aides:Ms. Jessica Robles
Ms. Catherine Agrusa
Library:Sister Mary Patrice Watson
Music/Children’s Choir:Mr. Jelil Romano
Junior High Choir:Mr. Augie Castagnola
Day Care:Mrs. Cecilia Hernandez
Mrs. Mary Aguilar
Custodian:Mr. Jorge Solarzano
PARENT BOARD MEMBERS
President:Jennifer PeGan
Vice President: Lisa Ungaro
Secretary:Michelle Nunez
Liaison to the School BoardCathie Bustamante
Board Members:
Joe Alcoset
Brenda Barragan
Theresa Blackwell
Cynthia Brkic
Carla Bohman
Christina Cruz
Dolores Garcia
Laura Garcia
Kirsten Keating
Maria Martinez
Diane Peralta
Yesenia Santillan
Carrie Stefanou
CONSULTATIVE SCHOOL BOARD
In 2010, Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School established a School Board. This School Board is comprised of dedicated and committed individuals who have ties to the Mary Star community and the larger community of San Pedro. The board is consultative in jurisdiction and is undertaking several important missions including long term planning, financial planning, development, and marketing. In their landmark research, Effective Catholic Schools: An Exploration, Anthony Bryk et al stated “we view the establishment of active independent lay boards as essential to the long- term health of Catholic Schools”.
Chair:Augie Bezmalinovich
Vice Chair:Bob Moore
Secretary:Sean Kavanaugh
Parent Board Liaison:Cathie Bustamante
Pastor:Father Maurice Harrigan
Principal:Noreen Maricich
Members: Chelsea Boyd
\\Kathleen DiJune
Tony Gioiello
Sean Kavanaugh
Michael Ringelman
Ken Rukavina
Sister Genevieve Vigil
AHERA Compliance
Mary Star Elementary School is in compliance with AHERA the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act. The management plan is on site and the 3 year inspection and the 6 month surveillance inspections are current.
SCHOOL MAP
Virtus Training
All parents and/or guardians volunteering in any capacity at the school or at school sponsored events must attend Virtus:“Protecting God’s Children” training for adults. Parents must attend the initial 3-hour course taught buy an Archdiocesan certified leader. Parents must register on line stay up to date with the on line bulletins. Parents may be asked to provide documentation that they are fulfilling this obligation. Parents will be asked to re-certify within a 4 year time period set by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
Communication
At the beginning of the year each family will be issued a Parent / Student Handbook which includes the school calendar. This book contains events, holidays, guidelines and policies. Parents and students should be familiar with the contents. Each family is asked to review the contents and return the signed agreement.
The 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month the yellow communication packet goes home to each family. Important information is contained in this packet. Each packet has a letter from the principal and information on upcoming events. Parents are responsible to review the contents and send back the signed outer envelope. The school assumes that each family has received the packet whether or not the signed envelope has been returned.
Parent Agreement
Each parent is required to sign and meet the stipulations of the parent agreement and of the Parent/Student Handbook. (See Appendix D&L) It is the parent’s responsibility to insure that any person authorized to pick up a child has been made familiar with school policies and procedures.
Drop Off and Dismissal Procedures
Morning Drop-Off: Adults are permitted to drive into the parking lot beginning at 7:40 a.m. Adults are permitted to wait with their children at the beginning of the school day from 7:40 a.m. – 7:55 a.m. Parents are to leave the yard/parking lot immediately after the bell rings for the students to line up. No cars are permitted in the parking lot, unless the parent is in attendance at 8:00 a.m. Mass or has received authorization from the principal.
Students dropped off before 7:40 a.m. will be enrolled in Day Care.
- Students are to be dropped off in front of the divider only
- Students are never to walk through the cars in the lot
- Parents are to follow the instructions of the staff on duty
Dismissal: Please see diagram/ APPENDIX F
- All students will be dismissed at the same time. On a regular day schedule 3:00, on a half day schedule 12:45.
- The teacher will walk the entire class to the designated dismissal area. Students will be dismissed to parents in their vehicles or to parents who have parked outside and have walked to the dismissal line.
- STUDENTS ARE NEVER TO EXIT THROUGH THE FRONT DOORS OF THE SCHOOL.
- Students enrolled in the Day Care program will be dismissed to the Day Care room by their teacher.
- Their teacher will dismiss students who walk home from the dismissal line. Each student must have on file, at the main office a permission form signed by his/her parents to walk home at dismissal each day school is in session. No student will be permitted to walk home without a note on file and will be enrolled in Day Care.
- Adults picking up students at dismissal time are instructed to follow the required procedure. Vehicles enter the parking lot through 7th Street and form 4 lines. All vehicles exit through 8th Street. The faculty/Staff on duty will direct the drivers. All drivers must follow directions. All cars must turn right only when exiting!
- ADULTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PARK AND LEAVE THEIR CARS IN ANY OF THE 3 LANES OR ALONG THE BRICK WALLS.
- If parents have business with a teacher or the school office they must park on the street and walk onto campus.
- The dismissal area is not a place for a parent to ask their child’s teacher questions or to express concerns. Each teacher is on yard duty and must give their attention to the safety of all the students on the yard. Parents are asked to make appointments to meet with teachers.
- Students who have forgotten something in the classroom must wait until the teacher is off yard duty and able to escort them.
- Patience is critical as the safety of the students is our first concern.
- Teachers will remain on duty until 3:15, or 1:00 on a half-day, any students not picked up by that time will be enrolled in Day Care.
- Students may not wait for or meet their parents outside the gates of the school, Students seen waiting on 7th Street, Meyler, 8th Street, or Cabrillo will be enrolled in Day Care.
- Students may not wait on the school grounds for a sibling that is engaged in an after school activity. Students on the grounds will be enrolled in Day Care.
Rainy Day Dismissal:
- Students who walk home will be directed to do so
- Students enrolled in Day Care will be directed to the Day Care room
- All students waiting for pick up will be called from their classrooms
- Cars will enter the schoolyard from 7th street and form one (1) line along the auditorium, circling around to continue the one line along the patio. No cars are to be left unattended. Your children will be directed to the cars as they line up alongside the patio. Please drive slowly and move up as far as space allows,
- NO STUDENT WILL BE PERMITTED TO WALK ACROSS THE YARD TO A CAR OUTSIDE THE LINE.
ARCHDIOCESAN POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
- GENERAL INFORMATION
- Code of Christian Conduct Covering Students, Parents, Guardians and Other Responsible Adults
The Archdiocese deeply appreciates the choice parents and students make to enroll in its parochial elementary schools and secondary schools. Truly, this is a commitment for life and many families make considerable sacrifices of time and treasure to support their students while they are in school. Often families and students continue this support even after graduation because Catholic education makes a difference. Indeed, Catholic schools are different.