ST. AUGUSTINESCHOOL
PARENT / STUDENT HANDBOOK 2010-2011
MISSION STATEMENT
St. AugustineSchool is a Catholic parish community. Our mission is to proclaim God’s word through our actions, our thoughts, our service, and our academic excellence.
PHILOSOPHY OF CATHOLIC EDUCATION
The faculty of St. AugustineSchool believes that a philosophy of Catholic education begins with faith that God, in creating, gifted us with life, became one of us in His Son Jesus and in the Person of His Spirit, and awaits our response to His unconditional overture of Love. Jesus remains with the community He formed, witnessing and sharing the Good News in every age and with all people, ever yearning for a return of love either by a sincere response to conscience or by membership in His Church. It is from this perspective that the educational ministry of the Catholic community flows.
We believe that education, which is Catholic, begins with life in the heart of the family. Parents, the primary educators, seed and nourish values deeply humanand deeply spiritual. Affirmed, treasured, and supported by the loving witness of Christian faith communities, the child continues a lifelong response to God's love in growing and excelling through responsible involvement in the academic, cultural, and civic concerns of daily life.
We believe that the Catholic school is sensitive to the mandate of Jesus: "Love one another as I have loved you". The school community, in sharing this vision within an atmosphere designed to celebrate and practice love of God and neighbor, is the most effective means available to the Church for the education of youth. This vision motivates students to grow spiritually, academically, culturally, and socially. Among the values prized in the Catholic school are self-worth, self-discipline in the search for a moral way of life, and appreciation of our American heritage. With deep concern for their brothers and sisters, young people in Catholic schools form their personal response in truth, justice, and love to God their Maker.
The rules and regulations in this HANDBOOK are subject to change. These rules and regulations are not all-inclusive. It is the right of the principal, after consultation with the pastor, to make the final decisions about an issue / incident that may not be specifically stated in these pages.
ADMISSION POLICY
St. AugustineSchool is a Catholic elementary school providing a quality Catholic education to children of families who are registered members of St. AugustineChurch. Non-parishioners will be considered for admission as space permits. St. AugustineSchool does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, creed, or ethnic background. Admission and re-admission to St. AugustineSchool are on an annual school year basis.
Students will be considered for admission to St. AugustineSchool according to the following priorities:
1.Active parishioners.
2.Non-active parishioners.
3.Active non-parishioners who are registered at other Catholic parishes that do not have a school connected with the parish.
4.With the permission of their pastor, non-parishioners who are registered at other Catholic parishes that operate an elementary school.
5.Non-parishioners of other faith traditions who desire a Catholic education.
Normal admission begins with kindergarten. Students may be accepted into other grades as space permits with priority given to parishioners and those children transferring from another Catholic school due to relocation. New students entering the school at times other than kindergarten or due to a transfer from another Catholic school may be accepted on a probationary basis and if so will be asked to have a letter of reference from the pastor/administrator of the school they are currently attending.
Final acceptance of newly-enrolled students transferring from another school is dependent upon receipt, review and approval of records.
Continued attendance at St. AugustineSchool is dependent upon support of the school and parish mission, adherence to school and parish policies, and prompt payment of tuition and fees.
TUITION POLICY & GUIDELINES
ST. AUGUSTINESCHOOL
TUITION POLICY
St. AugustineSchool was founded in 1902 for the purpose of educating the children of its parishioners both scholastically and in the Catholic faith. Over the years that mission has remained constant, while at the same time expanding to include and welcome into our school children from other Catholic parishes and other faiths. In the past, the parish community of St. Augustine was able to support the school through the Sunday collection. Today, that is no longer possible nor allowable by Diocesan policy.
Tuition for St. AugustineSchool is determined by the ability of the parish to provide tuition aid and the cost to educate a child.
The recommendations of the Finance Committee is used to set the annual tuition rate for the school. St. Augustine Parish, in the most recent school year, subsidized approximately 24percent of the daily operating costs associated withthe education of a parishioner's child, not the complete costs associated with keeping the school physically open. Non-parishioners pay the full daily operating cost of educating their children at St. AugustineSchool, not the complete costs associated with keeping the school physically open.
Examples of “complete-costs-associated-with-keeping-the-school-physically-open” include (but are not limited to):
1)a new heating plant (that supplies heat to the school building),
2)school roof repairs / replacements,
3)rewiring the school (lights, computers, alarm systems, etc.),
4)new equipment (floor care, desks, chairs, curtains, carpet, etc.) and
5)sidewalk / playground replacement / repairs.
TUITION GUIDELINES
I. ACTIVE PARISHIONERS
For the purpose of establishing the rate of tuition to be charged per student, we define an active parishioner as:
An adult who is a registered parishioner of and who (via attendance) participates in the celebration of the Eucharist at our weekly Sunday Masses at St. AugustineChurch. Attendance at Sunday Mass will be demonstrated by the use (receipt during Mass) of the repective parishioners’ Sunday offertory envelope. The level of your offertory contribution is not a measure of your “active” status. Regular attendance is the key measure.
Parents may request financial aid through the school office by asking for a financial aid form. Each family requesting aid will be required to complete the financial aid form and submit it directly to Private School Aid Services (PSAS).
II. NON-ACTIVE PARISHIONERS
A non-active parishioner is defined as an adult who is a registered parishioner of St. AugustineChurch but does NOT meet the Active Parishioner definition above.
III. NON-PARISHIONERS
The non-parishioner will be required to pay the established non-parishioner rate. Non-parishioners are encouraged to seek possible financial aid from their home parish / place of worship. Given that you will be required to pay St. AugustineSchool the full non-parishioner rate, any aid that you receive from your home parish should be reimbursed directly to you.
REGISTRATION POLICY/ EDUCATION FEE
In addition to tuition, a NON-REFUNDABLEeducation fee will be charged at the time of registration. Education fees for the 2010-2011 school year will be $125.00 per child if paid by March 31, 2010, and $150.00 per child after that date. New student registrations are $150.00 per child.
IF TUITION IS NOT CURRENT, STUDENTS MAY NOT REGISTER FOR THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. REGISTRATION FORMS AND FEES MAY BE RESUBMITTED AFTER UNPAID TUITION IS MADE CURRENT.
TUITION FEES 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR FOR ACTIVE ST. AUGUSTINE / IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISHIONERS:
1st child K-8$ 3,150.00
2nd child K-8$ 6,150.00
3rd child K-8$ 8,850.00
4th + child K-8$11,700.00
TUITION FEES 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR FOR NON-ACTIVE ST. AUGUSTINE / IMMACULATE CONCEPTION PARISHIONERS:
1st child K-8$ 3,750.00
2nd child K-8$ 7,500.00
3rd child K-8$ 11,250.00
Each additional child+ $ 3,750.00
NON-PARISHIONERS WILL PAY $3950.00PER CHILD PLUS THE NON-REFUNDABLE EDUCATION FEE.
TUITION PAYMENTS
IN FULLA five percent discount will be given if all tuition is paid by August 31, 2010.
4 Payment Plan Four payment plan - First payment due August 31, 2010. Other payments due 11/1/2010, 1/3/2011, 4/3/2011.
10 Payment PlanMonthly - (10 payments) August 1, 2010 - May 1, 2011
Final payment due May 1, 2011. Payments are due the first of each month. Payments received after the 15th of each month will be charged a late fee of $25.00.
Payments are to be by check or money order. In addition, a $25.00 service fee for returned checks will be charged back to the payor, along with a request for a money order or cash.
PAST DUE TUITION PAYMENTS
If tuition payments become past due, you will be contacted by the school and every effort will be made to collect the past due amount.
- If any part of the previous year's tuition is not paid by the registration date, the student will not be entitled to register for the new school year. Registration forms and fees may be resubmitted after unpaid tuition is paid in full.
2. All past due tuition and education fees must be paid before the student will be allowed to attend school for the new school year.
UNPAID TUITION AND FEES
Student's records, including report cards and transcripts, will not be released until all tuition and/or fees are current. Eighth grade students will not be allowed to participate in any graduation activities, nor will any of their records (including report cards) be released until all financial responsibilities are paid in full.
We realizes that circumstances can change, such as the loss of a job, which could affect tuition payments. The pastor must be made aware of any problems regarding unpaid tuition so that an acceptable payment plan can be worked out. The pastor is committed to working with all families who are experiencing any difficulty.
Registration forms and fees will be returned to those families who are past due with their current tuition payments. Registration forms and fees may be re-submitted after all tuition is current.
TUITION PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY
Diocesan policy states that in the case of divorce, it is ultimately the custodial parent's responsibility for full payment of tuition. The tuition rate for a child will be based on the status of the legal custodial parent (i.e., the custodial parent being deemed an “active” parishioner, “inactive” parishioner or a non-parishioner). Unresolved conflicts should be referred to the Pastor and / or the school administration.
TUITION REFUND
If a student withdraws from enrollment during the course of the school year, paid tuition will be
refunded on a pro-rated basis.
ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE AND TARDINESS
Absence from school is legal for the following reasons under the Ohio Administrative Code: personal illness, illness in the family, quarantine of the home, death of a relative, work at home due to absence of parents or guardians, observance of religious holidays, family emergency or set of circumstances which, in the judgment of the principal, constitutes a good and sufficient cause for absence from school. Absence for any reason other than those cited above presumably is illegal and constitutes truancy.
Truancy Guidelines
The Ohio Truancy Law (ORC 3321.19) defines habitual and chronic truancy. “A habitual truant is a student of compulsory school age who is absent without legitimate excuse for five or more consecutive school days; seven or more school days in one month; or twelve or more school days in a school year. A chronic truant is a student of compulsory school age who is absent without legitimate excuse for seven or more school days in one month; or fifteen or more school days in a school year. Excused or unexcused absences are determined by the administration of the school.”
If a student is absent, it is the responsibility of the parents to call the school BEFORE 7:50 a.m. You may call the school at any hour; our voice mail will record your message. If the parent fails to contact the school, the absence is considered unexcused. In addition to the call, the student is required to bring a dated written excuse on the day of return. Doctor appointments should not be made during school hours. If such appointments are unavoidable, a written letter of notification is necessary, preferably on the previous day. In all cases, before a student leaves the building, the parent must sign him/her out in the school office.
In the event of unavoidable appointments that allow the student to arrive at school shortly after the day begins, an excuse or note from the doctor or dentist will be required. Failure to provide documentation from the doctor or dentist will result in a tardy for that day’s attendance.
If a student is absent three (3) or more consecutive days, a written physician's excuse is required. Vacations are discouraged when school is in session. If unavoidable, please contact administration of St. AugustineSchool for approval.
Students are considered tardy after 7:50 a.m. (This does not include bus-riders.) If a student is tardy, he/she must be brought to the office by the parent. A pass will be given to admit student to class. Students who arrive after 10:00 a.m. will be marked as absent 1/2 day. Students leaving before 2:00 p.m. are also considered 1/2 day absent. Excessive tardiness cannot be tolerated. Parents will be notified by mail if this occurs. After the third (3rd) tardy in any grading period, a detention will be issued for each occuring tardiness.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS
In the event of inclement weather, announcements about school closings will be broadcast on major television stations. In addition, all parents will be notified by telephone through the Prek-12 notification system.
BEFORE / AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAMS
The Before / After Care School Program is a supportive service for the working families of
St. AugustineSchool students. It provides a range of activities conducted within a Catholic environment under the direction of a caring staff. This program compliments the philosophy and values taught by both the family and St. AugustineSchool.
Our Before School Program is provided for students in grades K-8 and is in session from 6:30 –7:50 AM daily at St. Augustine Preschool. Adult supervision is provided. During this time, the students may play games, color, or study.
Our After School Care Program is available to students in grades K-8 and is held daily from dismissal time until 6:00 PM. Our staff consists of a certified teacher and one aide who plan activities and provide supervision for the children. Student volunteers also assist the children with activities including arts and crafts, indoor/outdoor play, snack time, supervised study time, and computer.
Registration is available throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding rates or need forms for the program, please contact Faith Kirtley, Program Director, at 330-745-5735.
COLLECTIONS
The approved collections for our school are mission dues of $5.00/year/per student, and $5.00/year/per student for Catholic Charities. All other collections must have authorization from the pastor, DRE, or principal of the school.
DAILY TIME SCHEDULE
Students shall not assemble on or about the school premises before 7:30 a.m. at which time supervision will be provided. Students must depart from the premises by 3:00 p.m. unless adult supervision is provided. Families who are experiencing difficulty with arrival and dismissal times should consider Before/After School care programs.
7:30Children assemble and go to their respective classrooms.
7:50Prayer bell / tardy bell - Children are to be in classroom and settled for morning session.
8:30Mass schedule - Children attend a weekly liturgy
Lunch / Recess Schedule
11:15 - 11:35Lunch / Grades 4-8
11:35 - 11:55Recess / Grades 4-8
11:40 - 12:00 Lunch / Grades K-3
12:00 - 12:25Recess / Grades 1-3
2:45Bus dismissal
2:50Walker / car rider dismissal
DIOCESAN LUNCH / MILK PROGRAM
Our school lunch program is provided by the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Nutrition Services Group. Cafeteria fees must be paid in advance for the entire month. Currently, lunch prices are $2.15 per day. Each student is to pay for his or her own lunch. Checks are the preferred payment method and are payable to St. Augustine Cafeteria. Milk is sold daily at a cost of $.50. If your child is absent during the month, deduct the amount from the next cafeteria fee. Students who are eligible may qualify for free / reduced-price lunches, either on a yearly or temporary basis, as the need arises. Forms for this government program are sent to parents at the beginning of the school year and are available in the school office for the remainder of the school year. If necessary, we reserve the right to change prices and policies.
Students who pack their lunch should have their lunches clearly marked on the outside with their name and room number. No carbonated beverages may be brought to school as part of a packed lunch.
PLAYGROUND REGULATIONS
In order to provide for the safety and well-being of all children, the following rules will apply on the playground during recess and lunch time:
- Rough play of any kind is prohibited
- For the safety of the children, they may play in the assigned areas only
- Because of the limited size of play areas and the close proximity of busy street traffic, certain games may not be played: softball, football, using frisbees, roller skating and any other games prohibited by the teachers or playground supervisors
- Snowballs, ice balls, sliding and climbing on snow piles are strictly prohibited
- At the sound of the bell ending the recess period, all children are to walk quietly to their lines to enter the building. Remaining in line, students will walk back to their classrooms, entering the building quietly
- Children will be given a "time-out" when rules are not followed
Repeated disregard of rules will result in demerits, detentions, and / or office referrals.
When it is necessary to have indoor recess, St. Augustine students will go to their classrooms. They are to follow the rules teachers have established in classrooms, remain in their homerooms, and respect the authority of supervising personnel. No student may leave his/her assigned classroom without permission.
St. Augustine students will keep the lavatories neat and clean and avoid any vandalism or they will receive appropriate disciplinary action and make restitution. They may use the lavatory during lunch time with permission of the adult on duty.