parent/student Handbook
2015-16
Holy Trinity Catholic School
West Campus Central Campus East Campus
PO Box 67 1385 W. 6th Street 990 E. Church Ave
Jasper, IN 47545 Jasper, IN 47546 Jasper, IN 47546
Ph: 812-482-7041 Ph: 812-482-4461 Ph: 812-482-4485
Fax: 812-482-3699 Fax: 812-481-9909 Fax: 812-481-9909
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,
Welcome to Holy Trinity Catholic School for the 2015-16 school year! In choosing Holy Trinity Catholic School, you have demonstrated a commitment to the values and philosophy of a Catholic education.
The faculty and I accept the responsibility of educating and caring for your children. Our goal is to create the best learning environment so that each child may achieve his/her highest potential. This handbook explains the policies and procedures that are used here at Holy Trinity Catholic School. Please read the handbook carefully. The Handbook Acknowledgement Form, which must be signed by each parent/guardian and student, signifies your intention to abide by the policies set forth and must be read, signed accordingly, and returned to school office on the first day of school.
The faculty and staff look forward to working with you to promote academic excellence and spiritual development in the context of the teachings of the Catholic Church. We will celebrate with our students the joy of learning and hope for their success as they share God’s love with one another.
Please keep us in your daily prayers as your children grow and learn this year, that God, who has begun this good work in us, may carry it through to completion. Thank you for entrusting your children to us.
In Christ,
Mrs. Sally Sternberg
Principal
“What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?” St. John Chrysostom
2015-2016 School Calendar
Thursday / August 13, 2015 / Full Day for Students (K-8)Week of / August 17, 2015 / First Day of Preschool
Monday / September 7, 2015 / Labor Day - No School
Friday / October 16, 2015 / End 1st Quarter (46 Days)
Monday - Wednesday / October 19-21, 2015 / Parent/Teacher Conferences
Thursday - Friday / October 22-23, 2015 / Fall Break - No School
Wednesday - Friday / November 25-27, 2015 / Thanksgiving Break
Friday / December 18, 2015 / End 2nd Quarter (40 Days)
End 1st Semester (86 Days)
Monday / January 4, 2016 / School Resumes
Monday / January 18, 2016 / Snow Make-Up Day #1 - No School
Friday / February 5, 2016 / Professional Development - No School
Monday / February 15, 2016 / Great Americans' Day –
Snow Make-Up Day #2 - No School
Friday / March 11, 2016 / End 3rd Quarter (47 Days)
Friday / March 18, 2016 / Snow Make-Up Day #3 - No School
Monday-Friday / March 21-25, 2016 / Spring Break - No School
Monday / March 28, 2016 / Snow Make-Up Day #4 - No School
Friday / April 15, 2016 / Snow Make-Up Day #5 - No School
Thursday / May 26, 2016 / Holy Trinity Catholic School Graduation
Friday / May 27, 2016 / End 4th Quarter (47 Days)
End 2nd Semester (94 Days)
JHS Commencement
Snow days will be taken in order as follows:
1/18, 2/15, 3/18, 3/28, 4/15
Staff E-Mail Information
Administration
Fr. Gary Kaiser Priest-Delegate
Mrs. Sally Sternberg Principal
Mr. Tyler Lemen Assistant Principal
Office
Mrs. Cindy Miller East Campus
Mrs. Cathy Mundy East Campus
Mrs. Staci Zehr Central Campus
Teaching Staff
Mrs. Lauren Emerson Pre-School
Miss Dana Knust Pre-School
Mrs. Connie Messmer-Brenner Pre-School
Mrs. Mindy Sendelweck Pre-School
Mrs. Abby Wessel Pre-School
Mrs. Alyssa Heeke Kindergarten
Mrs. Holly Reckelhoff Kindergarten
Mrs. Shelley Weinzapfel Kindergarten
Mrs. Jamie Clauss Grade 1
Mrs. Ashley Dupps Grade 1
Mrs. Chris Hinkle Grade 1
Mrs. Marla Giesler Grade 2
Mrs. Andrea Hurm Grade 2
Mrs. Bridgett Schneider Grade 2
Mrs. Jenna Hochmeister Grade 3
Mrs. Kari Seal Grade 3
Mrs. Kathy Wolf Grade 3
Mrs. Debbie Kieffner Grade 4
Mrs. Stephanie Pinkstaff Grade 4
Mrs. Jenny Hanneman Grade 5
Mrs. Kelly Schaefer Grade 5
Mrs. Janelle Foster Math
Miss Kristin Gutgsell Biology/Health
Mrs. Denise Miller Math/Computer Apps
Mrs. Charmaine Oxford Science/German
Miss Beth Patton Spanish
Mr. Jon Temple Social Studies
Mrs. Kristi Wehr Language Arts
Mrs. Cassie Beyke Resource – East
Mrs. Jill Sargent Resource – Central
Mrs. Judy Buechlein Library – Central
Ms. Lenea Harless Art
Mrs. Janet Howe Library – East
Sr. Becky Mathauer Religion/Language Arts
Sr. Susan Ann Necas Music
Mrs. Angie Ruxer PE – East
Ms. Sandy Siebert PE - Central
Teaching Assistants
Mrs. Megan Cambron Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Linda Dall Pre-School Assistant
Mrs. Amy Hopf Pre-School Assistant
Mrs. Kris Jochim Instructional Assistant
Mrs. Cheryl Rohleder Pre-School Assistant
Library
Mrs. Judy Buechlein Central
Mrs. Janet Howe East
Athletic Director
Mr. Joe Hopf
Cafeteria
Mrs. Mary Ramirez Food Service Director
Mrs. Mag Buechlein
Mrs. Cheryl Hartings
Mrs. Gail Flannigan
Mrs. Marsha Kluemper
Mrs. Mary Schuetter
Mrs. Rita Rogers
Mrs. Linda Uebelhor
Maintenance
Mr. Tim Kempf East Campus
Mr. Alan Brenner
Mrs. Joyce Kreilein
Mr. Brian Schuetter Central Campus
Mrs. Julie Eckert
Mrs. Sheila Klem
Mr. Stan Heim West Campus
Transportation
Mr. Tyler Lemen Transportation Director
Mr. Alan Brenner
Mrs. Cheryl Hartings
Mrs. Nancy Kluesner
Finance
Mrs. Jan Hasenour
Mrs. Angie Welp
Table of Contents
Topic Page
Organization 8
Accreditation 8
Catholic Affiliation 8
Admission Policy 8
Students with Disabilities 9
Withdrawal Policy 9
Parents as Partners 10
Procedures and Rules 10
School Hours 10
Arrival Procedures 10
Attendance Policy 11
Tardy Policy 12
Dismissal 12
School Closings 13
Diocesan Policy on Bullying 13
Diocesan Code of Christian Conduct 15
Diocesan Crisis Confrontation Policy 16
Student Rules 17
Electronic Device/ Cell Phone Policy 19
Discipline 20
Dress Code 23
Academic Program 24
Curriculum 24
Religious Education and Sacramental Life 24
Textbooks 25
Homework Methodology 25
Study Tables 25
Cheating 26
Grades and Report Cards 26
Promotion, Transfer, and Retention 27
Academic Recognition 27
Testing 28
Field Trips 28
Service to Others 28
Table of Contents (con’t.)
Topic Page
Extra-Curricular and Athletic Programs 29
Eligibility 29
Health and Wellness 30
Illness/Injury – during the day 30
Medication 31
Allergies 31
Immunizations 32
Health Screenings 32
Insurance 32
Wellness Policy 32
Lunch Program 32
Classroom Parties 33
School Safety 33
Fire and Severe Weather Drills/Emergencies 33
Student and Locker Searches 33
Youth Protection Training 34
Seclusion and Restraint 35
Internet and Technology Safety 35
Visitors/Volunteers 37
Counseling 37
Sexual Harassment 37
Child Abuse Laws 38
Drug, Alcohol, Tobacco Guidelines 38
Law Enforcement Notification 38
Pest Control 38
Asbestos 38
Organization
Accreditation
Holy Trinity Catholic School is accredited through the State of Indiana Department of Education and AdvancED.
Catholic Affiliation
Holy Trinity Catholic School is located in the Diocese of Evansville’s Jasper Deanery. Holy Trinity is a member in good standing with the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and the Indiana Non-Public Education Association (INPEA).
Admission Policy
Holy Trinity Catholic School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or athletic and other school-administered programs.
Students applying for admission into Pre-School must be three (3) years old by August 1 of the year of entrance for first year pre-school. Students must be four (4) years old by August 1 of the year of entrance for the second year pre-school. Students applying for admission into Kindergarten must be five (5) years old by August 1 of the year of entrance.
Application for admission to Holy Trinity Catholic School for new students may be done through the school office at any time or during the designated registration times throughout the year. At this time, the student application and non-refundable application fee is required. Upon notification of acceptance, the Book and Technology fee along with the following items are required for new students:
Health and Immunization records
Birth Certificate (certified or original)
Baptismal Certificate (Catholic applicants only)
Most current Report Card
Standardized Test Scores
Record of Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Screening will be administered to all incoming kindergartners and new incoming home schooled students in other grades in order to help establish current academic knowledge and to aid in the proper grade level placement. Holy Trinity Catholic School reserves the right to make the final determination as to grade level placement. Holy Trinity Catholic School also reserves the right to limit admission to those students whose needs can be properly met by current staff and resources available. The principal, in conjunction with other staff, as needed, makes the final decision regarding admission.
Current students are to complete the re-enrollment form and submit a portion of the Book and Technology Fee by December. Continued enrollment of a student is dependent on all financial obligations such as tuition and book/technology fees being kept current.
The following priorities will be used to accept students to Holy Trinity Catholic School as openings become available in grades Pre-School through Grade 8 during the enrollment period:
1. Students presently enrolled in Holy Trinity Catholic School and siblings of current students at Holy Trinity Catholic School
2. Members of Holy Trinity Catholic School Supporting Parishes
3. All other students not covered in 1-2
Openings that become available in Pre-School through Grade 8 after the enrollment period closes will be filled on a first come, first serve basis.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Holy Trinity Catholic School recognizes the special needs of our students with diagnosed disabilities, and within limits, will attempt to meet those needs. Holy Trinity Catholic School accepts students with disabilities who have demonstrated the ability to achieve successfully in a regular classroom setting with accommodations. Parents of students with disabilities are required to discuss their child’s special needs (IEP) with the principal before making an application.
Holy Trinity Catholic School is blessed to have a Special Needs teacher on staff at both the Central and East Campus who can assist with accommodations for learning disabilities. The school’s teachers also receive consultative services from Dubois-Spencer-Perry County Special Education Cooperative (DSPC coop) throughout the school year. The DSPC coop also provides limited direct speech services to students.
Holy Trinity Catholic School coordinates with Dubois-Spencer-Perry Coop in the referral for evaluation, determination of eligibility, and determination of appropriate placement for students. The public school cooperation will conduct an evaluation of a student with a suspected disability upon request. (Upon receipt of parental consent for evaluation, the evaluation must be completed within 50 school days.) Parents may also seek an independent evaluation with a licensed psychologist and submit the report to the school. Upon determination of eligibility, appropriate modifications and accommodations will be agreed upon and implemented by the classroom teacher with support from the cooperative.
Withdrawal Policy
Families are required to complete the Withdrawal form if they are withdrawing a student from Holy Trinity Catholic School. The parents and/or guardians of these students are required to give two months’ notice to the school principal prior to withdrawing their child. The parents and/or guardians are responsible for paying tuition through these two months. The registration fee is non-refundable. All outstanding balances must be cleared prior to the release of student records.
Parents as Partners
As partners in the educational process at Holy Trinity Catholic School, we ask parents:
· To support the religious and educational goals of the school
· To volunteer their time, talents, and treasures to support school facilities and programs
· To treat teachers with respect and courtesy in all discussions
· To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health
· To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school
· To complete and return promptly to school any requested information
· To see that students pay for any damage to school property or books due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student
· To send your child to school ready to learn by being
…Nourished
…Rested
…Prepared for class with homework, books, and supplies
…Punctual to arrive
…Dressed appropriately in accordance with the dress policy and weather conditions
Procedures and Rules
School Hours
Holy Trinity Catholic School offices open at 7:30a.m. and closes at 4:00p.m.
At Central Campus, students are to arrive by 7:55am and will be dismissed at 2:45pm for bus riders and 3:00pm for car riders.
At East Campus, students are to arrive by 7:40am and will be dismissed at 2:40pm for first round of busses and cars, with a second round of bus dismissal at 3:00
At West Campus, doors will be unlocked between 7:45-8:00 daily for the morning classes and between 11:45-12:00 for the afternoon classes. Morning classes are dismissed at 11:00 and afternoon classes at 3:00
Arrival Procedures
Students are to arrive to school no later than 7:40a.m at East Campus and 7:55a.m. at Central Campus. Upon arrival, students are to report to their assigned area in the school cafeteria at East Campus or the school gym at Central Campus. The teacher on duty will be present in the cafeteria/gym at 7:10a.m. to supervise students. It is important to be on time as our day will begin promptly with daily announcements, morning prayer, and The Pledge of Allegiance.
Attendance Policy
Regular school attendance is an important element in attaining and maintaining successful performance in school. State Law requires students to attend 180 school days. A yearly report on each student’s attendance is required to be submitted to the State of Indiana. Students should not miss school without a just cause. Continued and unexplained absence from school is a violation of Indiana School Attendance laws and parents and/or guardians are held responsible.
Attendance is taken every instructional day. The school day begins at 7:40a.m. and concludes at 2:40p.m at East Campus and begins at 7:55a.m. and concludes at 3:00p.m. at Central Campus. At West Campus, the school day begins at 8:00 for the morning class and 12:00 for the afternoon class. A student is marked absent if they are not in school for the full school day. If a student is not in his classroom for any part of the half day, they are marked absent for that half day.