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ST. PATRICK SCHOOL
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ACCREDITATION
St. Patrick School is accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department, under the auspices of the Texas Education Association. The school holds membership with the National Catholic Education Association.

ADMISSION
In order to enter the K-3, K-4, K-5, and 1st grade classes, students should be 3 years, 4 years, 5 years, or 6 years of age, respectively, by September 1. Children entering the early-childhood classes must be toilet trained.

In order to be admitted to other elementary grades the student must present official certification as to his/her grade level.

Prior to admission each prospective student will provide the school with: official birth certificate, sacramental records (if applicable), immunization record, report cards (if applicable), transfer records (if transferring from another school), copy of Social Security card.

St. Patrick School will not enroll students if tuition is outstanding or if financial obligations to another school have not been cleared.

Students suspended and/or expelled from a school (public or private) will not be admitted.

Any student entering St. Patrick School for the first time will be accepted on probation for the first nine-week period. At the completion of the probationary period the principal, in consultation with the student’s teachers, will determine whether or not the student may remain in the school. If the school, in the sole opinion of the principal, is unable to fulfill the needs of the child, the parents will be informed and the child will be dismissed from the school.

A child’s enrollment in a Catholic school is a privilege, not a right. Parents and students must adhere to the standards and expectations of the Catholic school as stated in this handbook. Failure to comply with these policies and regulations is grounds for removal from the school.

Parents/Guardians must sign and return to the school the acknowledgment page in the Parent/Student handbook within two weeks of distribution. If a parent/guardian refuses to sign and return to the school the acknowledgment page in the handbook, their child(ren)’s enrollment in the school may be terminated.

As the primary educators of their children, parents/guardians should model Christian witness by attitude and example when engaged in any and all school transactions. If a parent/guardian demonstrates inappropriate conduct and/or behavior which becomes a threat or disruption to faculty, staff, administration, students, and/or other parents, their child(ren)’s enrollment in school is subject to immediate termination.

When dealing with students who have special needs, Catholic schools may provide modifications for the students including, but not limited to, shortened assignments, oral versus written testing, extra time provided for completion of assignments, or other types of modifications as can be provided by the school. Due to the lack of appropriate funds, resources, and materials, Catholic schools are not able or legally required to provide substantial modifications for students with special needs.

AHERA/ASBESTOS
St. Patrick school complies with all local, state, and federal regulations regarding asbestos-containing building materials in the school building. Inspection reports, abatement activities reports, and management plans are available for public review in the office of the principal.

ATHLETICS
Inter-parochial athletic competition is promoted as an extension of the school’s physical education program for students in grades 4, 5, & 6. The intention is to teach and develop physical skills, mental discipline, sportsmanship, and the spirit that contributes to successful living. All students are encouraged to participate, regardless of skill level or experience

Several elements are taken into consideration in determining athletic eligibility. The basic academic requirements include passing grades in each subject in each reporting period. A failing grade in any subject, excluding handwriting, will result in a temporary suspension from athletic participation until a passing grade is obtained. An “N” or “U” in conduct may also prevent a student from participating in athletic competition. Students who are absent from school will not be allowed to participate in any athletic activity on that day.

Younger siblings may not play on the playground equipment during sporting events unless supervised by parents

ETHICAL CODE FOR CONDUCT AT ATHLETIC COMPETITIONS
Both participants and spectators, including parents, will abide by the following rules:
Decisions of the officials must be respected.
Respect must be shown for coaches and for players of both teams.
Cheerleaders should perform before home fans only. They should not parade in front of the opposing team or their spectators.
Signs may be displayed for identification or for encouraging school spirit. No one will display a derogatory sign at any athletic event.
A School may be disciplined for the offensive behavior of its fans or its participants. Such an offense could incur a penalty on the entire athletic program at St. Patrick School. Students and parents are asked to solicit the cooperation of other spectators in order to protect the reputation of the school. Poor sportsmanship on the part of a student, parent, or guest will result in expulsion of that person from the athletic event site.

ATTENDANCE
1. School attendance is required by state law; therefore, schools must keep accurate and complete attendance records on each child.
2. After an absence, the student must submit to the school office a written note from the parent, guardian, and/or physician stating the reason for the student’s absence.
3. The school will make the decision as to whether the absence is to be classified as excused.
4. Frequent absences impede the learning process. Therefore, only five unexcused absences will be allowed each semester. Absences not due to illness or school-related activities will be classified as unexcused and students will not be allowed to make up classwork, homework, or tests. Exceptions may be made only with prior approval by the principal.
5. Students whose absences are classified as excused will be allowed to complete missed assignments and/or tests as deemed appropriate by the teacher and in keeping with local school regulations.
6. Parents/guardians are encouraged to schedule medical and dental appointments during times other than school hours.
7. For a student to receive credit for the day he/she must not be absent more than one hour of the day.

AWARDS
Students receive special recognition at the school through a variety of award programs. These awards are intended to promote and recognize academic skills, athletic achievement, and good citizenship. Teachers and parents can promote these awards by encouraging special effort and achievement by students.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROCEDURES
School staff will be available to supervise students in the hallways beginning at 7:30am. No children are allowed on the playground or any outside areas before or after school unless they are participating in a supervised school event. The breezeway and drive-through by the Parish Hall parking lot are supervised after school until 3:30pm. Students who are on the school grounds without parents/guardians after 3:30pm will be taken to the Extended Day program and a fee will be charged. Once parents have picked children up from school the parents are responsible for the behavior and safety of the children.

BEFORE-SCHOOL DROP OFF AND AFTER-SCHOOL PICK UP
Please drop off and pick up only where safety patrol members are stationed.
Use only the Rossiter Street entrance and exit.
The only drive-through lane is the single lane outlined and identified by the yellow stripes and arrows. Students may be dropped off and picked up as directed by the safety patrol and personnel on duty.
If parents intend to walk children into the school building they should park in the parking lot and cross at the safety-patrol crosswalk only. Do not park in the first row in front of the Parish Hall.
If the child is not in the area to be picked up, the parent should drive through and park in the parking lot so as not to block traffic.
The parking lot to the right of the Parish Hall is for faculty and staff only. Parents should not drop off or pick students up in this area.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Cancellation of school takes place only for extreme circumstances. For information concerning school closure parents should consult local TV and radio stations. If the local school district has canceled school Catholic schools will also be closed unless otherwise instructed by the Diocesan Superintendent or the Bishop.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
Parents or guardians are responsible for notifying the school office and the classroom teacher in the event of a change of address and/or telephone number.

CHEATING
Cheating is a serious compromise of a student’s integrity and will not be tolerated. If cheating is discovered the student’s work will be confiscated, a failing grade will be assigned, parents will be notified, and the appropriate disciplinary action will be assigned by the principal.

CHEERLEADERS
A cheerleading squad may be available for interested students in grades three through six, provided a sponsor is available to accompany and supervise the students. Requirements for participating in cheerleading are the same as for any other athletic event.

CHOIR
The music department sponsors a choir for students in grades two through six. This is an extra-curricular activity that provides the student the opportunity to sing during school liturgies and on other occasions. Occasionally the choir will have the opportunity to perform at community events. Choir members are required to attend regular rehearsals and will be removed from the choir following three (3) unexcused absences.

CLASSROOM ASSIGNMENTS
Students are assigned to classes by the principal according to a standard procedure. Students will not be moved from the assigned classroom unless the principal determines there is a legitimate need to do so. Parents are asked not to make requests for specific teachers.

CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Teachers will determine the procedures they wish to use in their classrooms, with the approval of the principal. Parents will receive a copy of classroom procedures during the first two weeks of school.
The following, generally speaking, will be enforced:
Students should attend class with the appropriate materials.
Students will abide by the rules of the classroom teacher.
A teacher may remove a student from class in order to maintain effective discipline in his/her classroom. A student will not be allowed to disrupt the class or prevent a teacher from teaching.

CLASSROOM VISITS
A parent who wishes to visit the classroom during the school day should call the office and request an appointment with the teacher.

COMMUNICATIONS
The Monday Note serves as the main method of written communication between the school and the parents. Classroom teachers will send information specific to their classes on Mondays as well. The school also uses the website to communicate information. It is located at www.stpatrickschoolcc.org

COUNSELING SERVICES
Individual and/or group counseling services will be made available to students by trained professional personnel possessing a minimum of a master’s degree in counseling or related field. Counseling services are confidential. Educational personnel or parents may refer students to the school counselor. Students may also voluntarily seek counseling services. Parents may or may not be contacted if their child is seeing a counselor. Parental permission is not required for students to see the school counselor.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is an important goal of Catholic Schools. While it does not appear as a subject, discipline underlies the educational structure and is the training that develops self-control, a Christian character, orderliness, and efficiency. It is the key to moral development, good conduct, and consideration and respect for other people. Parents must accept the responsibility for helping their children develop self-control.

Suspension/Expulsion Policy
Referral to Administrator:
A student will be referred to an administrator for the following reasons:
• Fighting
• Severe disruption (Severity is determined by the adult in charge of supervising the child at the time of the occurrence.)
• Any action which puts the child and/or other children in danger
• Disrespect or defiance
• Repeated occurrences of minor infractions

One referral will result in a conference between the child and an administrator. In addition, a referral slip will be sent home to the parent. This slip must be signed by the parent and returned before the child can return to class. The administrator and/or teacher will be available to conference with the parent if so desired.

A second referral within the same school year will require that the parent come to the school to conference with an administrator. The referral slip must also be signed and returned.

A third referral within the same school year will result in a conference with the parent and an administrator, signing and returning the referral slip, and a three day suspension for the child. During the suspension the child must complete all work done in class.

A fourth referral during the same school year will result in a parent/ administrator/teacher conference and permanent expulsion from St. Patrick School.

Expulsion is a serious matter and should be invoked only as a last result. Normally it will follow a single grave offense or a series of offenses indicating a student with an attitude that threatens to impair the educational effectiveness of the school.

The following may result in immediate suspension or expulsion:
Possession of any weapon or illegal substance
Gang activity
Extreme violence
Destruction of property
Threat of bodily harm to children or adults
Any action, which in the opinion of the Principal, is severe enough to warrant suspension or expulsion.

If a child receives a discipline referral during a grading period, he/she will receive an N or a U in conduct on the report card for that grading period. The N or U will be determined by the teacher and administrator according to the severity of the offense.
The right to appeal would be exercised through the Diocesan Grievance Procedure.
Corporal Punishment will not be used at St. Patrick School.

Diocese of Corpus Christi Department of Schools Weapons Policy:
In furtherance of the overall philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Catholic educational experience, the Diocese of Corpus Christi expressly prohibits the use, possession, sale or discharge of any weapons or explosive devices in the school, on school grounds, or at school sponsored activities. This policy applies to all students, teachers, administrators, and other personnel in the school, and to any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death, and designed or specifically adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon, including, but not limited to: club, explosive weapon, firearm, firearm silencer, handgun, illegal knife, knife, knuckles, machine gun, short-barrel firearm, switchblade knife, armor piercing ammunition, hoax bomb, chemical dispensing device, and/or other weapons.

DRESS CODE

K-3 through 6th grade
*All items with an asterisk must be purchased from Parker Uniforms

Students in all grades, K-3 through 6, will wear the following daily while in the classroom or the Church.

Girls

*Blouse – White pinafore middy (pullover or button-front) with plaid tie
*Skirt – School plaid (must wear solid green or navy shorts underneath.)
*Culottes – School plaid
*Shorts – School plaid walking shorts. Length must be no more than two (2) inches above the knee. Shorts may be worn throughout the school year, however they may not be worn to Friday Mass.
Socks – White crew socks. White, navy, or hunter green tights may be worn in the winter.
Shoes – All white with support.
Dress Uniform for Mass days and other special occasions is the middy blouse, tie, and skirt or culotte
Jewelry – Stud earrings for pierced earrings only. (One per ear.) No other jewelry is allowed. No makeup or nail polish is allowed.
Hair – Hair should be its natural color and neatly groomed. Any hairstyle deemed distracting by the administration is not allowed. Hair ornaments must be green, navy, white, or a combination of those colors.

Winter wear
*Slacks – solid hunter green
Navy or white tights may be worn under the skirt or culottes.
Sweatpants may not be worn under the uniform.
Navy sweatshirt – with St. Patrick emblem, worn over uniform
Jacket, windbreaker, or sweater – must be navy, white, or green and be the correct size for the student. (No oversized garments.)

Boys

*Shirt- School plaid for Friday Mass and other special occasions.
White knit with school logo or school plaid is permissible for other school days.
* Shorts – Hunter green walking shorts. Length must be no more than two (2) inches above the knee. Shorts may be worn throughout the school year, except on Friday Mass days from November through March
* Pants – Forest green twill.
*Belt – Navy blue. Boys are required to wear this belt with the shorts or school pants.
Shoes – All white with support.
Socks – White crew socks.
Dress Uniform for Friday Mass and other special occasions is the plaid shirt with shorts or long pants. All boys must have a pair of the uniform pants to wear when required, including the Friday School Mass from November through March.

Winter wear
Navy sweat shirt – with St. Patrick emblem, worn over uniform
Jacket, windbreaker, or sweater – must be navy, white, or green and be the correct size for the student. (No oversized garments.)
Jewelry – No jewelry is allowed, including earrings.
Hair – Boys’ hair must not be worn beneath the earlobe or below the collar. Any hairstyle deemed distracting by the administration will not be allowed.

All students

Winter
Jackets or coats that are to be worn only outside may be any color or style.

Spirit Day
Monday is Spirit and Pride day. Students may wear the Spirit and Pride shirt or the Blue Ribbon shirt. Students who contribute 50¢ may wear blue jeans. The blue jeans must be dark blue with no fading, tears, or noticeable designs or logos. Special t-shirts may be offered for sale throughout the school year, and may be worn on specified days.

PE
If they wish, students may wear a solid white t-shirt under the uniform shirt. For PE they may remove the uniform shirt and wear the t-shirt with the uniform shorts, culottes, etc.

Noncompliance with Uniform Policy
Violations of the School Dress Code/Uniform Policy will be issued for non-compliance. Five (5) violations will earn the student a “U” on the report card under “Personal and Social Development – Observes School Regulations.” If the student continues to be in non-compliance a Discipline Referral will be issued.

ELECTRONIC APPARATUS
Students are not allowed to bring beepers, pagers, cellular phones, electronic games or other electronic devices on campus. If a student will need a cellular phone after school he/she should leave it in the school office before school and pick it up at the end of the school day. Unauthorized electronic devices will be confiscated by the principal and must be picked up by the parent/guardian. Repeated infractions may result in a Discipline Referral.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Fire and tornado drills are conducted regularly and detailed evacuation plans are posted in each classroom. The school has a crisis management plan in place. A copy of the plan may be found in the principal’s office.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Schools and grounds are monitored regularly for compliance with health and safety regulations including classroom environment, air quality, equipment status, and toxic agents.

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT OF 1974
An educational agency or institution may presume that either parent of the student has authority to inspect and to review the educational records of the student, unless the agency or the institution has been provided with evidence that there is a legally binding instrument or a State law or court order granting such matters as divorce, separation, or custody, which provides to the contrary.

FAMILY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Families are encouraged to pray together at home. They are also encouraged to become active in all facets of Parish life at St. Patrick. Participation at the Sunday Eucharist should be central in every family’s life. It is through this participation that children come to see Jesus alive in the world today.

Special parent meetings are required for students receiving the Sacraments of Confirmation, Penance, and Holy Eucharist.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are a privilege given to students. They are school-sponsored and shall be of educational value. All field trips are to be approved by the principal. Before the principal approves a field trip, it must be shown that the destination holds cultural, spiritual, or educational significance. Adequate supervision must be provided, which, in the case of elementary schools, may not be less than one adult for every ten children. Whenever possible, school buses should be the preferred mode of transportation for field trips. If private cars are used, drivers must complete all requirements for school volunteers (completion of an application, criminal background check, and attendance at a Diocesan-sponsored “Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment” class.) In addition, the driver must submit to the school verification of car and personal accident insurance. The number of students traveling in the car shall not exceed the number of available seat belts.

PROCEDURES FOR FIELD TRIPS:
The following procedures will be followed by all people assisting in driving students to and from designated areas of a field trip:
The teacher will be the person in charge of the field trip.
The teacher will assign the students to specific vehicles.
Students will remain in their assigned vehicles.
Drivers will be responsible for their assigned students.
Drivers will take students to the location specified by the teacher ONLY. There will be no “side trips” to convenience stores, restaurants, etc., unless permission is obtained.
Drivers will follow all directions given by the teacher in charge.
Students are required to wear safety belts at all times while in the driver’s vehicle.
Infractions of the rules and regulations set by the teacher may become the basis for disciplinary procedures, including, but not limited to, excluding students from field trips and other school related extracurricular activities.

Field trips scheduled for a particular class are for the children enrolled in that particular class only. Siblings enrolled at St. Patrick School other than the child for whom the field trip is scheduled to attend will not be allowed to participate.

FINANCES
All payments are due to the school on a timely basis.
Tuition is due on the first day of each month.
If the tuition payment is not received by the 10th of the month, the parent will be charged a $25.00 administrative fee for that delinquent payment and will be subject to additional administrative fees each month that the payment is not received by the 10th of the month.
If parents choose not to pay the administrative fee, the school reserves the right to withhold educational records until such time that the administrative fee is paid.
In the event that the tuition payment becomes delinquent by a period of 30 days, the child(ren)’s enrollment at St. Patrick School shall be subject to termination.
No services will be issued on credit, other than Extended Day.
After two returned checks the account will be put on a “cash only” basis for the remainder of the school year. If a check is returned, a $25 fee will be charged.
All official transcripts, diplomas, awards, and report cards will be withheld until accounts are paid in full.
Payments to the school include:
Tuition
Registration fees
Extended Day
Cafeteria
PTO Commitment
Any other miscellaneous items owed to the school.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
A “grievance” is a complaint based on any alleged violation or inequitable application of policy or a dispute over the meaning or interpretation of the terms of a contract at the local or diocesan level. The primary purpose of this procedure is to secure, at the lowest possible administrative level, equitable solutions to problems that may arise from time to time. This grievance procedure is intended to resolve grievances in a cooperative, Christian atmosphere. Nothing herein contained shall be construed as limiting the right of any person having a grievance to discuss the matter informally with an appropriate member of the administration. No person shall be discriminated against because of filing or participating in the grievance procedure.
Before allowing differences to become formalized into grievances, every effort should be made to resolve local-level disputes by way of a free and open discussion between the complainant and the immediate authority. If not settled to the complainant’s satisfaction, the complainant shall present the grievance in accordance with the formal grievance procedure outlined in the Department of Schools Handbook. This process requires that the grievance be presented in writing to the principal of the school within five working days following the event on which the grievance is based. If a timely response to a grievance is not obtained from the principal the grievant may proceed to the level of the School Advisory Council. Appeals are made to the pastor only if the school does not have a local Advisory Council.
A complete copy of the grievance procedure is available from the school.

GUARDIANSHIP OF CHILDREN
If there is a ruling concerning custodial rights of a parent the principal must be informed. Copies of divorce papers may be required if there are custodial issues.

HEALTH COORDINATOR
The Health Coordinator is responsible for the maintenance of all health records, routine health checks, parental contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries, and assistance in health teaching and screening. Please be sure to contact the office if your child has any unusual health problems. Call the office if your child is absent due to a communicable disease so that precautions may be taken to protect other children.

HEALTH POLICIES
See Diocese of Corpus Christi Health Policies

HOMEWORK
Homework is am important extension of the learning that takes place during the school day. It provides practice and drill to reinforce classroom learning, independent study, research, and creative thinking. Parents can assist their children by providing a break between the school day and homework time, and by establishing a quiet, comfortable place for students to work. Teachers will communicate with parents concerning homework assignments, rules, and standards.

HONOR ROLL
The All-A and A-B Honor Rolls provide special recognition for academic achievement and good conduct. They are based on the total grade average in each subject for the grading period.

ILLNESS, INJURY
In case of illness or injury while at school the school health coordinator or a member of the school staff will care for the child temporarily. School personnel will render only first aid treatment. If medical treatment is deemed necessary the parents/guardians will be contacted. If parents/guardians are not available the student will be transported to the hospital. Parents should ensure that emergency contact numbers are kept current.

LEAVING CAMPUS
Students are not allowed to leave the campus during the school day without the knowledge and consent of school personnel. Permission to leave school grounds will only be granted upon written request from the student’s parent/guardian. The student will be paged to and released from the school office.

LIBRARY
The chief purposes of library instruction in the elementary school are:
To develop a permanent interest in books and reading.
To develop good attitudes, skills and abilities in using the library for work and for leisure.
To develop the habit of using the library for the solution of problems, finding information and to broaden experiences.

What Students and Parents Can Expect from the School Library:
A safe and orderly environment.
Development of a pattern of success in all students.
Instruction in basic virtues and responsibility
Instruction in the utilization of effective methods to obtain and use information
Student Use:
Students may check out two books at a time using the automated circulation system.  Each student will be issued a patron barcode ID number folder for this purpose.
Late materials do not incur fines, however students will not be allowed to check out any item once a previously checked-out item is over-due.  The student can resume regular privileges when said material has been returned or has been paid for at replacement cost.
Once lost material has been paid for and subsequently found, the student can return the book for 80% of replacement cost.

MEDICATION
See Medication policy with Diocese of Corpus Christi Health policies

MUSIC
All students will have at least one 30-45 minute music class per week. The music program provides opportunities for students to develop music skills along with an understanding and enjoyment of music. The basic elements of music will be presented to students as they experience singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, and music theory.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS
The law holds that parents do not cease to be parents when they no longer have legal custody of their children. St. Patrick School must abide by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a Court Order to the contrary, a school, upon written request to that effect, will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school-related information regarding their child(ren). If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given to the non-custodial parent, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with a certified copy of the Court Order.

NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY
The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Corpus Christi exist in order to help the Church accomplish her mission of developing committed Catholics. Catholic schools must be loving, Christian communities, witnessing the presence and reality of the risen Lord to and for the culture in which they exist.. The Catholic schools exist primarily for Catholic students of any sex, race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin, and, secondarily, for students of other denominations of any sex, race, color, nationality, or ethnic origin who choose the Catholic schools.Catholic schools pursue cultural goals and the natural development of youth. In addition, the schools aim to help students in such a way that the development of their personalities will be matched by the growth of baptism.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
Conferences may be scheduled by the parent or the teacher at any time during the year.
Formal conferences for parents to meet with teachers will be scheduled following the first and third quarters of the school year. The report card will be distributed at the conference.
The purposes of the conferences are threefold:
For the parent to become acquainted with the child’s teacher
For the parent to become familiar with the school and its curriculum
For the teacher and the parent to discuss the child’s strengths and weaknesses.
Parents are encouraged to call teachers whenever they feel additional conferences are necessary. Visiting the classroom should be arranged in advance with the teacher and the principal. Conferences are to be held after school hours or during the teacher’s planning period.

PARENT/TEACHER ORIENTATION
At least one parent in each family is required to attend the parent orientation which is held within the first two weeks of school. The meeting is held in the child’s classroom, and its purpose is to acquaint the parent with the teacher’s classroom expectations, both educationally and in the area of discipline

PARTIES
Classroom parties will take place for Christmas and Valentine’s Day.
Birthdays may be celebrated at snack time or the end of the school day if parents wish to bring a treat for the class.
Invitations to out-of-school parties will be allowed only if there is an invitation for every child or all boys/girls in the class.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical education is an important element of the educational experience at St. Patrick School. The development and maintenance of a healthy body is essential for physical well-being and good mental health. We attempt to create an atmosphere for the development of leadership, sportsmanship, and congeniality through our physical education program. Physical education classes are provided every day for students in K-4 through 3 and forty-five minutes three times a week for grades 4 through 6. Students will not be excused from PE class for more than one day without a note from a physician.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION
Upon delegation by the Superintendent of Schools, principals shall be responsible for and shall have the authority to place a student in a program commensurate with the student’s performance in accordance with existing curriculum statutes and policies.
A school may not grant social promotions. Students may be promoted only on the basis of academic achievement.
No pupil should, generally, be permitted to remain in the same grade for more than two (2) years, nor should a pupil be retained, generally, more than once in the elementary school.
Accelerated programs should be encouraged rather than advanced promotions. In special cases in which a child is advanced, it is required that all parent consultations and student evaluations be documented and kept on file. Social maturity should be an important factor in making the decision to advance a student, and not only intellectual achievement.
To be promoted from one grade level to the next, a student shall attain for the year an overall average of 70 or above, which is derived by averaging the final numerical grade for language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. In addition, a student shall attain an average of 70 or above in language arts and in mathematics.

RECESS/BREAKS
A ten-fifteen minute supervised recess/break is scheduled by each teacher daily.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued quarterly. The report card serves as a medium for the teachers to provide to the parents, in precise and well defined terms, an evaluation of the child’s development in the scholastic subjects and in the primary elements of attitude and behavior. Parent/Teacher conferences will be held following the first and third grading periods. Parents must conference with the teacher to receive the report cards for these grading periods. Progress reports are issued following the fourth week of each grading period. Please review these documents carefully and contact the student’s teacher for more information.

RETURNED CHECKS
A $25.00 fee will be charged if a check is returned for non-sufficient funds or any other reason. In the event that 2 returned checks are received from a particular family, that family will be required to pay all school related payments in cash or through the use of money orders or cashier’s checks.

SAFETY PATROL
Students in grades 4-6 are eligible to serve on the Safety Patrol.

SCHEDULE
Office hours: 7:30am to 3:30pm
School hours: 8:00am to 3:15pm
Students must not be left alone on school grounds before 7:30am

Daily schedule:
7:50am First bell
8:00am Tardy bell, classes begin
11:00am Lunch – K-3, K-4, K-5
11:35am Lunch – Grades 1, 2, & 3
12:10pm Lunch – Grades 4, 5, 6
3:15pm Dismissal

Mass Schedule
School Masses will be on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8am. Parents are welcome.

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS
School Advisory Council meetings are held monthly. Dates of meetings will be announced in the Monday note. These are open meetings and parents/guardians are welcome to attend. Each meeting includes a time for public participation, however if an individual wishes to be placed on the agenda he/she should contact the president at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

SCHOOL DIRECTORIES
The distribution of school directories is prohibited by the Diocese of Catholic Schools Office other than to administrators, faculty and staff members who need such information. Parent groups authorized by the school may be given copies of the directories only for use in school-related activities. The information in the directories is confidential and not for circulation.

SCHOOL LUNCH
Students may bring a sack lunch or purchase lunch from the school. Students will not be allowed to leave campus to eat lunch. Parents who want to bring a special lunch to their child may do so during his/her lunch period. Parents may leave lunch for their child in the School Office, but the child is responsible for picking it up. If a parent wishes to take a lunch to the cafeteria and/or eat lunch with the child he/she must check in through the school office and receive the appropriate nametag.

SCHOOL PHONE
Calls for students during school hours are received in the school office and messages are delivered. Students will be called to the phone or may use the phone to call home only in case of emergency. Students will not be permitted to call home for items they have forgotten, such as homework, supplies, etc.

SMOKING
Smoking is never allowed on parish or school property.

SPREADING OF ILLNESS
In order to prevent the spreading of illnesses, children with diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, a rash, pink eye, and/or fever are not allowed to attend school. If a child develops these symptoms during the school day, parents will be contacted and expected to pick up their child promptly.

STANDARDIZED TESTING
Students in grades one through eight will take the Metropolitan Achievement Test, 8th edition during the fall semester. Other standardized measures may be administered at other times during the year.

STUDENT-ON-STUDENT HARASSMENT
In accordance with Catholic Church teaching regarding the dignity of each individual, and in promotion of the values of modesty and chastity, Diocese of Corpus Christi Schools expressly prohibit sexual harassment between students. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Catholic schools will act to prevent and curtail incidents of student-on student sexual harassment by:
1. Classroom education in dignity, respect, modesty, esteem, communications, healthy relationships, and related topics in grades K-12;
2. Orientation of all teaching staff to recognition and reporting of student-on-student sexual harassment;
3. Effective consequences for offenders.
Sexual harassment is a serious offense, which in all cases warrants immediate disciplinary action. Students determined by the administrator of a school to be in violation of this policy are subject to immediate disciplinary actions, which may include suspension or expulsion, at the discretion of the administrator.

TARDIES
The tardy bell rings at 8am. Any student who enters the classroom after the bell will be recorded as tardy. Any child who is tardy more than 4 times in one grading period (approximately 9 weeks) will be fined $10 per additional tardy. (Example – a child who is tardy 6 times during the first quarter of the school year will be fined $20.) These fines will be added to the families’ school account and failure to pay will result in the usual penalties (holding report cards, not releasing records, etc.)

Five tardies accumulated during one academic year will be counted as an absence and the student will be ineligible for perfect attendance.

TEXTBOOKS
All textbooks must be covered at all times. Students having damaged or lost textbooks will be billed for replacement costs.

VALUABLES
Students are not allowed to bring valuable items to school. St. Patrick School will not be responsible for valuables that are brought to school.

VISITORS
For the safety of St. Patrick School students, all visitors to the school must enter through the main entrance, check in through the school office, and wear an official nametag.

VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers at St. Patrick School will be required to fill out an application, submit to a criminal background check, and attend a bi-annual “Creating and Maintaining a Safe Environment” class offered by certified personnel of the Diocese.

WEB SITE
St. Patrick School has a web site located at http://stpatrickschoolcc.org. Pictures of the school children are posted on the site, usually in a group. The children are never be identified by name. Students’ pictures may be included on the web site unless we receive written communication from the parent/guardian requesting that the child’s picture not be used.

The principal reserves the right to revise or amend the above policies at any time. Parents/Guardians will be notified of any changes.