SAINTS PETER & PAUL SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

The SS. Peter and Paul School family, past and present, serves students from Pre-K through grade 8.

S Strengthens Catholic teaching through prayer and community service

S Supports students’ academic, spiritual and emotional needs

P Promotes a safe and positive learning environment to an increasingly diverse population

P Provides opportunities for family involvement in children’s academic and social life

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to SS. Peter and Paul school year 2008/2009. We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable summer and are ready to come back and work together.

I will be ringing the morning bell at 8:45 a.m., therefore all non-bussed children need to be in the school yard by then. Teachers will be on duty by 8:30 am. Dismissal will not begin until 3:05 pm. and starts with the lower grade.

The enclosed booklet is the set of guidelines that we will be following throughout the year. They are issued so that every child has an opportunity to learn in a safe and loving environment. Some incidents may occur which are not covered in the handbook; the principal will then make a decision. Please be sure to carefully read over the uniform requirements, we always seem to have a few misunderstandings. Please contact the office about any possible questions.

Parents and students are required to read and sign the last page of this handbook.

May God bless you and guide us to another successful school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Curry

Principal

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL SCHOOL

PARENT AND STUDENT HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SS. Peter and Paul School Mission

Principal’s Letter

School Faculty and Staff

Important Phone Numbers

Saints Peter and Paul School Philosophy

Parents Role in Education

Parents as Partners

School Calendar

GENERAL GUIDELINES

TOPIC PAGE

ABSENCES…………………………………………………………………… 1

ACADEMIC INFORMATION………………………………………………. 1

ACCREDITATION…………………………………………………………… 2

ADMISSION POLICY………………………………………………………. 2

ASSIGNMENTS…………………………………………………………….. 3

ATTENDANCE………………………………………………………………. 3

AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS………………………………………………. 3

BACKPACKS………………………………………………………………… 3

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM…………………………………. 3

BIRTHDAYS…………………………………………………………………. 3

BOOKS………………………………………………………………………. 4

BULLYING…………………………………………………………………… 4

BUS CONDUCT……………………………………………………………. 4

CALDEDAR………………………………………………………………….. 4

CAR RIDERS IN THE MORNING………………………………………… 4

CELL PHONES……………………………………………………………… 4

CONFERENCES……………………………………………………………. 4

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDANCE…………………………………. 4

CONTRACTS……………………………………………………………….. 4

COUNSELING………………………………………………………………. 5

CRISIS PLAN……………………………………………………………….. 5

CUSTODY…………………………………………………………………… 5

DAILY ROUTINE……………………………………………………………. 5

DETENTION………………………………………………………………… 5

DETENTION ABUSE……………………………………………………….. 5

DETENTION PENALTY……………………………………………………. 5

DISCIPLINE………………………………………………………………….. 6

DISMISSAL……………………………………………………………………..7

EARLY DISMISSAL………………………………………………………….. 7

ELECTRONIC DEVICES…………………………………………………... 7

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS………………………………………………… 7

EMERGENCY AND FIRE DRILLS………………………………………... 7

EXCUSED ABSENCES……………………………………………………. 7

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES………………………………………. 7

FIELD TRIPS………………………………………………………………… 8

FINANCIAL OBLIGATION……………………………………………………8

GIFTS………………………………………………………………………… 8

GUM CHEWING…………………………………………………………….. 8

GYM CLASS AND UNIFORMS…………………………………………… 8

HALLWAYS…………………………………………………………………… 8

HARASSMENT………………………………………………………………. 8

HAZING………………………………………………………………………. 9

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION……………………………………….. 9

HOMEWORK………………………………………………………………… 10

HONOR ROLL………………………………………………………………. 10

INFORMATION………………………………………………………………. 10

IN-SERVICES……………………………………………………………….. 10

INSURANCES………………………………………………………………. 10

INVITATIONS………………………………………………………………… 10

KITCHEN…………………………………………………………………….. 10

LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL………………………………………………… 10

LIBRARY…………………………………………………………………….. 11

LUNCH……………………………………………………………………….. 11

LUNCH PERIOD SAFETY RULES………………………………………… 11

NURSE AND HEALTH AIDE……………………………………………….. 11

PERFECT ATTENDANCE………………………………………………….. 11

PHONE……………………………………………………………………….. 12

PROGRESS REPORTS……………………………………………………. 12

PROTOCOL AND PROCEDURES……………………………………….. 12

RECESS………………………………………………………………………. 12

RECORDS…………………………………………………………………….. 12

REPORT CARDS…………………………………………………………….. 12

RESPECT FOR TEACHERS……………………………………………….. 12

SAFETY………………………………………………………………………... 12

SCHOOL BOARD…………………………………………………………….. 13

SPORTS PROGRAM…………………………………………………………13

STANDARDIZED TEST………………………………………………………13

STUDENT RECORDS………………………………………………………..13

STUDENT SERVICE………………………………………………………….13

TARDY…………………………………………………………………………. 13

TECHNOLOGY/INTERNET…………………………………………………14

TESTING……………………………………………………………………… 14

TUITION……………………………………………………………………… 14

UNIFORM REGULATIONS………………………………………………… 14

UNIFORM REGULATIONS CONT…………………………………………15

UNIFORM REGULATIONS CONT…………………………………………16

VIOLENCE…………………………………………………………………….. 16

GENERAL GUIDELINES

ABSENCES: When a student is absent from school, a parent should call the office by 10:00 am. each day of absence. If the office does not receive a call, students will be marked as an unexcused absence. This policy is for the protection of our students. A written note giving a reason for the absence must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return. Parents are requested to consult with the principal and present a written reason for any absence that seems imperative other than illness. The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times. Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility. Students who are absent due to illness have one day to make up missed assignments, quizzes or tests, unless special arrangements have been made with the subject teacher. Teachers are not required to give make up tests or assignments for absences due to vacations. No assignment will be given in anticipation of the vacation. Arrangements for regular classroom tests missed because of an absence are made with the individual teachers. These tests must be taken within one week of the original test date. Excessive absences (18) days, or the equivalent including tardiness can be cause for a student to be retained in their current grade for another year. Any child who leaves school before 10:00 will be marked absent. A responsible person must sign out any student, who leaves the building. Three early withdrawals are considered a half-day absence.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

Curriculum

The Diocesan curriculum guidelines, consistent with the State of Connecticut guidelines, are followed for the teaching of all secular subject areas.

S.S. Peter and Paul School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects:

Religion

Catholic doctrine and tradition, Bible study, Social Justice, Stewardship, preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, and Eucharist.

Liturgical services are held for special observances for the entire school community. Students may attend the Saturday evening parish Mass on a rotating basis.

Language Arts

Reading, English, Spelling, Vocabulary, Composition, Library Skills, and Appreciation of Literature.

Mathematics

Mathematics Skills, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I.

Students in Grade 8 Algebra will be asked to take the Algebra Competency Placement Test in June for the area high schools.

Physical Education

Physical fitness programs are appropriate for each grade.

Spanish

Vocabulary, common expressions, grammar, conversation, and culture.

Social Studies

History, Geography, Connecticut History, and Current Events.

Science

General Sciences and Laboratory Experiences.

Handwriting

Students in Grades 3 through 8 are expected to submit all handwritten work in cursive.

Fine Arts

Music, Visual Arts, Art, and Performing Arts.

Computer Literacy

Word Processing, Data Base, Spread Sheets, Web Design, Power Point and Integration with Curricular Subjects.

The marking code is that of the Archdiocese of Hartford, and is used by all Catholic Schools. All students must meet the academic standards of SS. Peter & Paul School. Homework & participation are part of some subject requirements. All assignments are expected to be completed when due. If all academic requirements are not met, a lowering of his/her grade average will reflect it.

Grades 1-3 VG – above average progress g – good

M – meets grade expectations I – improvement needed

Grades 4-8 A+ 100-98 A 97-94 A- 93-90

B+ 89-87 B 86-83 B- 82-80

C+ 79-77 C 76-73 C- 72-70

D 69-65 F Below 65

All non-numerical grades must be S

ACCREDITATION: SS. Peter and Paul School is accredited through the New England Assoc. of Schools and Colleges.

ADMISSION POLICY TO SS. PETER AND PAUL: Admission is never dependent on race, sex, national origin, age (in accordance with the law) or reasonable disability where accommodations can be made to meet the needs of the disabled. The school will strive to meet the needs of each child, however, due to staff, financial and program limits, we may not be able to accommodate those with special needs. Preference for admission is given to SS. Peter & Paul parishioners, then to Catholics outside the parish, and lastly to non-Catholics. Parents and or caretakers are responsible to sign a financial contract and meet the requirements of that contract.

Children entering Pre K 3 must be 3 years of age by Dec. 31^st

Children entering Pre K 4 must be 4 years of age by Dec. 31^st

Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years of age by Dec. 31^st

Students will be conditionally accepted into Kindergarten with full acceptance contingent on displayed readiness and the Kindergarten screening test.

At the time of registration, all new students seeking admission for grades 1-8 to SS. Peter & Paul are evaluated on the basis of current standardized test scores and report cards. These will be reviewed to determine whether the program at SS. Peter & Paul School will meet the needs of the student. An interview with the parent and possibly the student is part of the admission process. Testing in some academic areas may be held for new incoming students. All students will be given a trial period in which to prove himself/herself, both socially & academically. If during the trial period there are any problems, a student may be asked to withdraw his/her attendance at SS. Peter & Paul School. Non-Catholics whose guardians accept the philosophy of SS. Peter & Paul School, will be accepted on a space available basis.

Tuition for grades K-8

$2938 parishioners

$3198 non-parishioners

$1400 Pre-K 3

$1900 Pre-K 4 (3 day)

$ 2250 Pre-K 4 (5 day)

The above does not include fees, which vary for different classes. Also, dues for Home and School are an obligation.

ASSIGNMENTS: Children should do all math assignments in pencil. All other assignments in Grades 3 – 8 should be written (not printed) in blue or black ink. Odd colored ink is not acceptable for any assignment without teacher permission. No ragged-edged paper should be turned in for an assignment. All students in Grades 3 – 8 will be issued an assignment book. Books should be checked and signed by a parent every Friday.

ATTENDANCE: Placement at Saints Peter and Paul School is on a year-to-year basis. Automatic retention of a seat is not guaranteed.

AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS: No child is allowed to touch any AV equipment unless permission from a staff member has been given. If a parent needs to use the equipment for any reason, permission must be obtained from the School Office.

BACKPACKS: Safety and good health are vital concerns. Children do get homework and the older they get the more they have to do. If possible try to get a back pack that rolls, so children do not hurt their backs carrying books.

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM All information for this program is available through the School Office (755-0881). Please ask for Eileen Trainor, the Program Director. This program was initiated in order to meet the needs of the school family. Children are held accountable for all rules and regulations that have been established. Any infraction may result in dismissal from the program – or from the school.

Any child not picked up from school by 3:15 pm will be sent to the After School program. The parent will be responsible for a registration fee and the regular fee incurred for the day. The After School Phone # is

753-3704

BIRTHDAYS: Children may bring cookies, cupcakes, etc. to school for their whole class to celebrate this special day. Parents must check with the teacher to be assured that there are no children allergic to any ingredients in these snacks. The principal will allow a specified day where the children celebrating a birthday that month may have a free dress day (following the guidelines set down in this handbook). Please reference your monthly calendar for the date for dress down day for birthday’s that month.

BOOKS: Students will be issued all the necessary textbooks. Names must be neatly printed on their books. Children should have a book bag to take books to/from school. Books must be covered at all times. No schoolbooks may be written in or defaced. This is considered a serious infraction of school policy. Detention or suspension will result. In addition, if a student loses or damages a book, he/she will be responsible for replacing the book.

BULLYING: No student will be allowed to harass or ostracize another child. This goes against the mission and philosophy of our Catholic school. Any child who bullies another student will receive a detention, suspension and/or expulsion from Saints Peter and Paul School. Disciplinary action will be applied at the discretion of the school administration.

BUS CONDUCT: Students must act in a proper manner to ensure safety for all. If a student violates bus policy, the following action will be taken:

· 1^st offense A detention will be issued

· 2^nd offense Loss of bus privileges for one week

· 3^rd offense Permanent loss of bus privileges

If a major infraction occurs on the bus, the school administration may decide to suspend or exclude the student.

CALENDAR: A copy of the 2007-2008 School calendar is published in the front of this handbook. You will be notified of any changes that will be made. In the event of inclement weather or emergency school closings, please listen to WATR – 1320 AM on your radio. Weather cancellations and late openings will follow the Waterbury Public School’s procedures. Dismissal due to snow is at 12:30 p.m. Any changes in routine will be posted on the school website.

CAR RIDERS IN THE MORNING: Children should gather in the gym parking lot no earlier than 8:30 am. Parents may park in the lot between the convent and Church and walk down the ramp. The other option is to park on Beecher Ave., but please, do not park in front of the school.

CELL PHONES: The school realizes that extreme cases exist, and for safety it may be necessary for children to have a cell phone. If this is the case, special permission must be given and on record with the principal, otherwise, no child should have a cell phone. All cell phones must be kept off during school hours.

CONFERENCES: Parents will be asked to come to school in order to discuss their child’s academic and social progress after the first semester. The classroom teacher will set up a schedule and the parents will be able to pick up their child’s report card at this time. Progress reports are issued quarterly. If a parent requests a conference (other than at report card time), a dated note should be sent to the teacher. The teacher should respond within 48-hours. The parent requesting the conference should come to the school and report to the school office. The parent should NOT go to the teacher’s classroom without permission from the office. Any parent wanting a conference with the Principal should call or write the school secretary who will set up the time. When scheduling an appointment, parents should tell the secretary the reason for the conference.

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDANCE: If anything personal is being sent to school, please seal it in an envelope. Clearly mark the person’s name to receive it along with the word “Confidential”. Confidentiality will not be kept if there is a possibility of harm or if there is a safety issue.

CONTRACTS: No child will be permitted to attend Saints Peter and Paul School unless tuition contract and handbook agreement forms have been signed.

COUNSELING: The school may employ a life skills counselor through a grant. At times the Rainbow program is run and the city sends a school psychologist. Counselors may see a student for up to three times without parental notification and consent. After the third visit, parents will receive notification. If serious concerns exist, parents will be promptly notified.

CRISIS PLAN: The school has developed a crisis plan in case of an emergency. Parents should tune into WATR, channel 8, WTNH news or go to our website at www.ssppwtby.com, where information will be given. “Safe Places” are Memorial Hall, WARC on East main St, and Chase School on Woodtick Rd. If we need to evacuate, the above are preordained locations, and depending on the source of the emergency, one of these would be used.

CUSTODY: The school abides 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, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to school records and other school information regarding his/her child.

DAILY ROUTINE: Children are not permitted to arrive at school until 8:30 A.M. At 8:30 A.M., a teacher will be on duty in the gym yard. At 8:45 A.M., the first bell will ring and the children will get in line. Children will enter the building in a calm, orderly fashion. Children will have a ½ hour lunch/recess break and then return for afternoon classes. Dismissal will be at 3:05 P.M. (except kindergarten). Walkers leave through the front, bus riders exit by the gym and car riders are dismissed through the front and side gym doors. Parents must get out of their cars and meet their children so the teacher on duty can see that they are going to an adult. Children who are not picked up will be sent to After School, whereby the parent will be responsible for a fee. These are the only supervised procedures and the school cannot be responsible for those who do not follow them. Please stress this with your child (ren). Any deviation from the child’s normal dismissal routine requires a note to be sent to the school with the change.

DETENTION: Any child receiving a detention must have it signed and returned the next school day. Two types of detention are given:

· Academic – for missed or neglected education assignments

· Behavioral – for any infraction of the discipline code set down or any unacceptable behavior

Detention will be held on Wednesday after school and is over at 3:45 pm. Parents must be prompt in picking up their child. Parents who are late must pick their child up at the After School, in the Annex. A fee will be charged. If someone other than a parent will be picking up a child, a note should be sent into school ahead of time. The principal may give a Saturday detention when the situation is warranted. The principal will contact the parent if this occurs.

DETENTION ABUSE: If a child receives multiple (three or four) behavioral or academic detentions within a set timeframe, the needs of the child and the school are not being met. If the administration feels that progress cannot be made, dismissal of the child from Saints Peter and Paul School will be the result.

DETENTION PENALTY: If a child receives a behavioral detention, that child will not be allowed to attend the very next extracurricular activity (i.e., sports, drama, dances, etc.). The individual teachers set down academic penalties given for detention. Chronic abusers will be addressed with penalties. Please know your child’s classroom policy.

DISCIPLINE: An important aim of discipline is Christian development. In this development, a goal is to teach the student Christ’s response to life’s situations. We bring before the students the virtues of love, justice, truth, forgiveness, obedience, and a deep concern for all life. With this in mind and a sincere concern for everyone’s welfare, we make an effort to protect the rights of all in our school. Discipline at Saints Peter and Paul School is to be considered as an aspect of guidance. The ultimate in discipline is “that which comes from within – self discipline”. The purpose of discipline is to provide a school atmosphere conducive to learning and to the building of the community. Parents will be contacted concerning any serious unsatisfactory conduct of their children. Cooperation between parents and teachers is vital for the school community. Most discipline is handled perfunctory by the school staff. If a serious problem occurs, the principal will be notified. The administration will meet with the child and the parent may be called in for a conference. The administration will make the decision as to what action the violation warrants. Certain offenses are more serious and may be cause for suspension and/or expulsion. Some of these include, but are not limited to the following:

· Truancy from school

· Provoking physical harm

· Intended physical harm

· Chronic disobedience or disrespect of authority

· Open defiance of a staff member’s authority

· Possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco on Parish grounds or when representing the school somewhere else

· Vandalism

· Chronic violation of any school rules

· Abusive or inappropriate language toward staff or other students

· Any misbehavior during fire or safety drills

· Failure to cover school books

· Defacing school property

· Failure to conform to school dress code regulations

· Any disrespect or behavior that does not conform to school policy when representing our school at various functions

· Any threatening behavior including language

· Any body piercing, tattoos or hair colors/styles that disrupt the learning process

· Any verbal disruptions of the classroom teacher during class time

· Anything to cause public embarrassment or taint the SSPP reputation

The administration will decide on the length of the punishment. All suspensions, as a rule, will be in-house suspensions. This means that the child will report to school but will not be allowed with his/her class. Work will be supplied and the child will be monitored. All missed work must be made up.

Items such as but not limited to, questionable books and pictures, knives, guns, matches, cigarettes, radios, cell phones (unregistered), laser lights, palm pilots, cd’s, ipods, or other mp3 players, or anything that might detract from a learning situation are not allowed in school at any time. The school administration, in accordance with state laws, will determine the appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken concerning the presence of these items in the school. Items taken away from students will be returned to the parent(s)/guardian(s) on or after the last day of the school year.

A SS. Peter and Paul student is a student at SS. Peter and Paul at all times. A student that engages in conduct, whether inside or outside of school, that is detrimental to the reputation of the school, may be disciplined by school officials. The administration reserves the right to make exceptions to existing rules and regulations. The principal is the final resource in all disciplinary situations and may waiver any discipline rule for just cause at her discretion.

DISMISSAL: Children are dismissed from school as walkers, bus riders and car riders.

Walkers- gather by the main door and are escorted out of the building by a staff member.

Bus riders -are called to the gym area and are seated according to bus number, attendance is taken.

Car Riders- are dismissed by both gym doors leading to the parking lot. No child will be allowed to

leave until an adult comes to one of the assigned teachers/staff.

*NOTE - All the car riders should go out the gym doors. Adults should not come into the building to get a child, there are too many people waiting by the office, which causes congestion and confusion. Please note-any child not picked up by 3:15 will be sent to After School program, and parents will be responsible for the registration fee and daily fee thus incurred.

EARLY DISMISSAL: When children need to leave school early, they will not qualify for perfect attendance. If a child is dismissed before 1:30 pm, they will be marked ½ day absent. Any child dismissed after 1:30 pm, but prior to the bell, will be marked ¼ day absent. Children will no longer be allowed to wait at the office for a ride. Parents must come in and sign the child out before he/she will be called out of class.

ELECTRONIC DEVICES: No child should have any device in school that will interfere with the learning process (i.e., headphones, hand-held games, etc.).

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS: Every child is required to have a registration form filled out with current emergency information. The office must have at least three sources other than parents who can assume responsibility for the child if something unexpected should occur. All information on those sheets should be altered immediately if a change occurs during the school year by sending a note to the secretary.

EMERGENCY AND FIRE DRILLS: The school will conduct a series of drills throughout the year. Any child who does not comply with the school’s procedures of order, quiet, etc during these drills will be liable for suspension or expulsion. We cannot tolerate any diversion due to the seriousness of the situation. Drill procedures for every class will be posted and reviewed by the teacher. Please question your child at home as a review of these procedures.

EXCUSED ABSENCES: All absences must be prefaced by a call to the office, otherwise the absence is marked as unexcused. Excused absences include, but are not limited to the following:

· Absences