School Handbook (redbook)

 

 

HOLY GHOST SCHOOL

 

 

Mission Statement

 

The mission of Holy Ghost Parish School is to transmit Catholic Christian truths and values as taught by Jesus. By focusing on the Word, we challenge our students to implement the gospel message, which reflects our Catholic identity and traditions. The ideal of mutual respect and service to others, together with a quality academic curriculum, prepares students for future academic endeavors and life experiences.

 

 

 

Philosophy

                       

Holy Ghost Parish School is a Catholic community dedicated to the educational mission of the Church, to teach as Jesus taught. The school promotes an atmosphere of love and respect where the message of Jesus is experienced through faith education, prayer, community worship, and service to others. It is organized to foster the growth and self-esteem of its members in a spirit of dedication, freedom, and love based on the Gospel message.

 

            Holy Ghost Parish School shares with the parents, the primary educators of their children, the educational mission of the Church to prepare students to meet the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and ethical challenges of living in a technological, cultural diverse and global society. This mission is accomplished by providing an environment in which all children are believed capable and are offered rich learning opportunities by incorporating the diverse needs of learners.

 

            Holy Ghost Parish School strives to help students develop meaningful relationships and demonstrate responsible leadership through worship and service, academics and extracurricular activities. Holy Ghost Parish School prepares students to embody their Catholic faith in all aspects of their lives.

 

 

 

Parental Role In Education

 

 

Christian parents cherish their role as the primary educators of their child. Theirs is a natural inalienable right that is inseparably joined to a strict obligation to educate their child.

At their child’s baptism parents accepted the responsibility to “be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith . . . and be the best of teachers, bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus, our Lord.” (Parental Blessing Baptismal Liturgy)

The parental role should be decidedly positive toward a Christian education and specifically include:

1.     Supporting the Parish and attending Mass each Sunday.

2.     Living the values taught in Catholic School.

3.     Helping the child relate the teachings of his faith to the experience of daily living.

4.     Maintaining a positive attitude toward Holy Ghost Parish and School, combined with a real interest in, and vigorous support of, all parish and school activities.

 

 

THE PURPOSE OF A CATHOLIC EDUCATION

MESSAGE WORSHIP COMMUNITY SERVICE

 

 

A Catholic school has a special mission that sets it apart from public schools and most other private schools. In addition to supporting a complete academic curriculum, a Catholic school is a faith community that integrates religious instructions, value formation and faith development into the academic education of the students.

John J. Convey

 

In light of this, Holy Ghost School develops:

Message by:

·       Proclaiming the Word at worship, reinforcing it in class and living it every day

·       Identifying a vision of God, the world and ourselves as found in the Scripture studies

·       Integrating religious truths and values with life

 

Worship by:

·       Celebrating liturgy and actively participating in the liturgical process by assisting students to learn from memory the common liturgical responses and hymns.

·       Preparing and celebrating the reception of sacraments, particularly Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation

 

Community by:

·       Living the Gospel message to “Love one another”

·       Seeking relationships in a climate of trust, cooperation, acceptance and mutual respect

·       Working effectively within the Holy Ghost Parish community to develop the concept of the social nature of human persons

 

Service by:

·       Focusing on the human dignity of every man, woman and child

·       Providing opportunities for all students and their families to help the poor and needy

·      Learning to take measures to protect and preserve the environment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HOLY GHOST SCHOOL STAFF

 

 

Principal…………………………………………………..    Mrs. Diana Mendez

Early Childhood and Assistant Principal………………….  Mrs. Linda Diaz

Early Childhood and Primary Aide…...…………………..   Mrs. Penny Kadlec

Early Childhood and Primary Aide……………………….   Mrs. Jennifer Skiston

Kindergarten………………………………………………   Mrs. Mary Beth Morrissey

Kindergarten and Primary Aide………..…………………   

Grade 1……………………………………………………   Mrs. Anne Irwin

Grade 2……………………………………………………   Mrs. Barb Stehlik

Grade 3……………………………………………………   Miss Angela Pantano

Grade 4……………………………………………………   Mrs. Elizabeth Tomasik

Grade 5……………………………………………………   Miss Jennifer Balgemann

Grade 6……………………………………………………   Mrs. Sara Lasica

Grade 7……………………………………………………   Ms. Kathleen Doherty

Grade 8……………………………………………………   Mr. Mark Trapp

Physical Education……………………………………….    Mrs. Kathy Kennedy

Media Art…………………………………………………   Ms. Mary Prena Spanish……………………………………………………   Mrs. Norma Santa Maria

Piano………………………………………………………   Mrs. Debbie Fiore (Coconate)

Band - Music Educators…………………………………..   Mr. Andrew Szymanski

Librarian…………………………………………………..    Mrs. Debbie Fillip

Technology Coordinator………………………………….    Mrs. Debbie Fillip

School Secretary………………………………………….    Mrs. Darlette Mathisen

School Office Assistant…………………………………..    Mrs. Linda Lucania

Hot Lunch Director……….………………………………   Mrs. Darlene Garza

Reading Resource Teacher……………………………….     Ms. Anita Fischer

Social Worker…………………………………………….     Mrs. Michelle Amore

Management of Health Records…………………………. Mrs. Patty Jalowiec, R.N.

School Maintenance……………………………………. Mr. Alex Aguilar                                

 

 

PARISH STAFF

 

 

Pastor………………………………………………………  Reverend Kevin Farrell

Weekend Assistant.......……………………………………. Reverend Bill Mayer

Deacon……………………………………………………..  Reverend Mr. Dino Franch

Director of Faith Formation….……………………………  Mrs. Sheri Abel

Parish Liturgist…………………………………………….. Mrs. Marlene Janetka

Business Manager………………………………………….  Mr. Rich Kaffka

Parish Office Manager ……………………………………  Mrs. Theresa Bero

Parish Secretary……………………………………………  Ms. Cathy Mudd

Faith Formation Office Secretary….………………………  Mrs. Joanne Ostrega

 

 


HOLY GHOST SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONS

 

 

Holy Ghost School Board

The School Board consists of 7 voting members, and 2 ex-officio members: the Pastor and the Principal. Terms last 3 years, with new members elected in the spring of the year.

The Board meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7:00 P.M. in the Koinonia Room. All meetings of the Board are open to the Parish. School parents are especially invited to attend.

 

School Board Members       President:                  Jennifer Anaya                        595-0925

                                                Vice President:         Andrea Trovato                      350-2530

                                                Secretary:                  Mary Ziaja                              595-9257

                                                Education Officer:    Josephine Dellaria                   766-5328

                                                Financial Officer:    John Jablonski                        595-7459               

                                                Facilities Officer:     James Wheeler            860-1963

                                                Director of PSA:       Susan Jablonski                       595-7459

 

Holy Ghost School Parent Support Association (PSA)

Holy Ghost School Parent Support Association meets on the second Tuesday of September and afterwards on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the Eighth Grade Room.

 

The Parents Support Association encourages all parents to support their children by serving on committees which sponsor a variety of activities throughout the school year. You may enjoy helping out at school or you may prefer to do a project from your home. YOU are a part of Holy Ghost's Parent Support Association. Following is a list of the committees the PSA supports throughout the year. If you have any questions about any of them, please feel free to contact the chairperson.

 

PSA Board                            

 

                        Director:                                Susan Jablonski                       595-7459

Assistant Director:               Patty Jalowiec                        694-1491                                            

Secretary:                              Dana Vaca                               238-0063

Treasurer:                             Joann Wheeler                         860-1963

Fundraising:                         Mary Jane Hill                                    860-9310

                                                                        Natalie Krygier                       833-6569

 

PSA Committees:

Fundraising Committee

Chairpersons:                         Mary Jane Hill                                    860-9310

                                                                        Natalie Krygier                       833-6569

Plans and organizes all fundraisers for the school.

 

Catholic Schools Week

Chairperson:                           Terri Focht                              766-4787

 

Food Committee

Chairperson:                           Jennifer Anaya                        595-0923

Organizes/staffs monthly donut Sunday and special lunches for the children and staff.

Library/Resource Committee

                       Chairperson:                         Pam Symeonides                 993-1119

Organizes the book fairs, the accelerated reader program and the birthday book tree.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities Committee –

Sidewalk Art

Chairperson:                                    Joe Minard                                     616-1613                    

Plans, organizes and coordinates sidewalk art.

                       

Market Day

Market Day is a school sponsored fundraising activity to raise funds for school improvements. Volunteers are needed one Saturday morning each month to distribute meats and groceries for Market Day customers.

           Chairperson:                       Bridget Fallon                                  833-6650

                                                                 

$CRIP Program:

To assist families with tuition costs, HGS offers the $CRIP Gift Certificate Program. As a school, we are able to purchase gift certificates at a discount and in turn sell these certificates at face value, thus generating income for the school. The rebates vary from 2% to 16% of the certificate value. From the certificates that you purchase, 75% of the rebate amount will be applied to your tuition. The remaining 25% will be used for general school funds. $CRIP is sold Wednesday and Friday from 8:15-9:00 in the middle module between the school office and gym and Tuesday from 2:30-3:00 in the gym. It is also sold after all the weekend masses.

Chairpersons:                Ana Mencini                                       773-6335

                                                                  Christine Simonides                            832-3861

 

Other Income Sources:

*Target guest card rebate                                            *goodsearch.com

*Soup labels and box tops                                          *Cellular phone and computer toner donations

*Shop.Com//schoolpop.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holy Ghost Athletic Association

Holy Ghost School provides an extracurricular athletic program which strives to foster Christian attitudes and sportsmanship in learning and competitive situations. Our association offers programs in Basketball and Volleyball for students in Grades 5 through 8. The athletic program is organized and financially supported by the Athletic Association which is responsible to the school administrator. All board members, coaches and coordinators are volunteers. Without their generous help, extracurricular sports would not be available to our students. All boys’ and girls’ programs are treated equally. Coaches emphasize teaching skills, rules of the game, teamwork and sports etiquette.

 

Approximately 75% of eligible students are involved in one or more sports. All students who maintain their grades and follow team rules have ample opportunity to play, regardless of their athletic ability.

                        Athletic Director:                 Sonia Tucci                 422-3078        

Teacher Aides

Volunteers assist teachers by working with students, one on one, or in small groups with tutoring or enrichment in basic subjects such as reading or math.

Diana S. Mendez, Principal                                    766-4508

 

 

Library/Learning Center Aides

Volunteers assist with computer instruction, story time and various library duties.

                       Debbie Fillip, Librarian                                               766-4508

 

Free Uniform Exchange

Exchange of children’s gently used uniforms.

            School Office                                                              766-4508

 

Marketing Committee

The Marketing Committee was established to help promote Holy Ghost School. The committee works with public events, publicity, and our Web page.

                        Chairperson needed—Call Diana Mendez at the School Office         766-4508

 

 

 

 

All Volunteers who have any contact with the school children will need to have a complete background check on file with the school and attend the required workshop.

 

For more information about this program see Protecting God’s Children on page 40 of this handbook.

 
 


All Volunteers who have any contact with the school children will need to have a complete

with the school.

 

For more information about this program see Protecting God’s Children on page 4f

 

 

 


 

HOLY GHOST SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY

 

Schools operating under the auspices of the Diocese of Joliet admit students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students at the schools.

The following priorities for enrollment have been instituted:

            1. Children of current school families

            2. Children of families who are registered parishioners

               3. Children of newly registered parishioners

         4. Children of non-registered parishioners

5.     Children of families who are not parishioners

 

Early Childhood Admission

Early Childhood classes are available for students who are chronologically at least three (3) years of age by September 1 of the current school year. Three year olds must be potty trained to be eligible for Early Childhood classes. Children attending EC-A will have first priority for the EC-B or EC-C class or Kindergarten (depending on age) for the following year.

Classes offered in Early Childhood are:

Ø    EC – A:    Monday/Wednesday/Friday A.M. – 3 year olds

Ø    EC – B:    Tuesday/Thursday A.M., Wednesday/Friday P.M. – 4 year olds

Ø    EC – C:     Tuesday/Thursday A.M. and P.M., Wednesday/Friday P.M. – 4 year olds

 

Kindergarten Admission

Students who are five (5) years old on or before September 1 of the current school year, have attended Holy Ghost Early Childhood classes, and have been deemed ready by their teacher will have first priority for Kindergarten admission. Applications for admission for students new to Holy Ghost School will be kept on file and parents will be contacted in the Spring to register for Fall classes.

First Grade Admission

Students who have reached a chronological age of six (6) years old by September 1 of the current school year, attended Holy Ghost School Kindergarten and have been deemed ready for First Grade by their teacher, will have first priority for admission to First Grade. Applications for admission for students new to Holy Ghost School will be kept on file and parents will be contacted in the Spring to register for Fall classes

 

Middle School and Junior High Admission

Students entering in 4th through 8th grades must have an interview with the Principal and may be accepted with a one month probationary period. This time can be adjusted on an individual basis at the discretion of the Principal.


2007-2008 HOLY GHOST SCHOOL TUITION SCHEDULE

 

                                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                       Non/Parishioner/             Registration/

                                                            Catholic                                    Non-Catholic                             Book Fees

Kindergarten – Grade 8                         Family Schedule                                    Family Schedule                                 (All Families)    

 

One Child                                        $3,660.00         $4,920.00                              $250.00 per child

over 10 months (August - May) $366.00 per month       $ 492.00 per month                          

over 12 months (July - June)     $305.00 per month  $ 410.00 per month

                                                             

Two Children                $5,435.00              $9,840.00                             $250.00 per child

over 10 months (August – May) $543.50 per month $ 984.00 per month                        

over 12 months (July - June) $453.00 per month $820.00 per month

 

Three Children                                     $6,765.00                             $14,760.00                                $250.00 per child

over 10 months (August – May) $676.50 per month $1,476.00 per month 

over 12 months (July – June)                 $563.75 per month    $1,230.00 per month 

Four Children                                   $6,765.00                              $19,680.00                               $250.00 per child

over 10 months (August – May) $676.50 per month $ 1,968.00per month 

over 12 months (July – June)                $563.75 per month   $1,640.00 per month 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

You may choose monthly payments

for a 10 month period, beginning in August, 2007 and ending in May, 2008 or

for a 12 month period, beginning in July, 2007 and ending in June, 2008.       

 

                                                                                                                                                                                   

EARLY CHILDHOOD

 

(A) 3 Year Olds-3 Half Days:     Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:50-11:20am

Yearly Tuition: $1,100.00                             Registration: $125.00 per child

over 10 months (August – May)                                            $110.00 per month

over 12 months (July – June)                                                               $ 92.00 per month

 

(B) 4 Year Olds-4 Half Days: Tuesday and Thursday: 8:50-11:20am, Wednesday, Friday: 12:20-2:50pm

Yearly Tuition:      $1,470.00    Registration: $125.00 per child

over 10 months (August – May)                                     $147.00 per month                     

over 12 months (July – June)                      $122.50 per month

 

(C) 4 Year Olds-2 Full & 2 Half Days: Tuesday, Thursday: 8:50am-2:50pm,Wednesday, Friday: 12:20-2:50pm                                                                                                                                                                                     

Yearly Tuition: $2,200.00                                              Registration: $125.00 per child

over 10 months (August – May)                            $220.00 per month

over 12 months (July – June)                 $183.50 per month  

**********************************************************************************************

 

$250.00 YEARLY FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENT PER FAMILY


                                   

Tuition Payments

The Holy Ghost School Board has adopted the following tuition payment policy. Families can pay their tuition bill in one of two ways:

Ø    Full payment of tuition by the first day of school in August.

Ø    Automatic monthly payments through FACTS Payment Plan. FACTS payments, due on the 20th of each month, may be made through checking or savings accounts or VISA or MasterCard. There is a charge for using this option.

 

Refunds

Tuition is refundable at a prorated amount. For purposes of refund computation, a student’s effective withdrawal date will be the last day of the month in which the student actually attended classes. For example, if a student’s last day is January 10, the effective date is January 31. All other fees are based on a student’s attendance throughout the entire year and are not refundable.

 

Past Due Balances

Failure to pay the past due balance or contact the Pastor or the Principal may result in dismissal of the child or children from school until the past due balance is cleared. In the case of a family with a child in the 8th grade only, the student may not be allowed to participate in the Graduation ceremony if tuition and/or any outstanding school fines or fees are not paid in full ten (10) days before the day of graduation.

Report cards are not distributed to students with outstanding fines/fees.

If a student is not returning to Holy Ghost the following year, school records will not be transferred to the receiving school until all past due balances have been paid. (Past due balances include tuition as well as any other school fines and fees.)

 

Mandatory Fundraising

Each family is required to participate in fundraising activities. The fundraising amount set by the Holy Ghost School Board is $250 per family. This money is used to offset tuition costs.

Ø    Wrapping Paper Sales, our first fundraiser, is scheduled for August. One-half of the amount of wrapping paper sold is credited towards the $250.

Ø    Manna for Technology, our second fundraiser, is scheduled for November. Families can purchase or sell Manna calendars at $25 a piece. Returned receipts will be placed into a drum for weekly cash drawings. The total purchase price is credited towards the $250.

Ø    Families who choose not to participate in the fundraisers must advise the school and pay a $250 buy-out by September 30th.

During the first week of January those families who have not met their mandatory fundraising amount will be advised and payment expected by January 31.

 

NSF Checks

A $25.00 charge will be imposed for all checks returned due to insufficient funds.


 

DOVE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM AND FEES

 

 

The DOVE After School Program is available every day starting with the first full day of school in August and ending with the last full day in June. DOVE hours are after school until 6:00 P.M. every day, except the last day before Christmas break when there will be no DOVE.

Fees for services will be charged by the hour.

Ø    One child       $4.00 per hour

Ø    Two children    $6.00 per hour

Ø    Three or more children $7.00 per hour

 

An annual registration fee of $25.00 is charged to each family who wishes to participate in the program.

 

There is a late charge of $ 1.00 per minute after 6:00 P.M.

 

Fees for services will be charged by the hour, starting at dismissal time until the time the child is picked up. On regular dismissal days the hourly breakdown will be as follows: 2:40-3:40, 3:40-4:40, 4:40-5:40 and 5:40-6:00. The only exception to the hourly rate will be the last hour or fraction of the hour, which will be pro-rated. For example, if your child is in the program from 2:40 until 6:00, you will be charged $4.00 an hour for three hours and then one-third of $4.00 for the last twenty minutes (5:40-6:00). Any time after 6:00 P.M. will be charged at a rate of $ 1.00 per minute. One full hour will be charged to your account even if your child is in the program for just part of the hour. For example, if your child is in the program from 2:40 until 3:15, you will be charged for one full hour.

 

Students must go to DOVE from class; they may not return to DOVE after they have left school. Students who attend a Scout meeting and go to DOVE afterwards, will be charged for DOVE from the time of school dismissal until they are picked up from DOVE.

 

Fees for services will be billed monthly. Bills will be issued for services rendered the previous month. Should this payment not be paid in full by the due date, your child will no longer be allowed to participate in the DOVE program.

 

 

 

BRIGE BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM

 

Early Childhood A (Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings), B (Tuesday/Thursday mornings), C (Tuesday/Thursday mornings) and Kindergarten (Monday – Friday mornings) students may stay in the Bridge program from 7:45 - 8:50 A.M.

 

Fees for Bridge are:

Ø    $300 per year for 5 mornings a week

Ø    $180 per year for 3 mornings a week

Ø    $120 per year for 2 mornings a week

 


 

ACADEMIC INFORMATION

 

 

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

In the elementary years, a foundation for future success in life is developed. Whether a student achieves A's or C's, or whether he works in a fast paced group or average group is not the key to success in the future. Rather, the student's hunger for learning, success in being able to master difficult concepts through questioning and perseverance, and the development of outstanding study habits are goals in preparation for the increasingly competitive standards of higher education. Parents and teachers must be aware that striving to “get a grade” can easily become the student’s goal. Together we work to focus the student on the goal of truly learning a concept - seeking answers to questions, asking for help or further explanation and pursuing in-depth exploration. Academic assessment will be non-discriminatory as to race, color, sex and national and ethnic origin.

 

CHEATING AND PLAGIARISM

The act of cheating and/or plagiarism is a serious offense. The maximum penalty for cheating is a failing grade for the semester; the minimum penalty is a zero grade for that particular assignment.

For Grades 5-8: Cheating in a test-taking situation includes copying another student's work or allowing work to be copied by another student, using illegal notes or "cheat sheets" or in any way obtaining answers for questions from an outside source. The student who knowingly allows another student to copy work, including homework, is as guilty of dishonesty as the other of cheating; the punishment will be equally severe for both.

Plagiarism occurs when material is presented as though it is original when it actually comes from an outside source. Plagiarism is stealing another person's ideas about a subject, his method of presenting or organizing his ideas, or the actual work itself. Plagiarism includes the following:

Ø    failure to identify with quotation marks, words or symbols copied from another source

Ø    failure to note, in a footnote or a phrase, the author and/or the source of material used in writing or speaking

Ø    failure to provide bibliography for a written or oral report that requires research

Ø    the use of another source's ideas or plan as the basis of a project, report, or composition

Ø    the use of another person's words or ideas as one's own for homework, speeches, themes, poems, musical compositions, art work, projects, computer software, etc.

 

This policy covers not only work done specifically for class but also contest entries, extra credit assignments, and extra-curricular work.

 

CURRICULUM

The school curriculum is comprised of instruction in the Catholic faith and Christian principles, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, Spanish, computer technology, art, music, and physical education. The curriculum is regularly reviewed and revised to comply with Diocesan, state, and federal standards.

 

DEFICIENCY NOTICES

During the mid-term week of every quarter, deficiency reports are mailed to the parents of students in

Grades 4-8.

 

GRADING SCALE

A+ =  100%               B+ = 91-92               C+ = 83-84              D+ = 75-76

A = 96-99             B = 88-90                C = 79-82               D = 72-74

A- = 93-95              B- = 85-87              C- = 77-78              D- = 70-71

                                                                                                            F = 0-69

GRADUATION CRITERIA

The Graduation ceremony for our 8th graders is held on the last Friday in May. In order to receive a diploma and participate in the ceremony, students must achieve a passing grade in every subject area during the 8th grade year. In addition, state law requires that students pass tests on both the United States and Illinois Constitutions prior to graduation.

 

HOMEWORK

Definition: Homework is assigned tasks to be completed by students to promote study habits, reinforce learning, prepare for subsequent learning and extend learning beyond the classroom.

 

Philosophy: Homework is an essential part of learning. It provides students with the opportunity to develop knowledge, good work habits and a sense of responsibility. Homework serves as a vital link between home and school, helping parents to know and support their children’s learning.

 

Student Responsibilities

Ø    Keep an assignment notebook starting at third grade (must use one provided by H.G.S.)

Ø    Understanding assignments before leaving class

Ø    Complete work legibly and neatly

Ø    Turn work in on time

Ø    Have resources and materials needed to complete assignments

Ø    Make up assignments missed due to absence

 

Teacher Responsibilities

Ø    Assign homework with specific instructional purposes

Ø    Recognize the range of student abilities and needs

Ø    Check completed homework

Ø    Communicate with other teachers

Ø    Advise parents of any problems associated with homework

 

Parent Responsibilities

Ø    Provide appropriate time and place to complete homework

Ø    Monitor that homework is done

Ø    Guide and assist work but never do the work for the child

Ø    Communicate with the teacher as necessary

Ø    Be familiar with the homework policy

Ø    Recognize that some students will take more time than others to complete the same assignments

 

Time Allotments

Family time is valued, and outside commitments and responsibilities impact upon it. Therefore, the following guidelines have been established. Daily homework should generally be completed within these times. However, it is important to remember that each child is different and works at his/her own pace. Also, if your child is absent from school, extra time may be needed to make up missed work.

            Kindergarten – Second Grade             10 – 30 minutes

            Third Grade – Fifth Grade                  30 – 60 minutes

            Sixth Grade – Eighth Grade                60 – 90 minutes

 

 

Organizational Assistance

Homework will be explained in detail, and examples of what is expected will be available when projects are assigned. Beginning at Third Grade, all students will use an assignment notebook provided by H.G.S. Teachers may ask parents to sign the notebook daily.

 

Requesting Homework for Absent Students

Parents may request homework when a student is absent. Homework should be requested in the morning and will be ready by the end of the day. Assignments and necessary books will be sent to the office for pick up. Siblings or classmates who are requested to pick up these assignments will be asked to stop at the school office after school. Students will have the same number of days as their absence plus one to make up any missed work.

 

Vacations During the School Year

Absence from school for reasons of vacations is discouraged. Regular school attendance is imperative to the student's progress. Assignments may be made up; however, class discussion, interaction and teacher instruction cannot be made up. Parents are strongly encouraged not to unduly interrupt their child's academic schedule. Teachers are not responsible for assigning work which will be missed ahead of time during a special vacation period. The work missed will be completed by the student upon returning to school.

 

Extenuating Circumstances

If homework cannot be completed because of home conditions, for example, sickness in the family, students will be permitted to defer doing the prescribed work. A parent note of explanation to the teacher will obtain this permission.

 

Returning to the Classroom for Homework Items

On rare occasions, when students need to return to the classroom for homework items, they may do so before 3:10 P.M. (or no later than 30 minutes after dismissal) and if a teacher is present. Classrooms will not be unlocked by the office, DOVE or custodial staff.

 

Incomplete Homework

Consequences for incomplete homework will be handled by the classroom teachers.

Students who consistently do not complete their assignments are showing evidence of a deeper difficulty which needs to be addressed. If the problem continues, a conference will be held with parents to resolve the difficulty. Except in the case of prolonged illness, an incomplete (I) grade on the report card must be made up within two weeks of the end of the quarter.


 

HONOR ROLL

The purpose of the Honor Roll is to recognize student academic achievement. This includes the quality of work of each student and also overall performance, attitude, and general conduct. At the end of each quarter the school publishes a list of Honor Roll students in Grades Four through Eight.

 

The following criteria are used for placement:

High Honor Roll -                   May have one B in major subject area. No D or F in any area.

 

Honor Roll -                            May have one C in major subject area. No D or F in any area.

 

Effort Honor Roll -                 All O/VG in major subject areas. O, VG or G in other areas.

                                                Major subject areas are:

                                                Religion                       Mathematics

                                      &nbs