Grading Scale: 93 -100 = A; 85-92 = B; 75 – 84 = C; 70 – 74 = D; below 70 = F

In order for a student to participate in any extracurricular activities, he/she must be in good standing in the academic subjects and in conduct.

Good standing is defined as:

• Maintaining a class grade of at least a C or 75% for the average of the seven or eight major subjects: religion, reading/literature, English, spelling/vocabulary, math, science, health, social studies.
• Maintaining at least a 2 in all conduct and effort.

If the student does not qualify for good standing status, he/she then is on probation for two weeks. This means he/she is ineligible to participate in extracurricular activities for two weeks. A probation form will accompany the grade report to be signed by student, parent and activity director or coach and returned to the principal. Progress will be re-evaluated after 2 weeks for reinstatement, and a probation form will be reissued telling whether the student is reinstated or not. A participant in any extracurricular activity may be removed by the teacher, coach, athletic director, or principal at any time in the school year for extreme misbehavior or violation of school conduct codes. (Any such students will not be eligible for probation.) Students of all grades who are unable to attend school on a given day should not attend school activities that occur after school. If a student has outstanding homework assignments a lunch detention will be issued.

In order to qualify for the A honor roll, students must have six A’s in the basic subjects with no grade below B in any other subject area and nothing below a 3 in all conduct and effort. In order to qualify for the B honor roll students must have six A’s or B’s in the basic subjects with no grade below C in any other subject area, and nothing below 3 in all conduct and effort. Basic subjects include religion, math, reading, English, spelling/vocabulary, science, social studies, and health.

St. Patrick School accepts children for kindergarten according to the State of Indiana guidelines. For the 2008-2009 school year, the child must be five years old before August 1^st.

Students are expected to use the same courtesy and respect in the library as in other classes. Books should be returned according to library rules. No fines are charged for overdue books, but parents will be contacted by note or telephone if a book is overdue more than two weeks. Damaged or lost books will be billed at current replacement cost. All fees must be paid in order to receive report cards. To add to our library inventory, donations are encouraged. Either used books in good condition, new books, or monetary donations are accepted. Our "Birthday Book Program" encourages students to donate a book on their birthdays to be inscribed with their names.

The hot lunch program at St. Patrick School is provided through Duneland Schools. Hot lunch is available every day. A computerized program keeps track of each child’s account; money needs to be replenished as needed. Milk is available for those bringing their own lunches.

We ask that parents not bring in fast food at lunchtime. We also ask that parents not enter the gym to visit with students at lunch; we need the students to follow school procedures during the school day.

Each family will receive a brown envelope at registration. This envelope should be returned to the child’s teacher with any necessary items to be returned. At the beginning of each month a newsletter and other school information will be sent home in the brown envelope with the oldest child. Please return this envelope each month.

Students in grades K - 3 may have morning and afternoon recess on most days, and all students have a lunch recess outside except in very bad weather. Students need to dress in suitable clothing for recess. Parents are hired by the school to help the principal supervise the lunchroom and the playgrounds.

As part of the accreditation process, St. Patrick School has established and periodically reviews a security plan of the school to be fully prepared for emergencies that might arise.

Parents help in many volunteer capacities: art docents, chaperones, aides, library, and school events. In order for St. Patrick School to operate and provide excellence in Catholic education, service and financial support from parents is needed because tuition does not cover the cost of a child’s education. In addition to tuition payments, parents are expected to donate to the church on a regular basis. Though the pastor and parish are generous in supporting the school, both the school tuition and church support should be made a priority in the family’s budget. Each parish family is asked to give $800.00 a year in their church envelopes; this income is credited to the school budget. The Home and School organization requires 20 hours and $1000 to be generated by each family on fundraising activities. This is to involve each family in the efforts to raise the money the Home and School gives to the parish as a subsidy. The 2008-2009 school year subsidy from Home and School is $250,000.

It is also a family obligation to subscribe to the Northwest Indiana Catholic newspaper.

All parents and visitors to the school should sign in and out of the school office. Parents arriving to pick up students must sign them out at the office. Teachers will not dismiss any child except to the principal or the secretary. Upon return, the child should be signed in to school. Parents should not go to classrooms during the school day with messages or lunches. Parents picking up students by car are asked to join the car dismissal line. For safety and good order, we ask that parents not come into the building or walk into the dismissal line to pick up a child.

Bus transportation is provided by Duneland School Corporation. Conduct slips are issued by drivers for behavioral and safety offenses. The second offense will make bus transportation unavailable for a given period of time. Duneland Schools will not allow students to ride a different bus except for an emergency. A written note to the teacher is required for any changes regarding transportation. Students may ride bicycles to school if written permission from parents has been provided. The drive in front of school is to be kept clear for bus and car dismissal lines should always yield to buses.

Parents or other adults picking up students by car should not step out and call students out of the line or instruct them to walk out of the line to the car. For efficiency, a sign with the family name must be on the visor and used throughout the year as cars approach, so that teachers can have children ready to get into their car. If a family uses multiple vehicles, a name card is needed in each of them. Drivers are asked to avoid making cell phone calls or being out of the car when dismissal begins, so that the process is safely and swiftly accomplished. Cars form a line along the outer edge of the south playground; when the end of the line is even with the painted yellow line, a second inner line should be formed. Cars arriving after the inner line has formed should join it or form a third line if necessary. Dismissal of cars will follow the traffic pattern at St. Patrick Parish; we will not use Grady Street to exit. Cars should exit along the south side of the church and proceed to exit according to the painted arrows. Bike riders will be dismissed after cars. Students who are not picked up at dismissal time by car will be sent to the Extended Care Program. Please observe safe speed for the safety of all staff and students.

VIRTUS is a training program regarding sexual abuse required for all adults who will have contact with students; this includes attending a class and completing online bulletins. A Training Compliance Form will be requested from each adult. This form is available under the "My Training" section on the VIRTUS site.

www.virtus.org/virtus/

SAINT PATRICK PRESCHOOL

Our goal at St. Patrick Preschool is to provide a creative, relaxed, and stimulating atmosphere in which young people can work, play, and discover. We strive to develop in the young child the ability to know him / her, and thus provide the groundwork for each child to develop a positive self-image and become a happy, well-adjusted individual. Through a supportive, loving, and Christian environment, we hope to nurture a love of God and an enthusiasm for learning in each child.

In the preschool we give opportunities for children to:

• Nurture a love of God and His creation.
• Build friendships.
• Learn respect and cooperation.
• Develop self-discipline.
• Experiment with a variety of learning materials and practices.
• Broaden his/her exposures and experiences.
• Develop a love of learning.

Classes for 3 and young 4 year olds are held on Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. (for those age 3 by August 1, 2008). Tuition is $100.00 per month.

Classes for 4 and 5 year olds are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 noon to 2:30 p.m. (for those age 4 by August 1, 2008). Tuition is $115.00 per month.

Each preschool family is asked to generate at least $100.00 in SCRIP profit during the school year. This is done by buying the gift cards available in the school office and at church after Mass.

Your Home and School Association is proud and excited about the upcoming school year. With your participation we anticipate meeting the following 2008-2009 school year objectives:

• To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school, church and community by motivating and providing the opportunity to assist in specific school activities.
• To bring into closer relationship the home and school, thereby, allowing parents and teachers to cooperate intelligently in the training of the child.
• To develop united efforts between educators and the general public, this secures each child the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
• To generate revenue in order to supplement the school budget through fund-raising activities. Home and School meetings are scheduled at 7:00 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. Meetings are not required and do not generate hours for fundraising.

The St. Patrick Home and School Association is a fundraising entity. Home and School also supports scholarships for families in need of tuition assistance. Our goal, in unison with the school and parish leadership, is for St. Patrick to remain accessible to every family wishing to receive a Catholic school education for their children regardless of income level.

In order to reach this achievement each family is required to raise $1000 profit. This profit can be raised with the purchase of Scrip, Car Raffle tickets, Sally Foster Gift Wrap, Irish Raffle tickets, 200 Club, or through Gala and 5K donations.

The following guidelines apply to the fundraising requirements:

• Profits may be earned between May 1, 2008, and May 1, 2009.
• Profits may not be transferred from year to year or from family to family.
• You may elect to pay for all or part of the $1000 requirement directly to Home and School.
• Any money owed as of May 29, 2009, will be added to the following school year’s tuition.
• A statement will be sent home monthly to show your family’s current total.

Service Hours have been established to ensure the participation of everyone who has children at St. Patrick School. It would not be possible to meet our financial obligations to the school without the help from every family. The Service Hour requirement for 2008-2009 is 20 hours per family on fundraising events.

• Social events will not earn hours towards this requirement.
• All unperformed Service Hours will be billed $50/Hour.
• Any Service Hour money still owed on May 29, 2009, will be added to the following year’s tuition.
• Service hours may not be carried over from year to year or transferred from family to family.

Chair: Lei Sensibaugh (926-7179

Chair: Deanna McNicholas (531-1188)

Chair:

A family event at which parents can meet their children’s teachers and visit the classrooms.

Chair: Kristin Knight (926-5243)

50% of total sales are credited toward family profits.

Chair: Karen Szprychel (921-0514)

Chair: Tricia Sakich (916-1789)

Chair: Lori Devereaux (395-8506)

Chair: Kim Parks (395-9663)

The Irish Raffle is held on Grandparents Day. 50% of total sales are credited toward family profits.

Chair: Laura Sink ( 395-9826)

Chair: Christine Bullock 395-9822 and Debbie Zielinski (764-8060)

Chair:

Luncheon provided for the teachers during conferences.

Chair: Tina Raffin (926-7317)

Chair: Tina Sosby (763-4408)

Chair:

Chair:

Chair:

The Gala is the one of the largest fundraising events for St. Patrick School, raising over $70,000. The festive evening includes dinner & dancing with many silent auction items. 50% profit will be received on any items purchased at the auction.

Chair: Tanya Bush (926-2271)

Chair: Ali Brown (929-4631)

St. Patrick School Runnin’ with the Irish 5K Run and Walk. It is held at the Indiana Dunes State Park on a certified course and is open to the entire family. A large assortment of refreshments is available after the race. Profit will be credited to a school family when that family obtains any form of sponsorship.

(Chair: Tanya Bush 926-2271)

Chair:

Luncheon for the teachers.

Chair: Sue McGue (926-8536)

A weekly raffle drawing. Cost is $52 to participate and $25 is credited toward your family profits.

Chair: Amanda Duvall (926-7840)

Clip box tops from General Mills products. Each label is worth 10¢. Bonus points are also available on the back side of cash register receipts from participating stores. More information is available at the Box Tops website: www.boxtops4education.com. Classrooms participate through contests.

Chair:

Assist in stuffing brown envelopes which contain school news, committee correspondence, etc. for upcoming events. Envelopes are put together once a month on Thursday afternoons and the brown envelopes are sent home on the first Friday of each month.

Chair: Heather Welsch (926-8841)

Record total profits earned per family and hours worked from various events.

Chair: Jeff and Lynne Herr (728-4290)

Scrip is the gift certificate purchase program that can be used all year round. When you purchase scrip, you are purchasing a gift certificate. The gift certificate is spent just like real money and the merchant gives the school a discount on the certificate. The percentage earned by the school varies for each participating merchant. For example, if you buy a $10 gift certificate for Wiseway, it costs you $10 and you spend it just like $10 cash, but the school earns 10%. Gift certificates are available for most of our local vendors from Jewel and Wiseway, to Speedway and Family Express, and many local and national chain restaurants including Bob Evans, Applebees, Wendy’s and Panera Bread, to name a few.

Chair:

Four Volunteers are needed each Sunday evening to help with the monetary collection during Mass (earn ½ hour per Mass).

Chair: Kathleen Miller (926-8695)

Chair: Kathy Gymrek (926-3442)

Chair: Chris Hoover (926-3417)

Offers a variety of Christian service activities for families and students to participate in throughout the year.

The name of this organization shall be Saint Patrick Home and School Association.

The objectives of the members of the Saint Patrick Home and School Association are as follows:

• Section I. Fund Raising: Raise funds to defray expenses of the school that would otherwise be supported through tuition.
• Section II. Communication: Act as a liaison between parents and the school to generate and communicate ideas to best meet the needs of students, parents, and the school.
• Section III. Social/Fellowship
  • Recognize our Catholic faith as the common bond between our homes and the school.
  • Sponsor social events that develop a sense of community and fellowship among our parish families.
  • Through Home and School sponsored events, extend to our homes and school the philosophy, morals, and values of our Church.
  • Develop well rounded students that will be productive members of our families, parish, community, and society.

• Section I. There shall be such standing committees created by the Executive Board as may be required to promote the objectives and interests of the Association. The Chairmen of the standing committees shall be appointed by the President. Their terms of office shall be for one year.
• Section II. Chairmen of all standing committees shall present plans of work to the Executive Board and no work shall be undertaken without the approval of the Executive Board.
• Section III. To achieve the objectives of the Association, the standing committees will be as follows:

Fund Raising/Social Committee

The Committee, along with the Executive Board, shall develop proposals for programs and events to raise funds that meet the budgetary objectives of the Association. The Committee will determine if each fundraising and social activity met the Association’s budgetary objectives and make recommendations to the Executive Board prior to the March general meeting for additional fundraising events, revisions to existing fundraising events, or the elimination of poor performing fundraising events.

Proposals shall be submitted to the Executive Board prior to the March general meeting. The Executive Board may submit proposals to the Association for approval at the April general meeting. The Committee shall implement the approved proposals through the creation of subcommittees to organize and operate individual programs and events.

2. The Committee, along with the Executive Board, shall develop proposals for programs and events to achieve the Social/Fellowship Objectives of SPHSA. Proposals shall be submitted to the Executive Board. The Executive Board may submit proposals to the Association for approval. The Committee shall implement the approved proposals through the creation of subcommittees to organize and operate individual programs and events.

3. The Committee shall consist of not less than three members appointed by the Executive Board.

B. Communication Committee

1. The Committee shall develop and implement programs and plans to facilitate communications among the members of the Association, between the members and the School, and between the Association and the Community. This Committee shall oversee the Phone Tree, School Directory, Home and School website, Home and School publicity, and other matters as directed by the Executive Board.

2. The Committee shall consist of not less than three members appointed by the Executive Board.

C. Constitution Committee

1. The Committee shall review this Constitution and propose amendments as necessary. The Committee shall meet as needed, with the first review of this Constitution being conducted no later than the 2005-2006 school year. The time period between reviews shall not exceed five years.

2. The Committee shall consist of not less that three members appointed by the Executive Board.

D. Finance Committee

1. The finance committee shall meet not less than four times each year, once in each of the following months, and provide a report to the Home and School Executive Board on the corresponding topics:

a. July meeting: begin an audit of fiscal year ended June 30 prior.

b. October meeting: set financial objectives for next fiscal year.

c. January meeting: establish budget based on financial objectives for next fiscal year for approval at association’s February meeting.

d. April meeting: incorporate revisions adopted at Association’s February meeting into final budget and distribute to each Fundraising and Social chair.

2. The Committee shall consist of not less than three members appointed by the Executive Board. The Home and School Treasurer, the Principal of St. Patrick School, and the Pastor of St. Patrick Parish shall be ex-officio, non-voting members of the Committee. The Executive Board will also appoint one of the three as a liaison to St. Patrick Parish Stewardship Commission.

E. Christian Service Committee

1. The Committee shall design and direct Christian service activities for families and students in conjunction with the objectives and goals of the Association.

2. The Committee shall consist of not less than three members appointed by the Executive Board.

F. Athletic

1. The Committee shall organize, implement and oversee the extracurricular athletic program offered through the school.

2. The Committee shall consist of the Principal, the Athletic Director(s) and such other members as the Principal shall see fit, not to exceed five.

3. The Committee shall tender to the Finance Committee a proposed athletic budget in accord with the established budget process.

4. The Committee shall be funded by the Association and shall not engage in independent fund raising events. The Committee shall collect athletic fees and maintain concessions as it sees fit.

5. The Committee shall be subject to the audit authority of the Finance Committee.

　

The principles and policies shall be:

• Section I. This Association shall be non-commercial and non-partisan. No commercial enterprise or any political candidate shall be endorsed by it. The name of the Association or its Officers in their official capacities shall not be used in connection with a commercial concern or with any partisan interest or for other than the regular work of the Council.
• Section II. The purpose of the Association shall be to carry out the objectives of the Association. It shall not seek to direct the technical activities of the school nor to control its policies.
• Section III. No funds of the Association shall be used for projects other than necessary to further the objectives of the Association.
• Section IV. Checks over $1,000.00 (amendment) need to have two signatures. Only Executive Board members may sign checks.
• Section V. This fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30.
• Section VI. Budgets follow the fiscal year and the Executive Board shall ensure that each social and fundraising committee adheres to the budget established by the Finance Committee during its April meeting and approved by the Association at its May meeting.

All persons who have children enrolled or who teach at Saint Patrick School are active voting members of the Association.

• Section I. The Officers of the Association shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer.
• Section II. The President presides at all meetings of the Association and of the Executive Board, and shall be a member ex-officio of all Committees; shall appoint special committees; and perform all other duties usually pertaining to the office.
• Section III. The Vice-President shall act as aide to the President by performing the duties of the President in the absence of that Officer; shall be liaison to the Pastoral Council as needed.
• Section IV. The Secretary shall keep a correct record of all meetings of the Association and the Executive Board, and shall perform such other duties as may be delegated to him/her, including presiding over meetings in which the President and Vice-President are absent. The Secretary shall preside over the nomination and election of new officers.
• Section V. The Treasurer shall account for all monies received by the Association and shall pay out funds as authorized by the Association. The Treasurer shall present a cash flow and a detailed income and expense statement at every regular meeting of the Association and at other times when requested by the Executive Board. There shall be an annual audit of the accounts. The Treasurer shall be directed by the Executive Board to deposit funds in interest bearing accounts if possible. In addition, the Treasurer shall preside over meetings in the absence of all other officers.

• Section I. The annual election shall take place at the regular April meeting. Should the election not occur at that time, it may be done at a special meeting held as soon as is possible.
• Section II. Election shall be conducted by written ballot when there is more than one nominee for an office. Nominations may be taken from the floor provided the consent of the nominee has been secured. In the event that there is but one nominee for an office, the Secretary shall cast the elective ballot for that nominee.
• Section III. The Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer positions will be elected each year. The presiding Vice-President shall be appointed to the following year’s presidential position. The new officers shall assume their duties upon completion of the current school year.
• Section IV. In the event a vacancy occurs in the office of President, the Vice-President shall fill that vacancy and the Executive Board shall appoint an acting Vice-President. At the annual election meeting, the appointed President may choose to serve his/her full term as President the following school year. The position of Vice President will be open for election. If the appointed President chooses not to serve his/her term the following year, the office shall be filled by election.
• Section V. If the Vice President’s office is vacant or if the Vice President chooses not to assume the position of President, all officers must be nominated and elected to the following year’s positions. A President cannot serve more than two consecutive terms.
• Section VI. If a vacancy occurs in the office of Secretary or Treasurer, the vacant office shall be filled by an appointment of the Executive Board.

• Section I. This constitution may be amended at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided the proposed amendment was presented at the previous regular meeting. All proposed amendments shall be submitted in writing.
• Section II. Amendments shall be inserted into the constitution replacing the amended section.

• Section I. Regular meetings of the Association shall be held monthly from September to May inclusive unless otherwise ordered by the Executive Board.
• Section II. Special meetings may be called by the President, by the Executive Board, or upon the request of seven members with the consent of the Pastor.
• Section III. Ten members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
• Section IV. Rules of order: The rules contained in Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern this Association in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with the constitution and the by-laws.

• Section I. The Officers, the Pastor, and the Principal of the school shall constitute the Executive Board.
• Section II. The duties of the Executive Board shall be to transact regular business between Association meetings, to transact such other business as may be referred to it by the Association and to approve the plans of work of the standing committee chairs.
• Section III. Regular meetings of the Executive Board may be held just prior to each regular Association meeting for conference with committee chairs and for such business as may arise. They shall otherwise be held on a convenient day of the week preceding the regular Association meeting.
• Section IV. Three members shall constitute a quorum.
• Section V. Special meetings of the Executive Board may be called by the President, a majority of the Board or the Pastor.

• Section I. The Association shall pass an annual budget before April 15 of the preceding academic year. The Finance Committee shall present the proposed budget pursuant to Article III, Section III, Part D.
• Section II. If no budget is passed prior to April 15, events and funding established the prior year shall continue at 80% of previously funded amounts until such time as a budget is passed.
• Section III. The budget shall provide for school subsidy payment in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the school’s operating budget. The Principal shall advise the Association as to the exact amount upon acceptance of the school operating budget by the Pastor. Payment shall be made in four installments through the course of the school year.
• Section IV.
  • Emergency expenditures not included in the budget shall be permitted only for matters deemed by the entire executive board to be an emergency and approved by the members. No emergency expenditures shall be permitted that exceeds projected budget surplus as set forth in the budget as contingency spending.
  • Expenditures not in excess of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) not included in the budget may be approved at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present. No expenditure proposed pursuant to this provision shall be permitted that exceeds projected budget surplus as set forth in the budget as contingency spending.
  • Expenditures in excess of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) non included in the budget may be approved at any regular meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members present, provided an appropriate motion was presented at the previous regular meeting, except such expenditures shall be permitted if deemed by the entire executive board to be an emergency and approved by a two-thirds vote of the members present. No expenditure proposed pursuant to the provision shall be permitted that exceeds projected budget surplus as set forth in the budget as contingency spending.
  • No expenditure pursuant to Section IV shall extend beyond the fiscal year in which the expenditure was authorized.

On the website www.stpatsparish.org is a copy of the required permission slip for field trips. If a slip sent for a trip is lost, please make a copy of this one and send it for your child’s permission. For legal and safety reasons, we must ask that parents who volunteer as field trip chaperones follow guidelines given by the teacher in charge of the students. If cars are used, students should not be taken for treats of fast food if it is not part of the teacher’s plan. Younger children cannot accompany chaperones on class trips, so that all adults are able to monitor the students. The school maintains responsibility for students on a school sponsored trip or school events. Chaperones must provide a VIRTUS Training Compliance Form.

It is impossible to cover every issue that might arise in school. The principal reserves the right to change this handbook as the need might occur. If a disagreement between a parent and the school results in the parent seeking civil litigation, the student will be excluded from class until the civil decision has been made. In this way the school cannot be accused of being prejudicial toward the student during litigation.

The State of Indiana requires that all staff and volunteers who work with children submit a limited criminal history form. The school will be provided with copies of that form.

Volunteers must also complete and remain current with the VIRTUS program.

Cut and return form below

_______________________________________________________________________

I agree to abide by the policies of St. Patrick School as set forth in this handbook and the classroom rules set forth by teachers.

Student/s signature ____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Parent signature ____________________________________________________

Date________________________________________