I. INTRODUCTION
HISTORY OF SAINT ANN SCHOOL
In 1946 the resident pastor, Father Francis Pointek of the Church of Santa Barbara in Randsburg, decided to initiate steps to establish a permanent Ridgecrest facility, named Church of Saint Ann. Father Pointek took up residence at Saint Ann, and Santa Barbara of Randsburg became part of this new parish. Because of the growth of the communities of Ridgecrest, China Lake, and Inyokern, a school was built to meet the educational and religious needs of the children of the parish. A four-classroom school building was constructed, and the new Saint Ann School commenced operation in 1952.
During that first year, four classes were in operation, the first through fourth grades. Total enrollment was 100 to 110 students. The school was initially staffed by the Handmaids of Mary Immaculate of the Diocese of Helena. In the summer of 1954, fire gutted the school building. For the next year, classes were held in the old Rowe Street huts in China Lake. In September, 1955 classes resumed in the rebuilt school building in Ridgecrest. Sister Mary Bridget, a Dominican nun, was principal and first grade teacher. Enrollment was constant at 100 to 110.
In 1956 the fifth grade was added, the sixth in 1957, the seventh in 1958, and the eighth in 1959. Construction of four additional classrooms was started in 1959 and completed in 1961. In 1969 Sister Claudine and Sister Gabriel of the Holy Name Sisters joined the school staff. Sister Claudine became principal as well as full-time teacher. Sister Joan and Sister Barbara of the Dominican Order arrived in 1970. During this period, Saint Ann School had a staff of fifty-percent religious and fifty-percent lay teachers. Enrollment was 240 to 250 students.
In 1977 Father Heffernan became pastor of Saint Ann Church. In 1978 Sister Kay, Sister Frances, and Sister Paula of the Dominican Order replaced Sister Claudine and Sister Gabriel, who were transferred. In 1979 Father Heffernan and Sister Kay established a kindergarten and a ninth grade after Sierra Sands Unified School District decided to expand the junior high concept to seventh, eighth and ninth grades. Due to this expansion, an additional wing was built. With the addition of kindergarten and ninth grades, the school enrollment was 270 to 275 students.
Monsignor Cleary replaced Father Heffernan in 1980. In 1981 the School Board eliminated the ninth grade and maintained a kindergarten through eighth grade format. Mrs. Carol Brown was asked to be principal and part-time sixth grade teacher. In 1982 the School Board eliminated the seventh and eighth grades and acquired a full-time principal, Mr. Dan Clark. Mr. Stan Kus was principal from 1985 - 1989. Mrs. Patricia Bailey was principal from 1989 - 1999. In 1999 Father Gamel became pastor of Saint Ann Church and Ms. Clara Finneran became principal of Saint Ann School. During the 2003 - 2004 school year, Mrs. Mary Little will be the interim principal.
The school remained at kindergarten through sixth grade through June 1995. Beginning with the 1995 - 1996 school year, the academic structure was kindergarten through fifth grades in order to align the school with the Sierra Sands Unified School District. Sixth grade was reinstated for the 1997 - 1998 school year. Seventh grade was added in 1998. Eighth grade was added for the 1999 - 2000 school year.
PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT
The philosophy of Saint Ann School is founded on the principle that the whole child is to be educated in an academically challenging atmosphere permeated by Gospel Spirit and Truths. Saint Ann School recognizes that families are primarily responsible for the education of their children. Teachers are facilitators of learning who engage students in age-appropriate academic activities, thereby encouraging mastery of knowledge, skills and habits. The school community, through explicit and tacit curricula, ensures that children experience Word of God, Christian community, meaningful worship, service, and a sense of the sacred. Thus, students are prepared to live in service to others.
"The purpose in view is that by living an exemplary and apostolic life, the Catholic graduate can become as it were the saving leaven of the human family."
(Documents of Vatican II, "Declaration on Christian Education," Article 8)
SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
A student attending Saint Ann School is:
- A Catholic learner who:
- Celebrates faith through the Holy Mass, prayer and sacraments
- Understands and participates in the teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith
- Reads and studies the Bible, and is able to discuss scripture passages
- Makes decisions based on practiced Catholic values including compassion, tolerance, justice, peace-making and respect for the dignity of life
- Expresses faith through Christian service
- A Cooperator who:
- Is collaborative and loving in relationships
- Understands and respects divergent points of view
- Builds a community of faith by participating in the life of Saint Ann Parish
- A Life-Long Learner who:
- Demonstrates a strong foundation in all academic areas
- Sets realistic personal goals and practices effective study skills
- Recognizes his/her learning style and is self-motivated
- Utilizes technology competently and responsibly to facilitate learning, research, and growth
- Values education
- A Communicator who:
- Listens actively and critically
- Articulates ideas clearly and creatively through writing, speaking, graphics, and other non-verbal communication
- Expresses opinions thoughtfully
- A Responsible Citizen who:
- Supports and participates in community activities, sharing his/her gifts generously and enthusiastically
- Participates in leadership activities
- Understands and appreciates our multicultural society
- Is aware of current events and global issues and their various effects
- Is a steward of the earth and its riches
- A Problem Solver who:
- Works independently and collaboratively, using critical thinking skills, to create solutions
- Resolves conflicts peacefully
- Adapts to rapidly changing conditions
- Analyzes alternatives in order to make effective moral choices
- Accepts responsibility for one's actions
POLICY STATEMENT
Saint Ann School, mindful of its mission to be a witness to the love of Christ for all, admits students of any race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded to students. Saint Ann School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Likewise, Saint Ann School does not discriminate against any applicant for employment on the basis of sex, age, disability, race, color, and national and/or ethnic origin.
ACCREDITATION
Saint Ann School is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Educational Association.
THE ROLE OF PARENTS
Saint Ann School endeavors to act in partnership with parents for the benefit of students. We believe the academic, moral, and spiritual growth of children to be a ministry that begins at home; therefore, parents are the primary educators of their children. Through the continuing, active role of parents, children develop their Christian identity and become responsible to witness to the world a life of love and service.
We are aware as we prepare students for life in the twenty-first century that ours is a world at times challenged by high mobility, ethnic diversity, increasing technological innovations, and time constraints that impact family life. As a school community, we invite parents and staff to constantly reinforce the importance of the relationship between parent and child, to act as partners in nurturing that relationship, and to provide for an appropriate balance between school and home outside of the school day. As role models for children, parents and teachers realize that their example of effective partnership is vitally significant. To this end, the faculty and associates commit themselves to working with parents in order to develop in each student those qualities which more perfectly mirror the example of Christ's life.
Saint Ann School has high expectations for parent commitment and behavior. A student or students may be removed, at the discretion of the principal and/or pastor due to unsatisfactory parental behavior.
THE ROLE OF FACULTY AND ASSOCIATES
The challenge set before us is to establish an atmosphere for learning in which who we are as individual teachers, as well as how we function as a faith community, give witness to the message of Christ.
It is imperative that, as partners with parents, we permeate our message with methods and materials which take into consideration the world from which the student comes, as well as the world in which the student will function as a young Christian adult. We seek to develop in all students a faith based on sound Christian doctrine, supported by an ever-growing faith community which leads to a life-long mission of Christian service and commitment.
"The prime responsibility for creating this unique Christian School climate rests with the teachers, as individuals and as a community. The religious dimension of the school climate is expressed through the celebration of Christian values in Word and Sacrament, in individual behavior, in friendly relationships, and in ready availability. Through this daily witness, the students will come to appreciate the uniqueness of the environment to which their youth has been entrusted."
(1988 document issued by the Vatican Congregation for Catholic Education entitled "The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School.")
THE ROLE OF THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
The Catholic community of Saint Ann School encompasses the relationships which exist between our school and parish, and the values and beliefs which are reflected in our daily actions. As we interact with students in the classroom, on the playground, in church, or in community activities, we give witness to our faith. Our actions reflect the teachings of Jesus. We help children to recognize that their actions also need to reflect Catholic beliefs and values. Their faith calls them to go beyond mere knowledge, particularly when faced with situations in which it is difficult to respond as Jesus would. Conflicts do occur and resolving them in a Christian manner is a lifelong challenge.
Praying as a staff and praying with our students are important aspects of our school. The formal prayers of the Church, spontaneous prayer, reading and reflecting on a particular Scripture passage, meditating silently, or praying with music offer numerous opportunities to build community through prayer. At times, the parish and school communities gather together for such experiences as May crowning, prayers and lighting of the Advent wreath, Stations of the Cross, weekly attendance at Mass, and para-liturgies to commemorate celebrations throughout the school year. Through service projects and mission awareness, students learn from the witness of the adults around them the importance of sharing our time, talent, and treasure.
The integration of religious truth and values is brought about by the presence of teachers, staff, parents, and parishioners who express and exemplify their Catholic faith in their private and professional lives.
THE ROLE OF STUDENTS
Recognizing the fact that Christian personality grows neither in constraint nor permissiveness, we seek to teach students that through responsible decision making the capacity for self-discipline is best achieved. In working toward this end, we wish to motivate the student to acquire knowledge and to permeate intellectual growth with the teachings of Christ.
In a world of increasing technological specialization and dehumanization, it is imperative to be able to think critically, creatively, and conscientiously. We hope to teach our youth how to think by providing academic tasks which stress critical thinking skills.
THE ROLE OF THE CATHOLIC STUDENT IN THE WORLD
The ultimate end of the educational structure of Saint Ann School is to help the student acquire the skills and habits of thought and character which are attributes of a Catholic education. It is our hope that the youth of Saint Ann School will be prepared to contribute to society as capable citizens and Christian leaders.
II. GENERAL POLICIES
LITURGY AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious instruction, including the formal study of Roman Catholic beliefs, Sacred Scripture and Tradition, and Liturgy, is a central aspect of teaching at Saint Ann School.
In addition to regular daily religious instruction in all grades, the school community celebrates special liturgical and prayer services.
Parents are urged to discuss their child's religious training with individual teachers or the priest at Saint Ann in order that a coordinated effort linking home, school, and Church may be achieved.
Non-Catholic students are required to take part in religious instruction and liturgical celebrations.
GENERAL ADMISSION POLICIES
Saint Ann School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at this school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship programs, or other school-administered programs.
Primary preference for admission is given to active, contributing Catholic parishioners. Secondary preference is given to siblings of Catholic students and to siblings of students of other faiths. Tertiary preference for admission is given to committed students of other faiths. Students may be placed on waiting lists beginning September first of the year prior to the year in which admission is desired.
A child entering kindergarten should be five years of age on or before December 2 of that year. A child entering first grade should be six years of age on or before December 2 of that year. Birth and baptismal certificates are required. Incoming kindergarten and incoming first grade students must be pre-tested with the Gesell Readiness Assessment. Passage of this assessment is necessary for entrance consideration. This assessment reliably identifies a child's developmental and behavioral readiness for the Saint Ann School environment.
New students (unless Catholic, out-of-town transfers) will be accepted selectively at the beginning of the second semester. All new students are required to perform satisfactorily on the grade-level entrance exam. Parents of new students are required to show report cards and standardized test scores from the previous two school years.
Registration and testing fees are due on the day of testing. All incoming students will be placed on academic and conduct probation for at least one quarter.
We wish to clearly state that Saint Ann School is not designed to accommodate students who demonstrate severe grade level deficiencies or behavioral problems. We will recommend specialized testing where academic deficiencies may be caused by specific learning disabilities, behavior problems or severe physical disabilities, and we will assist in referrals for alternative school placement where necessary.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS -- IMMUNIZATION RECORDS
Registration will not be complete unless the following requirements have been met:
Students entering Saint Ann School for the first time must bring a record of:
- Four (4) DPT, or DT, immunizations
- Three (3) polio, measles (10 day), rubella, and mumps immunizations, and
- Hepatitis B immunization for seventh grade students.
The month and year of the immunization must be furnished to the office. State examiners periodically check our office files for compliance.
First grade students must have a Report of Diagnostic Examination on file. Forms are available in the office.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
Saint Ann School works cooperatively with state and local health agencies to prevent, control, and contain communicable diseases. Communicable disease is a serious concern for both the afflicted person and the school community. Each communicable disease case shall be judged on its own merits following the policies and procedures established by the Diocese of Fresno.
Parents/guardians must immediately notify the school office if they suspect that their child has been exposed to or has a communicable disease that may present a serious health threat to their child or to others.
Air Quality
In the event of unhealthy air quality (excessive dust or smoke), the principal will direct the staff to take appropriate measures.
MEDICATIONS
When possible, medications should be taken at home. Medication must always be in its original container labeled with the student's name. If a medication has to be refrigerated, the parent must clearly mark it as such. Unless the Physician's Statement Regarding Prescribed Medication is on file in the office, indicating that a student may carry his/her medication, all medication is kept in the office.
The Diocesan forms labeled Parent or Guardian's Request for Assistance with Non-Prescribed or Over-the-Counter Medicine and Parent or Guardian's Request for Assistance with Physician Prescribed Medication must be completed and on file in the office before any assistance with administering medication will be given. One form must be filled out for each medication.
School personnel who assist students when taking medication are not likely to have medical training. In case of an error or adverse reaction to medication, the school resources are limited to calling emergency services (911) and the parent or guardian.
SUPERVISION OF STUDENTS
All students of Saint Ann School are under the supervision of a designated adult school authority at the following times:
Full Days 7:15 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Minimum Days 7:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. (or 7:15 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.)
For safety and insurance reasons, we ask that no student arrive at school before 7:15 a.m. or remain on campus after 2:15 p.m. Students who arrive at school before 7:15 AM or remain after 2:15 PM will be escorted to the Extended Day Program (EDP) and families will be charged at the drop-in rate.
Saint Ann School and any and all of its agents are hereby released from liability arising out of or in any manner related to supervision outside these designated hours.
Kindergarten Schedule:
Classroom Opens 7:15 a.m.
Regular School Day 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Daily Schedule for Grades 1 through 8:
Regular School Day 7:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Recess / Lunch Periods:
Elementary Recess 10:00 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.
Elementary School Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Middle School Lunch 12:00 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mass on Fridays and Holy Days of Obligation: 8:15 a.m.
Dismissal on Minimum Days: 11:30 a.m. (or 10:00 a.m.)
During the period from 7:15 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., children who are on the school grounds will remain in the quad area.
During the period from 7:15 AM to 7:30 AM, chiildren who are on the school grounds will remain in the quad area or in the classroom.
After dismissal, children must remain on the cement area in front of the school office or in front of the middle school. Children are not to be in front of the church or wandering in the parking lot. When a child has not been picked up 15 minutes after the end of the school day, he or she will be escorted to the Extended Day Program (EDP) and the family will be charged the drop-in rate.
No child is permitted to change into or out of the school uniform on the school grounds, unless given specific permission by the principal or teacher for a special event.
DIAGRAM OF PHYSICAL PLANT AND FACILITIES
| Middle School | Primary Wing | Intermediate Wing | |||
| 1. | Music Classroom | 13. | Kindergarten Sink Area | 24. | Library |
| 2. | Art Classroom | 14. | K. Boy's Restroom | 25. | 4th Grade Classroom |
| 3. | Middle School Classroom | 15. | K. Girl's Restroom | 26. | 5th Grade Classroom |
| 4. | Middle School Classroom | 16. | Kindergarten Storage | 27. | Computer Lab |
| 5. | Girl's Restroom | 17. | Kindergarten Cloak Room | 28. | School Office |
| 6. | Boy's Restroom | 18. | Heater Closet | 29. | Principal's Office |
| 7. | Utility Room | 19. | Kindergarten Classroom | 30. | First Aid / Office Files |
| 8. | Faculty Restroom | 20. | 3rd Grade Classroom | 31. | Faculty Lounge |
| 9. | CCD Storage | 21. | 2nd Grade Classroom | 32. | Faculty Restroom |
| 10. | CCD Office | 22. | 1st Grade Classroom | 33. | Utility Room |
| 11. | CCD Office | 23. | Storage Area | 34. | Boy's Restroom |
| 12. | CCD Office | 35. | Girl's Bathroom | ||
ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL POLICIES
The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Fresno has directed the school to publish and enforce strict policies and procedures for the arrival and dismissal of school children. Please share this information with your child(ren).
Children should not arrive on campus before 7:15 a.m. Any student arriving before 7:15 AM will be escorted to the Extended Day Program (EDP) and the family will be charged the drop-in rate.
Children should be dropped off in the main parking lot in front of the school or in the Middle School/Parish Center parking lot. After school they will wait for rides in front of the south building between the office and the fifth grade classroom door. Middle School students and siblings of middle school students may wait in front of the Middle School and Parish Center.
Day care busses ONLY will drop off and pick up children in the back parking lot. These children will wait in the area for pick up under the supervision of a teacher.
Bike riders, rollerbladers, and skateboarders are to arrive and leave school via the alley on the east side of the Church. Rollerblading, bike riding, or skateboarding is not allowed on campus. Bikes must be locked. Children riding bikes, skateboards, or rollerblades must wear a helmet.
Children may not return to the school grounds after dismissal.
Children must be picked up NO LATER THAN 15 MINUTES AFTER DISMISSAL. Children left on campus after the 15-minute interval will be escorted to the Extended Day Program (EDP) and the family will be charged the drop-in rate.
The seven parking spaces directly in front of the south school building and the six spaces directly in front of the Parish Center are not to be used for student drop off or pick up because of the great potential for accidents when backing out of these spaces.
Parents/drivers must pull into a parking place when dropping off or picking up children. Parking places must be released promptly for use by another driver.
Your cooperation will minimize congestion and ensure the safety of your children.
EXCUSES FOR ABSENCES AND TARDINESS
Consistent and prompt attendance is crucial to school success. A student who has been absent is required to present a written excuse from parent/guardian prior to readmission stating the reason for the absence. These excuses shall be kept by the teacher on file until the end of the school year. Tardy students must report to the office for a tardy slip before going to class. Absences and tardiness will be noted on the report card. If the school office has not been previously informed, parents must call by 8:00 a.m. on the day of a student's absence.
When a student accrues more than five tardies and/or absences, he or she may be recommended to the Student Success Team which may monitor his/her attendance record.
Excessive absences and tardies may result in a recommended transfer.
Unexcused absences such as absence for a family vacation, must be kept to a minimum, preferably less than three (3) days a year. Teachers are not required to give make-up tests or assignments for absences due to vacations.
A student who achieves perfect attendance for the duration of the school year will be acknowledged at the end of the year. Perfect attendance means that the student is in class 100% of the day [no absences (excused or un-excused), no tardies (excused or un-excused), no doctor's appointments, no early releases, etc.].
EARLY DISMISSAL
Students who need to be dismissed early must have a parent/guardian's written request. Students will be released through the office only. The dismissing teacher will send the student to the office in order for a parent/guardian to pick the student up.
At no time during the daily session are pupils allowed to leave the school grounds, even during recess or lunch period, except when accompanied by an adult who has checked the child out in the office.
If someone other than the parent or guardian is picking up the child, the parent or guardian must provide a signed note or make other arrangements with the School Office.
INTERRUPTIONS
Parents should not interrupt classes at any time during school hours. Parents are advised to speak with teachers via appointment after school or at other teacher-appointed times so as not to interrupt class instruction. Any visitor, including parents and relatives, entering the school grounds during regular school hours must report to the school office and sign the Guest Sign-In and Sign-Out Log before visiting the classroom or releasing the child from school. Every visitor on campus must wear a Visitor's Badge.
Parents are encouraged to see that students bring all the necessary books, homework assignments, sports clothing, etc. prior to the beginning of school. Bringing forgotten items to school for your child does not support training in responsibility.
PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
Any physical disability or known illness/allergies which would jeopardize a child's progress should be made known to the principal and the respective teacher so that proper seating or other arrangements can be made. Making these disabilities known will enable the staff to deal sympathetically and understandingly with the child, and will be a means of preventing failure in school. It will also help the staff to cope with any emergency that might arise for that child.
STUDENT INSURANCE
Students are extended insurance coverage through a Diocesan approved plan as part of the registration fee. Additional coverage is available for a fee through Myers-Stevens Insurance Group. Enrollment forms for additional insurance are distributed on the first day of school.
BICYCLES
Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and roller blades are to be walked or carried on and off the school grounds. Students who violate this rule will not have the privilege of riding any of these pieces of equipment to school for a designated time. It is necessary that the child's bike have a lock and that the child wears a helmet when riding any of the above. The school accepts no liability for any of these pieces of equipment if they should become damaged, lost or stolen.
In addition, all riders are to enter and leave the school grounds by walking their bikes away from traffic. All other equipment is to be carried on and off campus.
BOOK BAGS AND PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
All students are encouraged to use a durable, protective bag so that wear and tear on school materials may be lessened. Personal equipment not specifically requested by a teacher is not allowed. Books must be covered at all times. Key chains and toys may not be attached to student backpacks.
Personal toys from home, games, sports equipment, and valuables may not be brought to school. If an unusual circumstance arises in which these items must be brought to school, the teacher and principal must be made aware and given time to approve of the item's presence on the school ground.
LOST AND FOUND ITEMS
Clothing and belongings should be marked with student's name; this includes sweaters, lunch pails, book bags, etc. Items will be kept in the lost and found for one month only. Thereafter, they will be given to the needy in our community. The school will not be responsible for lost or stolen personal items or money brought to school by students.
TELEPHONE USAGE -- FORGOTTEN LUNCHES, BOOKS, HOMEWORK, ETC.
To minimize classroom interruptions, any forgotten article brought to school during classtime must be deposited at the office, not at the classroom. The children may come to the office at recess or lunch to collect anything left for them. No parent may visit a classroom during school hours unless provision has been made through the principal.
Any student who needs to use the telephone during the school day must have permission from the teacher and the principal or secretary. Only in an emergency or exceptional circumstances will permission be granted.
STUDENT RECORDS
Saint Ann School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment.
No persons other than the principal, school personnel, other personnel, or authorities having legitimate need shall have access to the student's records without parental consent. A student's record is accessible to the parents or guardians in the presence of the principal, but copies are never given. Records may be reviewed by requesting an appointment with the principal with at least 24-hour notice.
REQUEST TO LIMIT PHOTOGRAPHY / VIDEOTAPING
While your child is at school, he/she may be photographed and/or videotaped by members of the school staff, by parents, by newspaper staff, and by others. If you would like to limit the photographing and videotaping of your child, please obtain a “Request to Limit Photography and Videotaping Form” from the school office.
FINES
If the building, furniture, textbooks, and/or equipment are destroyed or marred through carelessness or willful act, the student will be fined according to the damage done or cost of repair or replacement. In some cases, at the principal's discretion, the restitution will be in the form of a donation to the Saint Vincent de Paul Society.
The purpose of the school library is to offer a learning and enrichment program for each student in the school.
During the elementary grades, students become familiar with the Dewey Decimal System. Reference skills become important for all grades.
The children are reminded that keeping a book longer than one week denies it to another child.
All lost or severely damaged books will be billed at cost.
FIELD TRIPS
Attending field trips is a privilege and not a right. No child will be permitted to go on a school sponsored field trip unless the field trip permission slip is returned with the parent/guardian's signature, and the “Diocese of Fresno Annual School Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment, School Activities Permission, and Release of Liability” form is on file in the school office. All field trips have an educational purpose.
Parents providing transportation must have the required car insurance. Each student must be placed in a separate seat belt.
Parents providing transportation must stay with the class during the entire field trip (i.e. - no “drop off and return”).
Misbehaving students may be sent home from a field trip at the parents' expense.
Children who do not attend Saint Ann, including younger/older siblings of students are not allowed on field trips or in the classrooms.
ATHLETIC POLICIES
The athletic program at Saint Ann School offers opportunities for students to enrich their education through participation in team sports. In the context of Catholic education, the athletic program supports the school's mission to form the whole child. The school expects all participants in the athletic program, including but not limited to: students, teachers, parents, and coaches to abide by all policies as listed in the Parent-Student Handbook. The following policies are particularly applicable to the athletic program and its participants.
Coaches are expected to:
- Be committed, knowledgeable, and willing to prepare all students to compete to the best of their abilities.
- Help students reflect Catholic Christian values during all athletic functions.
- Care for each student, acting in the best interest of all students, promoting their complete development.
- Demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship to all, while never placing winning above instilling character.
- Create an atmosphere of pride and respect for the sport, and toward the players, officials, opponents, and other coaches.
Students/Players are expected to:
- Represent Saint Ann School with pride, handling adversity and success with dignity.
- Demonstrate respect for all sports, coaches, officials, teammates and opponents.
- Be committed to the highest standards of sportsmanship, leadership, and personal conduct, on and off the field.
- Honor all commitments made to the sport, one's coaches, and teammates, by giving one's best effort at each practice, game, and/or event.
Spectators are expected to:
- Represent Saint Ann School with pride, handling adversity and success with dignity.
- Recognize that involvement in athletics is a learning experience, and that mistakes are inherent to learning. Praise the participants as they learn and grow.
- Create an atmosphere of respect for the sport, the players, officials, coaches and fellow spectators.
- Demonstrate sportsmanship through positive support and encouragement of all players, coaches and officials.
Sports that are offered during the 2004-2005 school year are:
Middle School Girls' Volleyball Fall
Middle School Boys' Basketball Winter
Middle School Girls' Basketball Winter
Fifth Grade Girls' Basketball Spring
Fifth Grade Boys' Basketball Spring
Participants in the above sports must be students in good standing at Saint Ann School. The following are additional policies related to student participation:
- Participating students must submit a signed “Diocese of Fresno Annual School Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment, School Activities Permission, and Release of Liability” form for each sport.
- Progress reports will be issued periodically during the season. Any class grade below a C- may warrant a child's removal from any practices, games and/or events for one week or more.
- Any student who receives a behavior referral will be removed from practices, games, and/or events for one week.
- Students must attend regularly scheduled practices and games. Coaches are responsible for communicating the practice and game times, verbally and in writing. Coaches may remove students from games and/or events due to lack of attendance at practice.
- Teachers and/or coaches, in consultation with the principal, may make decisions regarding student eligibility based on criteria other than that listed above.
- The principal and/or pastor reserve the right to determine the appropriateness of any action and/or decision if any doubt arises.
SCHOOL APPEARANCE
We all want to be proud of the appearance of our school, its furnishings and its grounds. This concern is part of the total curriculum.
Because of the problems or maintenance on floors, carpet, furniture, sidewalks, etc., students are to refrain from chewing gum, eating sunflower seeds/shelled nuts, and dropping paper or other debris anywhere on the school premises. Receptacles are provided for all trash.
USE OF RESTROOMS
Except in cases of emergency, students are only to use the restrooms before school, during snack and lunch recess, immediately after school, and when the class takes a break as a whole. The restrooms will be locked from 2:10 p.m. until 7:15 a.m. each day.
TRANSFERS TO/FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL
Please see the General Admission Policies section.
When a student transfers to another school, the student's official file is mailed to the new school upon receipt of request directly from the new school. Files are never given to a parent or a student to hand carry to the new school.
Children who are withdrawn from school by their parents/guardians for reasons other than financial problems would not normally be readmitted. Each case will be left to the discretion of the principal and/or the pastor.
III. HOMEWORK AND GRADING POLICIES
HOMEWORK POLICY
In recognition of the role of parents as primary educators, and in recognition of the school's philosophy with respect to the value of quality time outside of regular school hours, homework is not assigned on weekends except in the following cases:
- Unfinished class work may be assigned as homework where the student was given opportunity to finish the work in class but did not do so;
- Make-up work may be assigned over the weekend in the case of student's absence; and previously assigned homework which was not completed due to student absence will be assigned as weekend homework;
- Homework may be assigned on Thursday and due the following Monday.
The time spent on homework/reading should be quiet and uninterrupted and completed on the average within this approximate time frame:
| Kindergarten | 10 - 15 minutes |
| First grade | 20 minutes |
| Second grade | 30 minutes |
| Third grade | 45 minutes |
| Fourth grade | 60 minutes |
| Fifth grade | 100 minutes |
| Sixth Grade | 120 minutes |
| Seventh Grade | 140 minutes |
| Eighth Grade | 160 minutes |
Long range research assignments or projects should be carefully planned giving adequate time so as to avoid last minute rush efforts.
If a student cannot finish his/her homework in the time given, the signature of either parent on the paper with appropriate explanation will be accepted provided this is done only for exceptional reasons.
For any student, homework prudently assigned and carefully executed can be considered as preparation for the type of work demanded in successive years. We urge all parents to take an active interest in the child's homework. It is the responsibility of the student to see to it that assignments are properly written down and are completed on time. All students are expected to contact the teacher if problems arise, and parents are asked to monitor their child's efforts in this regard. Concerns relative to homework should be addressed to the teacher who assigned the homework.
GRADING POLICY
Insofar as possible, the administration and faculty of Saint Ann School are seeking to measure total student performance: in class work, homework, evaluative testing performance, class participation, and where, appropriate, work on special projects. Therefore, written grades will be given so as to keep students and parents aware of performance.
The present grading system is as follows:
Evaluation and Effort Code: + Very good progress ü Satisfactory progress - Experiencing difficulty U Unsatisfactory effort and progress NA Not applicable Grading Scale: GPA GPA A+ 100+ (4.1) (Middle School Only) A 100 - 97 (4.0) C 79 - 75 (2.0) A- 96 - 93 (3.8) C- 74 - 70 (1.8) B+ 92 - 90 (3.5) D+ 69 - 68 (1.5) B 89 - 87 (3.0) D 67 - 66 (1.0) B- 86 - 85 (2.8) D- 65 (0.8) C+ 84 - 80 (2.5) F Below 65 (0.0) Effort Scale: S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory Effort
Honor Roll:
A middle school student will be named to the semester honor roll if he or she meets the following conditions -
- Maintains an overall GPA of 3.0 or above in Language Arts, Math, History/Social Studies, Religion, and Science, and
- Maintains a citizenship grade of 1 or 2 in all classes (including Art, Music, Physical Education, and Computer).
At the end of each grading period, report cards will be distributed. A formal parent-teacher conference will accompany the distribution of report cards and discussion of the student portfolios at the first and third quarters. At any other time, parents and/or teachers may request a formal conference after school hours. Parent-teacher conferences are recommended any time a parent or teacher recognizes a need. Informal contact by note, phone, or visit is welcomed with the reminder that arrangements should be made in advance for a visit with the teacher.
Promotion from grade to grade is expected unless students show significant decline in or difficulty with their academic tasks. Decisions to retain students will be made carefully via collaboration among parents, teachers, and principal. Of particular concern is eighth grade promotion. As a general rule, eighth-grade students failing two (2) or more classes will not be promoted to ninth grade.
Tutoring and/or summer school classes may be recommended and/or required at any grade level.
IV. DRESS CODE
It is the intent of Saint Ann School to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance throughout the student body. Slovenly, excessively casual, suggestive and unkempt dress are not in keeping with the Christian education environment.
DRESS CODE GRADES K THROUGH 8
Boys:
Gray twill slacks or gray twill shorts (all from Dennis Uniform).White polo or turtle-neck knit shirt, long or short sleeve.
Red crew, V-neck or cardigan sweater.
Girls:
McDonald plaid culottes, McDonald plaid shorts, or gray twill slacks (all from Dennis Uniform).White polo or turtle-neck knit shirt, long or short sleeve.
Red crew, V-neck or cardigan sweater.
Red, black or white crew socks, knee-highs, or tights may be worn with the uniform. Leggings are not permitted.
The slacks, shorts, and culottes must be purchased from Dennis Uniform Company in order to ensure uniformity of style and color. Dennis Uniform Company address and phone numbers are:
Uniform Information
Dennis Uniform Company
3424 San Fernando Road, Suite 1
Los Angeles, CA 90065
School Code: LA00GE
Website: www.dennisuniform.com
TEL: 1-800-854-6951 Customer Service
TEL: 1-800-473-8130
TEL: 1-323-478-8130
FAX: 1-323-478-8140
Shirts, plain red (only) sweaters, plain red (only) sweatshirts, and socks may be purchased either locally or from Dennis Uniform Company. Uniform-approved Spirit Wear items (polos and sweatshirts with school logo) are sold occasionally as fund-raisers.
Students will not be permitted to wear non-uniform sweatshirts or sweaters in the classroom or in church.
Dress and casual shoes in good condition, clean untattered tennis shoes and/or sandals with socks are acceptable.
No jeans or overalls of any color or style are permitted at anytime, including free dress days (unless specifically required by the teacher - i.e. for field trips or costumes).
Brownie uniforms, Scout uniforms, and D.A.R.E. t-shirts may be worn on meeting days.
Students are not to wear makeup or nail polish.
Jewelry: Students may wear a non-beeping watch; one pair of earrings (not larger than a dime and not longer than 1/2 inch); one ring on each hand; one bracelet; and one simple necklace (i.e. -- a cross or holy medal). Any piece of jewelry may be deemed inappropriate at the discretion of the teacher and/or principal.
Enforcement of Dress Code:
1. The responsibility for compliance with this Dress Code policy rests with parents/guardians and students.
2. If at any time a student is wearing clothing that is deemed by the administration to be too short or too tight, parents/guardians will be contacted.
Free Dress:
Free dress days will be announced in advance by the principal. Students are expected to dress appropriately on free dress days. Halter necks, bare midriffs, plunging necklines, excessively short hemlines, jeans of any color and style, or bare feet are not permitted. Shirts and blouses must have collars. Clothing must not be made of transparent material. When t-shirts and/or tank tops are specifically allowed, the sleeves/straps must be at least three adult fingers wide. Students are to be well-groomed and within acceptable limits of dress.
Hair:
The school considers student haircuts and styles to be a matter of parental responsibility and urges all parents to keep children's hair well groomed. In exceptional cases, the principal will inform parents as to the necessity for proper hair style. Extreme fad hair colors (including glitter) or fad haircuts (either above or below the collar) will not be acceptable at school.
V. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES:
EMERGENCY/NATURAL DISASTER
Parents/guardians are notified immediately of serious injury or sudden illness that occurs during school hours. For this reason, the school office must be notified of any change in phone number or persons to be contacted when parents/guardians cannot be reached. It is understood that enrollment in Saint Ann School confers upon the school the obligation to select emergency care providers in the absence or our ability to reach the parents, and that no liability would be attached to such a decision in the event the parents or alternates cannot be reached.
In the event of a natural disaster we will ordinarily follow the direction of the Sierra Sands Unified School District as to the opening or closing of school.
All families must fill out a “Diocese of Fresno Annual School Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment, School Activities Permission, and Release of Liability” form on the first day of school each year. These forms are kept separately from the classroom emergency kits to allow for the systematic release of your child from the school grounds for necessary emergency care.
All students are required to provide their own Individual Emergency Kit for the classroom.
EMERGENCY OPERATION PLAN
A. Student Management Directives:
1. The safety of the students and school staff is of paramount importance. All actions taken shall bear in mind the safety and well being of students and staff members. In the event of a major disaster, school will not be dismissed and children will remain under the supervision of school authorities.
2. Under no circumstance shall any student be released from the custody of school personnel unless and until such may be done with complete safety.
3. Students shall be released only to persons authorized by parents and guardians. Any adult calling for a student will be required to identify him/herself before the student shall be released. Appropriate records of the release of students shall be kept.
4. Parents and guardians are reminded of the necessity of providing an accurate and current list of persons authorized to assume custody of their child in an emergency. The “Diocese of Fresno Annual School Consent for Emergency Medical Treatment, School Activities Permission, and Release of Liability” form must be kept current.
B. The Principal's Emergency Responsibilities:
1. The principal is responsible for the emergency planning and preparedness of the school. In the event of an emergency, the principal or her designated representative will assume overall direction of emergency procedures for the school.
The following alternatives are appointed to act in succession in the absence of the principal.
A. Tina Rockdale
B. School Secretary
C. Christine Simolon
2. The principal shall ensure that a "Drop Procedure" practice shall be held at least once each quarter. The "Drop Procedure" is an activity whereby each student and staff member takes cover under a table or desk, dropping to his/her knees, with the head protected and the back to the windows.
3. The principal shall also ensure that fire drills occur once a month.
C. The Teachers' Emergency Responsibilities:
Teachers are always responsible for the supervision of students in their charge. In discharging this responsibility, each teacher shall:
1. Regarding Pre-Emergency Preparedness:
- Know and understand the hazards associated with different disasters and the survival techniques for each.
- Provide instruction and practice for students in the techniques of survival and the emergency procedures to be followed.
- Keep readily accessible at all times the class register in order to take roll in an emergency.
- Have planned activities (music, games, lessons, etc.) for use during periods of confinement and to lessen tension during a disaster.
2. Regarding Emergency Responsibilities:
- Give "DROP, DUCK and COVER" command during an earthquake. Command students to grab hold of desk legs.
- Remain with students until the emergency is over or until authorized by principal to leave the school premises.
- Direct evacuation of students to inside or outside assembly area, in accordance with signals, warning, written notification, etc.
- Take roll call after class relocates in an outside or inside assembly area or at another location, or as soon as conditions permit such action.
- Report missing or injured students to principal.
- Provide or assist with first aid as needed.
- Extinguish small fires, restore order, and assist other teachers and children as needed.
- If not on classroom duty with students, report at once to pre-assigned station or to the principal.
D. Specific Staff Assignments and Stations:
| Responsible Person | From What Location | |
| Communications (with Police, Fire, Emergency Services, Parents, Media, etc) | Principal Secretary |
Office Office West Building |
| First Aid | Principal Secretary |
Office Office |
| Utilities Shut-Off | ||
| Natural Gas | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Outside Parish Center; Along Monroe Fence; Outside CCD door |
| Electricity | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Utility Room - South Building; Utility Room - West Building; Next to Sacristy Door |
| Heating Plant | Classroom Teachers | Each Classroom |
| Water Shut-Off | ||
| Main shut-off | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Main Parking Lot (3 feet from Sidewalk) |
| School | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Utility Room South Building Book Room |
| Rectory, Parish Center and Middle School | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Lawn Between Rectory and Parish Center (6 feet from fence) |
| Rectory | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Tool Shed |
| Middle School | Facilities Manager Maintenance |
Outside CCD door |
VI. COMMUNICATION
OFFICE HOURS
The school office hours are from 7:00 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. on full school days, until 11:45 a.m. on 11:30-dismissal days, and until 10:15 a.m. on 10:00-dismissal days.
Summer hours are published in late May.
The office phone number is 375-4713.
MONDAY ENVELOPE
Each family will receive important items of school business on Mondays. This information is sent home with the oldest child in the family, although every child has an envelope containing class letters and announcements. The Monday Envelope should be returned with any and all responses on Tuesdays.
COMMUNICATION OF PARENTAL CONCERNS
Parents are invited to communicate their concerns with the principal or teachers in writing, in person, or by telephone at anytime during regular office hours (7:00 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. daily). Appointments are generally necessary so that the principal and teachers may maintain their daily schedules which focus on student education. Appointments may be made either directly with the teacher/principal, or through the office.
The principal is also available at P.T.G. and School Advisory Council meetings.
An open forum period is available at School Advisory Council meetings.
The following is the Dispute Resolution Procedure, adopted in 1999:
Disputes arise in schools due to misunderstandings, differences in judgment, opposing interpretations of school policy, or alleged inequalities in the relationship between and among students, parents, teachers, and the principal. All parties involved in a dispute are expected to manifest good faith in their efforts to resolve disputes by maintaining an atmosphere of mutual understanding, confidentiality and Christian charity.
If an individual Advisory Council member is approached with complaints about the school, they should listen to the complaint and demonstrate their concern by identifying established procedures and channels through which the complaint may receive attention (as defined below). Unless authorized by the pastor, complaints may not be addressed directly to the School Advisory Council, either in closed or open session.
To resolve disputes, the following steps will be taken:
Step 1. Disputes shall be presented verbally within ten (10) calendar days of the incident that caused the dispute to the person most directly responsible for the matter involved in the dispute. For example, a parent complaint regarding a teacher's homework policies should be taken directly by the parent to the teacher for resolution.
Step 2. Disputes concerning school policy or unresolved disputes concerning school personnel shall be referred within ten (10) calendar days of the incident that caused the dispute or within ten (10) calendar days of the presentation described in Step 1 above to the principal in writing for his/her review and decision. A signed, written dispute/complaint must include the name of each employee involved and a brief but specific summary of the dispute/complaint and the facts surrounding it. It must also include a specific description of a prior attempt to discuss the dispute/complaint with the employee involved and the failure to resolve the matter.
If the dispute is concerning an employee, the principal shall advise the employee of the nature of the complaint. The employee shall be given ample opportunity for explanation, comment, and presentation of facts as he/she sees them. The principal shall conclude his/her review of the dispute and render his/her decision within ten (10) days of the referral described in this step.
Step 3. If the dispute cannot be resolved at Step 2, the complaining party, within ten (10) calendar days of the principal's decision in Step 2 may present the written dispute to the pastor for his review and decision. The pastor shall conclude his review of the dispute and render his decision within ten (10) calendar days of receipt of the referral.
Any disputes concerning the principal shall be made in writing directly to the pastor. This signed, written dispute must include the criteria as outlined in Step 2, including documentation of any attempt to resolve the dispute directly with the principal. The pastor shall conclude his review of the dispute and render his decision within ten (10) days of receipt of the written dispute. Parties are encouraged to speak directly to the principal regarding their concerns prior to filing a written dispute to the pastor.
Diocesan Review: If the dispute cannot be resolved at Step 3, any party to the dispute, within ten (10) calendar days of the pastor's decision at Step 3, may petition the superintendent of Catholic schools in writing for his/her review of the dispute. The superintendent, at his/her sole discretion, may decide to review or not review the dispute in question. If the superintendent chooses to review the dispute, he/she shall render an advisory recommendation to the pastor in writing within ten (10) calendar days of receiving the written petition.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parents will always enjoy the privilege of being the first educators of their children. Communication with parents is a vital ingredient in the educational process.
Parent-teacher conferences will be held at the end of the first and third quarters for the purpose of constructively discussing the child's progress and other matters of mutual concern.
Additional conferences may be requested by either the parent or the teacher.
At all other times, parents and adults are requested to check through the office upon arrival at the school campus.
Return to Index
PARENT-TEACHER GUILD (PTG)
The purpose of this organization is to bring about a closer relationship between the school, the home, and the parish, and to give all of us the spiritual and material support without which we could not function effectively.
The services you contribute help us to operate, maintain, and improve the school. Meetings are usually held on the second Thursday of each month, except in December. Your active involvement in this organization has its own rewards and shows your child that you are vitally interested in him/her and the school.
The following are the goals of this organization:
- To promote a broader appreciation of the ideals of Catholic education;
- To enlist the spiritual, educational, and social resources of home and school to provide the best Catholic education possible;
- To provide an advisory function to the school administration and a forum of exchange for parents and teachers;
- To provide a solid organization to improve the school's fund raising efforts;
- To correct and improve the neighborhood's environmental conditions which influence the children's behavior; and,
- To bolster the integration of families into the life of Saint Ann Parish.
PARENT PARTICIPATION PLAN
Each family agrees to perform a minimum of 30 hours of service (15 hours for single parent families) to Saint Ann School. These hours must be logged in the Parent Participation Hours Log Book in the office. Only hours that are in direct service to Saint Ann School and its students will be valid for inclusion in the Parent Participation Hours Log Book. Failure to perform the 30/15 hours will result in an additional assessment of $20.00 per hour not donated. This assessment will be added to the tuition schedule at the end of the school year. Half of the hours are due by January 1 and the remainder due by May 1. Exceptions may be made by contacting the principal.
Hours may be accumulated by a donation of time, talent and goods. The following list is designed to provide a set of examples. It is not all-inclusive.
- P.T.G. Officer
- Advisory Council Member
- Room Mother/Father
- Chairperson of a School Committee
- School Committee Member
- Scout Leader or Assistant
- Assist teacher (at home or in class)
- Crafts for bazaar or children's bazaar
- Bake for School Events or Help with Bake Sales
- Drive for Field Trips
- Assist on Sports Day
- Help with Classroom Fundraising
- Attend meetings of Advisory Council and/or P.T.G.
- Decorate/Set-Up for School/Class Events
- Assist Librarian, Music, Art, or Computer Teachers
- Help with Classroom Parties/Events
- Coaching Saint Ann Sports Team
Return to Index
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
The School Advisory Council is an advisory body providing support to both the pastor and principal. The School Advisory Council assists the pastor and principal in establishing local education policies for Saint Ann School in accord with diocesan policies and regulations. General policy areas are school philosophy, administrative practices, personnel practices, student practices, instructional programs, fiscal management, advisory council, public relations, facility maintenance/utilization, and educational planning.
Voting membership of the Council includes five to seven representatives who are elected by the Parish or appointed by the Pastor. Regular meetings are open to the public and are held on the last Monday of each month (except in June, July, August, and December) in the School Library at 7:00 p.m.
ROOM PARENTS
Duties of Room Parents include, but are not limited to:
- Organizing transportation for field trips.
- Organizing classroom parties upon teacher request.
- Assisting with special liturgical and school programs.
- Phone calling for special functions.
- Calling for refreshments and help when your grade is hosting at P.T.G. meeting or for baked goods when your grade is conducting a bake sale.
- Assisting with P.T.G. activities.
These duties seem to be quite demanding; however, this is not only your job, but the job of all school parents in your classroom. Each and every parent has a responsibility to assist and support you when they are called to do so.
VII. DISCIPLINE POLICY
Students' actions and attitudes should reflect a Christian ethic and be in accord with the moral and religious expectations contained in the philosophy and goals of Saint Ann School.
Discipline in the Catholic School is an essential aspect of Christian development. Its purpose is to educate students to an appreciation of the importance of developing responsibility and self control, to build a sense of Christian community, and to provide an environment for learning; therefore, it is to be considered as an expression of moral guidance and not a form of punishment.
STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
Disciplinary action may be taken by the school if a student conspires or engages in any of the following activities on or near campus or at any school function, including, but not limited to:
- Any disruptive behavior or conduct at school or in public that reflects adversely on the school.
- Disobedience, insubordination, or disrespect for authority or property.
- Cheating.
- Obscene acts, possessing or distributing obscene materials, or engaging in habitual profanity or vulgarity.
- Attempting, threatening, or actually injuring, intimidating, degrading, or disgracing any student, member of the staff, or visitor to the school. The school's disciplinary response may include restitution. Any threats, whether in jest or genuine, will be taken seriously.
- Attempting to damage or actually damaging school or private property. The school's disciplinary response includes restitution.
- Attempting to steal or actually stealing school or private property. The school's disciplinary response includes restitution.
- Possession of dangerous objects or substances: guns, knives, weapons, water pistols, fire crackers, fireworks, matches, alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, or any object intended to be used or used in a dangerous or hurtful manner.
- Committing any serious offense against civil or Church laws.
- Violating any other school policy, procedure or practice.
- Ridgecrest City Ordinance 93-05 makes it a crime for minors to possess graffiti implements such as aerosol spray paints, paints, dyes, polish, and broad tip markers. These items are not to be brought to school at any time.
- Students may not bring personal toys, games, cards, or audio equipment to school at any time unless exception has been clearly made by a teacher or the principal. Such objects will be confiscated by the school and held until the end of the school year. Key chains and toys may not be attached to student backpacks.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
- Chewing gum and sunflower seeds are never permitted at school.
- Hats worn inside of buildings or at assemblies will be removed or confiscated.
- Personal property or toys brought to school will be confiscated.
- No electronic devices are permitted at school, including but not limited to recorders, disc players, radios, boom boxes, telephones, beepers, etc., unless specifically permitted by the teacher or principal.
- Students may not leave the school grounds at anytime during the school day unless checked out in the office by an adult.
- Students should remain in their assigned play areas during snack and lunch times. Running or ball playing is not permitted in the quad area.
- Students are not allowed in the classroom at any time unless a teacher, teacher's aide, or the principal is present.
- All students will be responsible for the protection and preservation of school property and for the good of others.
- Fighting and “play fighting” are prohibited and subject to suspension or expulsion from school.
- Violent or obscene behavior of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in suspension or expulsion from school.
- A student may not throw ANY object that inflicts or intends to inflict injury.
- Actions occurring off campus, but related to school, shall be dealt with as if they occurred at school.
The principal reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises.
We invite your support in assisting us to direct your children to consistent, correct decision making, and we pledge our support of your efforts for follow-up at home.
DETENTION
A student may serve a detention before, during, or after school for a violation of school regulations.
1. Detention will be proportionate with the act committed. A school day detention would normally not exceed one hour.
2. Detentions to be served outside of school hours shall only be allowed when parents have been given advanced notice.
ACADEMIC PROBATION AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION
A student may be placed on probation for either academic deficiency or for misconduct.
A student may also be placed on home study pending an investigation.
BEHAVIOR CONTRACT
A student may be required to sign a Behavior Contract before being readmitted to school. A sample Contract, to be amended as appropriate, is displayed below:
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I, , hereby agree to the following:
Any infraction of any of the above points will result in one of the following consequences: First Behavior Referral = Sent home from school that day and suspended from school for the next day. Second Behavior Referral = Sent home from school that day and suspended from school for the next three days. Third Behavior Referral = Sent home from school that day and suspended from school for the rest of the school year. |
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Student Signiture
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Parent Signiture
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Date |
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SUSPENSION AND EXPULSION
1. Specific Guidelines:
Suspension from school is not an ordinary punishment. It will be used when other corrective measures have failed or a serious offense has been committed. When a student is suspended, the parents will be notified of the suspension and the reason for this disciplinary measure. The following quotations, taken from the California Education Code (E.C.), will be the criteria used at Saint Ann School for suspension or expulsion.
E.C. 48903: Continued willful disobedience, habitual profanity, open and persistent defiance of the authority of the school personnel, or assault or battery upon a student, upon school premises or while under the authority of school personnel, or any threat of force or violation directed toward school personnel, at any time or place shall constitute good cause for suspension or expulsion from school.
E.C. 48901: Smoking or having tobacco on school premises constitutes good cause for suspension of a student.
E.C. 48904: The school may suspend or expel a student who has on school premises or elsewhere used, sold, or been in the possession of narcotics or other hallucinogenic drugs or substances.
E.C. 48907: The school may suspend or expel pupils for misconduct when other means of correction fail to bring back proper conduct.
E.C. 48909: Any minor who willfully cuts, defaces, or otherwise injures in any way property, real or personal, belonging to a school is liable for all damages so caused by the minor.
Students are forbidden to use or possess intoxicating liquor while on the school grounds, or elsewhere when under the authority or direct supervision of school personnel, or when such conduct is otherwise related to school activity or school attendance.
2. Suspension -- General Guidelines:
A student may be placed on suspension for serious misconduct, on campus or off campus during school related activities, or for continued misconduct after having been placed on probation. Official suspension may assume the following various forms or a combination of them depending on the circumstances.
a. Non-Privilege Suspension:
The student loses the right to participate in any school activity on or off campus.
b. On-Campus Suspension:
The student is required to report to a specific place on campus during the school time. The student shall be assigned academic work to make up for the loss of class time. Parents may be charged for the cost of a substitute during on-campus suspension.
c. Home Suspension:
The student may be sent home for the entire period of suspension. The student shall be assigned academic work to make up for the loss of class time. Home suspension would generally not exceed five (5) school days.
d. Emergency Suspension:
The principal or delegate may, without following the procedure, impose an immediate suspension on a student when, in the judgment of the principal or delegate, such critical, emergency action is in the best immediate interest of the student, any other student, members of the school staff, visitors to the school, or the general good of the school. In “emergency suspension” situations, the procedures required shall be followed as soon as practical after the emergency condition has subsided.
3. Specific Procedures:
- The student shall be given oral or written notice of the charges against him/her, and a fair opportunity to present his/her side of the story.
- The gravity of suspension requires that notice be given to the parents by telephone or other appropriate methods within a reasonable time, followed by a written notice signed by the principal.
- A conference with the parents, student(s) and appropriate school staff will be arranged.
- The principal will maintain dated documentation of the facts and of the parent conference.
- In emergency situations constituting a clear and present danger to the lives, safety or health of students or school personnel, suspension may be imposed without a prior conference. In this case, notice to parents will follow within 24 hours.
- Since the grounds for suspension ordinarily differ only in degree from the grounds for expulsion, the possibility of expulsion or a recommended transfer for continued or repeated misconduct will be clearly stated to student and parents.
- A suspension must be approved by the principal and/or the pastor.
- The length of any suspension is left to the discretion of the principal and/or pastor in accordance with the nature of the conduct and all circumstances.
- iTo the extent that such opportunity can be reasonably provided, a suspended student has the right to make up all assignments and tests missed during the period of suspension, and upon satisfactory completion, to be given full credit.
4. Expulsion - General Guidelines
a. The final decision to expel a student rests with the pastor.
b. A student may be expelled for continuing misconduct (after having been placed on probation and/or suspension) or for serious misconduct as determined by the pastor and principal.
c. The principal shall keep a written record of the offense and the expulsion process.
RECOMMENDED TRANSFER
A recommended transfer is the school's decision to permanently remove a student from the school without the stigma of a formal expulsion.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDED TRANSFER
1. The student will not profit from continued attendance (e.g. severe academic deficiency, emotional instability, etc.). In cases of severe academic deficiency, the school will only impose a recommended transfer after having previously placed the student on academic probation.
2. The student's continued attendance will make demands upon the school which the school cannot meet.
3. The student's parents or guardians have failed to meet their obligations to the school which they accepted upon enrolling their child (e.g.. Failure to meet their tuition commitment as contracted with the school, etc.).
4. The student's parents or guardians have failed to cooperate with the school staff and have not complied with the school's policies, practices, or programs (e.g.. Interfacing with the school's administrative functions or disciplinary actions, etc.).
A written record of the procedures followed in the recommended transfer process shall be kept.
Approved by Diocesan Board and Bishop Joseph Madera: 11 March 1991 Effective Date: 01 July 1991 Revised: 01 November 1991
VIII. TUITION
Tuition should not be thought of as a monthly fee. As you enroll your child(ren) in the school, an annual tuition rate is given to you and, as a courtesy for those who cannot pay the total amount on the first day of school, a monthly payment is required. It is imperative that tuition be paid promptly and regularly. No refunds will be given for money paid to the school.
Arrears Procedures:
Tuition will be paid on or before the tenth of the month. Tuition paid after the tenth of the month will be assessed a $20.00 late fee. A notice will be sent home when a family is 30 days in arrears. A final notice will be sent home when a family is 60 days in arrears. After 75 days without full payment, barring extraordinary circumstances, the child/children of the family in arrears will not be readmitted to Saint Ann.
Registration fees and the current school year's tuition must be paid prior to the re-registration of a student.
Tuition (2004 - 2005):
| Regular Rate: Registered Contributing Catholic Parishoner | |
| With Scrip Purchase * | Without Scrip Purchase |
| 1 Child = $2,800.00 Annual | 1 Child = $3,025.00 Annual |
| 2 Children = $5,040.00 Annual | 2 Children = $5,265.00 Annual |
| 3 Children = $6,720.00 Annual | 3 Children = $6,945 Annual |
| Non - Parishoner rate: | |
| With Scrip Purchase * | Without Scrip Purchase |
| 1 Child = $3,360.00 Annual | 1 Child = $3,585.00 Annual |
| 2 Children = $6,720.00 Annual | 2 Children = $6,945.00 Annual |
| 3 Children = $10,080.00 Annual | 3 Children = $10,305.00 Annual |
| * The "With Scrip Purchases" tuition rates are only available to families who met their scrip obligation the previous year. | |
Registration Fee:
$300.00 per Student (Grades K through 8)
The registration fee is due for each school year, is non-refundable, and is required to be paid in full at the time of registration.
IX. PROGRAMS AND COMPLIANCE REGULATIONS
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR FAMILY LIFE AND SEXUALITY
General Principles: Rights and Responsibilities
1. The Universal Church
The Catholic Church recognizes and affirms its right and its urgent mission to proclaim to all people the Christian vision of marriage and family. Essential to this right and responsibility is the irreplaceable mission of presenting sexuality as a value and task of the whole person by providing positive and prudent sex education to young people. Because the mission of the Church is to bring the whole person to maturity in Jesus Christ, education in sexuality included all the dimensions of the topic: moral, spiritual, psychological, emotional, and physical.
2. The Local Church
As part of the universal Church, the Catholic Diocese of Fresno recognizes and accepts its right and duty to assist and guide parents by providing comprehensive, age-appropriate, values-oriented Catholic instruction in family life and sexuality for both parents and their children. This education in human sexuality is an important priority in Christian education, met in part through diocesan approved family life education in Catholic schools.
3. Parents
Parents have the primary right and duty to teach their children regarding family life and sexuality. This includes the right and duty:
To create a home environment of love wherein children can learn from experience the purpose and meaning of family life;
To become well informed both about the Church's teaching regarding family life and sexuality, and about their own children's developmental needs for instruction in those areas;
To make and to implement informed, prudent, and positive choices about when and how to proceed with instruction in those areas.
While primary, parental rights are neither absolute nor exclusive, parental rights are circumscribed by the rights of their children to age-appropriate, values oriented Catholic instruction, by the rights of the Church to preach the whole Gospel to all people, and by the rights of society as a whole to have its citizens appropriately prepared for responsible and mature living.
4. The Child
The child has correlative rights and duties to receive and cooperate with the efforts of his/her parents and of the Church to provide him/her with age-appropriate, values oriented Catholic instruction in family life and sexuality.
In order to respond to the obligation of educators set forth in Church documents, Saint Ann School provides a course of instruction in family life which includes positive and prudent education in sexuality. This course of instruction will be implemented and carried out in accordance with official diocesan guidelines formulated in the Superintendent's office.
HARASSMENT POLICY
Saint Ann School is committed to providing a learning environment that is free from harassment in any form. Harassment of any student, employee, or priest by any other student, employee, or priest is prohibited. The school will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner.
A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Anyone found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to mistreatment, or is in a school environment which is hostile or intimidating because of the individual's race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability or sex.
Harassment can occur any time during school or during school related activities. It includes, but is not limited to, any and all of the following:
VERBAL HARASSMENT: Derogatory comments and jokes; threatening words spoken to another person;
PHYSICAL HARASSMENT: Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberately impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement;
VISUAL HARASSMENT: Derogatory, demeaning or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings, gestures; and,
SEXUAL HARASSMENT: Includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when any or all of the following occurs:
1. Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly as a term or condition of a student's academic status or progress;
2. Submission to or rejection of such conduct by a student is used as the basis of academic decisions affecting the individual; and,
3. Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's academic performance or of creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive educational environment.
Specific examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:
1. Making unsolicited sexual advances and propositions;
2. Using sexually degrading words to describe an individual or an individual's body;
3. Displaying sexually suggestive objects or pictures;
4. Telling inappropriate or sexually related jokes; and,
5. Making reprisals, threats of reprisals or implied threats of reprisals following a negative response to sexual advances.
It is the responsibility of Saint Ann School to:
1. Implement this policy through regular meetings with the pastor and principal, all employees, the School Advisory Board and the Parent Teacher Guild to ensure that the policy is understood.
2. To make all faculty, staff, students, and parents aware of this policy and the commitment of the school toward its strict enforcement;
3. Remain watchful for conditions which create or may lead to a hostile or offensive school environment;
4. Establish practices designed to create a school environment free from discrimination, intimidation, or harassment.
It is the student's responsibility to:
1. Conduct him/herself in a manner which contributes to a positive school environment;
2. Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating, or harassing;
3. Consider immediately informing anyone harassing him/her that the behavior is offensive and unwelcome;
4. Report all incidents of discrimination or harassment to the principal; and,
5. Be aware that he/she is perceived as engaging in discriminatory, intimidating, harassing or unwelcome conduct, and to discontinue that conduct immediately.
Complaint Filing and Investigation Procedures:
The following procedures must be followed for filing and investigating a harassment claim:
1. The student, employee or priest may first choose to tell the individual causing the harassment that his/her conduct is offensive and must stop. If the objectionable behavior does not cease immediately, the victim must report the harassment to the principal, or to a teacher who will report it to the principal, or the Pastor, if the principal is the subject of the allegation. Additionally, in the case of sexual harassment allegations, the victim is free to raise the issue with another, same-sex administrator if he/she prefers to do so.
2. The person alleging harassment will be asked to complete a formal, written complaint. The claim will be investigated thoroughly, involving only the necessary parties. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.
3. The investigation will include a meeting with the person alleged to have harassed, sharing with that person the nature of the allegations as well as the name of the person bringing the allegations. If appropriate, the alleged harasser will be placed on administrative leave or suspension during the course of the investigation.
4. Once the facts of the case have been gathered, the principal, in consultation with the Pastor, will decide what, if any, disciplinary action is warranted. The disciplinary action will relate to the nature, context, and seriousness of the harassment and can include all disciplinary actions up to and including immediate dismissal.
5. If the complaint is against non-employee or non-student, such as a parent, parishioner, volunteer, or vendor, the school will take steps, within its power, to investigate and eliminate the problem.
CHILD ABUSE REPORTING OBLIGATIONS
In accordance with Diocese of Fresno policy and California law, school employees are obligated under penalty of fine and jail term to report to legal authorities the reasonable suspicion of physical abuse, emotional abuse, emotional deprivation, physical neglect, inadequate supervision, or sexual abuse and exploitation. In this very serious area, the school is not obliged to contact parents in advance of making a report to legal authorities which would be the procedure followed in most other legal matters. The clear intent of the law, based on the seriousness of the crimes listed above, is to mandate that a report of reasonable suspicion of abuse is made. School employees will make such reports in the best interests of the affected child, and they do not, once reasonable suspicion is established, have any legal alternative except to make the report to the proper authorities for their investigation and review.
FEDERAL ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT COMPLIANCE
Asbestos regulations for schools found in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act and as promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency are followed at Saint Ann School and monitored by the Diocese of Fresno.
RIGHT TO AMEND/REVISE
Saint Ann School and the Diocese of Fresno reserve the right to amend and/or revise this handbook at any time.
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James 3 : 17 (NAB)