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Holy Angels Catholic SchoolOUR PHILOSOPHY A traditional view of the classroom has been historically organized under the assumption that learning is something that the teacher makes happen. Here at Holy Angels Catholic School, we believe the teacher is the facilitator rather than the source of learning, with the source being the child. With the teacher's assistance and instigation, the child makes learning happen to and for him/herself. Our goal is to make children lifelong learners. We do this by giving children the skills necessary to succeed in future pursuits. Teaching and learning styles differ. Teachers are continually looking for ways to reach the diverse learning styles of students. A traditional lecture/discussion format, individualized instruction, small group work, experiential learning and outside resources can accomplish this.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITYAs it is the parents who have given life to their children, on them lies the obligation of educating their family. They must, therefore, be recognized as being primarily and principally responsible for their education.
Knowing that example speaks louder than words, it is important to keep in mind that it is a parental responsibility to give witness to Christian values. In addition to example, other responsibilities are: 1. To encourage your child to obey the regulations and principles of good behavior 2. To provide adequate places for study and encourage completion of assignments 3. To encourage the development of your child’s individual talents and interests 4. To build religious celebration and family prayer into your daily life 5. To keep the school informed of the special needs of your child 6. To read all communication sent to the home by the school 7. To attend conferences and to request additional information as needed
CURRICULUM
Holy Angels Catholic School follows the State of Indiana and Archdiocesan guidelines for textbook adoption, standardized testing, and curriculum. TextbooksHoly Angels Catholic School will select textbooks from the state of Indiana approved textbook list. Textbooks are evaluated and adopted on a rotating basis. Standardized Testing Holy Angels Catholic School follows all state guidelines in the administration of I-STEP+ Testing.
HomeworkOne of the principle means of communication between parents and the school is homework. It provides parents with an opportunity to follow what and how well their children are doing in school. Cooperation of the parents in supervising homework is a vital element in the learning process of the student. Written work is not the sole type of homework; study and oral assignments are also given. The student should realize that homework is his/her responsibility and must be done consistently with emphasis on completeness, accuracy and neatness. Planners will be provided for each student in grades 3-6. Use of the planner is required.
Daily recommended times for study and homework are: · Primary Grades (K-2): 15-30 minutes a day · Intermediate Grades (3-6) 30-60 minutes a day
Field TripsThe teachers at Holy Angels Catholic School strive to provide experiences, which show that learning and growth are continuing parts of life. Field trips expose students to parts of our world that cannot be brought into the classroom. Each student will be required to return a permission slip for each field trip. Trips to historic places, factories, farms, city utilities, and government buildings are a part of the experiential learning that plays a vital role in a child's education. Parent WRITTEN consent must be obtained before a student may participate in a field trip. No student will be permitted to call home for a forgotten permission slip. The teachers arrange transportation and supervision for these trips. Students will be responsible to pay for transportation and other costs of the trip. Participation in field trip is a privilege earned by students, not a right.
Religious InstructionHoly Angels Catholic School is part of the ministry of our parish. Religion is taught at each grade level and spirituality is part of everyday life. Students receive instruction in scripture, Catholic traditions and history, as well as sacramental preparation. Students plan and participate in weekly liturgies. The students will attend Mass each Friday morning at 9:00 AM. Parents are welcome to attend. Prayer is an important part of the day. Prayers will be said in the morning, before and after lunch, and at daily dismissal. These prayers may be formal, spontaneous, or shared prayer by the students.
Title One ProgramHoly Angels Catholic School students who qualify may receive assistance from a Title One teacher to reinforce material presented in the classroom. This program is provided through the Indianapolis Public Schools. IPS also provides necessary testing and guidance with speech and other learning disabilities.
Library Our school received funding from the Archdiocese of Indianapolis that allowed us to join the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library’s Shared System. The Shared System is part of the Library’s public computer catalog. All of our books have been cataloged and barcoded. Students can request books, CDs, and videos online from any library in the city, and a library delivery truck will bring us their materials every week. Families can return things checked out at school to a branch library, and can return things checked out at a branch library to the school. Our school library is a key element in our education program. Because reading is so important to the success of our students, the school does not limit the number of things students can check out. We ask students to take as many books as they can read between visits to the library. Students are responsible for the books, CDs and videos they check out on their library cards. Students should plan to keep all their library things in one place at home. If something is damaged or lost, students are required to pay for a replacement. Students may not check out any new items if they have something overdue or lost. We will add the cost of damaged or lost things to the family’s bill.
CounselingOur school social worker is from Catholic Social Services. The counselor works with students, parents, and teachers to assist with issues that hinder academic achievement. The school counselor may be reached by contacting the school office.
EVALUATION OF STUDENT PROGRESS
"We assess the standards and skills delineated in the curriculum. It is essential that we not only consider the measurement of certain cognitive expectations in our school and programs, but to check for understanding, the ability to do, the outlook our learners have on life, the commitment our learners have to act on the Gospel message, and to more closely live as disciples of Christ." -Bringing It All Together, Archdiocese of Indianapolis Archdiocesan Grading ScaleA 95%-100% B 86%-94% C 76%-85% D 70%-75% F 69% or below
Parent/Teacher Communication Parent/Teacher communication is extremely important. If you have a concern, or if a problem arises, parents are advised and encouraged to contact the teacher as soon as possible to discuss the problem and/or concern by calling or e-mailing the teacher. Parents are expected to attend conferences with the teachers. Scheduled conferences are held at the end of the first quarter. We encourage parents to inquire as to the progress of their child throughout the school year - we are here to work with you. Teachers may be contacted through the school office.
Progress Reports/Report CardsProgress Reports are distributed to students at mid quarter. This is done to help parents better assess their child's performance at school. If there are any academic or social problems, the progress report serves as a communication device. Report cards are distributed at the end of each quarter. These report cards have been designed and constructed by a committee formed through the Indianapolis Archdiocese. Promotion, Retention, and AssignmentStudents who have successfully completed a grade will be promoted to the next grade. If the need arises to assign a student to the next grade, it means that the student has not completed satisfactory work but that the parties involved feel that retention is not in the best interest of the child. A child may be assigned to a grade for various reasons. Parents will be notified and a conference will be held to discuss these reasons. If retention is being considered, parents will be contacted as soon as possible. A child will be retained only where there is positive hope that he/she will benefit from it. Social, emotional, moral, and physical factors, as well as academic achievement, will be considered. In the primary grades, failure in reading or math usually constitutes a legitimate reason for retention. Parents will be notified if their child is in danger of failing and a conference will be arranged.
Withdrawal/Release of RecordsPlease notify the school office if you are moving in order to provide adequate time to prepare withdrawal records. Records will not be transferred to another school until all financial obligations have been cleared with the school.
Attendance
In order for all students to benefit from the instructional program, prompt and regular attendance is expected. Regular attendance develops self-discipline and responsibility in a child's formative years. Children cannot learn if they are not present during instructional time. The Indiana State Legislature requires the school to report each student’s attendance. A student is considered absent in the morning if he/she misses two hours or more of the morning session. A student is considered absent in the afternoon if he/she misses two hours or more after lunch. It is the policy of the Indiana State Department and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis that each school enforce a procedure that includes steps for those instances where failure to attend interferes with the student’s academic performance and/or are excessive in number. If a student is absent six days within a quarter, action may be initiated. Alternative solutions will be sought for students with a doctor substantiated medical condition. Parents must notify the school office (926-5211) before 9:00 AM each day the student is absent. Students are responsible for making up any work missed during an absence. Homework can be requested in the morning for pick up at the school office after 3:15 PM. All extra-curricular activities require attendance at school the day of the activity. The child must attend a full day of school to participate in sports events, plays, programs, graduations, etc. Most tardiness is avoidable. Consistent tardiness teaches children to depend on others to accommodate their bad habit. Students should learn punctuality at an early age. A child is marked tardy if they arrive in the classroom after 7:50 a.m., or after his/her class returns from the morning gathering. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. must be accompanied by a parent to the school office for a tardy slip. An excused tardy is one that is substantiated with a doctor’s note.
Appointments/Early ReleaseShould a student need to leave school before the regular dismissal time, a note from the parent should be presented to the teacher. This will be documented in the student’s attendance record. Parents are required to sign a release book in the school office. Students will remain in the classroom until contacted by the office. At no time should a parent or visitor go directly to a classroom.
Morning Drop Off and Dismissal ProcedureStudents may be checked into BeforeCare by their parents beginning at 6:00 a.m. BeforeCare meets in the cafeteria/gym of the school. The entire school gathers in the cafeteria at 7:50 a.m. for morning prayer, daily religious readings, the Pledge of Allegiance and other activities. Students will then be taken to their classrooms upon conclusion of the gathering generally around 8:00 a.m.
Alternate Way HomeIn the interest of safety, all children must have written consent before going home in a manner different than his/her daily routine.
After School ProceduresStudents are not permitted to remain at school after hours prior to an activity unless attending the Holy Angels After School Program.
Extended CareA morning care program is offered from 6:00-7:50 a.m.. An after school care program is offered from 3:15-6:00 p.m. on days when school is in session for a full day. Extended Care charges will be posted to your account weekly.
Emergency ClosingsWhen in doubt as to whether school will be open due to severe weather conditions, please listen to the major radio and TV stations. Every effort is made to notify the media by 6:00 am. Please listen for Holy Angels Catholic School to be announced.
Discipline Philosophy and Procedures
Holy Angels Catholic School strives to educate children in Christian beliefs and to provide a learning environment that will assist the child in developing intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, physically and socially. Discipline is a necessary element of this mission. We believe that the school must help each student attain the self-discipline necessary for self-reliance and successful learning. Until a student exhibits the ability to be self-disciplined, guidance must, and will, be provided. We expect students at Holy Angels School to exemplify attitudes and actions, which reflect Catholic values. Values such as respect, honesty, caring, justice and generosity are the goals towards which all students must strive. Both students and staff must expend constant effort in growth and development toward this end. The school has a school wide discipline policy, but individual classrooms also set their own additional rules. Disciplinary action is intended to be instructional and corrective. Discipline will be administered with respect for Christian values embraced by the Holy Angels community. When necessary, consequences will be administered in a manner that is consistent, fair, firm, and appropriate for each situation.
General ConductStudents are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner at all times when in school or at any school sponsored activity. Students are expected to show respect for teachers, staff members, other students, visitors and school property. Students should be prompt and prepared. Students should move throughout all school areas in an orderly fashion. Gum chewing is not permitted under any circumstance on the property.
Discipline ProceduresEach teacher is responsible to maintain discipline for all students under the teacher’s supervision. If a student exhibits behavior inconsistent with the code of discipline for Holy Angels Catholic School, the following procedures will be followed:
1. The teacher and student will resolve the problem. (verbal warning, one on one meeting, written warning) 2. The teacher and student will resolve the problem and the parent will be notified. (written warning sent home, phone call to parents) 3. Teacher will communicate with administration; and/or student will meet with administrator. 4. The teacher, student, administrator and parent will meet to resolve the problem.
The teacher, in collaboration with the administration, will determine whether discipline will begin at procedure 1, 2 or 3. The administrator has discretion to advance to procedure 4 if appropriate for the situation. In-School SuspensionIn-school suspension will be a supervised situation in which the student is isolated from his/her classmates. The student’s parents will be notified by phone and documentation of the offense will be placed in the student’s file. A conference with the parents may be required. In-school suspensions may last from one to three days. They are to be served as soon as possible. The student will be given the daily assignments and will be expected to complete the work and turn it in at a designated time. Tests and quizzes will be taken on the designated date. Responsibility for work and getting missed instructions will be the student’s. Assignments will be graded the same as for those who attended the regular class. Major disciplinary violations may result in an in-school suspension. Violations include, but are not limited to: ¨ Profane, abusive, offensive, disrespectful language or threatening language (verbal or written) ¨ Damaging private or school property ¨ Causing injury to others ¨ Academic dishonesty ¨ Truancy ¨ Lying ¨ Failure to follow directions of a teacher or administrator
When serving a suspension, a student may not participate in a practice, compete in a game or attend extracurricular activities from the day the suspension is served until after he or she has completed a day of school after the suspension.
Out of School Suspension/ExpulsionSuspension/Expulsion will be used only for extremely grave violations. All preventive efforts will be taken with the student, parents, and a member of administration before these policies are enforced. The suspension period begins at the time of the violation. The parents will be notified by phone and documentation will be placed in the student's file. Out of School suspensions will accumulate throughout the student’s enrollment at Holy Angels Catholic School. Some infractions that warrant suspension/expulsion include, but are not limited to the following: ¨ Stealing ¨ Vandalism (Parents are legally and financially responsible for the actions of their child.) ¨ Verbal or physical intimidation of another student or staff ¨ Drug/alcohol/tobacco offense ¨ Open defiance of school authority ¨ Physical aggression (as the aggressor or retaliator)
Physical aggression, hostile behavior intimidating acts of harassment, extortion, violent behavior or possession of weapons will not be tolerated. Anyone who demonstrates such behavior will be held accountable for his or her actions in accordance. A student who has been suspended two times in a school year may be expelled at the next violation. Immediate expulsion may result from the following actions or any other action as deemed appropriate by the administration: ¨ Possession, use/selling of drugs/ tobacco on school grounds, or at a school related activity, or on the bus ¨ Dangerous behavior ¨ Truancy ¨ Threatening any staff member, bus driver, parent, or student ¨ Failure to comply with the discipline policy Expulsion is permanent, requiring immediate withdrawal. Prior to expulsion, the principal/campus director may consult teachers, pastor, and parents.
Weapon PolicyA student who possesses a weapon on school property or at a school-sponsored event may be expelled immediately. The police may also be notified. An item viewed in the eyes of the school administrator as a weapon* shall be confiscated, and the student will be subject to disciplinary action and/or expulsion from school. *A weapon could be any instrument, tool, device or body part that can cause bodily harm to an individual and/or cause damage to personal property. The use of a weapon or other objects that are not weapons, but are used for the purpose of inflicting bodily harm or to cause a person to be placed in fear of bodily harm is prohibited at all times on school premises before, during, or after school or at any school sponsored activity, regardless of where held. Examples include but are not limited to: belts, combs, pens, pencils, scissors, and bats.
Harassment The Archdiocese of Indianapolis and Holy Angels Catholic School are committed to providing and maintaining a learning and working environment that is free from physical, psychological, and verbal harassment. This includes racial, ethnic, religious, or sexual harassment and violence. This commitment continues our longstanding policy of fair and equal treatment of every person, regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or socioeconomic status. We have an obligation to provide an environment that is free from intimidation and harassment based on any of these factors. Harassment can result from a single incident or from a pattern of behavior in which the purpose or effect is to create a hostile, offensive, or intimidating environment. Harassment encompasses a broad range of verbal or physical behavior that can include, but is not limited to, the following : · Physical or mental abuse, bullying, shunning, intimidation, assault · Direct or indirect threats · Racial or religious insults · Derogatory ethnic slurs · Unwelcome sexual advances or touching · Sexual comments or jokes Involvement in a FightA fight is defined as two or more individuals engaged in any physical contact that expresses anger and which may cause physical harm. The consequence for fighting may be an out of school suspension and/or possible expulsion.
Assault or Intimidation of an Individual(s) Assault is defined as any physical attack or threat of a physical attack on another individual(s) to extort items or favors, induce fear, or for any other reason. Assault or intimidation may result in an out of school suspension and/or possible expulsion.
Probation A student placed on probation will be monitored closely. Any major violation could result in immediate expulsion. All transfer students will be placed on probation.
Identification of Potential Threats of School Violence We at Holy Angels Catholic School in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis have an emergency preparedness plan in place as well as other policies and procedures that help ensure that your child is safe at school. However, we need your help. We ask you to help us identify any situation where a student, staff member, family member, neighbor, or any other person might present a threat to the safety of our school. Today, for obvious reasons, airport security checkpoints do not permit any behaviors by passengers of a threatening nature. Similarly, at school we cannot allow any behaviors by individuals that might pose a threat to the well-being of our students, staff, and others. We have an obligation to keep our school safe. Therefore, we will take any and all threats, threatening behavior or other behavioral indicators seriously. The school is not a place where we can allow people to make threats, offhanded comments or practical jokes about violence, or to possess weapons of any type. Nor, can we ignore behavioral signs that might indicate the potential for school violence. We will thoroughly investigate all potential concerns and take appropriate action.
Recognizing Potential Problems We ask that you look for clues that may indicate that your child, another child you know, a student you teach or an adult associated with you and/or the school, poses a potential threat of violence. These are generally situations where something “is just not right” -- the behavior appears to be inappropriate for the person’s age, extreme or out-of-character, and the person may need some immediate attention or intervention. This list is not exhaustive, but it does illustrate some behavioral indicators that may highlight a potential problem:
§ Direct or indirect threats made against others § Assignments or writings with violent themes or fantasies expressed (including suicidal themes) § Statements indicating hopelessness or desperation § Suicidal thoughts or attempts § Bizarre thoughts, hallucinations, delusions or paranoia § Fighting or intimidating behavior § Missing or stolen weapons § Possession of weapons § Angry and emotional outbursts § Signs of depression § Obsession with weapons and violence, violent media, music, etc. § Thoughts of death § Deep grudges and resentments against particular individuals or groups § Restraining orders that may involve someone trying to get access to persons at the school § Any other warning sign that causes you concern about safety at school
REPORTING PROCEDURES: § Report indicators of potential problems or your concerns to the school administration – do not wait! § Please ask questions if you are not sure about school safety.
TUITION COMMITMENT
Tuition at Holy Angels Catholic School does not cover the cost of educating each student. The Mother Theodore Catholic Academies provides the additional amount. Tuition is paid yearly (before school begins) or monthly through FACTS Tuition Management. Recognizing the impact of our tuition costs, we will utilize CHOICE and Archdiocesan aid for tuition assistance. Our intention remains to reasonably accommodate any family that desires and places a priority on Catholic education for their child. Fundraising We are asking that each family help supplement the tuition payment by participating in the fund raising events.
STUDENT HEALTH
Health Records
All students entering Holy Angels Catholic School are required by state law to present records of immunization. Before entering Pre-K, a student must have: · Four DPT immunizations · Three polio vaccines · One mumps immunization · Three hepatitis B immunizations · One chicken pox vaccine
Before entering kindergarten, a student must have: ¨ Two measles immunizations ¨ Three hepatitis B immunizations ¨ Four polio vaccines ¨ One mumps immunization ¨ One rubella vaccine ¨ Five DPT immunizations
Indiana Health laws state that all students entering sixth grade in Indiana schools are required to show proof that they have received:
The records must be on file in the school office by the September 13th. Emergency ContactsThe school keeps emergency contact information for each family. We ask your assistance in keeping this information up-to-date. Any time you have a change of doctor or daytime telephone number, please notify us immediately. When you are out of town, please leave a number of a relative or friend whom we may contact if needed. Please be sure to advise the office immediately of any address/phone number changes.
School NurseThe Nursing Division of the Marion County Health Department provides school visits. Vision is screened in grades 1 and 3, hearing is screened in grades 1and 4 and screening for Scoliosis occurs in grades 5 . Holy Angels School also has an on site school nurse. MedicationIn order to protect the health and welfare of students and staff members, Indiana law requires that school personnel observe certain safeguards in administering prescription medication to students. All medication must be kept and dispensed from the nurse’s office. The medication must be labeled by name in the original prescription packaging and dosage label. By state law, we are not allowed to dispense aspirin or other medication without specific directions from the parents. Taking medication without authorization could result in suspension or expulsion.
GENERAL PROCEDURES
VolunteersHoly Angles Catholic School could not offer the quality educational program that it does without its great volunteers. We need your help in many capacities! Classroom volunteers are used in many ways. Decisions concerning ways to incorporate volunteers into the curriculum are based on the teacher and volunteer's comfort level. All volunteers must report to the school office upon arriving to sign in. Volunteers must first attend a three hour VIRTUS training session and also fill out information so that a background check may be performed as required by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. VisitorsWe invite visitors to Holy Angels Catholic School, especially parents and interested friends. Please call ahead to arrange a convenient time for your visit. All visitors must report to the school office upon arriving to sign our visitor's book.
Lunch ProgramHoly Angels Catholic School offers a breakfast and lunch program.
Our lunch schedule is: Grades PK-2 11:30-12:00 Grades 3-6 12:00-12:30
RecessRecess is offered each day to students. It is an opportunity for the children to develop social skills and learn new games. It is viewed as an opportunity to teach children. It is important to teach children acceptable behavior both in and out of the classroom setting. Cooperation and competition are encouraged. Behaviors that endanger the safety of other students will result in removal from the playground. Games allowed are based on the safety of the activity. Areas of the playground are sectioned off for various activities. This is also done to reduce the possibility of conflict or minor injury. Toys, games, cards (i.e. baseball or trading), electronic equipment (i.e. Portable CD players radios, lasers), or other items which have no specific educational purpose will not be allowed in school. These items will be confiscated and the parent or guardian will need to collect the item from school. The school, administrator, and staff are not responsible for these items. The recess schedule is as follows: Grades PK-2 11:00-11:30 Grades 3-6 11:30-12:00
School PicturesA professional photographer takes children’s pictures at the beginning of the school year. Participation is optional. A yearbook may be available for purchase in May. School NewsletterA school newsletter is sent home with the students monthly. When school is in session, the newsletters will come home on the first Friday of the month.
Holy Angels Catholic School Dress Code Girls: (PK – 6 Grade)
Shirt: white polo style, (short & long sleeves) Jumper, skirt, or skort: Holy Angels’ plaid (appropriate length) Dress pants: burgandy, gray or black cotton twill Sweatshirts & sweaters: solid gray or burgandy color Socks / tights: white, gray or black Shoes: casual or athletic shoes (no sandals, please)
Boys: (PK – 6 Grades)
Shirt: white or burgundy polo style, (short & long sleeves) Dress pants: gray or black cotton twill Sweatshirts & sweaters: solid gray color Socks: white, gray or black Shoes: casual or athletic shoes (no sandals, please)
Uniforms may be purchased through: French Toast 1-800-373-6248 or www.frenchtoast.com or Campus Outfitters 570-0898 or campusoutfitters.com
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