DIOCESAN POLICIES

St. Thomas More School abides by the policies set forth by the Diocese of Green Bay.

STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION - State Statute 111.321

St. Thomas More School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race or national origin in the enrollment and participation of students or the employment of personnel.

SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S RIGHT TO AMEND HANDBOOK

The school principal retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause. Parents/students will be given prompt notification, if changes are made.

ABSENTEE PROCEDURE

Generally accepted excuses for school absence without advance notification include:

1) personal illness

2) family illness

3) death in the family.

The school should be notified of an absence or tardiness with a phone call by 8:15 A.M. This information will be communicated to the teachers. This procedure will eliminate the need for a written note on your part or a phone call from the school office in reference to the absence. Excluding special circumstances, if a student misses 10 days or more during the school year, the parent/guardian will be asked to meet with the principal.

1. Extended absence for trips or other reasons is not encouraged and requires completion of the form requesting such absence. Student and parent assume responsibility for completion of make-up work.

2. A student’s early dismissal, for any reason whatsoever, should be requested in writing and given to the homeroom teacher before the child may be dismissed. In the case of an emergency early dismissal, please call the school office. Each child is to report to the office and sign out before leaving the building for any reason. A child who leaves school by 9:30 a.m. will be marked absent for the day. A child who leaves school by noon or later will be marked absent for 1/2 day.

3. An admission slip is to be obtained in the office, when tardy, before reporting to the classroom

4. A written, dated excuse from the doctor must be sent with the child when he/she returns to school after a 3-day absence. This will be kept on file during the current school year.

ACADEMIC AWARDS (Middle Level Only)

Students who achieve a 3.0 or better average each quarter and have no less than a “C” in all elective/co-curricular classes will have their names published on the Honor Roll. A 3.5 or higher average will earn a place on the High Honor Roll. Students who maintain either standard for the last two quarters of the past year and the first two quarters of the current year will be recognized at the Annual Academic Awards Ceremony. In addition, outstanding students in areas such as foreign languages, music, art etc. may also be recognized.

St. Thomas More participates in the President’s Education Awards Program. These awards are given to students graduating from the middle school. Students must fulfill the criteria established by the program.

ADMISSIONS

Everyone is welcome at St. Thomas More. Families are encouraged to be registered members of our supporting parishes - St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, St. Mary of the Angels, or SS. Peter and Paul Parishes. St. John the Evangelist also offers assistance to help parishioners send their children to St. Thomas More. New families should register in the parish office with the pastor before registering children for school.

All student Baptismal Certificates and Birth Certificates should be recorded and verified in school files.

A child entering Kindergarten must reach the age of five by September 1^st in accordance with Wisconsin State Law. Students entering Preschool ram must be three or four years of age by September 1^st and toilet trained. Registration is encouraged as far in advance as possible or expected school admission date.

ALCOHOL/DRUGS/SMOKING - D.B. Code 6144.2

The possession, sale, or use of alcohol, drugs, or any other controlled substance on the school campus is strictly forbidden. Violations will be reported to appropriate law enforcement agencies.

Use and/or possession of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or controlled substances of any kind, or paraphernalia related to any of these, is prohibited at all times on school premises or at school related activities including activities and events not on school grounds or outside regular school hours.

Consequences:

A. Three (3) day suspension. Parents notified. Student required to seek

counseling from a counselor approved by the Administrator and provide

written evidence of such to the Administrator within 30 days of suspension.

B. Any further incidents while a student at St. Thomas More School will

result in expulsion. (Failure to seek counseling will be considered cause

for expulsion.) Expulsion is permanent.

APPOINTMENTS

Students needing to be released early from school for emergency medical appointments or any other reason must bring a written request for that release from parents. They are to check out at the office before leaving the building. Upon return to school, students are also required to sign in and notify office personnel of their return.

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL

Parents delivering or picking up students at school should do so on time and in a manner that is compliant with the parking regulations around the school.

For safety reasons, students should not arrive at school before 8:00 A.M. and should leave for home promptly at 3:15 P.M. Any student coming to school before 8:00 a.m. or picked up late after school is dismissed may be placed in the Before/After Care Program and parents will be charged for this service.

Adult street crossing guards are positioned on the corners of Cass and Roosevelt; Mason and Irwin; and Mason and Baird. Student Safety Patrol is provided at the intersection of Cass and Irwin.

Children riding buses are supervised from the time they board the bus until the time they leave the bus at the designated stop. The designated bus company is responsible for the supervision of students on the bus.

ASSEMBLIES

Assemblies are planned periodically as special events on the school calendar. Some typical assembly themes include athletics, cultural, and professional speakers. There is often a significant investment in time and money in preparation for an assembly program. Special attention to proper behavior and good manners is expected of all students.

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

The St. Thomas More Athletic Booster Club is proud to sponsor Christian-based athletic programs for our children, assisting the principal in the proper adherence to approved policy. This club is the only source of funding for our children’s athletic programs. Approximately $13,000 a year is spent on the athletic programs. Parents are involved by becoming active members and by working at the club’s fund raisers, such as Volleyball and Basketball Tournaments, Pizza Sales, Booyah Sales, Magazines Sales etc. Athletic Booster Club meetings are normally held on the 1st Monday of every month from 7:00-8:00 P.M. in the auxiliary kitchen at St. Thomas More. Everyone is encouraged to attend, whether or not your children are currently involved in the sports program. The club follows the guidelines outlined by both the Diocesan Board of Education as well as the St. Thomas More Board of Education.

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

Participation on school teams is available to students in grades 5-6-7-8 in volleyball, football and basketball. Sponsorship of these teams is done by the St. Thomas More Athletic Booster Club, which is comprised of parents of the athletes and other interested parents, grandparents and parishioners. Coaches/students choosing to be a member of any school team are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that speaks well of sportsmanship and St. Thomas More. A CODE OF CONDUCT FORM must be signed by both student and parent/guardian before participation is allowed. Coaches and other adults working with students for the sports programs must complete a background check and participate in VIRTUS training as required by the diocese. All diocesan school athletic programs are regulated by Diocesan Board Policy and are monitored by the Athletic Director in consultation with the principal. To assist families involved in sports, an Athletic Parent/Student Handbook will be issued.

ATTENDANCE -State Statute 118.16

Most subjects are taught in sequence, requiring the understanding of each concept in the order of its presentation. Persistent absenteeism creates a genuine hardship for a student and is regarded as a very serious problem.

Regular, on time attendance at school is necessary to maintain a good scholastic record and to develop the personal discipline that is expected at school and in the future work place. Section 118.15 of the laws of the State of Wisconsin requires parents, under penalty of fines and/or imprisonment, to see to it that their children attend school regularly.

Students are also expected to attend the following three "evening" events during the school year because of their importance to the school community: Family Advent Liturgy, International Night and the Spring Concert and Ice Cream Social.

BAND

Band is available to students in Grades 5-8. Individual lessons on band instruments are offered during the school day. Full band practices are scheduled regularly. Band rehearsal is on Tuesday and Thursday mornings, 7:45 a.m.-8:15 a.m. Band performances are held several times during the year.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE

The school offers Before and After School Care supervised by certified staff members between the hours of 7:00-8:00 a.m. and 3:15-5:30 p.m. For information, including fees, contact the school office.

BICYCLES

Students are allowed to ride bikes to school. Bikes must have licenses and must be locked to the bike rack during school hours. The bike rack area is off limits to all students, except immediately before and after school. However, the school will not be responsible for damaged or stolen bikes. Skateboards, scooters, roller skates, roller blades, etc. are not licensed and may not be ridden or brought to school.

BOARD OF EDUCATION

The consolidated school board is a policy making body responsible for the operation and evaluation of the education programs in the school. The Board is accountable to the Ordinary of the Diocese of Green Bay and the Diocesan Board of Total Catholic Education. Pastors and the principal serve as "ex-officio"members.

The Board meets monthly, normally on the second Thursday, at 7:00 P.M. in the St. Thomas More Faculty Lounge. All meetings of the Board are ‘open’ except those designated as Executive Sessions. An open forum is scheduled at each meeting for those wishing to bring some suggestion or concern to the Board. To be placed on the agenda of a Board meeting, a request in writing must be sent to the Board President at least two weeks prior to the meeting.

BOOKS/SUPPLIES

Textbooks are loaned to students and need to be used for at least five years before they are replaced. Therefore it is the students’ responsibility to take good care of all books and supplies belonging to the school. Fines will be assessed at the time, or at the end of the year, for loss and/or damage.

Students will be presented with their own Bible upon entering our Middle School. This Bible is to be kept for their personal use as well as classroom use as long as they are attending St. Thomas More.

BUILDING USAGE

The St. Thomas More School building is owned by St. Mary of the Angels Parish and is rented to our school system during the school day for our educational programs. The parish has the responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the building. This includes the Asbestos Management Plan, which is monitored through periodic inspections as required by law. Anyone who wishes to rent or use any part of the building during non-school hours should contact St. Mary of the Angels Parish office, not the St. Thomas More School office.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

Free bus transportation is available to any students living two or more miles from the nearest Catholic school through the Green Bay Area Public Schools. Others wishing to ride the bus may arrange directly with Laidlaw Bus Lines for transportation at a monthly fee.

Riding the bus is a privilege. All students are to respect that privilege and realize that it can and will be taken away for inappropriate behavior and failure to comply with directives of the bus driver that could result in jeopardizing the safety of others.

Students are expected to remain seated at all times when the bus is in motion; avoid throwing anything out windows or on the bus; avoid sticking head or arms out windows; and speak in conversational tones so as to be able to hear any directives of the driver.

Parents requesting any changes should contact the school district office or the bus company. Students and parents are encouraged to immediately notify the principal and/or the school district or bus company of any safety hazards that they have observed during bus operation.

BUS DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

A. The driver will fill out a misconduct report. This report must be turned in to the

school office within 48 hours of the offense.

B. The following action will follow the issuance of a misconduct report:

1. First Offense: The school official will inform the parent or guardian regarding

the offense and discuss what disciplinary measures the parent or guardian

and school office deem necessary to correct the situation.

2. Second Offense: The school official will inform the parent or guardian

regarding the offense and the student will be denied transportation for three

school days.

3. Third Offense: The school official will inform the parent or guardian regarding

the offense and the student will be denied transportation for thirty school days.

4. Any Subsequent Offenses: will result in denial of bus transportation for the

balance of the school year.

CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL

Cancellation of school takes place only during extraordinary circumstances such as extreme weather, equipment failure, or public crisis. The school board and administrators are aware of the hardship that can be caused by an abrupt cancellation. Therefore, school will not be canceled unless a significant safety risk has been created by unusual circumstances.

Every practical means is used to notify parents of an impending cancellation, including radio, TV and newspapers. In the unusual circumstance where school must be canceled during the school day, teachers will determine that all students have satisfactory transportation and supervision at their home before releasing them from school.

When weather conditions are such that the school must close, local radio and television stations will present the complete listing for both the parochial and public schools. Normally, Catholic schools will close when the

public schools close.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE NUMBER

It is very important, for emergency and administrative reasons that every student maintain an up-to-date address and phone number record at the school office. Notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or phone number or work place during the school year.

CHILD ABUSE

In accord with Wisconsin State Statute 48.981 it is the responsibility of school personnel to report to the proper authorities any suspected child abuse or neglect cases observed or reported to them.

CONDUCT

The Christian behavior expected from students at school is a reflection of the values of common courtesy and safety considerations. Students are expected to 1) respect individual rights and the rights of others in a comfortable and pleasant atmosphere, 2) maintain proper behavior during class hours and school related activities, and 3) respect school property. See the “Rules Regarding Behavior” in the back of this handbook.

COMMUNICATIONS

A newsletter containing items of interest to parents and students will be distributed monthly. This family envelope should be signed and returned with a day or two after it is received. Those who lose their envelope need to contact the school office as soon as possible for replacement to continue receiving school information.

Announcements to be made or to be posted are done with the consent of the school administrator. We request that any announcements you wish to have made be brought to our attention by 8:15 A.M. or preferably the day before. If you have any materials for the monthly newsletter, please send them to the office at least one week prior to newsletter publication. All enclosures in the newsletter are reviewed and must be approved by

the administrator.

CONFERENCES

Parents/guardians are encouraged to keep in close contact with the teacher concerning the progress of their child. Contact can be made through notes directed to the teacher, personal telephone calls or conferences with the teacher after school. Do not wait for a problem to develop to express concern or seek advice or assistance.

Teachers will not be called to the telephone during the school day, since their primary responsibility is the education and supervision of their students. A message will be given to the respective teacher who will respond at a non-teaching time of the day. Emergency needs are an exception.

A parent/guardian who has a concern that deals with the principal should contact her through a note directed to her, or by a personal telephone call. A conference can then be scheduled.

When a concern needs to be discussed, a conference is a way to insure sufficient time to listen and talk things over. A spontaneous visit may not allow the listening and talking time that may be needed. However, it may allow time to set up a conference when needed.

School staff wishing to speak to the parent/guardian will send a note, and/or make contact by phone when desiring to speak about your child’s accomplishments or progress.

The Pupil Progress Reports (Report Cards) are issued four times a year at the end of each quarter.

Conferences are scheduled at the end of the First Quarter. Time for optional conferences is provided at the end of the Second Quarter. Conferences afford parents, as well as the teacher, an opportunity to question and to listen. Strategies should be planned for helping the child achieve the goals that parents and teachers feel are realistic and appropriate for the child. Parents are required to attend Fall conferences.

COUNSELOR

A counselor is available at school approximately six hours per week through a contract with Family Services. This is not meant to be any type of intensive therapy, but is only to advise/help students deal with the usual problems facing young people, such as self-esteem, relationships, decision-make, peer pressure, etc.

COURTESY

Accepted patterns of common courtesy are expected at all times. All staff and volunteers shall be addressed

by appropriate title (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Sr., Fr., etc.). Proper manners are expected at all times. The use of inappropriate, offensive, vulgar, sexually suggestive language is unacceptable and will be dealt with appropriately. Students are also expected to treat their peers courteously and with respect.

DAILY SCHEDULE

7:00-8:00 A.M. Before School Care (optional)

8:10 A.M. Doors Open

8:15 A.M. Classes Begin (Kindergarten - Grade 8)

8:30 A.M. Preschool Begins (M, W & F)

10:00 A.M. Recess (Elementary - 15 minutes)

11:00 A.M. Dismissal for Preschool (M, W & F)

11:15 A.M. Lunch Middle Level

12:00 P.M. Lunch Elementary Level

1:35 P.M. Middle Level Break (10 minutes)

2:00 P.M. Recess (Elementary - 15 minutes)

3:15 P.M. Dismissal (K-8)

Early Dismissal Days: Students in Gr. K-8 dismissed at 12:00 noon

DETENTION POLICY

See the detention policy in the back of this handbook.

DOCTOR AND DENTIST APPOINTMENTS

Parents/guardians are expected to schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours. When this is not possible, students will be excused for these appointments. A written excuse must be on file. Parents/guardians must report to the school office to sign out their child/children.

DRESS CODE

Students often conduct themselves in a way similar to the manner in which they dress. Even though a particular style or item may not be specifically addressed, this does not mean that it is allowed. When in doubt, check it out with the principal before purchasing/wearing. Any type of clothing or grooming which is disruptive or inappropriate will not be permitted.

GENERAL REGULATIONS: (All students)

All clothes must be neat and clean.

All shirts and blouses must be tucked in at all times. Polo shirts need not be tucked in.

Belts must be worn when shirts are tucked in.

No jeans, sweat pants, stretch pants, leggings, cargo or carpenter pants.

No tank tops, low-cut tops or short tops showing the midriff.

No sweat shirts other than navy blue or red with school logo

Shoes: gym, deck, flats. No black soles, no backless or platform sandals, no hiking boots.

Shoelaces must be tied.

Socks must be worn. Only white or navy blue socks or tights must be worn.

Excessive make-up, jewelry and/or accessories are not allowed.

Earrings for boys are not allowed.

Appropriate outside clothing should be worn for winter recess.

Boots may not be worn during class time.

No “fad” haircuts or hair coloring.

SPECIFIC UNIFORM REGULATIONS:

Elementary Students:

Girls - Grades K-4:

Jumpers: Approved uniform navy/red or navy blue jumpers.

Blouses: White blouses – long or short sleeves with collars; buttoned down the front.

White, red or navy turtleneck or mock turtleneck or polo shirts; no crew necks, T-shirts.

No lace, frills or other decorations are to be on uniform blouses.

Sweaters: Solid navy blue, red or true white pullover, cardigan or sweater vests.

No sweatshirts other than navy blue or red with the school logo. No zippers/hoods.

Slacks: Uniform style (four pocket type) navy blue or tan straight leg/gabardine/corduroy/cotton twill or capris;

no extra pockets or zippers.

Shorts: Navy blue walking short length/cotton twill, no extra pockets or zippers.

Split Skirts: Uniform plaid or navy blue.

Boys - Grades K-4:

Slacks: Uniform style (four pocket type) navy blue or tan straight leg/gabardine/corduroy/cotton twill; no extra pockets or zippers.

Belts should be worn with pants having belt loops.

Shorts: Navy blue or tan walking short length/cotton twill, no extra pockets or zippers.

Shirts: White, red, or navy shirts – long or short sleeves with collars; buttoned down the front. White, red, or navy turtleneck or mock turtleneck or polo style shirts; no T-shirts

Sweaters: Solid navy blue, red or true white pullover, cardigan or sweater vests.

No sweatshirts other than navy blue or red with school logo. No zippers/hoods.

Middle School Students:

Girls - Grades 5-8:

Skirts: Navy blue box pleat, worn no shorter than three inches above the knee

Blouses: White, red or navy blouses – long or short sleeves with collar; buttoned down the front.

White, red or navy turtleneck or mock turtleneck; no crew necks or T-shirts.

White, red or navy polo style shirts. No lace, frills or other decorations.

Sweaters: White pullover, cardigan or sweater. No sweatshirts other than navy blue or red with school logo. No zippers or hoods.

Slacks: Uniform style (four packet type) navy or tan/khaki/stone-wash color straight leg/gabardine/corduroy/cotton twill or

capris; no extra pockets or zippers.

Shorts/Skirts: Navy blue or tan/khaki/stone-wash walking short length/cotton twill, no extra pockets or zippers.

Boys - Grades 5-8:

Slacks: Uniform style (four pocket type) navy blue or tank/khaki/stone-wash color straight leg/gabardine/corduroy/cotton twill;

no extra pockets or zippers.

Shorts: Navy blue or tan/khaki/stone-wash walking short length cotton twill, no extra pockets or zippers.

Shirts: White, red or navy shirts – long or short sleeves with collars; buttoned down the front.

White, red or navy turtleneck or mock turtleneck or polo style shirts; no T-shirts.

Sweaters: Solid navy blue, red or true white pullover, cardigan or sweater vests

No sweatshirts other than navy blue or red with school logo; no zippers/hoods.

Used uniform items may be available from the STM School "Uniform Shoppe" located at school.

ANYONE COMING TO SCHOOL IMPROPERLY DRESSED WILL RECEIVE A DRESS CODE VIOLATION NOTICE REQUIRING PARENTAL SIGNATURE AND CORRECTION OF THE VIOLATION BEFORE RETURNING TO SCHOOL.

THREE DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS WILL RESULT IN A DETENTION.

UNIFORM for PHY. ED. CLASS: (Grades K-8)

Boys/Girls: Tennis shoes, no black soles. (One extra pair for indoor gym use.)

Shorts and an appropriate T-shirt (Should be taken home for washing periodically)

NON-UNIFORM DAYS:

On days when uniforms are not worn (i.e. dress down days, School Spirit Days, dress up days) clothes should be clean, neat, not ripped or torn and not have offensive or inappropriate messages. Cargo pants (not too baggy or sloppy) may be worn on dress down days. Sweats are also permitted (but no low riders or with writing across the butt) Jeans are allowed on dress down days or School Spirit Days unless specifically stated otherwise .No short shorts. Shirts must cover the waistband of pants or shorts. On School Spirit Days, only red and white colors may be substituted in place of the appropriate uniform' athletic jerseys may also be worn.

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Every student is required to provide the school office the following information:

1. Parent/guardian(s) name(s).

2. Complete up-to-date address.

3. Home phone and parent/guardian(s) work phone.

4. Emergency phone number(s) of relative or friend.

5. Physician’s name and phone.

6. Medical alert information.

It is the parent/guardian's responsibility to see that all information is current and updated as needed.

Note: Parents/guardians may indicate the names of persons (not more than three) to whom their child/children will be released. No other person will be given the right without the parent/guardian changing the form.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Emergency Procedures for Fire (Fire Drill), Tornado (Tornado Drill), Bomb Threat, Hazardous Spills, and Crisis Situations are on file in the school office.

Evacuation procedures and routes are posted in every classroom. Practice drills are held during the school year so students/staff know what to do in an emergency.

EQUIPMENT USAGE

Our school has a variety of educational, safety and janitorial maintenance equipment. Students are not permitted to use or handle equipment, unless they have official permission to do so. If school equipment is damaged because of negligence or unauthorized use, the person at fault is held financially responsible.

FAMILY VACATIONS

We encourage parent(s)/guardian(s) to plan vacations when school is not in session. However, realizing that such is not always possible, we request that:

If a vacation requires a child’s absence from school, the matter should be discussed with the office and the child’s teacher well in advance of departure. A pre-excused absence form must be secured from the office and completed. A written note must also be sent to the office. It is not sufficient to just notify the classroom teacher. Attendance is verified in the office. Class work missed must be made up by the student upon his/ her return to school.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips broaden the educational experience of the students. Students receive extended learning through the hands-on or visual activities available on a field trip.

Field trips and school related activities conducted under the supervision of the school staff are part of the school day and an extension of the classroom activity. All such activities must have the approval of the principal before any preparations are made. St. Thomas More teachers are encouraged to participate in a minimum of at least one field trip per year.

At St.Thomas More School teachers are encouraged to participate in a minimum of one field trip experience per year.

Guidelines for field trips are as follows:

1. Teachers are to submit to the principal a field trip request detailing educational purpose of the trip.

2. Expenses are to be paid by the students.

3. Parents are to be informed as to the purpose of the trip, type of transportation, date, approximate time of departure and return, cost and suggestions for dress, if needed.

4. No student may participate in a field trip without a signed permission slip. This permission slip and fee must be returned by the due date or the student will not be allowed to go on the field trip. Phone calls are not acceptable.

5. Transportation arrangements must be made through the school. Bus transportation is required for all field trips. Exceptions to this requirement must be cleared with the administration.

6. The teacher is to arrange for an adequate number of adult chaperones.

There should be at least one chaperone for every ten students. Adults should be briefed as to responsibilities and expectations.

7. If necessary, the teacher is to arrange with the principal for the supervision and work of students who do not accompany the class. Students not on the field trip are required to be in school.

8. The teacher is to have a plan for emergencies in case it is needed.

He/she should be aware of special needs or medications of students.

9. The teacher is to inform the office when the class is leaving for the field trip and also when the class has returned.

FILM POLICY

In order to maintain the high moral standards befitting a Catholic School, films/videos used at St. Thomas More for instructional or recreational purposes shall:

1) bear a rating of “G” at the elementary level;

2) be allowed to have ratings other than “G” for the middle level only if:

a) they are previewed in their entirety by the teacher prior to use;

b) parental consent is received for viewing;

c) rating is relative to violence/language associated with war or historic fact.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Families in need of financial assistance to help defray the cost of tuition need to first contact the pastor of their respective parish. Financial assistance is also available through the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Application forms for this assistance are available through the pastors. Some aid may also be available through the school. There are deadlines for applying for any tuition aid; contact the school or parish office for more information.

FIREARMS, WEAPONS, DANGEROUS OBJECTS – Diocesan Board Policy #4220

Use and/or possession of hazardous materials and objects such as fireworks, matches, lighter, laser pointers, pocket knives, or weapons of any sort is not allowed.

Consequences:

A. Any student in possession of a firearm at school shall be immediately suspended,

pending a hearing before the local school board.

B. Anyone found possessing any other dangerous objects would have them confiscated. Parents

will be notified. Disciplinary action will be taken.

C. Repeated possession will result in suspension of one to three days.

D. Use of such materials or objects on school premises will result in a three day suspension.

E. A second offense involving use of such materials will result in expulsion. Expulsion is permanent.

Students who are suspended and/or recommended for expulsion have the right to due process. They must be notified of the charges and have the opportunity to explain their conduct. Appeals of suspensions/expulsions may be made to the School Board.

FUND RAISING

Fund raising is an important part of our budget and it helps keep our tuition to a minimum. This year, we need to raise at least $65,000 to help us meet our needs. It is imperative that each family participates in our fund raising efforts. Brief descriptions of our major fundraisers are as follows:

Candy Bar Sale: Each family will be asked in the beginning of the school year to sell at least one box of candy bars. Families choosing not to sell must pay school the profit margin they would have earned.

Scrip: This is an ongoing fundraiser. Gift certificates are sold through the school office for area grocery stores, department

stores, restaurants, gas stations and specialty stores. Please use these for all your shopping needs. A buyout

option ($150) is available for those not wishing to use Scrip.

Market Day: Order from a wide variety of food items available through school each month. A percentage of the profits go to the school.

Order sheets are normally sent home with each monthly newsletter.

International Night: Our major fundraiser of the year. All families should participate.

Any additional fundraisers will be announced during the school year.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES

In the event of any grievance, these steps must be followed as outlined and agreed upon by the Administration and the School Board.

1. Parents confer first with the teacher(s) if the grievance is against the teacher(s). If not satisfied, confer with the administrator. Suggestion: teacher, parent and student will be present.

2. Parents confer with the Principal if the grievance is administrative or against the administrator.

3. Appeal to the St. Thomas More Board of Education.

a. The appeal must be in writing and must:

1. Identify the person against whom the grievance is filed.

2. Identify the specific grievance to be heard in the appeal.

3. A copy of the appeal must be given to the person against whom the grievance is being filed.

4. Appeal to the Diocesan Board of Education.

GUEST SPEAKERS/GUEST PROGRAMS

Guest speakers and programs enhance the curriculum at St. Thomas More as well as expand horizons, opportunities and experiences.

All guest speakers and programs must be arranged in consultation with the administration. Calendar dates must be approved by the office and cleared with the master calendar.

GUM

NO GUM! Gum is NOT allowed in or around the school.

HARASSMENT/SEXUAL HARASSMENT - Diocesan Board Policies #4160 & 4170

It is the policy of the educational programs governed by the Diocesan Board of Total Catholic Education to maintain learning and working environment that is free from harassment or sexual harassment. No employee, volunteer or student associated with these programs shall be subject to harassment or sexual harassment.

It shall be a violation of this policy for any employee, volunteer or student to harass another employee, volunteer or student.

Violations of these policies or procedures will be cause for disciplinary action.

In compliance with diocesan regulations/guidelines in "Our Promise to Protect..." from abuse, all staff members and adults having regular access to children must complete a background check and participate in ongoing training sessions. Any suspected incident of abuse should be reported immediately to the proper authorities.

HOMEWORK

Homework is an important extension of the teaching/learning that takes place in school. It can contribute to practice and drill that reinforces learning and can provide opportunities for study, research, and creativity. Parents can assist their children by providing a quiet place for the students to work and checking that assignments are completed.

A student has the responsibility to complete assignments and prepare for classes to the best of his/her ability.

An average of: Primary Grades = 1/2 hour; Intermediate Grades = 1 hour; Middle Grades - 1 1/2 hour of homework each day should be expected. Depending on the students own study habits, and/or special projects due, the amount of time required may be more or less. We strongly recommend setting aside a regular time and place each night for homework/study.

HOURS - OFFICE/SCHOOL

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.

School Hours: 8:10 a.m.- 3:15 p.m. (Early Dismissal Days: 8:10 a.m.-12:00 noon)

Preschool: 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. M, W, & F

Lunch Hours: 11:15 a.m.-11:55 a.m. (Middle); 12:00-12:40 (Elem.)

ILLNESS OR INJURY

In case of illness or injury a child will be cared for temporarily by a member of the school staff. School personnel will render basic first aid treatment only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary and parents/guardians or emergency contact cannot be reached, the school will call 911.

INSURANCE

If your child is not covered under your insurance for accidents occurring at school, contact the school office to see if the school group policy may cover any expenses for injuries received by the student either at school or during school related activities.

KINDERGARTEN

Children entering kindergarten are required to be five years old on or before September 1 for the school year in which they are enrolling. Children who will be five are no longer pre-screened for Kindergarten unless there are special concerns. Registration for full or half day classes normally takes place in the spring.

LEAVING CAMPUS

Students are not allowed to leave the school campus during school hours for any reason without the writte