CATHOLIC CENTRAL SCHOOLS

1. Students already attending Catholic Central Elementary School
   
2. Siblings of the above whose parents meet the eligibility requirements of an affiliated parish
   
3. New students whose parents meet the eligibility requirements of an affiliated parish
   
4. Non-parishioners will be accepted on a space available basis.
   

1. Children who become five or six before October 1 are “of age” for kindergarten and first grade respectively.
   
2. Children who become five or six between October 1 and January 1 inclusive, shall be considered as underage candidates for kindergarten and first grade.
   

GENERAL SCHOOL INFORMATION

ATTENDANCE

According to the Archdiocesan Guidelines and State Guidelines, attendance is taken each morning. Attendance at school is required by Ohio law. Every parent has the responsibility to see that his/her child(ren) attend school whenever school is in session. Attendance is necessary for academic success. Making up work is no substitute for classroom interaction. Perfect Attendance is defined as being present and on time every day.

It is the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school office each morning before 9:00 a.m. if your child is going to be absent. If the school does not receive a call from the parent/guardian, the secretary will call the home or the parent/guardian’s place of employment. A written excuse stating the reason for the absence, dates of the absence, and signed by the parent/guardian is mandatory when a child returns after each absence. It is the student’s responsibility to see the teacher about what work was missed.

Children with severe colds, cough, fever or other signs of illness should be kept at home. This ensures the well-being of the other students and saves the school the time of contacting parents to have their child transported home again.

If a student has a contagious disease, a doctor’s release is required before the child returns to school.

In the event of excessive absences, the school reserves the right to request a doctor’s statement.

Teachers will bring excessive absences to the attention of the principal. This problem will be dealt with on an individual basis with parents/guardians. The attendance officer or other appropriate person may be notified if the excessiveness continues.

Excessive absences may result in having to repeat a grade. An excessive absence of twenty (20) days or more makes a child liable for summer school or retention. This applies to grades K-6. Daily instruction cannot be replaced by after school make-up work/tests.

Taking students out of school for vacations, trips, etc. is an unexcused absence. Parents are to notify the office at least one week in advance in writing. Students and parents assume all responsibility for school work missed. Failure to make up assignments may result in a failing grade. Assignments must be made up upon the return to class.

Each child is to have a Medical Authorization Form on file at school so that a parent/guardian and/or doctor may be called in case of an emergency. A parent/guardian is to complete this form and return it to school by the end of the first week of school.

DAILY SCHEDULE

All children will arrive in time for the beginning of school and be dismissed by authorized school personnel. Students arriving after 7:55 (Urbana site) or 8:15 (Springfield sites) are considered tardy.

Classes begin at 8:05 (Urbana site) and 8:25 a.m. (Springfield sites).

Classes are dismissed at 2:25 p.m. (Urbana site) and 2:45 p.m. (Springfield sites).

TARDINESS

In order for a child to do well in school, it is important for the child to be on time.

A student arriving late for school reports first to the school office. There the student receives a tardy slip permitting him/her to enter the classroom. Care should be taken by those arriving late not to interrupt or disturb the students already engaged in the day’s work.

In case of excessive tardiness, the teacher will inform the principal. The parents/guardians will be notified and asked to work with the school to remedy this situation. The attendance officer or appropriate persons may be notified if tardiness continues.

A student is not counted tardy if the bus arrives late at school – or if the parent/guardian has had to drive because the bus has not picked up the student. In this case, please report the problem to the office.

Parents/guardians who drive students to school should make every effort to have the student(s) arrive on time.

Children are considered absent one-half day when coming to school after 10:00 a.m. or missing two hours in a school day.

EARLY DISMISSAL

No student will be permitted to leave school before the regular dismissal time except in the case of sickness or other emergency. If a student is going to leave early for family or personal reasons, a parent/guardian must send a written note to the school office.

Parents/guardians must sign their child(ren) in and out at the school office when they come in or leave for any reason outside the regularly scheduled school day.

No teacher may allow a student to leave directly from a classroom. All early dismissals must take place from the school office.

DOCTOR/DENTIST APPOINTMENTS

Every effort should be made to schedule appointments outside of school hours. If this is not possible, a written note must be sent to the office in the morning when the student arrives at school. The note is to include the time the student will be leaving and the person who will be picking up the student. If an appointment is before the student comes to school, notification of the late arrival is required the day before.

If a student is out for 2 hours or longer, it is considered ½ day absence. If a student arrives in less than 2 hours, he/she is considered tardy.

MAKE-UP WORK FOLLOWING AN ABSENCE

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian and student to see that all school work missed because of absence is completed. Students will have the total days missed plus one to turn in the missed work for credit.

More than an average of 10 days missed per quarter creates a question about a student’s ability to complete the work of that grade. This may result in the child attending summer school or being retained in the same grade.

FAMILY VACATIONS

Taking students out of school for vacations, trips, etc. is an unexcused absence. Parents are to notify the office at least one week in advance in writing. Parents wishing to take a student out of school for trips, etc. must assume total responsibility for the school work missed by the student.  Failure to make up assignments may result in a failing grade.

Teachers may, but are not required, to prepare work ahead of time. If such work is given, it is to be completed and given to the teacher on the day of the student’s return to school.
If assignments are not given ahead of time, they must be made up upon the return to class.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING / DELAYED

In case there is a possibility of school cancellation or delay due to weather, etc., listen to radio stations WIZE 1340 or WBLY 1600 or WHIO or watch TV Channels 2, 7, or 22. When Catholic Central Jr./Sr. High School closes due to weather conditions, both Springfield elementary sites will close. When Urbana City Schools close due to weather conditions, the Urbana site will close. If an individual school site in the Springfield/Urbana Catholic system closes, that school site will be specifically named.

If the opening of school is delayed in the morning, the start of school will be moved back the amount of time as indicated by the delay. Do not send students to school at the normal opening time. If the Springfield sites have a morning delay of at least two hours, preschool will close for that day. Afternoon preschool will remain open.

If any public schools dismiss early due to weather or other emergency, it will be announced on radio or TV. If buses come early for students, children will go home on the bus unless parents specify otherwise. Catholic Central will remain open until all students have been picked up. Walkers will remain until their regular dismissal time unless their parents pick them up earlier. Be sure your child(ren) know what to do and where you expect them to go should an early dismissal be necessary.

TRANSPORTATION OF STUDENTS

Buses are provided and managed by the public school district in which your family lives. Arrangements for bus service are made by the parents with the appropriate coordinator for the district in which they reside for county busses. Springfield City bus riders must request service through CCES secretaries.

The bus companies have their own rules and regulations which govern the children while on the buses. If a child behaves in a manner which causes him/her to be suspended from riding the bus, the school personnel cannot intervene. It is very important that you stress proper bus behavior to your child, for his/her safety, the safety of others, and to insure continued bus service.

If a student who usually needs to ride the bus is going to be a walker or a car rider, A NOTE IS SENT BY THE PARENT INDICATING THE CHANGE.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

Lagonda Site:

Safe pickup and delivery of your child is of utmost importance. Buses have priority on the playground. For afternoon dismissal, buses will pull up close to the school to provide a safe boarding area for the students.

Cars must park behind the yellow line and depart carefully watching for students. Cars may not go between the buses.

Limestone Site:

The driveway on Floral Avenue next to the Pastor’s house is for INCOMING CARS ONLY. The cars must then exit out of the driveway onto North Limestone Street. Buses enter from Floral Avenue at the back of the parking lot and exit out to North Limestone Street.

Traffic flow in the morning needs the cooperation of all. We ask that when there is no car ahead of you that you drive to the beginning (north end) of the school building. This will allow more cars to pull in behind you. When the first car stops all students should exit the cars at the same time. Please stay in line; DO NOT PASS ANOTHER CAR. Traffic around the school is ONE WAY. If you need to enter the building with your child in the morning, please enter as usual on Floral Avenue and park behind the yellow lines.

Students enter the building by the North doors only. Students who ride the bus will enter the middle school building by the south door.

At dismissal time in the afternoon, all bus riders will exit the building through the south door. A member of the staff will supervise the children when they are boarding the buses.

Children must be picked up in the parking lot behind the school. Cars should be parked by 2:40 p.m. After 2:40 p.m. the Floral Avenue entrance is closed to allow students to walk safely to their cars or to exit the parking lot by walking home.

Students are dismissed from the north doors of both buildings. Students are to walk to their bikes and cars. Bike racks have been placed on the south side of the lot. Students are responsible to lock their bikes.

Urbana Site:

Parents who drop off their children are asked to drop them off in either the church parking lot or the school parking lot, but not on the street.

ACCESS TO RECORDS/STUDENTS

Both parents have equal access to their child(ren)’s records unless a certified copy of a court order to the contrary is on file in the school office.

All requests for communication with and/or release of the child(ren) will be granted to both parents unless a certified copy of a court order to the contrary is on file in the school office.

The process for parents/legal guardians who wish to review a student’s records is as follows:

1. Call the office to make an appointment.
2. Sign a Review of Records form.
3. Review the records in the school office with principal or secretary.
4. Submit a written request for removal of any item(s).
5. Return the files to the principal or secretary.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES

Books issued to students are to be covered at all times. A book bag must be used whenever books are taken home. Fines will be assessed for damage to books. Lost books will be charged to the students. Parents will receive a listing of any fines at the end of the year. These must be paid before the last report card is sent or records released.

A list of required supplies specifies what each student needs according to grade level. Some items will need to be replaced during the year. Students are to have paper, pencils, pens, erasers, and assignment notebooks at all times.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Hot lunch is served in the cafeteria each day. Milk is available for those children who bring their own lunches.

Catholic Central Elementary School is involved in the federal government free and reduced price lunch program. Forms for eligibility for free or reduced price lunches will be distributed in the first week of the school year. These forms will be handled by the school office. All information on the forms is kept strictly confidential. If a student qualified for free or reduced price lunches in the previous school year, the student automatically qualifies for the same status in the present school year, until new forms are completed. The deadline for completion of new forms is October 1.

Students may go home for lunch provided the school receives written permission from the parents. Students are not to take food out on the playground to eat. Pop  and fast food lunches are not permitted.

BIRTHDAY TREATS

If children want to share something with their classmates on the occasion of their birthdays, small items which can be easily distributed are suggested.

Please inform the teacher several days in advance. Only one child in a particular room will celebrate on a given day. Deliver the treat to the office before lunchtime to allow the teacher the freedom to select the best time to pass out the treat. Ice cream and drinks should not be served because they are too time-consuming and messy.

Please be considerate of students in your child’s class who may have food allergies.

Birthday invitations may not be distributed on school property unless the entire class or all girls/all boys are invited.

FIELD TRIPS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Field trips are an outgrowth of the students’ class work as an enrichment related to class work. Field trips are planned by the teachers and are supervised by the teachers and an appropriate number of chaperones. Fees may be requested to cover cost of tickets/admittance to an event.

Field trips are a privilege, not a right. Students may be denied the privilege of participation in a field trip for behavioral or academic reasons.

If for some reason a child is not permitted to participate in a field trip, he/she must remain in school with assigned work under the supervision of another teacher.

Official permission slips, signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) are required for each trip off the school premises. Handwritten notes will not be accepted. Phone calls will not be accepted.

Transportation for these events is provided by bus or walking if within reasonable distance. A fee is sometimes requested when a bus is provided.

Emergency Medical Authorization Forms are taken on field trips. Please keep this information updated in the office.

Upon returning from a field trip, all students are expected to return to the classroom and remain until dismissal.

Chaperones are to leave the group with the teacher at the school door.

Parents bringing younger children will not be considered chaperones, as 100% attention to the assigned group is required.

FIELD TRIP POLICY

1. All field trips must be arranged to meet educational objectives.
2. All school-sponsored activities occurring away from the campuses may be undertaken only with the permission of the principal. Under no circumstances may any trip be taken without the principal’s approval.
3. Overnight trips, while sometimes necessary and educationally worthwhile, are a special concern. School sponsored activities away from school grounds and scheduled during non-school hours are strictly optional for students. Because the legal liability of Catholic Central Elementary School is limited in relation to this situation, any school employees involved are provided as chaperones only and share responsibility for the children with parent/chaperones. A minimum of one adult for every 10 – 15 children is required. All students participating in such a trip must be covered by their parents’ insurance and are not in any way the responsibility of Catholic Central Elementary School. A waiver to this effect must be provided and signed in lieu of a field trip permission slip by a parent of every one of the children involved. Accommodations for overnight trips must include separate sleeping quarters and toilet facilities for boy and girl students. The number of teachers/chaperones should be adequate to provide girls and boys with suitable supervision from chaperones of the same sex.

GUIDELINES FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

1. An extracurricular activity is any activity taking place on the school grounds. 
2. For all Catholic Central Elementary School extracurricular activities, the Archdiocesan policies will be followed. They are:
1. Responsibility for Student Activities (400.01) – The principal shall be responsible for the coordination of all activities of the school, including student activity programs. When this area is delegated by the principal, it should be clearly stated to whom the responsibility for the task is being delegated.
2. Moderator of Student Organizations (400.12) – No student organization is to be given official recognition by the school unless it operates under the supervision of a faculty moderator approved by the principal of the school in accordance with the stated policies of the school. The supervision of an activity should not infringe upon the teacher’s assigned classroom time and responsibilities.
3. Supervision of Student Activities (400.03) – Activities of the school will be properly supervised by certified school personnel. This includes classroom activities, field trips, rehearsals, performances by school groups, and other activities sponsored by the school.
4. Social Activities (400.03) Social activities are the primary responsibility of the parents and students. If the school, in cooperation with the parents and students, sponsors a school social activity, all the areas of responsibility for coordinating, chaperoning, managing of fund, etc., should be clearly defined.
3. Chaperones must be present for the entire period of time the activity is taking place, including preparation and clean-up time. If chaperones are not available by this time, the activity will be cancelled.
4. All extracurricular activities may be supervised by a parent coordinating committee approved by the principal.
5. The schedule for planning an activity will be:
1. Parent of student planning group meets with principal to discuss details of planned activity.
2. Reserve room.
3. Secure required number of chaperones no later than one week prior to the scheduled event.
4. Report names of chaperones to the principal no later than one week prior to the scheduled event.
5. Secure one chaperone who will take main responsibility for obtaining and returning keys, and for seeing that all other chaperones comply with the guidelines. At no time will keys be given to students without a parent/chaperone present.
6. Make sure that all clean-up takes place immediately after the activity has taken place.
6. Students are responsible for all clean-up, with the direction and assistance of chaperones.
7. The time limits for evening extracurricular activities will be 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. No activity will continue beyond this time limit. Requests for other time frames must be made to the principal.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

Students may not bring electronic equipment to school. Examples: Game Boys, CD players, palm pads, and cell phones.

SACRAMENTAL AND LITURGICAL OPPORTUNITIES

The children will participate each week in a liturgy planned by various grade levels. Additional prayer services during the Liturgical Seasons of the year will be a part of the Religious Education program. Parent involvement in the weekly liturgy and any of the extra liturgical services is highly encouraged.

Instruction for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is given in the second grade. Students who are not in grade two and wish to receive these sacraments must consult with their parish. The reception of these sacraments takes place at the students’ individual parishes. Parents are expected to become actively involved in this process through adult preparation classes offered at the parishes.

TELEPHONES

The use of school phones is limited to school business and emergencies. We do not call students to the phone. Students will be given permission to use the phone in emergencies only. Forgetting books, homework, etc. do not constitute emergencies.

Cell phones are not permitted at the elementary school

VISITORS

All visitors must report to the office when entering the school.

When delivering items or messages to your child(ren) and/or picking up students during school hours, parents/guardians MUST come to the office, NEVER directly to the classroom. This is to insure the safety of our students and to avoid taking teachers away from the supervision of the total class.

Teachers are unavailable to meet with parents between 8:00 and 3:00 p.m. unless time has been previously arranged for when the teacher is not involved with the supervision of students.

If there is an emergency, parents/guardians are asked to check in at the school office. Other persons in the school buildings who have no appointment and who do not check in at the school office will be escorted from the premises. In severe cases, the police may be called.

If a child is to be picked up for a doctor or dental appointment or because of illness during the school day, the child will be dismissed from the school office.

VOLUNTEERS

Any person who volunteers their services to the school and will be in direct contact with the children are required to attend the Diocesan Child Protection workshop and be fingerprinted.

ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT

STUDENT PROGRESS

Students all progress at different rates, but there are certain basic requirements at each grade level. In order to measure intellectual development and keep parents informed, report cards will be distributed at approximately nine week intervals. Interim progress reports will also be distributed within each nine week interval. Check the calendar for dates. Cards may be withheld at the end of the quarters if tuition or other outstanding fees have not been paid. Cards should be examined by the parents/guardians and promptly returned signed by them.

Many factors influence the final quarter grade. Classroom attendance, daily participation, written and oral classroom work, homework, quizzes, and tests are all important elements which indicate student effort in the learning process.

GUIDE OF INTERPRETING THE SCALE OF VALUES

Grades 4 through 6
Superior Work – Grade A (93 -100)
 My answers are the best.
 I always answer willingly.
 I am always interested.
 My written and oral work is in on time.

Above Average Work – Grade B (85 – 92)
 My answers are very good.
 I answer willingly.
 I am interested.
 My written and oral work is in on time.
 It is correct. I am doing very good work.

Average Work – Grade C (77 – 84)
 My answers are good.
 I answer when I am called on.
 I pay attention in class.
 My written and oral work is in on time.
 I often make mistakes.

Below Average Work – Grade D (70 – 76)
 My answers are poor.
 I miss when I am called on.
 I fail to pay attention.
 My written and oral work is in late.

Failing Work – Grade F (Below 70)
 My answers are wrong.
 I do not answer when I am called on.
 I do not pay attention.
 My work is in late.

Grades K through 3
S+ =  I do everything that goes with S work plus
 I frequently participate in class discussions.
 I am always ready to work.
 My classroom work is always neat and handed in on time.
 I do more than the minimum required.

S = Strong Progress
 I always pay attention in class and answer questions willingly.
 My answers are well thought out.
 My written work is neat and complete.
 My homework is neat and completed on time.
 I always do my best work and put forth my best effort.

P = Satisfactory

N = Needs Time/Improvement
 I need more time to learn and develop the skills.

U = Unsatisfactory
 I am capable of much better work.

In the primary grades the letter “U” indicates that a child is not working up to ability and/or is lacking in class and/or on homework.

PROMOTION / PLACEMENT

PROMOTION means that a student has made sufficient progress in the areas needed to be prepared for the next grade.

To be promoted from KINDERGARTEN means that the child manifests readiness sufficient to handle the first grade program.

In each primary grade (1, 2, and 3) the student shows competence in reading, math, and written language, and is judged prepared to do the required work and handle all expectations of the next grade.

Upon entering grade 4 the student will have developed a certain amount of independence and self-confidence along with the skills necessary in reading, math, and written language.

Promotion from grades 4 through 6 will require an average of at least 70 in each of the major subjects. Any student who ends the year with an average in any major subject below 70 will be expected to do make-up work in the summer. This will be determined on an individual basis.

Major subjects include religion, reading, English (written language), math, social studies, and science/health.

PLACEMENT – This decision will be arrived at in conjunction with the parents. The parents will sign a placement form that states specific reasons for placement.

TESTING

A valuable source of information about your child’s ability and performance are the Terra Nova/In View Tests. The students in Grades 2, 4, and 6 are administered these tests each year. This testing program is required by the Archdiocesan School Office. Parents will be provided with these test results.

Students in Grades 3 and 5 are required to submit a writing sample as part of the Competency Testing each year.

CONFERENCES

Parent/Teacher conferences are held twice a year. The Parent/Teacher Conference held at the end of the first quarter is mandatory. If at all possible, both parents are urged to attend these meetings.

It is always acceptable for any teacher or parent to schedule a conference when the betterment of the child’s education is concerned. These conferences should be scheduled in the morning before classes begin or after the school day is over. One school day’s notice is requested in scheduling a conference. Please feel free to call the office to schedule a conference with a teacher.

Concerns/problems – academic or other – are to be discussed with the particular teacher first. If there is need for further resolution, the principal should be contacted.

HOMEWORK / ASSIGNMENTS

Homework reinforces ideas that have been presented in class and may be expected each day of the week. While it may be written, it could consist of practice, drill, oral or silent reading or time spent in studying.  It is important that all homework be completed and returned when due. Parents/guardians are encouraged to set aside a definite time each evening for homework. Students in the grades 4 – 6 are usually capable of developing a sense of responsibility for their own learning by concentrating their efforts on areas of personal weakness, whether or not these are assigned by the teacher.  Students should spend some time each evening in review of the previous day or preparation for the day to come.

The recommended time frame is:
 Grades 1 – 3 ……..about 20 – 30 minutes.
 Grades 4 – 6 ……..about 45 – 60 minutes.

Students must have an assignment notebook. Parents should check these nightly and sign them. They are an excellent communication tool between teachers and parents.

All homework and class assignments are to be completed and submitted on the due date.

 Homework requests for students who have an excused absence must be in by 9:30 a.m. The work may be picked up after dismissal at the office.

HONOR ROLL

Catholic Central Elementary School’s Honor Roll is for students in grades 5 – 6. The goal of the Honor Roll is to recognize outstanding achievement and to foster an appreciation for superior scholarship among our students.

Eligibility for the Honor Roll is determined by grade point average being calculated with the following values: A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1, F = 0. Any grade below C will exclude the student from the Honor Roll. Plus or minus will not be a determining factor. Music, Physical Education, and Art grades will be considered at one-fourth (1/4) the value of the letter grade.

The following levels are in effect:

     4.0 …………………….All A student
     3.5 – 3.99 ……………..High Honors
     3.49 – 3.00 ……………Honors

DRESS CODE POLICY

UNIFORMS

• The length of jumpers, skirts, skorts, and shorts must be no more than a pop can length above the knee.

• Shirts must be tucked in at the waist, not rolled under.
  
• Skirts may not be rolled.
  
• Uniform shirts must be worn under the school sweatshirt.
  
• Boys are prohibited from wearing earrings.
  
• Hair should be kept clean and well-groomed.  Boys hair is not to be worn below the collar.
  
• Girls may not wear dangling earrings or hoops because of safety reasons.
  
• No other body piercing is allowed.
  
• Anything that may be disruptive or detract from the learning environment is inappropriate (Hair cuts, hair color, jewelry, make-up, etc.)
  
• Only plain white t-shirts are permitted to be worn under shirts.
  
• Belts must be worn with slacks and shorts.
  
• Socks are required.
  
• Sandals, jellies, clogs, shoes with wheels, or open-toed shoes are not permitted.
  

OUT OF UNIFORM DAYS

Skirts and shorts are to follow the same length specifications as the uniform. Blouses, shirts, and all tops must have sleeves. No tight clothing is allowed. Socks and shoes must be worn. No shirts with offensive advertising/language.

CYO Team Members may wear their sport shirt on opening game day and last game day.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Each child in grades 4 – 6 must have gym shoes, APPROPRIATE t-shirt or sweatshirt, shorts, or sweatpants to change into for P.E. class. Jeans are not permitted. Grades K – 3 are required to have gym shoes.

For any excused absence from P.E. class, a student must have a written explanation from his/her parent. A doctor’s excuse may be required.

MEDICATION/ILLNESS/ACCIDENT

MEDICATION AND FIRST AID

There will be no dispensing of medication without proper forms (Ohio Law S.B. No. 262). Medicine may not be carried by students during the day. It must be brought to the office and dispensed from the office or school nurse. Check the back of the handbook for proper form.

The school nurse checks immunization records, performs various health screenings, and offers advice concerning special health problems.

Simple first aid for cuts and bruises will be dispensed from the school office or school nurse.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE

The administration of any drug (prescription or over-the-counter, including cough drops) by the school personnel without the order of a physician and the permission of the parent/guardian is prohibited by law. Thus, to ensure the full protection of school personnel and the physical well-being of students in need of medication during school hours, the following procedures shall be followed:

1. Written request must be obtained from the physician and the parent/guardian (see the medication form in back of handbook) before any medication may be administered by school personnel. This request form must be completed in full on both sides.
2. The parent or guardian must submit a revised statement signed by the physician if any of the original information provided by the physician changes.
3. Medication containers shall have the affixed label as it was prescribed by the physician and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
4. A new request form must be submitted each school year.
5. The medication and the completed form shall be brought to the school by the parent/guardian.
6. The principal of the school or his/her designee(s) shall supervise the storing and distribution of students’ medication. Medication will be distributed from the school office or nurse’s office.
7. A daily record of medication distributed shall be kept by the principal or his/her designee(s).
8. School personnel are authorized to distribute only oral medications, unless an emergency situation exists (such as a rare anaphylactic reaction).
9. School personnel are authorized to administer only oral medications, not medications such as ear drops, eye drops, or ointments.

ASTHMA INHALER LAW HB 121

If at all possible, the school requests that inhalers be kept in the office and administered in the same manner as other medications.

In the event that this is not possible, these procedures must be followed:

1. Written permission must be obtained from the physician and the parent/guardian (see form in back of handbook).
2. School personnel need to be informed of procedures to follow should the medication not provide expected relief.
3. School personnel need to be informed of procedures to follow to assist a child who uses the inhaler for whom the inhaler is not prescribed if an adverse reaction occurs.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

Catholic Central Elementary School conducts necessary drills as specified. In compliance with State of Ohio law, a fire drill is conducted once each month. Tornado drills are conducted in the spring. Rapid dismissal drills are also conducted as appropriate.

Students are instructed at the beginning of the school year on the proper conduct and procedures to be followed during fire and tornado drills. Children are expected to go to the appropriate areas (outside the building for fire drills, inside the building for tornado drills) in silence, and remain silent during the entire drill until they have returned to their classrooms.

Teachers are responsible for leading and directing the students during any of the emergency alert drills. Any other adults in the building are expected to follow the direction of certified personnel.

CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT REPORTING

Catholic Central Elementary School adheres to all guidelines for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse and neglect as specified by the Ohio Revised Codes.

AIDS POLICY

Based on current evidence, casual person to person contact poses no risk in the transmission of AIDS. Children should be allowed to attend school in a regular classroom setting provided:

1. The health status of the child, as determined by his/her physician, allows participation in regular classroom activities.
2. The child behaves acceptably, i.e. does not bite other individuals or exhibit other violent behaviors.
3. The child does not have any open sores or skin eruptions.

Archdiocesan policy stipulates that “Each instance of AIDS involving a student or employee shall be treated as a strictly confidential matter. Decisions regarding such occurrences shall take into account Christian concern and compassion, community health and well being, and individual privacy and needs.”

SCHOOL-WIDE DISCIPLINE PLAN

DISCIPLINE POLICY

Catholic Central Elementary School strives to provide a positive atmosphere for learning. We believe all students are called to develop a sense of Christian responsibility toward all individuals. Parents and teachers must work together to develop a sense of self-discipline and self-worth within each student. Parents, students and teachers are expected to work cooperatively toward this goal. We expect each child to adhere to this policy.

SCHOOL WIDE DISCIPLINE POLICY

• Students will be respectful and honest to all faculty, staff, volunteers and fellow students in speech and action.
• Students will adhere to the discipline policy of the school as well as individual classroom rules.
• Students are to keep themselves clean and neat. They are to dress according to the uniform dress code.
• This discipline policy will address the rights of the students, their responsibilities and consequences if the discipline policy is not upheld.

CAFETERIA RULES

• Listen to and follow all teacher directions.
• Students bring all necessary items with them to the cafeteria.
• No throwing of food.
• Speak in a conversational voice.
• No running.
• Students must stay in their seats until they are dismissed by the teacher on duty.
• Students must stand in appropriate line to receive food.
• Use appropriate table manners.
• Clean area around you (floor and tables) before being dismissed.
• Throw away all trash.
• Walk in a quiet line until taken outside.
• No pop, candy, or gum.

RULES FOR CHANGING CLASS

• Walk in a quiet, orderly fashion.
• Take all supplies/books that are needed with you.

RECESS RULES

• No pushing or shoving or any contact sport.
• Listen to and follow all teacher directions.
• On the first bell/whistle, all students will freeze and stop playing.
• On the second bell/whistle, all students will walk quietly and line up by grade level.
• All games are open to all who wish to participate.
• Rocks, sticks and other inappropriate items are not permitted to be thrown.
• No student is to leave the playground without permission from the teacher on duty.
• No disrespectful or abusive language.

INDOOR RECESS

• Students are to be seated at their desks or on the floor.
• Students may not leave the classroom without the permission of the teacher on duty.
• No running in the classroom.
• Students will speak in a quiet voice.

BUS RULES

• Stay in specified area with the teacher on duty.
• Students should stand quietly and wait for their bus.

RIGHTS OF STUDENTS

1. Students have the right to a Catholic environment.
2. Students have the right to 180 school days.
3. Students have the right to a positive learning environment.
4. Students have the right to a safe environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

1. Students are to attend class regularly and arrive at school on time.
2. Students are to create a positive learning environment by demonstrating concern for others by respecting the quiet needed for learning.
3. Students are to express themselves in a positive manner.
4. Students are to contribute to the Catholic environment by participating and contributing to their classes.
5. Students are to treat each other and staff members with respect.
6. Students are to keep themselves clean and neat and dress appropriately.
7. Students are to settle disagreements in a positive manner.
8. Students are to respect school property and the property of others. Parents will be responsible for monetary damage.
9. Students are to abide by the established rules of each classroom.
10. Students are to abide by lunchroom and playground rules.
11. Students are to abide by school rules and philosophy.
12. Students are to help create a welcoming environment by being friendly and courteous.

Each teacher will have rules for their classrooms and consequences resulting when posted rules are not followed. Once a student has completed all of the steps in a teacher’s discipline plan, he/she will be referred to the office for placement on the Office Plan.

Disciplinary action will be taken when a student chooses to act inappropriately. Disciplinary notices will be issued to a student and parents when this behavior occurs. This notice will define the behavior and list the appropriate consequence. It must be signed by the parents and returned to school the following day. Consequences will be given according to the seriousness and number of offenses. Before/after school detention will be among the consequences. If slips are not returned, parents will be called and students must abide by the consequence the next day. Students may not participate in any extra activities such as field trips, field days, etc. unless all consequences are followed. Parents are responsible for providing transportation for their child.

A student may be placed on the following Office Plan if he/she receives 3 Disciplinary Notices in one quarter or major violations or offenses as determined by the principal. Each referral to the office will result in a letter to parents as well as an appropriate consequence.

OFFICE PLAN

1. Conference with parent(s), teacher(s), student, and principal.
2. Parent(s) and student prepare a plan of action for improved behavior and responsibility. The plan of action is to be approved by teacher(s) and principal.
3. Out-of-school suspension days are incorporated as consequences for failure to follow the plan of action.
4. Failure to cooperate and follow the plan of action may result in expulsion.

FOR DAYS OF SUSPENSION, STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING AND DOING THEIR WORK. ONCE ON THE PLAN OF ACTION, THE STUDENT REMAINS ON ALL YEAR.

SUSPENSION

Continual disregard for acceptable conduct will result in suspension. A parent-teacher- principal conference will be required when a student is suspended. Suspensions may not exceed five school days. The principal will inform the parent in writing within 24 hours of suspension and give a description of the behavior. A parent might expect some previous notice of defiant behavior before a suspension.

EXPULSION

1. Written notice will be sent to the student and the parents stating the reasons for the student’s removal and proposed expulsion.
2. A hearing may be held between school representatives and the parents.
3. In the case of expulsion due to disciplinary problems, parents are still obligated to pay tuition for the full school year.

EXAMPLES OF INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

Tardy three times without note               Class disruption
Not completing assignments                         Chewing gum
Truancy                                                                Profanity
Fighting                                                                Smoking
Vandalism                                                           False fire alarms/threats
Out of uniform                                                     Insubordination/disrespect
Not following directions                                    Intimidating acts
Cheating                                                               Harassing other students
Lying                                                                     Leaving school grounds w/o permission
Possession of weapons or explosives        Sale or use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes
Indecent behavior                                             Displaying gang symbols, activity
Bullying                                                               Sexual harassment

SUBSTANCE AND WEAPONS ABUSE

Any student having in his/her possession an illegal substance or articles considered by the school to be unacceptable on school property (drugs, prescription/non-prescription, alcohol, weapons, illegal paraphernalia, etc.) will be dealt with according to the following policy.

1. Possession: having an illegal substance or article in one’s possession and being apprehended with it.
2. Use: showing the effects of having ingested an illegal substance: being drunk, “high”, or unusually ill; being seen taking or using an illegal substance; being seen using articles which could be classified as weapons, etc.
1. For these two offenses, the parents will be called immediately for a conference. The student will be suspended until the conference takes place. At that time, the principal will determine what corrective action will take place.
2. If there is a second offense involving either use or possession, the student will be suspended until he/she is enrolled in a program of substance abuse education.
3. Trafficking: selling an illegal substance or procuring it for other students.
1. For this offense, even for first time offenders, the parents will be called in immediately for a conference and the student will be expelled.

In any case listed above, the principal may also call the police.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Students who engage in sexual harassment on school premises or off school premises at school-sponsored activities, i.e. field trips, contests, retreats, etc. will be subject to appropriate discipline, including suspension or expulsion. Sexual harassment is any activity of a sexual nature that is unwanted or unwelcome, including but not limited to, unwanted touching, patting, verbal comments of a sexual nature, sexual name-calling, pressure to engage in sexual activity, repeated propositions and unwanted body contact. The school’s normal disciplinary procedures will be followed in determining the appropriate consequence for sexual harassment. In the event the administration recommends suspension or expulsion as a result of the conduct, due process will be afforded to the student in accordance with Catholic Central Elementary School’s suspension/expulsion procedures.