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| Immaculate
Conception Catholic School 2003-2004 Parent / Student Handbook |
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2003-2004
Parent/Student Handbook
Immaculate Conception Catholic School three years through grade eight
Member of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth School System Fully Accredited by Texas Catholic Education Conference and State of Texas A ministry of Immaculate Conception and St. Mark Parishes Serving parishes and communities in and around Denton
2301 North Bonnie Brae Street Denton, TX 76207 Tel: (940) 381-1155; Fax: (940) 381-1837 website: www. catholicschooldenton.org e-mail: eschad@esc11.net
Dear Parent/Guardian:
The Parent/Student Handbook is a means of communicating between home and school. There are many policies, regulations, and services listed in these pages. Close cooperation between the home and school is essential to promote the best interests of the student. It is my hope that this handbook will be helpful to you and that it will promote that understanding.
Please read and keep this Parent/Student Handbook readily available throughout the year. As a parent/guardian of a student at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, policy of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth requires that you agree to accept the regulations and policies of the school as a requirement for student attendance. Please return the signature portion of this sheet by September 5, 2003.
On the back of the signature form is a second form indicating your preference for completing the mandatory 20 volunteer hours per family. Please check your preference, sign, and return. Thanks.
Also on the back of the signature form is an information section indicating your preference on involvement with classroom activities for 2003-2004. Please indicate your preference, sign, and return.
******************************************************* To the Principal of Immaculate Conception Catholic School:
I have read the Immaculate Conception Catholic School Parent/Student Handbook and agree to accept the policies and regulations. I agree to discuss appropriate areas with my child(ren). I further understand that the Acceptable Use Agreement regarding Internet and general computer access at Immaculate Conception Catholic School located within this handbook is designed for educational purposes, and that use of this system by my child, myself, and others must be in accord with the educational and religious goals of ICCS. I further understand that for any violation of the Acceptable Use Policy access privileges may be revoked and school disciplinary action taken. My signature and my child's signature below indicate that I understand and agree to abide by all policies of the school.
Date: _______________
Parent/Guardian Signature: __________________________
Print Name:______________________________________
Student(s) Signature(s), third grade and above:
_____________________________Printed:____________________
_____________________________Printed:____________________
_____________________________Printed:____________________
***Please complete and sign all items on back and front. Tear out this sheet and return it to the school office no later than Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2003.
VOLUNTEER HOURS
I understand, as part of my commitment to Immaculate Conception Catholic School, my family is required to complete 20 hours of volunteer service approved by the school between June 1, 2003, and May 15, 2004, or I may choose to pay a $100 fee. Ten hours of this service may be completed for my parish, while the other 10 must be completed for the school. Ten hours must be completed by Dec. 31, or the $100 fee will be posted to my statement. The fee will be removed when the volunteer hours are completed. Deadline for completing volunteer service hours is May 15, 2004.
Please Check your preference below.
__________My family plans to complete 20 volunteer hours.
__________I plan to pay the $100 fee in lieu of service which is due by Dec. 31, 2003.
________________________________________ Parent Signature
ROOM PARENT/CLASSROOM HELP FOR 2003-2004
Name: _________________________________
_________I wish to serve as a Room Parent this year. Please contact me.
_________I wish to help as a volunteer in a classroom or with classroom parties. Please contact me.
_________I will be unable to help in this area for 2003-2004.
“In All Things May God Be Glorified!!” St. Benedict
Dear Immaculate Conception Catholic School Parents and Students, Welcome to a wonderful new year of Our Lord! We welcome approximately 30 new families to our school, and we welcome back those who have attended in prior years. It was just nine years ago that our school opened its doors for the first time. From those humble beginnings, today we open our school doors to 286 students from almost 180 families. Our ministry to the Denton Catholic communities of St. Mark and Immaculate Conception remain strong as we continue to expand our family base to outlying parishes and communities. First, and foremost, we are a Catholic school with a Gospel Mission. We exist to provide a Christ-centered environment to our children so that they can develop all of the gifts God gave them to their highest potential as they go out into His Vineyard to serve and make the world a better place. That mission drives our daily actions and our curriculum, ranging from fine-tuning our academic offerings to being the very best by working daily toward virtues that Christ would like us to live by, ranging from humility to service. We pray together; we sing together; we work together; we learn together. Our vision is that every child who attends our school will be promoted with two thoughts in mind--to continue a Love of Learning and to continue to Love the Lord and place Him first in their lives. Our mission and philosophy is the foundation upon which we build our past, present, and future. Our motto, to “Teach As Jesus Taught…" gives us rock-solid direction as to the goals of our school. In the American bishops' pastoral To Teach as Jesus Did, we are challenged to "teach all subjects well, and especially the Gospel of Jesus Christ". The pastoral further directs us "to form community through which the presence of God is experienced in the midst of a faith-filled people.” This drives our liturgies and our continuing opportunity for fellowship with the broader community. Finally, it directs us to Jesus' command to, "Go forth and teach all nations". This drives the missionary spirit of our school to service. Our goals for 2003-2004 reinforce our mission. All of those involved with our school, including our parishes, families, Advisory Council, Home and School Association, as well as the many volunteers who make our school possible, will continue to work to achieve common goals. Our teachers work hard inside and out of the classroom to provide our children with every opportunity to learn. We have begun payments on our 15-year note for our beautiful new facility. We hope to begin sometime in the future on Phase II of our construction, which calls for the addition of six classrooms to the east wing of the school. We must continue to closely monitor our cash flow and fundraising to remain a fiscally sound school with the ability to provide a variety of current educational resources for our students. Another goal is to remain a school where families can send their children, regardless of economic status, should they desire a Catholic education. We can do this through the continued development of our endowment and scholarship programs. Our goal this year is to continue our very strong academic program which is coupled with a very strong Catholic Identity. Another goal is to expand our service opportunities and volunteer involvement. Since our school receives no state funding, we rely on our families and benefactors to help assure that our tuition rates remain as low as possible. The 2003-2004 school year brings with it much excitement, but one fact remains. Immaculate Conception Catholic School is on a solid path that was set during its beginning years. May the intercession of Our Lord and Our Lady continue to lead us in the right direction. Let's begin!
In Him, Elaine Schad, ICCS Principal
TABLE OF CONTENTS Signature Page Principal’s LetterTable of Contents Introduction
I. MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY
Mission Statement\Philosophy Goals & Objectives History
II. FACULTY AND STAFF
Faculty and Staff Advisory Council/HSA Officers
III. GENERAL INFORMATION General Information Handbook Addendum Inclement Weather
IV. ACADEMIC PROGRAM Religion Program Standardized Testing Homework Report Cards Grading Scale Retention Extracurricular Activities Eligibility
V. SCHOOL POLICIES Admission Registration Non-Discriminatory Policy Fees Tuition Parents of New Students Entrance Screening Transfers School Schedules Extended Day Visitors Attendance/Absences Missed School Work Tardiness Birthday Invitations Medical Appointments
VI. HEALTH PROGRAM AND PROCEDURESHealth Records Illness Medication Emergency First Aid Hearing and Vision Screening VII. GENERAL INFORMATION General Guidelines Fire/Disaster Drills
VIII. COMMUNICATION Weekly "Brown Envelope" Parent/Teacher/School Communication
IX. DISCIPLINE PROGRAM Philosophy Behavior Standards Detention System Suspension & Other Consequences
X. FIELD TRIP POLICY
XI. UNIFORMS Dress Code--PreK-4 through Eighth Grades Girl's Uniform Boy's Uniform General Uniform Pre-K (3's) Dress Code
XII. TEXTBOOK USE
XIII. LIBRARY BOOKS
XIV. FUND RAISING
XV. HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
XVI. SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL
XVIII. USE OF TECHNOLOGY
XIX. TRAFFIC PATTERN
XX. RECOMMENDATION FORM
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this handbook is to acquaint parents and students with our school and to inform you of the policies, regulations, and requirements that will govern your time at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. A good understanding of this handbook will unite us in community as we strive to help our children in their spiritual, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional growth so that they can become vibrant citizens of our school, parish, community, nation, and world.
I. PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION STATEMENT
Immaculate Conception Catholic School exists to provide a Christ-centered academic environment designed to promote the total development of the child by serving the mission of the Roman Catholic Church through the educational process. This is accomplished by joining in community as a ministry of Immaculate Conception and St. Mark parishes to educate in the formation of faith and family; to provide a quality academic foundation; to unite in a nurturing and loving Catholic community through worship, through academic formation, through the promotion of peace and justice, through adaptation to change and diversity, through service, and through recognition of the value and dignity of each individual.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School recognizes that we must continually be focused on the teachings of Jesus Christ and that we must call upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit and ask for the intercession of our patron, Mary, the Mother of God. Therefore, we will strive to achieve the ideals set forth for our school that are based upon the following philosophy:
--We will provide for the continued formation of the Christian person in a unique environment in which students, teachers, and parents experience the presence and divine guidance of the Holy Spirit. The environment stimulates and promotes a community of believers and learners in the spirit of Jesus Christ as experienced in the Catholic Church and lived out as active citizens in today's society.
--Our school will seek to employ highly qualified teachers and administrators personally committed to their faith and dedicated to sharing and passing on this faith. As enthusiastic advocates of their profession, they impart in their students the love of learning.
--We will provide resources, which stimulate individual growth and integrity in consonance with Christian ideals.
--We will provide facilities for Immaculate Conception Catholic School, which are supported by Saint Mark and Immaculate Conception Parishes in Denton, Texas and the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth.
As a result, students and teachers are drawn to live the Gospel message, unite in worship, respond to the needs of the community with fellowship and social justice, and serve others through the sharing of their spiritual gifts and temporal goods for the betterment of all.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School's approach is holistic so that all the gifts of the child are addressed. Our school goals are oriented to educate toward the spiritual, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional growth of the students at our school in the following ways:
1. Through their formation at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, students will be educated spiritually and be drawn to live the Gospel message through the internalization of Catholic Christian morals and values. By modeling these Christian values, they will live and dedicate their lives to serving God and neighbor with the ultimate goal of eternal life with God.
2. Through their formation at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, students will be educated physically and have a respect of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Students will develop their physical skills to the best of their abilities and utilize proper health and safety techniques so they can fully develop a love for themselves and their neighbor as modeled through service.
3. Through their formation at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, students will be educated intellectually and embrace a love of learning, be inquisitive toward new concepts and challenges, and view education as life-long learning process. Immaculate Conception Catholic School students will be challenged so they will not only be prepared to enter high school, but will also realize the importance of giving back to their parishes and communities as they one day become vehicles of passing on their knowledge to a future generation.
4. Through their education at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, students will be educated creatively so they may learn to appreciate the beauty of the world God has created, and develop their individual potential in the area of fine arts. They may ultimately realize the impact that the development of the aesthetics of our world have on enriching the live of every individual here on this earth.
5. Through their education at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, students will be educated emotionally so they come to have a respect for all human life. They will recognize their vocation as a dedication to service whether than garnering wealth or prestige; they will learn that all individuals have dignity regardless of race, creed, color, gender or ethnic origin; they will develop a love of country as they participate in the democratic process; and they will have the courage to work for peace and justice, whether it concerns safeguarding our environment, doing mission work at home or abroad, or through contributing constructively in their neighborhood in order to work to make the world a better place for all.
In order to address the philosophy and goals set forth, Immaculate Conception Catholic School has set forth the following objectives:
1. The school community will strive to form the Christian ideal of unity through prayer, service, and community involvement. In addition, the school community will strive to involve family, parish, community, and world in the educational process.
2. The school community will strive to teach all subjects thoroughly and model learning, especially learning our faith, as a way of life. This will include instruction in virtues that foster respect for the dignity of the person, including development of physical fitness, lifelong health, and safety.
3. The school community will strive to develop and present a holistic curriculum that fosters learning as a life skill. This will include continued growth in the area of staff development to support curriculum enhancement.
4. The school community will strive to present a fine arts curriculum that embodies the development of the gifts that God gave each of us. This includes development of curriculum and extra-curricular activities that challenge students in every area feasible, from the arts to the sciences, music, theater, computer, and speech.
5. The school community will strive to present opportunities for service and mission that encompass local, national, and global needs. This includes programs to help those in need, programs that highlight a respect for life, and curriculum that includes service from an international perspective.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School was established in 1995 as a member of the Fort Worth Diocesan Schools with an enrollment of 74 students in grades PreK-3 through 2nd grade. ICCS is an education Ministry of Immaculate Conception Church (ICC) and Saint Mark Church (SMC). The school was located in the ICC Parish Center and Education Building. In 1997 the school received Provisional Accreditation from the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department (TCCED). Enrollment grew to 111 students by then and an anonymous benefactor purchased two portable buildings to accommodate our growth. In 1998 the ICCS Advisory Council began the process to build a new school in the near future. Following more than a year of preparation and a visit by a state accreditation team, Immaculate Conception Catholic School was granted full accreditation status in May 2002. The school promoted its first class of 15 eighth grade students in May 2002.
Our enrollment has continued to grow in a very healthy manner as we will begin 2003-2004 with some 286 students. Ground was broken July 15, 2001, on the construction of a new Immaculate Conception Catholic School which will eventually house 450 students. Classes began August 19, 2002, in the new facility located at 2301 North Bonnie Brae Street. Future plans call for the completion of a Phase II construction that would add six classrooms to the east wing of the new facility.
Nurse Sandy Armand, RN PreK-4 Karen Arzamendi, BA Music Tish Becker, BS Third Jill Borowski, BBA Computer Mitch Borowski, BS, ME Fourth Susan Byrd, BS Teach-Assist/Art Karen Carroll, BFA 11:30-3:00 Extended Day Greta Begaj Sixth Home Room Eileen Cloutier, BM Content Mastery Janet Drybread, BA Art Martha Falsetta, BFA, MFA Kindergarten Kathy Fowler, BS Teacher Assistant/Extended Mary Ann French Second Amy Guidry, BA Spanish Teresa Valdaras, BS, MS 3:00-6:00 Extended Day Andrea Cloutier String Delta Holl, MFA Third Allison Klinke, BS Sixth Home Room Amy Mann, BS Assistant Principal/PreK3 Cherie Mayfield, BS Sports Coordinator/PE Greg Medina, BA Lunch/Cleaning Kay Messenger Lunch/Cleaning Lewis Messenger Second Grade Natalie Paulus, BS PreK-3 Deanna Castillo, BS Librarian Therese Progar, BA, MLS Kindergarten Ticia Liddie, BS Principal Elaine Schad, BA, ME First Grade Sheila Shipp, BS Teacher Assistant Terry Spitler, MS Executive Assistant Evelyn Stenger Fifth Mary Vogel, BS PreK-4 Karen Weidner, BS Accountant Diane White, BS Teacher Aide Gayla Will First Bob White, BA Eighth Home Room/ Religion Coordinator Mary Wiersch, BA Teacher Assistant Lisa Yanniello, BS
Mary Jo Babcock Pat Larson-HSA Steven Chadick-Vice Chair Karen Lioy Chris Flood Joan Moran Eric Fritsch--Chair Brian Rush Johnny Guajardo Elaine Schad - Principal Susan Howorka Fr. Eugene Sweeney Monsignor Charles King Brenda Zimmerer Kevin Kennelly Margaret Lange
HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION OFFICERS:
Pat Larson-President Gina Kemna - VP Sylvia Martin - Secretary Robin Davis - Treasurer
III. GENERAL INFORMATION
This handbook is a binding document that is written under the direction of the policies of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth as well as state and federal laws that pertain to Catholic schools. The school must have a signed agreement on file between the parent/guardian and the school in order for the student to remain in school.
The 2003-2004 school calendar contains approximately 180 instructional days.
HANDBOOK ADDENDUM
The Principal reserves the right to amend the handbook at any time. Teachers have individual practices and procedures in their classrooms that may not be covered by this handbook. In all cases, the interpretation of the handbook remains with the principal.
INCLEMENT WEATHER
Announcements of school closing and/or delayed opening due to inclement weather will be announced on the school’s answering machine when at all possible, on the school’s website at www.catholicschooldenton.org, on television channel WFAA (8) between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. and other stations if possible, and the KRLD radio website www.cancellations.com. If in doubt about the advisability of driving in inclement weather, please use your own judgment. A delayed opening (10:00 a.m. or so) will be the preference on bad weather days, if at all possible, which allows us to count the day as a school day. Note: On delayed opening days, parents of PreK3 and PreK4 students have the option of bringing their children to school. They will not be counted absent that day; extended will be available on those days.
IV. ACADEMIC PROGRAM
RELIGION PROGRAM
Immaculate Conception Catholic School utilizes the Christ Our Life, Loyola University, religion series for grades K-8 and the Genesis Project human sexuality series for grades 4-8. Those textbooks are supplemented with a variety of resources to complete the curriculum of the Diocese of Fort Worth. The texts develop the doctrine of the Catholic Faith as well as faith application. In addition, the students have frequent opportunities to practice the rituals of their faith through weekly Mass and frequent prayer services, including seasonal services during Advent and Lent. Sacramental preparation for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation take place during the second grade year and is coordinated with the parish programs. Parents, as the primary teachers of the faith, are expected to nurture their child's growth in the Church and to support their own ongoing spiritual education.
SCHOOL RELIGIOUS SERVICES
An important part of our school mission involves participation in religious services to reinforce our faith focus. ICCS students, staff, and families as well as the public are invited to attend a weekly school Mass celebrated by pastors from our area parishes. The school community participates in daily prayer, seasonal services during Advent and Lent, and a variety of services that highlight areas of our faith, including the annual St. Francis Pet Blessing, All Saints, Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and others. The school community is also offered opportunities to participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation as scheduled with priests from our area parishes.
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION
Immaculate Conception Catholic School, being a dual ministry of Immaculate Conception and St. Mark parishes, works closely with the parishes regarding the preparation of those ICCS students and families who are interested in receiving the sacraments of the Catholic Church, particularly Baptism, Eucharist, and Reconciliation. Religious formation is modeled, not only in daily classroom instruction, but also by the family. Parents, as the primary teachers of the faith, are expected to nurture their child's growth in the Church and to support their own ongoing spiritual education.
Rite of Christian Intiation for Adults (RCIA) or Children: ICCS non-Catholic families interested in inquiring about the Catholic faith are |
