NEWCOMER INFORMATION
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ASSEMBLIES, SPECIAL PROGRAMS and FIELD TRIPS
Throughout the year special programs and speakers are invited to enhance the learning opportunities of the students. Storytellers, musicians, writers, along with physicians, nurses, dentists, fire and police personnel, compliment the instructional program. Parents with special interests and skills also contribute by visiting classes and speaking to them. Each class schedules one educational field trip each year. Teachers prepare students for each outing and then provide follow-up activites in class.
- Honor Roll (quarterly)
- St. Thomas Aquinas Good Conduct Award (quarterly)
- Perfect Attendance(annually)
- National Junior Beta Club Membership (Grades 6-8)
- Duke Talent Identfication Program (Grade 7)
- Outstanding Eighth Grade Scholars (Grade 8)
- Presidential Academic Fitness Award (Grade 8)
- Woodmen of the World History Award (Grade 8)
Additional awards and opportunities for recognition are presented through science fairs, essay contests, track and field events, art competitions, and other projects the school endorses.
Honor Roll
Principal's Honor Roll:
"A's" in all the major subjects and passing grades in all minor subjects
Honor Roll:
"A's" and/or "B's" in all the major subjects and passing grades in all minor subjects.
The major subjects for grades one and two are: Religion, Reading, Math, Language Arts, and Handwriting.
The major subjects for grades three through eight are: Religion, Reading/Literature, English, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, and Algebra and Forgein Language in grade eight.
All special area subjects are considered minor subjects consistent with the determination of placement on the A or AB honor roll.
CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL
Blessed Sacrament school follows the Charleston County School District's determination for the cancellation of school due to dangerous weather conditions or public crisis. If a local emergency occurs, such as the failure of essential equipment, flooding, or similar safety risks, the announcement of school cancellation will be made as soon as possible. In the event of an unanticipated closing of our school, area radio and television stations will be asked to make the announcement. Should it be neccesary to dismsiss students early, the same procedure will be followed.
If the cause of any early dismissal should be flooding, every attempt will be made to conduct the students safely to the parish hall where they can be picked up.
CELL PHONES
Students are not allowed to have cell phones at school. They are distractions and the school cannot assure parents that they will used within the limitations that the parent would want. In the event that there should be a time of national emergency, or serious weather conditions are present and a parent feels that the child's security may be improved by access to a cell phone, the parent should contact the school administration. A cell phone may be left for a school day in the office where it can be given to the student should an emergency situation actually arise. The phone should be labeled with the student's name.
No electronic equipment is allowed in school by students. This includes CELL PHONES, PDA’s, Radio Phones, Laptop Computers, Pagers, Gameboys and all other items and games such as MP3’s, CD players and iPods.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
It is very important, for emergency and administrative reasons, that every student maintain an up-to-date address and phone record in the school office. It is the parent's responsiblity to notify the school office immediately if there is a change of address during the school year.
FEES
The school charges a variety of fees for different services and materials. Some of these are optional; others are required of all students. The fees charged to all families include: registration, tuition, capital improvement, student insurance, books and school materials. If the student's family has a financial problem which affects the payment of school fees, the situation should be brought to the attention of the administration so that a suitable payment schedule can be worked out. Failure to pay fees, or to arrange for their payment, may result in not permitting the student to return for the next school term. It is expected that all fees, including those charged for book damage, library fines, extra copies and extended care will be paid no later than the last day of the school term.
HOMEWORK
Homework reinforces what has been taught in school and gives the student an opportunity for independent practice. The aim of homework is to encourage initiative and responsibility, and to foster a sense of accomplishment in the child when the assignment has been done well.
The amount and purpose of homework changes with each grade level. The homework policy of your child's teacher(s) will be sent home during the first week of the school year.Information
If a child is absent from school, it is the CHILD'S responsibility to check with his/her teacher upon returning to school about missed assignments. Homework will be made up at the discretion of the teacher, however, missed assignments will be accepted for credit only after the child has brought in an absentee note and the reason for absence is considered lawful by the school. Vacations and family trips ordinarily do not meet this standard. Parents should only call the school office for homework after the child has been absent for three (3) days.
HOURS
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
School Hours: 7:50 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.
K4 Hours: 7:50 a.m. - 10:50 a.m.
11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Lunch and Recess: 11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
according to grade assignment
LUNCH
Students should bring their own lunches and eat in their classrooms. Each student should pack a mat or towel to place on the desk during lunch.
The Home-School Association arranges for some lunch menus on various days throughout the year. At the beginning of the school year the days and costs will be announced.
Carbonated beverages are not to be brought to school either by the student or the parent.
STATIONERY SUPPLIES
Stationery supplies are sold in the school store near the fourth grade classrooms every Monday through Thursday from 11:20 -11:40. These supplies include crayons, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, glue, book covers, etc. By purchasing these items from the school, students may be certain that they have the type of supplies the teacher expects.
Before the school year begins, a list of supplies needed by the student is provided to the parents. it is expected that the student will have these available when they are required.
TEXTBOOKS
Some textbooks and all workbooks are purchased by the parent for the student's personal use. the following hardback books, however, are rented and remain the property of the school. Readers in grades one through five; Math books in grades three through eight; Science books in grades three through eight; Social Studies/History books in grades three through eight. these booksa are to be kept covered all year. Parents of students who return damaged books will be billed for the cost of repair or replacement. Full replacement cost will also be expected for any lost books.
Distribution of books for the new school year occurs during the first week of school in the classroom. By that time all book bills should have been paid so that students may receive their books.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Students come in the morning and leave in the afternoon by means of carpool. Carpool begins promptly at 7:25 a.m. Students arriving before this time must report directly to the Extended Day program. There is a fee for this sevice.
Cars are not permitted to enter the carpool line from the church side nor by means of Moore drive from the Savannah Highway side. All students are to be ready with backpacks, etc. to exit the vehicles promptly so as to not hold up the flow of traffic. Morning carpool ceases promptly at 7:50 a.m. Students arriving after this time are to report to the ofice for a trady slip.
Parking spaces by the Parish Hall are reserved for teachers.
School begins at 7:50 a.m., and dismissal procedures start at 2:40 p.m.
Students are dismissed in the following order: extended day children to their assigned place, car pool riders, and after the car lines end, walkers. Students are instructed not to leave to walk to a vehicle once the car lines have begun moving. To do so is dangerous for drivers and pedestrians.
Car pool numbers are assigned to families before the school year begins. Every family should obtain a number even if their student rides with someone else. Parents should be certain their child knows the number of his/her car ride
As a courtesy no one should park, at any time, in front of the school gates or where the faculty parks on St. Theresa Drive. These spaces need to be unblocked in the event of an emergency so any emergency vehicle i.e. fire truck, ambulance, etc. may be able to have access to the school property.
Report cards are sent home with the children for the first three marking periods. A parent-teacher conference day is scheduled and listed on the school calendar. Parents are notified about the date on which they may pick up the final report card. However, report cards are not released at the end of the year, nor are transcripts forwarded, if there is an outstanding financial obligation tot he school.
In addition to the quarterly report cards, progress reports will be sent home approximately four weeks into each quarter. Parents must sign the progress report and return it to the teacher the following day.
Grading on report cards reflects the following factors:
- teacher judgement and obdervation
- daily class and home work
- periodic test score
- class participation
ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIORAL ELIGIBILITY
Academic Eligibility
A student must pass all major subjects and maintain an average in the major subjects of 75. Should the student not meet this requirement, s/he will be placed on probationary status throughout the next grading peiod. If the student's grades do not satisfy the requirements at the end of that marking period, the student will not be allowed to participate in the club or activities for the duration of the year.
Behavioral Eligibility
Both the school principal and the parish pastor reserve the right to suspend or remove a student from any activity for misconduct in school or while attending any school function. Students who accumulate fifteen (15) demerits will be suspended from club membership or extra curricular activities until two demerits have been dropped. If, for any reason, a student should become ineligible for an activity during the school year, any fees paid by the parent will not be refunded.