St.

Mary of the Assumption School

Preschool through Grade 8 Handbook 2012-2013

Est. 1899

67 Harvard Street Brookline, MA 02445 Tel. 617.566.7184 Fax 617.731.4078 www.stmarys-brookline.org

Christ is the reason for our school. He is the unseen but ever-present teacher In its classes. He is the model of its faculty And the inspiration of its students.

---anonymous

ST. MARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK

OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY FACILITIES MAP SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE MEALS AND SNACKS COMMUNICATION STUDENT HEALTH HOMEWORK/FIELD TRIP POLICY BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES SCHOOL SAFETY DRESS CODE STUDENT EXPENSES OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION TRADITIONS AND CELEBRATIONS PARENT/GUARDIAN/STUDENT AGREEMENT

St. Mary of the Assumption School

BROOKLINE, MASSACHUSETTS

Dear families,
St. Marys builds on a rich tradition of Catholic school education for students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight. Our culturally diverse community enriches and strengthens students who are guided by the Commandments of Love of God and Love of Neighbor. As a faith community, children learn the values of reverence, respect and responsibility. These qualities are an integral part of the curriculum and every aspect of student life. The St. Mary handbook provides a guideline for school policies and procedures for all students. It is designed to reflect our community goal that families, staff and the administration work together to ensure that each student experiences the joy of learning in a safe, harmonious and productive school environment. We welcome your participation in the 2012-2013 school year. Sincerely, Maureen Jutras Principal

Mission Statement
St. Mary of the Assumption School is a richly diverse Catholic community serving students . in grades pre-k through eight. We are dedicated to providing each child with a strong foundation intellectually, spiritually, and socially in a learning environment of reverence, respect and responsibility.

OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Rev. Brian Clary, Pastor Mrs. Maureen Jutras, Principal

Mrs. Andrea Mulkerrin, Early Childhood Coordinator Mrs. Huong Corsini, Extended Day Program Coordinator

Full-Time Faculty
Preschool Morning Preschool Full Day Kindergarten 1 Kindergarten 2 Kindergarten 2 Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4 Grade 5 Grade 6 Grade 7 Grade 8 Student Support - Miss Jenny Barken - Mrs. Annie Casey - Mrs. Amy Creamer - Miss Colleen Smith - Miss Sarah Crapo - Miss Meghan Drielak - Miss Erin Kelly - Miss Kelly Gray - Mrs. Renee Carchedi - Miss Frances Early - Miss Susanne Heidt - Miss Stephanie Pietal - Miss Lauren Denizard - Mrs. Evelyn Berman

Teacher Aides/Assistants
Preschool Aides (TBA) K2-Grade 2 -Ms. Maureen McKenna Physical Education Art Computer Lab Preschool Music Music K2-8 Afterschool Chorus (Grades 6-8)

Specialists
- Mr. Daniel Burns - Mrs. Huong Corsini - Mrs. Helen Hicks - Mrs. Jean Schwartz - Mrs. Yelena Gridneva - Miss Frances Early

Support Staff
School Office Parish Secretary Door Greeter School Volunteer Food Services -Mrs. Gloria Reyes -Mrs. Jenevieve Price -Mrs. Susan Crapo -Miss Jobechale Lujares -Miss Diana Birkelund -Mrs. Su Dong

Parish Custodians
Mr. Eddie Deocareza Mr. Edwin Lujares Mr. John Lujares Mr. Sean Sullivan

FACILITIES MAP PARKING LOT

We appreciate your effort in following the school p olicy for arriving and departing from St. Marys during the school day. At no time may parents drive into the parking lot; this rule is for the protection of our children. We realize that the street behind the school may be congested in the morning during drop off and at afternoon pick up times, but your cooperation will ensure the safety of one and all. This is the procedure for dropping off and picking up students at the school: Only authorized vehicles (St. Mary School and Facing History staff) are permitted to use the parking lot behind the school. Families may use the legal parking spaces on the streets surrounding St. Marys School and Church. The driveways of area residents should not be blocked. Students should enter or exit on the sidewalk side of an automobile. Parents must sign a parking lot agreement form that acknowledges this policy. The school doors open at 7:30 a.m. Prior to that time, there is a fee based early morning program from 7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Students who arrive on school grounds (playground, cafeteria) are expected to remain at school. For safety reasons, we ask that children who must take a trip to a local store do so before coming to school. We hope that parents who have give their permission for children to make unsupervised visits to a neighborhood store are mindful of risks involved because of automobile traffic at busy intersections near the school. Each afternoon preschool students are picked up from their classrooms at 2:15pm by an adult and exit at the front of the building. When older students are dismissed at 2:25pm, we ask that parents wait for children outside the front door. We appreciate your cooperation with this procedure because it helps alleviate potential traffic congestion in the hallway!

SCHOOL SCHEDULE AND ATTENDANCE SCHOOL HOURS

Early Arrival Program 7:00 a.m. 7:30 a.m. (fee based) School doors open 7:30 a.m. 8 a.m. The school day for all students begins promptly at 8:00am. - Students in the Half Day preschool program (PSH) are dismissed at 12:00pm. - Students in the Full Day preschool program (PSF and K1) are dismissed at 2:15pm. Students in K2 through grade 8 are dismissed at 2:25pm.

ARRIVAL
There is a fee based program for early arrivals for Pk through grade 8 which takes place from 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. The school cafeteria opens to all K2 - grade 8 students at 7:30 a.m. each morning. Members of the school staff are available for supervision from 7:30- 8:00 a.m. For the safety of all, students should be dropped off at the sidewalk along Homer Street or accompanied into the cafeteria. Once a student has reached the school grounds in the morning, he or she must come directly into the cafeteria. A student who arrives after the start of school should arrive through the front door and must sign in at the office before going to the classroom. Preschool Arrival: Parents of PK students enter by the Harvard Street (front door) entrance and escort children to the multi purpose room when there is supervision from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

TARDINESS
The school day begins at 8:00am, when teachers escort their classes from the cafeteria to classrooms. Students who arrive after that time are late. Tardiness puts a student at a disadvantage when he/she misses important organizational and instructional time. In grades one-eight for example, the day starts with a study skill activity from 8:00 a.m. to 8:20 a.m. To the detriment of other students, late arrivals also disrupt the flow of work in the classroom. Students (PK-grade 8) who arrive after 8:00am should go directly to the school office to sign in. Students must bring a note signed by a parent or guardian that provides an explanation for the delay. Students with an excessive number of unexcused tardies will be asked to make up lost time after school. Parents will be notified in advance so travel arrangements can be made. Students with a pattern of tardiness are not eligible for the annual perfect attendance award.

ABSENCES
Parents should notify the office of absences by 8:30am. For your convenience, the office answering service is available 24 hours a day. When leaving a message, please provide your name, student name and grade, reason for absence and a telephone number where we may reach you.

ATTENDANCE
A student should be present for 80% of the class days that school is in session during the school year. If a student does not meet this criterion, promotion to the next grade may be jeopardized.

DISMISSAL
Occasionally students will be picked up prior to dismissal for medical appointments or other reasons. Parents/guardians are asked to notify the office in advance and to come directly to the office to sign out the student. All students who leave early must be picked up by a parent or designated adult. Students may not wait outside unsupervised; they may not travel home or to appointments alone, unless they and their parents have completed a school dismissal permission form. This permission is typically granted to upper grade students who take public transportation home or visit the local library. Once classes have been dismissed, only students who participate in the Extended Day Program (EDP) or who are accompanied by an adult should be in the building or on school grounds. 2

SCHOOL DELAYS OR CANCELLATION

If there is inclement weather (snow, sleet or ice storm) and school must be cancelled or delayed, please tune to WBZ (1030AM) or other local radio or TV stations for the Town of Brookline (MA) Public School announcement. We will follow their lead. If there is no school or a morning delay for the public schools in Brookline, MA, then there is no school or a delay for St. Marys School. Families registered on the schools email list can also expect to receive an electronic message. There will also be a message on the school website. There may be times when school is not cancelled or delayed even though severe weather conditions exist. Since the safety of our students is our main concern, we understand that parents may want to keep students at home. In this case, we ask that the office be notified by phone. As with any absence, students will be responsible for making up missed assignments.

EXTENDED DAY CANCELLATION

In the event of severe weather conditions are forecasted in the afternoon, the Extended Day Program (EDP) may be cancelled so that students and staff can get home safely. Parents and guardians should be alert to postings in the cafeteria at morning drop-off. A school phone message is updated by 1pm however, all EDP families must be registered for school email service so that they can receive an early dismissal advisory as soon as an early closing decision is made.

MEALS AND SNACKS SNACKS

There is a brief, mid morning snack break for all students. Families are encouraged to send along a healthy snack each day. Students who attend EDP should bring a snack to enjoy in the afternoon as well. We ask that you do not send soda or any beverages in glass containers to school.

LUNCH
St. Marys students in PK-8 have several options regarding lunch. Students may choose to bring lunch from home, to participate solely in the hot lunch program, or a combination of both from home or purchasing a hot lunch.

COLD LUNCHES
Students may bring lunch from home; however for safety reasons we regret that we cannot offer facilities for microwave use. Students may purchase milk through the hot lunch program.

HOT LUNCH PROGRAM

St. Marys School participates in a hot lunch program sponsored by the Brookline Public Schools Department of Food Services. Two types of accounts are available. A lunch account entitles a student to purchase lunch (including milk). A milk-only account is available to students who bring lunch from home. Prices are as follows: Daily Lunch (including milk) costs $3.00 each Carton of Milk costs $0.50 each The fee to open a lunch account is $54.00 and $22.50 for a milk order accou nt. Monies will be debited from your childs account as charges are incurred. Statements of your childs account will be forwarded to you as St. Marys receives them from Brookline Food Service. Families have the option of replenishing a student account by check; money order in the office or by accessing their account at www.paypams.com Hot lunch orders are placed no later than 9:00 am. In the event that a student not participating in the program arrives at school without a lunch, the respective family will be notified and arrangements will be made to bring a lunch to school.

COMMUNICATION VIA BACKPACK

In order to keep families informed of important news and events, a Weekly Update envelope is sent home with students each Thursday. This backpack communication provides a vital link between school and home, so please read it carefully! If you do not receive your Weekly Update, check with your child or contact the school office. The backpack envelope for students in PK-grade 8 must be returned to the classroom teacher each Monday. One backpack envelope is issued per student. Lost envelopes must be replaced by the students parent or guardian. Parents are also encouraged to register an email address with the school office and school website so that group notices and breaking news can be communicated speedily. The weekly update is published online at www.stmarys-brookline.org, Click on News.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT

This event takes place on the last Thursday in September. It is an opportunity for classroom teachers to meet with parent/guardians and provide a brief overview of the school curriculum, classroom activities and goals for the school year.

REPORT CARDS

PROGRESS REPORTS

MARKING PERIODS

Report cards are issued three times a year. Progress reports are issued six weeks prior to each report card. Parents/guardians are encouraged to contact teachers whenever there is a question about academic or social progress. Signed progress reports and report cards should be returned to school within one week of being issued.

PARENT CONFERENCES
Individual parent/teacher conferences are scheduled at the end of the first marking period. Interim progress reports are sent home midway between each marking period. Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact teachers to discuss concerns at other times as well. Please call the school office to arrange a phone conference or school visit with the teacher.

PRINCIPAL MEETING
St. Marys is strengthened by the partnership between home and school. You are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the principal at anytime if you need assistance, have suggestions or concerns. Please call the school office at 617.566.7184 to arrange an appointment or email Mrs. Jutras directly at info@stmarys-brookline.org

THE CONNECTION
All parents/guardians have membership in The Connection, a parent organization dedicated to strengthening communication and involvement between families and the school. A guide book, Catch the Spirit explains various ways parents are invited and encouraged to participate in the life of the school.

CONNECTING THROUGH PRAYER

Prayer is faith passing into action. Each Tuesday morning a group of St. Marys parents invest their time considering the well being of our students and faculty through prayer. They gather with a different teacher each week, listen to the prayer needs of the teacher and that classroom, read a psalm and have guided prayer over the students intentions. The group meets downstairs from 8:10 8:55 a.m. in the cafeteria. Parents, guardians and grandparents are warmly welcome to join the group in/a drop-in or regular basis.

SCHOOL SAFETY CHILD SAFETY

St. Mary staff members have been trained regarding their role as mandatory reporters for child abuse and neglect; in the instance of suspected abuse or neglect, the school policy will be followed and a report filed with the Office of Children and Families.

SCHOOL SAFETY
On an ongoing basis, students are taught basic safety procedures. With assistance from the town police and fire departments students practice procedures for a lock down and participate in fire drills. St. Mary s uses the Be Safe Technologies system to coordinate vital information about the school facilities with the town of Brooklines first responders: the police, fire and EMT department. This is an important link to the schools crisis management plan. In the event of an emergency that necessitates students leaving the building, parents will be notified by phone or email regarding procedures.

VISITORS
During the regular school day all visitors must enter by the front door, sign the log book and proceed to the school office. Former St. Mary students are always welcome to visit: they should follow the visitor regulations and by arrangement with teachers, visit classrooms during snack or lunch time. Visits may not be made during instructional times.

STUDENT HEALTH EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Each student is required to have a completed emergency information record on file with the school office. In the event of illness or other serious matters, the school must be able to contact a parent, relative or other responsible adult at all times. Individuals who are listed on the emergency information card should be known to the child, likely to live or work in the area during the day, and be available to pick up the child when necessary. If changes occur in address or phone number during the school year, we ask that you inform the office immediately so that your childs information is updated.

ILLNESS
At school students are encouraged to observe hand washing and cough etiquette. Parents are asked to be alert to symptoms of illness before children are brought to school in the morning. Making sure that students are healthy and ready for the school day assures a happy and productive experience in the classroom and keeps St. Marys School a healthy place! The Brookline Health Department suggests the following guidelines in making a decision when to keep a child home at home. A child should not come to school if he or she has: A cold in the early contagious stage (frequent sneezing, sniffing, stuffy nose, profuse cough, child feels ill). 2. A temperature above 99.6 degrees. The child should not return to school until the temperature has been normal for 24 hours. 3. Vomiting or diarrhea. Students should not return to school until 24 hours after the last episode. 4. Sore throat for more than 24 hours. Consult your pediatrician, as a throat culture may be needed. If the culture indicates strep, the child can return to school 24 hours after starting an antibiotic. 5. An undiagnosed rash. 6. Infections such as ringworm, scabies, conjunctivitis, impetigo and bacterial respiratory infections, until they have been treated with antibiotics (topical or oral) for 24 hours. In the event of an influenza outbreak, St. Marys follows the Health Departments specific guidelines regarding the length of time a contagious child must remain at home. 5 1.

MEDICATION POLICY
A written note from the childs doctor and a written consent from the parent must accompany any medicine. Medication should be in the original pharmacy container with explicit instructions regarding the dosage. This policy also applies to inhalers, Epi-pens, and daily medications as well as over-the-counter cold remedies. For the safety of students, all medications (including over-the-counter medications) must be brought to, and remain in the school office. The school staff may not administer any type of medication without written parental consent. Telephone permission is not valid.

IMMUNIZATIONS
All students entering St. Marys School must have a current health record on file in the school office. Students are required to have had all immunizations as required by Massachusettss law.

HOMEWORK/FIELD TRIP POLICY HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is an extension of the learning in the classroom. Homework helps develop organizational skills and independence. It challenges students to explore new ideas with heightened curiosity about their world. It also offers an opportunity to review the materials discussed during class and may include a reading, written or study assignment. Homework that is short term helps the student prepare for the following days activities. Long -term assignments are designed to practice and develop research skills. Students are expected to complete homework assignments in a timely manner. Missed assignments must be made up following an absence. The classroom teacher may use a home reading program as a means of developing skills and widening the students experience with various types of literature. Adult assistance in monitoring progress and signing the home reading log is appreciated. The following guidelines for homework may include assignments from the home reading log: Grade K 2 Homework assigned periodically Grade 1 Periodic homework assignments during the week Grade 2 20-30 minutes, 3 times a week Grade 3 30-45 minutes, 4 times a week Grade 4 45-50 minutes, 4 times a week Grade 5 50-65 minutes, 4 times a week Grade 6, 7 & 8 (Middle School Students) 20-30 minutes per subject, 5 times a week.

FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are an integral part of St. Marys academic program. A student may participate in a field trip only if the appropriate permission form is completed and returned to the school in the required time period. Telephone permission is never accepted. Field trips are a privilege and students may be denied participation if they fail to meet behavioral expectations.

STUDENT AWARDS
At the end of each marking period a student may earn a certificate of achievement in recognition of: Outstanding spirit of cooperation and friendliness Outstanding effort and perseverance in academic work

ST. MARYS CUP

The St. Marys Cup is awarded each June to the student whose leadership best reflects the schools core values of reverence, respect and responsibility.

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION
The St. Mary core values of Reverence Respect and Responsibility are embedded in every aspect of school life. To support these goals, teachers provide skills that enable students to work successfully in a safe, secure and productive environment. A positive climate for learning exists when students treat others in a thoughtful, respectful manner, follow the classroom, cafeteria and playground rules, care for personal and school property, and the belongings of others. The St. Marys faculty is committed to recognizing and promoting positive behavior. We believe that it is essential to work with families in providing the skills and support to guide students in the development of self-control and mutual respect. The St. Mary code of behavior applies to students on school premises and in the outside community.

ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY
St Mary students are expected to take responsibility for their own work, try their best each day and make good choices. The following conduct is not acceptable and may result in serious consequences. Cheating: is the unauthorized use of an others work on quizzes, tests, homework assignments or school projects. Plagiarism: is the use of an other's ideas or writing that is presented as ones own. This would include materials with a copyright and/or are taken from the Internet. These sources must be properly cited and credited by name. When students have questions about proper attribution, they are encouraged to consult their teachers; this is an important aspect of the learning process.

INFRACTIONS
A minor incident of misconduct is dealt with directly between teacher, student and, in some cases, the principal. The discussion that takes place involves an acknowledgement by the student of the problem, identification of the appropriate behavioral choice, agreement about a way to make amends and a consequence. Students are asked to complete an incident report as a part of the problem solving process. Any inappropriate action that involves a threat to the physical or emotional safety of others, including harassment or bullying of another student is unacceptable. Bullying includes any defamatory language, obscene gesture, intimidation or inappropriate peer pressure. Such behavior is not to be tolerated; an instance of bullying would result in an investigation by the principal and notification of parents. Depending on level of seriousness, consequences range from loss of privileges to suspension or expulsion. Other actions such as disrespectful behavior, use of profanity, encouraging violence, theft or destruction of property is not to be tolerated. Possession of the following items is forbidden: any illegal substance, tobacco, cigarette lighters, matches, fireworks, laser pointers, or any sharp object that can be used as a weapon, including pocket knives. If a student brings one of these items to school, he/she is subject to a suspension or dismissal from the school. A hearing is part of the suspension/dismissal process. This hearing involves the pastor, principal, the student and parents.

GENERAL CONDUCT ON SCHOOL PROPERTY

Students are expected to: - Observe responsible, in-line behavior. - Walk through the hallways quietly in consideration of others working in classrooms. - Dispose of trash in the baskets provided and make a conscious effort to contribute to the cleanliness of common areas in the building and the schoolyard. - Eat snacks or refreshments in designated areas only. - Refrain from chewing gum anywhere on the premises.

RULES FOR RECESS AND THE CAFETERIA

The rules and guidelines that promote a safe, happy lunch and recess time are discussed as a community at the start of each school year. The following reminders are posted in the lunchroom area.

AT LUNCH:
Listen to and follow instructions of the teacher and aid on duty. Follow all safety rules especially walking feet and hand washing hygiene. Speak respectfully to others and include others in conversations. Use please and thank you Use an inside voice Complete all clean-up tasks. Wait your turn. Keep orderly, quiet lines when entering and leaving the lunchroom.

OUTSIDE:
Make safe choices.* Use the designated play area for your class. Respect boundaries and property of others. Play safely by avoiding pushing, roughhousing or play fighting. Avoid touch or tackle football. Follow the agreed upon rules for games and include others! Ask a teacher for help if you need to solve a problem. Line up quickly and quietly when the bell rings. Objects such as rocks, sticks, ice, or snowballs must not be handled or thrown.

*Wiffle or baseball bats, soccer, football or other hard balls are not permitted on the playground area during recess. Soft rubber or Nerf balls may be used.

PLAYSTRUCTURES:
Students in the preschool program should use the play structure marked ages 2-5 only; older students may use the larger play structure. Please be careful about hands. Pushing can cause injuries. Please use the parallel bars for chin-ups - sitting on the bar is dangerous. Remember to slide feet first. Take turns on the slide. Students who use the slides to walk up or go down the slide headfirst will be asked to leave the play area. The ladders should be used to leave the playground structure jumping off can cause an injury. There should be no more than one student at one time on the Wheel Go Round. Use the monkey bars properly. Cedar chips should not be handled they should never be placed on the slide.

DRESS CODE SCHOOL UNIFORM

Our school uniform is a symbol of unity and school spirit. All students in grades K2-8 are required to wear the approved St. Marys School uniform and the gym uniform. Students wear their gym uniform for physical education classes that are scheduled on Mondays or Tuesdays as specified. The school dress uniform is worn daily on all other days with the exception of occasional casual or dress down days.

GIRLS GRADES K2-5

Navy plaid jumper (required) White round collar cloth blouse short or long sleeve (Blouse must be tucked into slacks. ) White turtleneck may be worn under blouse in cold weather

GIRLS GRADES K2-5 (continued)

Navy socks or tights Navy twill slacks (Slacks may be worn in place of the jumper with blouse tucked in. ) Plaid Belt (required to be worn with slacks) Navy cardigan sweater may be worn as an option to the school vest Dark colored leather shoes with low heel* *Girls are reminded to wear flat-soled shoes. Shoes with elevated heels can cause injury on stairways or on the playground.

GIRLS GRADES 6-8

Navy plaid skirt (required) Light blue oxford cloth button blouse short or long sleeve (Blouse must be tucked into skirt or slacks) Plaid Tie (required) White or light blue turtleneck may be worn under blouse in cold weather Short sleeve white knit shirt with St. Marys School name (warm weather - may be worn September-Columbus Day & after April vacation thru end of school year) Navy micro-fleece v-neck vest (required to be worn with skirt) Navy hosiery socks or tights Navy twill pants (Slacks may be worn in place of the skirt) Plaid Belt (required to be worn with slacks) Navy v-neck cardigan sweater (required-cold weather) Navy v-neck pullover sweater (may be worn with slacks only) (required-cold weather) Dark colored leather shoes with low heel* *Girls are reminded to wear flat-soled shoes. Shoes with elevated heels can cause injury on stairways and on the playground.

BOYS GRADES K2-8

Navy blue dress slacks Wine colored knit collar shirt long or short sleeve (grades K-5) Blue Oxford cloth shirt (grades 6-8) Regimental stripe tie (grades 6-8) Short sleeve white knit shirt (grades 6-8) with St. Marys School name (warm weather - may be worn September-Columbus Day & after April vacation thru end of school year) Navy cardigan sweater when necessary Navy cotton crew socks Navy blue or black belt Dark colored leather shoes

GYM UNIFORM
A gym uniform is required to participate in physical education class; no variations are accepted. Navy sweatshirt imprinted with St. Mary School name Navy short sleeve t-shirt imprinted with St. Mary School name Plain navy sweatpants Plain navy fleece or mesh shorts Navy Open-Bottom Wind Pants (optional) Navy Warm-Up Jacket (embroidered) (optional) Navy Warm-Up Pants (optional) Sneakers should be non-marking or scuff resistant

WINTER WEAR
Students should wear boots for walking in icy, snowy weather. Indoors, students should wear uniform shoes. When the weather is cool, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately. Each class spends time outside as weather permits. Hats, sweaters, warm coats or jackets and gloves are recommended. All items should be labeled. 9

STUDENT DRESS CODE EXPECTATIONS - BOYS:

shirts should be tucked in hair should be neat, worn off the collar, and not obscure vision hair coloring and excessive jewelry such as dangling or hoop earrings are not acceptable; however, small post earrings are appropriate for school time belts should be worn with the uniform navy blue or black socks for regular uniform wear navy blue sweaters and cardigans in cool weather hats and jackets are not worn during class time key chains and chain necklaces are not part of the school uniform

EXPECTATIONS GIRLS:
hair must be neatly groomed and not obscure vision makeup, hair coloring and excessive jewelry such as dangling or hoop earrings are not acceptable; however, small post earrings, use of clear lip gloss and pale nail polish are appropriate for school time skirts must be at least knee length navy blue or black knee socks or tights navy blue sweaters and cardigans in cool weather hats and jackets are not worn during class time leggings, bandanas and scarves are not part of the school uniform When occasions such as a no uniform day or a school dance take place, students are reminded that tank tops, shirts that do not cover the midriff or t-shirts bearing inappropriate messages, for school or school related events. Parental guidance is appreciated in helping to make wardrobe decisions.

CASUAL ATTIRE:
-

OTHER REMINDERS:
key chains must be kept in book bags/back packs at all times under no circumstances may electronic games and devices be brought to school (i.e. CD players, i-pods, pagers, unauthorized cellular phones, etc.) - chewing gum is not allowed during school or on field trips - hats are not to be worn in class. Students are to remove their hats as they enter the building. UNIFORM INFRACTIONS: In the event of a uniform emergency (an item lost in the laundry) a student must bring a note of explanation from a parent to school. A repeat infraction may result in loss of privileges or other consequences. LOST AND FOUND: All personal items of student clothing should be permanently labeled. Identified lost and found items are stored in the hallway near the EDP room and will be displayed periodically in the cafeteria. Unclaimed items are eventually donated to a local charity. In the event of a uniform emergency (an item lost in the laundry) a student must bring a note of explanation from a parent to school. A repeat infraction may result in loss of privileges or other consequences. -

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM (EDP)

Designed with the needs of working families in mind, an Extended Day Program (EDP) is available for all full day St. Marys students. Teachers, assistants and college students staff the Extended Day Program. The progra m offers appropriate educational and recreational activities that students can access independently as well as enrichment specialists in art, ballet, chess and karate. 10

EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM (EDP) (continued)

Extended Day staff members are available to provide support, guidance and resources. Extended Day students are expected to follow the schools behavior guidelines. Each afternoon preschool students are picked up from their classrooms at 2:15pm by an adult and exit at the front of the building. When older students are dismissed at 2:25pm, we ask that parents wait for children outside the front door. We appreciate your cooperation with this procedure because it helps alleviate potential traffic congestion in the hallway. At the conclusion of the school day any student who has not been picked up within 15 minutes of dismissal will join the Extended Day Program and the appropriate fees will be charged. Students attending the EDP program may not leave the school property after the close of school, or at any other time. This includes making trips to neighboring shops or restaurants. The school cell phone policy applies during EDP hours: student cell phones are allowed by permission only. Students approved to bring a cell phone to school may retrieve the phone upon being signed out at the conclusion of the EDP session. Electric games, CD, or Ipods may not be used as well during EDP hours. Information regarding fees and registration for EDP is available in the school office. Statements are issued monthly and must be paid in full within 10 days of the billing date.

CELL PHONE POLICY

It is the school policy that students may not bring electronic equipment, games, etc., to school. However, we do understand that there are parents who wish to provide a cell phone for safety reasons, typically because some upper grade students travel unaccompanied to and from school. For this reason cell phones are allowed when families agree to the following conditions: Student and parent must have completed a cell phone agreement which requires that: 1. During school hours all phone communications between parent and child must be made through the school office. 2. A cell phone is checked into the office during school hours and retrieved at the conclusion of school day or following EDP. 3. A cell phone may not be used by other students. 4. A student may not bring a cell phone on field trips. 5. The school is not responsible for a misplaced, lost or stolen cell phone. 6. In the event of a violation of the cell phone policy, a student will relinquish the cell phone for a period up to one week. The cell phone privilege is revoked if a second violation occurs. An agreement form, which lists the students cell phone number, must be on file in the school office.

ALTAR SERVERS
Students in grades 3 and above are invited to become altar servers at St. Mary of the Assumption Church. Students may be asked to serve at school masses and outside of school time at funerals and weddings. Interested students must be Roman Catholic; the parish provides an orientation and training for interested candidates.

TOWN OF BROOKLINE RECREATION PROGRAMS

Students attending a Brookline public or private school are eligible to participate in activities sponsored by the Brookline Recreation Department. Catalogs may be obtained by contacting the Brookline Recreation Department at 617.730.2069 or 617.730.2070.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Students who use the MBTA may purchase a monthly pass through the school office. This year the cost is $20.00 per month. The deadline to purchase a pass is announced in the Weekly Update and posted on the monthly calendar that is sent home via school communication. Students must order and pay for the pass by the 20 th of the month. The office cannot guarantee availability after that date. 11

BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS

Since St. Marys School does not have a secure area to store student bicycles and scooters; it is recommended that these items not be brought to school.

PLEASE NOTE: NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

St. Marys abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial parent access to academic records or other school-related information regarding the child. If a court order specifies that no information be given, the custodial parent must provide the school with an official copy of the court order.

STUDENT EXPENSES
St. Mary of the Assumption is a private, non-profit preschool and elementary school, which relies on tuition, fundraising and service.

SCHOLARSHIPS
St. Marys students benefit from tuition assistance through the Catholic Schools Foundation. The Foundation comprises donors who strongly believe in, and support, Catholic school education. This is a needs-based program. Application is made in the spring and awards made by July 1 st. The office staff and principal are available to assist with questions regarding procedures and information necessary to complete a request for a tuition scholarship.

TUITION
Each family must complete a written, approved payment plan on file with the school office. The following payment plans are available: - Single payment due by August 29. - Two payments due by August 29 and January 4. - Monthly payments via the FACTS Management Tuition Payment Plan, an electronic deduction arrangement. Details are available in the school office.

FUNDRAISING AND SERVICE COMMITMENTS

Fundraising and service commitments are a vital source of support for our school. Efforts by families to meet, and even exceed, the required fundraising commitment help the school keep tuition costs down overall. Announcements for upcoming fundraising and service opportunities are announced in the Weekly Update. Fundraising and service commitments are included in the tuition statements. As these commitments are fulfilled, credit is applied. Families have the option of paying an annual $300 fundraising fee or participation in fundraising activities (a minimum of $300). These events are held throughout the year and include the Halloween Party, Holiday Faire, Book Fair and the Walk-A-Thon. Each family is expected either to contribute a $300 service fee or to volunteer 20 service hours at clearly defined activities at the school. These include, but are not limited to, assisting in the cafeteria or at recess, helping at the Halloween Party or Holiday Faire, the Spring Book Fair, Field Day or chaperoning a field trip. All service activities must be authorized by the school office in order to receive credit.

STUDENT ACCOUNTS
Tuition statements are issued quarterly and include any unfulfilled fundraising and service commitments. Extended Day Program (EDP) statements detail all charges for attendance and are issued on a monthly basis. Payments are due within 10 days of the billing date. Failure to make timely payments for tuition or Extended Day may jeopardize a students eligibility to attend the school and/or to participate in the after -school program.

SHARE THE SECRET Refer a new family and receive a year-end $200 tuition discount for the following school
year. See office for details. 12

EARLY WITHDRAWAL
Families withdrawing from St. Marys School prior to the end of the school year must provide the school with a 30 day written notice. In the absence of the 30-day notification an administrative charge of one-month tuition will be applied. No refunds will be given for withdrawals after April 1st.

GRADUATION
Graduating students are assessed a $40.00 fee for cap and gown rental and diplomas.
Revised 06/20/12

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TRADITIONS THAT CELEBRATE AND SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

The Blessing of Pets Halloween Party Thanksgiving Liturgy Holiday Faire Christmas Concert Curriculum Breakfast Catholic Schools Week Family Night Dinner Spring Book Fair School Walk-A-Thon School Band Concert/Spring Sing Field Day Spring Operetta All School Assembly