SCHOOL SEAL, COLORS AND MOTTO

Saint Michael School Seal consists of the shield of the Dominican Sisters surrounded by the wing and spear of Saint Michael the Archangel. Green and gold are our school colors. Our Motto: To Teach, To Guide, To Guard.

Saint Michael School is a Catholic community of Faith within the vibrant Saint Michael Parish. Our ministry of the Word is the proclamation of the Good News of Jesus Christ, a message of Hope. It embraces a well-rounded doctrine and moral presentation. The learning is developmental and places the child in daily contact with the ideal of Christian like and the challenge to live it. Children will discover that Jesus commanded us to love one another by seeing the application of the Spiritual accounts of Jesus as a teacher. The faculty strives to instill in each child the commitment of the message of Jesus.

Our Goal is to foster a sense of family commitment within the school community. We will also stay abreast of the most current practical research in effective schools and the programs that enable them (the students) to excel. Saint Michael School will provide ideas for creating and implementing programs for improvements that will boost commitment and motivation among students and teachers.

SCHOOL HISTORY

Saint Michael School was opened September 1931 under the auspices of the sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell, New Jersey. Six Sisters staffed the school, with the enrollment of 350 children. Each year another grade was added. It became very evident as years passed that there was a need for expansion, so a campaign was begun for a new church to be erected with the intention of using the portion that was the church for classrooms.

Today, the Charism of Sisters of Saint Dominic still permeates the school with the able assistance of dedicated and qualified lay teachers.  The curriculum consists of the three R’s with the important fourth R – Religion. Many opportunities are provided to our students in which they are able to demonstrate their gifts.

Saint Michael School is Middle States Accredited.

Welcome to Saint Michael School

SAINT MICHAEL SCHOOL

1212 KELLY STREET

UNION NJ 07083



Purpose and Use of Handbook:  This handbook exists to foster the efficient operation of Saint Michael School. To meet this objective, the school administration is given flexibility and the ability to exercise discretion in the decision-making process. In appropriate circumstances, the principal has the discretion to take actions other than those specified in the Handbook. This Handbook is not intended and should not be considered to create any additional rights for students or parents/guardians.

Amendments to Handbook: This Handbook is subject to changes at any time when determined to be necessary by the school administration. If changes are made to the Handbook, parents/guardians will be notified.

TUITION AND FEES

Tuition and fees paid per students for a given year does not cover the cost to educate the child. The cost of education of a given student is paid in the following ways:

1. Tuition
2. A Weekly contribution to the Church is encouraged.
3. Participation in the school’s fundraising programs.

Monthly tuition payments must be made by/on the first of the month.  If a parent choses to make a payment to the office, payments will be accepted in person, on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday mornings 7:45-8:30 only.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Student Council: Saint Michael School has a very active and effective student council. The purpose of the council is to provide first-hand experience for students in the methods and procedures in Democratic Government. In addition, the student council sponsors special activities in the areas of academics, sports and fund raising for some student activities.

Student Council elections are held in September. A representative for each class is elected to serve on the General Council. A school wide election is held to select a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. Other offices are also available for students. All members of the student body are encouraged to participate in the activities.

Sports: Basketball is available for boys and girls from grade 3 through 8. Cheerleading is also available for grades 3 through 8 for basketball, as well as a competition team.  Soccer is available for boys and girls grades 1 through 8. Track is also available for students.

Science Enrichment - Grades 5 & 6

Book Club - Grades 3 & 4

Nutrition Enrichment - Grades 7 & 8

Occupation Enrichment - Grades 7 & 8

Music: A school choir is available for grades 2 through 8 and sings at special events and First Friday masses. Instrumental instruction is available by Partisi Music for an additional fee.

FIELD TRIPS AND VACATIONS

On occasion, Saint Michael will sponsor and conduct field trips for the educational enrichment of the students. Participation in these field trips is a privilege. No students may participate in a field trip unless a signed parent/guardian permission slip for a specific event is submitted to the school. The permission slip is provided by the school.

Vacations should NOT be scheduled during the school year and especially for the week s of standardized Testing or Final Exams. The responsibility to make up missed works rests entirely on the student and family. Teacher will NOT supply prescheduled assignments for a child vacationing during the school year.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

Uniforms-Boys and Girls: Uniforms should always be cleaned and pressed. Boy’s shirts should be tucked in to their pants and a belt is to be worn. Shoes for both boys and girls should be polished. Black shoes are required by both boys and girls.  Sneakers are NOT permitted with fall/winter uniforms. Shoes or sneakers having wheels of any kind are not permitted in the school. Girl’s heels should be no more than one inch high. Hair for both boys and girls should be neat, clean and conservative. Boy’s hair length may be to the collar. Any student out of uniform will receive a notice for each offense. Three notices will result in detention.  More than two detentions will result in a higher consequence determined by the principal.

No unusual hairstyles. No makeup permitted. Clear nail polish ONLY may be used in grades 1 through 6. Girls in grades 7 and 8 are permitted to wear light or pastel color nail polish in addition to clear. No costume jewelry. On Gym days NO jewelry is permitted. Girls may wear button like earrings only. No boy will be permitted to wear earrings. Please caution your children not to bring valuables or sums of money larger than necessary to school. The school will not assume responsibility for lost or stolen items.

COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL

Saint Michael School will communicate with all parents/guardians by the last day of the weeks and at other times by notices which will be hand delivered via your oldest child. Some notifications will require a signature to indicate that you have received them.

e waiting list for one academic year only. Re-registration will be required for the succeeding academic year.

AGE REQUIREMENTS:

Grade 1                                          6 years old by September 30^th

Kindergarten                                   5 years old by September 30^th

Pre-Kindergarten                             4 years old by September 30^th

FORMS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION:

1. Application
2. Originals of Birth and Baptismal Records
3. Additional Sacramental Certificates; i.e. First Communion, Pennance
4. Updated and completed immunization records
5. Academic record and transfer form
6. Standardized testing results and current report card

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS: Saint Michael School requires all new students to have a complete physical and dental examination before applying for admissions.

TRANSFER STUDENTS: A transfer notification must be presented to the principal during an interview at which most recent report card from previous school and standardized test scores are also required.

ATTENDANCE – ABSENCE

The New Jersey statutes on Education (18A. 38-25) provides for compulsory attendance by all children between the ages of six and sixteen, but the responsibility for the compliance belongs to the parents. Attendance must be regular and punctual.

REASON FOR ABSENCE:

1. Personal illness of pupil
2. Serious illness or death of immediate family
3. Official quarantine          

Prompt regular attendance is absolutely essential for academic success. The parent/guardian is expected to foster these good habits in the student, both for the benefit of the student’s current academic achievement and to encourage mature adult behavior in the future.

A parent/guardian must call the school no later than 8:00 a.m. to report a student’s absence. If a call is not received, the school will make every effort to reach the parent/guardian to verify the legitimacy of the absence. These procedures represent a mutual effort to account for the presence of the student during school hours.

When the child returns to school he/she must present a written excuse from the parent/guardian stating the student’s name together with the dates and reason for the absence. An absence of five consecutive days requires a doctor’s note.

Prolonged absence for legitimate reasons may not be used as a cause for retention unless the student cannot exhibit satisfactory mastery of required academic material.

Late students are to report to the office for a late slip. A student who is chronically late will be subject to discipline.

If a student is absent from school he/she is not eligible to participate in after school or extracurricular activities, including but not limited to school field trips, clubs or athletic events.

Dismissing students early is highly discouraged as it creates a disruption in class.  If a student must be picked up early due to an emergency the office must be notified asap.  If for some reason a student is picked up for a nonemergency reason, the parent must inform the office and teacher prior.

HEALTH SERVICES AND ACCIDENTS

HEALTH SERVICES: Communicable Diseases – State Health Regulations require the exclusion of a child from school if he/she has certain diseases, including measles, whooping cough, respiratory streptococcal infections, scarlet fever, chicken pox, mumps, impetigo, pink eye, pediculosis (lice, scabies, ringworm, tonsillitis, trachoma and favus.  Please call the school if your child has contracted one of these diseases.  A doctor’s note must be presented when your child returns to school. If your child becomes ill during the school hours it is EXPECTED that he/she will be picked up promptly when notified by the nurse that he/she is ill or injured. We DO NOT have the facilities to keep children for an extended period of time.

Accidents occurring on school premises during school hours must be reported to immediately to the principal. An accident report must be completed. Parents will be notified immediately of serious injuries and sudden illness. If parents are unavailable, the child will be taken to the emergency room if the local hospital. An emergency form with current and correct information must be on file in the nurse’s office as of the beginning of the school year.

ASBESTOS: the school’s Asbestos management Plan is on file in the school office, as required by the federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA). This document is available for examination upon request.

BOOKS: Extreme caution and care must be taken against loss and damage. If lost or damaged by a student, payment for a replacement book is required.

1. Books must be covered at all times.
2. Books must be handled with care and concern.
3. Book bags must be used by all students. They should be labeled securely on the inside of the bag.

CAFETERIA: Our cafeteria facilities provide seating for all children. No child may leave the building at lunch time without written permission from the parent/guardian. Good manners are expected! Supervisors are to be respected and obeyed. Disrespectful speech or action will be disciplined.  Students may bring lunch from home or purchase cafeteria lunch.  Menus with lunch orders and monies must be sumitted on a monthly basis.  All monies for ordered lunches may be sent to school with your child or paid in the school office on the following days/times only:  Monday, Tuesday, Friday 7:45-8:30 am.  Student lunches from home cannot be heated.  If a child forgets lunch from home, lunch will be provided.

CELL PHONE POLICY: Cell phones are not permitted in the building.  If a student walks to or from school the parent is to contact Mrs. Telle regarding a child's need for a cell phone.  If a cell phone is brought in the building it will be confiscate and a parent must retrieve the cell phone.  If a cell phone is confiscated more than one, the phone becomes the poperty of the school and more serious disciplinary actions can/will be taken.

CHANGE OF INFORMATION: Parents are asked to report to the school office immediately any change of address, telephone numbers, emergency numbers or pertinent information about your child.

CHILD ABUSE/SUSPECTED NEGLECT: New Jersey State law requires that any person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child may have been subjected to abuse or neglect, must make a report to the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services (DYFS).

CRISIS INTERVENTION POLICY:  Saint Michael School values the Christian gift of life. In support of this statement, we will:

1. Treat with utmost seriousness reports of self-life endangerment.
2. Report a potential suicide situation immediately.
3. The Administrator will interview the child in distress, contact the family, never leave the child unattended, and maintain confidentiality as to all information and documentation and assist in long term care arrangements.

MORNING CARE/AFTERCARE:  Students may enter the building at 7:00 a.m. for Morning-Care. Aftercare runs from dismissal until 6:00 p.m.  Morning and Aftercare billing will be sent home at the end of each month. Morning and Aftercare payments may be sent to school with your child, or payments may be made in person, the following days/times:  Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 7:45-8:30 am.

MONEY TO SCHOOL: Money that is sent to school should be placed in a sealed envelope and identified with the child’s name, grade, the amount enclosed and its purpose.

PARTIES (BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS): If parents wish, they may bring in cupcakes or some other item that may be handled easily by the child to be served to his/her classmates during lunch. Parents MAY NOT go to the classroom with these treats. Please leave them with the secretary who will send them to the classroom.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENTS:

1. Each student is expected to know and obey the rules and regulations of the school
2. Each student is expected to display Christian conduct on the way to and from school, on school grounds, at school functions and activities.
3. Each student should try to use class time as effectively as possible by taking pride in doing his/her work.
4. Each student should give proper respect and courtesy to teachers, staff members and other student.
5. Each student should be aware that good sportsmanship must prevail in academic or athletic competition.
6. Each student is responsible for making up all work when absent from school.
7. Each student is responsible for keeping materials used during the school year in good condition. He/she must carry books in a school bag and all school books must be covered.
8. Each student is responsible for completing assignment. Reading, study or written assignments may be given and written work, when required, must be signed by a parent.
9. Each student is to refrain from snowball throwing around the school property during lunchtime, before and after school.
10. GUM – Our school has a three part policy which governs the use of gum during school hours and school sponsored activities. 1) NO GUM, 2) NO GUM and 3) NO GUM. Students are expected to comply with all aspects of this policy.

TELEPHONE: Students may not receive or make calls during school hours. In the event a child has forgotten lunch the food service company will provide lunch for that day and the family must send the cost for reimbursement the next day.

TRANSCRIPTS:  Transcripts of academic and health records may not be given directly to a parent/guardian in the event of a transfer. A request for transfer must be submitted in written form by a parent/guardian. Transcripts will be sent directly from school to school upon receipt of transfer request.

VISITORS:  no guest or visitor to the school will be allowed without an appointment and prior approval of the principal. For the safety of the children all requests must be valid and with an educational purpose.

VOLUNTEERS: Saint Michael School considers its volunteers a very special resource. Parents are encouraged to help in programs and extracurricular activities. Refer to the Activities Contract for a more detailed account of this program.

SCHOOL TIMES

7:45 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.                                                       Arrival to School

8:00 a.m.                                                                      School Prayers/Birthdays/Announcements

8:15 a.m.                                                                      First Class Period

11:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.                                                    Lunch for grades Pre –K, K, 5 – 8

12:00 p.m. – 12:40 p.m.                                                    Lunch for grades 1 – 4

2:20 p.m.                                                                       Dismissal grades Pre-K – 4

2:30 p.m.                                                                       Dismissal grades 5 – 8

Tardiness - Students are able to enter the building at 7:45.  The late bell rings promptly at 8:00 am.  All parents must accompany their child to the office for late arrival.  Consistent tardiness can result in a student missing first period if the lesson has begun, as well as a "U" in the report card area os personal development.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

Parents delivering and picking up students at school should use the parking lot in designated areas. The morning drop off includes a drop off lane in which parents DO NOT EXIT THE VEHICLE.The drop off allows the students to leave the vehicle by the door of the school and the parent to drive away immediately upon the student’s exit from the car.  Only teachers are permitted to park in the first two lanes, no one is permitted to park along side of playground. Both provide additional safety for our children.

A street crossing guard is positioned at Vauxhall Road and Kelly Street. The guard is on duty before school and after dismissal. All children must cross at the guarded corner ONLY. No child should cross in the middle of the street.

AUTOMOBILES MAY NOT BE DOUBLE PARKED ON ANY STREET OR DRIVE IN SPOTS DESIGNATED FOR STUDENTS. Students arriving tardy must come to the office accompanied by a parent.

Afternoon dismissal will be through the parking lot area. PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE BUILDING TO PICK UP YOUR CHILD.  Adults are not to park in red spaces.

Students are NOT allowed to leave the school during school hours for any reason without knowledge of the administrator and teacher. Permission to leave school grounds will only be approved upon written request from the student’s parent/guardian. Twenty four hour notice should be sent to the school regarding early dismissal, unless due to an emergency. An approved person must sign the EARLY DISMSSAL BOOK in the school office before the student is dismissed.

GRADES/PROGRESS REPORTS/HONOR ROLL

 Progress reports are sent home to parents for grades 1 through 8 three weeks prior to the end of the marking period. For students Pre-K and kindergarten, the teacher may send a progress note to parents/guardians during the marking period. THESE NOTICES MUST BE SIGNED AND RETURNED to the teacher by designated date.  At this time, the parent/guardian and teacher should avail themselves of the advantages of an interview or phone call if needed. Unsatisfactory progress and retention can be avoided by using this system.  Students who received poor grades of their progress reports will be placed on the WARNING OF SUSPENSION FROM EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. If the grades do not improve by report card distribution, the student will be SUSPENDED AND UNABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS, DRAMA, CHEERLEADING, FORENSICS, and STUDENT COUNCIL until the following report card improvement.

Report cards are distributed three times during the school year so parents are informed of their child’s success or failure to maintain grade level work. We ask that you study your child’s report cards carefully and note particular weakness so that you may guide the child in improving in this particular subject. Grades are based on total output of the child: class work – oral or written, tests, projects and homework. If a report indicates that a pupil’s work is not satisfactory, you should confer with the homeroom teacher or the subject teacher as soon as possible. Grades 1 through 8 can view their children’s progress, daily on the Power School website, psrcan.psisjs.com.

GRADING 4^th – 8^th: The following is the grading chart which shows the letter grade and the numerical equivalent. On report cards, the letter grade will be used.

A+          (97-100)                               C+           (78-82)

A             (92-96)                               C             (73-77)

B+           (88-91)                                D             (70-72)

B             (83-87)                               U             (Below 70)

Personal development, Art, Music, Computer Education, Physical Education and Spanish will use the following grade chart:

O             Outstanding                       I               Improvement Needed

S              Satisfactory                       U             Unsatisfactory

On report cards, subcategories will be marked with a “+” or “-“to indicate strengths and weaknesses. Grades 6, 7, and 8 will not be given subcategory marks in basic skills.

Reading and Mathematics will be marked as following:

(4)          If instructed on the 4^th grade level

(4+)        If the ability of the child is above the 4^th grade level

(4- )        If the ability of the child is below the 4^th grade level

Religion grade is based on the content area only.

HONOR ROLL: Students in grades 6 -8 can receive First or Second Honors, determination is based on grade point average calculation by powerschool resource. An “I” or “U” in personal

development will not be first or second honors. A “U” in Art, Computer, Music, Spanish or Physical Education does not allow for the recognition of first or second honors.

Any child in grades 5 through 8 who has maintained the average of “B” or better in all MAJOR subjects during the marking period is awarded 2^nd honor status.

Final Exams will be given to grades 6, 7 and 8 in May/June.

 Students are responsible for Religion assignments regardless of practice faith.

Grading 1^st – 3^rd:

E = Exceeds                                       (High Understanding)

S = Secure                                        (Understanding Demonstrated)

D = Developing                                   (Growth Demonstrated)

B = Beginning                                     (Beginning Stages)

N = Not Yet Performing                       (Assistance Required)

Kindergarten and Pre K: Will distribute Progress Reports and Report Cards twice a year.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PROMOTION: In order to qualify for promotion to the next grade, students must maintain a passing grade in all major subjects during the marking period. Students who receive a “U” for a final year end average in a major subject are required to attend summer school for that subject. Verification of completion is required. A student may attend summer school for up to TWO MAJOR SUBJECTS. Is a child receives a mark of “U” in more than TWO MAJOR SUBJECTS; retention in the current grade would be required.

PARENT CONFERENCES: Planned parent/teacher conferences occur during the first and second semester of the school year. Parents are requested to make a specific appointment with the teacher (s) of each child. These conference times, if spent wisely, can be valuable to the overall education program. They are held so that parents and teachers can EXCHANGE INFORMATION about the child so that both may better meet the child’s needs.

It is not necessary to wait for the regular conference time if a parent has a special concern. Parent conferences are encouraged and may be arranged at any time during the school year by phoning the school office for a day and time convenient to parent (s) and teacher. Parents may not approach staff members during the school day without arranging an appointment.

Special problems should be brought to the attention of the principal for the further resolution when necessary.

HOMEWORK REQUIREMENTS

Research has shown that homework produces positive effects on factual, critical and attitudinal aspects of learning. It is the principle extension of the school into the home. Parental responsibility for homework is to establish the discipline for regular study at home, provide a quiet time for study and reinforce good study habits with praise and attention. Parental assistance on an age appropriate basis is a proven method of increasing academic achievement of students and enriching their lives with the love of learning. Working together, teachers and parents can build the habits of independent study in children. The following guidelines apply to our school’s homework policy:

1. It is frequently and regularly assigned.
2. It is directly related to in-class work.
3. It is used to master previously taught material.
4. It is graded and included as a significant part of the report card.

The following guidelines for homework are approximate:

Kindergarten – Short assignment are given as the teacher finds need for them

First Grade – Ten minutes.

Second Grade – Twenty minutes

Third and Fourth Grades – Thirty to Forty minutes

Fifth Grade – Fifty minutes

Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grades – Sixty, Seventy or Eighty minutes

Additional time may be needed if classwork is not completed though adequate time was allotted. All homework and tests should be signed by a parent/guardian.

INTERNET USE

Each student and one parent/guardian is required to sign an “Acceptable Use Agreement for Technology”. Failure to do so will deny your student access to the internet and participation in internet-based lessons in Computer Class. E-mail or any internet communications which discredits the school, faculty, or students will be dealt with as a disciplinary situation.

DIPSCIPLINE CODE

A spirit of Christ like charity, respect for authority and mutual cooperation are essential elements of the learning environment at Saint Michael School. Students are expected to act with courtesy and respect toward one another and toward all members of the staff. They must take seriously their obligation to develop lifetime habits of self-control and concern for the well-being of others.  Home and school work together, to help students to learn and live the qualities of responsible behavior and the elements of good citizenship.

A student who chooses to disrupt the good order of the school or to violate a policy or regulation will have to accept the consequences of these irresponsible choices. Appropriate discipline is within the discretion of the principal. Accountability for uncooperative, disruptive or unsafe behavior may take any of the following forms: misconduct referrals or warnings; punishment assignments; denial of privileges; detention; in school suspension; out-of-school suspension; or expulsion. Actions, which violate the law, threaten or cause harm to other students or staff members, disrupt  or impede the welfare and progress of the school community, or bring discredit to the school will not be tolerated. Such actions or other severe violations of school rules may result in immediate expulsion. If a student persists in violating basic obligations of courtesy, consideration, respect, cooperation or safety, a Principal-Parent-Student conference will be scheduled. All subsequent discipline, counseling, consultation and corrective action plans will be viewed as possible home and school efforts to help the student improve behavior. If these cooperative efforts of parents and school staff prove ineffective, the student will be subject to expulsion or may be denied re-admittance to the school.

Students are to stand during the National Anthem.

The following conduct is NEVER permissible:

1. Fighting
2. Defiance of school staff
3. Use of profanity or unacceptable drugs
4. Refusal to prepare assignments or participate in class
5. Cheating on schoolwork and exams
6. Possession of weapons or dangerous objects
7. Possession or use of tobacco or any controlled substance
8. Gambling
9. Vandalism

EXPULSION: ordinarily, expulsion will be employed only when all others means of discipline, including suspension, have been used and proven to be ineffectual. However, if, in the sole determination of the school, a student’s conduct or activity reflects such grave discredit on the school or otherwise presents a definite impediment to the welfare may be expelled without the school’s having taken prior disciplinary measures.

Conduct or activity considered extremely serious and cause for expulsion includes, but is not limited to the following:

1. Drug use or transfer of drugs
2. Arson
3. Carrying weapons
4. Damaging property
5. Use of alcoholic beverages on premises or at school functions
6. Smoking in the school building or on school grounds

The principal or Pastor is the final recourse and reserves the right to amend this handbook.