Student Handbook
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Table of Contents
Mission Statement
Our mission is to create, inspire, and nurture an environment that embraces Gospel values for the growth of our school community.
Philosophy
Assumption Regional Catholic School has existed to assist parents in the academic and spiritual growth of their children. It serves as an organized support system to enable our parents to fulfill their roles as primary educators. In this process, Assumption recognizes the diversity of our students and allows for the individual growth of its students within an environment of cooperative learning.
The aim of Catholic education should be the total child. Assumption Regional Catholic School is committed to living out the message of Christian joy and hope and is dedicated to educate students for Christian service to our community and to the world. We seek to integrate gospel values into the lives of the students at Assumption. Teachers provide the guidelines and protocols which serve as the foundation for making Christian judgments as adults.
As members of a community of faith, we give witness to the meaning of Christian service by developing the skills and deportment needed to enhance community. The religious instruction at Assumption Regional Catholic School has three distinct responsibilities:
- To INSTRUCT students in God’s message
- To DEVELOP an environment of fellowship
- To AID students in finding ways to serve the Christian community.
As members of the academic community, we foster in our students a positive self-image that is essential as our students discover and aspire to a mastery of curriculum that is commensurate with each unique potential. We provide our students with the fundamental skills needed to succeed in higher educational goals and in life.
While we believe that the intellectual development of each child proceeds from his God-given inherent abilities, we acknowledge that these abilities can be enhanced by meaningful curriculum presented by motivated teachers. This curriculum, presented in an orderly and sequential manner, allows for the individuality of the student and for the varied uniqueness of each learning style. Essential to this process is the role of teacher as facilitator.
At Assumption Regional Catholic School a teacher is required to fill many roles: an organizer, a planner, a guide, a disciplinarian, a friend, and a model. This myriad of involvement fosters relationships of respect not only between teacher and student, but also between teacher and teacher, teacher and school, and teacher and parent/guardian. Our teachers build upon the foundation and support established by the parents/guardians in our region. We recognize our responsibility to cooperate with our parents/guardians and to keep them informed of the growth of their students academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
The foundation of this educational plan is centered primarily in the structure of the process which we have established at Assumption Regional Catholic School. A Diocesan approved curriculum is overseen by our administration and implemented by our staff. This implementation includes instruction, clarification, and assessment essential to the development of children. Timely progress reports and parental meetings augment our evaluation of both the student and the learning process.
We believe that Assumption Regional Catholic School provides a balanced educational environment, which follows all guidelines of the Diocese of Camden, the State of New Jersey, and most importantly-the guidelines of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
School Calendar
The official school calendar is published annually guided by the Diocesan Office of Catholic Schools with the approval of the bishop. The calendar is designed to meet the minimum of 180 days required by state law. A monthly calendar is published by the school noting information and local school activities.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is imperative. Each day of absence is detrimental to the pupil’s progress. New Jersey school law stipulates that “Every parent, guardian, or other person having custody and control of a child between the ages of six and sixteen shall cause such child regularly to attend the non-public schools of the district of a day school in which there is given instruction equivalent to that provided in the public schools for children of similar grades and attainments or to receive equivalent instruction elsewhere than a school.” (18A:38-25)
Students should be in attendance from the beginning of the day (7:50) until dismissal (2:20). Students who arrive late should report to the main office for a late pass. Any student who arrives after 7:50 is considered late.
When a student is absent, the parent/guardian must call the school office by 8:30.
A student who is absent from school is required to bring a written excuse signed by their parent/guardian, stating the dates and reason for the absence. (Absenteeism occurs when any student is absent from school for any reason.)
Excused absence is given for one alternate educational experience (i.e. school visit).
In compliance with Diocesan regulations, excessive absence may require that the student be retained in that grade. Their policy also states that parents of students who have missed 10 or more cumulative days of school be notified in the following manner:
- After 10 cumulative days of absenteeism, a written warning notice will be forwarded to the parents. It is expected that the parents will respond to the Principal as a result of the warning.
- After 18 cumulative days of absenteeism, a parent’s conference will be scheduled with the Principal to inform parents of appropriate corrective measures.
Additional vacations: It is hoped that parents will try to work in vacations in alliance with the school calendar. However, when this is not possible, the following procedure should be followed:
- Parents should inform the Principal directly about additional vacation time requests
- It is the student’s responsibility to make up the work missed when he/she returns
- It is the parent’s obligation to see that all assignments are completed and submitted
- These days are counted as unexcused absences.
- In the event that a student is absent due to long term illness, homebound instruction will be arranged through the Special Services of the Local Education Agency.
- After 3 days of absence, a doctor’s note must be sent to the school along with the parent/guardian’s note.
- Parents/guardians must notify the office of any contagious disease.
Chronic lateness or absenteeism requires a conference with the parent in an effort to correct the irregularity.
All medical or dental appointments should be made for outside the school day. Any student who needs to be excused early for any reason should come to school with a note stating the reason, time, and who will be picking them up. The student must be signed out in the Early Dismissal Book. The time away is calculated as partial day based on the minutes they are away from school.
It is the responsibility of the student to make up any work that is missed. Work will be available upon return to school. Students away on vacation during the school year will receive missed work upon return. A reasonable amount of time to complete assignments will be determined by the teacher.
Communication
An important component in the teamwork between parents and school is communication. Assumption has a web site where much important information can be found.
Each member of the faculty and staff has an email address. Parents may contact them at a time that is convenient through this method.
Weekly Family Communication Envelopes will be sent home each Tuesday with the youngest child in the school. Enclosed will be correspondence from the school office, PTA, and other information. Parents/guardians should take the contents out, sign the outside in the space provided, and return the envelope to school the next day.
Reminders of special events or announcements of school closings will be made by telephone through our electronic phone tree.
Conferences will be held as needed to discuss the progress of the students. One mandatory conference is scheduled in the Fall
Confidentiality
Respect of oneself and others is paramount in a catholic school community. As a part of that respect, all members of the school community have the right to expect that information given to an individual will be kept in confidence. Teachers will keep confidential information entrusted to them so long as no one’s life, health, or safety is at stake. Parents will be promptly notified of teacher’s concerns.
Religious Education
In a Christian atmosphere, our students receive daily education in religious truths and traditions. Liturgical services, prayer services, and other forms of devotion suitable to the needs of the students are also included in our Religious Education Program. All students are required to take the religion courses and participate in any religious service conducted as part of the regular school program.
Reception of the Sacraments:
First Penance, First Holy Communion, Confirmation
These sacraments are parish based with direction coming from the parish the family is registered. Parents will be notifies when meetings and workshops are scheduled so that they can assist in the preparation of their children for the sacraments.
Before and After School Programs
School doors open at 7:40 AM for student arrival. Your child is expected to be picked up at dismissal at 2:20.
Supervision is available at a charge before or after these times. Students may be dropped off at the cafeteria doors from 7:00-7:40.
On regular dismissal days, an After School Program is available until 5:30 PM. There is After School Program on half days UNTIL 3P/M ONLY. There is NO After School Program on any half day immediately preceding a school break, or during school breaks.
All students are registered to be in either program. Students are not permitted in the school after dismissal unless they are attending a school sponsored activity in progress. At the conclusion of the activity, students must be picked up or attend After School Program. Students who do not attend the program regularly should bring a note from their parent/guardian requesting the child be sent to the After School Program for that day. Teachers need to know a change in transportation at the end of the day. Without a note, the child will be put on the bus. Please help us to avoid confusion in this matter.
Transportation
Transportation is provided by the school district in which the child lives. Safety and proper behavior are required of all students riding a bus. It is the right and responsibility of the bus driver to report any student’s misconduct to the Principal through a form School Bus Incident Report to Parents. A copy of the bus driver’s report will be sent to the parent of the child reported.
All misconduct forms sent to parents are to be signed and returned to the Principal on the next day of school. If a student continually violates safety or courtesy practices, they will be suspended from riding the bus. Fighting or flagrant disrespect to the bus driver or other passengers will result in immediate suspension from the bus.
If there is any change in transportation home the child must have a dated noted. Children may not go home on any bus other than the district they reside. If your child needs to go to a different location, other arrangements should be made.
School Security
The doors of the school building are locked at all times. The main door by the office is the ONLY entrance door. Please come to the main door and ring the bell.
Parents/guardians and visitors are not permitted in the halls or visit any instructional area during the school day, unless permission has been obtained from the principal. Anyone entering the building must sign in and receive a visitor badge and then sign out when leaving.
This policy is in place to provide a safe environment and one that is conductive to the academic atmosphere of the school.
The Assumption Regional Catholic School Board
The purpose of this board is to promote and advance the mission of the school for the education and instruction of students in keeping with the principles of the Roman Catholic Church, to secure finances of the school, and to ensure a course of education as prescribed by the Diocese of Camden and the applicable policies, rules, and regulations of the State of New Jersey.
Parents
Parents should seriously reflect on their obligation to educate their children in an atmosphere that emphasizes message, community, and service. Parents should assist our educational partnership by:
- Attending weekly Mass and significant religious services with their children
- Assisting and guiding their children in academic and moral development by reviewing report cards carefully, supervising home study, and cooperate with the school concerning activities, recreation, and discipline
- Talking positively about school with their children
- Providing a suitable time and place for homework
- Monitoring proper use of technology (computers, television, etc.)
- Reading to their children
- Attending school programs with their children
- Sharing hobbies and interests with children
- Trying to discover the children’s interests and talents so that these can be developed in cooperation with classroom teachers
- Take an active part in the PTA and their sponsored activities.
Code of Conduct
Order is essential to the effective management of any school. It is maintained not only by a good teaching staff, efficient administration, and good education programs, but also by the development in the child of rational self-control.
The purposes of discipline are to:
- Produce order
- Teach respect for the rights of others
- Cultivate good character traits
- Give ample opportunity for the development of leadership
- Form the true Christian citizen
- Provide an atmosphere for intellectual activities.
The expectations of behavior are grounded in respect. Students and faculty should understand that one of the first obligations in a Catholic school is to respect the dignity of all members of the school community. Therefore, members of the school community are expected to:
- Respect one another in word and action
- Respect each other’s person by keeping hands and objects to oneself
- Respect school and each other’s property
- Follow directions when given
- Use appropriate language at all times
- Maintain a quiet atmosphere for learning by using soft voices and conversational tone
- Maintain conduct becoming to a student in a Catholic school
- Complete all assignments in the designated time
- Walk in good order, especially in common areas
The teacher is the primary facilitator of good order and discipline. In certain instances a student may be referred to the principal. The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at her discretion.
Each member of the school community has the right to feel safe at all times when at school or school activity. Therefore, any acts that suggest violence or an unsafe situation will not be tolerated. Extreme cases may result in suspension or expulsion. A conference with student, teacher, parent/guardian, and principal will be held to discuss the incident. This form of Christian due process will assist in a spirit of fairness in determining what occurred and what should be the consequence of the action.
| Minor Offenses | Major Offenses |
Respect for learning environment Gum chewing (a) Classroom disruptions (a) Failure to return required paperwork (a) Academic dishonesty Respect for peers Inappropriate language Hallway misconduct Respect for self Violation of dress code Respect for adults Leaving classroom without permission or hall pass Inappropriate behavior for substitutes Non-compliant behavior (a) Respect for property Defacing property Respect for laws/ rules Non-related personal possessions In school (a) Eating/drinking in inappropriate locations or at inappropriate times Possession of electronic devices during school hours (a) *Device will be confiscated and remain in school office until parent comes to collect it |
Respect for learning environment Deliberate absence from detention Respect for peers Repeated inappropriate or obscene language Inappropriate physical contact Encouraging a fight Fighting Play fighting/wrestling that leads to bodily harm Violation of the Harassment, Intimidation, Bullying Policy Intimidating others for money or other items Respect for adults Continued non-compliant behavior Disrespecting the authority of school personnel, defiance, insubordination Respect for property Destroying property/vandalism Respect for laws/ rules Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy Repeated minor offenses Activation and possession of a paging device, cell phone, or other electronic device (not provided by the school for learning purposes between 7:50 AM-2:20 PM |
If a detention is given parent/guardians will be notified at least one day in advance. Detention for Grades 5 – 8 will conclude at 3:30, Grades 4 and below until 3:00. If you are unable to pick up your child at the designated time, he/she will be sent to the After School Program. You will be charged a fee for this service.
If a student receives three detentions they may be suspended. A student would be required to make up all work missed during the school suspension.
Sexual Harassment will not be tolerated at Assumption Regional Catholic School. Sexual harassment is any type of un-welcomed sexual talk or actions that make a person feel bad, trapped, or confused. This includes any conduct or materials containing sexual suggestions that would be offensive to a reasonable person. In the event of an incident, it MUST be reported to the principal. All allegations of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and promptly investigated.
Safety
A set of procedures is in place in the event of an emergency. Emergency drills will be conducted regularly throughout the school year to assist the school community in emergency preparedness. Parents should discuss the seriousness of these drills with their children.
Academic Expectations
Students are expected to be in school each school day. (Please refer to attendance.) They should be prepared to participate fully in the educational process. Parents/guardians should assist their children in this effort by encouraging rest and good nutrition as well as quiet time to review the day’s work and to prepare for the next day. Parents should provide support materials and supplies for their child.
Report Cards are issued periodically throughout the school year. Parents can monitor progress throughout the marking period using the Power School program. This is an electronic reporting system that makes available to parents and guardians current academic status of their child through the internet 24-7.
Homework is an important component of the educational process. It is a teacher-planned learning activity which takes place outside of the student’s in-school experience. Parents are encouraged to set aside a regular time each evening to discuss any papers their child may have brought home from school and to talk about the day’s events. Although homework may not be assigned each night, time should be spent reading, writing, studying math facts, reviewing for assessments, etc. Homework is posted on the internet for the convenience of parents and guardians.
When a child is absent from school for any reason, work will be compiled for them. It will be given to them on the day of their return and a reasonable amount of time to complete it will be calculated.
Homework is weighed cumulatively over the quarter as a test grade. Any incomplete or missing assignments will result in a reduction to that grade.
All students are encouraged to achieve to the best of their personal ability. Special Services are provided during the school day through Galloway Twp. to support the diverse learning needs of our students. Through teacher input and standardized scores students are identified who would benefit from this program. Parents should seriously consider the recommendation as a positive experience for their child.
Periodically, educational field trips will be made available to enhance the learning process. Students are expected to attend these events. Chaperones are welcome, however space is limited. Siblings should not be brought on the trip, since the main focus of the chaperone are the students they are supervising. No one should follow the bus.
At the end of each marking period, students who have distinguished themselves academically will be recognized on the Honor Roll.
- Grades 3: all A’s & B’s
- Grades 4-8:
- Principal’s List - 97 and above in all major subject areas
- First Honors - 93 and above in all major subject areas
- Second Honors - 85 and above in all major subject areas
In all cases unsatisfactory in minor subjects or conduct will prevent a student from receiving honors.
The principal reserves the right to recognize any student who may not have achieved honors, but has shown significant improvement and effort.
The attainment of skills is imperative at each level. Students failing any major subject, or combination of two minor subjects will be recommended for retention. Notification of possible retention will be made by the end of the second marking period. The teacher will then communicate regularly with the parent/guardian concerning progress.
Students are eligible for extra-curricular activities by maintaining a consistent grade average of C in all subject areas throughout the marking period. Disciplinary actions may result in suspension from these activities.
Technology
Technology needed for the educational process is provided by the school. In some cases, a teacher may request support from home through the sharing of materials. The teacher will directly contact the parent or guardian.
Students should not have active cell phones on their person or in their belongings. They and any electronic device will be confiscated and sent to the office for safe keeping until a parent or guardian picks it up. This applies also to any electronic entertainment/communication equipment.
The use of technology should reflect the expectations of respect. This applies to how a student uses equipment physically and where they explore on the internet.
Student Council
To invite active student leadership in the school, students have the opportunity to participate as members of the Student Council. These students meet regularly to discuss and plan service programs and programs that might be of benefit to the school and extended community.
Volunteers
Volunteers are an important resource in the school. We welcome the sharing of their talents. Diocesan policy mandates that anyone who comes in contact with students must be fingerprinted and attend CAP training. If you plan to be a coach, lunch helper, room parent, or assist in any way that would bring you in contact with the children you need to follow this policy. Paperwork is available in the school office. CAP sessions will be posted on our web site.
Student Dress Code
All Uniforms are available through from Flynn and O’Hara Uniform Company. (flynnohara.com)
Girls K-4
Winter Uniform:
- Uniform tunic style jumper or plaid uniform skort
- Peter pan blouse
- Uniform v-neck sweater
- Navy blue tights or knee socks
- Mary-Jane style black shoes
Summer Uniform:
- Uniform shorts , plaid uniform skort or uniform tunic style jumper
- White uniform polo shirt
- Navy knee socks
- Mary-Jane style black shoes
- White crew socks and white sneakers may be worn
Girls 5-8
Winter Uniform:
- Uniform skirt or uniform skort
- Uniform oxford shirt
- Uniform V-neck sweater
- Navy blue tights
- Mary-Jane style black shoes
Summer Uniform:
- Uniform shorts or plaid uniform skort
- White uniform polo shirt
- Navy blue knee socks
- White crew socks and white sneakers may be worn
Boys 1-8
Winter Uniform:
- Uniform slacks (with navy/black belt)
- Oxford-type shirt
- Uniform tie
- Uniform v-neck sweater or vest
- Dark socks (crew length)
- Black oxford shoes
- Kindergarten: same, except may wear polo shirt in lieu of oxford and tie
Summer Uniform:
- Uniform shorts (with navy/black belt)
- Uniform polo shirt
- Dark socks (crew length)
- Black oxford shoes
- White crew socks and white sneakers may be worn
Gym Uniform:
- Uniform sweatpants/shorts/tee shirt/sweatshirt
- White tie sneakers
- White crew socks that go above the ankle.
- No logos
All students are required to wear the proper uniform in the manner it is designed to be worn. Skirt length is no more than two inches above the knee, shorts fingertip length. Girls may wear clear nail polish and nails should be kept at an appropriate length for school. Make-up is not permitted. Hair styles should be neat, not distracting, and natural hair color.
Boys’ hair should not touch the collar and should be out of the eyes. They are also expected to be clean-shaven. No visible tattoos or body piercing. Girls with pierced ears may wear one pair of posts. Boys are not permitted to wear earrings in school.
Grade Eight students may be given special privileges to adjust their uniform at the discretion of the principal.
Occasionally a casual dress day may be scheduled. Students should come to school dressed appropriately for a Catholic School setting. Shoes should be closed and an appropriate height for school activities. If teachers or administration judge the dress as inappropriate, parents will be requested to bring a change of clothing to the school.
Dates for summer/winter uniforms will be determined by the principal.
Miscellaneous
Students are not permitted to chew gum at any time on school grounds or while riding the bus.
Birthdays are celebrated and a small treat may be brought to school for the class. Students are not required to wear their uniform on the day their birthday is celebrated (see dress down).
Party Invitations will only be allowed to be distributed is the entire class is invited. In the past we have seen many children slighted and hurt as a result of not being invited.
The school is not permitted to give out phone numbers and addresses.
Nursing Information
There is a nurse’s office in the school building. There is a nurse in the building everyday. If a student becomes sick or injured, he/she will be sent to the nurse’s office. If after observation the illness or injury appears to be serious, parents may be requested to come and pick up the student at that time. If the sickness or minor injury occurs near dismissal time the student may be sent home on the bus.
Emergency sheets are sent home at the beginning of the school year. They must be completed and returned to the office. During the school year any changes in employment, telephone number, family status or alternate contacts, must be reported to the office. So that the emergency information sheet can be updated. It is important the emergency sheets be completed entirely.
Medication
Under State Law, no child is allowed to carry any form of medication at any time. If a child is required to take any prescribed medicine during the school day, a PHYSICAN MEDICATION ORDER FORM must be completed by both the parent/guardian and the physician. Medication must be in its original container and will be kept in the nurse’s office. NO PRESCRIBED MEDICATION WILL BE GIVEN UNLESS THIS FORM IS COMPLETED. If a parent/guardian should feel the need for a child to take Tylenol, the student must bring to school a written, signed, and dated note specifying dosage and time the Tylenol should be given and it MUST BE BROUGHT IN ITS ORGINAL CONTAINER.
In compliance with the regulations set forth by the State of New Jersey, a child can not remain in school if he/she is running a temperature of 100° F or higher. If a child develops a fever during school hours, the parent/guardian will be called by the nurse or office personnel to come and pick up the child.
Principal’s Disclaimer
The principal has the absolute discretion to interpret and apply any and all of the rules and provisions in this handbook in the manner the principal believes to be correct. Nothing this handbook implies limits the principal’s authority to interpret and apply the rules.
Even though this handbook explains penalties that can be imposed for certain types of misconduct or prohibited behavior, you should be aware that the principal has the right and the authority to impose different or additional penalties and to impose penalties for offenses that are not specifically listed in this handbook, should the principal conclude that the conduct or behavior is harmful to the good order and discipline of the school, its religious mission or its educational objectives. This includes disciplinary action for conduct that occurs on the school premises or at other locations. The penalties may include suspension and/or expulsion.
The principal reserves the right to amend this handbook and the school policies and procedures without prior notice for the safety and will being of everyone. Every effort will be made to notify students and parents/guardians of such changes.