Dear Parents,
Throughout the years, St. Catherine of
Our goal, at St Catherine School, is to build upon the
belief that your child is created in the image and likeness of God. Our dedicated teachers and
staff strive to maintain the highest moral values and the best educational opportunities possible.
I appreciate the sacrifices that you are making in choosing to make St. Catherine of
Let me assure you that I am pleased to be associated with such a great staff.
With prayers and blessings for the school year!
Rev. Paul D. Montminy
MISSION STATEMENT
OF ST. CATHERINE OF
St. Catherine of
people are encouraged to acquire
knowledge and to deepen their faith in preparation for their future role in the Church and in the
world.
PHILOSOPHY OF
ST. CATHERINE OF
“To Teach as Jesus Did” serves as
the basis for the philosophy of St. Catherine of
out beyond the walls of the school
building to include all people, and to work toward academic excellence. Our most important instrument, in trying to achieve our goal,
is the faculty itself, whose members have a deep sense of the Gospel message of Christ.
Most Loving Father, the example of parenthood, you have entrusted our children to us to bring them up for
You and prepare them for everlasting life. Assist us with Your grace, that we may fulfill this sacred duty with competence and love. Teach us what to give and what to withhold. Show us when to reprove, when to praise and when to be silent. Make us gentle and considerate, yet firm and watchful. Keep us free from the weakness of indulgence and the excess of severity.
Give us the courage to be disliked sometimes by our children, when we must do necessary things which are displeasing in their eyes. Give us the imagination to enter their world in order to understand and guide them. Grant us all the virtues we need to lead them by word and example in the ways of wisdom and piety.
One day, with them, may we enter into the joys of our true and lasting home with You in Heaven.
Amen
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY: Saint Catherine of
1.
Families who already have families attending
St. Catherine of
2.
Children of parishioners who have no other
children attending St. Catherine of
3. All other interested families.
Absence from school is detrimental to the student.
Routine medical and dental appointments, except for emergencies, should be scheduled outside of school hours.
School vacations allow students to avail themselves of recreational and educational opportunities. Therefore,
the school does not permit an alternative vacation period unless it is specifically approved IN ADVANCE by the principal.
Should a vacation be approved, the student, upon return to school, will make up all work.
8:30 AM and 9:00 AM. If it is known that the student will be absent for more than one day, the information may be given with the initial call. A child should remain home for at least 24 hours after the body temperature has returned to normal.
REQUIRED WHEN THE STUDENT RETURNS TO
SCHOOL. THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN MUST SIGN
IT.
Promptness
is a self-discipline taught at Saint Catherine of
Parents
who are not at home during the school day must inform the school of the place where they can be
reached in an emergency. Emergency telephone
numbers are mandatory. To contact St. Catherine of
As
of the school year, 2009 – 2010 St. Catherine of
St.
Catherine of
WGIR
610 AM and WZID 95.7 FM as well as WMUR TV Channel 9 provides excellent coverage. St. Catherine of
Chronic health problems (diabetes, epilepsy, serious allergies, etc.) should be reported to the office. Disabilities such as poor eyesight, defective hearing, and lack of coordination should also be brought to the attention of the school nurse, principal and the teacher.
Medication will not be administered during school hours if it is possible to achieve the desired effects by home administration. If, however, medication must be given during school hours it will only be done under the following conditions:
1. The school has a physician’s written order that identifies the
medication and specifies the procedures for administering the proper dosage.
2.
The parent or guardian must sign a
consent form, obtained from the school office.
3.
All medicine must be in its original
container and prescribed medication must have a pharmacy label.
4.
All medication must be given to a designated
adult (teacher, school nurse, etc.) during school hours.
5. A parent note is required for sending in cough drops with your child.
This policy also applies to over the counter medicinal products.
The
parent or guardian must advise the principal and teacher, at least one week in advance, of a
student’s withdrawal from St. Catherine of
All visitors must ring the bell on the left hand side of the main entrance and wait to be admitted to the school. For security purposes, upon entering the building all visitors are to sign the book on the table by the elevator and pickup a visitor badge.
ARRIVAL, DISMISSAL AND PARKING
An arrival and dismissal procedure is clearly outlined at the beginning of each school year. It is designed with the safety of the children in mind and must be observed by ALL! During school hours, parking is permitted in the parking lot adjacent to the church. Parents should never park on the playground. The children use this for recess and other activities.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURE
|
7:20 AM |
Earliest Arrival |
|
7:40 AM |
1st |
|
7:45 AM |
2nd |
|
7:50 AM |
Prayer |
Children
in grades 4-6 along with their siblings will be dropped off at the rectory garage and parents
will exit through the church parking lot onto
Arrival for PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN
Please
park your car on
DISMISSAL PROCEDURE
|
1:55 PM |
Pre K & K |
|
2:00 PM |
Prayer |
|
2:10 Pm |
Grades 1-6 |
Students
with their siblings in grades 4-6 will be dismissed at
the
For safety reasons we cannot dismiss your child if
you are not adhering to this procedure. Therefore, if
you are parking your car and walking over to the school to pick up your child you are creating a
hazardous situation and will be asked by a teacher on duty to get into the dismissal line with your
car in order to pick up your child. Adhering to these
procedures will result in all going very smoothly.
Dismissal for PRE-KINDERGARTEN AND KINDERGARTEN
Pre-K and Kindergarten students will be dismissed at
1:55pm.
Please park your car on
After Saint Catherine School functions, such as daytime concerts, fairs and graduations, siblings of the students
involved should remain in school for the remainder of the school day unless the principal has granted permission.
If everyone follows directions, there will be no problems.
Hot Lunch is offered daily, Monday through Friday, for a cost of $3.00 per day (No late payments will be accepted). Menus go home in the Wednesday envelope with instructions to order. Students may purchase lunch or bring in their own from home. If a student forgets his/her lunch, he/she will be provided with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, snack and milk. It is not our policy to allow students to call parents to have his/her lunch brought in to school. This helps to encourage individual responsibility. Foods from outside vendors, such as Burger King, are prohibited. Please do not send in cans or bottles of soda. Disciplinary action will be taken for those who do not follow the lunchroom rules.
Bus schedules appear in the local paper just prior to the opening of school. Pre- Kindergarten and Kindergarten students are not permitted to ride the bus. Information regarding the bus schedule is sent to first graders and all new students.
1. No loud or boisterous behavior is permitted.
2. Hands, arms, feet, legs and heads must be inside the bus at all times.
3. Children must be seated while the bus is in motion.
4. Upon boarding the bus, children must go directly to their seats.
5. There is to be no crowding or pushing when exiting the bus.
6. Younger children are to sit close to the driver while older students move to the rear of the bus.
7. Fighting and scuffling are not tolerated.
Suspension from the bus riding privileges will result from serious infractions of these rules.
There
are two options for the payment of tuition and fees, full payment or monthly. Monthly payments are handled through the FACTS Management
Company. Full payment is due on or before July 5. Prompt payment will assure an even cash flow. If an account falls behind, a meeting with the
parent/guardian will be requested to discuss the arrangements necessary to bring the payments up to
date. Any outstanding balance at the completion
of the school year must be paid. Student records
will not be transferred to another school until the account is current nor will your child receive
his/her report card until all financial commitments at St. Catherine of
ANY PAYMENTS SENT TO SCHOOL MUST BE IN ENVELOPES THAT ARE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE STUDENT’S NAME, GRADE, AND PURPOSE OF THE PAYMENT. This includes payment for tuition, after school program, and money sent in for field trips, fundraisers, milk, hot lunch, etc. DUE TO RECORD KEEPING, SEPARATE CHECKS ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH EVENT
Like all schools, even those financed by tax dollars, money is always in short supply. To help alleviate this problem some creative and successful fundraising events have been developed by the school and our parent group. Your cooperation and participation in this area is greatly appreciated.
St.
Catherine of
Field trips are first-hand educational experiences that bring additional meaning to the lessons in the classroom. Parents are notified in advance of the time, place, means of transportation and cost. The permission slip provided by the school MUST be completed and returned BEFORE the trip in order for a student to participate. Teachers comply with established guidelines and rules to ensure the safety and welfare of all students during field trips. Parents are usually needed to assist classroom teachers on field trips and are encouraged to participate whenever possible. Parents who volunteer to chaperones have a responsibility to the students in their care. Therefore, no younger siblings are permitted to attend field trips. All Chaperones must provide their own transportation.
Invitations can only be given out through the school if they are non exclusive-all boys/or all girls/or the entire class.
St.
Catherine of
FIRE SAFETY – The fire department presents a program on fire safety every year to the children.
FIRE MUSTER – This program teaches the skill of team building in grade five.
St. Catherine of
AFTER SCHOOL
PROGRAM – available for all
students from 2:15 -5:30 for a daily fee. 603-669-8073
DRAMA – Drama students in grade 3 participate in an
annual Christmas play. Students in grades 5 and 6 perform in our annual Spring Production.
CHORUS – Offered to students in grades 3-6. Students in chorus perform twice a year.
BAND -
Offered to students in grades 3 – 6.
RAINBOWS FOR ALL GOD’S CHILDREN – This program provides peer support for children who are experiencing a loss in their lives due to death, illness or divorce. The children meet in small groups with
a specially trained facilitator to share their feelings.
After-school activities are promoted as an extension of our school’s educational program
and is dependent upon the generosity of volunteer leadership. Activities
are encouraged for all students regardless of their skill level or experience. Failure to cooperate or engaging in activity unbecoming of a St. Catherine of
We are pleased to offer computer technology to our students. To ensure that every student benefits from the time spent with the computers, and to prevent technical problems, please review the following Intranet/Internet Acceptable Use Policy.
Using a computer that has not been assigned to you.
Attempting to use any software or hardware without approval from the instructor.
Vandalizing any software or hardware.
Modifying any system settings on any computer.
Disrupting the privileges of other computer users or misrepresenting other computer users.
Copying, changing, reading or using anyone else’s software or files without prior
permission from the instructor.
Using the internet for activities which were not specified by the instructor.
While on the internet, revealing any personal information about yourself or anyone else.
While on the internet, sending messages that contain inappropriate content. This includes profanity and any other non-academic activity.
While on the internet, purchasing goods or services.
While on the internet, downloading, uploading or otherwise gaining access to any unauthorized
material.
1. Students are to play within the designated painted blue lines on the parking lot.
2. Children may not leave the playground without permission.
3. Kooshes, jump ropes, four square balls and beanbags are the only playground equipment allowed at recess.
4. Tackle football, keep away or any other dangerous games are not permitted.
5. Playground supervisors’ directives are to be obeyed.
6. Playing on snow banks and throwing snowballs are prohibited.
7. Students must come to school dressed for the weather.
The persons on duty have full authority. They have a procedure to follow if an infraction of the rules occurs. If a problem arises and is not settled to the satisfaction of the playground supervisor, the situation will be reported to the teacher or principal for further action.
The principal and teachers are pleased to meet with parents to discuss matters pertaining to the welfare and progress of their children. Parents should first discuss any concern with the teachers involved. Please call in advance so a conference may be scheduled. Parents are encouraged to send a note or leave a message for the teacher to return a call. We request that parents avoid calling teachers at home.
The dress code is distributed to parents every spring for the subsequent school year. The dress code is strictly enforced and parents will
be summoned to school if the students are not properly dressed.
On days that the students attend Mass and other special days an announcement will be made
from the office regarding proper dress code.
APPEARANCE
-
Shirts must be tucked in, NOT rolled.
-
Uniform belt must be worn with shorts, skirts and pants in grades 2-6.
-
Shorts and skirts may not be shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
-
Only conservative hairstyles of one color are permitted.
-
Wearing make-up is not allowed.
-
Students may not write on their bodies, have simulated tattoos, or wear glitter.
-
Only clear nail polish may be worn.
-
Girls may wear one stud earring or a small hoop in each ear. Boys may not wear earrings.
-
Any necklace worn must be of a religious nature and a single chain only.
-
Chokers are not allowed.
-
One ring may be worn.
-
The only other jewelry that will be permitted is a wristwatch with no alarm and one
bracelet.
Shorts may be worn at the beginning and end of the school year with dates to be announced by the principal.
|
GRADE |
BOYS |
GIRLS |
|
PRE-K |
WHITE or NAVY KNIT SHIRT (short or long sleeve) NAVY SWEAT SHIRT NAVY SWEAT PANTS NAVY MESH SHORTS NAVY KNIT SHORTS |
NAVY JERSEY DRESS
(short or long sleeve) |
|
K-3 |
WHITE or NAVY KNIT
SHIRT (short or long sleeve) WHITE TURTLENECK NAVY SWEATER KHAKI PANTS KHAKI SHORTS NAVY or KHAKI BELT NAVY COTTON CREW
SOCKS WHITE NAVY TIE (REQUIRED
FOR FORMAL UNIFORM) |
WHITE ROUND COLLAR
BLOUSE WHITE or NAVY KNIT
SHIRT (short or long sleeve) WHITE TURTLENECK NAVY SWEATER PLAID JUMPER KHAKI SKORT KHAKI PANTS NAVY HOSIERY: OPAQUE or CABLE KNEE
SOCKS OPAQUE or COTTON
RIBBED TIGHTS |
|
4-6 |
WHITE or NAVY KNIT
SHIRT (short or long sleeve) WHITE TURTLENECK NAVY SWEATER KHAKI PANTS KHAKI SHORTS NAVY or KHAKI BELT NAVY COTTON CREW
SOCKS WHITE NAVY TIE (REQUIRED
FOR FORMAL UNIFORM) |
WHITE WHITE or NAVY KNIT
SHIRT (short or long sleeve) WHITE TURTLENECK NAVY SWEATER NAVY KILT KHAKI SKORTS KHAKI PANTS NAVY HOSIERY: OPAQUE or CABLE KNEE
SOCKS OPAQUE or COTTON
RIBBED TIGHTS |
|
GYM |
GYM T-SHIRT (short or
long sleeve) NAVY SWEAT PANTS or
NAVY MESH SHORTS |
|
|
OUTER-WEAR |
NAVY FLEECE JACKET or
VEST NAVY NYLON HOODED
JACKET |
|
Inherent
with attendance at Saint Catherine of
Parents are held to the same standards as students with regards to respect for teachers and staff. Enrollment for the child in school implies a partnership between the school and the parents/child. If the partnership breaks down, parents can be required to withdraw the child from school.
The faculty believes, as do most parents, that home study is of value to children. Home study has character building qualities that are important in shaping the child and provides reinforcement as well as an extension of learning opportunities. The approximate daily amount of homework time is as follows:
Grade 1…………………..20 to 25 minutes
Grade 2…………………..30 to 35 minutes
Grades 3-4………………50 minutes
Grade 5…………………..60 minutes
Grade 6…………………..80 minutes
Parents should encourage their children to take pride in their work. All schoolwork should take priority over sports involvement and other outside activities.
Standardized testing is administered in the spring or fall in accordance with Diocesan directive. Midterms and finals will be administered by classroom teachers for grades 2 through 6. Also, Gates – MacGinitie Testing will be administered to students in grades 2 through 6 in the spring.
Discipline is based on respect for one’s self and for others. This fosters a classroom atmosphere where education and learning flourish. Our school goal is to have good discipline at all times. To achieve this goal, parents and the school must work together in forming proper student attitudes. Teachers will communicate with parents when a problem arises with a student who is unable to conform to the rules in the school environment. A discipline committee has developed a demerit system to support and encourage proper behavior from our students.
Detention, with teacher supervision, will be used according to the guidelines of the demerit system. Detention will last one hour. If a student rides the bus, a one (1) day notice is given. Parents are notified and are responsible for student transportation. This means children will not be permitted to attend the after school program following their detention unless they regularly attend.
HARASSMENT
Respect
for the dignity of each person is essential to Catholic tradition.
It is vital that Saint Catherine of
A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing. However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment that is hostile or intimidating because of the individual's perceived differences including but not limited to race, creed, color, national origin, physical disability or sex. Harassment can occur any time during school or during school related activities. It includes, but is not limited to any or all of the following:
VERBAL HARASSMENT: Derogatory comments and jokes, threatening words spoken to another person.
PHYSICAL HARASSMENT: Unwanted physical touching, contact, assault, deliberate impeding or blocking movements, or any intimidating interference with normal work or movement.
VISUAL HARASSMENT: Derogatory, demeaning, or inflammatory posters, cartoons, written words, drawings, gestures.
It is the student’s responsibility to:
Conduct himself/herself in a manner which contributes to a positive school environment;
Avoid any activity that may be considered discriminatory, intimidating or harassing;
Immediately report all incidents to a supervising adult;
When informed he/she is perceived as engaging in intimidating, harassing or unwelcome conduct, the person must discontinue that conduct immediately.
HARASSMENT (Grievance Procedure)
The parents of the student alleging harassment will be notified immediately, and the student will be asked to put their complaint in writing. The claim will be investigated thoroughly, involving only the necessary parties. Confidentiality will be maintained as much as possible.
All matters involving harassment complaints shall remain confidential to the extent possible. Filing of a grievance or otherwise reporting harassment shall not reflect upon the individual’s status or affect grades.
Students are responsible for conducting themselves according to the following code:
1.
Absolute silence must be maintained during fire drills.
2.
Silence is required while entering and exiting the school building and church at all
times.
3.
Quiet must be maintained in the halls at all times.
4.
Pushing, tripping, or other forms of harassment are prohibited within the building and
on school grounds.
5.
Students must show respect to the staff, volunteers and their peers. Respect for school property and the belongings of others is
also required.
6.
CD players, MP3 players, pocket videos, toys, games and the like are not permitted
unless authorized by the teachers or the administration.
7.
Cell Phones may be brought to school for emergency purposes, however they must be
given to the teacher at the start of the day and will be given back at the end of the school day.
8. Writing
and passing of notes is not permitted.
9.
Compliance with classroom rules as established by teachers, tutors, librarians and
other school personnel is required.
10. Compliance
with the school dress code is required.
11. Compliance
with cafeteria rules is required. Eating in the
cafeteria is a privilege.
12. Observance
of all playground rules is required.
13. Students
must refrain from the following:
a. Assault e. Classroom disruptions
b. Fighting f.
Insubordination
c. Stealing g. The use and/or possession
d. Vandalism of alcohol or
drugs
14. Any form
of violence including bullying, verbal or physical harassment will not be tolerated. All incidences will be reported to the police department.
15. Possession
of a gun, toy gun, or any other weapon will not be tolerated. All
incidents will be reported to the police department.
16. Observance
of other rules of conduct established by teachers and the administration in order to protect the
health and safety of all students is required.
DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES
Jesus
is the center of our lives, and His teachings are the prime reason Catholic schools exist. Saint Catherine of
DEMERIT SYSTEM
Students earn one demerit for each offense. According to the degree of seriousness or grade, more than one demerit may be issued to the student at the discretion of the teacher or principal. Offenses may include, but are not limited to:
*Failure to come to class prepared (after three warnings)
*Inappropriate behavior in school,
church or any other
school function
*Interfering with the rights of others to teach or learn
*Failure to keep books covered.
*Uniform/Appearance code violation
*Chewing gum/Eating in class
*Failure to return communication to school
*Incomplete or missing class work or homework
*Other
The following infractions are considered serious offenses. (5-10 points/demerits may be issued. The severity of the incident may warrant additional consequences).
Failure to show respect for teachers (insubordination),
students, adults or
property of others.
Forgery
Vandalism
Leaving school grounds
Fighting
Cheating
Stealing
Bullying or other forms of harassment
Plagiarism
Other
DEMERIT DISPLINARY ACTION
1 - 2 demerits Verbal warning and notification slip
3 demerits Notification slip and conference with Vice Principal
4 demerits Notification slip and silent lunch/indoor recess
5 - 10 demerits Notification slip, detention and service detail
11 – 15 demerits Behavior conference with Principal, Vice Principal, teacher, parents and student to make an outline of plan for improvement
16 – 20 demerits Probation (no special school activities, .i.e.- field trips, assemblies, etc.)
21 – 23 demerits In-school suspension
24 demerits Out-of-school suspension
25 demerits Not invited back
Points are recorded for a period of one year.