When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying ...
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.
Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:3-12
As a community of believers, we will work to build God's kingdom, using Jesus' words to guide us. Please pray for us as we seek to instill in our students and ourselves a stronger faith in God and as we strive to live as Jesus taught.
Mission Statement
Through a Positive Christian learning environment, we strive to meet the individual needs of students. We promote academic standards while encouraging students to use their gifts and talents for god and others.
Accreditation
Saint Roch School is accredited by the State of Indiana. The school has participated in the Performance Based Accreditation process and was granted a full five-year accreditation under this program. And ongoing plan is a facet of this process, and the school continues to participate in the development and implementation of this plan.
Admission Policy
The Indiana State School Code requires that those children entering Kindergarten must be five years of age by July 1 of the year in which they are entering school.
Parents who wish to enroll a child in St. Roch Catholic School should register during the spring registration period whenever possible. Admission is available first to current student body and siblings, next to parishioners of St. Roch Church and surrounding parishes and finally to the public at large. When a classroom has been filled, a waiting list will be established.
Students who are enrolling in grades one through eight must present a transcript and meet with the school administrator before enrollment can be completed.
Saint Roch School Aspirations
Saint Roch School works cooperatively with the family, the Church and the community to provide each student with a foundation that will provide the cornerstone for their lives as they enter adulthood. This foundation involves three aspects:
A spiritual foundation which seeks to reach a goal which finds that each student
Is knowledgeable of the rites, traditions and history of the Catholic faith.
Is an active and regular participant in our weekend liturgies.
Understands his or her responsibility to service in the faith community.
Continues to seek a relationship with God through prayer.
Chooses freely to answer the call to discipleship in the world.
An academic foundation which seeks to reach a goal which finds that each student
Realizes that learning and personal development is an ongoing process.
Recognizes his or her own giftedness and talents.
A civil foundation which seeks to reach a goal which find that each student
Accepts responsibility for developing a community, a city and a world in which all people are treated with fairness and compassion.
Exercise his or her rights as a citizen of this country.
The Catholic Identity of St. Roch School ensures the faith formation of its students. Saint Roch School strives to instill in students a belief in themselves. Faculty and staff believe that all students are in school to learn. This belief causes teachers to challenge students according to their abilities. Students responding favorably to these challenges discover their abilities, strive to increase their performance and seek even greater challenges.
Arrival
Students should not arrive at school before 7:30 a.m. unless they plan to attend Before Care for which there is an additional fee. Students arriving before 7:30 a.m. should enter by the west doors (facing Meridian Street). A door bell is provided and the students should ring the door bell to gain admittance. Students arriving between 7:30 a.m. and 7:45 a.m. should go to the cafeteria. Students arriving after 7:50 a.m. should go directly to their classrooms.
Parents should enter the school parking lot through the west gate on the north side of the school. After dropping students off, parents should drive each and exit by way of the east gate on the north side of the school. This pattern will help to protect students and prevent confusion in the parking lot.
Parents are encouraged to drop children off at the door for even traffic flow. If it is necessary to enter the building, please park facing east as close to the school as possible, east of the main doors on the north side of the building. This will help keep the parking lot clear of other parents and protect students.
Before Care
Students may enter the school at 6:30 a.m. For the 2004-2005 school year, there is a daily charge of $2.00 per day per child for this service. St. Roch Catholic School will not be responsible for students who arrive before 6:30 a.m. If for any reason school is not in session, or there is an announced delay, there is no Before Care.
After Care
Care is provided for students of St. Roch Catholic School from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Fees are set at the beginning of each school year. Students who are not picked up within fifteen minutes of the bell will be sent to the After Care program.
Attendance
Since even an occasional absence might constitute an obstacle to student progress, parents are asked to cooperate by trying to keep absences to a minimum if possible, although it is certainly not prudent to allow a truly ill child to attend class.
The Archdioceses of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana ask that schools monitor and record student attendance, the proper education of the student in mind. Therefore, St. Roch Catholic School reserves the right to consider retention of students who miss more than twenty-five days of school without a written statement from a physician suggesting that the child's poor health has kept him or her from attending school are at risk for retention.
If a child suffers an illness or accident that will force him or her to miss more than three consecutive days of school, parents are asked to provide to the school a written note from a physician explaining the time lost from school. The exception to this policy is a death in the family of a student.
According to Indiana law, the only acceptable excuses for absence are student illness, serious illness of an immediate family member, death in the student's family or serving at polls or as a page for the state legislature. Thus, students who are not in school as a result of a vacation or other activities not listed above are absent from school. Students who are gone from school for any reason not listed above may complete their assignments when they return. Teachers are not required to give work in advance, but will respond to any request that a student presents to make up work upon returning to school.
Students who arrive at school after 9:00 a.m. are considered absent for a half-day. Likewise, students who leave before 1:00 p.m. are marked as absent for a half-day.
Parents should call the school office before 9:00 a.m. to explain any absence or late arrival. The school reserves the right to contact the parents of any child who is not in attendance by 9:00 a.m. if there has been no call.
Students who have absences for any reason may not earn a perfect attendance award. Students who have a tardy may not earn a perfect attendance award.
If a child needs to be picked up during school hours, a written note must be sent to the school. The child may be picked up in the main office. While school is in session, all children must be signed out of the building by an adult. The sign-out log is located in the main office of the school. For the sake of safety, we will not send children outside to wait unattended. At no time should parents or other visitors go directly to a classroom during school hours without checking in the school office.
It, is strongly requested that dental and doctor appointments be made outside of school hours. A child may miss instruction or vital work that is impossible to make up if he or she is taken out during school hours. If this cannot be avoided, we ask that a note to the teacher giving the reason and the time be sent to school with the child. Parents then need to come to the school office and sign out their child.
Students who are late for school miss directions and work, as well as provide a disruption to the classroom routine. Therefore, punctuality is very important.
Audio Equipment
CD players, radios, cell phones (Grades K-6), pagers or other listening or communication devices are not permitted at St. Roch Catholic School. Students in grades 7 & 8 may bring cell phones to school, but they must remain in the "off" setting and put away during the school day.
Birthdays
At no time should a parent send invitations to a private party to school for distribution unless the invitation includes ALL members of the class. Students with invitations, which do not meet this criteria, will not be permitted to distribute the invitations at school.
Parents might wish to consider purchasing a book for the library to mark their child's birthday. Each book donated will be marked with the child's name and placed in the library. The librarian may be consulted for a list of appropriate books.
Books/Equipment/School Property
Students are provided a variety of school materials during the year and are responsible for taking care of those items. Students are responsible for the replacement costs of lost or damaged books and materials and new books or materials will not be issued until financial responsibility is met. Students should inspect books and materials issued to them for any damage and report this to the issuing teacher or school personnel. Items covered by this policy include, but are not limited to, the following:
Textbooks
Science, art, or P.E. equipment
Desks
Computer hardware, software and related items.
Under no circumstances shall equipment, books, furniture or computer materials be removed from the assigned area without permission of the principal or the pastor.
Calendar
In addition to the scheduled dates listed in this handbook, St. Roch Catholic School will provide a calendar of activities each week.
Chaperones
Parents are encouraged to assist with chaperoning duties. If you wish to volunteer as a chaperone, please notify your child's teacher. Your help will be appreciated. Parents who drive for field trips must present their driver's license to be copies and proof of insurance which will also be copied. Every student who rides in a vehicle must have a seatbelt and younger students may not sit in the front seat of a car that has an airbag.
Chaperones may not smoke at any time during a field trip.
Younger siblings may not accompany their parents on a field trip.
A special meeting may be required of chaperones, especially prior to overnight trips.
Civility
Students, parents, teachers, staff administrators and pastors all deserve to be treated in a respectful Christian manner. While individuals may well disagree, such disagreement cannot lead to verbal abuse, harassment, threats or intimidation. Persons who engage in uncivil behavior may be asked to remove their children from St. Roch Catholic School.
Classroom Parties
While it is admirable that students and parents want to plan parties for teachers for special days, it is extremely important that these parties be approved by the school administrator. Since class parties involve instructional time that is being lost, such activities should be kept to a minimum. Please check with the principal before such parties are planned.
Communication
Important Phone Numbers
School: 784-9144
School Fax: 784-7051
Church: 784-1763
Teachers and staff should be quick to communicate with parents regarding any information they believe is necessary to share for the well being of the students. Teachers remain in the school building until at least 3:30 p.m. Parents may communicate with teachers be leaving a message which will be returned by the teacher as soon as possible.
If a message for a teacher has not been returned by the end of the next working day, parents are asked to contact the school principal in order that communication might be facilitated. This link of communication is a strength and every effort will be made to maintain this benefit for our students.
In order to give teachers adequate time with their own families and personal activities, it is suggested that parents refrain from contacting teachers at home unless a critical situation exists or the contact has been initiated by the teacher.
The Rocket Report is the weekly newsletter sent home with students. It contains pertinent information about school activities, including menus for the cafeteria and announcements concerning upcoming events. If you have an announcement you would like to see in the newsletter, please make sure that it is in the school office by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday for inclusion in the newsletter.
If you wish to get a message to your child during the school day, please call the school office. We will see that your child receives the message. We would prefer not to disrupt a classroom with an individual message unless it is an emergency. We appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
Computers
St. Roch School is fortunate to have a computer lab for use by students. The materials used in this Area are the responsibility of the school. Possession of any CD-ROM or disk at school could result in immediate suspension. Any student who inserts any software from any outside source into a St. Roch Catholic School computer will face an immediate one day suspension. If damage is done to the computers, further disciplinary action may result and restitution will be sought.
Conferences
In order to maintain an open working relationship with parents, conferences are scheduled for all students during the school year. Of course, a conference may be requested at any time a parent feels a need to communicate with a teacher, and teachers may request conferences with parents, not only at the time of Progress Reports and report cards, but whenever they feel such a conference would be in the best interest of the student.
Curriculum
St. Roch Catholic School follows the state of Indiana and Archdiocesan guidelines for textbook adoption, standardized testing and curriculum, including art, music, computer and physical education. St. Roch Catholic School maintains a First Class Certification from the state. St. Roch set high standards for its students, and teachers, parents and students must work together to attain these standards. Copies of the school's curriculum are available upon written request.
The guiding force of continuous curriculum improvement is the Archdiocesan Council for Excellence in Education (ACEE). Several committees of educators from the Archdiocese have studied the National Catechetical Directory, the Indiana Proficiency Guides, Archdiocesan Curriculum Assistance manuals, etc. and the group is now continually involved in the process of overseeing the revision of guides, assessments and training which is used in all Catholic schools within the Archdiocese. St. Roch School is represented on ACEE.
Daily Schedule
6:30 a.m. School opens for Before Care
7:45 a.m. First Bell
8:00 a.m. Class Begins
2:55 p.m. Announcements
3:00 p.m. Dismissal
Discipline/Code of Conduct
One of the primary goals of St. Roch School is to develop and nurture a Christian love and respect in each student for all people. We expect our students to show courtesy, care, compassion and respect for others on a routine basis. Behavior that destroys or compromises this spirit is a serious issue. It is our objective that through imposed discipline, students will learn self-control as well as self discipline. We are concerned with the development of the total of the total child which means that throughout the instructional day, we continually stress the importance of self discipline and personal responsibility in daily living. This must go hand in hand with academic studies. We seek to reward good behavior, but will not tolerate irresponsible behavior. Both have consequences. Please review the Code of Conduct within your family unit at intervals throughout the school year.
Code of Conduct
Students at St. Roch are expected to:
1) Show reverence and honor for God at all times.
2) Demonstrate respect and consideration for self, others, and property at all times.
3) Exhibit cooperative behavior toward peers, teachers, administrators, staff and guests at St. Roch Catholic School.
4) Take responsibility for learning by being on time to class, by being prepared with assignments and materials, by participating in the class, by actively listening, and making an effort.
5) Attend school daily and remain for the entire school day. Arrive on time to all classes.
6) Refrain from language that is threatening or bullying in nature, profane, inflammatory, degrading, or that provokes disruptive behavior.
7) Follow the St. Roch Catholic School Dress Code and not wear clothes that disrupt or interfere with learning.
8) Demonstrate appropriate behavior, good citizenship, and sportsmanship while participating in or attending ay school-sponsored event, after-school activity, or field trip.
9) Refrain from fighting or any other act of violence against person or property.
10) Never possess any dangerous items such as weapons or drugs.
The request of any adult associated with St. Roch School should be honored. A classroom teacher has both the right and the responsibility to correct any wrongdoing by any student, regardless of the grade in which the student is enrolled. The same courtesy should be extended to all other members of the school and parish staff as well. Any student who feels that an inappropriate request has been made should obey the adult (unless personal safety is in jeopardy) and then has the freedom and the responsibility to pursue the matter with the school administrator, pastor or classroom teacher.
Goals for our discipline program include but are not limited to the following:
To foster positive approaches to discipline by parents, teachers, and staff.
To create a positive learning environment in each classroom which is free from behavior problems which prevent teachers from teaching and students from learning.
To assist, in a positive manner, students having difficulty maintaining acceptable classroom behavior.
To teach citizenship ideals to all students, and to provide them the opportunity to put them into practice.
To provide for the safety and welfare of all students, faculty and staff in our school.
As a part of the discipline plan, students may be asked to serve a detention for a variety of offences. Parents will be given written notice of the detention, and telephone contact from the child to the parent will be made. Detentions will last for one hour and parents of students serving a detention should plan to pick up their child at 4:00 p.m. Failure to appear for a detention will result in two more detentions, placing the student at risk for an in-school suspension. Three behavioral detentions in one quarter may result in an in-school suspension. Expulsion of a student may take place after any school suspensions. Conferences must be held between the student, parents, teacher and school administrator before a student may return to school following a school suspension. Students are required to make up all schoolwork following any suspension from St. Roch Catholic School. To make up the required work, students have the responsibility to check with their teachers to learn what assignments were made during the suspension. Students are not eligible for perfect attendance awards if they have been suspended. Examples of infractions which may result in a detention include:
1) Continual disruption of class.
2) Intentionally failing to follow directions
3) Repeated tardiness (three tardies are allowed per quarter before disciplinary action will be taken).
4) Misbehaving in church, during assemblies, or at any school gathering.
S) Copying others' work, be it that of other students or previously published material.
6) Throwing objects in the classroom or cafeteria.
7) Destruction or defacement of school property.
8) Lying.
9) Offensive language.
10) Any other behavior which is detrimental to the learning process.
11) Harassment, intimidation and/or threats.
12) Inappropriate use of the Internet.
Behaviors other than those listed here may also result in a school suspension.
Any student who brings a weapon to school, distributes any illegal substance may be immediately expelled from St. Roch Catholic School. These acts endanger the welfare and safety of others. Parents will be notified immediately and the police may be called. Students will not be allowed to return to school until a conference is held involving the students, parents, school administrator and other concerned St. Roch staff. Such conferences will be held, if possible, within six school days of the infraction.
Any student who is found to have committed any act in violation of state or federal laws will be expelled from St. Roch Catholic School.
A student who is under the influence of or in possession of any controlled substance or illegal drug will be required to have a chemical dependency evaluation. Within five school days of the results of this evaluation, which must be performed by a person or agency duly certified by the Division of Addiction Services, Indiana Department of Mental Health, a report must be provided to the principal of St. Roch School before readmission to school is granted. If the evaluation reflects a dependency, a treatment program is required as a condition or readmission. Continued attendance at school is based on reports to the school by officials of the treatment facility and good behavior on the part of the student. If a subsequent incident occurs, the student may be expelled from St. Roch Catholic School. Any financial cost involved in either the testing or subsequent treatment will be the responsibility of the student's family.
Students who make threats against other students or against faculty or staff may also be suspended and/or expelled from St. Roch Catholic School.
In some cases, an advisory committee may be formed consisting of a faculty member a chair with other members serving on this ad hoc committee as requested.
Students who are in compliance with the discipline code at St. Roch Catholic School may receive periodic rewards.
Dismissal
Parents should park in the north parking lot, facing east for dismissal. The gates will be closed at approximately 2:59 p.m. and parents arriving after this time are asked to park in the church's parking lot and wait for the dismissal of students at approximately 3:00 p.m.
Parents should not park in the crosswalk, marked with white lines, that is directly in front of the school doors. This section should remain clear so that students may more easily locate their parents.
Students will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. in the following order; walkers, Aftercare, and riders. After all students are in cars, the school administrator will dismiss the cars by row. Parents will exit from the east gate. NO LEFT TURNS ALLOWED. All cars must turn right (east) and should follow the directions given by the individual on duty.
After all cars have cleared the parking lot, the gate will be opened to allow parents who have been in the church's parking lot to come into the school parking lot for dismissal.
Parents should be prompt in picking up their children. Any child who has no been picked up by 3:15 will be sent to After Care, and will incur the After Care fees.
St. Roch Catholic School Dress Code *Amended July 2004
St. Roch Catholic School believes appropriate dress is important in establishing an environment that is uniquely Catholic and promotes learning. Out of respect for our school, the dignity of each person in attendance, and to foster Christian values, we require and enforce a dress code. Uniform referrals will be given by the principal, or staff members, when a student is not wearing the appropriate uniform apparel or is wearing the uniform inappropriately. When a total of five uniform referrals are received, regardless of when the previous four were given, a uniform detention will be served. Uniform detentions will be served in the same way as behavior detentions.
General Guidelines
Students should always dress in a manner appropriate for school, with clothing sized appropriately and looking neat.
Shoes and socks must be worn at all times by all students. Socks must be white, black, or grey and must be visible above the shoe top. Shoes must have a strap on the heel. All shoes with laces should be tied at all times.
Shirts should be white and with a collar. Turtleneck shirts are acceptable. No emblem, monogram, picture or embroidery other than St. Roch logo wear is to be on any shirt or sweater. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. T-shirts are not an acceptable part of the dress code.
1. Team jerseys are not acceptable as regular wearing apparel and may be worn only on designated occasions.
2. Eighth grade students may wear eighth grade shirts at any time.
Sweatshirts, to be worn as part of the uniform, must be plain navy or white in color. St.
Roch Catholic School logo wear, navy in color and purchased through St. Roch, is also acceptable.
1. Hooded sweatshirts, navy or white in color, are permitted.
2. All other sweatshirts are excluded from the dress code.
Dress pants, shorts, skirts, skorts, and jumpers must be navy in color.
1. Dress shorts should be no shorter than three inches above the knee.
They should be no longer than knee length.
2. Females are allowed to wear Capri or crop styled pants that are plain navy in color
3. The time frame for wearing shorts will be determined by the principal and communicated to students, parents, and staff appropriately.
Extreme hairstyles, hair coloring or excessive jewelry are not permitted. Hair should be clean, well-groomed, and out of the eyes.
Dangling earrings or hoops are considered unsafe and inappropriate.
Make up should not be worn.
Short sleeved plain white t-shirts may be worn underneath uniform items. They should not contain any writing that is visible through normal uniform wear.
* Female students should wear appropriate undershirts or camisoles.
Students enrolled in scouting may wear uniforms on meeting days.
Dress up days will be determined by the pastor or school administrator.
Casual days will be themed appropriate, and the theme announced. (For example red, white, and blue casual days).
Decisions regarding the dress of students include but is not limited to items mentioned within this document. If questions arise that are not covered within this policy, consultation with take place and decisions will be made and communicated to all concerned. The administration reserves the right to determine what is appropriate for all students.
MALE APPAREL
Shirts:
White knit shirt with a collar, no logos.
White broadcloth shirts, no logos.
White long sleeved turtleneck shirts, no logos.
Colored long sleeved shirts are not acceptable. Eighth grade students may wear plain long sleeved shirts under eighth grade shirts. All other instances of this practice are not acceptable.
**Shirts must be tucked in at all times**
Slacks:
Navy blue dress pants may be worn at all times, and navy blue dress shorts may be worn from the beginning of the school year until October 1st, and from May 1st until the end of the school year.
Shorts and pants must be of uniform company style. Front slit pockets and back pockets are acceptable. Dockers are appropriate examples of this style. Cargo pants or any type of pants with pockets or loops on pant legs are unacceptable.
Dress shorts are to be no longer than knee length and no shorter than three inches above the knee.
Zip off pant legs are not a part of dress pants and should not be worn by students.
FEMALE APPAREL
Shirts:
White knit shirts with collar.
White blouses.
White long sleeved turtleneck shirts or sweaters.
Colored long sleeved shirts are not acceptable. Eighth grade students only may wear plain long sleeved shirts under eighth grade shirts.
Navy blue sweaters are also acceptable.
**Shirts must be tucked in at all times**
Skirts and slacks:
Navy blue dress pants or navy blue skirt.
Skirt length should be appropriate. Skirts should be no shorter than three inches above the knee.
Navy blue walking shorts, skorts, or skirts may be worn from the beginning of school year until October 1, and from May I until the end of the school year; Shorts or skorts must be no shorter than three inches above the knee.
Solid color navy or solid white leggings are permitted under a skirt. Tights may contain a same color pattern.
Navy jumpers are acceptable.
Sweat pants are not to be worn.
Capri pants and cropped style pants are not acceptable.
Shoes and socks must be worn at all times by all students. Sandals with a back strap may also be worn. A navy sweater or St. Roch sweatshirt may also be worn. Shirts and blouses must be tucked into the waistband of the shorts, pants, etc. Shorts must be fingertip length when the arms are fully extended.
Casual Days will be determined and announced by the principal. Students may wear casual clothing, including jeans, but may not wear T-shirts with inappropriate messages, or advertisements for products such as alcohol or tobacco.
Dress up Days will be determined and announced by the school administrator. Students may wear dress shorts to Church during the week when shorts are allowed by the Dress Code.
Failure to comply with the dress code will result in the student changing into clothing provided by the school administrator. If no appropriate clothing is available, parents will contacted to provide appropriate clothing. If there are more than two dress code violations during a school year, the student will serve a detention. Students who wear inappropriate shorts will be given a single warning. If there is a second occurrence, the student will lose the privilege of wearing dress shorts for the remainder of the school year. These rules apply to all students.
Emergency Closings
When the school is closed for a snow emergency or for any unforeseen difficulty, the information will be announced over various radio and television stations. In the event that school is to be dismissed early, parents will be notified by the telephone committee. It is a family responsibility to make prior arrangements for students to have a plan with which the child is familiar in case of emergency closings.
There will be no Before or After Care during an emergency closing.
Emergency Forms
Emergency forms are made available to parents at the beginning of the school year. These forms are extremely important! They are utilized to contact family members whenever a child is ill or injured. If a parent's place of employment changes or the telephone numbers at which parents have indicated they may be reached are changed during the school year, the school needs to be informed of the new numbers immediately The information on these cards is used very frequently, and is the link that we have during the day for family contact. Please make sure that the information is kept current.
Fees and Fines
Lunch and library fees must be paid in full by the end of each quarter. If such fees are delinquent, student records may be withheld.
Students who have overdue books will be charged ten cents per day.
Field Trips
Field trips expose students to parts of our world which cannot be brought into the classroom. There is a small fee for each field trip to cover the cost of bus use and trip expense. If this is a financial burden, please contact the school principal.
Individual permission slips are required for each field trip. Please read the newsletter and be aware of upcoming activities. Ask your child for a permission slip if one does not appear. Your child will not be permitted to participate in a field trip if the school does not have a completed and signed permission slip. Please help us to avoid tears and anguish. We cannot make exceptions.
Parents who provide transportation during trips are asked to provide a copy of their driver's license and proof of insurance. Parents may not bring younger siblings on trips where they are acting in the role of chaperone and they may not smoke at any time during the trip. This includes trips involving overnight stays.
Head Lice
If lice are suspected, a child will be checked and if an infestation is discovered, the parents will be contacted to come and get the child for immediate treatment. Classmates and siblings of the child may also be checked at this time. A child may return to school the following day if they have been treated and no lice or nits are visible.
While there is no stigma attached, head lice are difficult and time consuming to treat. The Marion County Health Department may be contacted for additional medical assistance and information.
At all times, children should be encouraged NOT to share hats or other items such as combs and hair accessories.
Health Records
All children entering St. Roch School are required by state law to present records of immunizations. A kindergarten physical will fill this requirement. In addition, all students entering the sixth grade will be required to show proof that they have received at least two doses of MMR vaccine and both doses must have been administered after the child's first birthday. The second dose may have been administered at any time during the child's life, as long as there was a thirty day period between the doses. These records must be on file in the school office. These records must be available by the first day of school or a child's attendance is in jeopardy.
Homework
One of the chief means of communication between the parents and the school is the process of homework. It provides the parents with the opportunity to follow what and how their children are doing in school. Cooperation of parents in supervision of homework is a vital element in the learning process of the student. However, it must always be remembered that homework is the responsibility of the student! Please do not bring your child's homework to school if he or she has forgotten it. We consider responsibility part of the lessons we try to teach.
Homework should be done consistently with an emphasis on completeness, accuracy, and neatness. Obviously, parents should not complete a child's homework.
Consequences for missing homework assignments are age appropriate. These consequences may include a grade penalty.
All students in grades 3-8 are required to maintain a daily assignment book which may be purchased in the school office.
Honor Roll
Students in grades 6-8 may be named to the Honor Roll. Those with an average of 95% or above will receive High Honors. Students who earn an average between 90%-94% with no C's will earn Honor Roll Status. Earning an 86%-89% average with no more than a single C will place a student on the Honorable Mention Honor Roll. All students must have a conduct grade of C or higher in order to be named to any honor roll.
Hot Lunch
A well balanced lunch is available daily. Food from fast food restaurants, soft drinks, and glass containers are NOT permitted in the lunch room.
Fees for lunches and milk are set at the beginning of each school year. If your family qualifies for free or reduced lunch rates, please full out the appropriate paper work. St. Roch Catholic School benefits form the completion of these forms.
A lunch for students will cost $1.75 for the 2005-06 school year. Milk will cost $.35. Lunches will be sold daily or students may purchase a weekly lunch pass. Students may charge a lunch in an emergency with a Borrow Slip. Borrow Slips cost $2.20 per slip. However, students who have charged five lunches will not be allowed to purchase lunch until the previous balance is paid for, nor will they be allowed to charge additional lunches. This year the children will have multiple food options to choose from daily.
Mr. Kegley, Cafeteria Manager, will explain the new program in detail at Back to School night and additional information will be forwarded to families as required.
Menus will be published on Fridays, in the Rocket Report.
Internet
Students may have access to the internet at school. Students may not access inappropriate internet sites for any reason. Students may not check personal e-mail at school and they may not send e-mail from school unless they have a teacher's permission to do so for a specific purpose.
Liturgy
Celebrating Liturgy together is a weekly highlight and one of the most important celebrations in our lives as Catholics. The Eucharist is offered to students in grades 6-8 on Monday of each week and grades 1-5 on Wednesday of each week. All school liturgies are on Friday. Teachers may also provide other opportunities for prayer during their religion classes and during other times in the liturgical year.
All students are required to participate in the liturgy. Kindergarten students will join other classes for Mass after the school year is under way.
Medication
Indiana laws require that school personnel observe certain safeguards in administering prescription medication to children. If we are to administer such medicine to your child, the following procedures must be observed:
1. We must have the written request of the parent or guardian.
2. The prescribing physician must provide a written order stating the amount of medication, the hours, for administration and the period of time during which the medicine is to be taken.
3) Medication that is brought to school must be checked in at the school office and kept in the pharmacy's container.
4) Continuing, long term medication must be verified by the above individuals at the beginning of each school year.
Students must accept responsibility for visiting the office and requesting their medicine.
We cannot assume responsibility for medication unless these provisions are followed. If a note does not accompany medication, it cannot be administered.
The family of a child with a temperature above 99.8 will be called to pick up the ill child as soon as possible. Children who have an injury or who have vomited will also be sent home as soon as possible. If it is not possible to reach a parent/guardian or other authorized adult or in he case of a medical emergency, emergency personnel may be called.
Parental Involvement
Parents are encouraged to volunteer at St. Roch Catholic School. Please see the secretary for a partial list of activities.
If a parent has a question or concern about a child's progress, the teacher should be contacted. If a parent has a question or concern about a school policy, the school administrator should be contacted.
Promotion. Retention. and Assignment
Students who have completed a grade successfully will be promoted to the next grade. A decision for retention will be made jointly by parents, teacher, and principal. Parents will be consulted as soon as possible during the first semester if retention is under consideration, even as a remote possibility.
When a student is assigned to the next grade, it means that the student has not completed enough satisfactory work to be promoted, but the principal, teacher, or parent feel that retention is not in the best interest of the child. A student is retained if the teacher and principal feel that the repetition of a grade would benefit the student.
Students may fail a course if they have not earned an average of 70% for the year. If a student has failed more than two courses, for two quarters, retention in the grade will be considered by the principal and teacher.
Recess
Recess is a valuable part of a student's day. It should be a happy, relaxing experience. A licensed teacher is always on duty to supervise students.
When children are out of the listening range of an adult, they sometimes choose to speak less than charitably to other children. Please, continually speak with your children about how they speak to others! Students who would never speak unkindly in the presence of an adult are sometimes cruel to other children. We all need to take the lead in reminding them that this is never acceptable behavior.
Report Cards
At then end of each quarter, students receive a report card. These reports indicate the progress made scholastically and in character formation. If satisfactory results have not been attained by a student or if a problem arises, it recommended that a parent teacher conference be arranged promptly.
Responsibility
Association with an institution of learning carries with it responsibilities which, when fulfilled, enrich the learning experience and go far toward making the best possible situation for all concerned.
The Archdiocesan Grading Scale:
A 95-100%
B 86-94%
C 76-85%
D 70-75%
F 69% and below
Parent Responsibilities
As parents and guardians, you are the MOST influential people in the life of your child. You are the primary teachers of your child. Morally and academically- responsibility rests with you. We are very pleased and honored that you have chosen St. Roch School as a means of helping you to accomplish this goal. We share with you the ever-continuing goal of providing the best possible educational experience for your child. The faculty, staff, and administration are dedicated to a process of continual evaluation and updating the curriculum and the educational process to better serve you and your child. Working together with us, it would be helpful if you would:
Make sure students arrive to school on time.
Report absenteeism to the school office by 9:00 a.m.
Make sure the students have necessary supplies.
Send students to school wearing clean, appropriate apparel.
Check student book bags for notes from the teacher or school office.
Read newsletter for information about upcoming events.
Report to the school office when entering the building for any reason or dropping off items for students.
Provide a study environment in the home.
Set guidelines to insure your child's proper rest.
Encourage your child to be in school whenever possible unless they child is actively ill.
Pray with and for your child and your family.
Student Responsibilities
As a student of St. Roch Catholic School, you are the most important person in this building! Your parents, guardians, pastor, principal and teachers are here to assist you to develop and use all of your talents. Your primary responsibility during this period in your life is to be the best student you can be! Ways to reach this goal include:
Come to class prepared.
Participate in class discussions.
Seek help when you need it.
Be well rested and on time to school.
Desire knowledge.
Respect yourself and others through word and deed.
Set aside time for personal prayer every day!
Teacher Responsibilities
Document all parent telephone conversations and conferences.
Collect, record and return homework assignments. Give age appropriate homework assignments.
Provide weekly lesson plans, seating charts, and an updated substitute folder so that valuable time will not be lost by your absence.
Respect students verbally. Refrain from placing students in the hallways or publicly chastising a student when possible.
Maintain professional conversation during staff gatherings and when in a public: forum.
Administrator Responsibilities
Be available to students, teachers, and parents whenever possible.
Maintain professional confidences.
Stay current and aware of student social and academic performance.
Review all communications between the school community and parents.
Make every effort to be aware of current professional trends and practices as they relate to St. Roch Catholic School, and communicate this information when appropriate.
Sacramental Preparation
Preparation for the sacraments is a continuous process in a Catholic school. Formal instruction and preparation for First Eucharist will be in the second grade. The Pastor, classroom teacher, Director of Religious Education, the student and parents are all involved in the child's preparation. Parental involvement is critical for the success of this preparation. Your witness is the real teacher for your child's faith development.
Special preparation is available for students who have not yet received a sacrament, but wish to do so. Please contact the pastor.
School Records
The school cannot give school records to parents, or any other persons, for transfer to a new school. Student records will be transferred to another school upon written request and will be sent through the mail. Parents may view a student's records in the school office within five days of a written request. Records will be transferred only at such time as all financial obligations, including hot lunch, Before Care and After Care, have been paid in full.
Student use of the Telephone
Students are severely restricted in their use of the telephone. They will not be permitted to call home for supplies, lunches, gym clothing or other forgotten items. The telephone is to be used only in an emergency. Calls must be made from the school office with permission. No cellular telephones are to be in student possession. Please do not ask a student to call home. If you need to communicate with your child, please do it through the school office.
Tardiness
Students must be in their classroom by 8:00 am each school day. Students arriving late will be given a tardy slip from the school office. Tardy Discipline Policy:
1st tardy = tardy slip
2nd tardy = parents will be contacted by an administrator
4th tardy = letter sent to parents
5th tardy = parent meeting with administrator
6th tardy = disciplinary process, including, but not limited to: parent shadowing, loss of recess, detention, work detail, or loss of other privileges.
Visiting the School
Visitors to St. Roch School are welcome at all times! Please check in with the school secretary upon arrival. We would appreciate a call for an appointment if you wish to observe a class. The teacher and class may have a field trip or a special activity planned.
Please remember that a visit to a classroom is for the purpose of observation only. If there is something that you wish to discuss with the classroom teacher, please make an appointment for a conference to allow adequate time and focus upon the issue. In justice, a teacher should mot take instructional time away from a class in order to speak with another adult. Please do not put the teacher in an awkward position by seeking special privileges.
If you are bringing something to your child, please leave it with the school secretary and it will be delivered. Please do not interrupt the classroom routine in order to deliver it yourself Your cooperation in keeping the instructional time available to us as child-centered as possible is appreciated.
All decisions regarding items not covered in this handbook will be made by administrative consultation-the pastor and principal.
St. Roch Catholic School
3603 South Meridian Street · Indianapolis, IN
46217 · 317-784-9144 jhansen@strochindy.org
