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2017-2018
Immaculate Conception Catholic School
811 Telfair Street Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706)722-9964 (706)722-9994 FAX 2017-2018
Immaculate Conception Catholic School Parent-Student Handbook
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CONTENTS:
PAGE 3 Message from the Administration
PAGE 4 Immaculate Conception Catholic School
Overview
PAGE 5 Admission/Discrimination
PAGE 6 Arrival and Dismissal
PAGE 7 Attendance and Tardies
PAGE 8 Before and After School Care Program;
Conferences
PAGE 9 Conferences
PAGE 10 Calendar; Confidentiality; Custody
PAGE 11 Discipline
PAGE 12 Discipline
PAGE 13 Discipline
PAGE 14 Discipline
PAGE 15 Due Progress; Dress Code
PAGE 16 Evaluation
PAGE 17 Fees
PAGE 18 Field Trips; Forgotten Items; Fundraising;
Graduation
PAGE 19 Health and Sickness
PAGE 20 Homework; Inappropriate Items
PAGE 21 Internet Permission; Law Enforcement;
Lunch; Media
PAGE 22 Medication; Newsletter; Notes
PAGE 23 Office Hours; Parent and Student
Responsibility
PAGE 24 Parent Volunteers
PAGE 25 Parties and Birthdays;Placement; Preschool;
Promotion/Retention
PAGE 26 Pupil Records;Registration
PAGE 27 Religion
PAGE 28 Child Abuse; Requests; Scholarships; Hours
PAGE 29 Clubs; Search and Seizure; Student Release
PAGE 30 Textbooks;Library;Transportation
Changes;Tuition/Fees/Payments
PAGE 31 Visitors;Walkers;Withdrawal
PAGE 32 Parent Signature Page
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MESSAGE FROM THE ADMINISTRATION
Welcome to Immaculate Conception Catholic School, the parish school for the Most Holy Trinity
Catholic Church. Communication between home and school is essential in promoting our students’
success. Our handbook is one means of communication. Many policies, regulations, and services are
discussed throughout these pages. Please read this handbook to or with your child(ren). It is also
important that you keep this handbook readily available throughout the year should questions arise.
Information in this book should provide you with answers to many questions you might have about day-
to-day operations of our school. We are always available to clarify any school matter. If you have
questions, please do not hesitate to call us.
Parents are encouraged to visit the school and to attend scheduled meetings with the teachers. Mutual
benefits occur when there is a meaningful exchange between home and school.
It is our desire that this handbook will be helpful to you. We hope this will be a successful and satisfying
year for you.
Mrs. Allison Palfy
Principal
ADMINISTRATION
Fr. Jacek Szuster, Pastor
Mrs. Allison Palfy, Principal
Mrs. Debbie DeRoller, Development Director/Finance Officer
SCHOOL ADDRESS
Immaculate Conception Catholic School
811 Telfair Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
(706) 722-9964
(706) 722-9994 FAX
Parents and students are expected to follow and abide by all Diocesan, school, and church policies and
procedures. These rules and regulations contained herein are the basis for maintaining a safe and
secure environment for all the school’s constituents. Failure to abide by these policies, procedures, and
in keeping with the traditions of the Catholic Christian environment may result in disenrollment from
the school.
I UNDERSTAND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC
SCHOOL RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES OR DISCOUNTINUE POLICIES AT ANY
TIME WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE TO THE PARENTS AND STUDENTS.
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IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL OVERVIEW
MISSION: The Immaculate Conception Catholic School community is committed to developing Christ-like minds,
hearts, and souls within the Catholic faith tradition by promoting academic excellence and service.
VISION:
Immaculate Conception Catholic School will provide a dynamic program of academic excellence, faithful
Catholic service, and evangelization within the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church community.
GOALS:
1. To ensure that Catholic principles are the cornerstone for all decisions,
programs, and staff selection.
2. To ensure that school improvement and excellence are an ongoing focus.
3. To ensure that the learning experience enriches the mind, body and spirit.
PHILOSOPHY:
Immaculate Conception Catholic School, the parish school for the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, is
dedicated to evangelization through Catholic education. As such, it welcomes all children as the school
strives to help them learn, grow, and come to know God. The curriculum, the values, the structures, and
the goals of Immaculate Conception Catholic School are rooted in the belief of God and the Catholic
Church, and in the belief that every child has the ability to know and respond to God.
SCHOOL HISTORY:
Immaculate Conception Catholic School had its beginnings in 1902, when Franciscan Sisters opened a
boarding school for girls at St. Benedict Convent on 12th Street. In 1913, the African Missionary Fathers
built and dedicated Immaculate Conception Church and School on the corner of Laney Walker Boulevard
and 11th Street. They asked the Franciscan Sisters to bring their boarding school students and take on this
new and larger teaching mission. Since that time, Immaculate Conception Catholic School has been
providing excellence in education within a Catholic environment. The Franciscan Sisters served as
teachers and administrators until 2004. Today, Immaculate Conception Catholic School enjoys a new
home as the parish school for The Church of the Most Holy Trinity. ICCS remains the only school in the
Diocese of Savannah to offer a full special education program.
ACCREDITATION:
Immaculate Conception Catholic School, as well as all the Catholic schools in the Diocese of Savannah,
is fully accredited by AdvancED/SACS.
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ADMISSION/DISCRIMINATION 5010 POLICY: Schools in the Diocese of Savannah admit students and administer policies
regardless of sex (unless traditionally a single sex school), national origin, or disability (if, with
reasonable accommodation on the part of the school, the disabled person could be accommodated)
in the admission of students and in the administration of policies regarding education, athletics,
or any school-sponsored programs. In admitting students, Catholic schools give preference to
Catholic students living within parish boundaries; secondly, to Catholic students living outside
parish boundaries; finally, to non-Catholic students.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, National
origin, or handicapping condition in the admission of students, or in the administration of policies
regarding education, athletics, or any school sponsored program.
SCHOOL PROCEDURES:
a) Students are not fully registered at Immaculate Conception Catholic School until all the
steps for registration are completed.
b) Immaculate Conception Catholic School does not accept students that have been
expelled or asked to leave from another private or public school for disciplinary
reasons.
c) Students wishing to enroll with a current IEP will be placed in either the learning lab or
self-contained programs. Determination of placement will be made after testing has
been completed by the special education team.
d) Students wishing to enroll, who do not have a current IEP, but score at least a grade level
behind their current grade level placement on the entrance assessment, will be placed in
the learning lab program.
e) Pre K: New applicants must be potty trained. Students entering pre-k must be either 3
or 4 by September 1st of the current school year.
f) Kindergarten: Students entering kindergarten must be 5 by September 1st of the
current school year. New applicants will be given an entrance assessment prior to
acceptance.
g) Grade 1: New applicants will be given an entrance assessment prior to acceptance.
Students entering first grade must be 6 by September 1st of the current school year.
h) Grades 2-8: New applicants will be given an entrance assessment prior to acceptance.
i) To remain at Immaculate Conception Catholic School, a student shall conform to
approved norms of behavior and academic achievement as outlined in this handbook.
The steps for registering at Immaculate Conception Catholic School are as follows:
New Families:
1. Contact the school to set up an appointment to meet with the principal. Make sure to bring all prior
report cards, IEPs, and testing information to this meeting.
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2. Set up a follow-up appointment to have the student(s) complete the entrance assessment. The cost
of the assessment is $50 per child and must be paid in advance of the testing session. The
assessment usually takes an hour.
3. After testing, a determination will be made as to which program/grade level best suits the academic
needs of the student(s).
4. Complete the application for enrollment, pay the $500 registration fee per child, sign the tuition
contract, and complete the payment plan options form.
Returning Families: 1. Complete the application for re-enrollment.
2. Pay the $500 registration fee, sign the tuition contract, and complete the payment options form.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Drop off in the morning is from 7:30am-8:15am without charge. Children can be dropped off from 7:00-
7:30 am for a $20 per week charge. The drop off area is located on the side by the school office. Students
will be kept in the cafeteria from 7:30am until 8:00am. Pick up in the afternoon is from 3:15pm-3:30pm.
Students not picked up by 3:30 will be placed in afterschool for a fee. Parents MUST have the school
pick-up paper in their car window in order for students to be released.
All students will be picked up in the parking lot by the playground. Gates open at 3:00pm. Parents will
enter the parking lot off of Telfair Street and follow the arrows around forming to lines behind the cones.
Students will be brought out to the cars of parents starting at 3:15. Parents are not to get out of cars at
any time. All cars will wait until the signal has been given and then leave the parking lot together to exit
onto Telfair Street. ALL cars must turn RIGHT when leaving the school parking lot.
Parents may choose to park and come into the school to pick up a student. Parents choosing this option
must park in a parking space on the office side parking lot and come into the building. No students will be
allowed to be dropped off or picked up from the pass through lane.
During Arrival and Dismissal:
Parents are to stay in their cars at all times.
Parents are to stay off of their cell phones.
Parents are to quickly and safely pick up their children and exit the parking lot on signal.
ALL POLICIES ARE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE STUDENTS AT ICCS.
ATTENDANCE/TARDIES 5060 POLICY: Schools in the Diocese of Savannah must comply with attendance requirements established
by the State of Georgia in accordance with Diocesan Regulations.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
To be counted as present for perfect attendance purposes, a student must be present for the full academic
day – no tardies, which are defined as late arrivals and/or early checkouts.
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ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to attend school daily. Parents should call the school to report a student absence each
day of the absence. Parents must also provide the school with a written explanation of any absence before
the student can return to class To be considered present a student must be in school for 4.5 hours. Students
may be excused from school in case of:
1. Personal illness.
2. Serious illness or death in the immediate family.
3. Special and recognized holidays observed by faith.
4. Mandated order of government agencies.
5. Emergencies that are reasonable and necessitate absences from school.
6. Visit with parent or legal guardian prior to deployment or during leave from overseas assignment
up to 5 days per school year.
7. Pre-approved special event absence (form is found on the website and must be submitted to the
principal at least 7 days prior to the special event for approval).
All other absences are unexcused. Students will only be afforded the opportunity to make up work when
absences are excused. Parents must provide written notes for absences. Please call the office by 9:00 AM
to notify teachers of child’s absence. A maximum of 15 days of cumulative lawful(excused) absences
verified by parental notification are permitted during a school year.
It is the duty of parents to retain copies of all documentation of excuses for the duration of the school year
and must present them upon request. All attendance excuses are required within 2 school days of the
student’s return to school; otherwise, the absence will be considered unexcused. All documentation for
excusing an absence must specify the particular day missed.
Vacations taken during the school year are discouraged. If an emergency trip becomes necessary, a child
may be taken from school provided work is made up. However, it is unfair to the child and his teacher to
ask for work to be assigned before the trip. Teachers plan weekly with daily revisions. Any work
assigned could become just “busy work” over a period of several days without the benefit of classroom
instruction.
When absences are excused, students shall be afforded the opportunity to make up all work. It will be the
student’s responsibility to attend to make up work promptly upon return to school and to complete all
assignments within a reasonable time. Parents, please do not call the teacher and expect missed assignments
to be ready the day of absence. Teachers are allowed 24 hours for assignment preparation.
PROCEDURES FOR EXCESSIVE ABSENCES:
Immaculate Conception Catholic School places a high importance on attendance. The procedures for
addressing attendance are as follows:
1. Once a student reaches 3 total unexcused absences for the year, the school will
send a letter to the student’s parents informing them of attendance policies.
2. Once a student reaches a total of 7 unexcused absences for the year, the school
will send a letter to the student’s parents informing them of a required meeting
with an administrator to discuss attendance concerns.
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3. Once a student reaches a total of 16 total absences for the year, the school will
send a letter to the student’s parents informing them of possible retention due to
excessive absences and the matter will be handed over to the truant officer for
Richmond County.
TARDIES:
It is the parent’s responsibility to see that students report to school on time. A school tardy is defined
as any time a student is either late for school or leaves school early. Students are expected to be on
time each day and to remain at school for the entire school day. The school day begins at 8:15 AM
and ends at 3:15 PM daily. In order for a tardy to be excused, a parent must supply the school with
an original excuse from either a doctor’s office or government agency. STUDENTS WILL NOT
BE ALLOWED TO SIGN THEMSELVES IN OR OUT OF THE SCHOOL. IF A STUDENT
IS TARDY TO SCHOOL, A PARENT MUST SIGN THE STUDENT IN AT THE FRONT
OFFICE. Thereafter, only validated excuses (doctor appointments, directed court appearances
etc.) can be submitted for the tardiness to be excused. For students with no excuse or an invalid
excuse for being tardy to school or class, the tardiness is counted as unexcused.
IT IS ASKED THAT PARENTS MAKE DOCTOR AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTS FOR
STUDENTS AFTER SCHOOL HOURS EXCEPT IN CASES OF EMERGENCY.
BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CARE PROGRAM Before school care is available daily from 7:00am until 8:00am. Afterschool care is available daily from
3:30pm until 6:00pm.
Registration Fee (one-time fee) $25.00 per student
Pick up between 3:30 – 3:45 PM $10.00 per occurrence per student
Before Care 7AM-7:30AM $20.00 per week
After Care 3:30PM-6:00PM $50.00 per week
Before/After Care Combo $60.00 per week
After 6:00 PM – late fee $5.00 per minute
We do not have a one day drop in rate. If you use the service for 1 day or 5, you pay for the entire week.
CONFERENCES 6070 POLICY: Parents, guardians, agents, and others having legitimate business with the school shall be
informed to make appointments at a mutually convenient time so classes will not be interrupted.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
If at any time a parent has a question regarding his/her child, the child’s teacher should be contacted.
When a parent wishes to conference with the teacher, an appointment can be made. Please do not attempt
to discuss matters before school begins or during afternoon dismissal without an appointment. A teacher’s
time before class is used for immediate preparation and organization. When arriving at the school for a
conference, please sign in at the office, and the teacher will be called to meet and escort you to the
conference area. Conferences provide teachers with an opportunity to present parents with suggestions
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for complimenting the child’s work at school. Likewise, parents have an opportunity to express their
observations and concerns and to discuss with the teacher the uniqueness of each individual child.
Conferences, therefore, should be well planned and should result in the sharing of pertinent information
which will benefit the teacher, the parents, and the child. Please follow the procedure below to set up a
conference with any school personnel.
Appointments with school personnel can be made by sending a note, sending an email, or calling the
school office (706-722-9964) and leaving a message on the person’s voice mail. Please give your name,
telephone number, date, and a brief message. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.
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CALENDAR 2017-2018: August 7,8,9 Teacher Pre-Planning Workdays
August 10 First Day of School
September 1 Early Release at 1:00pm
September 4 School Holiday-Labor Day
September 11 Progress Reports Sent Home
October 11 Early Release at 1:00pm
October 12, 13 School Holiday-Teacher Professional
Development
October 16 End of First Quarter
October 23 Report Cards Sent Home
November 13 Progress Reports Sent Home
November 17 Early Release at 1:00pm
November 20-24 School Holiday-Thanksgiving
December 22 Early Release at 1:00pm/End of Second
Quarter
December 25-January 5 School Holiday-Christmas
January 8 Report Cards Sent Home
January 15 School Holiday-Martin Luther King Jr.
February 2 School Closed-Teacher Professional
Development Day
February 12 Progress Reports Sent Home
February 19 School Holiday-Presidents Day
March 15 End of Third Quarter
March 19 Report Cards Sent Home
March 29 Early Release at 1:00pm
March 30-April 6 School Holiday-Easter and Spring Break
April 30 Progress Reports Sent Home
May 15 Field Day
May 23 8th Grade Graduation
May 24 Kindergarten Graduation
May 25 Early Release at 12:00pm-Last Day of
School –Report Cards Sent Home
May 28 School Holiday-Memorial Day
May 29-31 Teacher Post-Planning Workdays
CONFIDENTIALITY: Confidentiality of student information is very important. Only parents or legal guardians may receive
information on a student. This includes information about attendance, financial accounts, behavior and
grades. In addition, only parents or legal guardians may sign school related paperwork for a student.
CUSTODY: Unless the school has legal paperwork on file stating otherwise, both parents listed on a student’s birth
certificate will be allowed access to the student’s school related information and will be allowed full
rights at the school including but not limited to visiting the student at school, chaperoning on field trips,
and picking up the student.
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DISCIPLINE 5110 POLICY: Students shall comply with all rules of the school and submit to all reasonable authority of
the teachers and others in authority over them.
Each school must develop its own disciplinary code in accordance with Diocesan regulations and publish
its procedures in the school’s parent handbook. A copy of the school handbook will be sent to the Catholic
Schools Office.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Effective learning is dependent upon effective discipline. Students need and deserve a controlled and
proper atmosphere in order to attain and develop academic skills. Parental support and cooperation is
required in the handling of all discipline problems. Discipline in the classroom is maintained by each
individual teacher. Discipline in the corridors, lavatories, play areas, assemblies, etc., is the responsibility
of all faculty members. A rigid atmosphere in the school is not desired, but neither is an overly permissive
one. Minor infractions of school regulations are handled by the classroom teacher. Disrespect to any
faculty or staff member cannot be tolerated. All discipline is administered at the discretion of the
administration.
Social Media / Internet
Students are expected to respect themselves, their classmates, the adults at the school, and the school at all
times, including on the internet. Students should not use the internet, including social media, to
communicate frustrations or gossip about members of the school community. Students can be disciplined
for words and images posted on the internet that present our school community in a negative manner. Such
postings will also require immediate removal of the information posted.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying will not be tolerated. Harassing, impersonating, tricking, excluding, and cyberstalking are
examples of cyberbullying. Do not participate in social media with the intent to harm, hurt, or intimidate
someone else. Engaging in these behaviors, or any online activities intended to harm (physically or
emotionally) another student, faculty or staff member, may result in disciplinary action at school and loss
of privileges. In some cases, cyberbullying is a criminal offense and will be turned over to proper
authorities.
Lunchroom Behavior Students are also expected to behave in the school lunchroom in a courteous manner and should follow
these rules:
1. Get all materials first time through the line.
2. Be a role model by following cafeteria rules, using kind words and helping others.
3. Use a “whisper” voice.
4. Respect adults, peers, and property.
5. Use good table manners.
6. Clean up when leaving.
The following discipline systems are used with students in the designated grade level placements.
GRADES Pre-K - 3
Teachers handle infractions that occur in their classrooms in an appropriate manner maintaining school
policy. A chart is used in each classroom as a physical reminder to the student of appropriate behavior.
A note will go home to parents when an infraction occurs.
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GRADES 4-8
Teachers handle infractions that occur in an appropriate manner maintaining school policy.
Teachers will communicate with parents when discipline notices are sent home with students. It is also the
responsibility of the students to communicate their discipline notices to the parents. When it is necessary
to impose disciplinary consequences, teachers and school administrators will follow a progressive discipline
process. The degree of the disciplinary consequence to be imposed will be in proportion to the severity of
the behavior of a particular student, and will take into account the student’s disciplinary history, the age of
the student, and other relevant factors. Disciplinary consequences are designed to teach students self-
discipline and to help them substitute inappropriate behaviors with the characteristics representative of our
school’s core values. The following disciplinary consequences may be imposed for any violations of the
school and classroom rules and expectations:
Warning and/or counseling with an administrator
Notification of Parent
Parent Conference
Loss of Privileges
Suspension – In-School or Out of School
Temporary Removal from Class or Activity
Referral to Law Enforcement
Recommendation for Expulsion
Weekly Report/Contract Program At the discretion of the principal, a student may be placed on a weekly report/contract program. The
student will meet weekly with the principal and a weekly report will be sent to parents. If behavioral
problems continue, a student may be placed on probation and asked to leave if behavior does not improve.
Disciplinary Actions
Discipline problems can be solved through proper communications between parents and the teacher.
School discipline can be undermined when parents criticize school authority; therefore, parents should
consult the teacher about all the facts before making any hasty decisions or commenting on a discipline
problem in the presence of their children or other parents.
Actions Liable for Disciplinary Action
Actions liable for disciplinary action include but are not limited to: uniform code violations, chewing gum
on school property, eating during class, excessive talking or loudness, unacceptable written or spoken
language, failure to adhere to school, classroom, church, and playground rules, unauthorized use of cell
phones or other electronic devices on campus (before, after, and during school), cheating, plagiarism,
forgery, disrespect to authority, bullying and/or cyberbullying (physically, emotionally, academically, or
socially), aggressive behavior (physical, verbal, written), dangerous horseplay, dishonesty, theft,
destruction of school property, vandalism, and an accumulation of offenses
Actions Liable for In-School and Out of School Suspension
Severe disruptive behavior problems
Bullying: physically, emotionally, academically, or socially
Destruction of property - fine for replacement of property
Stealing
Fighting
Pornographic materials
Possession or use of tobacco products on school property or during school related activities
Continuous accumulation of or multiple detentions
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Suspension is the temporary removal of the student from academic and extra-curricular activities.
Suspension can be imposed at the discretion of the administration. Any missed work or tests during this
time will result in a grade of zero.
Immaculate Conception Catholic School expectations and consequences listed within the
discipline/bullying policy are:
Expectations
My behavior towards others will reflect the Gospel values that I am being taught at Immaculate
Conception Catholic School; therefore,
I will not interfere with the learning of others.
I will not stand in the way of those working to do their personal best.
I will not harm others physically, verbally, or emotionally. I will not allow or encourage others
to do so.
I will not interfere with other students’ possessions.
I will care for my school and its environment.
I will report if I am being bullied or see others being bullied. I will report it to my parents or a
faculty member.
Possible Consequences
Counseled by teacher or faculty member and notification to parent with explanation of
offenses.
Counseled by the school counselor and phone call to parent with explanation of offenses.
In-school suspension and parent/teacher/student/counselor/principal conference to discuss
concerns and corrective plan.
Out-of-school suspension, returning to school after a conference as described in step three.
Recommendation of expulsion from school and all parties meeting with the pastor.
Possible consequences are at the discretion of the faculty of Immaculate Conception Catholic School
based on the circumstances of each situation.
Students who are suspended from school, or who serve an in-school suspension, will not be allowed to
attend any school related activities (day or evening) during the time of suspension.
Actions Liable for Expulsion
Possession or use of alcohol and/or drugs on school property or during school related activities
Continuous disruptive behavior problems
Students receiving repeated suspensions
Possessing, using, or threatening to use a weapon or instrument of harm
Continuous or severe bullying
The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for
just cause at his or her discretion.
Conduct Recognition
Rewards in grades PreK-8 will be determined by the individual class teacher.
Cell Phones / Electronic Equipment Grades PK-8: Cell phones/Apple Watches are not allowed in the classroom or before/after school
program. Cell phones/Apple Watches brought to school should be turned in during homeroom. At
dismissal, they will be picked up by the student.
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STUDENTS MAY NOT BRING personal toys, games, electronics that are not for instructional purposes
specified by the school, playing cards or any other non-school related item on campus or to the
Before/After School Program. Parents will collect these items from the teacher and/or office if brought to
the school. Confiscated Items All confiscated items will require parents to pick them up from the school.
Plagiarism/Cheating
Immaculate Conception Catholic School does not condone cheating or plagiarism in any way, as it
depletes the credibility of our academic environment and is not in line with our mission and values.
Plagiarism is defined as the act of stealing or passing off the words or ideas of another as one’s own
without crediting the original source (Merriam-Webster), and is in direct violation of our core value of
honesty. Plagiarism can be intentional or unintentional, and teachers work with students to understand
plagiarism and citations during their time at Immaculate Conception. Intentional plagiarism or cheating
can be defined as the following:
Copying a friend/classmate’s work
Sharing your work with others
Asking for or giving answers from student work or assessments
Buying or borrowing papers
Cutting and pasting blocks of text from electronic sources without documenting
Media “borrowing” without documentation
Web publishing without permission of creators
Lack of a Works Cited Page (determination made by the teacher)
Unintentional Plagiarism can be defined as the following:
Careless paraphrasing
Poor documentation
Quoting excessively
Failure to use your own “voice”
If a teacher suspects a student of plagiarism, a determination will be made as to whether the incident is
intentional or unintentional. Once this determination has been made, consequences for intentional
plagiarism may include one or more of the following:
“0” on the assignment
Parent notification
Suspension or dismissal from school activities – sports and other co-curricular
Note on official student record
Loss of privileges within the school community
In-school or out-of-school suspension
Multiple incidents may result in expulsion
Unintentional plagiarism will be handled by the teacher.
Core Values of Immaculate Conception
At Immaculate Conception, students are expected to:
Show Integrity
Use a Christ-like attitude
Be Consistently prepared
Always Strive for excellence
Students show integrity when they are honest and well behaved.
Students use a Christ-like attitude when they show respect to everyone and everything.
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Student are consistently prepared when they follow all classroom procedures and have their assignments
and supplies ready.
Students always strive for excellence when they have an “I CAN” attitude and always give 110%.
DUE PROCESS AND RIGHT OF APPEAL 5120 POLICY: Students and/or their parents have the right of appeal in those cases where disciplinary
action may result in suspension or expulsion.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
If parents feel that the consequences appear not to be fair, they must request a meeting with the principal.
A meeting does not need to be formal in nature. It is simply a time for concerned individuals to meet
together and share information related to the situation in question. In the event that this discussion
provides additional information that sheds different light on the situation, or shows the consequences to
be unfair, the consequences may be changed or eliminated to better fit the unique situation.
DRESS CODE 5130 POLICY: Students are expected to be dressed in a manner consistent with accepted Catholic moral
standards of good taste and decency, and in keeping with the school’s uniform/dress code.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
All students attending Immaculate Conception Catholic School will be required to wear the school
uniform. The uniform policy will be strictly enforced. Repeated failure by the student to adhere to the
school’s uniform policy will result in disciplinary consequences.
PE Uniform for ALL Students is Mandatory: Gray t-shirt with school logo and navy blue athletic
shorts or sweatpants. Tennis shoes must be worn on PE day (Thursday).
Boys (Causal/Daily) Grades Pre-K through 8th (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)
Pants: Khaki pants (no denim, no cargo pants/pockets, rivets, logos or other accessories)
Shirt: Navy blue polo with school logo.
Socks: Dark colored dress socks or white socks.
Shoes: Brown dress shoes (includes brown or tan bucks and brown boat shoes) or tennis shoes. All
students are to wear tennis shoes to school on PE day-Thursday.
Shorts: Khaki shorts of knee length (top of knee cap). No cargo shorts/pockets, rivets, logos or other
accessories.
Belts: Black or brown belts must be worn with pants and shorts.
Outer Garments: navy sweater, sweater vest, or jacket.
Boys (Mass- Every Wednesday) Grades Pre-K through 8th
Pants: Khaki pants (no denim, no cargo pants/pockets, rivets, logos or other accessories) NO SHORTS.
Shirt: White oxford button down shirt short or long sleeved.
Tie: School plaid ties only.
Socks: Dark colored dress socks with pants.
Shoes: Brown/Black dress shoes (includes brown or tan bucks and brown boat shoes)-NO TENNIS
SHOES.
Belts: Black or brown belts must be worn with pants.
Outer Garments: navy sweater, sweater vest, or jacket.
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Girls (Casual/Daily) Grades Pre-K though 8th (Monday, Tuesday, Friday)
Pants: Khaki pants (no denim, no cargo pants/pockets, rivets, logos or other accessories)
Shirt: Navy blue polo with school logo .
Jumper (Pre-K through 8th): School plaid jumper with white Peter Pan shirt underneath.
Skirt and Blouse: School plaid skirt with white Peter Pan shirt. An undershirt must be worn beneath the
white shirt when it is worn with the skirt.
Socks: Dark colored dress socks, navy or white tights, or white socks.
Shoes: Brown dress shoes (includes brown or tan bucks and brown boat shoes), black or navy Mary
Janes, tennis shoes. All students are to wear tennis shoes to school on PE day-Thursday.
Shorts: Khaki shorts of knee length (top of knee cap). No cargo shorts/pockets, rivets, logos or other
accessories.
Belts: Black or brown belts must be worn with pants and shorts.
Outer Garments: navy sweater, sweater vest, or jacket.
Girls (Mass- Every Wednesday) Grades Pre-K through 8th
Jumper (Pre-K through 8th): School plaid jumper with white Peter Pan shirt underneath.
Skirt and Blouse: School plaid skirt with white Peter Pan shirt. An undershirt must be worn beneath the
white shirt when it is worn with the skirt.
Socks: Dark colored dress socks with jumper/skirt.
Shoes: Brown dress shoes (includes brown or tan bucks and brown boat shoes), black or navy Mary
Janes-NO TENNIS SHOES.
Outer Garments: navy sweater, sweater vest, or jacket..
Dress Code Miscellaneous
Hair: Boys: Must be kept neat, cut short, and clean at all times. No razor cuts, Mohawks , hair
braiding, rat tails, or other hair designs. No artificially colored hair will be accepted. Girls: Only
girls are allowed to wear hair beads, and they must be black, navy, or clear. Hair beads cannot
cause distraction or noise. Girls may also wear hair bows or bands that are school colors. Girls’
hair must also be kept neat and clean at all times. No artificially colored hair will be accepted.
Jewelry Boys: Male students are not permitted to wear earrings or other non-religious jewelry to
school.
Jewelry Girls: Female students my wear small earrings and religious jewelry to school.
Piercings: Body piercings (other than ears) and tattoos are not permitted to be worn while at
school.
Shirts: Must be tucked in at all times.
No Hats
No Make-up other than nail polish for female students
EVALUATION 6170 POLICY: Each teacher shall provide ongoing evaluation of the student’s educational progress and
communicate progress to parents. Elementary and secondary schools shall use report cards approved by
the Catholic Schools Office.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
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Grading: The following grading scale will be used for all grades and subjects in grades 3-8:
A=94-100
B=86-93
C=76-85
D=70-75
F=Below 70
The following grading scale will be used for all grades and subjects in grades Pre-K-2nd :
4: Exceeds the Standard
3: Meets the Standard
2: Progressing Toward the Standard
1: Little to No Progress Toward the Standard
Report Cards and Progress Reports Report cards are issued four times per year at nine-week intervals (see school calendar). At the mid-point
of each grading period, progress reports will be issued for all students. Students in grades Pre-K through
2nd receive standards based report cards. Student in grades 3-8 receive traditional report cards.
If your child’s report card or progress report indicates a problem, the teacher usually tries to set up a
parent conference. If this has been done, or if you have any questions concerning your child’s grades, you
should call the school to schedule a conference.
The final report card will be sent home on the last day of school. No report card or school record may
be released until all fines and charges are paid.
FEES 5030 POLICY: Each school in the Diocese will have its own particular regulations regarding placement,
parish involvement, and payment of tuition and fees. These regulations shall be on file in the Catholic
Schools Office, and adhered to for all applicants.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
The following are fees that may be assessed to students’ accounts at Immaculate Conception Catholic
School. Per school policy, all accounts must be kept current. Tuition/fees not paid in full by the end of
the month will result in forfeiture of all prior paid fees and disenrollment from the school. All
fees/registration payments/tuition payments/money paid to the school are non-refundable. Please
note that by signing the tuition contract, you are contractually liable for the entire tuition payment
for the school year.
Registration: $500 per child
Background Check Fee for Volunteers: $15.00
Credit Card Payment Fee: 5% of transaction
Late Tuition Fee: $50.00 per month
Insufficient Funds: $50.00 per incidence
Academic Placement Testing: $50.00 per student
Before/After care: $25.00 Registration per student
Club Fee: Varies depending on the individual club
Records Copy Fee: $25.00 per request
Any other fees that may occur not mentioned above
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FIELD TRIPS
6150 POLICY: A field trip is an educational opportunity whereby students leave school property under the
direction, guidance and/or authority of the school, or authorized school representative. Field trips are
recognized as useful in contributing to and enhancing students’ practical understanding of academic
subjects. The purpose, organization and implementation of field trips must follow regulations established
by the Catholic Schools Office.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Various field trips may be taken during the year. Parent or guardian permission slips must be signed in
advance. The cost of the field trips will vary depending upon the number of students going, length of the
field trip, and admission charges (if any). There are some items that are not allowed on school field trips
for safety, health, or security reasons. Students are expected to comply with these requirements if they are
to go on field trips. Parents may sometimes be needed as chaperones; however,
preschoolers/toddlers/babies are not allowed to accompany parents who go on field trips. All chaperones
must be VIRTUS certified and have a completed background check and code of conduct on file. Parent
drivers are required to make a copy of their current liability insurance card and driver’s license in the
office prior to driving on field trips.
FORGOTTEN ITEMS If you suddenly realize you have to bring items to the school that your child has forgotten, please bring
them to the front office, and we will make sure all items get to your child promptly. Students who forget
something in their classroom will only be able to go back to get the item if the teacher is present.
FUNDRAISING AND SOLICITATION At Immaculate Conception Catholic School tuition rates are kept purposefully lower than average in order
to make sure that those who desire a Catholic education have the opportunity to receive one. Many
people do not realize that our tuition rates do not cover the total cost of educating each pupil. The cost to
educate one general education student at ICCS is about $15,000. This cost to educate includes, but is not
limited to, paying school employees’ salaries, paying student insurance, paying building insurance,
paying staff medical insurance, buying textbooks and student supplies, replacing equipment, maintaining
the building and grounds, paying for all student computer licenses, and paying for all utilities.
If you have suggestions for fundraisers, please contact the principal to share your ideas. Money may not
be collected nor products sold anywhere on school grounds for fundraising or other purposes without the
Principal’s expressed permission. All monies collected must be counted and receipted for the school.
GRADUATION 5250 POLICY: Students graduating from Diocesan elementary and secondary schools will receive the
official diploma issued by the Catholic Schools Office.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Students graduating from Immaculate Conception Catholic School will receive a diploma. All accounts
must be paid in full at least 2 weeks prior to graduation in order for students to be able to graduate.
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HEALTH & SICKNESS 5200 POLICY: All students are to submit to physical examination and other health requirements prescribed
by the State of Georgia and the Diocese of Savannah.
5210 POLICY: In the instance of communicable disease, advice of the local Health Department must be
followed.
Any accident or illness is to be brought to the attention of the principal as quickly as possible.
If the situation warrants, the parent or guardian is notified. If no one can be reached, the principal
is responsible for taking the necessary action in the situation.
A student who is ill will be released from school in the custody of their parent/guardian. Students
will be released only if there is assurance that someone will be in the home to care for them.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Student emergency sheets will be distributed at the beginning of the year or at registration. The
information will be used in the event a student becomes ill, is involved in an accident, or the school needs
to reach the parents or emergency contacts for the family. It is very important that this information be
accurate and kept up to date. Please immediately notify the main office and the teacher of any change.
A parent/guardian must be notified if a child has an elevated temperature 100.0 degrees or higher. The
child must be picked up from school. If a child’s temperature is 103 degrees or higher and a
parent/guardian or responsible person cannot be reached and the child needs immediate care, the school
will call 911 for emergency care. Children who are sent home from school with a fever or for
vomiting may not return the next day. The child must be fever free and vomit free for a complete 24
hours before returning to school. Communicable diseases are diseases such as pink eye, ringworm, and
normal childhood diseases such as chicken pox. It is very important that parents notify the school of any
communicable disease at the earliest possible date. For health reasons, students should not return to
school after an illness unless sufficiently recovered to participate in their regular school program as
advised by your family physician. Please advise your child’s teacher of any health related concerns you
may have. We will need to develop an individual “Health Care Plan” should your child’s situation be
particularly critical.
The main reasons for keeping your child home are:
1) If they are too sick to be comfortable in school.
2) If they might spread a contagious disease to other children.
A child should stay at home who has a fever of 100.0 degrees or greater, vomiting more than once,
diarrhea, a very frequent cough, persistent pain (ear, stomach, etc.) or wide-spread rash. Most of these
problems need to be discussed with your child’s health care provider to determine if an office visit is
needed. Keep in mind that hand washing is the single most important thing you can do. Please teach your
child to do this to help prevent the spread of infections. Remember to always make sure that our school
knows how to reach you during the day and that there is a back-up plan and emergency contact persons
on file if the school cannot reach you.
Immunization: The State of Georgia Immunization Law, H.B.427, requires an adequate Certificate of
Immunization Form 3231 (Rev. 03-2007), and a Certificate of Eye, Ear and Dental Examination, Form
3300, be on file for every student enrolled. If your child has not been previously enrolled in a Georgia
school, a 30-day grace period is given for presenting these certificates. All Pre-K, Kindergarten, First and
Second Grade students must also present a Birth Certificate along with the above certificates.
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HOMEWORK 6160 POLICY: Homework is an essential part of a complete educational program. It provides a
meaningful opportunity to supplement and reinforce the school curriculum. Homework may require both
dependent and independent effort by the student. The curriculum shall provide for appropriate
homework.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE: Homework can be an effective instructional technique as it has positive effects on a student’s learning and
work habits. It also serves as a vital link between the school and the family. Homework shall not be
assigned as a means of punishment. Lack of homework will not be the sole factor to cause failure.
If homework is to be effective, the purposes should be clearly defined. The general purposes of
homework are:
A. to promote responsibility, self-direction, and independent work habits.
B. to reinforce skills and information learned in class.
C. to enrich and extend school research experiences.
D. to bring students in contact with out-of-school learning experiences.
E. to prepare students for upcoming class topics.
F. to aid in evaluating progress.
Students will have homework every night Monday through Thursday. Weekend homework is limited, but
may be assigned if necessary. The average duration of assignments for the average student should not
exceed the following per night:
Pre-K and Kindergarten 20 minutes
First Grade 30 minutes
Second Grade 45 minutes
Third Grade 50 minutes
Fourth Grade 60 minutes
Fifth through Eighth 90 minutes
INAPPROPRIATE ITEMS 5080 POLICY: A student may not carry, consume or have in his/her possession on the school grounds,
before, during, or after school hours, any drugs or alcohol, including but not limited to, over the counter
medication, prescription medicines, illegal substances, tobacco or federally controlled contraband.
Refusing to abide by this regulation makes a student liable for suspension or expulsion. Failure to abide by
this regulation makes a student liable for expulsion. Trafficking of drugs on school premises requires the
school authorities to inform the police.5090 POLICY: A student may not bring to school or have in his/her
possession on the school grounds, before, during, or after school hours, any weapon or instrument that
might be used as a weapon to inflict serious harm on oneself or on another person.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Tobacco: The use or possession of tobacco in any form is prohibited in the school building and on school
property.
Substance Abuse: It is the goal of Immaculate Conception Catholic School to provide an environment
that is free from all substance abuse. Immaculate Conception Catholic School works to educate students
and families on tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse awareness. Substance abuse in American society is a
significant problem. Immaculate Conception Catholic School strongly supports preventive education--
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which begins at home and is reinforced at school. Immaculate Conception Catholic School considers the
use, distribution, or sale of tobacco, drugs, alcohol or any other legally controlled substance on campus, at
school functions, or at a time and place involving Immaculate Conception Catholic School as a very
serious offense and may result in dismissal. If an Immaculate Conception Catholic School student is
involved, the Principal will:
contact parent(s)/guardian,
suspend the student,
conduct an investigation and determine further disciplinary actions and support which may range
from probation to suspension or dismissal.
Weapons: No student or non-student, including adults and visitors, shall possess, use or distribute a
weapon when in a school location. Immaculate Conception Catholic School will act to enforce this policy
and to discipline or take appropriate action against any student, teacher, administrator, school employee,
volunteer, or member of the public who violates this policy.
INTERNET PERMISSION All students in Pre-K – 8 must have written parental consent to access the Internet.
Should you decide that you do not want your child to access the Internet at school, you will have to notify
the school and that notice will be placed in the permanent record.
The universal nature of the Internet makes it necessary to use care when identifying students on individual
school and system websites. Unless a parent objects in writing to the principal the Immaculate Conception
Catholic School may periodically acknowledge student work, activities, and/or achievements on its
website. Such information about your child will be limited to photographs, student’s first name, school,
grade level, and/or student work.
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT The administration of Immaculate Conception Catholic School reserves the right to contact local law
enforcement at any time to maintain the safety and security of the school and its students.
LUNCH Immaculate Conception Catholic School provides a nutritious, well-balanced, hot lunch on Monday
through Friday of each week. All meals must be pre-purchased before the 1st of each month. We will
not be able accommodate orders placed after the deadline each month. There are no refunds or credits for
meals purchased.
MEDIA CENTER 6210 POLICY: Media centers in elementary and secondary schools shall conform to accreditation
standards for media centers.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE: The Immaculate Conception Media Center serves the school by providing
services and materials that provide information, enrich the curriculum, and promote a lifetime passion for
reading for information and enjoyment. Students have access to a wide variety of magazines, reference
materials, picture books, fiction and non-fiction, representing various tastes, points of view, and reading
levels. Materials are selected using respected selection sources on the basis of favorable reviews by
today’s educational experts, and by teacher recommendations.
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Care of media center books and materials is, of course, expected. Students are responsible for books
checked out of the Media Center. Just as with textbooks, students must pay a repair fee for damaged
books or the replacement cost of a lost book. Since our school Media Center must supply books for ages
4-15 with a wide variety of reading and maturity levels and interests, not every book may be appropriate
for every child. If your child ever checks out a book that you as the parent do not feel is appropriate for
him/her, simply have your child return it and choose something else.
If you give permission for your child to check out books from the Richmond County Public Library,
please note that any lost or damaged books checked out by your child will be the responsibility of the
parents.
MEDICATION 5070 POLICY: Medications, including over the counter, may be dispensed at school with written
permission from the parent or guardian.
School Procedure:
The school must be aware of any medical problems a student may have and/or any special medication the
student may be taking. Parents are required to so inform the administration. Such information will be
kept on the student’s general health record and will be kept in confidence. If the nature of the problem
dictates, however, the student’s classroom teachers will be so informed by the principal. If a student
becomes ill at school, the school will first call the parents. If the parents are not available, those persons
listed on the Emergency Information Sheet will be called. If the illness, accident, injury or other medical
emergency is determined to be serious, the doctor listed on the Emergency Information Card will be
notified. The student may be taken by the administration or EMS personnel to an appropriate hospital’s
Emergency Room. The parent will be notified as soon as possible.
If a child requires medication (prescription or nonprescription) the following procedures will be followed:
1. All medications must be kept in the nurse’s office and administered by school employees
only.
2. A Request to Administer Medication form must be on file in the nurse’s office. A form may
be picked up in the nurse’s office or sent home with a student upon request by the parent.
3. Medication must be given immediately to the teacher or brought directly to the nurse’s office.
It must be in the original container appropriately labeled, stating the student’s name,
and the physician’s name. All medication must be picked up by the parent. It cannot be sent
home with the student.
NEWSLETTER A school newsletter will be sent home electronically on Wednesday each week. Please make sure that the
school has a valid and current email address on file, so that you do not miss receiving these important
home/school communications.
NOTES
Permission plays an important role in the lives of children. Freedom is necessary to independent living,
but freedom encompasses restrictions and responsibilities. Therefore, notes are required from parents in
the following situations:
1. After every absence
2. In case of tardiness
3. To request early or special dismissal
4. To excuse a child from P.E.
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5. In answer to messages sent to the parent
6. To allow a child to go on a field trip
7. To explain an emergency when a child comes out of uniform
8. To allow a child to go home with someone other than the normal pick-up person.
OFFICE HOURS The school business office is open daily from 7:30am until 3:00pm. Parents needing to make payments
need to make sure to stop by the office during these hours.
PARENT and STUDENT RESPONSIBLITY
RESPONSIBILITY: PARENT AND STUDENT
The Parent
1. Parents have the God given natural right to educate their children. “Since parents have conferred
life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence parents
must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators
is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure. For it devolves on parents to
create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and man that a well
rounded personal and social development will be fostered among the children.” (Vatican II,
“Declaration of Christian Education”).
(1) Divorced parents must file the custody section of the divorce decree with the child’s
records.
(2) Non-custodial parents do have access to their children, school information, report cards,
etc., unless the school has paperwork from the court restricting a parent’s access to his/her
child.
2. The Vatican II Council further stresses that parents should support and cooperate with the Catholic
schools whenever and wherever possible. Verbal abuse or harassment of any school employee,
on or off school property, will not be tolerated. Parents are required to be calm and
professional at all times when at the school. Failure of parents to cooperate with this
regulation is grounds for a student’s dismissal from school. (1) Parents should weigh seriously their obligation to raise their children in an atmosphere of
love and respect for God and man. The home is the source of education in the virtues
essential to any meaningful culture. Respect for human dignity, prayer, and
acknowledgment of authority are essential for Christian citizenship.
(2) Parents should train their children in community worship through family prayer, family
participation in the Eucharistic celebration of the parish and reception of the sacraments.
(3) Parents should participate in the building of the community and service of their parish and
town.
(4) Parents should undertake continuing education that will help them understand the approach,
content, and methods of contemporary religious education.
3. The school expects that all parents and students will...
(1) Fully accept that Immaculate Conception Catholic School teaches about the Catholic faith,
morality, and the teachings of the Catholic Church in its entirety, and that students, staff, and
families are expected to fully embrace and practice these beliefs and principles while
participating in the daily life of the school.
(2) See that students are present in the classroom on time.NOTES ARE REQUIRED IF
TARDY.
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(3) Call the school office by 9:00 AM if their child will be absent.NOTES ARE REQUIRED
IF ABSENT. (4) Send their child to school physically fit by taking care that he or she has sufficient sleep, is
healthy, clean, and properly dressed, and is provided with a well-balanced diet.
(5) Assist the child in his or her development by cooperating with the school’s scholastic
program, by participating in parent/teacher conferences, which shall occasionally include
the child, by discussing the “ICCS Newswletter” updates at home with the child, by aiding
with homework when help is needed, by providing the proper atmosphere for study, and by
cooperating with the school in matters of activities, recreation, and discipline.
(6) Try to discover, through supervision and companionship, their child’s special interests and
talents so they may be developed by parents and teachers working together.
(7) Instill in the child a respect for authority so that the instruction will be obeyed promptly and
cheerfully. Children should be taught to look upon all teachers and school staff members
as representatives of their parents.
(8) See that reading materials brought from home reflect Catholic moral principles and respect
for authority.
(9) Take a responsible attitude toward the material support and care of the school.
(10) RETURN SIGNED FORMS TO THE OFFICE BY THE END OF THE FIRST FULL
WEEK OF SCHOOL.
(11) Take an active role in the school through volunteer service for the enrichment and
betterment of the school.
(12) Avoid checking students out except for absolute necessities, i.e. – medical appointments.
Checking students out for lunch is not allowed.
4. The out-of-school activities of pupils are primarily the responsibility of the parents. Parental
supervision (legal guardian) is required at out-of-school activities, especially sports activities. Only
exception – team members & cheerleaders. STUDENT SPECTATORS AT GAMES MUST
HAVE AN ADULT WITH THEM. However, these activities are the concern of school
authorities inasmuch as they affect the work and attitudes of students. School faculties and parents
of students should strive for cooperation regarding social and recreational activities. Only those
students participating in Immaculate Conception Catholic School related sports/activities and those
in our After School program have permission to change out of their uniforms. Regular dismissal
procedures must be adhered to unless the student is an athlete.
5. Failure of parents to cooperate with school regulations is grounds for a student’s dismissal from
school.
The Student
The student is in school to learn, to be formed and informed, to grow in faith, hope, and love. Their
intellectual faculties shall be developed in school and their spiritual life shall be strengthened. Children
who attend Catholic school shall be recognized by their courtesy. This includes, but is not limited to
greeting visitors with ease, making introductions properly, the use of good manners, proper respect for
faculty and staff at all times, deference to other people and thoughtful consideration for
PARENT VOLUNTEERS We welcome parents who wish to volunteer to help in our school. If you would like to take advantage of
this unique opportunity to be of service, please contact the principal or your child’s teacher. Please
remember that all adults, even parent volunteers, must first report to the office prior to going to a
classroom. All volunteers must have received parent volunteer training including child abuse
VIRTUS training and a criminal background check prior to volunteering in the school. Only
trained parent volunteers are allowed in classrooms. This is a mandatory requirement of the Diocese
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of Savannah. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. VIRTUS is a free training offered through the
Diocese of Savannah. Volunteer background checks will be charged a $15 processing fee due at time of
application.
PARTIES & STUDENT BIRTHDAYS The school will have classroom parties to celebrate the following Catholic Holidays: All Saints Day,
Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. It is imperative that instructional time is protected. Birthday
Celebrations: Invitations brought to school must be distributed to the entire class or all girls/boys. These
guidelines must be followed or invitations will be returned. If you wish to send small birthday treats for
each student, please receive prior approval from the teacher. Birthday treats will be passed out at lunch
time and must be packaged individually for ease of distribution. Balloons and flowers sent to the
student cannot be accepted. We request your support in all these matters in order to prevent any child
from being excluded.
PLACEMENT 5050 POLICY: The principal, after consultation with the parents and teacher(s), will be responsible for
making the final decision on the placement of a student.
The secondary school (High Schools) will develop and publish written policies and regulations for student
placement, course credits, and graduation requirements. Students and parents should be made aware of
and understand both policy and regulations.
SCHOOL PROCEDURES:
Students will be placed in the proper grade according to their age. All new students in grades K -8th must
take an entrance exam to help determine placement. The fee for the entrance exam is $50. Any parent
requesting a placement other than prescribed herein must present that request to the principal in writing,
within 10 days of the first day of enrollment. The principal will evaluate the request using all available
information and make the final decision regarding placement.
PRESCHOOL The preschool program at Immaculate Conception Catholic School is not licensed by Bright from the
Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning. Furthermore, the program at Immaculate
Conception Catholic School is not required to be licensed by the state of Georgia. The preschool program
at Immaculate Conception Catholic School is monitored and directed by the Catholic Schools Office of
the Diocese of Savannah.
PROMOTION/RETENTION 6130 POLICY:
A student shall be considered for promotion if the following standards are met:
Kindergarten (1) Mastery of reading readiness skills and math skills.
(2) Regular attendance/less than 16 absences.
Lower (1) Mastery of reading and math skills at the assigned grade level.
(2) Regular attendance/less than 16 absences.
Upper (1) A passing final grade in Reading and Math.
(2) Regular attendance/less than 16 absences.
A student may be retained once in kindergarten through third grade and once in fourth through eighth
grade.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
A student will be considered for promotion only if the following standards are met:
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1. Mastery of reading readiness skills and math skills for kindergarten. No more than 16 absences
for the year.
2. Mastery of reading and math skills as evidenced by passing final grades at the assigned grade
level for grades 1-8. No more than 16 absences for the year.
A student may be retained once in kindergarten through third grade and once in fourth through
eighth grade.
PUPIL RECORDS 5150 POLICY: Student records are confidential and will be open only to members of the professional staff,
custodial parent or guardian, or to the student upon request.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
All pupil cumulative records will be kept in the office. Parents may request to see their child’s records
through an appointment with the Principal. Parents requesting copies of student records or forms must
have their tuition paid in full for the school year and must pay a $25 Records Copy Fee. Records copy
requests typically take 5-7 business days to complete.
REGISTRATION 5030 POLICY: Each school in the Diocese will have its own particular regulations regarding placement,
parish involvement, and payment of tuition and fees. These regulations shall be on file in the Catholic
Schools Office, and adhered to for all applicants.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Parents need to bring the completed Georgia three-point screening form 3300 (eye, ear, dental), the
Georgia Immunization form 3231, and birth certificate The last report card and name and address of the
previous school are essential. Students entering grades K-8 will be required to take an entrance test. A fee
for this assessment of $50 is required. Upon review of all records and/or interview with past school
officials, the principal will make the final determination for admission.
Preschool Registration: Children are eligible for enrollment in our preschool program if they have
reached their third or fourth birthdays by September 1st. Preschool students must be potty trained before
starting in our program.
Kindergarten Registration: Children are eligible for enrollment in Kindergarten
if they have reached their fifth birthday by September 1st.
First Grade Registration: Children are eligible for enrollment in First Grade if
they have reached their sixth birthday by September 1st and successfully completed Kindergarten.
REGISTRATION AND FEES
(NON-REFUNDABLE)
$500.00 REGISTRATION- ALL GRADES
$50.00 ENTRANCE ASSESSMENT-K-8TH GRADES and SPED
Each student will only receive one discount off of his/her tuition rate. The school will always apply the
higher discount. Discounts available include: multi-child discounts, lock-in discounts, and military
discounts.
Catholic Rate: Families wishing to qualify for the Catholic tuition rate, must obtain a letter from their
pastor that states that either the parents and/or the child is an active parishioner at the parish. Letters must
27
be submitted to the school before the Catholic rate can be applied. Upon registering, families have two
weeks to get the letter to the school.
The steps for registering at Immaculate Conception Catholic School are as follows:
New Families:
1. Contact the school to set up an appointment to meet with the principal. Make sure to bring all prior
report cards, IEPs, and testing information to this meeting.
2. Set up a follow-up appointment to have the student(s) complete the entrance assessment. The cost
of the assessment is $50 per child. The assessment usually takes an hour.
3. After testing, a determination will be made as to which program best suits the academic needs of
the student(s).
4. Complete the application for enrollment, pay the $500 registration fee per child, sign the tuition
contract.
Returning Families: 5. Complete the application for re-enrollment. Pay the $500 registration fee, sign the tuition
contract.
RELIGIOUS AND PATRIOTIC OBSERVANCE 5260 POLICY: School personnel in the diocesan schools are urged to recognize in their programs those
religious and patriotic/civic observances regarded as significant by the Church and the local community.
The flag of the United States of America should be displayed within and outside the school building.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE: The flag of the United States is on display outside of the school as well as in
each classroom. A crucifix and a statue of Mary are also on display in each classroom. Immaculate
Conception Catholic School emphasizes Catholic not secular observances.
Sacramental Program The sacramental program at Immaculate Conception Catholic School is part of the total parish program
and requires parent participation. The grade for sacrament reception is First Reconciliation & First
Communion-Grade 2. Students must be a baptized Catholic in order to receive first reconciliation
and first communion. A copy of the baptismal certificate must be kept on file at the school.
Religious Activities
The religious formation of students and faculty involves more than the formal classes in Catholic
doctrine. Both are given opportunities to practice their faith. Students of other faiths are expected to
attend and participate in all religious activities that are held for the Immaculate Conception Catholic
School/Most Holy Trinity community. Among these activities are:
(1) Communal prayer three times daily.
(2) The celebration of the Eucharist by the entire Immaculate Conception Community every Wednesday
and on special, specified holiday days.
(3) Penance services during Advent and Lent.
(4) Numerous opportunities to serve the less fortunate members of the Augusta community.
Parents are expected to fully accept that Immaculate Conception Catholic School will teach in its
entirety Catholic doctrine, Catholic morality, the Catholic Sacraments, Catholic precepts, and the
Catholic faith.
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REPORTING CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT/VIRTUS 5230 POLICY: All teaching and support staff are required by state law to report any suspected child abuse
or neglect. The educator’s role is not to investigate or verify the situation but to report the suspected abuse,
setting in motion the process of getting help for the child.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
All faculty, staff, parents volunteering at the school, and other employees of the diocese, church, or school
will be required to undergo the following:
A criminal background check
VIRTUS child safety program
Any person who has reasonable suspicion that a child has been the victim of child abuse will immediately
make a report to the principal or pastor. The principal will evaluate the information available and make
reports to the proper authorities.
REQUESTS FOR REPORT CARD COPIES, TEST SCORES, MAGNET
SCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS, SCHOOL RECORDS, OR OTHER
SCHOOL FORMS/INPUT Parents or guardians requesting any type of documentation or form to be filled out/copied/processed by
the school must give the school at least 7-10 days to complete the request. All forms and requests are to
be submitted to the front office, not individual teachers. No requests will be completed unless the tuition
owed to the school has been paid in its entirety for the year and the family’s account has a zero balance.
Records requests from other educational institutions for student records will not be processed by the
school, until the financial obligations outlined in the current tuition agreement and any additional
accumulated fees are paid in full by the family.
SCHOLARSHIPS/FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Immaculate Conception Catholic School accepts several outside scholarships including: AAA
Scholarship, Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, and Arete Scholarship.
In addition, the school may award families showing documented financial need GRACE Scholarships,
Diocesan Scholarships, or Special Needs Scholarships. All families requesting financial assistance must
apply online at: https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3SPDW
Families awarded scholarships/financial assistance must maintain good attendance, volunteer for a
minimum of 10 hours during the school year, and keep their financial accounts with the school current.
Families awarded scholarships must understand that students will lose their scholarship/financial
assistance if they are withdrawn from the school for any reason before the end of the school year, and that
families will then be responsible for paying to the school the entire contracted tuition amount.
SCHOOL HOURS 6020 POLICY: The length of the school day should be set in such a manner that is not less than state and/or
accrediting agency requirements and shall be set to meet all curriculum needs.
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SCHOOL PROCEDURE: School hours are from 8:15 a.m. until 3:15 p.m. Students will be allowed to enter the building beginning
at 7:30am each morning without charge and at 7:00am as part of before care. Students should be dropped
off no later than 8:15am in order to be in their classrooms on time. When a child comes to school late
(after the 8:15am bell), a parent must sign the child in at the office.
Picture identification will be required of all adults signing children out early.
Students not picked up by 3:30p.m.will be placed in afterschool and a fee will be charged to the
family.
SCHOOL SPONSORED CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS 6200 POLICY: Co-curricular activities afford students the opportunity to develop interests, to enhance
socialization and to provide activities for enrichment. Where feasible, a variety of co-curricular activities,
suitable to the age and needs of the students, will be offered.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Immaculate Conception hosts a variety of clubs for students to participate in during the school year. Clubs
run on a six week cycle. Information regarding clubs will be sent home as it becomes available.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE 5170 POLICY: Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Savannah will comply with the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act, Final Rule on Educational Records, Public Law 93-308 as modified by SB 105,
Article 5, Privacy of Pupil Records, which reads:
Police Officers, upon the authority of a search warrant, may make a search of that part of the school
premises described in the search warrant, and school officials should cooperate in performing such a
service.
Every effort shall be made to conduct searches in a manner that will minimize a disruption of the normal
school routine, and minimize embarrassment to the pupil(s) affected.
School officials may at any time conduct such searches as are essential to the safety, health, and well being
of the students, and to secure discipline and sound administration of the particular school.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
All lockers/desks, which are provided for the student’s use, are the property of the school and may be
searched without the user’s consent if there is reasonable cause to do so. Conversely, however, neither a
student’s person nor his/her personal property, i.e. purse, book bag, etc. may be legally searched. If there
is reasonable cause to suspect the need for such a search, the student will be asked to make the contents of
his/her personal property known by emptying same in the presence of administration. Should the student
refuse to do so, the parents will be contacted for support. If the latter refuse to cooperate in this “search,”
the student will be required to withdraw from school and/or law enforcement will be called.
STUDENT RELEASE DURING SCHOOL DAY Immaculate Conception shall not release students to individuals other than custodial parent(s)/guardian(s)
without written permission except in emergency situations whereby the Principal at his/her discretion may
release the student upon verbal request of the custodial parent. It is the responsibility of the custodial
parent(s)/guardian(s) to notify the school when their child will be picked up by anyone other than those
on file in the child’s record. Anyone signing out a student must present picture identification. This
requirement is necessary for the safety of our students. Students cannot be checked out of classrooms
until the person checking them out arrives on campus.
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TEXTBOOKS/LIBRARY BOOKS 6040 POLICY: Books and instructional materials for Religious Education and Sacramental programs
must be approved by the Diocese of Savannah. Instructional materials for other disciplines will be
selected by the individual school administrator(s). The selection shall be consistent with the philosophy
of instruction and in accordance with the regulations from the Catholic Schools Office.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Textbooks and instructional materials are chosen based on their relevance to our curriculum, input from
the faculty and approval from the Diocese of Savannah. Hardback textbooks are issued to each student by
the teachers, in the appropriate grade levels. At the end of the year the teacher will examine these, and if
at this time the student has so misused a book, he will be required to pay for it. Any time a book is lost,
the student must pay for it before another book may be issued to him. To ensure proper care of books,
each student is responsible for having books covered by the second week of school. Book bags are
required for all students. Textbooks (hard and soft cover) must be covered and kept in good condition.
DO NOT USE CONTACT PAPER ON HARD COVER BOOKS. Students are required to bring proper
books to each class.
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES When transportation arrangements are altered, please notify the office through a note. When
transportation changes are altered during the school day, parents must fax or email a written request to the
school along with a copy of a photo ID. Transportation changes should be requested prior to 2:45 p.m.
No student will be permitted to ride in a private vehicle without written consent of the student’s parent.
NO VERBAL PERMISSION for private transportation will be approved.
TUITION/FEES/PAYMENT 5030 POLICY: Each school in the Diocese will have its own particular regulations regarding placement,
parish involvement, and payment of tuition and fees. These regulations shall be on file in the Catholic
Schools Office, and adhered to for all applicants.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Tuition policies and rates are set annually by the School Advisory Board. Immaculate Conception Catholic
School offers three types of tuition rates: a Catholic rate, a Non-Catholic rate, and a special education rate.
Parents or legal guardians of ICCS students requesting the Catholic rate must provide the school with a
letter from their pastor on church letterhead that acknowledges their active parishioner status. Letters are
due to the school office within two weeks of registering at the school.
Tuition is due in its entirety on August 1st of each school year. The school, knowing that many
families cannot afford to pay the entire tuition amount up front, work with families to set up tuition
payment plans. Parents unable to pay the entire amount of tuition on or by August 1st may choose to make
10 equal payments from August 1st until May 1st. Tuition/Fees must be paid by the 1st day of each month
from August to May. A late charge of $50 will be assessed per student for payments not received by the
5th of each month. Holidays and weekends do not excuse a family from paying tuition on time.
Payments still not received by the 15th of the month will result in a letter being sent by the school to the
parent(s) in an effort to rectify the nonpayment situation.
Tuition/fees not paid in full by the end of the month will result in forfeiture of all prior paid fees
and possible disenrollment from the school.
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Monthly tuition payments must be made through FACTS. (See FACTS set-up form)
Any returned checks or non-sufficient payments will be assessed an additional $50 fee and will
result in all further monetary transactions for the family being in the form of a certified bank
check, postal money order, cash and/or credit card.
Parents must understand that as a requisite of enrollment, a tuition contract must be signed and kept on
file by the school. By signing the tuition contract parents understand that they are liable for the entire
tuition amount for the school year regardless of whether they attend the school for the entire school year.
By agreeing to pay tuition and fees to the school, parents also understand that Immaculate Conception
Catholic School will be entitled to recover from parents its reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in
enforcing the tuition agreement and all outstanding principal and interest then due and payable, in
accordance with O.C.G.A. § 13-1-11.
All tuition and fees paid to the school are nonrefundable.
VISITORS 6070 POLICY: Parents, guardians, agents, and others having legitimate business with the school shall be
informed to make appointments at a mutually convenient time so classes will not be interrupted.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE:
Parents and visitors are always welcome at Immaculate Conception Catholic School. We do ask all
parents, visitors, and guests to sign in at the office. Parents are welcome to eat lunch with their children.
However, they must remain in the cafeteria area. Parents are not allowed in classrooms during
instructional time unless they are volunteering at the request of the teacher. We do not allow unannounced
drop-in visits or classroom observations for both student safety and student confidentiality reasons.
Teacher and classroom observations are conducted by the administration of the school under the guidance
and approval of the superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Savannah. No one is allowed to visit
areas inside the school building without approval from the administration. Parents are not allowed in
hallways between 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. without permission from the office. This is very important so
that instructional time is protected, as well as for security reasons. We must make sure that all students are
safe while at school.
WALKERS We discourage students from walking to and from school because of traffic and safety. It is preferred that
all students ride in a car. Any issues concerning transportation and walking to school must be discussed
with the principal. Any student walking to/from school must have approval from the principal.
WITHDRAWAL Parents should notify their child’s teacher and the school office at least one day before the day of
withdrawal from Immaculate Conception Catholic School. Parents must understand that as a requisite of
enrollment, a tuition contract must be signed and kept on file by the school. By signing the tuition
contract parents understand that they are liable for the entire tuition amount for the school year regardless
of whether they attend the school for the entire school year. Withdrawing before the end of the school
year does not negate the Tuition Contract that was signed. Families who have students who are expelled
from the school due to grievous policy violations are still responsible for paying the entire tuition amount
for the year.
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PARENT- STUDENT HANDBOOK ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I ____________________________, AS THE PARENT OR GUARDIAN OF THE
FOLLOWING IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS:
1.________________________________
2.________________________________
3.________________________________
4.________________________________
HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK ISSUED TO
ME AND MY CHILD.
FURTHERMORE, WE HEREBY AGREE TO ABIDE BY AND FOLLOW ALL THE
PROVISIONS, RULES, AND POLICIES OUTLINED WITH THE HANDBOOK.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT BY ATTENDING IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL
WE ARE EXPECTED TO FULLY ACCEPT THAT THE SCHOOL WILL TEACH IN ITS ENTIRETY
CATHOLIC DOCTORINE, CATHOLIC MORALITY, THE CATHOLIC SACRAMENTS, CATHOLIC
PRECEPTS, AND THE CATHOLIC FAITH.
LASTLY, WE AGREE THAT OUR ABOVE AGREEMENTS ARE A CONDITION FOR
ENROLLMENT AND THE FAILURE TO ABIDE BY THESE PROVISIONS MAY
JEOPARDIZE THE ENROLLMENT STATUS AND REQUIRE WITHDRAWAL FROM
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC SCHOOL.
STUDENT SIGNATURE:_______________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE:_______________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE:_______________________________
STUDENT SIGNATURE:_______________________________
PARENT SIGNATURE:________________________________ DATE:___________________