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School Handbook

S A IN T M A RY

’ S

C AT H O L I C

S C H O O L

For Students and Parents

2013 Revision

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Mission Statement

Saint Mary’s School is a community founded in Catholic tradition and committed to creating a Christ-centered learn-ing environment in which we proclaim the Word of God, share in the Eucharist, and model the gospel values through our actions, service and the way we live our lives.

We provide an educational center in which both children and adults are valued, respected and appreciated for their di-verse abilities and talents. We nurture the spiritual, intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth of the individual within an integrated curriculum.

Philosophy of Learning

As builders of the faith community of Saint Mary’s School, we believe learning is the process of acquiring and ap-plying knowledge, thinking critically to solve problems, and stimulating curiosity through inquiry and discovery. We encourage learning through a multi-sensory approach that encompasses basic skills acquisition, higher level thinking, and collaboration within an integrated curriculum.

We recognize diverse learning styles among our students and strive to differentiate instruction so that creativity is fostered and individual needs are addressed.

Our Christ-centered approach to learning encourages responsibility, accountability, respect, and above all compassion for one another. We endeavor to instill within the child and the community a life-long love of learning rooted in Catho-lic values and the conviction to follow them.

Parental Role

The Catholic Church recognizes parents as the primary educators of their children. The Catholic School exists to as-sist parents in the Christian formation of their children. In this handbook, the term parent refers not only to a student’s natural or adopted parent, but to a student’s non-parental legal guardian or to any person authorized to act in place of parents.

Parents are expected to display an attitude of respect and support toward the school, the staff, and the educational process by:

• Supporting the school’s mission and commitment to Christian principles;

• Supporting the school policies as outlined the school handbook and regulations. In addition, parents are to ensure their son/daughter has read this handbook.

• Participating fully in school programs that are developed to support the education of their children;

• Remaining informed about and involved in the religious instruction of their children.

In the event a parent desires to discuss a problem with their child’s teacher, the parent should make an appointment for a private meeting with the child’s teacher. Teachers welcome the opportunity to discuss a matter of concern with parents before it becomes an actual problem. Any parent who wishes to speak with the principal may do so, but after an initial meeting with the classroom teacher.

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If a parent repeatedly or seriously violates proper school protocol, displays inappropriate or disruptive conduct towards students, or displays disrespectful disruptive or harassing behavior toward teachers, school, parish or diocesan staff, the school may take corrective action. Such corrective action may include, at the discretion of the principal and the pastor of the parish, the following:

• Imposition of particular rules or procedures the parent must follow in interacting with the school and its stu-dents and staff;

• Restriction or termination of the parent’s access to school or parish property;

• Dismissal of the parent’s child(ren).

The school may impose other appropriate corrective action, without prior recourse, based upon the nature of the par-ent’s conduct and the surrounding circumstances

Non-Catholic Students

The presence of students from other faiths provides a wonderful diversity to the school. However, the presence of non-Catholic students in the school shall not alter the primacy of Catholic religious formation as an integral component of the educational program in the school. As such:

• • Non-Catholic students are expected to participate in the religious formation and education programs of the school.

• • Non-Catholic students must participate in liturgies, retreats, other religious functions, and religion classes for credit.

• • Non-Catholic students may be exempt from formal co-curricular or extra curricular sacramental preparation programs, but not from the catechesis held during the school day.

Students are expected, for testing and discussion purposes, to be knowledgeable of the Catholic Church's positions on scripture, revelation and moral practices. While Catholic teaching respects the various faith traditions of the students attending the Catholic school, parents must be aware that it is the Catholic position that will be taught.

In light of the unique situations which may arise in the educational process, and because it is impossible to foresee all school issues that arise, the faculty and administration reserve the right to address and to take appropriate action for any such situations not specifically referenced in this manual. In addition, in view of the unique and essential religious mis-sion of the School, it is expressly understood that the school may take actions in cases where moral offenses occur which reflect adversely on the school, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond or the Roman Catholic Church, or which interfere with the ability of the school to perform its religious mission or to effectively maintain the intimate working relation-ship of the school and the Community of Faith.1

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students

Saint Mary’s Catholic School, Richmond admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It doesnot dis-criminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school administrated policies.

1 Saint Mary’s Catholic School greatly appreciates and recognizes handbook passages from the Arlington Diocese’s Office of Catholic Schools handbook template and other passages found in the Paul VI Catholic High School Student Handbook and Calendar 2008-2009.

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Mission Statement ...............................................iPhilosophy of Learning ......................................iParental Role .........................................................iNon-Catholic Students ...................................... iiNotice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Stu-

dents .................................................................. iiSpiritual Development .......................................1

Prayer 1Sacraments 1First Eucharist 1 Service and Justice 1

Academics .............................................................3Curriculum 3Homework 3 Middle School Homework Policy 4Report Cards/Grading System 5Interim Progress Reports

for 4th through 8th Grades 7Retention 7Graduation Requirements 8 Honor Roll 8Honors Recognition (Grades 4-8) 8 Middle School Differentiation 9Criteria for Placement in

8th Grade Algebra 9Assessment Policy 10Awards 12President’s Award for

Academic Excellence (8th Grade) 12Student Council 12

Student Responsibilities and Behavior .........13Playground Procedures 13Library Policies and Procedures 13Lunch Procedures 13 Computer Policies 14Discipline 14Demerit Policy and Procedures 14Irresponsible Behavior 16Suspension/Expulsion 17Petitions, Surveys, Sit-ins, Strikes, etc. 18Electronics 18Textbooks 18

School Operations .............................................19Emergency School Closing 19School Hours 19Early Dismissal Days 19School Visitations 19Car Riders 20Walkers 20Fire Drills 20Lost and Found 20Parties 21Telephone 21Elevator 21Bell Schedule 21Food Allergy Procedures 22

Administrative Procedures ..............................23Parent/Teacher Conferences 23Medical and Insurance 23

Parent Responsibility .......................................25Attendance 25Uniforms 27Dress Code 31Tuition / Refund 31Withdrawal 31School Records 32Transcript Requests 32

Saint Mary’s School After School Care Program .........................33

Philosophy and Goal: 33ASC Phone Number: 33Staff: 33Registration: 33Hours: 33Pick up: 33Snacks and lunch: 33Medication: 33Discipline: 33

Appendix - Letter of Notification - Asbestos ...............35

Appendix - Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Grades 1 to 5 ..36

Appendix - Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Grades 6 to 8 ..38

Appendix - Student Insurance Policy Information ......................41

Appendix - Student Insurance Claim Form ..45Appendix - Diocesan

Grading Scale Announcement .....................47

Contents

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Spiritual Development

The first priority of any Catholic education program is to communicate God’s message of love and to encourage every member of the community to share this message through worship and service to our brothers and sisters. Catholic education exists to assist the young in maturing in courage and knowl-edge to enable them to proclaim the truth as taught by Jesus Christ through his Church.

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, perse-vere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

The primary purpose of Saint Mary’s Catholic School is to foster student growth in the values of the Gospel. We envision a faith filled community including students, parents, families, faculty, staff, admin-istrators, parishes and others associated with the school, which influences the students to become more perfect images of God in Whose image they are created.

Prayer

The foundation of growth in spiritual maturity is built upon prayer. Authentic Faith seeks God’s will and direction in prayer and is expressed in love of others. Scholastic achievements, athletic com-petitions, artistic expressions, service given to others are incomplete unless they are pursued for the glory of God. Saint Mary’s students will participate in prayer throughout the day. An emphasis will be placed on praying in community, including opportunities for parents and families to pray together.

Sacraments

The central reality of any Catholic Community is the Eucharist. Above all things Saint Mary’s strives to be centered in the great mystery of the Eucharist. To this end the Eucharist is celebrated weekly (typically Wednesdays) as a school community during a regularly scheduled daily Mass. Stu-dents in grades 2 – 8 will attend the weekly Mass regularly. Students younger than grade 2 will attend at the direction of their teachers. School Masses will also be scheduled for Holy Days of Obligation with appropriate modifications of the daily schedule.

First Eucharist

It is the practice of the Diocese of Richmond to prepare children and celebrate their First Eucharist as the function of the student’s home parish. Saint Mary’s School supports this preparation for the sac-rament with concurrent Religious Education. Parents should check with their parish’s Pastor to learn the procedures and requirements of the parish for preparation and celebration of First Eucharist. In the Diocese of Richmond, First Eucharist is most often celebrated when students are in second grade.

Service and Justice

Through the evidence of this service, you are glorifying God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ and the generosity of your contribution to them and to all others, while in prayer on your behalf they long for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:13-15

The fruit of a mature Christian life centered in prayer and the sacraments is service to our brothers and sisters and most especially to the poorest of the poor and the persecuted. It is in acts of charity

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that love of God is made more than words and the dignity of each and every individual is recognized. Each student at Saint Mary’s will be required to participate in meaningful service to others. Serving the needs of their fellow students, their parishes and faith communities and most especially the poor and the persecuted offers each student the unique opportunity to experience Christ in others.

Students in grades Pre-School Preparation to 5 will participate in service projects under the direction of the faculty. Although no specific requirements are established for service, participation in alms giv-ing, helping others and social justice projects is encouraged.

Students in grades 6 – 8 (Middle School) are expected to participate in meaningful service to others. Each year, students are required to complete 25 hours of service. Students must complete the service and write a reflection on their experience to receive credit toward the requirement. Specific guidelines and requirements will be provided.

While service to others is central to our faith, it is also important to protect students from harm. All service must be properly supervised under the watchful eye of the parents. Under no circumstances are students to solicit (i.e., sell to others, neighbors, etc.). All safe environment guidelines must be followed. Please check with the School if there are any questions.

Failure to serve others while a member of the Saint Mary’s School community is contrary to our core beliefs and practices. Therefore, any student not completing each year’s service requirements will not earn promotion to the next grade. A signed report card with notation of promotion will not be issued, and transcript grades (all subjects) will reflect an incomplete for the year.

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Academics

Curriculum

Early Childhood Education

Saint Mary’s offers a two day early childhood education program for students who reach their 3rd birthday by March 15th. A three day program is offered for those students who reach the age of 3 by September 30th. A pre-Kindergarten program (either 4 day or 5 day) is offered for students who reach the age of 4 by September 30th. These programs are learning readiness programs designed to teach the student the pre-requisite skills necessary for success in Kindergarten. An emphasis is placed on play while developmental milestones are monitored.

Primary Education (Kindergarten – Grade 5)

The primary curriculum follows the Diocesan prescribed consensus curriculum (found on the Dioc-esan web site). It is a rigorous curriculum that meets national standards and is evaluated by the Terra Nova standardized tests given in grades 1, 3 and 5. The curriculum includes Language Arts (Reading and Writing), Mathematics, Science Social Studies and Religion. Instruction includes foreign language introductory classes (French in grades K, 2, 4 and 5 and Spanish in grades 1, 3 and 5), Library, Tech-nology, Physical Education, Music and Art. An emphasis is placed on moral and character develop-ment. Classes are grouped heterogeneously and teachers are encouraged to share resources by planning together on grade level. Instruction is differentiated with a variety of strategies. Remedial strategies include the availability of a “pull-out” resource teacher.

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme

Saint Mary’s was authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Year’s Program (IB MYP) in July of 2008. This program of rigorous instruction is provided to all students in grades 6, 7 and 8. Saint Mary’s follows both the Diocesan consensus curriculum for grades 6 – 8 as well as the IB standards for curriculum and instruction. In grade 6, the first year of the IB MYP, students are grouped heterogeneously and are required to take Religion, Mathematics, Humanities [Social Stud-ies]; Writing and Grammar, Literature and Vocabulary [IB Language A], Science, Technology, Music, Art, and Physical Education. In grade 7, students are differentiated by Mathematics Achievement and offered either Math 7 or Pre-algebra. In grade 8, students are again differentiated by Mathematics achievement. Options in grade 8 include an Algebra plus Earth Science sequence, or a Math 8 and Sci-ence 8 sequence.

In addition to the core subject requirements, students must complete 25 hours of service to others each of the three years of middle school.

Homework

Homework is an important part of your child’s education and is taken into consideration as part of your child’s overall grade. It reinforces the learning process which takes place at school and helps the child grow in accepting responsibility. We encourage parents to help establish strong study habits. Par-ents are also requested to monitor homework by reviewing it regularly.

Minimum time allotments for homework are as follows:

Kindergarten 25 minutes per day

Grades 1 and 2 35 minutes per day

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Grade 3 55 minutes per day

Grades 4 and 5 80 minutes per day

Grades 6 – 8 Subject dependent, check with teachers

Middle School Homework Policy

There is an expectation that good homework habits have been established and practiced by 6th grade. Students are held responsible for completing homework assignments routinely, consistently practicing the material learned in class, and independently studying for assessments. In an effort to assist students understand the importance of punctual completion of assignments; the following procedure is in place. Parents are asked to support the development of their child’s responsible behavior by assisting students with independent completion of assignments and reinforcing the value of consistently completing as-signed homework.

When a student fails to complete a homework assignment on time, they will be issued notice to report to the “9th period” homework room the following day. A copy of the notice should be presented to parents by the student the day of the infraction so that arrangements can be made to pick up the student from the homework room the following day. Students are assigned to the “9th period” from 2:50 to 3:30 PM.

The homework room will be supervised by a middle school teacher. It is important to note that the homework room is not punishment, but rather an attempt to instill good habits. The importance of completing homework on time will be emphasized with a mandatory attendance policy. Parents are requested to assist the student in re-arranging schedules, cancelling appointments and generally making attendance a priority should a homework assignment be neglected.

In the event that the student completes the homework assignment the evening prior to attending the homework room, the student will be expected to complete current day assignments during the assigned homework room attendance time. The purpose of requiring students to attend the homework room is to develop a sense of responsibility by placing an importance on the time needed to complete assign-ments.

From time to time, circumstances will require students to miss the assigned homework room. Failure to attend an assigned homework room will automatically result in a one day at home suspension. The original notice to report to a homework room session will serve as notice to the parents of suspension should the student fail to attend the assigned homework room session.

Immediate consequences for behavior is the ideal. The following timeframe is an example of how this homework encouragement will be implemented:

A student who does not complete a homework assignment on Tuesday will be given a notice to take home Tuesday afternoon. The assigned homework room session will be scheduled for Wednesday from 2:50 to 3:30 PM. Failure to attend the Wednesday session will be followed by a call home from the homework room teacher notifying the parents that the student is suspended and must stay home on Thursday. All work missed on Thursday will follow the usual procedure for missing work due to suspension.

The consequences of missing a homework assignment have a severe impact on academic achieve-ment. Students who routinely complete homework assignments

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Report Cards/Grading System

The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Richmond has mandated the use of standardized report cards for grades K - 8. Guidelines for report cards are specified by grade level. Please see Ap-pendix for the OCS announcement regarding grading scale.

Pre-Kindergarten

Pre-Kindergarten report cards are locally issued two times a year. The first at midterm, followed by a conference, and the second at the end of the year.

The following grading system is used in Pre-Kindergarten:

S – grade appropriate

N – needs time to develop

Grades K - 5

Report cards for grades K-8 are issued four times a year on a nine-week basis. The appropriate grad-ing systems used are:

Kindergarten

First Quarter – no grades are reported allowing for an extended period of time for students to be-come acclimated to the Kindergarten routine. This extended evaluation period also allows teachers to better assess the developmental level of each student and evaluate the student’s performance.

Skills in need of improvement are marked with an X.

Second, Third and Fourth Quarter – Grades are posted utilizing the following grading scale.

Grading Scale:

E Exceeds skill level – indicates that the student is consistently performing above average work

P Progressing in skills – indicates that the student is consistently performing work that is appropri-ate for their grade level

I Improvement needed in skills – indicates that a students needs improvement in a certain area

-- Not Introduced – Skill will be introduced at another time.

* Denotes working above Level.

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1st and 2nd Grade

Grading Scale for Major Subjects:

M Mastery

P Progressing

I Needs Improvement

This is a grading scale based on development of skills. These grades should not be equated to per-centage of correct responses, but rather to reaching assessment criteria based on mastery of skills.

Grading Scale for Study Skills / Resource subjects

S Satisfies Expectations

I Needs Improvement

All skills in need of improvement are marked with an X.

3rd through 5th Grades

Major subjects use the alphabetical codes in the grading scale noted below.

Resource subjects, self discipline / conduct and study skills use the grading scale noted below.

All skills in need of improvement are marked with an X.

Grading Scale for Major Subjects:

A+ = 97 – 100 A = 93 – 96 A- = 90 – 92

B+ = 87 – 90 B = 83 – 86 B- = 80 – 82

C+ = 77 – 79 C = 73 – 76 C- = 70 – 72

D+ = 67 – 69 D = 63 – 66 D- = 60 – 62

F = 59 & Below

Grading Scale for Resource Subjects, Self-Discipline & Study Skills:

E Exceeds expectations

S Satisfactory

I Improvement Needed

U Unsatisfactory

-- Not taught

* Denotes working above grade level

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6th through 8th Grades

Resource subjects use the Alphabetical codes in the grading scale.

Major subjects use the numerical grades from the grading scale.

The block for each quarter is divided into two sections, the top section is for the grade, and the bot-tom section is for comments.

Grading Scale for Major Subjects and Resources:

A+ = 97 – 100 A = 93 – 96 A- = 90 – 92

B+ = 87 – 90 B = 83 – 86 B- = 80 – 82

C+ = 77 – 79 C = 73 – 76 C- = 70 – 72

D+ = 67 – 69 D = 63 – 66 D- = 60 – 62

F = 59 & Below

Interim Progress Reports for 4th through 8th Grades

Progress reports are issued midway through the grading period in all four quarters. It is the responsibility of the student with the support of their parents to take necessary steps toward improve-ments before the report card is issued.

Retention

A student may be retained based on any of the following criteria:

Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten

• Lack of progress attained in the teacher’s ongoing evaluation during the school year

• Immaturity based on : 1) distractibility 2) attention span 3) large motor skills 4) social devel-opment 5) visual perception and/or eye-hand coordination

Primary Level (Grades 1-3)

• Being one year or more below grade level, especially in areas of reading and mathematics, se-quencing and ordering, and logical thought processes

• Being below grade level or failure in mathematics and language arts

• Failing in three or more subjects

• Upon consultation with parents, a child may be retained for borderline academic achievement and/or immaturity.

Intermediate / Middle School Level (Grades 4-8)

• Having an “F” yearly average in Language Arts and Mathematics

• Having an “F” yearly average in Language Arts or Mathematics and failing to complete the

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course satisfactorily during summer school

• Having an “F” yearly average in three of the following subject areas: Language Arts, Math-ematics, Science and/or Social Studies

• Promotion to the next grade is contingent upon completion and receiving credit for the re-quired number of service hours.

Graduation Requirements

To receive a Saint Mary’s school diploma, a student must have successfully completed the required course of study as prescribed by the school. In meeting this requirement, students must have a passing grade in Language Arts (inclusive of Literature, Grammar, Writing and Vocabulary), Mathematics and Religion. In addition, no more than one other subject (Foreign Language, Science, Social Studies, Tech-nology, Physical Education and the Arts (Music and Art) can receive a grade below D-. Graduation is contingent upon completing and received credit for the required number of service hours for each year in attendance at Saint Mary’s, grades 6 – 8. The Saint Mary’s Diploma notes the completion of the third year of the IB Middle Years Programme.

Honor Roll

Academic achievement will be recognized by placement on the Honor Roll each quarter for grades 4-8. Eligibility for Honor Roll will be determined by the following:

Grade 4 - 5

First Honors

All “A’s” in the major academic subject areas and no grade of “I” in any resource class.

Second Honors

All “A’s” and “B’s” in the major academic subject areas and no grade of “I” in any resource class.

Middle School

First Honors

90 or above in the major academic subject areas and no grade below a “B-” in any resource class.

Second Honors

80 or above in the major academic subject areas and no grade below a “C-” in any resource class.

Honors Recognition (Grades 4-8)

Students who have a straight “A” final average in the major subject areas will receive an Honor Roll Certificate at the end of the year.

Achievement Recognition (Grade 3)

At the end of the year, students with final average of “A” in major academic areas will receive an achievement certificate.

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Middle School Differentiation

In sixth grade, students select a foreign language that they will pursue for three years. Either French or Spanish may be selected. At the completion of the three years, students will take an examination of-fered by the Diocese to qualify for a high school credit.

Also in sixth grade, students are not locked into a “track” and are considered for seventh grade place-ment equally from both classes. The classes remain intact for all classes, providing a more consistent environment for the first year of middle school.

In seventh grade, heterogeneous groupings continue. During the seventh grade year, students are evaluated for 8th grade placement in “honors” programs.

In eighth grade, students take 4 high school credit course; 1) Foreign Language, 2) World History, 3) Algebra, and 4) Earth Science. High School credit is awarded by the Diocese in each of these subject areas after successful completion of the course and passing the Diocesan examination in the subject area. Students are selected for “honors” Algebra and, if selected for the “honors” Algebra course are concurrently placed in the advanced Earth Science class. The distinction between the High School level courses and the more advanced courses primarily deals with the pace of the course. Students in the advanced courses are expected to have high achievement with minimal support, both teacher and parent. Only the Diocesan Algebra test differentiates between high school level and “honors” level. In the event the course is completed with a cumulative grade that is passing, but a Diocesan examination is failed, the student’s final grade calculated absent the final examination and 8th grade credit will be awarded.

Criteria for Placement in 8th Grade Algebra

Students should meet the following criteria to be placed in a middle school Algebra I course:

For students who took Pre Algebra (seventh grade) at a Richmond diocesan school having met all the envy criteria for that course:

• Successful completion of Pre-Algebra with an average of 90 or better.

• Positive recommendations from all subject teachers based on the assessment of the student’s ability to maintain their success in each subject while pursuing high school credit.

For students entering a Richmond diocesan school who have taken Pre Algebra in another school system:

• Have an acceptable minimum score on an Algebra readiness predictor: 80 percentile on the Or-leans Hanna Algebra Prognosis, third edition by Harcourt, or 85 percentile on the Iowa Algebra Apti-tude test by Riverside Publishing, fourth edition.

• Score 85 percentile or higher on the Terra Nova Math Test

• Pre-Algebra course average of 90 or better.

Note that students must pass the Algebra I End-of-Course Exam with a score of 70% or better to earn the Algebra I high school credit.

Middle School Homework Policy

Keeping up with homework is essential to the learning process. Homework that is not completed as assigned disrupts classroom learning, inhibits student academic growth, and greatly impacts the suc-

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cessful mastery of material. For that reason, Saint Mary’s takes completion of homework as assigned and on time very seriously. It is our intention to instill habits that promote routine compliance with homework with minimal parental involvement. Parents are encouraged to provide space and time for students to engage in homework, encourage good homework habits, and support the teacher’s direc-tions.

Students in grades 6 – 8 who attend class with incomplete homework will be given notice to report to a homework room the following day at dismissal. Students are required to attend this remedial session and either complete the assignment, or in the case of the work being completed before attending the remedial session, complete new assignments. By copy of the notice to report to the homework remedia-tion session, parents will be notified a day in advance by the student that they must stay after school to attend the homework room session. Failure to attend the session, for any reason, will result in the stu-dent being suspended for the following day for non-compliance with this requirement. Parents are asked to make attendance at remedial homework sessions the highest priority in an effort to instill good work habits and an understanding of the serious nature of completing assigned work.

Students who miss homework due to illness or other appropriate reasons will be given a deadline for make-up work by the assigning teacher. Failure to complete homework by the assigned date will result in implementation of the above procedure.

The teacher’s decision regarding incomplete homework is final and is a matter of discussion between the student and the teacher, again in an effort to develop student responsibility and good work habits.

Assessment Policy

Introduction:

Traditionally recognized as student “grades,” the assessment of student learning is made complex by the reality that student learning can not be directly observed or measured. Judgments can be made based on observed performance, but at best observations are only proxies for actual student learning. The process of forming a judgment about the quality and extent of student learning, and therefore by inference a judgment about the learning itself, is addressed in this assessment policy.

Objectives of assessments:

• Accurately communicate to the student, parent, external audiences, and teachers the quality and extent of student performance in relation to the intended learning outcomes.

• Improve and promote subsequent learning through feedback that is clear, informative, timely and relevant.

• Monitor the quality of the curriculum.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of the teaching process.

Assessment Practices:

Teachers providing instruction are primarily responsible for both planning the instruction and evalu-ation of the instruction as well as providing the instruction and conducting the evaluation. Recognizing that evaluative feedback is most effective when given as quickly as possible, teachers are responsible for competing assessments and sharing the results with students in a timely manner.

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Teachers will develop and communicate a course grading policy that includes the weight given to various assessment tasks. Consideration will be given to assessing objective performance measures, subjective performance measures, observations of successful practice (homework), and in light of the school’s mission, behavioral observations.

Following Diocesan and School directives and guidelines, teachers will summarize observations of performance and report these observations on the Diocesan standardized report card on a quarterly basis.

Per Diocesan Directive, a nationally normed standardized achievement test will be administered at the end of the second year of the middle school program.

Final course grades will be posted to the student transcript.

Assessment Strategies:

Assessments will routinely be criterion-referenced.

Formative assessments, through a variety of methods will be ongoing and regularly used during the teaching and learning process. Formative assessments will be used to provide student feedback while informing teaching practice.

Summative assessments, through a variety of methods, will provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in authentic contexts and apply the newly gained knowledge and skills in new ways.

Homeroom teachers will maintain student portfolios. Please see the portfolio section for additional information.

Assessment rubrics will be task specific, based on criteria established in advanced and aimed to pro-vide focus on specific intended learning objectives.

Student Portfolios for MYP:

Work in the student portfolios should be annotated with a student reflection indicating what the work shows, the reason for inclusion, and the date it was done.

The student portfolio is a dynamic tool for encouraging habits of meta-cognition, self-management, goal setting and recognition.

The student will be responsible for regular additions to and revision of the portfolio. Both subject teachers and homeroom teachers are required to provide time and structure for the development of the student portfolio.

Attention should be directed to incorporating work samples that show growth over time.

Required entries per semester in the MYP portfolio include:

• 1 writing sample, including all stages of the drafting process in Language A [English]

• 1 writing sample in Language B [French or Spanish]

• 1 Design cycle sample

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• 1 Humanities assignment

• 1 Mathematics Assignment

• 1 Science Assignment

• 1 example of work in the Arts

• 1 reflection on health or physical education

• 1 Spiritual reflection with an emphasis on service

Diocesan Standardized Testing Program

Standardized tests are a tool used to assess students and help the faculty evaluate and plan the school’s curriculum. Terra Nova testing is administered each year in the spring (typically in April) to grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. Testing is conducted in accordance with the Diocesan Standardized Testing Pro-gram. It is important for parents to recognize that standardized testing monitors both student perfor-mance and the school’s curriculum. Terra Nova testing is based on a model of national curriculum, and does not always reflect accurately the Diocesan Consensus Curriculum followed by Saint Mary’s. For this reason, as well as other pedagogical issues, parents should consult the school before drawing conclu-sions from the test results. Results of these tests will be given to the parents in the final report card. Results may also be reviewed upon request by the parent.

Awards

Awards for academic performance, and citizenship are given at the end of the year. Students need to make the necessary choices from the very first day of school to be eligible for these awards.

The intention for the awards is to create a process to help build character. The students become aware that there are no shortcuts to achievement. The criteria for awards is to challenge each student to become the very best person possible whether it be in the academic realm, through serving the com-munity, by being prompt, or by committing to making school a top priority. The absence of a tangible award does not discount the value of a child’s attempt to meet the criteria for an award. Though some-times disappointing, the failure to meet a goal can present new challenges for growth, especially if we as parents and teachers guide and direct a student toward that philosophy.

President’s Award for Academic Excellence (8th Grade)

This award was established by the U.S. Department of Education to recognize and honor outstand-ing educational achievement, rewarding students for their academic effort and success throughout all Middle School Years. A certificate for this award is given at graduation.

Student Council

St. Mary’s School is a member of The Association of Catholic Schools Councils and supports the activities of student government as the foundation for good citizenship.

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School Operations

Emergency School Closing

When it is necessary to close school due to inclement weather or other emergency conditions, an-nouncements will be broadcast over local network TV stations, school website (www.saintmary.org), and on the school’s answering machine (740-1048). For parents who subscribe to the Saint Mary’s emergen-cy text messaging system, closings will be announced with a text message. St. Mary’s School will have its own closing or late opening announcements. Decisions about school closings and/or late openings will be made according to conditions of local roads and assuring safe accessibility to the school building or grounds..

Our “early closing” dismissal will be as follows: Classes will remain in session following official notice that the school is closing early. Students will be dismissed as parents/guardians/carpools arrive. Students will be called for as the ride arrives. Please have your carpool name(s) posted in LARGE let-ters at the side window of your vehicle. Verbal permission will be accepted only from parents/legal guardians for students to ride in any carpool other than the regular carpool. After School Care is closed on full snow days and closes early when school dismisses due to snow.

School Hours

Kindergarten through 8th Grade – 8:00 A.M.-2:50 P.M.

No student is to be left unattended on St. Mary’s property before 7:30 a.m.. There is no one on duty before 7:30 to supervise students. From 7:30-7:45 A.M., a teacher is on duty in the gym for morning care. All students who go to the gym must have a book to read or study. This is the only activity to take place in the gym at this time.

Any student not picked up by 3:00 P.M. will be sent to the After School Care Program. Students not picked up from After School Care by 3:15 P.M. shall be admitted to the Program and will be billed ac-cordingly.

Pre-K:

Two Pre-K sessions are offered. Morning Pre-K hours are 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and afternoon Pre-K hours are 11:50 PM to 2:50 PM. Pre-K students may be dropped off for morning care as early as 7:30 A.M. Please check with the teacher for more explicit drop off and pick up instructions.

Pre-School and Pre-School Preparation

Please check with the office for Nursery (3 year old and 2 ½ year old programs) hours.

Early Dismissal Days

Please consult the School calendar regarding early dismissal days. On regular half days dismissal is at 12:20 P.M.

School Visitations

If you need to see a teacher, an appointment must be made. This can be arranged by sending a note to the teacher. Teachers cannot take their teaching time to speak with you even for a few minutes. In addition, teachers are still supervising students during dismissal, therefore, parents are asked not to use this time to conference or schedule appointments.

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It is school policy that everyone signs in at the reception desk and receives a visitor’s pass for the protection and safety of our students and so as not to interrupt the educational process of the school. Please do not feel offended is someone stops you to ask about your pass.

Parents are NOT to escort students to classrooms. If students need assistance, please bring them to the Office. Forgotten lunches and other articles should be marked with the student’s name and grade and left at the reception desk. These items will be delivered to the classroom promptly.

All doors to the school are locked after 8:00 A.M. for the safety and protection of our students. En-trance is permitted through the front door only during school hours.

Parents may view classrooms at any time for brief periods. The school welcomes parents to check on the safety and well being of their students, but also is aware of the need to prevent disruptions to the classroom activities. Each classroom has a window in the doorway for parents to briefly look in on at any time. Parents may not, however, enter the classroom or seek acknowledgement from the students or teacher. If a parent wishes to make an unannounced visit, they must first report to the office for direc-tions on how to proceed. Under no circumstances will a parent be delayed or prohibited from making a brief “peek” into the classroom. Parents who believe they have been prevented from making a check of the classroom for safety reasons should report to the principal their experience immediately.

Car Riders

A directional map is issued to each family in August. For safety reasons, the directions must be fol-lowed carefully. No one may create his own directional path and/or enter the school through the church commons. PLEASE be courteous to other parents, the church staff, or parishioners whom may be try-ing to enter or exit the church parking area during school dismissal.

For the safety of your child, do not attempt to park in the back parking lot or remove the ropes dur-ing recess.

Walkers

Students who walk home from school may not cross Gayton Road alone. Walkers are to wait for the teacher on duty to walk them across the street. If a student is a walker, please notify the Office in writ-ing no later than the first day of school. No student will be allowed to walk home from school without a letter giving written permission that remains on file in the Office throughout the school year.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are conducted once a week during the first month of school and once a month thereafter. Any person in the school building during a fire drill must leave the building. Fire drills are conducted in all types of weather by order of the fire department.

Directions for leaving the building are posted in each classroom. As soon as the fire alarm sounds, students walk silently in single file to the nearest exit and go outside to the designated place. Teachers take role and report any absences to the administration immediately.

Lost and Found

The Lost and Found is located in the Middle School hallway. Students may claim articles before and after school hours. PARENTS: IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT THE STUDENTS’ CLOTHING, BACK-PACKS, LUNCH ITEMS, BINDERS, ETC. ARE LABELED. In this way, articles that are found may directly be returned to the student. Please make an effort to check the Lost and Found frequently. Any

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unclaimed item will be donated to charity on a monthly basis.

Parties

Parties are to be limited and are at the discretion of the teacher. The PTO will work with the Princi-pal to determine appropriate holiday celebrations. Generally, Christmas, Easter and Valentine’s Day will be celebrated with parties. Other holidays and birthdays may be observed by bringing in cupcakes or cookies to share during lunch. This does not take away from instructional time.

Invitations to, and thank you cards for, private parties outside of school are NOT to be distributed on school property unless they are for the ENTIRE class or all boys/girls.

Telephone

Due to the number of families and school personnel, the use of the telephone must be limited to pro-fessional purposes or emergencies that arise. Forgotten items (homework, lunches) do not constitute an emergency. Students may not use the telephone without permission.

Elevator

No student is allowed to use the elevator without permission.

Bell Schedule

Regular Bell Schedule Early Dismissal

Homeroom 8:00 8:10 8:00 8:10

1 8:10 8:55 8:10 8:40

2 8:55 9:40 8:40 9:10

3 9:40 10:25 9:10 9:40

4 10:25 11:10 9:40 10:10

5 11:10 11:55 10:10 10:40

Lunch 11:55 12:25 No Lunch Served

6 12:25 1:10 10:40 11:10

7 1:10 1:55 11:10 11:40

8 1:55 2:40 11:40 12:10

Homeroom 2:40 2:50 12:10 12:20

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Food Allergy Procedures

Saint Mary's does not prohibit the consumption of specific roods containing allergens; however, there are limitations on where and when such foods may be consumed, how such foods may be handled, and there are procedures (as described in its complete statement of Food Allergies and Guidelines document available from the school nurse) to guide school staff and students to assist those with food allergies.

The school policy essentially provides that while students may consume peanut and peanut deriva-tive products, the school will not serve these foods in their rawest form, and they will not be eaten by students in their rawest form except in the cafeteria away from severely allergic students.

For example, sandwiches containing peanut butter, bagged peanuts or nuts and peanut butter crack-ers will not be: 1) served by the school as part of the school lunch menu; 2) served as part of after-school-care provided snacks; or 3) consumed in any classroom. Except in relation to after-school-care provided snacks, there is no restriction placed on the types of food served after school hours. In other words, there is no prohibition against peanut products and nut derivatives being served at school or church events after regular school hours. Parents should be aware that while the cafeteria won't be serv-ing nuts in their rawest form, some ingredients used to prepare school lunches could contain peanut oil or nut derivatives. As a result, cross-contamination of seemingly "safe" foods could inadvertently occur.

Students may bring to school - and consume in the cafeteria - sandwiches containing peanut butter, bagged peanuts, bagged nuts, peanut butter crackers, and other foods containing nuts and peanut oils so long as these items are consumed away from the PeanutlNut Free Tables and away from any other area so designated by a teacher

Foods containing peanut derivatives or oils may be consumed in the classroom; however, Peanutl-Nut Free Tables may be established in the classroom if a student in the class suffers a severe allergy. Iflimitations need to beplaced on foods packed for field trips, the child's teacher will communicate these restrictions as necessary before the trips are taken.

To the extent that other food products such as milk, eggs, pork, etc. are identified as allergens for specific students, special tables should be identified as free of that offensive product, and the practices referenced here should be followed consistent with that allergen and the objectives of this policy.

To implement these procedures, it is essential that parents notify the school and insure that safe pro-cedures and practices are in place for each child’s specific needs. At the beginning of each school year, parents are requested to meet with the school’s clinic aid to design a responsible approach to the safety of the student, insure that proper medications and permissions to adminster (including a proper per-scription) are in place, and to prepare a follow up plan.

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Administrative Procedures

Parent/Teacher Conferences

A formal parent/teacher conference is scheduled in October for grades 1-8; students may attend con-ference with their parent. Kindergarten conferences are scheduled later in the year to allow teachers to more fully assess student progress. Other parent/teacher conferences may be arranged by the request of either teacher or parent. We ask that parents do not see teachers during school time or at dismissal for a conference. Teachers are willing to discuss the progress and concerns you wish to bring to their attention but not at those times when they are responsible for supervising students.

How to Address Parental Concerns Regarding Academics, Homework, Curriculum, Discipline, Etc.

It is essential that you establish and maintain a healthy, positive relationship with the classroom teachers. This is in the best interest of the student. Be sure to have discussed any concerns with the teacher prior to going to the principal. Please remember that the student is aware of your feelings to-wards his/her teacher and those within the school setting. It is very difficult for the student to maintain a positive relationship with his/her teacher without your support.

Medical and Insurance

Medication and/or Medical Apparatus

A parent/guardian must transport all prescription and over-the-counter medication to and from the school clinic. The student may transport only the empty prescription bottles.

When it is necessary for a student to take medication while in school, the parent or guardian will be given a form to fill out when the medication is received. This includes all prescription medications as well as over-the-counter pain relievers, cough medications, throat lozenges, etc. School personnel will be permitted to give the medication only if the form is fully completed and the medication is in the original container. (The pharmacy will provide an extra bottle for school upon request.)

A two week supply or less of medication should be brought in at a time, unless the student takes the medication on a daily basis throughout the year (in this case a larger quantity is acceptable). All medica-tion not picked up by the last day of the school year will be discarded.

Excused from P.E., Recess or Other Activity for Medical Reason

If a student is to stay inside during snack/lunch/recess time, a written note signed by the parent/le-gal guardian must be presented to the teacher on that day. Request for excuse from P.E. class must also be made via signed note from the parent/legal guardian.

Emergency Information

Each student must have emergency information on file in the School Administration Office. This information must be kept accurate and up to date at all times. The school needs to be immediately in-formed of any changes of address or phone number(s).

Emergency Health Care

In the event of an accident or illness on school grounds, the teacher will take the appropriate action. In the event of illness, parents are called to make arrangements for the student to be picked up. Any-

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one authorized to pick up a student must sign the student out in the “sign out book”. In the event of an emergency 911 will be called.

Parents must notify the school of any serious chronic health problems: diabetes, epilepsy, allergies, etc. so appropriate attention can be given to the student.

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Diocesan policy will be followed. A copy of this may be found in the Office.

School Insurance

Diocesan policy makes school insurance mandatory for each student. Information from the company is sent home to each family in August. Parents pay for the insurance premium as part of the registra-tion fee.

Food Allergy Policy and Related Guidelines

Saint Mary’s recognizes that some children attending the school come with a history of potentially serious or life threatening reactions to various foods, particularly resulting from peanuts or peanut derivative products, and these reactions require an immediate exposure to medication until emergency assistance arrives. While the school realizes that it cannot provide an allergen free environment, it has developed this policy to: 1) reduce the likelihood of severe allergic reactions; and 2) to maximize its abil-ity to respond rapidly to emergency situations arising from offensive exposures.

Saint Mary’s does not prohibit the consumption of specific foods containing allergens; however, there are limitations on where and when such foods may be consumed, how foods may be handled, and there are procedures to guide school staff and students to assist those with food allergies.

The school policy essentially provides that while students may consume peanut and peanut deriva-tive products, the school will not serve these foods in their rawest forms, and they will not be eaten by students in their rawest form except in the cafeteria away from severely allergic students.

Parents should be aware that while the school cafeteria won’t be serving nuts in their rawest form, some ingredients used to prepare school lunches cold contain peanut oil or nut derivatives. As a result, cross contamination of seemingly “safe” foods could inadvertently occur.

Students may bring to school – and consume in the cafeteria – sandwiches containing peanut butter, bagged peanuts, bagged nuts, peanut butter crackers, and other foods containing nuts and peanut oils so long as these items are consumed away from the Peanut/Nut Free Tables and away from any other area so designated by a teacher.

Foods containing peanut derivatives or oils may be consumed in the classroom. Peanut/Nut Free Tables may be established in the classroom if a student in the class suffers a severe allergy. If limita-tions need to be placed on foods packed for field trips, the child’s teacher will communicate these restric-tions as necessary before the trips are taken.

To the extent that other food products such as milk, eggs, pork, etc. are identified as allergens for specific students, special tables should be identified as free of that offensive product, and the practices referenced here should be followed consistent with that allergen and the objectives of this policy. To implement this policy, the school has prepared procedures and guidelines which are available for refer-ence in the clinic.

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Parent Responsibility

Attendance

Absences

If it is necessary that a student be absent, please call the school office (740-1048). The student must bring a note of excuse on the day he/she returns to school. Missed work will be given to the student upon his/her return. Upon parents’ request, work may be picked up or sent home via another student. This request must be made by 10:00 A.M. in order to allow sufficient time for the work to be gathered and prepared by the teacher. School policy does not allow giving assignments on lessons not yet cov-ered by the teacher.

All absences MUST be excused (unexcused absences are considered truancy and are addressed by Virginia law) including tardiness.

Students are not reported as absent if they are attending other educational institutions for the pur-pose of “shadowing” or attending programs.

Prolonged Absences

If a student is absent for a prolonged period of time, the school cannot be held responsible for class work, assignments, and tests missed by the student. When an illness is prolonged (3 or more days) the student has one week to make up the work upon return to school. Make up work for shorter absences (1 or 2 days) will be handled at the discretion of the teacher.

If absenteeism becomes a chronic problem, a conference will be required with the teacher, parent, child and principal.

Vacations taken during school are strongly discouraged. Work missed during such an absence will be made up according to the teacher’s schedule.

Tardiness

It is very important that the student be in his/her classroom promptly at 8:00 A.M. as the entire day begins with prayer. In the event that a child arrives late to school (after 8:00 A.M.), he/she must report to the Office with a parent’s signed note explaining the reason for being late. The office will then issue a tardy slip for students to present to the homeroom teacher, indicating whether the delay is “Excused” or “Unexcused.” If a student arrives without a parent’s note or the parent’s note fails to indicate a justifi-able reason for the tardiness, the tardy will be marked as unexcused.

The homeroom teacher will keep track of all tardy events and will issue a “Notice of Detention” to any student who has more than two unexcused tardy events. This notice will be issued on the day of the third infraction, and the detention is to be served the following afternoon in the designated deten-tion room for one hour following dismissal.

Parents must sign the Detention Notice before the detention is served, and a student’s failure to pres-ent the signed notice at the detention will result in a phone call to the parent and a second detention to be served the day immediately following the first.

Students serving more than 3 detentions in a three month period related to tardiness may be sus-pended or subject to other disciplinary action.

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In the event that construction activity, weather or unforeseeable circumstances create a delay in the car pool drop off line, the principal will declare a tardy free morning for the time period affected by the event, and the office will not issue tardy slips for that period of time. Parents should, however, be aware that there is often a delay in arriving at school and being able to reach the drop-off location, and should plan the wait into the drop off schedule. This is particularly true during the fifteen minutes before the start of school.

It is the responsibility of the parents to see that students arrive on time. Tardiness is very disruptive to the classroom teacher and the other students. Cooperation of parents and students is expected to insure students learn the responsibility of timely arrival for scheduled events.

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SAINT MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL

School Uniforms

Goals of the Saint Mary’s Uniform Policy

• Place an emphasis on learning, not peer pressure and social stigma

• Easily idenitfy students as from Saint Mary’s School

• Encourage distinctions of character and values, not appearance

• Reduce long term clothing cost, simplify laundering

• Simplify dressing and dress code

Uniforms

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BoysKindergarten through 8th Grade

• Navy Polo Shirt with Logo Long or Short sleeve

• Khaki Twill Pants or Khaki Twill Walking Shorts Pants worn with either Shirt Shorts worn with Short sleeve Shirt

• Navy Crew Socks

• Brown Leather Belt

• Dirty Buc Oxford Shoe with Rubber Sole

Note: Kindergarten boys wear white, black, blue or grey sneakers with white socks. Sneaker ornamenta-tion must be one of the above colors.

Note: 8th Grade boys may substitute a white button down collar shirt with a Saint Mary’s plaid tie for the shirts with logos.

Note: Boys may substitute Physical Education Uniform when the national Weather Service predicts a high temperature for the day of 80 degrees or above.

Physical Education UniformWorn by all students on P.E. Days

• Carolina Blue Jersey with Monarch Logo

• Navy Blue Mesh Shorts with Monarch Logo

• Navy Blue Sweatshirt - Block Letter Saint Mary’s

• Navy Blue, no-elastic cuff , cotton sweat pants with Logo

• White Crew Socks

• Sneakers: white, black, blue or grey sneakers. Sneak-er ornamentation must be one of the above colors.

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Girls6th through 8th Grade

• Royal and Powder Blue Plaid 4 Kick Pleat Skirt orRoyal and Powder Blue Plaid Wrap Around Kilt

• Black Girl’s Cotton/Lycra Short

• Blue Long or Short sleeve Polo shirt with Logo

• Navy Knee High Socks (Nylon or Orlon) orNavy Opaque Tights (with or without ribs) orNavy Crew Socks (Student Choice)

• Dirty Buc Oxford Shoe with Rubbler Sole

Note: Girls may substitute Physical Education Uniform when the national Weather Service predicts a high temperature for the day of 80 degrees or above.

Note: 8th Grade girls may substitute a white button down collar shirt with a Saint Mary’s plaid tie for the shirts with logos.

GirlsKindergarten through 5th Grade

• Royal and Powder Blue Plaid Drop Waist Jumper • Black Girl’s Cotton/Lycra Short

• Blue Long or Short sleeve Peter Pan Collar Blouse

• Navy Knee High Socks (Nylon or Orlon) orNavy Opaque Tights (with or without ribs) orNavy Crew Socks (Student Choice)

• Dirty Buc Oxford Shoe with Rubbler Sole

Note: Kindergarten girls wear white, black, blue or grey sneakers with white socks. Sneaker ornamenta-tion must be one of the above colors.

Note: Girls may substitute Physical Education Uniform when the national Weather Service predicts a high temperature for the day of 80 degrees or above.

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Uniform Vendor Information

Store:

Stein Mart Shopping Center9722 Midlothian TurnpikeRichmond, Virginia 23235(804) 327-9001M,T,W, Th: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PMSaturday: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM(call for extended summer hours)

On-Line: www.flynnohara.com/register

By Phone: (800) 441-4122

Contact Information:

Flynn & O’Hara Corporate Offices:10905 Dutton RoadPhiladelphia, PA 19154

Email: custserv@flynnohara.com

Phone: (800) 441-4122

FAX: (215) 637-6392

Flynn & O’Hara (all clothing and accessories)

Saxon Shoes (all shoes and sneakers)

Store:

Short Pump Towne Center(804) 285-3473

website: www.saxonshoes.com

Hours:Sun 12pm-6pm Mon-Sat 10am-9pm

Shoes and Sneakers discounted if you identify Saint Mary’s

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Dress Code

In addition to wearing proper uniforms, students are asked to adhere to a Saint Mary’s School Dress-Code. Adhereing to the dress code standards insures proper decourem and an atmosphere conducive to instruction void of unnecessary distractions.

Hair

Appropriate hairstyles are expected for all students. No bleached or dyed hair is permitted. No hairstyle may extend past the top of the uniform shirt collar for boys. Hair may not hang loosely over the forehead and must be trimmed no longer than the highest part of the eyebrows. Any questionable hairstyle must have approval from the administration.

Make-up and Jewelry

No face, eye or lip make-up is to be worn by any student. No dangling earrings are to be worn. Hoop earrings are allowed as long as a standard #2 pencil cannot fit through the hoop. Simple religious jewelry and watches (no alarms) may be worn. No tattoos are allowed. Students are allowed to wear clear nail polish; however, no other nail polish may be used. French manicures or artificial nails are not permitted. Fads are not acceptable. These rules apply to Tag Days as well.

Tag Days

Tag Days are days students have the option of wearing clothing other than their uniforms. Please consult the School calendar, web-site and backpack flyers for scheduled Tag Days. Appropriate attire is required. No tank tops or spaghetti straps are allowed. “Short shorts” are not allowed. Skirts and shorts follow the same guidelines as uniform skirts: not shorter than 2” above the knee. No open toed footwear may be worn at any time. Our desire is to give students a break from wearing school uniforms. However, we ask that parents carefully monitor styles and fashions that may be inappropriate in a Catho-lic school setting.

Tuition / Refund

Tuition/Refund Policy

All tuition and/or fees will either be paid in full or collected through the FACTS program. Should there be any outstanding balances, students will not receive their report card, nor will records be for-warded to other schools. Outstanding balances must be paid by June 20th.

See FACTS program information for tuition payment plans, rates, and consequences for delinquent tuition.

Tuition refunds will be made for families who need to withdraw their student(s) during the school year based on the decision of the Principal (see information on withdrawal procedures). Approved re-funds will be prorated for the year based on full months (no partial month credits will be given). Parents are encouraged to consult the Principal on financial matters prior to making any decisions regarding withdrawal.

Tuition refunds will be for tuition only; fees for registration and books are not refundable.

Withdrawal

Families withdrawing students from the school should notify the principal in writing as soon as pos-sible. Upon request from the new school and with parental consent, the records will be forwarded. All

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financial obligations must be satisfied before records will be released.

School Records

The school is required to keep a full and accurate record of each student’s attendance and academic progress. Our cumulative record file includes the following: health records, permanent record card, Terra Nova test scores, and birth/baptismal certificates.

Upon Graduation, only permanent record cards are maintained for each student.

Transcript Requests

Upon completion of 8th grade at Saint Mary’s, students have a vast variety of opportunities for high school study. It is the student’s responsibility to determine the admissions requirements for their high school(s) of choice, and insure that the school office has sufficient time to prepare application packets to be forwarded to the designated high school. Packets often include transcripts, semester report cards, faculty and administration recommendations and other documents required by the school. Two high school application packets will be provided by Saint Mary’s for each student upon application to high schools. Additional application packets will be made available for a set fee. Please contact the office for specifics.

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Saint Mary’s School After School Care Program

Philosophy and Goal:

In addition to the philosophy of St. Mary’s School, the goal of the After School Care (ASC) program is to provide a caring, safe, and fun environment. The program allows each child the opportunity to participate in supervised homework, free play, and organized games and activities.

ASC Phone Number:

740-6534

Staff:

This program employs a director and childcare aides in compliance with Diocesan and Common-wealth of Virginia guidelines.

Registration:

Forms are available in the school office. These include a registration form, agreement contract, and medical information.

Hours:

ASC operates on normal school days from dismissal until 6:00 p.m. sharp. For other situations, such as staff development days, early dismissal days, etc. please refer to the School calendar posted on the school’s website (www.saintmary.org).

Late fees will be incurred if a child is picked up after 6:00 p.m. These fees are as follows: $5.00 for a first incident; thereafter, $1.00 per minute late.

Pick up:

Students MUST be signed out by the designated driver. Changes in those designated and permitted to pick up a student must be communicated to the after school care staff in advance. Written commu-nication is necessary when any non-designated driver is to pick up. In the event of an emergency, only parents and guardians of the student will be permitted to communicate dismissal options to the after school care staff.

Snacks and lunch:

A nutritional snack and juice are provided daily. On early dismissal days and full-day ASC, students provide their own lunch. A snack and juice are provided in both the morning and afternoon on full days of ASC.

Medication:

NO MEDICATION WILL BE ADMINISTERED WITHOUT A DETAILED WRITTEN NOTE FROM PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN.

Discipline:

Discipline problems will be discussed with a parent or guardian. Continuous offenses will be referred

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to the principal. Habitual misconduct may result in a student’s removal from the program. ASC is a service provided for family convenience and this privilege can be denied.

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Appendix - Letter of Notification - Asbestos

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Appendix - Letter of Notification - Asbestos

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Student Responsibilities and Behavior

Playground Procedures

It is the belief of St. Mary’s School that all students can demonstrate self-control and act in a manner that conveys mutual respect for everyone. This includes leisure times and time spent on the playground. The following rules will apply while on the playground:

1. No student is to leave the playground without permission at any time.

2. If students play football, only “Touch Football” is permitted.

3. There is no pushing, hitting, kicking, etc. at any time.

4. Appropriate language is expected.

5. Bullying, either verbal or physical, will not be tolerated.

Library Policies and Procedures

1. Students check out books for one week. If students need books for class projects, the checkout time will be extended.

2. Chapter books may be renewed twice.

3. If more than one book is overdue, the student will not be able to check out a book until the over-due books are returned.

4. Students are reminded weekly if a book is overdue. A letter informing parents about overdue books will be sent home at the end of every nine-week period.

5. If a book is lost, the student will have to pay the cost to replace it.

6. All books must be returned and/or fines paid by the last day of school. Report cards will be held in the Office until all library fines are paid.

Lunch Procedures

1. Students are to speak quietly while eating and maintain a pleasant dining atmosphere. Proper eating habits that are respectful to everyone around them should be followed at all times. Use good manners!

2. Students are to follow adult directions at all times regarding the maintenance of the cafeteria for health and safety reasons.

3. Students are responsible for cleaning their lunch area which includes the table and seat where they are for lunch, as well as the floor area if they have dropped anything. No paper, cups, cans, etc. are to be left on the table.

4. Students will be held responsible for their actions, and appropriate consequences will be given for not following these rules.

5. Lunch is ordered monthly utilizing the “Order Lunches” web based program. Students are to go

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through the lunch line ONLY if lunch has been ordered.

Computer Policies

Computer Acceptable Use Policy

St. Mary’s School is pleased to provide computer network and Internet services to our students. Our mission is to facilitate resources that enrich educational experiences through the use of technology. Stu-dent use of the computer network at St. Mary’s School is a privilege. Unacceptable use or activity may result in disciplinary action (e.g. demerits, loss of computer privileges, or legal action) deemed appropri-ate by the school Principal. Diocesan policy requires the adherence to an acceptable use policy. Infor-mation pertaining to the policy is attached, including the necessary acknowledgement and release forms. Please obtain copies of these forms, complete the forms, and return them as requested. See Appendix I.

Discipline

St. Mary’s School encourages self-discipline which fosters respect for oneself and others. The goal of the discipline system is to reduce disruptive and inappropriate behavior and instill self-discipline. Each child is taught to make appropriate behavior choices in a manner taught by Christ.

“Fair” discipline is always a matter of discussion when determining appropriate sanctions and punish-ments. At Saint Mary’s, “fair” is defined as what is appropriate and needed for each student to achieve the desired outcomes. Due to the differences in students, it is not always “fair” to apply sanctions and punishments consistently. Therefore, disciplinary actions must take into consideration all circum-stances. Appropriate disciplinary measures are determined after taking into consideration the student’s, teacher’s and parent’s perspectives. As directed by the Diocese in published discipline guidelines, the classroom teacher manages the discipline problems in his or her classroom and enlists the help of the Principal only in cases involving serious or repeated misbehavior.

Three standard disciplinary “tools” are utilized. Each teacher is responsible for establishing class-room “behavior management systems” that are age and class appropriate. Classroom management tools are the primary source for teaching good behavior. The second tool is a demerit system, as outlined below. The third tool is used primarily in the middle school, and consists of assigning a student to after school detention.

Demerit Policy and Procedures

The demerit system is used to identify significant behavior issues that need to be addressed by the student. It can best be thought of as a warning system. The first demerit identifies for the student and their parents a behavior that is inappropriate and must be curtailed. The parent is asked to work with the student in determining appropriate behaviors and how the student might best learn how to control the inappropriate behavior.

If the mis-behavior continues, the student is given a second demerit. This is the “red flag” demerit that warrants immediate action at school and home. A second demerit signifies that the student is not learning how to control his or her behavior, and extra effort needs to be made towards learning appro-priate behaviors. Typically, the student is sent home for the day if a second demerit is issued.

The third demerit is serious indeed, and requires an action plan to insure that proper behavior is learned. At the third demerit, a faculty member (typically the homeroom teacher) will be assigned to work with the student and parents to design an appropriate course of action. Parents will provide input into a remediation plan, and the student will be monitored by the faculty member to insure compliance with the corrective action plan. The plan will include consequences for the student’s failure to comply.

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Parents will be notified of each demerit. Demerits are given for the following reasons:

• dishonesty

• cheating

• stealing

• blatant disrespect

• cursing/inappropriate language

• destruction of property

• throwing inappropriate objects

• forging signatures

• fighting

• chronic tardiness to school or between classes

• other (explained)

Demerits received will be in place for the school year. Homeroom teachers may expunge demerits after two months if the mis-behavior is not repeated.

Detention Policy and Procedures

Saint Mary’s School will enforce a detention policy designed to curb inappropriate student behavior. This disciplinary action will be taken to correct misbehavior on an individual basis in a fair and consis-tent manner for the benefit of Saint Mary’s students. The purpose is to promote respect for each other, to insure an appropriate learning environment, and to teach proper behavior.

Detention is used in instances where an immediate consequence is deemed to be an appropriate way to teach appropriate behavior. It is used when the adult involved determines that the mis-behavior is likely to be discontinued after serving a single detention. When longer term interventions are needed, detention is not the appropriate disciplinary tool. Parents are asked to reinforce the corrective nature of the detention and assist the student in learning the correct and more appropriate behavior.

Research has demonstrated that consequences for behavior have the most impact when they are as close in time to the offending behavior as possible. For that reason, the following procedures will be fol-lowed:

• A teacher observing inappropriate behavior will inform the student(s) involved to call their parent(s) to inform them that they have been assigned a detention and are expected to remain after school and serve the detention under the supervision of a teacher.

• In the event that there is a legitimate reason (parental appointments, parental schedule conflict, etc.) that the detention cannot be served on that day, the student will notify the teacher that their parent wishes the detention to be served on the following detention date. Only upon parent request will the de-tention be deferred. It is the student’s responsibility to make the parent’s wishes known to the teacher.

• Students who believe that there has been an error in the assignment of a detention may request

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that the detention be deferred until the parent(s) and the teacher have an opportunity to reach a final decision. Students may respectfully request this “appeal” from the teacher, and it then becomes the stu-dent’s responsibility to have the parent(s) call or make contact with the teacher to resolve the issue. If no contact is made by the parent the next day, the detention will be served by the student on the day set by the teacher.

• Detention days will be Monday – Thursday, exclusive of holidays. Detention days are subject to teacher availability and may be postponed by single days if necessary.

Detentions will be assigned for the following reasons:

• Tardy to class 2 times (tardy means absent from class when it could reasonably be expected that the student would be in class, for example, the student walks in 2 minutes after all the other students have arrived at the class.)

• Rough housing (“piggy backs,” punching, grabbing, pushing, shoving, slapping, etc.)

• Using elevator

• Physical contact (between genders or between like-gender)

• Hands touching inappropriate places on one’s own body

• Fighting

• Sneaky behaviors

• Any disobedience to an adult

• Lunch room misbehavior (including excessive noise, jumping ahead in line, etc.)

• Cheating

• Dishonesty

• Using profanity

• Using bathroom facilities without permission of an adult

• Uniform / Clothing violations (unfastened clothing, “rolled up” skirts, falling pants)

• In general, any behavior that is hurtful towards, disrespectful of, or meant to embarrass others.

Please Note:

During detentions, students will be assigned work meaningful to their learning. Current practice is to have students copy textbook passages that pertain to current lessons in the classroom in anticipation of reviewing the material. Teachers will add options that enhance learning and contribute to a stu-dent’s understanding of material being taught.

Irresponsible Behavior

Teachers will issue silent lunches, additional work, and/or other consequences deemed fair for those violations. Repeated violations demonstrate blatant disrespect and will result in demerits. The class-

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room teacher in accordance with individual classroom management policy handles the consequences for these behaviors.

• Excessive talking

• Uniform violation

• Leaving a supervised area without permission

• Actions deemed as violation of school rules

• Signed letters and papers not returned

• Unauthorized use of the telephone

• Tardy to class (i.e. when playing in the hall)

• Eating or drinking in the halls between classes and/or when going outside

• Gum chewing

• Using vending machines when not permitted

Suspension/Expulsion

In cases where a student is continually disruptive of others or in the case of a single serious disci-plinary infraction, Saint Mary’s school will follow the Diocesan policy and guidelines for suspension and expulsion. The current policy states:

Suspension:

a. Suspension may be imposed by the Principal for a major infraction of school rules.

b. Whenever a Principal suspends a student, parents are to sign a formal agreement in which they signify their understanding of the problem and agree to work with the school in correcting the situa-tion.

c. The failure of the parents to execute the above referenced agreement shall not, however, pre-clude the ability of the Principal to suspend a student, provided reasonable notice of the suspension is provided to the parents. This policy applies to in-house and out-of-house suspensions.

d. If in the judgment of the school Principal the student’s actions warrant removal from the school community for a period of time, the parents or guardians are to be notified by the Principal or designee immediately. Written notice of the school’s actions will follow. Students who have received an out-of-school suspension cannot be readmitted until a parent meets with the Principal or designate and agrees to cooperate with the school.

e. Signed agreement of parents and a written report of the suspension are to be filed in the stu-dent’s confidential folder, but do not become part of the student’s permanent record.

Expulsion:

a. Expulsion may be resorted to when a grave infraction of school rules occurs, the student has demonstrated continuing disregard of school rules for which other means of discipline have proven

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ineffectual, and /or the student’s continued presence in the school has the probability of being a serious hindrance to the safety or welfare of the school community.

b. If a Principal believes it necessary to expel a student, the Principal must:

a. meet with the student and the student’s parents;

b. implement any hearing process if required by local school policy;

c. seek permission from the Superintendent of Schools;

d. provide written notice to the parents of the decision to expel the student.

e. A parent whose child is expelled may appeal this decision by writing to the Superintendent of Schools.

Notes:

• Possession, consumption, and/or use of drugs/alcohol on premises results in an automatic ex-pulsion.

• Use of any tobacco product will result in one week out-of-school suspension.

• Each student has the right to learn in a safe environment with others who respect their well be-ing. The possession of dangerous objects, weapons, or look alike weapons such as cap guns, squirt guns, toy pistols, etc. are prohibited. Violations could result in immediate expulsion.

• Vandalism and/or property damage to school or personal property of others will incur replace-ment / repair charges as well as student discipline.

Petitions, Surveys, Sit-ins, Strikes, etc.

At St. Mary’s School open communication and mutual respect between the students, faculty, staff, and community are always encouraged. If there is a concern held by students and/or parents, this should be brought to the attention of the teacher first, and he/she will direct those involved accordingly. In this spirit, any petitions, surveys, sit-ins and/or strikes, etc. will not be tolerated.

Electronics

No cell phones, pagers, or electronic music devices are permitted for student use. Equipment will be taken by the teacher and returned only to a parent or guardian.

Textbooks

Students are expected to handle books with care. Books are to be covered at all times. If a book is lost or damaged, the student must pay for the book based on its condition upon receipt at the beginning of the school year. If a workbook is lost, the student must pay for a new one.

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Appendix - Technology Acceptable Use Policy for Grades 6 to 8

Technology and Internet Acceptable Use PolicyFor

All School Employeesand

Students and Grades 6-12Diocese of Richmond

Saint Mary’s Catholic School

Technology is an essential educational tool whose use must be grounded in the values and mission of Catholic education. All users, faculty, staff, administrators, and students, are expected to exhibit high standards of behavior at all times when using the Internet, email and other technology.

The use of the School’s network and the Internet is a privilege, not a right. The use of computer systems and theInternet at School must be in support of the educational mission and objectives of the Diocese of Richmond and ofthe School. Inappropriate use may result in cancellation of those privileges. Based upon the Acceptable Use Policy

addition, the Principal has the right to close an account at any time. School authorities may take other disciplinaryactions for any unacceptable behaviors. The administration, faculty and staff may request that the Principal deny or

responsibility of the student and his/her family.

Prior to being given access to the School’s computers and Internet, all staff members, as well as students in gradessix through twelve and their parent(s) (when student is under the age of 18), must return the signed Technology andInternet Acceptable Use Contract. Students in grades K-5 will return the Computer and Internet Promises form.These agreements will be completed every year.

System users at School have no right to privacy and should have no expectation of privacy in materials sent,received, or stored in School-owned computers or on the School network. All communications (including email) andinformation accessible via the network is School property. Messages relating to or in support of illegal activitiesmay be reported to authorities. The technology coordinator/system administrator supervis es the use of the network

Security on our computer system is a high priority. Anyone with reason to suspect a security problem on the Schoolnetwork must notify an appropriate authority.

At School, the faculty and staff blend thoughtful use of computers and the Internet throughout the curriculum and

the School’s network. Outside of School, families bear responsibility for the education and monitoring of theirstudents in Internet and computer usage much as they do with television, telephones, radio, movies, and other media.The School may not be held responsible for users’ intentional misuse of the Internet or equipment.

Acceptable Computer and/or Internet Use

1. The School’s technology is meant for educational purposes: classroom instruction, research, and/orapproved projects. In order to accomplish these goals , the School’s computers may be used for accessingresearch databases and libraries of information in the form of text, graphics, photographs, video, and sound,as well as for interacting and collaborating with others.

2. Users are expected to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette. These include (but are notlimited to) being polite, using appropriate language, properly citing and/or obtaining permission for allinformation from research sources when the information used from those sources is included in a work as adirect quote or paraphrase.

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Unacceptable Behaviors must be promptly reported to the Principal or his/her designee includes, but notlimited to the following:

1. Refusing to abide by the generally accepted rules of network etiquette as mentioned above.2. Attempting to log on to the School network or the Internet using a user ID/password other than his/her own.

3. Sending any written comment or picture that is malicious regarding another student or individual. A ll forms

information or promotion of illegal or immoral behavior.4. Sending and receiving of any material in violation of any national, state or local regulation. This includes,but is not limited to, copyrighted , threatening or obscene material.5. Using School name or logo on personal websites. The School discourages revealing personal informationon the Internet and can make no guarantees of privacy or security when the user shares personalinformation on non-secure web sites.6. Publishing information on the Internet, such as blogging, that brings discredit to the School (whether on oroff School premises).7. Non-School related social contacts between faculty/staff and students .8. Any access of inappropriate materials that are offensive graphically or display unlawful messages, obscene,discriminatory, harassing, threatening, and/or illegal content or downloading/installing unapprovedsoftware.

another user, or attempting to circumvent protective security software.10. Using network in any way that will limit or disrupt network use or attempting to alter School systemsettings or data.11. Using the network for political or commercial purposes such as endorsing political candidates or sellingitems or services.12. Assisting others in violating any of these policies.

Prohibited unless authorized by the Administration:

Access to personal email, chatting, instant messaging, or discussion boards.

denied access to the computers and Internet.

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Technology and Internet Acceptable Use ContractDiocese of Richmond

Saint Mary’s Catholic School

USER

(Must be signed by faculty, staff and students)I understand and will abide by the Technology and Internet Acceptable Use Policy. I further understand that anyviolation of this agreement is unethical and may constitute a criminal offense. Should I commit any violation, myaccess privileges may be revoked, and disciplinary action, and/or appropriate legal action may be taken.

User’s Full Name:______________________________________________________

User’s Signature:________________________________________________________

Date:__________________________________

PARENT OR GUARDIAN

(Must be signed if the user is a student under 18)As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read and agree to the Technology and Internet Acceptable UsePolicy. I understand that this access is designed for educational purposes. The School has taken precautions to

inappropriate materials , and I will not hold it responsible for materials acquired on the Internet. Further, I accept full responsibility for supervision if and when my child’s use is not in a school setting. I hereby give permission to issue an account for my child.

Parent or Guardian’s Name:_______________________________________________(Please print.)

Parent or Guardian’s Signature:____________________________________________

MEDIA RELEASEI hereby give permission to allow publication on the Internet of my child’s creative efforts including stories andartwork, use my child’s name (but no picture) in School Internet publications, use my child’s picture (but no name)in School Internet publications, or use my child’s picture and name in a newspaper or other external media.

Parent or Guardian’s Name:_______________________________________________(Please print.)

Parent or Guardian’s Signature:____________________________________________The School and the Diocese of Richmond make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, forInternet service. They will not be responsible for any damages suffered. This includes loss of data resulting fromdelays, non-deliveries, mis-deliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or user errors or

deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its provision of Internet service.

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Appendix - Student Insurance Policy Information

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Appendix - Student Insurance Claim Form

PART I – ACCIDENT REPORT1A. Name of School 1B. Name of School District/Diocese/Association

2A. Name of Student (Last) (First ) (Middle Initial) 2B. Social Security No. 2C. Grade 2D. Birthdate 2E. Sex

3. Nature of Injury (Please describe fully indicating what part of body was injured – e.g. broken arm, sprained ankle, etc.)

4. Describe how accident occurred. (Please provide all details.) MUST BE A BODILY INJURY DUE TO AN ACCIDENT.

5A. Was the accident school-related? ❑ Yes ❑ No 5B. Is the accident covered under a catastrophic policy? ❑ Yes ❑ No

6A. Did Accident Occur: Yes No 6B. a) Date of Accident 6C. Name of Activitya) while the claimant was supervised? ❑ ❑b) during sponsored activity? ❑ ❑c) during programmed hours? ❑ ❑ b) Timed) on activity premises? ❑ ❑e) while traveling directly and uninter- 6D. Name and Title of Supervisor

ruptedly to or from home premises c) Placeand school for regular school sessions or school sponsored and supervised activities? ❑ ❑

7A. __________________________________________ 7B. _____________________________ 7C. ___________________Signature of School Officer Title Date

PART II – TO BE COMPLETED BY PARENT/GUARDIAN OR CLAIMANT (IF ADULT)1A. Name of Father/Guardian 1B. Social Security No. 1C. Address/City/State/Zip 1D. Phone Number

or Claimant (if adult) ❑ None

2A. Name of Mother/Guardian 2B. Social Security No. 2C. Address/City/State/Zip 2D. Phone Numberor Spouse (if adult) ❑ None

3A. Name of Father/Guardian’s or Claimant’s 3B. Address/City/State/Zip of Employer 3C. Phone Number(if adult) Employer ❑ None

4A. Name of Mother/Guardian’s or Spouse’s 4B. Address/City/State/Zip of Employer 4C. Phone Number(if adult) Employer ❑ None

5A. List all Insurance Company(ies) under which 5B. Policy Number(s) 5C. the claimant is insured ❑ None

_________________________________ _______________________ ❑ Medicaid ❑ Individual ❑ Group ❑ Govt.

_________________________________ _______________________ ❑ Medicaid ❑ Individual ❑ Group ❑ Govt.

_________________________________ _______________________ ❑ Medicaid ❑ Individual ❑ Group ❑ Govt.

_________________________________ _______________________ ❑ Medicaid ❑ Individual ❑ Group ❑ Govt.

_________________________________ _______________________ ❑ Medicaid ❑ Individual ❑ Group ❑ Govt.

Affidavit: I verify that the above information regarding insurance is accurate and complete. I understand that the intentional furnishing of incorrect information via the U.S. Mail may be fraudulent and violate federal laws as well as state laws.________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________

Signature of Parent/Guardian or Claimant (if adult) DateAuthorization: I hereby authorize any physician or hospital who has treated or attended to the above claimant to furnish the insurancecompany or its representative any information requested. A photocopy of this authorization is to be considered valid._________________________________________________________________________ _______________________________

Signature of Insured (Parent or Guardian if claimant is under 18) Date

SEE CLAIM INSTRUCTIONS ON THE BACK OF THIS FORMNU K-12

FORM MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL & MAILED TO OUR OFFICE WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE ACCIDENT

NATIONAL UNION FIREINSURANCE COMPANYMAIL CLAIM FORM TO:

MAKSIN MANAGEMENT CORP.P.O. BOX 2648

CAMDEN, NJ 08101-2648(800) 257-6250

www.maksin.com

NOTIFICATION OF INJURYAny person who knowingly presents a false or fraudulentclaim for payment of a loss or benefit or knowinglypresents false information in an application for insuranceis guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines andconfinement in prison.

Reference Number

FOR OFFICE USEPolicy Number

Coverage Code

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CLAIM INSTRUCTIONS

Treatment must commence within 90 days from the date of the accident.

1. In case of an accident, notify the school/organization immediately.

2. Notify ALL treatment facilities (physician’s office, hospital, etc.) of this insurance cover-age so that any invoices and/or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) can be sent directly fromthe medical facility to The Maksin Group.

3. Have Part I and Part II completed on the Notification of Injury form. Do not leave anyblank spaces or write “N/A” in any space. If either parent or guardian is uninvolved,deceased, unemployed, self-employed or disabled, please state so. If you are employed,but do not have insurance, please state “NO INSURANCE” and provide us with a state-ment from your employer that the claimant has no insurance. Otherwise, our office willsubmit an insurance questionnaire to your employer to be used as verification of nodependent coverage.

4. Attach any itemized bills to the claim form, along with any corresponding Explanation ofBenefits (EOB) for each itemized bill. An itemized bill includes treatment rendered, thedates of the treatment, diagnosis codes, physician’s or hospital’s name, address and taxi.d. number. Balance Due bills are not acceptable. Be sure to attach any receipts for billspaid out-of-pocket. Otherwise, benefits will be paid to the provider of service. Please Note: Both an itemized bill and EOB (if applicable) must be submitted for claims to beconsidered for accident medical expense benefits.

5. Mail the Notification of Injury form, along with any other applicable correspondence toour office within 90 days from the date of the accident. Do not leave this form with theschool, coach, hospital, physician, etc. Our address is Maksin Management Corp, P.O.Box 2648, Camden, NJ 08101-2648. If you need further assistance, feel free to contactCustomer Service at 1-800-257-6250 (phone)/1-856-486-4376 (fax). We will be happy toassist you.

If your medical coverage is under an HMO, PPO or similar plan, you must follow theirrequirements for obtaining benefits. Otherwise, our benefits may be reduced, where appli-cable, as stated in the policy provisions. This restriction does not apply in every state.

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Appendix - Diocesan Grading Scale Announcement

May 22, 2013

The Offi ce of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Richmond will be instituting a Diocesan-wide change in the grading scale which will be adopted by all Diocesan Catholic schools for the 2013-14 school year. The grading scale will move from an 8 point to a 10 point scale (see below) where an A is 90-100; B is 80-89, etc. The change has been considered and researched for the past year due to several concerns brought up by principals throughout our diocese. First, the vast majority of Virginia schools, both private and public, are on or moving towards a 10 point scale. Our Catholic elementary and high school students are competing with these same students for entrance into many of the same schools and four year universities; however, public/private students’ grades often refl ect lower GPA’s because we use a much higher grading scale. Thus, putting our students at a disadvantage. In order to showcase the academic excellence of our students and place them on a level playing fi eld in a competitive market, we are authorizing this change. By no means does this mean it is any easier to achieve an A, B, or C in our schools. The hard work that has always been demanded by our schools’ highly academic environments will not change. The same requirements it takes to get an A or A- or a B or B-, etc., will not change. The GPA, however, especially for our high school students, will place them on or above the same level as those students from all over the Diocese and the state. Should you have any concerns regarding this change in scale, please contact your principal.

Diocesan Scale (13-14) Unweighted Honors Advanced Placement/Dual Enrollment

100-97 A+ 4.3 4.8 5.396-93 A 4 4.5 592-90 A- 3.7 4.2 4.7

89-87 B+ 3.3 3.8 4.386-83 B 3 3.5 482-80 B- 2.7 3.2 3.7

79-77 C+ 2.3 2.83 3.376-73 C 2 2.5 372-70 C- 1.7 2.2 2.7

69-67 D+ 1.3 1.8 2.366-63 D 1 1.5 262-60 D- 0.7 1.2 1.7

59 and below F 0 0 0

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