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ST. PETER SCHOOL HANDBOOK
I. ATTENDANCE Back to Top The school year is 180 days for all students in Rhode Island according to Rhode Island law. St. Peter School follows state law regarding both attendance and truancy. SCHOOL DAY For students in grades K-8, the school day begins at 8:50AM. All students should be in the school/schoolyard by the first bell at 8:45AM, but no earlier then 8:30AM since there is no supervision before this time. ABSENCE Parent/Guardian Responsibility: If a student must be absent, we ask that the student’s parent/guardian notify the school secretary by 8:30AM on the day of the absence. When the child returns to school a note explaining the absence is to be presented to the child’s homeroom teacher. Student Responsibility: On the day a student returns from an absence he/she is to give his/her homeroom teacher a note from his/her parent verifying the absence. The student is also to meet with his/her teachers to schedule make-up work, assignments and projects. Students have (3) three school days to make up all work and tests. Absence and Attendance at School/Sports Functions: Students who are absent may not attend a school-sponsored activity or participate in an athletic event that day or evening. Absence and Family Vacations: St. Peter School does not condone absence from school for family outings, vacations, sporting events, dance competitions, etc. If they occur, teachers are not required to make any special arrangements or provide special instructions. PUNCTUALITY A student who enters the building after 8:50AM is to report to the secretary's office and obtain a late slip. EARLY DISMISSAL We ask that appointments during the school day be avoided. If an appointment must be scheduled during the school day parents/guardians are asked to send in an explanatory note to the homeroom teacher. For the safety of our students we ask that you identify the person who will be picking up your child. Under no circumstances will a student be released from school unless a properly delegated/identified adult signs him/her out of the building. ILLNESS/ACCIDENT If a child becomes ill or has an accident at school, a member of the school staff will contact the parent/guardian as soon as possible. In the case of a serious of life-threatening situation and a parent or designated adult listed in the emergency form cannot be reached, 911 will be called. ILLNESS POLICY Students are to stay home for 24-hours after the last bout of vomiting, diarrhea or fever over 100 degrees. This includes illness that occurs over the weekend. This will help to prevent the spread of illness to other children and staff members. Students should be kept at home if they are not feeling well, or if they show evidence of a rash. A physician should check any unexplained rash and a doctor’s note must be sent to school upon the child’s return to school. If the child has a contagious disease, the office needs to be notified immediately so that parents and teachers may be alerted to watching for symptoms in other students. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS If and when it becomes necessary for a child to deviate from his/her normal daily routine (i.e. Staying after school, walking home, going over to a friend’s house after school, being picked up by a friend or relative, etc.), it is imperative that the child's parent/guardian present a note to the child’s homeroom teacher regarding the change. DISMISSAL Our school day ends at 2:55PM after closing prayers. The schoolyard is the ONLY designated area for picking up and dropping off children. At no time is parking allowed in the front of the school. This area is reserved for school busses and emergency vehicles. If the parent/guardian is more than 15 minutes late the child will be sent to the extended day program and the appropriate fee will be charged. II. INSTRUCTION Back to Top ACADEMIC PROGRAM The course of study at St. Peter School follows the curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Providence and is based on national standards. HOMEWORK Homework and study assignments are an integral part of the academic program at St. Peter School. It is essential that all homework assignments be completed and handed in on time. ACADEMIC HONESTY Students who submit work that is not their own will be subject to disciplinary action. PROGRESS REPORTS Progress reports are sent home halfway through each marking period to all students in grades K to 8. REPORT CARDS Report cards are distributed on a trimester basis in grades K- 8 and twice per year in Preschool. TESTING Individual student's growth, group progress and school programs are monitored by means of the Diocesan standardized testing program and teacher prepared assessments. PROMOTION Promotion will be determined by the grades the student receives.
Report card conferences are held formally once per year. However, any parent who wishes to make an appointment to see his/her child’s teacher may do so by contacting the school secretary who will gladly set up an appointment for you. Visits to the teachers are not permitted during class time. The Principal is always willing to speak with parents. The following guidelines are offered to assist in addressing parental concerns:
To graduate from St. Peter Tri-Parish School, an eighth grade student must have a satisfactory record of scholarship, effort and citizenship. Should a student fail to meet the basic academic requirements, he/she may participate in the graduation ceremony, but will not receive a diploma. Actual receipt of diploma will depend upon successful complete of all deficient course work in a recognized summer school or under the direction of a certified teacher. Should a student need to repeat grade eight, then he/she will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. GRADUATION DATE Graduation may not occur prior to the completion of the one hundred and eightieth day of school per order of the Diocese. III. BEHAVIOR CODE Back to Top At St. Peter School our goal is to provide a nurturing, Christ –centered environment where students are caring and responsible people. Our aim is to assist students to develop self-discipline. The focus of any disciplinary action is to guide the student toward more appropriate behavior rather than merely punish the misbehavior. A. The following examples demonstrate conduct that will lead to disciplinary action:
C. Disciplinary actions may include, but will not be limited to the following:
E. The behavior code should be discussed with your child to ensure full understanding of this policy. The Principal is the final recourse in ALL disciplinary situations and may waive or impose any disciplinary action for just cause at his/her discretion. STATEMENT ON VIOLENCE Any action by any member of the school community that disrupts the peace of the community is unacceptable. Therefore intimidation, harassment, threats of violence, actual violence of any kind in any form, including use of e-mail, electronic journals, instant messaging and the like, by any member of the school community to any other member of the school community or to an outsider, subject an individual to sanctions by the school community including but not limited to suspension, medical and/or psychological evaluation and exclusion. All threats of violence will be taken seriously. Excuses such as “I was just kidding” are not acceptable. In addition, threats of violence and acts of violence, including bullying and harassment will be reported to the police, where appropriate. MALICIOUS ACCUSATION Any student engaging in making a malicious accusation, any willful, wanton or reckless statement that could damage a person's reputation, including e-mails, electronic journals and/or instant messaging comments, is subject to immediate disciplinary action which could result in suspension or dismissal. LOITERING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD Respect for our local community means that students do not loiter in front of or near any neighborhood residences and businesses before or after school hours. When students wait for a ride after school, they go to the office until their ride’s expected time of arrival. As a good neighbor, students are expected to be mindful of our neighbors and respectful of their concerns. HARASSMENT Harassment is defined as any verbal and/or physical behavior, such as bullying, which intimidates, embarrasses or offends another person. Examples of such behavior include sexual remarks or advances, racial or personal insults or remarks, taunting, threats, etc. Any student engaging in such behavior is subject to immediate disciplinary action that could result in dismissal. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other inappropriate oral, written or physical conduct of a sexual nature when made by a member of the school staff to a student or when made by any student to another student or to any members of the school staff. Sexual harassment occurs when:
The procedure for reporting an incident of sexual harassment follows:
The teacher will handle classroom infractions. If a student is unresponsive to the teacher, the teacher will call the parent. If the problem/situation continues, the teacher will then complete a misconduct form and submit it to the principal. One or more of the following will apply: Principal-Student Conference – the principal will arrange a conference with the student. This conference will attempt to resolve the problem at hand. The referring teacher may be included in the conference. Detention – Detention is a disciplinary measure, which will be used at the discretion of the principal. Detention can be imposed for tardiness, dress code violation, failure to meet with a teacher, etc. Students who skip detention may be suspended from school. Parental Conference – The principal will arrange a conference with the student’s parent(s)/guardian. This conference will attempt to resolve the problem at hand. The referring teacher may be included in the conference. Suspension – Suspension is a serious disciplinary action and is taken only when a student has shown by attitude or action that he or she is seriously lacking the respect and concern that one should have for fellow students, teachers or authority. Parents will be called immediately. A conference must be scheduled to discuss the student’s status at the end of the suspension period. Suspension will result in loss of credit for any work missed during the suspension period. In addition, the student is not allowed to participate in any school-related activities until the suspension period is completed. Suspension is a time for a student to reconsider his/her commitment to the school. A student who is suspended has begun a process, which could eventually lead to withdrawal or dismissal from St. Peter School:
Dismissal/Expulsion – This is the ultimate sanction used by the Principal. A student need not have gone through the probation process described above. Dismissal is used when a student has failed to respond to lesser sanctions or when a student’s misconduct is so serious that it endangers others. St. Peter School reserves the right to dismiss a student for serious misconduct whether in or out of school. IV. PERSONAL PROPERTY Back to Top Students are not allowed to bring their personal property to school. St. Peter School will not be responsible for lost or broken items. CD players, Walkman headsets, cell phones, video computer games, hand-held computer games, laser pointers, pagers, ipods and beepers are NEVER allowed at school and will be confiscated by the teacher and/or Principal. It is the right and responsibility of the administration at any time to conduct a search of a student’s desk or personal belongings if there is reasonable cause for such a search. ACCOUNTABILITY Students are responsible for the care of all school property including books, supplies and furniture. All hardcover books MUST be covered. Destruction or loss of any property will require restitution, including library books. V. DRESS UNIFORMS Back to Top At St. Peter School we take pride in the appearance of our students. All students are expected to dress in compliance of the school uniform code and guidelines at all times. GIRLS: Grade K thru 5: *Pleated plaid jumper Grade 6 thru 8: *Plaid pleated or non-pleated skirt ALL GIRLS:
Girls' winter uniform (all grades, optional) December 1 to April 1: Navy V neck sweater with logo, Navy blue pants, Light blue polo with logo (long sleeve) *SKIRT/JUMPER LENGTH IS TO BE AT THE MIDDLE OF THE KNEE. All Girls' Accessories: Jewelry: Must be kept to a minimum. NO dangling, hoop or ornate earrings allowed. STUD EARRINGS ONLY. NO piercing allowed other than in ears. Makeup: Fingernail polish, makeup, lip-gloss and glitter (for hair, face or body) are not allowed at any time. Dress Down Days: Students are expected to dress in appropriate clothing. Short shorts, belly shirts, pajama bottoms or tops, cut off shorts, ripped pants or jeans and low rise pants are a distraction and are NEVER allowed!! Makeup and nail polish are not allowed on Dress Down Days. Hair: Extreme hairstyles and colors are not acceptable for school. Hats, bandanas and visors are not to be worn in school. BOYS: Grade K thru 8:
Optional: Monogrammed navy v-neck sweater for Grades K thru 8 All Boys' Accessories: Jewelry: Boys are not permitted to wear earrings at school. Jewelry is to be kept to a minimum. Dress Down Days: Students are expected to dress in appropriate clothing. Shirts with vulgar or inappropriate slogans, language, pictures or symbols are NEVER allowed, Pajama bottoms are NEVER allowed!! Hair: Extreme hairstyles and colors are not acceptable for school. Boys' hair is to be neat and well trimmed. Boys must be certain their hair is not longer than the top of the back of the shirt collar. PRESCHOOL UNIFORM Boys and Girls:
This optional uniform may be worn in September and October, April, May and June: Boys and Girls (All Grades):
Boys and Girls:
Tattoos are not allowed in school at any time. This includes henna tattoos, wash off and press on types. VI. HEALTH CONCERNS Back to Top St. Peter School is dedicated to keeping each child healthy and safe in our school environment. Accident insurance is provided for each registered student. MEDICATION POLICY NO CHILD WILL BE PERMITTED TO CARRY MEDICATION UNLESS DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE CHILD'S PEDIATRICIAN. This includes over the counter medications and cough drops. Students requiring an Epi-pen, inhalers or diabetic supplies may carry these medications with them only with written authorization from the child's physician and the parents. If a child requires medication, the School Nurse may give your child the medication as long as we have a written order from the physician and written permission from the parents. All medications must be in a pharmacy labeled bottle or box with the child's name, medication name and dosage, times to be administered, duration and prescribing physician's name. THIS INCLUDES OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION. All students need to have an up-to-date completed emergency card on file in the office. HEALTH RECORDS All immunizations and medical forms must be up-to-date and on file with the School Nurse prior to the start of school. Without current health records, the school cannot allow students to be in attendance. RI State Law requires the immunization record portion of the Health Form. It is therefore necessary that parents keep this record current. VII. LUNCH/SNACKS Back to Top LUNCH Students have the privilege of eating lunch in our school cafeteria. Parents are NOT TO PURCHASE OUTSIDE LUNCHES and deliver them to school. Students are expected to use respectful behavior and good manners in the lunchroom. For safety reasons, children MAY NOT have lollipops or hard candy at school. Gum is never allowed. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS Children are welcome to bring in treats such as cupcakes or cookies to share with their classmates. Parents are advised to arrange for such treats with the child's homeroom teacher. If a family plans a party outside of school, we ask that invitations be mailed if the entire class is not being invited. Please keep in mind that to be the only one or one of a very few in the class not invited to join a party can be a devastating experience for a child. VIII. SAFETY Back to Top VISITORS For the safety of our students and staff, our school is locked at all times. Visitors must enter through the front door on Mayfair Road. Office personnel will be available to help you. ACCESS TO SCHOOL RECORDS Diocesan Policy 140-G: Federal regulations require that an educational agency or institution shall give full rights under the FAMILY RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT to either parent, unless the agency or institution has been provided with evidence that there is a Court Order, State Statute, or a legally binding document relating to such matters as divorce, separation, or custody that specifically revokes these rights (20 U.S.C. 1240, 1232g). If the parents are divorced or separated, St. Peter School presumes both parents have access to the children and their records unless we are otherwise notified. It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an Official Copy of the Court Order stating otherwise. If duplicate school notices, report cards, etc. are needed, the Principal MUST BE notified IN WRITING. FIRE ALARM Any student found pulling a false alarm is subject to legal action. FIRE DRILLS Fire drills are held within the mandated guidelines of the State Fire Marshall. Students are expected to follow fire drill rules and all adult directives that are given during a fire drill. SCHOOL CANCELLATION In case of severely inclement weather, there may be no school. School cancellation announcements are made on local radio and television stations and we follow the cancellation or delay directives of the Warwick School Department:
IX. GENERAL POLICIES, PROGRAMS AND INFORMATION Back to Top SKATEBOARDS Skateboards of any size type or description are prohibited from the St. Peter School and Church properties. The properties include the parking lot, schoolyard, walkways to the Church and school and any and all stairways (interior and exterior). This restriction applies before, during and after school hours. Any skateboards brought to or used on the properties will be confiscated. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are considered a privilege and are taken to enhance the educational experience of the students. The school reserves the right to deny a student’s participation in a field trip for failure to meet academic and/or behavioral requirements.
Students in Grades K thru 8 may check out library books during weekly library period.
The City of Warwick provides bus transportation. St. Peter School students are expected to follow school rules on all busses. The bus company will make school officials aware of inappropriate bus behavior and the Principal will assist with appropriate disciplinary measures. CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBER It is essential that we have your current address and telephone number (including work telephone number, cell phone or pager number). Please notify the school office immediately of any changes. X. ADMISSION/REGISTRATION POLICY Back to Top Students are admitted to St. Peter School at the discretion of the Administration. St. Peter School does not discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin or handicapped conditions, with regards to admission policies, educational policies, or any other school administered programs. A. Registration takes place each year during Catholic School Week for new students entering grades Pre-school through 8. Registration dates are announced in area church bulletins. B. Admission will be granted in the following sequence:
Children must be 4 years of age by September 1st of the year of enrollment for admission to our 4-Year Old Preschool Program. Children must be fully toilet trained. Children must be 5 years of age by September 1st of the year of enrollment for admission to Kindergarten. C. All new students are required to provide the following documents:
E. Diocesan and parish tuition assistance is available to qualifying families. Any family interested in receiving financial assistance must first complete a financial aid form and send the completed form along with payment to the appropriate address before the announced deadline. Questions regarding tuition assistance can be addressed through the Administration building. F. All financial obligations from the previous school year must be met before registering for the next school year. Students whose financial obligations are not met will be placed on a waiting list. XI. EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM Back to Top Beginning September 2007, extended day services will be offered at St. Peter's Tri-Parish School. A safe environment will be provided for the children. After school activities, snacks and time to do homework will also be provided. If your child has any food allergies, please alert the extended day staff. You may be asked to provide your child's snack if there are unusual allergies. HOURS: 7:30AM to 8:30AM and 2:55PM to 5:30PM Children will be signed in at each session. Children must be signed out at the end of each session by the person authorized to pick them up. COST: $5.00 PER HOUR (AM/PM SESSIONS), $2.50 for each half hour. If the child is picked up late, additional costs will be accrued. PLEASE NOTE: Extended day will be offered to Preschool to Grade 8. All students in extended day are expected to follow the rules as set forth in the student handbook. XII. ST. PETER SCHOOL PARENT GUILD Back to Top The St. Peter Tri-Parish School Parent Guild services to facilitate communication between home and school through school sponsored events/activities. Executive Board members are elected each spring and serve on the Board the following school year. Their responsibilities include:
The purpose of the St. Peter School Tri-Parish School Board is to advise and assist the Pastor of St. Peter Church and the Principal of the school in all matters pertaining to the Catholicity of the school, its excellence, long range planning, development and financial development in conjunction with established diocesan policies. Membership consists of the Pastors of St. Peter, St. Benedict and St. Timothy Parishes, the Principal of St. Peter School, the reigning St. Peter School guild President and at least six additional members appointed by the three Pastors, one of which is a member of the St. Peter Parish Finance Council. |
  ST. PETER SCHOOL 120 Mayfair Road, Warwick, RI 02888 401-781-9242 
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