st. paul the apostle school student/parent handbook 2015 - 2016

76 Pages·2015·1.3 MB·English

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE
SCHOOL
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
__________________________
NAME

_________________________
GRADE
SPA STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016

The St. Paul

the Apostle
School Board

The
PWC
Parents
Working
for Children
and SPA School Administration,
Foundation Faculty,
and Staff

of St. Paul

the Apostle

School

The Clergy and

Staff of

St. Paul the

Apostle Church

If you have any questions or suggestions, please address them in writing
to the Saint Paul the Apostle School Board in care of the School
Administration Office.
STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK
2015 - 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE

Table of Contents 2-3
Introduction to Handbook 4
SPA Parish Community 5
SPA School History 5
SPA School Mission Statement 5
SPA School General Statement of Principles - Goals & Objectives 5-6
Catholic Identity 6
SPA Expected School Learning Expectations 6-8
Code of Christian Conduct 9
SPA School Policies and Procedures 9
Secure Campus Visitor to SPA 10
SPA School Admission Policy 10
SPA School Student Non-Discrimination Policy 11
Inclusion Policy 11
SPA School – Family Communication 12
School Office Hours 12
School Appointments 12-13
Notice of Changes - Personal Demographics/Transportation 13
Accidents 13
Insurance 14
Faculty Meetings –Full Day Friday Minimum Day 14
Lunches 15
Field Trips 15
Mixed Parties 16
Physical Education 16
Telephones/Cell Phones 16-17
Cameras/Cell Phone Cameras 17
Attendance Policy & Procedures 17-18
Work Permits 18
Student Records 18-20
Order of the Day 20
Tardiness 21
Truancy 21
Parent’s Responsibilities 22-23
Consultative School Boards and Parents Organizations 23
Student Rights & Responsibilities 24-25
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Graduation from SPA School 25

Grading Codes 25
Academic Probation 25-26
Academic Dishonesty 26
Student Council 26
Style Sheet for Written Work 27
Homework Policy 28-30
Homework Policy for Absentees 30
Computer and iPad Acceptable Use and
Responsibility Policy 31-37
Student Lockers, Desks and Property 38
Uniform and Grooming Code 38-41
Discipline 42-47
Harassment, Bullying & Disciplinary Procedure & Policy 47-49
Reinforcement of Vandalism Policy (2010) 49
Student Threats 50
Archdiocesan School Search Policy (2008) 50-51
Buying and Selling Policy 51
Procedures for Complaint Filing and Investigation 52-53
Employee Child Abuse Reporting 53
From the Health Office 54-58
Permission Form for Medication - Sample 59
After School Care Program 6
School Library/Media Center 61
Tuition Policy /Delinquent Tuition Collection Policy 62-63
Disaster/Emergency Procedures 63
Publication of Student Work/Pictures Acknowledgement 64
Educator’s Guidelines for Media Use/Parent Permission- Sample 65-67
Student/Youth Activities Permission Form 68
Absentee Form - Sample 69
Safe Environment- Protecting God’s Children Acknowledgement 70-73
Fighting and Expulsion Policy- Acknowledgement 73
Complaint Review Process 74

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ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK – contains
information pertaining to students, parents/guardians. This document is posted on
Haiku, the PWC website www.spapwc.org and the St. Paul the Apostle Catholic
Community website www.sp-apostle.org (go to “School” then click on “Current
Families” and “Handbook”). Words highlighted in green indicate new information.

SPA STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK 2015 - 2016
INTRODUCTION

St. Paul the Apostle School endeavors to create an environment in which each child will grow
and learn to work together with mutual respect and an interest in the common good. To achieve
this, the entire community - faculty, parents/guardians, and students – are expected to
assume responsibility for enforcing the rules of conduct contained within this handbook.
References to parent(s) include guardian(s) for purposes of this handbook.

The registration of a student at St. Paul the Apostle School is an express agreement on the part
of the students and their parents or guardians to observe the school policies and procedures as
set forth in this handbook and any that may be deemed necessary by the administration for the
education of the whole child.

St. Paul the Apostle School reserves the right to review the conduct and actions of St. Paul’s
students regardless of when or where such actions take place if they are of a nature to bring
discredit to the school or if they conflict with the Christian values for which St. Paul’s stands. A
serious conflict may result in dismissal.

St. Paul the Apostle faculty and staff promote the value of respect for self and others. We have
written this Handbook with that value in mind. Students and parents who are unwilling to pursue
and respect the educational goals prescribed in the philosophy of St. Paul the Apostle School
jeopardize their position in the school. Parental cooperation is essential for the welfare of the
students. If, in the opinion of the Administration, a parent’s behavior seriously interferes
with the teaching/learning process, the school may require parents to withdraw their
child(ren) and sever the relationship with the school.
PLEASE NOTE: Any issue or policy not specifically addressed in this handbook or
independently addressed by the Principal, may be addressed in the Los Angeles
Archdiocesan Administrative Handbook, which is available for review, upon request in the
St. Paul’s School Administrative Office. Addendums to the Handbook may be published
throughout the year and will be forwarded to parents via email “From the Principal”.
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Both parents and students must read and sign the handbook Acknowledgment Page which
includes important information and school policies (ex. Fighting and Expulsion Policy as well as
Parent Permission to Publish Student Pictures/work and Acceptable Use Policy for Technology).
Signing the Acknowledgement Page is part of the complete registration information required by
St. Paul the Apostle School. Students will not have access to school technology without this
signed Acknowledgement. It must be returned to the school by the date announced by the
Principal. The student is not fully enrolled if the Acknowledgement Page is not returned to
the school by that date.
Faculty, students and parents will have the ability to access the Handbook from the St. Paul
the Apostle Community website, Haiku, and the PWC website.
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ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE PARISH COMMUNITY

Saint Paul the Apostle School and St. Paul the Apostle Church comprise the St. Paul the Apostle
Parish Community. The faculty, priests and staff work together to promote a deep understanding of
our Catholic faith.
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL HISTORY

St. Paul the Apostle School was established in 1935 under the guidance of the Daughters of Mary and
Joseph, and the supervision of Rev. Francis Quinan, C.S.P.. The School originated with six
classrooms and, over the past decades, has expanded and developed its resources as needed. St. Paul
the Apostle School has nineteen classrooms and includes an art room and science lab. In 1981 the
convent was renovated to provide additional space for the library, junior high classrooms, a choir-
music room and parish activities. The school enrollment has increased from 508 in 1989 to its current
540 students. In the summer of 2012, the most recent WCEA/WASC evaluation accredited the St.
Paul the Apostle School for the maximum six years. New construction in 2013-2014 includes the
Educational Learning Center with classrooms for grades 5-8, music, foreign language,
Library/Media Center, faculty dining room, conference room, and gymnasium.

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

St. Paul the Apostle School is a Catholic community of faith, committed to the development
of the whole child. The lay and religious faculty share responsibility with the parents for the
students’ education, growth, and well - being. The school provides a challenging curriculum
taught from a global perspective, by innovative and dedicated educators. The student
population is drawn from the parish and surrounding communities.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

RECOGNIZING THE PARENT AS THE PRIMARY EDUCATOR, we at St. Paul the
Apostle School, seek to educate all who have been entrusted to us. We make no distinction
in admittance regarding sex, race, color, racial or ethnic origin, or social position. We meet
the children at the level of their needs and develop their intellectual, spiritual,
psychological, social, emotional, physical, aesthetic, economic, and civic potential. We begin
from the principle that our educational program is intentionally directed to the growth of
the whole person.

IN ADDITION TO BEING “SCHOOL”, WE ARE “CATHOLIC”. We, at St. Paul the
Apostle School, believe that Catholic education is an expression of the mission given to us by
Jesus. Our goal is to help our students build a strong moral character by using a value-
centered curriculum that is rooted in our Catholic Faith. As faculty we create an
environment that supports parents’ responsibility to help their children come to a deeper
understanding of the impact of God’s offer of salvation. This offer is made in the life, death,
and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and it invites a response that flows through the school,
into the wider parish community of faith and into our world.

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CATHOLIC IDENTITY

The students of St. Paul the Apostle School are fully involved in the Catholic faith.
Religion curriculum includes the use of an Archdiocesan approved text as well as support
programs that include current event topics and scripture based materials.
Students participate in a variety of prayer styles during the year as well as both liturgical
and para-liturgical experiences. Student led school liturgies, grade level evening liturgies,
and Sunday family liturgies are included. The school music program and parish music
ministry work together to expose students to and involve students in liturgical music.
Reconciliation experiences are offered to grades 3-8 during Advent and Lent.

Every classroom has a prayer corner/table as a focus area for prayer/intentions and the
school day is always begun with prayer and scripture read by Student Body officers and the
Principal. Grade level chaplains visit the classrooms regularly and support catechists in
liturgy preparation.

The connection between faith and action is strengthened by many opportunities for
involvement in the church as well as community outreach. Many of the outreach projects
are student initiated and student driven. Upper-school students are offered opportunities to
train as lectors and altar servers for school and weekend liturgies.
Education for parents includes sacramental preparation programs for second grade
families to help prepare parents and children during this special time, Miles to Go Drug
Awareness program (grades 5-8), and Family Life/Human Sexuality (grades 5-8).

ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE SCHOOL
SCHOOL LEARNING EXPECTATIONS
(SLEs) FOR 2015 - 2016

The education and support provided at St. Paul the Apostle School is designed to help each child
become:

A FAITH FILLED PERSON WHO:

• Demonstrates Catholic Christian values and attitudes by modeling them in every-day life
• Participates actively in a faith community
• Knows the basic fundamental beliefs of his/her faith
• Shows an ongoing, personal relationship with God through prayer
• Shows compassion towards others by a willingness to share time, talent, and treasure
• Makes decisions according to an informed conscience

A CONTRIBUTING MEMBER OF SOCIETY WHO:

• Exhibits a confidence in his/her value as an individual with the potential to make a difference
• Appreciates diverse cultures and opinions
• Demonstrates positive citizenship and leadership by contributing to the welfare of others and
volunteering for community, country and the democratic process

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A CRITICAL THINKER WHO:

• Has a strong academic foundation
• Uses technology to synthesize and evaluate new information
• Implements appropriate strategies to analyze, interpret, solve and evaluate various problems
• Identifies real-life problems and chooses the most effective means of solving them
• Questions and answers objectively, analytically, and appropriately
• Evaluates and criticizes his/her own thinking strategies (meta-cognitive abilities).

A SELF DIRECTED PERSON WHO:

• Exhibits a personal responsibility for learning and for his/her actions
• Displays enthusiasm to be a life-long learner
• Sets goals and implements a course of action to achieve them
• Exhibits self reliance by seeing what needs to be done and responding appropriately
• Makes choices based on acquired knowledge and Christian values
• Exhibits self awareness by seeking help when needed

AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR WHO:

• Utilizes all available tools for communication
• Articulates thoughts clearly, accurately, and creatively using both verbal and written
expression
• Listens actively, is receptive to new ideas and can dialogue with others
• Formulates meaningful questions and assesses information
• Expresses acquired knowledge on a wide variety of subjects
• Works cooperatively and collaborates in a variety of situations

AN AESTHETICALLY AWARE INDIVIDUAL WHO:

• Demonstrates an appreciation for the creative expression of others (music, literature, visual and
performing arts)
• Recognizes, appreciates and respects the beauty of God’s creation
• Participates in and enjoys the artistic process as well as the results
• Identifies his/her own potential for creativity

A HEALTH CONSCIOUS INDIVIDUAL WHO:

• Maintains and shows respect for the emotional, mental, spiritual and physical health for oneself and
others
• Is educated in the value of good nutrition and exercise for the sake of good health and a positive self
image
• Can communicate an understanding of substance abuse, its negative effects and consequences
• Expresses a healthy understanding of human sexuality

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In 2014, these School Learning Expectations were summarized in language that could be more easily
understood by primary grade students.

A Faith Filled Person:
• Believes in God
• Loves God and Others
• Goes to Mass and Prays

A Contributing Member of Society:
• Is a good citizen
• Shares with others
• Treats others with respect

A Critical Thinker:
• Stops and Thinks
• Asks questions
• Solves problems

A Self-Directed Person:
• Makes Good Choices
• Works Independently
• Is a Self Starter

An Effective Communicator:
• Actively Listens
• Thinks before speaking
• Express ideas clearly

An Aesthetically Aware Individual:
• Appreciates and Respects the Beauty of God’s World

A Health Conscious Individual:
• Has a Positive Attitude
• Makes Healthy Choices

It is with the help and support of all students, parents, teachers and
staff at St. Paul’s that each student will make progress toward these
learning results.

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CODE OF CHRISTIAN CONDUCT COVERING STUDENTS, PARENTS,
GUARDIANS, AND OTHER RESPONSIBLE ADULTS
Archdiocese General Information (1.1 Update 6/11)
The Archdiocese deeply appreciates the choice parents and students make to enroll in its
parochial elementary schools and secondary schools. Truly, this is a commitment for life
and many families make considerable sacrifices of time and treasure to support their
students while they are in school. Often families and students continue this support even
after graduation because Catholic education makes a difference. Indeed, Catholic schools
are different.
All schools in the Archdiocese are intended to be environments that educate, nurture and
support students according to the basic Christian principles of charity and love of
neighbor. Everyone involved in the development of children and youth – teachers,
administrators, parents, family and friends – is required to behave in accordance with
these principles.
Our Christian principles provide that:
Parents or guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively with the
school to assist the student in meeting the school’s academic, moral and behavioral
expectations. Students and parents or guardians may respectfully express their concerns
about the school operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in a manner
that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile or
divisive. Parents, guardians or other responsible adults who insult or abuse school
personnel in the presence of other school personnel, students or parents on or adjacent to
school premises or at some other place where school personnel are required to be in
connection with their assigned school activities, may be asked to withdraw their student
from the school. Conduct that materially disrupts class work or extracurricular activities
or that involves substantial disorder will not be tolerated.

These expectations for students, parents, guardians or other responsible adults include,
but are not limited to, all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g., After School Care,
athletics, field trips, etc.).
The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, when conduct is of such a
severe nature as to warrant immediate action without warning. This action may include
removal of a family and its students from the school.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Any issue or policy not specifically addressed in this handbook or independently addressed
by the Principal may be addressed in the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Administrative
Handbook is online. Addendums to the Handbook may be published throughout the year
and forwarded to parents via email from the Principal.

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