Presentation
of Our Lady
Presentation
of Our Lady
Catholic School
660 Julian St., Denver, CO 80204 303-629-6562
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School
PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK
660 Julian Street
Denver, Colorado 80204
Telephone: 303-629-6562
FAX: 303.573.3993
Founded 1924
Accredited by the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges
Member of the National Catholic Educational Association
Employees and volunteers at Presentation will be subject to background checks in accord with Archdiocesan policy and will be required to complete the “Safe Environments Training” program through the Archdiocese of Denver.
All teachers are certified or licensed.
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School is an Archdiocesan Catholic School operated under the authority and supervision of the Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Denver and is governed by the Archdiocesan Administrators’ Handbook and the Pastoral Handbook of the Archdiocese of Denver.
The School reserves the right to amend the contents of this handbook and to communicate these changes in writing to parents/guardians.
ASSURANCE STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE PURPOSE OF
TITLE IX EDUCATION ACT
The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Denver, under the jurisdiction of
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.,
And at the direction of the
Secretary for Catholic Schools,
State that all of their Catholic schools admit students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. Furthermore, Archdiocesan schools admit handicapped students in accord with Archdiocesan Policy No. 2000 concerning student admission. These schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, handicap, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of their educational policies, employment practices, scholarship and loan programs, or athletic or other school administered programs.
Sections in italics in this Handbook are policy statements for Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School.
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic Schools reserves the right to amend this Parent/Student Handbook as necessary and to communicate these changes to parents in writing and in a timely manner.
PERSONNEL
Rev. Edward J. Poehlmann, Pastor
Mrs. Sandra Howard, Principal
Ms. Mary Lou Graves, Accountant
Mrs. Monica Burkin, Administrative Assistant to Principal
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Valdez, “Mary’s Closet” Thrift Store
Mrs. Katya Jorgensen, Cafeteria Manager
Mrs. Maria Rico, Cafeteria
Mrs. Yvonne Candelaria, Athletic Director
Mr. David Vallejo, Maintenance
Mrs. Marta Vallejo, Maintenance
Mrs. Maria Mex, Maintenance
Preschool Miss Taryn Walsh
Pre Kindergarten Mr. Mike Cammilleri
Kindergarten Mrs. Jennifer Bunker
First Mrs. Mary Ellen Cammilleri
Second Mrs. Patricia Nestorick
Third Ms. Melissa Brixius
Fourth Mrs. Mary Leintz
Fifth Mrs. Elizabeth Moore
Sixth Mr. John Clark
Seventh Ms. Amber Beston
Eighth
Physical Ed Miss Kim Smith
Title I Mrs. Jacqueline Snyder
Art Ms. Ann Raih
Music Mr. Robert Krier
DAILY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
7:15 Cafeteria opens for students and breakfast is served
Supervision begins
Students must be in class at 7:45 AM.
7:50 Morning Prayer – first assignments begin
Tardy as of 7:50 AM
3:05 Dismissal for all students
[3:05-4:30 – Academic Assistance program**]
School Supervision ends at 3:30 PM for students not in ASP.
3:05-6:00 – Extended Care ++
Please note: Students left after 3:30: parents will be charged $2 per minute payable at the time student is picked up. If the failure to pick up children continues, Denver Social Services will be notified.
· **AAP (Academic Assistance Program) is an after school program for study hall, tutoring, and organized activities supervised by a Presentation teacher. Students are assigned to this program upon the recommendation of their teachers. Parents may request placement in this program. The final decision lies with the principal. It is open to students in grades 4-8. This is NOT a daycare program. Hours: 3:00 PM through 4:30 PM.
· ++ Extended Care is an after school program for students in PK – grade 3.It is available for a fee. Hours: 3:05 PM through 6:00 PM.
· Students must be picked up by 6 PM. Those left after 6 PM will be charged a $5 per minute fee payable at the time of pick up. Failure to pay the fee will mean the child will not be allowed to continue in the program.
OFFICE HOURS 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
TEACHER HOURS 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM
GOVERNANCE
The primary authority in the school is the principal. The assistant principal functions in place the principal. The ultimate authority in the school is the pastor of the parish. The faculty of Presentation shares in the authority of the pastor and the Archbishop of Denver in the exercise of ministry. The School Advisory Council (SAC) advises the pastor and principal regarding general school matters, excluding personnel matters.
ADMISSION
Children entering kindergarten must be five (5) years old on or before September 15.
First consideration will be given to members of Presentation of Our Lady Parish.
PARISHIONER STATUS
These are the conditions for being considered a “parishioner” in the Archdiocese of Denver:
CLARIFICATION
1. Make sure that you are registered in Presentation of Our Lady Parish – or your home parish.
2. Contribute to the offertory on a regular basis (weekly). Use your envelopes.
3. Attend Mass weekly in your parish. Additionally, fulfill the requirement of 30 hours of volunteer service per child at Presentation. 10 hours must be in the Thrift Store (Mary’s Closet) and the other 20 hours in other school activities.
4. Make sure that your keep an accurate record of your volunteer hours. Make sure that the person in charge of the event in which you volunteer keeps an accurate record of your hours.
All of this information will be used in determining parishioner status each February.
PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES
We welcome your ideas and concerns. Parents are expected to support the administration and faculty of the school and to observe the policies and rules in this handbook.
Please supervise your children carefully any time they are on the school grounds. Parents are responsible for the supervision of their children – and for their conduct. Children may not stay at school between dismissal and athletic practice/game without parental supervision. The school will not provide supervision.
FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS: Please read the tuition agreement carefully. It is your contract with the school. Meet your financial obligations on time.
VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS: We require 30 hours of community service from each family in the school per child. Ten of those hours must be spend in our Thrift Store, Mary’s Closet. The other 20 hours on various school activities. Please make sure that an accurate record is kept of your hours. These hours will be considered in February of the coming year when granting parishioner status.
PRESENTATION SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (School Advisory Council)
The PSAC is composed of parents who advise the principal and pastor in developing, promoting, and evaluating programs and policies of the school. They are appointed by the principal upon approval by the pastor.
Members: Marc Nestorick, Steve Gonzales, Julie Gonzales, Brenda Fellman, Freddie Gallegos.
FEDERALLY FUNDED BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAMS are offered at Presentation. Mrs. Katya Jorgensen, Cafeteria Manager, distributes the forms and makes the determination who will receive free or reduced breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 until 7:45 in the cafeteria.
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES AT PRESENTATION
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School aims to provide a traditional Catholic learning environment that fosters
HOMEWORK
All teachers will give homework. It is an essential part of your child’s education at Presentation of Our Lady and should come before other extracurricular activities. You will be notified if your child neglects this work. Approximate homework amounts are as follows:
K 20 minutes of assisted homework – parents reading to children
1-2: 20-30 minutes per evening – Children reading to parents.
3-4: 30-45 minutes per evening
5: 1-1.5 hours per evening
6-8: 1-3 hours per evening
If a student is to have a prolonged absence due to family emergency or illness, teachers should be contacted for homework. If a student is absent for a short time, requests for homework should be made through the school office. Students are to make up missed work within three school days from the time they return. All students are responsible for obtaining information on missing homework and class work.
If a student is unable to complete homework because of an emergency, parents should send a note to the teacher on the day the student returns to class.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND FORMATION
Religion Classes, the most important element of the entire program at Presentation of Our Lady, are taught regularly covering doctrine, sacraments, scripture, and church history. Weekly “All School Masses” are celebrated on Friday at 8:00 AM. Eighth grade students prepare for the Sacrament of Confirmation during their eighth grade year. Second grade students prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist during their second grade year.
Spiritual formation of children is of the utmost importance. Daily prayer, scripture readings, liturgies, celebrations of the sacraments, discernment prayers, and other retreats are an integral part of spiritual formation of students at Presentation of Our Lady.
Teachers are charged with teaching the contents of the religion text approved by the Archdiocese and are responsible to see that students know the information required. Parents are responsible for making sure they attend Mass with their children and teach them their family and cultural spiritual practices.
Presentation families and faculty will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Las Posadas at Christmas time.
READING
All students who can read are required to have with them a “silent reading book” in every academic class at all times.
CHILD CUSTODY INFORMATION
Divorced or separated parents must file a court-certified copy of the custody section of the divorce or separation decree with the school office.
STUDENT CONDUCT
The code of conduct for Presentation of Our Lady is based on the Gospel, particularly by asking the question, “What would Jesus do?” Students are expected to treat all persons with consideration and respect. They also have the right to expect to be treated with the same consideration and respect. RESPECT and CONSIDERATION are the most important aspects of student conduct at Presentation of Our Lady.
All adults and students associated with Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School are expected to take a strong, Christian stand against bullying, harassment and any sort of violent behavior.
The STUDENT CONDUCT regulations are in effect whenever a child is on the Presentation campus, while the child is wearing a Presentation uniform or is attending or participating in a school sponsored/supervised/related activity.
Parents are responsible for the conduct and behavior of their children at all school events and the consequences of misconduct or misbehavior. If a student causes damage to school property, the parents will be required to pay the cost of the damage.
All students will, at all times…
CAFETERIA:
PLAYGROUND:
BEHAVIORS THAT MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION AND/OR EXPULSION INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: When a decision to suspend is made, parents will be called and required to have the student picked up from school as soon as possible. While suspended, the student will receive no credit for work missed but will be required to make up work missed. While suspended, the student may not participate in any school activities.
IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSION: When a decision is made to suspend a student in school, the parents will be notified. The teachers will assign the student work. The student will not be permitted to socialize with classmates during the suspension.
Students who fight may be suspended (out of school) for one complete school day (or more at the discretion of the principal). If additional fights occur, additional steps will be taken to facilitate a change in behavior. The purpose of the suspension is to make clear to the student that Presentation of Our Lady does not condone fighting as a method of resolving conflicts.
Likewise, some parental behavior is grounds for expulsion of a student. Please refer to the Appendix, Archdiocesan Policy 2640.
There is a “zero-tolerance” policy at Presentation of Our Lady for the use and/or possession of controlled substances and/or alcohol, for violent, harassing or bullying behavior, for the possession of weapons (real or toy), and for gang-related activity and/or behavior. A “zero-tolerance” policy means that students guilty of these infractions shall not be permitted to remain at Presentation of Our Lady without disciplinary consequences. This policy is applicable at, during all school-sponsored events, and at any other time when the child’s presence may be deemed to reflect representation of Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School.
HARASSMENT/BULLYING
Harassment (sexual or otherwise) is unwanted attention from other students or from adults including, but not limited to, the following: verbal comments, subtle pressure for sexual activity, leering, pinching, touching, patting, gender-based humor or comments and any forms of unwanted touching.
When a Presentation of Our Lady student or parent believes the student has been harassed, they are to report the incident to an administrator or school staff adult with whom they are comfortable. All information given by the student or parent will be treated as confidential. The adult in whom the student confided is to report the matter to the principal immediately. The principal or vice-principal will begin an investigation immediately.
Retaliation in any form against a person filing a complaint related to harassment is forbidden and will be considered as grounds for dismissal or expulsion.
Students engaging in harassment will be subject to disciplinary measures including the possibility of expulsion. If warranted, the local police will be called. Adults engaging in or supporting harassment will be subject to disciplinary measures according to the policies of the Archdiocese of Denver and the State of Colorado.
The final decision regarding alleged harassment will be made by the principal in consultation with the pastor of Presentation of Our Lady Parish.
CHEATING
Presentation of Our Lady students are expected to maintain integrity and high moral standards in keeping with the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Cheating is forbidden by both. Cheating is defined as seeking or giving answers on a test or assignment. Consequences for cheating are clear, immediate, and severe.
Consequences for cheating:
PARENT/SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP
If you have a concern, please follow these steps:
If you wish to visit classes, please consult with the teacher ahead of time.
Never question the authority of the teacher in the presence of children. You would not accept a teacher doing this to you.
Parents cannot expect the school to be able to communicate Gospel values if these values are not practiced at home. Please do not speak adversely about the school or teachers or the parish in the presence of children. Please do not gossip as it often spreads misinformation or lies and it belies the values of Jesus.
If your concern is not taken care of by the teacher, please consult the principal.
If you are not satisfied after following these steps then contact the following in order:
In accord with the CRS, no child under sixteen (16) years of age may be left without adult supervision. Faculty members and parents are required to provide appropriate supervision of Presentation of Our Lady students. Faculty supervision extends from 7:30 AM until 30 minutes after dismissal on all school days.
DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL WHEN THEY HAVE EVEN A SLIGHT FEVER.
A written note of explanation from the parent or guardian must accompany all tardiness and absence. If your child is absent, please call the office. If no call is received, parents will be called. If no excuse is received, the child will be considered truant. Continued unexcused absences or tardiness may result in failure for the year. If necessary, Social Services will be informed.
In certain cases, the school may require a written note from a doctor’s office.
EXTENDED ABSENCE: If your child will be absent for an extended period due to illness or other emergencies, teachers will work with your child to make up the work, tests and/or learning missed.
If parents choose to take their child (ren) out of school for an extended vacation or non-emergency purposes, teachers will not be required to work with the child to make up work, tests and/or learning missed. In addition, teachers are not required to provide assignments in advance.
NUMEROUS ABSENCES OR EXCESSIVE TARDINESS: If a student misses more than ten (10) days per semester, the principal will review his/her case and appropriate steps may be taken, including but not limited to failure for the semester. If appropriate, Social Services will be contacted regarding truancy. If a student, in the opinion of the principal, has excessive tardiness, parents will be contacted. If the pattern continues, other steps will be taken including, but not limited to, dismissal from school and/or contacting social services.
TARDINESS: Students are expected and required to be in school and class at the assigned times.
Any child not in the assigned classroom when the official school day begins (7:50 AM) is considered tardy and is to report to the school office for a tardy slip.
All tardy students (including those serving Mass) are to sign in on the register in the school office. If needed, the principal may take disciplinary action regarding excessive tardiness, even contacting Social Service.
EARLY DISMISSAL: When you must have your child dismissed from school early, send a note with the child at the beginning of the day indicating the child’s name, the time of pick up, and the reason for the early dismissal. Parents are to report to the school office to pick up the child. Children will not be released to the parents from the classroom.
A record of early dismissal will be kept on each student.
Children are not permitted to leave the school with any adult other than a parent UNLESS arrangements have been made with the school office in writing by the parents PRIOR to the child’s departure. Correspondence should be dated and signed by the parent.
Please try to keep medical and dental appointments outside of school time.
CHANGE OF SCHOOL
Please notify the school business office one week before the child is to change schools. Official records will be sent from Presentation of Our Lady to the new school by mail (with exceptions being made for extraordinary circumstances). Official records will not be released for families owing tuition or fees.
DRESS AND UNIFORM CODE
Students in grades K through eight wear uniforms. Parents are to see that the uniform code is followed exactly. Dress and grooming are to be consistent with the standards and principles of a Catholic school. All students must have a set of dress clothes: dresses and dress shoes for girls; white shirt and tie for boys.
The principal has the final decision regarding matters of dress and grooming.
Please make sure that all your children’s clothing is clearly marked with her/his name.
COMPLIANCE: Uniforms are required from the FIRST day of school. Exceptions are made for “spirit days” and “dress up days”, which are announced in the monthly Newsletter and calendar. Spirit Days are every Wednesday. Students wear plain blue jeans and a Presentation spirit shirt. The shirt must be tucked in. If students do not wear jeans and a Presentation spirit shirt, they are to wear their uniforms. Shirts may not have any signatures or writing on them.
SHIRTS: Solid white or red, long or short-sleeved polo shirts. No logos. No colored t-shirts or printed t-shirts underneath. Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
SLACKS: Dark navy blue cotton twill or corduroy slacks. No baggy or cargo pants, Capri or hip hugging pants. Belts must be worn.
SHORTS: Dark navy blue cotton twill walking shorts with a front zipper. No more than one inch above or below the knees.
JUMPERS AND SKIRTS: Girls K-4 may wear approved plaid uniform jumpers [Style 195, Plaid 66. Girls 5-8 may wear a plain navy blue skirt or the approved plaid uniform skirt [Style 104 plaid 66]. (Choice Uniforms: 1-877-324-6423 or www.choiceunforms.com). Skirts may not be higher than one inch above the knees.
WINDBREAKERS: Official “Presentation” windbreakers may be worn.
SWEATSHIRTS: K-8 MAY WEAR SOLID NAVY, RED OR SOLID WHITE crewneck sweatshirts over polo shirts. Collars worn on the outside. No sweatshirts with logos. No oversized sweatshirts. No sweatshirts with hoods, zippers or pockets. “Hoodies” sold at school may be worn.
SHOES: Tennis or athletic shoes are required at all times for physical education. No dark soles that will leave marks. No sandals.
SOCKS: Must be worn at all times. Must be white, red, or navy
HAIRSTYLES: No artificially bleached, colored, or streaked hair. No extreme hairstyles.
Boys’ hair above the collar and ears. No tails. No spiked hair. No shaved heads. If boys wear t-shirts, they must be plain white t-shirts.
Students who do not comply with the regulations regarding hairstyles will be sent home and will be permitted to return to school when they are in compliance.
JEWELERY: No large necklaces or colored beads of any kind. No tattoos or body piercing of any sort. Girls may wear one small pair of tailored earrings (posts) in their ear lobe... No rings or bracelets are permitted. Boys may not wear earrings or other jewelry except a watch.
Students may wear a small necklace with a cross under their shirt.
MAKE-UP: No make up for any student except: girls in grades 7 and 8 may wear light base, blush, and clear lip-gloss. No eye makeup. No lipstick or lip liner. No nail polish or French nails. TATTOOS are not permitted. Students who come to school with tattoos will not be permitted to attend until the tattoo is removed.
SPIRIT DAYS are every Friday. Students may wear plain blue jeans and a school spirit shirt (without any writing on it). No Capri pants. Shirttails are to be tucked in.
DRESS UP DAYS will be indicated in the school calendar. Some days are Suns School Dances, Christmas Pageant, and graduation/continuation. On these days, students are to wear:
Boys: dress slacks, a white dress shirt and a tie; dress shoes and dark socks.
Girls: dress slacks and a dressy blouse – or a dress – or a skirt and blouse. Dress shoes. Older girls may be required to wear stockings, especially for graduation. Shoulders must be covered. No see-through blouses. No tight fitting clothing.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORMS
At the beginning of each school year, parents are to provide the school with the required information on the emergency cards. Notify the school immediately if there are changes in this information during the school year.
FUNDRAISING
The principal must approve all fundraising activities.
All students and parents are required to take part in school fundraising activities.
USE OF SCHOOL NAME
No one is permitted to use the name of Presentation of Our Lady School or Church for any purpose without having the permission of the principal or pastor in writing.
GRADE REPORTS will be issued quarterly September through May. Progress reports will be sent to parents as needed.
GRADING SCALE FOR SCHOOLS IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER (grade 3-8)
A = 93-100
B = 85-92
C = 77-84
D = 70-76
F = 69 or below
HONOR ROLL AND AWARDS
HIGH HONORS All A’s All O’s
HONORS All A’ and B’s All O’s and S’s
PANTHER PRIDE Student who has shown outstanding academic improvement and yet does not qualify for honor roll
PERFECT ATTENDANCE Awarded to students to have not been tardy or absent during the grading period.
Honor assemblies are held at the end of each semester.
CATHOLIC VIRTURE AWARD – presented to one student in each grade who demonstrate Catholic virtues in their daily behavior such as the following: kindness, honesty, respect for others, service to others, hard work, servant leadership. This award is presented at the Awards Assembly at the end of the school year.
BUTCH MOODY AWARD (ATHLETICS)
In 1992, this award was created to honor an 8th grade athlete. Butch Moody was a graduate of Presentation in 1958. He went on to J. K. Mullen high School and then attended the Colorado School of Mines. After his duty to his country was served in the armed forces, he came back to Presentation to coach and teach. His philosophy was not so much about winning every game but making sure that the student athletes were as much about sports and they were about sportsmanship and schoolwork. He said that every student who went out for a sport should be given an equal opportunity to learn and play. He volunteered thousands of hours coaching and helping develop the athletic program at Presentation.
With this in mind, the Botch Moody Award is to honor the eighth grade student athlete who excels in athletics, class work and overall sportsmanship.
The requirements are
ELIGIBILITY FOR PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Regulation of participation in extra-curricular activities based on grades is the duty of the parents. The principal may remove a student from activities on the basis of school behavior or academics.
PASSING OR FAILURE FOR THE YEAR
In order to pass for the year, students need to have passing grades in ALL subjects. Grades are averaged as follows:
A = 4 points
B = 3 points
C = 2 points
D = 1 point
F = 0 points
Students must have one whole point in order to pass for the year.
Sixth or seventh grade students who fail one or more subjects at the end of the sixth or seventh grade will not be permitted to return to Presentation of Our Lady unless the failure is made up according to the norms set by Presentation of Our Lady. Eighth grade students who fail one or more subjects will not be permitted to participate in continuation and will not be promoted to 9th grade until the failures are made up according to the norms set by the school.
Students in lower grades who fail a core subject may be required to make up that subject with a tutor during the summer. Students are not usually retained because of failure in a core subject, unless the failure is directly related to developmental problems.
CONTINUATION/GRADUATION
Eighth grade students who successfully meet all the requirements for graduation from eighth grade and continuation to high school will be permitted to take part in the continuation ceremony at the end of the school year.
Girls are required to wear modest and appropriate dresses in keeping with the teaching of the Catholic Church as the importance of the occasion. The following are not permitted:
Boys are required to wear dress clothes as follows:
Boys and girls are required to observe all the school regulations regarding grooming. The final decision regarding the acceptability of clothing lies with the principal of the school. Continuation/graduation is held at the end of Mass celebrated by the pastor of the parish or his designate.
STUDENT RECORDS
Parents will have access to student cumulative folders for review in the presence of the principal with prior notice.
PUBLICATION & STUDENT INFORMATION
IMMUNIZATION RECORDS / COLORADO STATE STATUTES
All students are required by Colorado Law to have an up-to-date immunization record on file with the school. Students who do not comply with this law by the date set each year will not be permitted to attend classes until the record is on file.
PARTICIPATION IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
All qualified students may try out for membership in extra-curricular activities. Presentation of Our Lady is committed to providing everyone a fair chance to participate. The decision of the coach or moderator, in consultation with the principal, is final. Ordinarily, the principal will not intervene in the decision making process unless the decision is arbitrary and capricious. Students must have a “C” average in order to participate.
MEDICATIONS
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School follows medication guidelines that are in accord with the Archdiocese of Denver Policies and the “Rules and Regulations Governing Schools in the State of Colorado” enacted by the Colorado Board of Health.
If your child needs to receive medication during school hours, including prescription and non-prescription medications, the following conditions must be met:
1. A signed parental permission form (obtained from the school office) on file at your child’s school, clearly stating the name of the medication and the time it is to be given at school.
2. A physician has signed statement on file at your child’s school that matches instructions on the container and on the signed parental permission form. It should also include the purpose of the medication, the length of time it needs to be given at school, and possible side effects.
3. Medication in the original container clearly showing the name of the physician prescribing the medication, the time it is to be given, and the dosage.
Parents are urged to work with their health care provider so that the dosage schedule is arranged to give medication at home rather than at school.
Please remember:
Medications of all kinds, both prescription and non-prescription, can be administered solely by the school staff only when they include the written order by a physician. This includes Tylenol, aspirin, decongestants, cough drops, etc.
Parents may administer medication to their child(ren) at the school office. All medication must be brought to the school office. No student may keep medication on their person or in their locker, lunch box, etc. This includes cough drops. Any medication found on a student will be taken to the school office and the parents will be notified. The parent must pick up the medication from the school office.
Children who have chronic problems, i.e., recurring headaches, menstrual cramps, etc., should have a prescription labeled medication on hand on the school office to be used as the need arises.
If a student has a condition that might require medication on an emergency basis, (e.g., allergic reaction to insect bites/stings; asthma attack, etc.) the student’s family shall provide all necessary information and training or instruction to the school personnel who might be responsible for administering such medication or carrying out such medical procedures.
The school secretary will keep a written record of medications given to students.
MESSAGES TO STUDENTS
Messages will not be taken by phone or delivered to students.
SCHOOL TELEPHONES
These are business phones. Students are permitted to use phones only with permission of the principal and only in case of emergency.
DROP OFF AND PARKING GUIDE
Mornings:
Before 7:45 Drop off at the cafeteria door in the alley
After 7:45 Drop off in front of school
Afternoons:
After 3:05 Pick up students in the gym.
Please remember that no supervision is provided for students after 3:30 with the exception of the After School Program and the Extended Care Program. Students are not permitted to remain at school to wait for athletic practice or games.
SAFETY HINTS
PARENT CONFERENCES
Conferences are held in November and February. At least one parent is required at the each conference. In addition, students in grades 1-8 are required to attend conferences with the parent. Scheduling information is sent out prior to conference times. Other parent-teacher conferences are scheduled with individual teachers as needed or requested.
POLICY ON INTERNET AND COMPUTER USE
All use of computers and the Internet must be in accord with the Catholic principles and regulations of Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Denver.
The purpose of the Internet in our school environment is to support research and education in and among academic institutions by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. This use is a privilege and must support education and research and be consistent with the principles of the school and the Archdiocese. Use of other organization’s networks or computing resources must comply with the rules of Internet etiquette and the applicable state and federal laws. Uses not related to education and/or research are prohibited. As the technology plan for Presentation is implemented, these regulations will be in force.
Students are not permitted to use school computers for personal e-mail or communication of any type.
Network etiquette
Be polite. No abusive, inappropriate, or vulgar language.
Illegal activities are forbidden.
Do not reveal your personal address, phone number, or those of anyone else.
Electronic mail is guaranteed not to be private. The LAN system administrator will have access to all e-mail. Abuse will result in loss of privilege and disciplinary action. There is no right to or expectation of privacy within the Presentation of Our Lady LAN.
Do not disrupt or attempt to disrupt the operation of the LAN.
All information available on the Internet and network should be considered proprietary to Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School. E-mails from the Presentation of Our Lady LAN shall conform to all provisions of CRS 6-2.5-105 et seq.
If you identify a security problem with the LAN, notify the principal. Do not demonstrate the problem to any other users. Do not use another person’s account. If you access an inappropriate site, notify the teacher immediately. Attempts to interfere with the LAN administration and/or operation will result in cancellation of user privileges and other disciplinary action.
Do not give your used ID or password to anyone except an authorized adult. If you do so, you will be held responsible for any sites visited or damage done.
Inappropriate Internet sites include, but are not limited to, the following:
Adult sites
Pornographic sites
Gambling sites
Sites that promote hate, racism, violence
Sites that are not in keeping with the teachings of the Catholic Church
Accessing these sites intentionally will subject the user to the full disciplinary scope of the rules and regulations of Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School as deemed appropriate in the sole discretion of the principal.
Vandalism to any computer equipment will result in cancellation of privileges and other disciplinary action. Vandalism is also defined as malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, the Internet, or any agencies or networks connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading or creation of computer viruses or harming firmware or hardware.
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Denver make no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the service provided. Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Denver will not be responsible for any damages you suffer. This includes loss of data resulting in delays, nondeliveries, misdeliveries, or service interruptions caused by its own negligence or your errors or omissions. Any use of information obtained via the Internet is at your own risk. Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School and the Archdiocese of Denver specifically deny any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services. All users must have on file an executed waiver of liability and an assumption of risk before using the Presentation of Our Lady LAN for Internet access.
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School uses professional programs to filter inappropriate sites. Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School cannot guarantee that the filtering program will prevent access to inappropriate sites.
Supervision
Internet usage may only take place under the direct supervision of an appropriate teacher or qualified supervisor.
TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION
Presentation has computers in the media center for student use and in classrooms for teacher and student use. Keyboarding skills and appropriate program use will be taught in the media center. Computers in the classrooms will enable students either to advance or catch up in given subjects.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Students are not permitted to bring playground equipment (e.g. balls, bats, and other play materials) from home. The school provides the necessary and approved playground equipment.
TEXTBOOKS
Textbooks are provided by the school and are the property of the school. All books are to be covered neatly and decently. The student will pay for lost or damaged books. The fine for a damaged book is $10.00.
If the book needs to be replaced, the student will be charged the full cost of a new book. The Principal has final discretion regarding fines and replacement.
FIELD TRIPS, DANCES AND RELATED ACTIVITIES
These are an important part of education at Presentation of Our Lady and are taken by all classes during the school year. A field trip fee is collected for each individual field trip. PERMISSION SLIPS are sent home for each field trip, in accord with Archdiocesan Policy No. 4340. No student may participate in the field trip without the official SIGNED permission form (required by the Archdiocese) on file with the teacher. No verbal permission can be given. Students who do not return a signed permission slip on the appointed date will not be permitted to go on the field trip and will be required to stay at home for that day. All students are required to ride to and from the field trip in school-approved transportation. Adults who volunteer as chaperones should not bring siblings on the field trip since their function is supervision of the students on the trip. If non-chaperone parents take part in the field trip, siblings are to ride with parents in their own transportation. Students are to give adult chaperones complete respect and cooperation. Students who elect not to attend the field trip are to report to school as required.
For School sponsored dances:
· Students in grades seven and eight may attend with the permission of the principal
· Sixth grade students may attend the last dance of the year with the permission of the principal
· Students are required to “dress up” for these dances and to observe all school regulations.
· Students who elect not to attend these dances will remain in class the afternoon of the dance.
Adults and parents who volunteer must meet the following criteria:
1. Complete “Safe Environments” training through the Archdiocese
2. Present your valid driver’s license to be copied and kept on file.**
3. Present your valid insurance card to be copied and kept on file. **
** These documents have to be presented each school year.
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
All parents, students, and staff members are required to support, observe, and enforce the general safety and security regulations of Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School.
In case of an emergency at which members of the media are present, the principal is the spokesperson for the school. No one else is to give information to the media.
All personnel are required to be thoroughly familiar with the school safety plan and be able to give guidance and direction to all children during drills and if an emergency arises. All personnel are to be alert to safety and/or security problems and report them immediately to the principal.
Each class will be so organized that some of the pupils have responsibilities in assisting the teacher. Ordinarily, one student assistant will lead and another follows at the end of the class in any movement about or out of the building. Classroom doors will be closed for fire drills. All Fire doors will be closed for fire drills.
Plans should not remain rigid. They should be revised to meet the situation.
Each staff member is required to be familiar with the signals for drills. The location and evacuation maps should be conspicuously displayed in every room in the school. Obtain one from the school office if you do not have one to post.
Explosion: In case of an explosion, all are to duck and cover and wait for instructions from the public address system or other means.
Fire Drills:
· Discipline, silence, and control must be maintained.
· Teachers bring roll books for attendance check.
· All personnel are to leave the building.
· Leave electrical switches alone.
· Last person out closes doors.
· Assemble in your designated area.
· No running or loitering.
· Order first; speed second.
· Silence in order to hear directions.
· Teacher and students out of the room should join their own class OUTSIDE the building.
· When outside, check roll.
· When in doubt, use the nearest exit.
Duck and Cover:
The signal is for a staff member to give the command verbally to “duck and cover”. If a tornado strikes without warning, “duck and cover”. Cover heads with hands.
Tornado Drill:
The tornado signal is either the city siren warning system or the school emergency signal (not the fire alarm system).
All personnel will report to the cafeteria.
An announced tornado “warning” is an immediate emergency. All students and staff move immediately to the refuge areas and assume the “duck and cover” position as needed. Remain in the refuge area until cleared by school officials. NO STUDENT MAY BE RELEASED FROM THE SCHOOL WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE PRINCIPAL OR VICE-PRINCIPAL.
If you cannot get to your designated refuge area, have students get to an INSIDE wall and face it. NEVER go to the gym.
Threats:
Depending on the nature of the threat, the building will be evacuated or locked down.
Leave all electrical switches alone.
In the event of evacuation, instructions will depend on weather conditions and the length of time the police/fire officials’ estimate they will need to have the building empty.
Weather permitting, classes will move to the parking lot to assemble by classes.
In case of inclement weather, instructions will be given. If possible, the usual assembly point will be the church.
Off campus assembly site: Lot next to St. Joseph Hall northwest corner of 7th and Julian.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN
The Asbestos Management Plan for Presentation of Our Lady is published annually as directed by law. It is available for review by parents and parish employees.
The plan is available for inspection at the parish rectory without cost or restriction during normal business hours If you desire a personal copy, please notify the parish business office and it will be supplied to you within five (5) working days at a cost of $.25 per page.
LIABILITY INSURANCE
Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School carries complete liability coverage as required by the Archdiocese of Denver. The carrier: Catholic Mutual Group. A copy of the General Liability Coverage is available from the parish business office.
BUILDING SECURITY AND USE OF SCHOOL ENTRANCES
Concern for the safety and security of students and adults at Presentation of Our Lady is a high priority. All adults should be on the alert at all times for strangers in the building. If visitors do not have an office pass, notify the office immediately. Direct these visitors to the office.
All parents and visitors are required to report to the school office to sign in and obtain a visitor badge.
All doors will be kept locked except the 660 Julian Street door. DO NOT OPEN ANY DOOR FOR VISITORS. DIRECT THEM TO THE PROPER DOOR. Please remember to sign in at the school office before proceeding to any other part of the building.
SCHOOL PRAYERS
The school day begins with Morning Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance at 7:50 AM. Parents and visitors are encouraged to join us.
SNOW DAYS/SCHOOL CLOSURE – Pre-K through 8th grade
Decisions to close school is usually made by 6:00 AM.
Will be announced on
Please do not call the rectory.
Parent should exercise their own parental judgment in determining whether to send children to school in bad weather.
VISITS TO CLASSES
Parents are welcome to visit classes at Presentation of Our Lady. If you wish to visit your child’s class, please arrange with the teacher at least one day in advance. If you wish to converse with a teacher, please make an appointment through the school office.
Cell phones, pagers, CD players, electronic games, MP3 players are not permitted at Presentation of Our Lady at any time. Those brought to school will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school year.
EXCEPTION: Some parents may want their child to have a cell phone for security reasons. This is permitted. Phones are to be turned off before arriving on campus and are to remain off and in the backpack all day. Students may use them again after school and only outside the building. If a student violates this regulation, the cell phone will be confiscated and will be released only to a parent.
POSTING NOTICES AND SIGNS
The posting of notices and signs is permitted with the approval of the administration. Please use only MASKING TAPE. Do not use any other kind of tape, as it is very difficult to remove. Any artwork posted for display or use in the school must reflect the Catholic identity of Presentation of Our Lady Catholic School.
STANDARDIZED TESTING
The Office of Catholic School mandates that all students in grades 2-8 take the ITBS (Iowa Test of Basic Skills) yearly. All Presentation students are required to take these tests. Students and families who receive grants from Seeds of Hope, EOC, or ACE should encourage their children to get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast, and do their very best on the tests. The agencies who make these tuition grants want to see how children have improved from one year to the next.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT SERVICES
Teachers provide extra assistance to students who demonstrate need it or ask for it. A Title I program is in place and provides professional assistance to students who qualify under federal guidelines.
LIBRARY/MEDIA SERVICES
The school provides a library media center for student use.
HEALTH, FIRST AID, VISION AND HEARING EXAMS AND PHYSICALS
The Loretto Heights School of Nursing provides registered nurses and student nurses for attend to the health needs of our students. Minor first aid matters are dealt with in the school office.
PARENT RESPONSE FORM
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name of minor child
_____________________________________________________________________________
Parent/Guardian signature Date
_____________________________________________________________________________
Printed name of parent/guardian
_____________________________________________________________________________
Address C,S,ZIP
______________________________________
Phone #
_____________________________________
Student’s signature Grade
All response forms must be signed by a parent and by the student.
One form is required for each student.
Forms are to be returned to the HOMEROOM TEACHER by
Friday, September 14, 2007. Students without a signed form will not be permitted to attend classes until the form is signed and returned.
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