Parent-Student Handbook, St. Bernard's Elementary School

  St. Bernard's
  Elementary School
  254 Summer street
  Fitchburg, MA 01420

phone 978.342.1948
fax 978.342.1153

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Official Seal of St. Bernard's School

This handbook is designed to give you and your child/ren some helpful information regarding St. Bernard's School. We hope you will read it carefully.

Please scroll through our handbook or click on specific topic(s) below:

Introduction
Admission
Attendance
Behavior Expectations
Car Riders
Change of Address
Detention Policy
Discipline
Dress Code
Drugs
Early Dismissal
Faculty and Staff
Field Trips Holy Days and Holidays
Homework
Money
"No School" Announcements
Party Invitations
Philosophy and Objectives
Religion
Report Cards
School Library Policy
Tardiness
Telephone
Vacation
Visitors
Weapons Policy

MISSION STATEMENT
"Deeds not Words"
St. Bernard's Elementary School, founded by the Sisters of the Presentation in 1886, for the purpose of educating all God's children, continues today as a Roman Catholic Parochial School carrying on the sisters' motto of "Deeds not Words". In a partnership among teachers, students and parents we pursue excellence in education and emphasize dignity, individuality, responsibility and respect. Together we strive to discover and strengthen our faith and gifts from God.

WHAT IS ST. BERNARD'S SCHOOL?

St. Bernard's School is a private, Catholic school, which originally opened in 1886. The present building opened in September of 1966. Education is provided for grades Pre-K through eight. The school is affiliated with St. Bernard's Parish in Fitchburg, and therefore, part of the diocese of Worcester. The faculty at St. Bernard's School consists of religious and lay teachers, all of whom are certified or working on certification as elementary teachers by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

During its existence, St. Bernard's School has held highly the importance of a good Christian education. Its staff of religious and lay teachers is deeply committed to education, to develop in each student a love of self, his/her family, home, country and the world at large.

PHILOSOPHY and OBJECTIVES

We are Catholic educators, instruments of our God, exemplifying Christian values and positive attitudes, as expressed in our kindness, compassion, understanding, and love of God's children, our students.

St. Bernard's exists to assist the family in the shared responsibility of the development of its students. We recognize that without parental support and involvement, we cannot fulfill our goal of educating children in a Christian manner. We believe that education is a shared responsibility of the home, the school, the Church and the community. With the mutual cooperation of all, we strive to provide a Christian educational atmosphere and program in which each student is allowed an opportunity to develop his/her own unique gifts of spiritual/moral, intellectual, social and physical capabilities.

We strive to make education a life forming experience by implementing the following goals and objectives:

Teach the students to worship God in Spirit and in Truth.
Instill the values of respect, courtesy and kindness towards everyone.
Provide an atmosphere in which students will acquire the quality education and growth in leadership traits traditionally associated with American private education.
Affirm individual dignity, responsible decision-making, and pursuit of academic excellence.
Prepare students to meet their responsibilities to God, family, neighbor and country.

We believe firmly in the principle that every student is unique with his/her own special talents and limitations. Therefore, as educators, we strive to provide all available opportunities to enable our students to develop their talents as fully as possible.

In carrying out our Philosophy, we strive:

to lead the student to encounter Christ in a prayerful life of action
to create an awareness of community - the community of which he/she is an integral part
to foster the attitude and behavior of good citizenship
to develop the power of correct expression
to cultivate an appreciation of good art, music and literature
to develop, maintain, and increase basic reading and study skills
to impress upon the student the positive aspect of his/her own uniqueness with its many talents and limitations
to impress upon the student that we are presenting the tools with which he/she may grow in his/her search for self-satisfaction, the fulfillment of dreams, rich personal relationships and the attainment of Christian attitudes.

To accomplish these goals, the Faculty functions as a faith and social community, guides and instructs, prays and strives to be a good example.

ADMISSION

To apply for admission to St. Bernard's School, ability to meet financial responsibilities and capability of compliance with scholastic demands and standards are required. Registration will take place during Catholic School Week in late January.

Children applying for:

Pre-K must be 4 years old before September 1
Kindergarten must be 5 years old before September 1
Grade One must be 6 years old before September 1

All new pupils must present birth, baptismal and immunization records.

We attest the readiness of a student to be capable for the work of a given grade by testing and by reviewing the academic records of the previous school.

ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance is absolutely necessary for effective learning. Pupils should be in school every day except in case of definite illness or emergency. If for any reason other than weather school is cancelled, a printed notice from the school will be sent home on the monthly calendar, yearly calendar or special notice.

Students who are frequently absent jeopardize their possibility for promotion. Parents should notify the school office (978-342-1948) before 9:30 a.m. if their child/ren will be absent. They should give the following information:

Name of caller

Student's name and grade

Reason for absence

On his/her return to school, the student must present a note to the homeroom teacher. The phone call does not take the place of the written note or excuse.

On the occasion of absence, do not call the school office for homework or home assignments. Establish a homework "buddy" system. Make-up work is the student's responsibility. It is the student's responsibility to ask the teacher in each class what assignments must be made up and date that they are due. Assignments made up and handed in will be given credit. If work is not done by the required time, credit will not be given.

Upon return to school after a communicable disease, the student should present a note signed by the physician in accordance with the regulations of the Fitchburg Board of Health.

The school generally recognizes the following excusing causes for school absence:

Sickness of the student or of a member of the immediate family when contagion is a factor, verified by a note from a parent, guardian or doctor.
Death of a member of the immediate family.
Attendance at an important family function: e.g., graduation or a wedding of a member of the immediate family.
The student is required to be part of a legal procedure.

"NO SCHOOL" ANNOUNCEMENTS

In the event of stormy weather, if there is "No School" or a "Delay" you will be notified by our school Connect-ED phone calling system.

Also, the announcement is made on WEIM-1280 AM radio and TV channels 4, 5 and 7. Please do not call the school. Early release due to bad weather will be announced on the radio.

One hour delay:

Lunch/milk will not be available.
No extended care before school
Pre-K will be from 10 AM to noon; classroom will open at 9:45 AM.

Two hour delay:

Lunch/milk will not be available.
No extended care before school
No Pre-K (unless the child usually stays all day); classroom will open at 10:45 AM.

Kindergarten:

If there is a delay, the Kindergarten class will follow the same schedule as announced for Grades 1-8.

VACATION

Every parent receives a copy of the school calendar at the beginning of the school year. This will advise you of the dates of vacation periods. We highly discourage students from taking time off from school for vacation, however if students take vacations on dates other than those specified in the school calendar, teachers are not responsible to prepare special assignments for those students or to give the work beforehand. It will be the responsibility of the child to make up class work upon returning to school.

There will be situations where teachers cannot make up for missed classroom activities and assignments. If such a case exists, students will be required to perform "meaningful, alternative out-of-classroom work" which will be assigned upon their return.

EARLY DISMISSAL

For the safety and protection of each child, a parent/guardian must send a written request for his/her child's early dismissal. The school administration may release a student only to a parent or authorized person who must come to the office and sign the child out. Parents are asked NOT to go to the classroom.

Routine medical or dental care, shopping trips and similar activities are not just cause to miss school. Because of the difficulty of securing appointments with medical and dental specialists, these appointments will be honored by submitting a written request signed by a parent or guardian on the day of the requested dismissal.

IMPORTANT - For the Safety of Your Children: For the safety of all the students, NO cars should be in the circle in front of the school between 2:45 and 3:30 p.m. so that the buses can transport the students safely. Also, any parent that is meeting a child from the walk line should wait for him/her on the sidewalk. Please do not have the child run across the street alone.

Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m. If you are going to be late picking up your son/daughter, please let the school know.

TARDINESS

A student is marked tardy on the attendance chart if he/she is not in the classroom for the opening exercises. Students are expected to be punctual for ALL classes.

Tardiness attributed to late bus transportation (or private car transportation) due to inclement weather will be excused. Repeated unexcused tardiness may warrant parental contact.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline that will foster learning will be stressed in our school. It is extremely important that our students and parents understand our expectations and that these expectations are consistent among all members of our staff. In all fairness to students, parents and staff members, a firm, consistent and comprehensive discipline policy will be maintained at St. Bernard's School. The responsibility for the development and maintenance of self-discipline fall to the cooperative efforts of students and administration.

It is our job to develop a child not only intellectually but also spiritually and emotionally. To that end we feel that it is very important to teach children responsibility and accountability for their actions. While we all seek to protect our loved ones, sheltering them from accepting these two fundamental lessons will only stunt their growth and handicap them in the future.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Students are expected to:

Be respectful and courteous in word and action to faculty, staff and other students.
Respect the property and belongings of the school and other people.
Follow the directions of those in charge.
Keep the school neat and clean. No littering.
No chewing gum in the school and on the school grounds.
Dress in proper uniform at ALL times.
Be accountable for behavior.

WEAPON POLICY

A student shall not possess, use, attempt or threaten to use any weapon on school premises or at a school-related situation for any reason or at any time.

IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE STUDENTS OF ST. BERNARD'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, THE PRINCIPAL/PASTOR MAY EXPEL FOR A MINIMUM OF ONE CALENDAR YEAR ANY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENT FOUND IN POSSESSION OF A GUN OR KNIFE ON SCHOOL PREMISES OR AT A SCHOOL-SPONSORED SITUATION. POLICE WILL BE NOTIFIED AND PARENT(S) MUST MEET WITH THE PRINCIPAL.

DRUGS

The possession, sale and/or use of any controlled drug, (including alcohol) look-alike drug, or paraphernalia may result in an immediate student suspension from school and all school activities for the duration of the suspension. Police will be notified and parent(s) must meet with the Principal.

DETENTION POLICY

Detentions are due to the inappropriate behavior of the student. For all students in Grades 4 through 8 the Detention Policy agreed upon by the Faculty is as follows:

Any disrespect of teachers.
Verbal or physical abuse of other students.
Being sent from the classroom for disruptive behavior.
Any disrespectful notes written or passed in school.
For the 3rd time on the lunch bench in one calendar month. Lunch bench is for minor infractions of classroom or school rules.

Parents may not excuse their child from detention. We ask for and appreciate your cooperation in this matter. Disruptive/disrespectful behavior cannot be tolerated.

Detentions will be served on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15-4:15 p.m. Please come for students on time. There will be a notice sent home to the parents that must be signed and sent back to school. There will be a 24-hour notice period.

If three detentions within one calendar month are received, parents will be requested to attend a meeting on this problem. Any missed detentions will become 2 detentions.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

IN THE CLASSROOM -- Students are expected to:

Pay attention when the teacher is speaking.
Politely listen when another student is speaking.
Use language that shows respect for those around them, as well as showing respect for themselves.
Maintain textbooks in good condition. They should never be written in and should always be covered. They are very expensive.
Come to school prepared for class. Bring appropriate materials (pencils, books, assignment, etc.) to class. This shows responsibility.
Never bring electronic games, toys, dolls, radios, records, walkmans, etc. to school. They are expensive and usually cause undue commotion.
Work quietly without disturbing others.
Complete work carefully, neatly and on time. Arrange a consistent place and time at home for completion of homework.
Return homework assignments completely and on time.
Listen carefully to the intercom when it is used. This is one way that important messages are distributed.
Deliver all school notices to their parents the day they are distributed at school. Often, these notices must be returned the next day.
Provide a note in the case of being absent, tardy or leaving the school early for any reason. NO CHILD WILL BE RELEASED FROM SCHOOL EARLY WITHOUT A NOTE. The person who is picking the child up from school early MUST come to the office and sign that child out.
Provide a note from home in the case of riding another bus than the regularly assigned bus or going "private transportation."

IN THE CORRIDORS -- Students must:

Stay in line when walking as a group with the class.
Use hands, not feet when opening doors.
Walk, never run in the corridors.
Observe and appreciate the artwork displayed in the building without touching it.
Understand that all teachers have a right to discipline any student.

IN THE BATHROOMS:

The bathrooms are NOT a place for socialization and should be used when needed for their function.
Bathrooms should be kept clean for the benefit of all.
Students are expected to flush toilets when finished.
Pencils, crayons, papers and other materials from classrooms are not to be taken to the bathroom.
Used paper towels should be left in the wastebaskets provided.
Students are expected to maintain a clean appearance and should wash their hands before returning to class.
Water faucets are to be turned off completely before leaving the bathroom.

ON THE BUS:

Courteous and respectful behavior is mandatory in the bus. Loud, noisy conversation (screaming and yelling), changing of seats, disrespect to bus drivers and pupil occupants will not be tolerated.

Pupils shall remain seated when the vehicle is moving.
Smoking is not permitted on a school vehicle.
Littering from school vehicles will not be tolerated.
There will be no profane language, throwing of any objects, quarreling or improper conduct on a school vehicle or at a school bus stop.
If there is a student violation, the driver shall report the name of the individual involved to the School Principal and to the Fitchburg Public School Transportation Officer.

CAR RIDERS

Student must be picked up by a parent unless they have a note stating otherwise.
Students must be picked up on time.
If attending an after school activity, then students must be picked up promptly at the time designated by the director of the activity.
If a student is dismissed during school hours, the parent or guardian must come to the office and sign out the child.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please inform the School Office of a change of address. Note address and telephone number.

DRESS CODE

Parents are expected to help enforce the regulations concerning the dress code.
All students should be in full uniform each day.
A student must present a written note if for some reason he/she cannot wear his/her uniform.
Required uniforms and gym outfits should be purchased at:
Shack's, 446 Main St., Fitchburg
(978) 342-0707
When students are not in school uniform, appropriate dress is required: flip-flops or sandals, tank tops or muscle shirts, midriff or low cut tops and short skirts are not permitted. Parents will be called to bring in their child's school uniform if a student is inappropriately dressed!

Required uniforms are as follows:

Grades K-5 (Girls) -- Plaid Jumper, White Blouse, Plain Navy Sweater, Dress/Walking Shoes and Socks
Grades K-5 (Boys) -- Navy Blue Pants, Light Blue Shirts (3 buttons on top), Plain Navy Sweater Dress/Walking Shoes and Socks
Grades 6-8 (Girls) -- Navy or Grey Skirt, White Blouse, Navy or Grey V-Neck Sweater, Dress/Walking Shoes (dark colors) and Stockings or Knee Socks.
Grades 6-8 (Boys) -- Navy Blue Pants, Light Blue Shirts, Navy Tie, Navy or Grey V-Neck Sweater, Dress/Walking Shoes (dark colors) and Socks.
NO SNEAKERS are permitted. Students may wear walking shoes as long as they are dark on top.
Uniform navy shorts may be worn by all students in the warmer weather.
Girls may wear navy uniform pants during the cold weather.
Make-up and dangling earrings are NOT part of our uniform and are not to be worn to school. Nail polish, other than natural is NOT permitted.
Boys' haircuts should not exceed collar length. NO FAD HAIRCUTS SUCH AS DESIGNS SHAVED INTO HAIR ARE ALLOWED. Boys may not wear earrings.
All uniforms, blouses and shirts should be clean at all times. T-shirts with inappropriate sayings, tank tops, off the shoulder shirts or sweatshirts, torn jeans, overalls or painter pants, tight or short shorts and spandex are not to be worn to school or to school functions.
On gym days, no jewelry is to be worn in order to prevent injury or loss.
In order to minimize loss, all items should be clearly marked with the student's name. There is a "Lost and Found" box outside the office.

FIELD TRIPS

Parents are to receive written notification of any trip their child's classroom is sponsoring.
Parent requisitions slips for field trips must also be returned to the school two days in advance. No child may attend any trip for which his or her requisition slip has not been returned.

HOLY DAYS and HOLIDAYS

Students attend Mass as a school body on Holydays of Obligation. Legal holidays are school holidays.

Masses for the entire student body are held periodically throughout the school year. Special liturgies or Paraliturgies are celebrated on the following occasions:

Opening of school

All Saints

Thanksgiving

Christmas

Catholic Schools' Week

Ash Wednesday

Holy Week

May Procession

Closing of School

Special Occasions

HOMEWORK

Students are assigned home study to reinforce material studied in class, to prepare for future study and to study independently in areas of interest. Students cannot hope to obtain satisfactory grades in school unless they review at home the lesson taught that day or prepare for the next day. This is the purpose of homework along with the fact that it develops in the student a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.

The following is a general guideline for the amount of time an average student should spend on homework:

Grade 1

Grades 2 and 3

Grades 4, 5 and 6

Grades 7 and 8

Keep in mind that students work at varying rates in the different subjects; therefore, the time they need for a specific homework assignment will vary as much as the individual students vary.

These assignments are not necessarily written. The policy for homework grades 4-8 is as follows: After a student has missed 2 homework assignments in a specific subject he/she and his/her parents will be given a written notice that two assignments are missing. From then on, each missing assignment in that subject will result in two points off their Final Grade point AVERAGE in that subject.

Teachers will not give EXTRA credit work at the end of the quarter to make up for missing assignments.

All students, Grades 3-8, will be given an ASSIGNMENT BOOK. The assignment book should be kept daily and will help both the students and parents when discussing homework matters. The responsibility of keeping the assignment book updated is that of the student.

MONEY

All money collected for various activities or projects must be brought to school in an envelope appropriately marked with the child's name, grade, date, amount and the purpose of the money (e.g. lunch money, picture money).

RELIGION

Since our school's main reason for existence is to continue the implementation of the teachings of Jesus, the study of religion is mandatory. All students must attend religion classes.

REPORT CARDS

Parents will be notified of their child's progress by a report card given to the students four times a year. Report cards are chiefly for the parents so that they will know the progress the student is making and be able to check with the teacher if they are not satisfied.

The following information will explain the MARKS on the report cards for grades 4 thru 8 for major subjects.

"A" -- is outstanding

This mark indicates very superior work; Averages 90% - 100% in all graded work

"B" -- is good

This mark indicates superior work; Averages 80%-89% in all graded work

"C" -- is satisfactory

This mark indicates average work; Averages 70%-79% in all graded work

"D" -- is unsatisfactory

This mark indicates poor work; Averages 60%-69% in all graded work

"F" -- is failure

PROGRESS REPORTS for ALL students will be sent by mail to the parents mid-way through the quarter indicating the progress or lack of it in any given subject.

After report cards are issued, teachers are available for consultation with the parents. Parents may request an appointment with a teacher/s at any time either by calling the school office or by sending a note. If you want to meet with a teacher, please make an appointment or let them know ahead of time.

HONOR ROLL (Grades 4-8)

High Honor

Honors

Unsatisfactory on any part of the report card will keep a student from the Honor Roll.

TELEPHONE

Students are not allowed to make a phone call from school. In case of sickness or accident, the school will notify the parent. The phone will not be used to call home for forgotten assignments.

PARTY INVITATIONS

No invitations should be passed out in school. If you would like a class list with addresses, please request one from the office.

SCHOOL LIBRARY POLICY

Books are borrowed from the Library every two weeks. Two weeks after the due date, if a book has not been returned, a notice will be given to the child. After a month a second notice will be sent home requesting the book or the replacement cost.

VISITORS

All Parents and visitors are required to sign in and out with date and time at the school office. Also, a visitor's pass must be worn. Parents and/or visitors are NOT allowed to go to the classrooms while class is in session. We ask the parents NOT TO WAIT OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM DOOR when a teacher is busy with his/her class. Parents will wait for the student either at the front entrance of the school or the main lobby. All doors are locked after 9:30 a.m. for your child's safety.

FACULTY and STAFF

Principal Mr. David Farnsworth

Preschool Mrs. Nancy Legendre

Kindergarten Sr. Irene Goguen, PBVM

Grade 1 Mrs. Mary Duval

Grade 2 Mrs. Jane Doiron

Grade 3 Mr. William Bourque

Grade 4 Mrs. Kim Graustein
Mrs. Jacquelyn Favreau

Grade 5 Mrs. Marsha McCue

Grade 6 Mrs. Kathryn Caouette

Grade 7 Mrs. Patricia Chabot
Mrs. Paula Pelletier

Grade 8 Mrs. Margaret Maki

Music K-5/PreK Aide Mrs. Deborah Gallagher

Art/Computer Mrs. Pamela McLaren

Librarian Mrs. Linda Tackett

Admin. Assistant Mrs. Joan Smith

Admin. Assistant Sr. Pauline Leblanc, PBVM

Custodians Mr. Paul Hamel
Mr. Fred Ayles Mr. Francis Maki

Lunch Service

Development Director Mrs. Diane Bellafiore Tagliavia

School Nurse Mrs. Helen Tisdale

Pastor Fr. Ed Chalmers

PLEASE REMEMBER...

No situation is perfect; problems can arise. Should you encounter one, please discuss it with the teacher involved or principal as soon as possible. Doing this prevents uneasiness and tensions from building up. A well-balanced child can only develop with the full cooperation of parents and teachers. We are ready and willing, at all times, to be of service to the students entrusted to our care.

Please remember that respectful behavior is learned. A teacher is a highly trained professional who, at the very least, deserves respect. If a parent talks disrespectfully about a staff member in front of their child, the child mirrors this attitude making the situation that more problematic. We will do our best to listen to you and do what is best for all concerned.

If there are any unusual circumstances which arise, i.e. death of a family member, close friend or even a pet or marital problems, please notify the principal as it may reflect on the behavior of the child. We will make every effort to be sensitive to the situation.

Thank you for your constant time and support, and for entrusting us with your precious child/ren.