Homework

Home study is intended as an extension of the learning begun at school and while it may be written work, it could also consist of practice, drill, oral and silent reading or a time spent in studying.

Because children are unique, some require more time than others to assimilate knowledge and skills. For this reason, home study time will vary according to the child’s ability.

Parents can assist their children with homework and good study habits in several ways:

1. Provide a study area that is free of distractions.
2. Set aside a specific time each day during which homework is to be done.
3. Belongings and book bags should be packed and ready for school the night before.
4. Be sure that your child uses his/her assignment notebook as it is intended.
5. Provide the supplies necessary for your child to be organized.
6. Communicate with your child about daily assignments and long-term projects, but allow your child to do his/her own work.
7. Should an emergency situation arise at home and it is impossible for a student to complete a given assignment, parents should notify the teacher(s) in writing with the appropriate reasons.

Homework Room Policy

Teachers in grades 1-4 will institute a policy within their own classrooms regarding students who do not complete homework assignments. Teachers will discuss this policy with students and parents, post the policy in the classroom, and follow-up with disciplinary action as outlined in their classroom regarding students who do not turn in homework.

In grades 5-8, students who do not complete homework will be assigned to the Homework Room.  Homework Room will operate on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. On the day of the missing assignment, the school will notify the parent by 11:00 am which day their child will serve.  Parents are asked to pick up their child promptly at 4:00 p.m. or they will be sent to Extended Day (at a cost) until the parent can arrive. Students will be allowed one “free pass” at the beginning of each semester (2 per year) which they may choose to use on a day when homework is forgotten.

Parent-Teacher Nights

The parent-teacher night is a grade level meeting to give teachers and parents an opportunity to discuss major projects, expectations for the year, grading, evaluation and assessment of students, classroom concerns, homework policy, etc. Time will be allotted for a question and answer period. Individual parent/guardian conferences will not be held on this evening. The presence of at least one parent/guardian is expected, as an overall general agenda is discussed rather than personalized student information.

Parent-Teacher Communication

Teachers are expected to alert and confer with a parent/guardian as soon as possible when a child’s performance or attitude becomes unsatisfactory or shows marked or sudden deterioration. A sharing of information among parents, teachers, and the student is essential.

Parents, teachers and administration may also request a teacher conference. To schedule a conference, please send a note, e-mail, or leave a voice mail with the teacher. The teacher will respond within 48 hours (two school days). Teachers may also choose to communicate electronically with parents via email regarding classroom issues or homework.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Formal Parent-Teacher Conferences are held once a year after the first quarter has ended. Conferences provide an opportunity to discuss each child’s progress and to assist the parent/guardian in understanding the school program. Conferences are not limited to this particular period and are encouraged whenever the parent/guardian or teacher feels it necessary.

Mid-Quarter Reports

Mid-quarter Reports will be issued approximately five weeks after each quarter begins. Dates are noted on the school calendar. The parent/guardian of students in grades K-6 who have dropped a full letter grade are to receive notification. Reports may also be sent to show marked improvement or for additional comments by the teacher. Students in grades 7 and 8 will receive mid-quarter reports 3 times per quarter. Mid-quarter Reports must be signed by the parent/guardian and promptly returned to the teacher.

Report Cards

Report cards are given at the end of each quarter (about every nine weeks). These are to be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the teacher. Cards will be sent home with your child on the dates noted on the school calendar.The grading scale is as follows:

Grades K & 1

E = Excellent progress
S = Satisfactory progress
N = Needs improvement
I = Improving
+ = Strength
P = Satisfactory (check mark)
– = Area of Concern
Areas not marked indicate achievement that has not been graded at this time.

Grades 2 - 8

A = 100% - 93%
B = 92% - 85%
C = 84% - 77%
D = 76% - 70%
F = 69% - 0%
(+) or (-) may be used to indicate a higher or lower achievement/effort grade.

Effort
S - Satisfactory
N - Needs Improvement
U - Unsatisfactory

Physical Education, Computer, and Art (K-6) will be assessed based on effort and participation consistent with our focus on development. Art in grades 7 & 8 will receive a grade based on the scale above.

School Records

Parents/guardians are required to keep the St. Joan of Arc school office current on the address, phone number, and legal guardianship of their students.

In the case of a change in custody, unless and until SJA receives a probate court order changing a child’s name, the legal name will not be changed on any school records.

St. Joan of Arc will release educational data records to non-custodial parents, as well as custodial parents/guardians, unless the custodial parent presents the school with evidence that the student’s other parent is denied access to such information.

Public release of student information will not be released to anyone without prior notice given to the parents regarding:

1. Types of information that the school has designated as directory information.
2. The period of time within which a parent/guardian or eligible student has to notify the school in writing concerning the information about the student.

Directory information may not be released to anyone using it for profit making purposes.

Release of student information other than “directory information” is prohibited for purposes other than:

1. Administrative use in school record keeping or transfers
2. Legitimate law enforcement investigation of missing children
3. Any proper court order directed to the school

“Directory Information” is defined as:

1. Name, address, telephone listing
2. Participation in officially recognized activities and sports
3. Weight and height of members of athletic teams
4. Dates of attendance
5. Awards received

SJA compiles and maintains students’ records for a 5 year period after the student has left the school. The information maintained includes, but is not limited to:

1. Scores on standardized intelligence and aptitude tests
2. Scores on personality, interest tests, and individually administered psychological tests and reports
3. Family background information
4. Record of extracurricular activities
5. Health data
6. Objectively gathered teacher-minister or counselor ratings and observations
7. Reports of serious or recurrent behavior patterns, provided that the reports contain only factual information and not subjective information
8. Disciplinary data
9. Attendance data
10. Description of student progress including grade level completed, schools attended, academic certificate, baptismal record, hospital record, or passport

The following student data may be provided to the following entities without the parent’s/guardian’s consent:

1. All certified members of the staff who have legitimate educational interests
2. School officials of other schools who have legitimate educational interest.
3. Financial aid officers
4. Those processing a subpoena for such data
5. Accrediting organizations
6. Legitimate researchers, as determined by the judgement of the administration
7. A law enforcement officer who is conducting an investigation to determine whether the student may be a “missing child”
8. A court, attorney, or law enforcement officer investigating whether the student is “an abused, neglected or dependent child”

In the case of emergencies where it is necessary to protect the health and safety of a student in which no parental consent is possible, the administration should consider the seriousness of the matter and whether the data being sought would help alleviate the emergency more quickly.

SJA maintains a record of all individuals and agencies, which have obtained access to a student’s records. The record indicates specifically the legitimate interest such a person, agency, or organization has in obtaining the information, as well as the date and time of the request.

A student’s health record is maintained in a separate file from his/her academic record. This file contains all health information and accurate records of all immunizations required by law. Psychological test results are also kept in a separate file. Expressed written permission must be sought from parents before forwarding this information to anyone, unless under direct court order. Only professional psychological test results or documentation from such professionals may be kept in such files, not personal opinions.

Photo Likeness Release

From time to time, the St. Joan of Arc School and Parish desires the use of a student’s photographic likeness for promotional purposes. Photographic likeness includes, but is not limited to, still photographs and video recordings. Promotional purposes may include, but are not limited to publications, news releases, newsletters, and/or internet/website. As such, the St. Joan of Arc student and parent(s)/guardian(s) understands and agrees that St. Joan of Arc School and/or parish may use said photographic likeness as described above and identify said student by his/her first and last name, class, and/or grade level. Parents are required to sign a Photo Likeness Release form stating their consent or non-consent of this policy.

Promotion/Retention

Students who have met the educational requirements of this school will be promoted/passed to the next grade level. These requirements are based upon the Ohio Minimum Standards and the Toledo Diocese Courses of Study. Parents/guardians of students not meeting these requirements will be notified by the school in reasonable time prior to the decision to place or retain a child. A student placed to the next grade level must meet the educational requirements as stated by the Diocesan Course of Study before promotion will take place. If the student is unable to meet these requirements the teacher and administration will meet with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss alternative measures. Diplomas will be awarded to eighth grade students who have successfully completed course requirements in the areas of language arts, math, religion, science, and social studies. ("Successfully completed" means that the student's average, based on quarter grades, in each of these areas is 70% or higher).

Awards

At St. Joan of Arc we consider good citizenship and academic achievement to be very important. We know that a certain amount of intelligence is necessary to receive an academic honor, but we also realize that determination, hard work, and living the Christian faith we profess are also necessary ingredients.

Academic Honors and Citizenship Ribbons are awarded to students in Grades 5 - 8 on a quarterly basis.

ACADEMIC HONORS

Grades 5 through 8:

First Honors - (Blue Ribbon)
All A’s in each of the six (6) major subjects

Second Honors - (Red Ribbon)
All A’s and B’s with three (3) or more A’s in the six (6) major subjects

Third Honors - (White Ribbon)
All B’s or better in the six (6) major subjects

Note:  Students must earn a C or better in Music, Art (gr. 7 & 8), Band and at least an "S" in all special classes to receive any honors.  Grade 8 early morning Integrated/Algebra math grades will be included in determining academic honors.

Grades 1 - 4 receive recognition at the end of the year only.

Academic Probation

A student can be put on academic probation if he/she fails two or more subjects in any one quarter. Academic probation gives the student notice that he/she needs to improve academically. While on probation, the student may be excluded from all school extra-curricular activities. A student can be taken off probation only at the discretion of the administration.

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