Birthdays

Although students may bring treats to celebrate birthdays, these treats will be distributed at the discretion of the teacher. We also suggest BIRTHDAY BOOKS to celebrate the occasion. Money normally spent on a treat could be used to buy a hard cover book for our school library. When the student brings the book to school, an announcement will be made and the student’s name, age and birthday will be noted on the inside cover. Books may be purchased through the school library.

NO balloons or flowers will be accepted by the school, as these are not possible for all students. No invitations to birthday parties may be distributed at school unless they will be distributed to the whole class or to all the boys or all the girls.

Class Size

“Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs”. (Mark 10:14).

As a Catholic school, it is our greatest challenge to educate our children in matters of faith and set an example of Christian life. “We are dedicated to the development of each students’ spiritual, academic, emotional, cultural, social and physical potentials through participation and immersion in an atmosphere of lived Christian Community”. (Parent Handbook “Philosophy”)

We need to keep in mind that the primary concern in educating our children is to pass on the faith; to offer as many as possible the opportunity to learn, grow, and live the faith that Jesus brought to us. Sometimes we lose sight of our true reason for offering a Catholic education. This opportunity should not be denied to anyone.

There is not a diocesan norm for the number of pupils per teacher-minister in elementary and high school. Kindergartens will ideally have a ratio smaller than the ordinary elementary classroom. If there are more than twenty students in a kindergarten class, the utilization of an aide is strongly advised.

It is the policy of St. Joan of Arc School that each grade level will be limited to a maximum of 70 students. For those grade levels that exceed 50 students, in addition to each classroom teacher, a certified teacher assistant is available to assist with classroom activities. Students can be added to a classroom only if a vacancy occurs in that classroom anytime throughout the school year.

Religion

As a school, we do subscribe to a non-discriminatory policy. We insist, however, on the religious training in Catholicism for all our students admitted to St. Joan of Arc School. Non-Catholic students are not exempt from religion classes, nor are they exempt from the various liturgical and para-liturgical classes and all-school celebrations. These non-Catholic students become familiar with Catholicism as part of their education here at St. Joan of Arc. This exposure to and awareness of the Catholic faith has led a number of students to embrace the faith.

Field Trips

Field trips sponsored by the school will be educational in nature and related to the subject matter and the objective of the instruction at the particular grade level. Trips must be approved by the administration. A Diocesan permission slip must be completed by the parent/guardian in order for a student to participate. Permission slips include time, place, type of transportation, cost and general information about the scheduled activity. Permission slips may be faxed to the school.

When parents/guardians are driving for field trips, all passengers must wear safety restraints, or better known as seat belts. Students should not be transported in the front seat of any vehicle having dual airbags.

Volunteers who use their own car for school-related purposes should be at least 25 years old, have a valid drivers license, and proof of insurance.

Teacher Request Policy

Teachers are in the best position to make judgments about the make-up of class rosters. Being able to balance classes based on criteria and observations to which teachers have unique access, creates a healthier classroom environment for all students.

Parents are asked to consider not requesting a specific class or teacher unless they have a legitimate educational reason for doing so. For those wishing to make a request, the following policy will apply:

1. Parents may pick up a "Request Form" in the school office
2. Only those requests made on the "Request Forms" will be considered
3. Incomplete "Request Forms" will not be considered
4. Request forms will not be accepted after March 31st
5. We will do our best to accommodate legitimate educational concerns
6. Your child's current teacher will be involved in placing your child for next year - (TEACHERS WILL SEE REQUEST FORMS)
7. Requests that cannot be honored by the classroom teachers will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee comprised of four faculty members, two parent representatives from the School Advisory Council, and the administration of SJA
8. The final decision regarding class lists rest with the administration
9. Changes will not be made after class lists have been created

Lost and Found

All articles of clothing and personal belongings found in and around the school are placed in the Lost and Found container in the lobby. Students and parents are welcome to check for lost articles. Clothing and personal items should be marked with the student’s name whenever possible. Unclaimed items will be donated to organizations that serve the needy at the end of each quarter.

Money

Parents/guardians will be billed monthly by the Parish Business Office for anything that involves a fee for their student(s) that includes, but is not limited to hot lunches, milk, field trips, and Extended Day. These fees will not be collected in the classroom.

Fees for individual book orders, “TRIP”, raffle tickets, various collections for the poor, sports participation, etc., must be sent to school in an envelope clearly marked with the student’s name, amount of money sent, purpose, and the grade of the student.

Bankruptcy:
When a parent/guardian declares bankruptcy and St. Joan of Arc is listed as one of the creditors whose debt is to be discharged, the school will seek the parents/guardian’s agreement to reaffirm the debt. If St. Joan of Arc is not listed as a creditor in the bankruptcy, the parents/guardian’s obligation remains. In any event, we do not acknowledge an obligation to provide a diploma unless the school is satisfied as far as the payment of tuition, fees, etc., are concerned.

School Supplies

Grade level lists of school supplies needed for the following school year will be included with the fourth quarter report cards. Any updated supply listings may be sent home prior to the beginning of the next school year, or throughout the school year as needed.

Inappropriate supplies, as determined by administration, (including but not limited to supplies promoting alcoholic, smoking, or drug related messages) are not permitted at St. Joan of Arc School. Students bringing inappropriate supplies to school will face disciplinary action.

All textbooks must be covered and kept in good condition. A fee will be charged for damaged or lost books. Report cards will be withheld if the fee is not paid.

Telephone

Students are permitted to use the telephone only for urgent matters. In most cases, forgotten money, assignments, or supplies are not real emergencies. When a call is made by a student, from the school phone, it requires permission of the teacher or other authorized school personnel. Students are not to use cell phones during school hours.

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