HOLY CHILDHOOD OF JESUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School exists to teach students the core values of the Catholic faith, in the context of a well-rounded education. Holy Childhood includes a full program of religious, academic and extra-curricular opportunities. The school strives to motivate students to learn at their full potential, taking into consideration individual learning differences. The environment of the school includes administrators, teachers and staff who motivate students on their religious and educational journey by providing a safe and nurturing environment. Family involvement is also a key element of the school’s environment. The school’s ultimate goal is to develop well-educated youth who will excel in the next level of their education and will be very active members of their parish.

School and parent cooperation is essential in the emotional and academic development of children. It is in this spirit that Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School has adopted the following policy: Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School expects parental cooperation and support regarding all school policies and procedures as criteria for continued enrollment in Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS

All parents are encouraged to volunteer their services in one or more areas. Volunteers are needed in many areas in order to provide the best education for our children. All volunteers must attend a child protection training class. All of those who have attended the initial training must take a refresher course each year. These are presented throughout the school year. Preschool aged children should not accompany adults when volunteering.

Areas in which volunteers are needed include:

Classroom On-Site Student Activities Maintenance Committee

field trips cafeteria student projects landscaping Athletic Boosters

room parents library Junior Beta building repair H.O.P.E.

classroom playground Reading Counts carpentry CSM/Annual Fund

volunteers picnic event cleanup newsletter

School Board

HOLY CHILDHOOD ORGANIZATION OF PARENTS & EDUCATORS (H.O.P.E.)

The purpose of H.O.P.E. (Holy Childhood Organization of Parents & Educators) is to promote the spiritual enrichment of its members and their families; to foster a closer union between the home and the school; to promote the physical welfare of the children in our school; and to support and give the necessary material aid for the maintenance and improvement of the school so that it may better carry out the purpose of educating our children. Generally, H.O.P.E. meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 6:45 p.m.

RIGHT TO AMEND

The principal reserves the right to amend the student/parent handbook as needed.

LINE OF AUTHORITY AND APPEAL

Every attempt should be made to solve problems at the most immediate level of concern, i.e. by the persons most directly involved in the problem. The line of authority and appeal in the case of a grievance should be heard and solved at the lowest level possible.

If necessary, appeal can be made to higher authorities in the following stages:

- the teacher, or appropriate staff person;

- the principal;

- the pastor,

- the local board of education;

-and the Office of Education.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION

Reconciliation and Eucharist Grade 2

Confirmation Grade 8

* Special arrangements will be made for students who wish to become Catholic.

Curricular Programs Extra-curricular Faith Building

Math Munchkin basketball Liturgy preparation

English Jr. Beta Honor Society Retreats

Science Band and piano Rosary

Spelling D.A.R.E. Altar servers/lectors

Social studies Variety show Youth choir

Religion Yearbook Rainbows

Human sexuality Chess

Reading

Phonics

Young Authors, Science Fair,

Math Contest, Music,

Computers, P.E., Art

Math & Science Club

RAINBOWS

Rainbows is a support group for children who are living in a single parent family or stepfamily or who have experienced the death of a loved family member. Initiated by family or teacher request, this support group is facilitated by teachers.

ATHLETICS

Athletic Director: David Dauber

Athletic Program President: Doug Elbe

The Holy Childhood Athletic Boosters organization supports all the school athletic programs for our students. It pays for the salaries of an athletic director and the coaches, and other needs of the sports program.

Athletic Fee: $30.00 per sport per child.

We at Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School believe athletics can provide a positive experience that enables our students to learn the basic values of commitment, teamwork, and good sportsmanship. Through athletics, students are able to show school spirit and take pride in their school.

Sports Offered: Boys Baseball 6-8

Girls Softball 5-8

Girls Volleyball 5-8

Boys Volleyball 5-8

Boys Track 5-8

Girls Track 5-8

Boys Basketball 5-8

Girls Basketball 5-8

* All students participating in sports must have a current physical examination by a qualified physician on file yearly for sports.

Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School colors are blue and gold. School's name: Holy Childhood Apaches.

ADMISSION

A student must be 5 years of age by September 1st to enter Kindergarten. Students must be 6 years of age by September 1st or have successfully completed an accredited Kindergarten program to enter first grade. These requirements may be waived at the discretion of the principal.

TESTING POLICY

It is the policy of Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School to test children upon entry to school for the purpose of proper educational placement. The testing is to be carried out at the discretion of the principal or designated agent.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

Holy Childhood of Jesus Catholic School admits students of any religion, gender, race, color, national ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. Students are not discriminated against on the basis of religion, gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, scholarship, and local programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

PRIORITY LIST FOR ENTRY

Holy Childhood School has established a priority list for registration availability. The following list will be put into action if classes are at maximum capacity. If maximum levels are reached, a waiting list will be started.

First Priority– Those with children at HCS

Second Priority– Those who are parishioners of Holy Childhood Church

Third Priority—Those who are practicing Catholics from another parish

Fourth Priority –Those who are non-Catholics

CLASS SIZE

The school administration reserves the right to limit class size.

INSURANCE

Parents are responsible for providing accident and/or health insurance for their children. If parents do not have the above coverage, they will be required to purchase student accident insurance. Students are offered insurance yearly through a private company. Forms are sent home at the beginning of the school year. The parent buys this insurance with the private company and not through the school.

LOST AND FOUND

There is a lost and found box located in the cafeteria. When items are lost, they

are put in the box. If unmarked items are left after school is out, they will be given to charity. Uniforms will be donated to H.O.P.E. uniform exchange.

ARRIVAL

Students should not arrive before 7:30 a.m. and are not allowed in the classrooms or hallways before 7:50 a.m. The school’s lobby doors will open at 7:30 a.m. Students are to go to the cafeteria where they will be supervised by a duty teacher. We are not responsible for students who arrive before 7:30 a.m. Students should not come early.

Cars dropping students off or picking them up should enter the parking lot through the south entrances and exit at the northwest exit of the lot.

DISMISSAL

Grades K-4 are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. and Grades 5-8 are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Supervision is provided until the final bus pick up at approximately 3:05 p.m. We are not responsible for students left at school after 3:05 p.m.

If a student will be going home with another party on a given day, the parents must provide a note to the office informing them of such.

Students who normally ride the bus should notify the teacher on duty if they will not be riding the bus. Only the teacher on duty can excuse a student to leave the line. Children should bring a note if there is a change in their normal transportation.

ABSENCE

Students are expected to be in attendance every day that school is in session. If a student is absent, parents must notify the school office before 8:00 a.m. by calling: 566-2922. Parents should understand that this policy helps guarantee the safety of children attending Holy Childhood by verifying the whereabouts of absent students.

Parents may request homework. Parents may pick it up at 3:00 or request that it be sent home with another child.

If you know ahead of time that your child will not be in school, please contact your child's teacher for homework. Also notify the school office.

If a student goes home ill during a school day or misses the entire day, he/she may not attend after-school or evening functions.

SCHOOL DAY AND MASS

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Mass is a regular part of our school day. Students are expected to attend. Any student arriving after 8:00 a.m. will be counted tardy with the exception of students riding school buses. Kindergarten – 4^th grade attend Mass on Wednesday, Grades 5-8 attend on Tuesday, and all grades attend on Friday.

RECESS

K-1 has a morning recess. All grades have a lunch recess.

TARDY AND ABSENCE

Policy 5113

It is the policy of the Diocese of Belleville that the following guidelines be used when a student is tardy or absent:

1. When a student arrives at school late but within 30 minutes of the beginning of the school day, the student will be considered tardy.

2. When a student arrives at school after 30 minutes of the start of the school day, the student will be considered as 1/2 day absent.

3. If a student arrives at school within an hour or leaves to go to the doctor or other appointment and returns within one hour, the student will not be considered as absent. If the student is gone for more than one hour, the student will be considered as 1/2 day absent. If a student leaves school within one hour of normal dismissal, the student will not be considered as absent.

4. When a student is tardy (after 8:00 a.m.), excluding those riding on a bus, they must be signed in at the office by a parent/guardian. The parent must fill out the tardy form in the office before the child joins their homeroom.

5. More than 3 tardies per month will result in student not attending the Peacemaker Party.

ABSENCE

Daily attendance is a key to quality education. If a child will be absent, a parent/guardian must call school by 8:00 a.m., or leave a message on our answering machine at any time. A parent is required by law to telephone (566-2922) or send a note to school before 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. If your child will be leaving school early anytime during the day, the office/teacher must be notified ahead of time.

Regular attendance is of great importance to the success of classroom work and pupil development. Persistent absences can result in the following:

1) Conference with the principal,

2) Referral to the truant officer,

3) Dismissal from school.

The child is expected to make up work he has missed during an absence. Any written work or test not made up is counted as a failure grade. Perfect attendance awards are given to children who are neither absent nor tardy throughout the year.

AFTER 5 ABSENCES PER QUARTER, A PARENT/GUARDIAN CONFERENCE WITH THE PRINCIPAL MAY BE REQUIRED.

IF A STUDENT MISSES MORE THAN 20 DAYS IN A SCHOOL YEAR, HE/SHE MAY NOT BE PERMITTED TO ADVANCE TO THE NEXT GRADE.

VISITORS

During school hours, visitors to Holy Childhood School are admitted to the school through the West school entrance only. All entrances are locked. To be admitted, press the button on the intercom/microphone box at the West entrance and someone in the office will release the door lock. Proceed directly to the school office upon entering the building. Visitors are asked to sign in and state their business. All visitors must wear a visitor’s badge.

TELEPHONE

Students are only allowed to use the office phone for emergencies. Homework, forgotten books, lunches, and other items do not constitute emergencies. Parents may call and leave messages for their children, but should not expect a student to be taken out of class to answer the phone. Students may have cell phones, but they must be turned off and kept in their backpack. Misuse of cell phone can result in confiscation of phone and parent must pick it up in the office.

PHYSICAL AND DENTAL EXAMS

PHYSICALS: All students in the State of Illinois are required by law to have a physical examination on file at school. Physicals must be taken upon entering school, Grades K, 5 and 9. A student's health records must meet the standards set by the Illinois Department of Public Health. This includes a complete immunization record. All physicals must be on file, completed, and in compliance with Illinois State regulations by October 1^st. Any student in violation will be excluded from school until compliance is met.

DENTAL EXAMS: Illinois law mandates students entering Grades K, 2 and 6 must have a dental examination. The child is to present proof of having been examined by a dentist by May 15^th of that school year. If no proof is presented, the school may hold the report card until proof of exam is given or proof of a scheduled exam to take place within 60 days after May 15^th.

MEDICINE

As a general principle, medications will not be given at school. Acutely ill students will be sent home. Students convalescing from an acute illness should remain at home until the need for medication no longer exists.

Students may not have drugs in their possession on the school grounds.

Special circumstances exist for a health problem that can be expected to be of a long duration. When such a condition exists, the following policy will be adhered to:

A. PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

To assure school attendance for students who must use medication in the treatment of chronic disabilities or illness:

Any student who is required to take oral medication during the regular school day, must comply with school regulations. These regulations must include at least the following:

1. Written orders from a physician detailing the name of drug, dosage, and time interval medication is to be taken.

2. Written request and permission from the parent or guardian of the student that the school comply with the physician's orders.

3. Medication must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician.

4. Every medication given must be recorded on a medication log which includes date, time, dosage and signature of person giving medication.

5. Only the principal or designated person shall be allowed to supervise a student taking prescription medication. At no time shall the principal or designated person administer medicine to a student.

The use of intramuscular or intravenous medication must be cleared with the physician and administered by a registered nurse (not provided by the school).

B. NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION

1. No non-prescription medication will be dispensed in our school. Non-prescription medication includes aspirin, Tylenol, antacids, antihistamines, and any other medications.

2. Cough drops are permitted with written permission of parents.

3. No topical application of alcohol, peroxide, calamine lotion, or any other medication will be used.

4. If injury occurs, we will use soap and water and inform the parent if the child needs further treatment or needs to be sent home.

5. If a child needs medication, the parent will be called and he/she will assume the responsibility of bringing the student's medication or taking the student home.

LICE

The school can schedule and conduct regular checks for head lice during the school year. Should a student be found with head lice, the following actions will be taken:

1. The student’s parents/guardians will be contacted and will be asked to make

arrangements to pick up the student immediately.

2. Proof of proper treatment for the problem will be required prior to allowing the

student to return to school. Such proof may include a doctor’s note stating

that the problem has been remedied, store receipts for medicine purchased,

and empty containers of medication.

3. Seven days after the initial discovery of head lice, another check will be

conducted in the school.

PETS

If a child is bitten or scratched by pets, the child's parents will be notified at once. It may be necessary for the child to receive medical treatment.

Pets may be brought to school to share as a treasure during "show and tell" period, for a science project, etc. provided the teacher has advance notice and gives permission of the visit and the parent brings the pet and takes it home after the children have seen it.

Policy 4116.1

HOLY CHILDHOOD OF JESUS CATHOLIC SCHOOL

2007 - 2008 TUITION POLICY

TUITION PAYMENT:

All families must choose one of the following tuition payment options:

1. Full payment (discount of 5% if paid in full by June 15)

2. Twelve monthly payments (due in the school office by the 15th of each month). The first monthly payment for students enrolled in the 2007-

2008 school year is due by June 15, 2007. Families choosing this

monthly payment option will be given payment books upon

registration.

3. Tuition Assistance is available and application forms are available in

the school office.

LATE PAYMENT:

Families are expected to make tuition payments in a timely manner. Tuition not paid in full by the end of any given quarter (August 15, November 15, February 15, and April 15) can result in report cards being withheld, dismissal from HCS or being submitted to a collection agency. Any exceptions must be approved by the Tuition Committee. Final report cards and release of records (excluding medical records) will be held until all financial payments are made in full. This includes tuition, book bill, lunch, and library and textbook fines.

No student will be re-enrolled for the coming school year until all fees are paid in full from the previous year.

TUITION FOR EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS:

Tuition and fees for the present eighth grade students must be paid in full by the graduation date. Eighth grade students whose tuition and fees are not paid in full will not receive their diploma until all fees are paid.

TUITION PAYMENTS for June, July, and August may be paid in the following ways:

1. Mail to the school at 215 North John Street, Mascoutah, IL 62258

2. Drop off at the school office.

3. Put payment in an envelope marked “School Tuition” and place in the collection plate at Holy Childhood Church.

Adopted: May 19, 2005

HC Board of Education

Diocese of Belleville

TUITION RATES 2007-2008

In Parish Total Registration 12 5% Discount Total Due

HC and Tuition = Fee + Payments OR Due 6/15/07 6/15/07

St. Joseph:

1 Child	$2,909	$125	$232	$2,645 + $125	$2,770
2 Children	$3,678	$150	$294	$3,352 + $150	$3,502
3 Children	$4,399	$175	$352	$4,013 + $175	$4,188

Non-Parishioner:

1 Child	$3,413	$125	$274	$3,124 + $125	$3,249
2 Children	$4,302	$150	$346	$3,944 + $150	$4,094
3 Children