ATTENDANCE POLICY

Academic progress demands daily, punctual attendance. In many cases, irregular attendance is the major reason for poor school performance. Therefore, absence from school is discouraged. Parents are urged to make doctors appointments and vacations outside of school hours. If a student needs to leave the building during the day, a parent/legal guardian must sign the student out. Students will not be released to persons under the age of 18 years. A written request must be sent to the principal for approval for unavoidable appointments.

Reasons for which absences may be excused include, but are not limited to: personal illness of the student, illness in the student's family, death in the family or quarantine for contagious disease. Whenever a child is going to be absent from school, parents should notify the school (330-688-6412 ext. 451) by 9:30 AM each day of the absence. Upon returning to school, parents must provide a signed, written note explaining the absence. If a child is absent more than 5 days consecutively, a written physician's excuse is required for each absence thereafter verifying the necessity of subsequent absences.

A child missing more than 12 days during the school year is in academic jeopardy. A meeting of parents, teachers and principal may be required to determine the action to be taken for excessive absenteeism. It is understood that the child and parents are responsible for making up any missed work assignments. Students who are absent from school for reasons not permitted by State Law may or may not be permitted to make up work. Each case will be considered on its merits by the principal and the respective teacher.

Students who are taken out of school for trips or vacations will not be given permission to do so by the school. The responsibility for this will rest with the parents. Teachers will not be expected to re-teach missed academic work. Homework and class work assignments will not be provided before or during an absence whether excused or unexcused (i.e., suspensions, vacations, illness) Students may make up work upon return to school. If a student is denied the opportunity to make up the missed work due to an unexcused absence, the student will not be penalized for the missed assignments.

Students who arrive at school after 10:15 AM will be marked as 1/2 day absent. If students leave school before 10:15 AM, they will be marked absent for full day. If students leave school before 1:00 PM or are absent for two (2) hours or more during the school day, they are considered 1/2 day absent.

Truancy (absenteeism & tardiness) can not be tolerated. Parents have the responsibility to ensure that their children attend school. If excessive truancy continues to exist, the student and parents may be reported to Juvenile Authorities.

Our school day begins promptly at 8:40 AM. Students are considered tardy after 8:40 AM. Students must report to the office for a tardy slip to present to the teacher. Bus riders will not be considered tardy. Excessive tardiness includes students who arrive, and are not seated, by the 8:40 AM bell more than 3 times per quarter. Students who are considered "excessively tardy" will lose lunch recess privileges or may be subject to other disciplinary actions. Truancy includes excessive tardiness and will be dealt with accordingly. Students leaving school before 3:00 PM are considered tardy. Early departures should be kept to a minimum.

Pupils shall not assemble on or about the premises of the school before 8:00 AM except by permission of the principal. Students may wait in the lobby areas until the 8:10 AM bell rings. Before-and- After School Care is available for families who need to leave students at school before 8:00 AM. For more information, please contact the school.

AIDS POLICY

Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) enrolled or seeking enrollment in Grades 1 - 8 shall be permitted to attend school or parish religious education programs in a regular classroom setting if:

1. the health of the child, as documented by his/her physician, allows participation in regular academic school activities, and
2. the child behaves acceptably, in a manner that would not cause spread of the disease or in any way put others at risk, and
3. the child does not have open sores, skin eruptions or any other condition which prevents his/her control of bodily secretions, and
4. there are periodic evaluations of the child's physical condition with written certification from his/her physician allowing continuing participation in regular academic school activities.

In Parish Elementary Schools, the Pastor and the Principal will confer with the appropriate persons and consult with the Regional Superintendent before the Pastor makes the final decision on each case in the parish school. Parents and guardians have the obligation to report to the school administration when any child has been diagnosed as having AIDS, ARC (AIDS Related Complex) or other illness caused by HIV (human deficiency virus, the virus that causes AIDS, also known as HTLVIII or LAV). In order to protect confidentiality when a child with AIDS is admitted to school, personnel who are made aware of the child's condition will be the minimum necessary to assure proper care of the child. Based on the condition of the child and the expected type of interaction with others, the Principal, after consultation with the proper authorities, may limit the child's participation in school activities. A student with AIDS who is excluded from school shall be provided with an alternative means of catechetical instruction.

CUSTODY POLICY

Holy Family Parish School is finding an increasing number of families experiencing transitions in parental custodial relationships. In addition, laws governing divorce settlements and custody have been recently changed. For this reason, we find it necessary to clarify and reiterate the usual procedures followed by the administration and faculty in dealing with parents in such situations. A copy of the policy in its entirety is available by contacting the school office or downloaded here.

COMPUTER/TECHNOLOGY

Our students are offered a wide range of technological services. In addition to the classroom computers, a laboratory of 30 desktop computers is available. One of our goals at Holy Family is to offer computer instruction and to provide software programs that will assist the academic development of our students. Our school offers internet accessibility. This technology program is designed to supplement and integrate the classroom instruction. Teachers will provide additional information on the programs and software used in the classroom and laboratory. Parents are required to sign an acceptable use policy acceptance form provided at the beginning of each school year.

ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

We believe that technology is a vital means to assist those who carry out the educational ministry of Holy Family Parish School. We are pleased to offer students of Holy Family Parish School access to our computer network, including access to the internet. To gain access to the internet, all students under the age of 18 must obtain parental permission and must sign and return this form to teacher. Students 18 and over may sign their own forms. Access to the internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, and bulletin boards while exchanging messages with internet users throughout the world. Families should be warned that some material accessible via the internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate or potentially offensive to some people. While our intent is to make internet access available to further educational goals and objectives, students may find ways to access other materials as well. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. Ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, Holy Family Parish School supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.

HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is a vital part of the learning process. Since homework is an extension of curriculum taught in the classroom and provides opportunity to develop skills, parents are responsible for:

• providing a proper environment for the completion of assignments.
• supporting the authority of the teacher assigning the work.
• showing an interest in the child's work.
• checking neatness and completeness.
• giving individual help when necessary, always remaining patient and understanding.
• encouraging the child, rather than doing the work for him/her.

Suggested time allowances for homework are:

Grades K-3: 15-30 minutes per night
Grades 4-5: 30-45 minutes per night
Grades 6-8: 60-75 minutes per night
Ordinarily, homework is not given over weekends or holidays.

HEALTH SERVICES/MEDICATION POLICY

As a part of the state funding, a registered nurse is available from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM each school day. In order to ensure our nurse is able to provide appropriate care for your child(ren), emergency medical forms and authorization slips must be on file. It is imperative that all medical concerns and medications administered be listed on the appropriate forms. Forms must be completed with contact information. Any changes to address or telephone must be reported.

If your child is to be administered medications (prescribed or over-the-counter including Tums, Tylenol, etc.), a physician's form and parental consent form must be on file. Cough drops are the only exception to this requirement. While we do not require a physician's authorization form, we require a written permission form signed and dated by the parent for each day of administration. The request must include instructions as to the name of the medication, dosage, time and duration of medication, and possible side effects. Medication must be in the original containers (Childproof) and have an affixed label including the student's name, name of the medication, dosage, route of administration and the time of administration. The medication and the signed permission forms must be brought to the school by the parent/guardian. Request forms may be picked up in the school office or downloaded here.

Download the Epi Pen Authorization Form (PDF)

Download the Wellness Policy (PDF)

SACRAMENTAL POLICIES

Each year Holy Family Parish invites a new group of young people to a fuller participation in the Sacramental life of our parish family. It is an event for which we all (children, parents, catechists and pastoral staff) prepare. It is an event in which the whole parish participates and rejoices.

Holy Family Parish recognizes the obligation of and opportunity for parents to be the first and primary educators of their children (Declaration of Christian Education, Vatican II). We recognize parents as the foundation upon which Jesus builds His Church. We recognize that families build upon and continue the traditions of our Catholic heritage. To this end, the Sacramental Policy at Holy Family is as follows:

Baptism A program for expectant parents is held to remind parents of the opportunity and obligation they have as first and primary educators of their children in presenting them for baptism. Parents will share an adult dimension of their faith which is renewed in the Sacrament of Baptism for their children and lived out in the Christian community of Holy Family Parish.

Eucharist/Penance Continuous preparation takes place throughout the years in our Religious Education programs with special emphasis in grade 2. Preparation also includes a mandatory meeting for parents which provides necessary information. First Communion is typically held in May.

DRESS CODE AND GROOMING POLICY

VIOLATIONS WILL BE TREATED AS AN INFRACTION OF THE GROOMING AND DRESS CODE

Dress Code Violation Notices will be issued to students for non-compliance with dress code policies. An accumulation of three (3) violation notices will result in detention or other disciplinary action.

Download the 2010-11 Dress Code Policy (PDF)

This policy is provided as a guide to ensure uniformity. We reserve the right to determine the appropriateness/acceptability of any and all student attire.

WEAPONS POLICY

Holy Family School's Weapons Policy expressly prohibits the use, possession, attempted sale, transmission or discharge of any weapon or explosive devices in the school, on the school grounds or at school sponsored activities. This policy shall apply to all students, participants in parish programs, teachers, administrators, and other personnel in Holy Family Parish and school. This policy includes, but is not limited to or inclusive of, any weapon, dangerous object or object used as a weapon (e.g. firearm, knife, explosive or incendiary devices). As defined by state law, a deadly weapon is: any instrument, device or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specifically adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried or used as a weapon (ORC 2923.11A). Firearms shall include any loaded or unloaded gun of any caliber or type. This prohibition also includes any pistol, rifle or other device that uses air or gas propelled projectiles. Violations of this policy may warrant notification of the police, immediate suspension and possible expulsion.

If possession of a weapon is suspected, the principal or other administrator will immediately contact the police department and the Diocesan Legal Office before confronting the individual. If it is determined that this policy has been violated, the parents of the offender shall be immediately contacted and must cooperate with the disciplinary process.

Notification notices of prohibition of carrying concealed weapons on school are parish property are posted at all main entrances.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

Because school officials have a legitimate interest in the personal safety and protection of all students within their care and custody, a student's backpack or personal property may be searched when there is reasonable suspicion that a prohibited object or substance is in a student's possession. Lockers are the property of the school and are subject to search at any time.

SCHOOL FINANCIAL POLICY

Each family is required to make a minimum church contribution of $700 during the fiscal year (July 1-June 30). Families are required to purchase at least $3500 in shopping certificates during the fiscal year and are asked to support the magazine sale. School families will be held accountable to these policies and to making their tuition payment on time.

Each family is asked to participate regularly at Mass and is required to be supportive of Catholic education and school policies.

VOLUNTEERS

If you are or would like to become a school volunteer, you will be required to attend VIRTUS Training. Please download complete instructions here (PDF).