4 1 N o r t h P e r k i n s , M e m p h i s , T N 3 8 1 1 7
LowerSchoolParentStudentHandbook
2017|18
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LetterfromHeadofLowerSchool 3 MissionStatement/MossHallCreed/SchoolPrayer 4 2017-2018SchoolCalendarSchool 5 Information/ContactInformation 7 ArrivalandDismissalProcedures 8 CarpoolMaps 10 Attendance 11 Absences-Appointments-SpecialActivities 11 Snow/InclementWeather 12 BehaviorExpectations/Discipline/Responsibility 13
PlaygroundandCafeteriaRules 13 ForgottenHomeworkandLunches 14 BullyingPolicy 14 CellPhones 14 Pet-AnimalPolicy 14 Birthdays/SocialGatherings 15 CafeteriaInformation 16 Generalinformation-Hours-NutFree-MorningSnack-Visitors 16 CampusSecurity 17 ParentVolunteer 17 Chapel/CharacterEducation 17
Chapel-Religion-ReligiousActivities-CharacterEducation-CharacterEducationMonthlyThemes-ServiceLearning 19
Communication 19ParentParticipation,MossHallMessage,ContactingTeacherorDivisionHead,Forms 20
LegalPolicy 20 SchoolCompliancewithFederal,StateandDiocesanRegulations 21 Curriculum 21 Technology-Homework-Bookbags 21 Ballet 22 FieldTrips/ParentVolunteers 22
DressCode 22LostandFound 23
EmergencyPreparedness 23 HealthInformation/HealthServices 24 PursuitsAfter3Program 28 ReportCards/TeacherConferenceSchedule 28 Schedule/TeacherRequests-ClassComposition 29 SpecialEventsDuringtheYear 29
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DearParents,WearethrilledtowelcomeyoutoanewschoolyearatSt.Mary’s!Partneringwithyoutohelpyourdaughterreachherindividualpotentialiswhatwedobest.Wevalueourmission,andweareproudofthestrengthandintelligenceweinstillinourgirls.IcanremembermyfirstdayasastudentatSt.Mary’s.Itimidlyslidmyseventh-gradeselfintothehallsofthemiddleschoolanxioustoexperienceallthatSt.Mary’shadtooffer.ThestudentswelcomedmelikeIwasalong,lostfriend(shoutouttoShelleyKuykendallHerzkewhowasmy“seventhgradebuddy”),andwithlovingkindness,myteacherssetahighbarformeandchallengedmetoexceedit.IfellinlovewithSt.Mary’sthatyear,andIcouldnotwaitforthedaywhenIwouldbeabletobeapartofgivingotherssomeofwhatSt.Mary’sgaveme.IwasrespectedforwhoIwasasastudent,encouragedtopushmyselfbeyondexpectations,andIwasembracedbyacommunityoflife-longlearnerswhoIreveretothisday.Thisschoolhandbookcommunicatestoourfamilieswhatisneededforourgirlstoflourishinthislowerschoolenvironment.Clearlystatedrulesandguidelinesallowusalltoworktogethertoensureyourdaughter’syearisconsistent.Creatingaschoolclimatewhereyourdaughterunderstandstheschool’sexpectationsofherwillhelpherfeelsafeandreachherfullpotential.PleasetakesometimetoreadthisHandbookwithyourdaughtersothatbothofyouunderstandtheschoolrulesandguidelinesforthe2017-2018schoolyear.PleasepaycloseattentiontothepolicyoutlinedbyFLIK,ourdiningservice,asithasbeenupdated.Also,aComprehensiveAgreementFormisenclosedinyourBackToSchooldocumentsforyouandyourdaughtertosignandreturntoMrs.LeachbyAugust9.FeelfreetocallwithanyquestionsorconcernsaboutitemsintheHandbook!Wearegoingtohaveanawesomeyear!Fondly,HilaryDavisRobinson‘90HeadofLowerSchool
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MISSIONSTATEMENT
ThemissionofSt.Mary'sEpiscopalSchoolistoprovideasuperioreducationalexperienceforgirls
whichwillencourageandenableeachstudenttoreachherindividualpotential.
ST.MARY'SLOWERSCHOOLPRAYERAlmightyGod,Fountainofallwisdom,bewithuswepraythee,inourworktoday.Enduealltheteacherswithasenseoftheirresponsibility,andwithgraceandstrengthforitsfulfillment.Keepthestudentsinhealthofmindandsoulandbody;makethemdiligentinstudy,guardtheirinexperience,andsavethemthroughalltemptations.Blessthepatronsandalumnaeofthisschool,andenableusall,moreandmoreeachday,toadvanceinthatknowledgewhichiseternallife.ThroughJesusChristourLord.Amen.
MOSSHALLCREEDIbelieveinGodaboveIbelieveinJesus'loveIbelieveHisspirittoo
ComestoteachmewhattodoIbelievethatIshouldbe
Kindandgentle,Lord,likethee.
DAYBYDAYDaybyday
DearLord,oftheethreethingsIpray:Toseetheemoreclearly,Lovetheemoredearly,Followtheemorenearly,
Daybyday.
ALMAMATER
St.Mary's,St.Mary's,shinethyguidinglightDowneverydarkpathwayandleadusaright,
Letthytrutheternalillumineourway,Andgrantusthywisdomtoguideuseachday.
SchoolColors:BlueandWhite SchoolMotto:LightandLife
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2017-2018CalendarLowerSchool
August 11 Grade1ParentOrientation,11:30a.m. 14 ClassesBegin/NoonDismissal
14 Grade1“BrightBeginnings”ParentConferences 22 Grade2ParentOrientation,7:30–9:30a.m.
23 Grade3ParentOrientation,7:30–9:30a.m. 23-24 LowerSchoolPlayAuditions,3rd/4thGrade,3:30p.m.
24Grade4ParentOrientation,7:30–9:30a.m.September 1 IndividualPictures
4 LaborDay–SchoolHoliday17 FamilyFunDayandPicnic,3:00p.m.-5:00p.m.–LSplayground20 1stand2ndGradeParentTalk,8:00a.m.–9:00a.m.–LSLibrary26 IndividualPhotore-takes28 ClassroomPhotos28 3rdand4thGradeParentTalk,8:00a.m.–9:00a.m.–LSLibrary28 Parent/Teacherconferences–3:30-6:3029 Parent/Teacherconferences–StudentHoliday
October 3-4LowerSchoolPlay,4:30p.m.
5-9 FallBreak 12-13 LSVisionScreening
26 HalloweenBazaar,3:15p.m.
November 2 InternationalDinner,6:00p.m. 3 EndofFirstTrimester 9 LowerSchoolParentTalk,5:30p.m. 17 ReportCardsOnline 17 Grade2FelicityDay
21 GrandparentsDayforSKand4thGrade,9:00a.m.–11:00a.m. 22-24 ThanksgivingHolidaysDecember 1 RisingFifthGrademeeting8-9a.m./MiddleSchoolGarrottHall
7 ChristmasPageant(Grades2and3),5:00p.m. 15 WinterBreakbegins
Grades1-4dismiss@Noon
January 3 ClassesResume 10 1stand2ndGradeParentTalk,12:00p.m.–1:00p.m.,GLR
15 MartinLutherKing,Jr.Day-SchoolHoliday19 3rdand4thGradeParentTalk,12:00p.m.–1:00p.m.,GLR
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February16 EndofSecondTrimester16 FacultyIn-service–StudentHoliday19 President’sDay-SchoolHoliday23 LowerSchoolMakerFaire
March 2ReportCardsOnline
9-16 SpringBreak19 ClassesResume22 Parent/Teacherconferences–3:30-6:3023 Parent/Teacherconferences–StudentHoliday30 GoodFriday–StudentHoliday
April 2 EasterMonday–StudentHoliday 27 LowerSchoolFieldDayMay 151stGradeClassDay,5:30p.m.–1stGradenoondismissal
17 2ndGradeClassDay,5:30p.m.–2ndGradenoondismissal18 EndofThirdTrimester20Baccalaureate
21 Graduation–RegularschooldayforGrades1-4 22 3rdGradeClassDay,5:30p.m.–3rdGradenoondismissal24 4thGradeFinalChapel,5:00p.m.
4thGradeLastDayofSchool 25 NoondismissalGrades1-3/LastDayofSchool
28 MemorialDay29-31 Faculty/StaffOut-Service
June 1 Grades1-4ReportCardson-lineandmailedhomeOccasionallyaneventwillhavetoberescheduled.BesuretochecktheLowerSchoolNewsforanychangesandforadditionalactivitiesandevents.
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SchoolInformation
St.Mary’sEpiscopalSchool•MossHallCampusGrades1-4
41NorthPerkins,38117s537-1400sFax:682-3809web:http://www.stmarysschool.org
SchoolHours
SchoolHours:Earlyroom-7:30-7:50 Classtimes--Monday-Friday—8:00-3:00 PursuitsAfter3Program--Dismissalto6:00 AdministrationLowerSchoolDivisionHead-Mrs.HilaryRobinson 537-1400AdministrativeAssistanttoLowerSchoolHead–Mrs.BarbaraLeach:537-1400HughesLearningCenterDirector–LauraHutton: 537-1419PursuitsProgramNumberAfter3p.m.: 537-3149PursuitsDirector–Mrs.SarahJenks: 537-1482PursuitsBusinessManager–Mrs.KacieO’Kelley: 537-1415FlikCafeteriaManager–Ms.PennyStewart: 537-1463PlantManager–Mr.WayneRoland: 537-1470SchoolNurse–Mrs.JudyBearman: 537-1457CommunicationDirector–Mrs.LauraRussell: 537-1489AssistantDirectorofCommunication–Mrs.LacyHibbard: 537-1426
FacultyFirstGrade: Ms.AshleyWilliams;Mrs.JenniferGuerra;Mrs.SarahTrimmSecondGrade: Mrs.GwenCollier;Mrs.KathyBrewster/Mrs.HeatherHendry; Mrs.MaryClaytonGaravelliThirdGrade: Ms.CherryFalls;Mrs.DebbieKuykendall;Mrs.BarbaraPersonFourthGrade: Ms.KathleenCousins;Mrs.LindseyFerguson;Ms.AlexisNussbaumArt: Mrs.KathleenMcElroyBallet: Mrs.ErinWalterLibrary: Mrs.CarynBrannen;Mrs.LauraGinsbergMusic: Mrs.NancyMillerP.E.: Mr.MickeyPitts;Mrs.WendyGallikReligion: Mrs.MaryHenryThompsonScience: Mrs.MeaganMichaelSpanish: Mrs.SallyRosenbergTechnology: Mrs.JessicaLancasterDirectorofLearningSupport: Mrs.ChristinaBlockLearningSpecialist:Mrs.StephaniePojeDirectorofCounseling: Mrs.KatherineHouseNorthCampusCounselor: Mrs.BrennanAdrian
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ArrivalandDismissalProcedures
*Pleaserefertomapsonpage10-11
TheuseofcellphonesisnotallowedincarpoollinesPleasefollowthearrivalanddismissalproceduresbelowforsafetyandconsistencyinourcarpoollines:
• Thespeedlimitis5mph.• Donotuseyourcellphone.• Putyourcarinparkwhenloadingorunloading.• Donotletchildrenstandoutofthesunroofwhiledriving.• Pleasecommunicateallcarpoolprocedurestobabysittersorotheradultspickingup
yourchild.
ThethreelowerschoolcarpoollanesareoffPerkinsandWalnutGroveRoad.GeneralRules
• NorthboundPerkinsdriversarenotpermittedtoturnleftintothenorthcampus.• DonotmakeU-turnsonPerkinsorblockintersectingstreetsanddriveways.• RopesbetweentheMossHallandHydebuildingsensureasafewalkingareaforthe
students.• GatesandropesrestrictaccessfromWalnutGrovebetween8:15a.m.and2:30p.m.• Donotopengatesortakedownropesorconesdownduringcarpooltimes.• NeverdriveinfrontoftheMossHouseunlessyouaresigningyourdaughterin.• Forpetandteachersafety,keepdogsrestrainedonalead.• Donotallowchildrentostandupthroughthesunroof.• Unbuckleseatbelts,gatherbelongings,andexchangehugsandkissesbeforepulling
uptoateacheronduty.• Iflate,parkinfrontoftheMossHouseandcheckyourdaughterinwithBarbara
Leachatthefrontdesk.• Donotdropachildoffatanyentranceunlessateacherisonduty.
MorningArrivalProcedures(refertomapsonpage10and11) EarlyCarpool7:15-7:30Earlydropoffislimitedduetostateregulationsandstudent/teacherratios.Werequestyouonlyusetheearlydropoffifyouneedtoarriveatyourdestinationby7:30a.m.
• EnterthesouthdrivewayoffPerkins.• CirclearoundtheECCbuildingandcontinuetotheECCfrontdoors.• DropoffinfrontoftheECCbuildingbetween7:15-7:30.• Donotdropachildoffatanyentranceunlessateacherisonduty.
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RegularCarpool7:30-7:50
• Carpooldropoffbeginsat7:30andendsat8:00.• Donotdropachildoffatanyentranceunlessateacherisonduty.• Studentsgototheearlyroomsfrom7:30-7:50.• Donotdropachildoffatanyentranceunlessateacherisonduty.
DismissalDuringtheDayForacademicconsistency,scheduleallappointmentsoutsideofschoolhours.Disruptingtheschooldaywithunnecessaryappointmentsisfrustratingtobothstudentandteacher!
• Ifyourdaughtermustleaveduringschoolhours,sende-mailtobothteacherandBarbaraLeach,AdministrativeAssistant,assoonaspossible.
• Notifytheschoolbefore2:00p.m.ifyouplantopickyourdaughterbefore3:00.• StudentsmustbecheckedoutattheMossHallfrontdesk.Donotgototheclassroom.• Pleasedonotinterruptyourdaughter’sschooldaywithunnecessaryearlypick-
ups!AfternoonDismissal(refertomapsonpage10and11)
CarpoolCardswithStudentNames—VeryImportant!!!§ AlldriversarerequiredtohaveanofficialSt.Mary’scarpoolcardwith
student’sname.§ Placethecarpoolcardnearthebottomofthewindshieldonthe
passengerside.§ [email protected],if
youneedadditionalcardsthroughouttheyear. CarpoolChangeProcedures
• Notifytheschooloffice(537-1400)by2:00p.m.aboutchangesincarpool.
• Iftherewillbeadifferentdriver,notifytheschoolby2:00p.m.• Iftheschoolhasnotbeencontacted,thedriverwillhavetowaitaswe
contactparentsforapprovalandconfirmation. LatePick-up
• Schooldismissesat3:00p.m.MondaythroughFriday.• After20minutesofdismissaltime,studentswillbetakentoPursuits
After3andchargedalatefeeof$20.00.Walkers SpecialarrangementsmustbemadewiththeDivisionHeadforgirls
whowalktoorfromschool. SpecialPick-upProcedure
§ CalltheLowerSchoolofficetomakearrangementsforspecialpick-up.§ Neverparkandwalktopickupyourdaughterfromcarpoollines.
UseofCellPhones–NOTALLOWEDINCARPOOLLINE!
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CarpoolMaps
St. Maryʼs Episcopal School
Lower School
Morning Arrival Carpool Map7:30-8:00 a.m.
Perkins Road
Wa
lnu
t G
rove
Ro
ad
Carpools enter here for 3:00 pm dismissal•Right lane for Moss Hall Porch
Early Childhood Center (ECC)
Moss Hall
Davis Building
Grades 1-2
Hyde Building
Grades 3-4
ECC Porch
Mo
ss H
all
Po
rch
Carpools enter right hand lane here for 7:30-8:00 a.m. arrival•Walnut Grove Porch
Parking Lot
St. Maryʼs Episcopal School
Lower School
Afternoon Dismissal Carpool Map3:00 p.m. dismissal
Perkins Road
Wa
lnu
t G
rove
Ro
ad
Carpools enter here for 3:00 pm dismissal•Right lane for Moss Hall Porch
Early Childhood Center (ECC)
Moss Hall
Davis Building
Grades 1-2
Hyde Building
Grades 3-4
ECC Porch
Mo
ss H
all
Po
rch
Carpools enter right hand lane here for 3:00 pm dismissal•Walnut Grove Porch
Parking Lot
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AttendanceEveryday,yourdaughterisengagedinavarietyoflearningactivitiesthatincludegroupwork,collaborationandteacherinstructiontime.Eachdaybuildsonthenextandyourdaughter’sparticipationnotonlyinfluencesherownlearning,butthelearningofthoseinherclassroom.TakingyourdaughteroutofschoolunnecessarilydisruptsnotonlyherroutinebutalsotheroutineofthosewithwhomsheislearningAlso,missedinstructionmayleavegapsinneededskills.Therefore,weaskthatyouhonoryourdaughter’sscheduleandthescheduleofourteachersbynotplanningtripsandunnecessaryabsencesoutsideofthealreadyscheduledschoolholidays.AbsencesTheLowerSchoolrecognizesillness,accident,oradeathinthefamilyasexcusedabsences.Call537-1400,oremailtheclassroomteacherorBarbaraLeachbleach@stmarysschool.orgby9:00am.Make-upWorkforAbsencesMake-upworkwillnotbesenthomebeforeorduringanyabsenceunlessitisanextendedillness.Uponreturn,theteacherwillprovideherstudentwithnecessarymake-upwork.Make-upworkcanneveradequatelyreplacethelearningtimethatwaslost.Thestudentmayberequiredtomakeupworkduringbreaksorafterschool.Occasionally,atutormaybeneeded.AbsencesduetoTrips/VacationsIfavacationisscheduledduringtheschoolyear,parentsmustnotifytheDivisionHeadstatingthereasonfortheabsenceandthedatesinvolved.
• Uponreturn,theteacherwillprovidestudentwithnecessarymake-upwork.• Studentsmustcompleteallworkmissedinatimeframeequaltothenumberof
daysabsent.• Bothparentandstudentsharetheresponsibilityforthestudentgettingmake-up
workcompletedandturnedinontime.• Somein-classworkisnotpossibletomake-up.
AbsencesduetoExtra-CurricularActivities
• Pleaselimitabsencesduetoplays,horseshows,gymnastics,orotherextra-curricularactivities.
Tardies
• Classbeginspromptlyat8:00a.m.• Studentsshouldarriveby7:50a.m.• Morningroomsopenat7:30a.m.
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• Anystudentarrivingafter8:00a.m.istardyandmustreceiveanadmitslipattheMossHallfrontdesk.
• WalkyourchildintotheMossHallbuildingandsignherinatthefrontdesk.• Afterfivetardiespersemester,parentswillbecontactedbytheDivisionHead.
MedicalAppointments
• Foracademicconsistency,pleasetrynottomakedoctor,dentist,ororthodontistappointmentsduringtheschoolday.
• Ifastudentmustleaveschool,parentsshouldcontacttheschoolasnolaterthanby7:50a.m.onthedayoftheappointment.
• Ifyourchildreturnstoschoolfollowingtheappointment,aparentmustsignherinattheMossHallfrontdesk.
Performances,FieldTrips,ClassDays,andAbsences
• Ifyourdaughterisabsentforallorpartoftheday,shemaynotparticipateintheLowerSchoolPlay,ClassDays,theChristmasPageant,orspecialeventssuchasaclassfieldtrip.
ContacttheDivisionHeadifspecialconsiderationsneedtobemade.
SnowandInclementWeatherDayProcedure
St.Mary'swillmakeanindependentdecisionregardinganyschoolclosures,latestarts,orearlydismissals.
• AnnouncementsaboutschoolclosuresandemergencyearlydismissalswillbecommunicatedonthehomepageoftheSt.Mary’swebsite,throughbroadcastemail,and,whenpossible,throughautomatedtelephonemessaging.
• Intheeventofanunscheduledearlydismissal,pick-upprocedureswillbecommunicatedtoparentsthisway,aswell.
• Inordertomaintainanorderlydismissal,pleasedonotcometotheschooluntiltheschoolhascommunicatedbestpickupprocedures.
SevereWeatherIntheeventofsevereweather(withorwithoutwarningsirens)duringtheunloadingorloadingofcarpoolsandthedismissalofolderstudentstotheircars,wewillkeepgirlsinourcare,havingallstudentsgotothepre-arrangedSevereWeatherDrillareas.Carpoollinesandschooldismissalwillbepaused,especiallywhenlightningispresent,untilitissafetoresume.Parentsandchildrenstillincarsarewelcometoparkandjoinusinsidethebuildinginoursafeareas.
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BehaviorExpectations/Discipline/Responsibility“Self-esteemisthekeyingredientforathrivinggirl.Youcan’tgiveyourdaughterself-esteem.Shehastogetittheold-fashionedway,byearningit!” JoannDeak,“GirlsWillBeGirls”LowerSchoolisahappy,comfortable,nurturingplace.Therearebehaviorexpectationsinplacetofosterappropriateacademicandcharacterdevelopment.Theseexpectationshelpthegirlslearntoshowrespectforthemselvesandothersaroundthemandtodeveloptheirgiftsintheclassroomsenablingthemtoreachtheiruniqueindividualpotential.Childrenfunctionbestwithconsistencyinanorderly,safeenvironmentinwhichexpectationsareclearandgently,butfirmly,upheld.AttheheartofourbehavioralexpectationsistheGoldenRule,whichispromotedthroughtheCharacterEducationprogramandguidancefromclassroomteachers.Intheeventthatachildhasconsistentdifficultyinfollowingtheexpectationsofherteachers,appropriatestepswillbetakentohelpherlearntomakebetterchoices.Thesestepscouldbeintheformofreminders-eitherverbalorwritten,atime-out,lossofprivileges,ConductSlip,oravisittotheDivisionHead.AConductSliprequiresaparent’ssignature.Attimes,parentswillreceiveacallsoeveryonecanworktogethertohelpusethesituationaslearningandgrowingexperiencefortheirchild.PlaygroundSafetyGuidelinesforRecessStudentsshouldalwaysshowrespectforothers,themselves,andforschoolequipment.
• Allstudentsareexpectedtoparticipateinrecess.Adoctor’snoteisrequiredshouldastudentneedtomissduetohealthissues.
• Studentsareexpectedtowelcomeothergirlsintogames.• Specialclubsandexclusiveplayarenotallowed.• Nostandingonthemonkeybarsorpushingonthezipline.• Norunningtoandfromtheplayground.• Donotgotothesoccerfielduntilateacherispresent.• Noplayinginthepavilionsinkorwaterfountain.• Stayawayfromthebrickwallsoftheplayground.• Askpermissiontousetheplaygroundrestroomandinformtheteacheronduty
whenyoureturn.• Donotclimbintreesorbushes.• Peagravelistoremainundertheswings.• Lunchboxesshouldbeplacedinthedesignatedarea.Forsafetyreasons,
studentsarenotpermittedbackintothelockedbuildingtogetalunchbox.
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CafeteriaGuidelinesLunchisatimeforchildrentopracticegoodmannersanddevelopthesocialgracesappropriatetotheirage.Pleasereviewthefollowingexpectationswithyourdaughter(s):
• Usegoodmanners.Say"pleaseandthankyou".• Nogameplayingatthetable.• Makeeachgirlfeelwelcomeatyourtablebynotsavingplaces.• Eatyourownlunch.Notradingorgivingawayfood.• Donotleavetrashorfoodonthefloorortables.• Stackyourtraysneatlyanddisposeoftrashcarefully.
ForgottenHomework
• Parentsshouldnotbringforgottenhomework,books,orprojectstoschool,unlessspecificallyrequestedbyateacher.
• Classroomswillremainopenuntil3:30p.m.ifyourdaughterforgetsherassignments,books,orotheritemsofimportance.Inthisevent,youmustsignyourdaughterinatthefrontdesk,andanAdministrativeAssistantwillescorthertoherroom.
BullyingPolicyBullyingisnotanacceptablebehavioratSt.Mary’s.Bullyingisdefinedasanybehaviorthatdiminishesanotherperson,including,butnotlimitedtoteasing,intimidation,frightening,hurting,orexcluding.We,asaschool,addressthesebehaviorsthroughourcounselingservicesandinourCharacterEducationprogram. CellPhonesLowerSchoolgirlsarenotpermittedtobringcellphonestoschool.PetandAnimalPolicy,Protocoland,Procedures
• Allclassrooms,schoolbuildings,andcampusgrounds,withtheexceptionofthecarpoollines,arepetfree.
• Certifiedserviceanimalswillbeacceptedoncampusonacase-by-casebasis.WhileSt.Mary’sunderstandsthatanimalscanbecertifiedthroughonlineresources,St.Mary’srequirescertificationfromaveterinarianofourchoosingwhounderstandstheuniqueneedsofaschoolenvironment.AllcertificationsmustbeclearedthroughtheofficeoftheAssistantHeadofSchool.
• Anyanimalshowingaggressivebehavioratanytimewillbebannedfromcampus.• Ourcarpoollinesareespeciallypopulatedwithdogs.Pleaserememberthatmany
childrenareafraidofdogs,andnotallfacultymembersfeelcomfortablearounddogs.Pleasekeepdogstetheredwhileinacarsotheyareunabletoleavethecar,hangoutofwindows,orreachthehandsorarmsofateacherwhomaybehelpingchildrenastheyenterorexitcars.
• Ifyouwalkyourdogandyourchildtoschool,pleasenotethatyoumustwalkyourchildtothenearestteacheratthecarpoolstation.Pleaserememberthatnotallchildrenlikedogs.Pleasedonotlingerwithyourpetorengageyourpetinanyway
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withthechildren.Ifproblemsarisearoundthissituation,theschoolreservestherighttorevokethisprivilege.
Birthdays/SocialGatherings/PartyInvitationsWelovetocelebratebirthdaysatSt.Mary’sLowerSchool!Parentsarewelcometosendasimplespecialsnackforthe“BirthdayGirl”andherclassmatesatmorningbreak.Pleasenotifyyourdaughter’steachertwodaysaheadsothatshecancoordinatetreatsintheeventthattwogirlssharethesameday.Pleasebesurethesnackis: Nutfree Readytoserve(noslicingorcutting) Nocandlesorpartyfavorsplease! Portionsize–onlyoneportionperstudentInvitations
• Unlessallclassmatesareinvited,invitationstopartiesmaynotbedistributedatschool.
• Donotarrangetopickupchildrenforpartiesafterschool• Remindyourdaughteroftheimportanceofnotdiscussingherpartyplansatschool
whereshecouldbeoverheardandfeelingshurt.BirthdayBooksContributingabooktotheSt.Mary’slibraryisalovelywaytohonoryourbirthdaygirl!Aspecialbookplateisplacedinthebookandthelibrarianswillbehappytoassistyouwiththisprogram.BirthdayPencilsSt.Mary’sBirthdayPencilsaregiveninchapeleveryTuesdayforgirlscelebratingtheirbirthdaysduringtheweek(SundaytoSaturday).Teachers’BirthdaysThecelebrationofateachers’birthdayshouldbelimitedtopersonalcardsorlettersfromthechildren.Inanefforttokeepthingssimpleamongfacultyandstaff,pleasenoparties,professionalarrangements,orgifts.PlaygroundPartiesDuringholidays,afterschoolandinthesummer,theLowerSchoolplaygroundisusedforthePursuitsAfter3Programandisnotavailableforotherget-togethersorparties.
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CafeteriaInformationGeneralInformation
• LunchmaybebroughtfromhomeorpurchasedfromFLIKDining,ouron-campuscaterer.FLIKoffersplanstocovereachsemesterorthefullyear.Adecliningbalanceplanisalsoavailable.EverychildisassignedaPINtouseinthecafeteria.Pleaseseehttp://www.stmarysschool.org/student-life/flik-diningontheSt.Mary’swebsiteformoreinformationonmenusandpaymentmethods.
• Pleasesetupafreeaccountwithwww.MySchoolBucks.com.Fromthewebsite,youcanseewhatyourdaughterispurchasingandloadmoneytoheraccount.Talkwithyourdaughtertohelpherunderstandwhat,ifanything,isacceptabletopurchase.Weencourageallfamiliestokeepaminimumbalanceof$10onyourdaughter’sdecliningbalanceaccountatalltimessothatshecaneatinthecafeteriaifshehasforgottenherlunchormaybewantstoaddsomethingtoherlunch.Youcansetyouraccounttogenerateanotificationifyourbalancefallsbelowadollaramountyouset.
• NegativeCafeteriaBalances:Ifyourdaughterusesthedecliningbalanceplantopurchaseherlunchesandherbalancefallsbelowzero,shewillbeallowedtopurchasetheofferedlunchtwotimes.Atthattime,shewillbegivenanotetotakehomeaskingtoreloadheraccount.Ifheraccountisnotreloadedbythethirdday,shewillbegivenonlyasunflowerbuttersandwichandaglassofwater.
• Labelalllunchboxesandincludepropereatingutensils.• Nosoftdrinks,candy,redcoloredjuices,orfoodsthatrequirerefrigerationor
heatingarepermitted.• ForinformationaboutFLIKemailPennyStewartatpstewart@stmarysschool.org
Hours11:15-11:45–thirdgrade11:30-12:00–fourthgrade11:40-12:10–secondgrade12:10-12:40–firstgradeNutFreeEnvironmentThenorthcampusisanutfreeenvironmentduetoanumberofstudentswithalifethreateningfoodallergytonutsandpeanuts.Please:
• Readthelabelsofallsnacks,treats,lunchesyousendtoschool• Donotsendinfoodsthatlistpeanuts/treenutsintheingredientlist• Nopeanutbuttersandwichesinthelunchbox• Putanoteinthelunchboxifsendinginasoybutterorsoybuttersandwich• Checkwiththeclassroomteacherifyouareunsureofafood
MorningSnack
• FirstandSecondgradersarerequiredtopurchaseamorningsnackprovidedbyFLIKDining
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• Studentsingrades3and4shouldbringahealthysnackandbottledwatertoschool.Nootherdrinksarepermitted.
• Specialclasssnacksareallowedonlyforabirthdayorwiththeapprovalofthehomeroomteacher.
LunchVisitorsWearedelightedtohaveyoudinewithus!
• SigninandoutforlunchatthefrontdeskoftheECCbuilding.• Ifyoubringalunchforyourchild,donotbringsoftdrinksorcandyandremember
thattheLowerSchoolisanut-freezone!• Youmaysitattheguesttableorattheclassroomtablewithyourdaughter’s
classmates.• Forsafetyreasons,parentsorvisitorsarenotpermittedtogototheir
daughter’sclassroomortotheplaygroundbeforeorafterlunch.
CampusSecurityAllvisitors,includingparents,mustusethefrontentranceandobtaina"nametag"attheLowerSchoolfrontdesk.Allschoolpersonnelhavebeeninstructedtoquestionanypersonwithoutanametag.Asecurityguardisondutythroughouttheday.ParentVolunteerAllparentvolunteersmustsigninatthefrontdesk,obtainanametag,andreceiveaparentvolunteerbadge.Badgesmustbereturnedtothefrontdeskupondeparture.
ChapelandCharacterEducation
St.Mary’sEpiscopalidentitystatementcanbefoundathttp://www.stmarysschool.org/aboutstmarys/episcopal-tradition/index.aspxIntheLowerSchoolweseekoutmanyopportunitiestoteachourgirlstoloveandrespectothersandthemselves.Weencourageactsofkindnessforpeopleweknow,andpeoplewedonotknow.ChapelServicesfortheLowerSchoolareheldonTuesdaysat8:10intheGilmoreLynnRoomoftheShawEarlyChildhoodCenter.Parentsorotherrelativesandfriendsarealwayswelcome.St.Mary’sBirthdayPencilsaregiveninchapeleveryTuesdayforgirlscelebratingtheirbirthdaysduringtheweek(SundaytoSaturday).Occasionallychapelwillfallonanotherdayoftheweek.Pleasebesuretochecktheschoolcalendar!
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ReligionandReligiousActivitiesSt.Mary’s,intheEpiscopaltradition,valuesthereligiousbeliefsofallpersons.Listedbelowareourreligiouspractices:
o Allstudentsareexpectedtoparticipatefullyinallschoolactivitiesthattakeplaceduringtheschoolday,regardlessofreligiousaffiliation.Thisincludesclass,specialsubjectclasses,andprograms.
o Allstudentsattendchapel.o AllstudentsstudythestoriesandlessonsoftheOldandNewTestamentasa
specialsubject.Thissubjectisnotgraded.o StudentsfromChristianandNon-Christianfaithsareincludedinthe
ChristmasPageant.Non-Christianstudentsmaybeexcusedfromthisprogramifrequestedbytheparents.
o Non-Christianstudentsmaybeexcusedfrom4thgradeacolytedutiesifrequestedbyparents.
CharacterEducationTheCharacterEducationprogramisanintegralpartoftheLowerSchoolcurriculumandisdesignedtopromotespiritualandmoralgrowthinourstudents.Thegoaloftheprogramisto:
o Sustain,nurture,andpromotemoraldevelopmento Providereferencepointsforculturalandethicalchoiceo Teachchildrentouseuniversalvirtuesastheiranchoro Teachchildrentouseuniversalvirtuesfordecision-making
Wecallthisprogramour“BridgetoCaring”.OurBridgeisheldupwithtwopillars:respectandresponsibility.Usingthesevaluesasthepillarsofour“BridgetoCaring”,theLowerSchoolfacultyandstafffocusonthefollowingeightvirtuesasmonthlythemes. CharacterEducationMonthlyThemes •September Respect Showingconsiderationfor myselfandothers. •October Responsibility Doingwhatyouhavetodo, whenyouhavetodoit,whether youwanttoornot.•November Thankfulness Beinggratefulforthethingsthat wehave,thekindnessshown, andtheworldaroundus.
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•December Kindness Respondingtotheneedsofothers withoutexpectingsomethingin return.•January Kindness Respondingtotheneedsofothers withoutexpectingsomethingin return.•February SelfControl Thinkingbeforeactingandspeaking. •March Courage Beingstrongenoughtodowhatis right. •April Honesty Beingtruthfulandfairwithmyself
andothers.•May Cooperation Workingandplayingwellwith others.
AnintegralpartoftheCharacterEducationPrograminvolvescommunityservice.Parentsareencouragedtovolunteerandtohelpthegirlswithspecialprojects.
ServiceLearningAtSt.Mary’sLowerSchoolwearecommittedtohelpingourgirlsconnectwithopportunitieswhichallowthemtoreachbeyondthemselvesbyhelpingothers.Ourgirlsaregivenopportunitiesthroughouttheyeartodoservicefortheschool,serviceforeachother,andserviceforagenciesoutsideoftheschool.AnintegralpartoftheCharacterEducationPrograminvolvescommunityservice.Parentsareencouragedtovolunteerandtohelpthegirlswithspecialprojects.
Communication CommunicationfromtheLowerSchoolcomesprimarilythroughHaiku,thefirstgradewebsitepagesandblogs,email,andTheLowerSchoolNews.Generalschoolnewscanbefoundonthewebsite.
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ParentParticipationOpencommunicationbetweenthehomeandtheschoolisbeneficialtoyourchild’seducationalexperiences.Pleasekeepusinformedofchangesandeventsathomesuchasmoving,adeathinthefamily(petsincluded),orthebirthofanewsibling!
LowerSchoolNewsPleasecarefullyreadtheLowerSchoolNewssentbytheschooleachweek.
ContactingTeacherorDivisionHead
Ifthereisanemergency,contactyourdaughter’steacher,LearningSpecialist,ortheDivisionHeadathome.Fornon-emergencycalls,theAdministrativeAssistantwillsetupanappointmentorhavetheteacherorDivisionHeadreturnyourcallduringaplanningperiod.Anexcellentwaytocommunicatewithyourdaughter'shomeroomteacherorDivisionHeadisthroughthehomework/messagefolderoremail.Itisyourdaughter'sresponsibilitytogivewrittenmessagestoherteacher.Donotsendtextmessagestoteachers.
Forms
Permissionslipsforfieldtripsorothereventsthatrequireaparentsignatureneedtobereturnedinatimelymanner.
SocialMediaSt.Mary’srespectstheprivacyofitsstudentsandfamilies.Weaskthatyoushowthesameconsiderationwhenusingimagescapturedatschooleventsinsocialmediaoutlets.TextingDonotusetextmessagingwithteachersorAdministratorsasaformofcommunication.
LegalPolicy
St.Mary’sseekstosupporteachstudentandherparentsinmattersrelatedtoschoolthroughregularandappropriatecommunicationthatinformswhilefollowinglegalguidelines.BecauseSt.Mary’svaluesthepartnershipwithparents,allcommunicationsgeneratedbytheSchoolwillbedistributedtoallparentsandlegalguardianswithinlegalguidelines.AlldivorcedfamilieswillneedtofileTennessee’sPermanentParentingPlan(orotherstateParentingPlan)withSt.Mary’s.Inallmatters,legaldirectivesregardingcustodyissues,visitation,andcommunicationwillbefollowed.St.Mary’sEpiscopalSchoolCompliancewithFederal,StateandDiocesanRegulations
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St.Mary’sEpiscopalSchoolcomplieswithFederal,StateandDiocesanregulationsinregardtoreportingsuspectedcasesofchildabuseorsexualharassment.Theschoolalsocomplieswithcourtorderedchildcustodydecisions,environmentalsafetyregulations,asbestosabatementandOSHAregulations.Employmentbackgroundchecksandfingerprintingarerequiredforallschoolpersonnel.
CurriculumReflectingontheschool’smissionstatement,theLowerSchoolcurriculumenableseachstudenttoreachherindividualpotentialthroughacourseofstudythatpromotesintellectualcuriosity,criticalthinking,andself-confidenceinthelearningprocess.TheLowerSchoolprogramisenrichedbytheteachingofspecialsubjectsandthecollaborationbetweenSpecialistsandclassroomteacherthroughprojectbasedlearning.Ourdynamiceducationalprogramemploysmanydifferentteachingstrategiesthatencourageeachgirltobeacuriousthinker,arisktaker,andaself-confidentlearner.TechnologyStudentsatSt.Mary'shavetheopportunitytouseavarietyoftechnologytoolssuchasiPads,digitalcameras,videocameras,laptopsanddesktopcomputers.InordertomaintaintheequipmentandthesafetyofstudentsastheyusetheInternet,GoogleApps,Haikuandotherwebprograms,eachstudentandparentisrequiredtosignaResponsibleUsePolicy.Therearetwodifferentpolicies,oneforgrades1-2andanotherforgrades3-4,basedontheiruseoftechnology.Studentsingrades3-4alsoparticipateinSavvySurfinglessonsthroughouttheyeartodiscussonlinesafety,etiquetteontheweb,andotherpertinenttechnologyissues.HomeworkHomeworkisanintegralpartofthelearningprocess.Foryoungchildrenitservesasreinforcementthroughpracticeandanopportunitytocompleteindependentassignmentsthathavebeendiscussedinclass.Tobestsupportandreinforcelearning,dailyhomeworktimeshouldtakeprecedenceoverextracurricularactivities.Eachstudenthasablueassignmentfoldertoassistwiththeorganizationofhomeworktasksandtoprovideparentswithexplicitinformationabouthomeworkrequirementsandyourchild'sperformance.Papersaresenthomeregularlyforparents'signatures,thusgivingparentsanotheravenueforkeepingupwiththeirdaughter'sprogress.Shouldyouhaveanyconcernsasyouobserveyourdaughter’sstudyhabitspleasecommunicatethesetoherteacher.Togetherwecandeterminehowtobestsupportherlearning.BookbagsBookbagswithwheelsshouldfittheopeningoftheclassroomcubby.
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Ballet
ShoesFirstthroughthirdgraderswillneedpinkleatherorcanvasballetslippersforclass.ShoescanbepurchasedatBarbara’sDancewear,CordovaDancewear,oratanyPaylessShoestore.A10%donationwillbegiventoSt.Mary’sifyoupurchaseshoesatBarbara’sDancewear,locatedat1499SouthPerkins,justsouthofQuince.LetthemknowthatyouareaSt.Mary’sfamilywhenyoubringyourdaughterinforherfitting.Pleaseputhernameinyourdaughter’sballetshoes.AttireFirstgradersdonotneedtoweardanceattireforclass.Theywilldanceintheirschoolclothes.Secondandthirdgradersshouldwearshortsoradressorskirtwithshortsorleggingsunderneathonballetdays.
FieldTrips/ParentVolunteersFieldtripswillbescheduledwhentheyareappropriatetoourcurriculum.Ifyouaredrivingorassistingwithatrippleasedonotbringsiblings.Thisisaspecialtimeforyouandyourchild.Yourundividedattentionisneededtomakethetriporactivitysafeandproductiveforallchildren.Also,fieldtripdriversshouldnotbringorstoptogetspecialtreatsforthegirlsridingintheircars.EachdriverisresponsiblefortheChildPassengerRestraintLawlocatedontheTennesseeDepartmentofSafetywebsite.http://www.tennessee.gov/safety/Theschoolrequiresproofofinsuranceanddriver’slicenseforalldriversoffieldtrips.
DressCodeInaworldfullof“sameness”we,atSt.Mary’s,valueandpromoteindividuality!Onewayweencouragethisisthroughourdresscode.Areyouinayellowmood?Wearyellow!Howaboutpolkadotstoday?Choosingwhattoweartoschoolenablesyourdaughtertoexpressheruniquestyle.Tohelpherselectappropriateschoolclothing,guidelinesareinplacesothatshecanrepresentbothherselfandSt.Mary’swithpride.Neatnessofappearancehasapositiveeffectonworkhabits,behavior,andattitudetowardsschoolwork.PleaseassistyourdaughterasshechoosesherclothingeachmorningbyfollowingtheAcceptable/NotAcceptablelistbelow.
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Acceptable NotAcceptableTennisshoeswithnon-scuffsolesBack-less,slip-onorplatformtennisshoes(Velcroorties) Keens,Toms,SperryTopsiders,HighTops,Uggs,
oranyshoewithabuckleDresses Dressesshorterthan5”abovethekneeSkirts(5”fromthekneerule) AthleticShortsShorts(5”fromthekneerule) SpandexshortsPants Jeans(exceptonthosespecialdays!)St.Mary’steeshirts Teeshirtswithotherlogos AppropriategraphicandsolidteesHaltersorspaghettistrapsi.e.lessthan1”wide
bandorstrap Smallstudearrings HoopsordanglyearringsLeggingscoveredbyaskirtordressLeggingswithoutaskirtordressHatsoutside HatsinsideJeanskirts “Jeggings”(Jeanleggings)Thedresscodewillbestronglyenforced.Shouldastudentcometoschoolininappropriateclothing,parentswillbenotifiedbyemailandaphonecall.Clothingmaybebroughttoschoolorwewillfindsomethingsuitableforhertowearfromthe“clothescloset”.Ifthereisaquestionaboutacertainclothingitem,pleasecheckwithTheLowerSchoolHead.LostandFoundPleaselabelallofyourchild’sbelongingswithherfirstandlastname.Noinitials,please!ThelostandfoundclosetislocatednearTracyWilliams’desk.
EmergencyPreparednessandProceduresWheneveritisnecessarytodismissschoolbeforethescheduledtime,thereisachanceforconfusionanddelay.Manychildrenarenotpickedupbytheirregularcarpooldriver,andkeepingupwithallthechangesisverydifficult.Toavoidconfusionandforthesafetyofyourdaughter,wehavedevelopedthefollowingprocedureforanemergencydismissal.Itmaytakeusalittlelongertodismissyourchild,butwefeelthatanorderlyandsafedismissalisworthit.ResponsibilitiesofParents1. ParentsarerequiredtocompleteFamilyInformationandEmergencyContactsin
MyBackpack.https://mybackpack.stmarysschool.org/SeniorApps/registration/loginCenter.faces
IncaseofanEmergency1. Donotcallorcometotheschool.St.Mary’shasanextensiveemergencyplanin
placeandwillcommunicatewithyouassoonaspossiblethroughourautomated
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system.Atthattimewewillcommunicatethemostefficientpick-upprocedure.Checktheschoolwebsitehttp://www.stmarysschool.org/whichwillbeupdatedonaregularbasisduringanemergency.
2. Intheeventofsevereweather(withorwithoutwarningsirens)duringtheunloadingorloadingofcarpools,wewillkeepgirlsinourcare,havingallstudentsgotothepre-arrangedSevereWeatherDrillareas.Carpoollineswillbepaused,especiallywhenlightningispresent,untilitissafetoresume.Parentsandchildrenstillincarsarewelcometoparkandjoinusinsidethebuildinginoursafeareas.
HealthInformation/HealthServicesHealthYoumustkeepyourchildhomeiftheyhaveanyofthesymptomslistbelow.Ifyourchildisexperiencinganyofthesesymptomswhileatschool,youwillbecalledandaskedtopickherupassoonaspossible.1.Feverof100degreesormore2.Unexplainedrash3.Vomitingand/ordiarrhea4.Unexplainedinflammationoftheeyesoreyelids5.Sorethroatnotrelatedtoallergies6.Liceorlicenits7.Injurythatmayneedadoctor’sassessmentReturningtoSchool—Yourdaughtermayreturntoschool:
• 24hoursafterbeingfeverfreewithouttheaidofacetaminophenandibuprofen• 24hoursafterlastvomitingorepisodeofdiarrheaandwhensheisbackonregular
food• 24hoursafterstartingantibioticsforpinkeye,strepthroat,orotherbacterial
infection• 24hoursafterregainingstrengthandnormalactivity• 24hoursafterhospitalization,includingavisittotheemergencyroom• Withadoctor’snoteaftertreatmentofseverebacterialinfection,suchasMRSA.
Theabovereasonsaregeneralandotherextenuatingcircumstancesmaybeevidentaftertalkingwithaparent.Rememberalso,ifyourdaughterisnotwellenoughtobeatschoolsheisnotwellenoughtoattendafterschoolactivities,sportspractices/games,birthdayparties,sleepovers,oractivitiesthatputherintocontactwithotherchildren.HealthRecordandtheEmergencyInformation
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Atthebeginningofeachschoolyearparentsmustlogintotheirchild’sMagnusHealthsitetoupdateandsigntheirchild’shealthrecord.ThesitecanbeaccessedfromtheSt.Mary’swebsiteParent’sPageusingyourMyBackPacklogin.Ifyourchildhashadanyinoculationsthispastyear,shewillneedanewimmunizationrecord.YoumayobtaintheTennesseeImmunizationRecordfromyourchild'sphysician.Pleasebesuretokeeptheschoolinformedofallhealthconditions,medications,andifthereisatelephoneoraddresschange.Itisalsowisetoinformtheschoolaboutwhenyouwillbeoutoftownandothers,suchasgrandparentsorbabysitters,willhaveresponsibilityforyourdaughter(s).MedicationAdministrationPolicyPOLICY:Tosupportthestudentwhomustreceivemedicationsduringschoolhourstopromoteoptimalwellness.Wheneverpossible,medications,bothprescriptionandnon-prescription,shouldbedispensedathome.PROTOCOL:Theschoolnurse,orthosewhohavebeentrainedbytheschoolnurse,mayassistthestudentintheself-administrationofbothprescriptionandnon-prescriptionmedication(s).PROCEDURE:Thefollowingstepsmustbetakenforamedicationtobedispensedatschool.1. Nostudentmayhaveprescriptionornon-prescriptionmedication(s)ontheir
person,intheirpurseorbookbag,orintheirlocker.Theonlyexceptionsare:(1)Asthmaticsmaykeepinhalersontheirpersonforself-administrationasneeded,perdoctor’sorders;(2)thosewithsevereallergicreactionstofood,insectsorotheragentsmaykeepanantihistamine(suchasBenadryl)andanEpiPenontheirperson,perdoctor’sorders;and(3)diabeticsmayuseaninsulinpumpwhichisattachedtotheirperson,perdoctor’sorders.
2.TheparentmustsupplyanddelivertotheHealthCenterallmedicationstakenat
school.Medicationsmaynotbesenttoschoolinthestudent’sbookbag.3. Non-PrescriptionMedication:
• Themedicationshouldbebroughttoschoolinitsoriginalcontainer.• Thedosageinformationmustbelegible.• Thecontainermustbelabeledwiththestudent’snameandgrade.• TheNon-PrescriptionMedicationAuthorizationformmustbecompletedand
accompanythemedication.4. PrescriptionMedication:
• Themedicationmustbebroughttoschoolinitsoriginalcontainer.• Prescriptionlabelmustbeintactwith:
Student’snameNameofmedication
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MedicationdosageRouteofmedication Time(s)toreceivemedicationAnyalertsorwarninglabelsmustbelegible
• ThePrescriptionMedicationAuthorizationformmustbecompletedandaccompanythemedication.
5. MedicationAuthorizationformsareavailableineachdivisionoffice,theHealth
CenterandontheSt.Mary’swebsite.6. Medicationswillbekeptlocked,intheSt.Mary’sHealthCenterforstudentsonthe
MossHallcampus,orintheMSofficeandintheUSoffice,respectively,forthatdivision’sstudents.
7. Arecordofmedicationadministrationwillbekeptintherespectivedivision’s
HealthCenteroronthestudent’sMagnusHealthsiteandwillinclude:student’sname,medication,dosage,date,andtimeofadministration.
8. Attheendoftheschoolyear,theparentmustpick-upthemedication(s)fromthe
respectiveHealthCenterordivisionoffice.Thenurse,orinherabsenceamemberoftheMossHallstaff,willdistributeallmedicationsaccordingtotheseprocedures.Allmedicationswillbekeptinalockedcabinetandarecordwillbekeptforeachchildanytimeamedicationisdispensed.TeacherswillbesuppliedwithfirstaidsuppliessuchasBand-Aidsfortheclassroom.TeachersmaynotadministeranymedicationintheclassroomexceptEpiPenorassistwithmetered-doseinhalers.Infectiousand/orCommunicableDiseasePolicySummaryTheuniqueinteractionofstudents,teachers,administrators,andotherpersonnelwithinaschoolcommunityimposesuponallaresponsibilitytoprotecttheschoolcommunityagainsttheintroductionandspreadofinfectiousand/orcommunicablediseasesandfromanydisruptiveeffectupontheschoolcommunity,whichmaybeendangeredbyfearorathreatofthespreadofdiseases.Educationistheprimarylineofdefense,andSt.Mary’sisfirmlycommittedtoanongoingprogramdesignedtoinformstudents,parents,teachers,administrators,andotherpersonnelaboutsuchdiseasesandtheirrisksandabouttheattendantresponsibilitiesofthemembersoftheschoolcommunity.St.Mary’shasadoptedanInfectiousand/orCommunicableDiseasePolicy(ICDP),whichincludesprocedures,inordertominimizetheopportunityfortheintroductionandspreadofinfectiousand/orcommunicablediseasesintoorthroughtheschoolcommunityandtoenableSt.Mary’stodealfairlyandeffectivelywithpersonsintheschoolcommunitywhomayposeathreattothewellbeingoftheschoolcommunitybyvirtueoftheirhavingcontracted,orhavingbeenexposedto,infectiousand/orcommunicablediseasesorbyvirtueofabeliefthatthepossibilityofsuchthreatsexist.TheICDPanditsproceduresapplytoallstudentsattendingSt.Mary’sandtoallteachers,administrators,andother
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personnelemployedbytheschool,includingallpersonsservingtheschoolinavolunteercapacity.Forpurposesofthepolicy,aninfectiousand/orcommunicablediseaseincludesanymedicalconditionwhereinthephysicalcontactby,orexposureof,personshavingsuchconditiontopersonsnothavingsuchconditionrendersthelatterreasonablysusceptible,undercompetentandcurrentmedicalopinion,ordevelopingorcontractingsuchcondition,oroftransmittingittoothers.Infectedpersonsaredefinedunderthepolicytoincludeboththosepersonswhohavebeendiagnosedashavinganinfectiousand/orcommunicabledisease,aswellasthosewhoare“asymptomaticcarriers,”i.e.,thosewhohavebeeninfectedbyaninfectiousand/orcommunicablediseaseandwhoarecapableoftransmittingitbutwhohavenotdevelopedanyofthesymptomsofthedisease.Inordertodetermineifanystudent,employee,orvolunteerisaninfectedperson,theschoolmayrequiresuchpersontosubmittomedicalexaminationbyalicensedmedicaldoctorchosenandpaidbysuchpersonbutapprovedbytheschool.Theparent,employee,orvolunteerwillreleasethedoctortofurnishSt.Mary’swithareportofsuchexamination,statingwhetherornotsuchpersonhasaninfectiousand/orcommunicabledisease.Itisthedutyofeachstudentandherparent(s)orlegalguardian(s)andofeachschoolemployeeorvolunteer,toimmediatelyreporttotheheadofschooltheexistenceofanyinfectiousand/orcommunicablediseaseaffectingsuchpersonthatmayreasonablycallforspecialmeasurestobetakentoprotectthehealthofotherpersonsintheschoolcommunity.Uponreceiptbytheheadofcredibleinformationthatastudent,schoolemployee,orvolunteerissufferingfromaninfectiousand/orcommunicabledisease,theheadwill,baseduponinformationand/ormedicalopinionscommunicatedtoorobtainedbythehead,makeaninitialdeterminationastowhetherornotreasonablecauseexiststoexcludeorlimitsuchperson,temporarilyorpermanently,fromfurtherparticipationinschoolactivitiesthatwouldbringsuchpersonintocontactwithotherstudents,schoolemployees,orvolunteers.Eachdeterminationwillbemadeonacase-by-casebasis,andtheaffectedstudent,employee,orvolunteerwillpromptlybenotifiedofthedeterminationandtheactiontobetakenbaseduponsuchdetermination.Anysuchdeterminationandactionwillbesubjecttosubsequentreviewandmodificationbytheheadofschool,astheheaddeemsappropriateinthecircumstances.Anystudentoremployeewhoisnotifiedthatheorsheistobeexcludedfromorhavelimitedinparticipationinschoolactivities,hastheright,providedthathe/shegivesnoticetotheheadwithinten(10)daysafterreceiptofthehead’snotices,tohavethedeterminationreviewedbyanevaluationteamundertheproceduresdetailedintheICDP.Pendingthereviewby,andreceiptofrecommendationfromtheevaluationteam,andadeterminationoftheactiontobetakenbaseduponsuchrecommendations,thehead’sactionexcludingorlimitingsuchperson’sactivitiesremaininforce.Thehead’sdeterminationtoexcludeorlimitavolunteer’sparticipationisnotsubjecttorevieworevaluation.
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Eachevaluationwillbemadeonacase-by-casebasisbyanevaluationteamcomposedofdoctorsandotherrepresentativesselectedbytheaffectedpersonandbytheschoolasspecifiedintheICDP.Theteamwillmakerecommendationstotheheadastowhetherornot,ortowhatextenttheinfectedpersonwillbepermittedtoattendclassortoparticipateinschoolactivitieswithstudents,schoolemployees,orvolunteers.Theactionwhichtheheadmaytakemayinclude(butmightnotbelimitedto)excludingorlimitingtheactivitiesorpresenceofsuchpersonattheschool,suspendingorterminatingtheenrollmentofastudent,suspendingorterminatingemploymentofaschoolemployee,orreassigningthedutiesofanemployee.TheICDPcontainsspecificprovisionsandprotections.Exceptasnecessaryorrequired,andasprovidedintheICDP,theidentityof,orinformationpertainingtoanyinfectedpersonobtainedbytheschool,itshead,orbyanevaluationteamandanyactiontakenbytheheadwillremainconfidentialandnotbedisclosedpublicly.TheICDPprovidescertainotherproceduresandrightsinconnectionwiththeimplementationofthepolicy.Acopyofthecompletepolicystatementmaybeobtainedfromtheschool’sBusinessOfficeuponrequest.
St.Mary’sPursuitsAfter3Program
TheSt.Mary’sPursuitsAfter3Programprovidesasafeandfunenvironmentforyourdaughtertoplay,learnandexperienceabroadrangeofactivitiesoftennotavailableduringtheschoolday.IntheLowerSchool,After3careisavailableforstudentsuntil6p.m.eachschoolday.Afterasnackandplaytime,studentsaregivenanopportunitytocompletehomeworkassignmentsinasupervised,structuredenvironmentwhileyoungerstudentsworkwithcrafts,watchvideos,orplayindividualandgroupgames. AllstudentsmusthaveaPursuitsAfter3formonfile,eveniftheyonlyattendonanasneededbasis.RegistrationformsareavailableinthePursuitsAfter3brochure.Formoreinformation,contactSarahJenks,DirectorofthePursuitsAfter3Program,at537-1482.LatePick-up
• Schooldismissesat3:00p.m.MondaythroughFriday• After20minutesofdismissaltime,studentswillbetakentoPursuits
After3andchargedadropinfeeof$20.00 ReportCards/TeacherConferenceScheduleReportCardsTheacademicyearisdividedintothreemarkingperiodsforGrades1-4.Thegradingsystemisbasedonachild'sabilitytodemonstratethatshehasmadeappropriateprogressinacademicandspecialsubjectareas,aswellasinherpersonal,work,andstudyhabits.Yourchild'shomeroomteacherwilldiscussthistrimestersystemwithyousothatyoucananalyzeyourdaughter'sprogressrealisticallyandnotbecomeundulyconcernedabout
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grades.Pressurefor"highgrades"atayoungagecanbeverydetrimentaltothedevelopmentofahealthyself-conceptandaloveforlearning.Beassuredthatourteacherswillkeepyoupostedifasuddenchangeinperformanceisnoted.Parentsshouldfeelfreetocheckonprogresswithinthereportperiodshouldaconcernarise.Theschoolcalendarliststhedateswhenreportsaresenthomeandonline.ParentTeacherConferencesTwoschool-scheduledconferencesareheldeachyearandarepostedontheschoolcalendar.Pleasedonotrequestappointmentsforadifferentday,unlessthereisanemergency.Toensuregoodcommunication,separatedanddivorcedparentsareexpectedtoattendthesameconference.PursuitsCarewillbeavailableonParentTeacherconferencedays.PleasecontactthePursuitsOfficeformoreinformationortoregisteryourchild. Schedule/TeacherRequests-ClassCompositionScheduleTeacherswillgiveparentsacopyoftheirdaughter’sdailyscheduleatthebeginningoftheschoolyear.TeacherRequests-ClassCompositionClassplacementforeachstudentisdonewithagreatdealofthoughtandisbasedonwhatmakesthebestclasscombinationforallchildren.Duetothelimitednumberofsectionsforeachgrade,wecannothonorparentrequestsforcertainteachers.
SpecialEventsDuringtheYearFamilyFunDayFamilyFundayisafalltraditionsponsoredbyTheParentsAssociation.Itisanafternoonofgames,goodies,andfuntimeswithfriends.Thisyear’seventwilltakeplaceonSeptember17.HalloweenBazaarTheHalloweenBazaarisatraditionthatdatesbackto1959.TheBazaarisanUpperSchoolStudentCouncilfundraiser,whichisfunforeveryone.ItstartsafterschoolandisheldintheBarthGym.GrandparentsDay
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GrandparentsDayisheldeachyeartheTuesdaymorningbeforeThanksgiving.TheSeniorKindergartenandFourthgradeclassesperformaspecialmusicalprogramintheHydeGymfollowedbyareceptionandvisittoeachgirl’sclassroom.ChristmasPageantThistraditionisoneofSt.Mary’smostbeautifulthathasbeentakingplaceover100years.SecondandThirdgraderssingandaccompanythoseintheseniorclasswhoportrayfamousworksofartinatableauformat.TheChristmasPageanttakesplaceatTheChurchoftheHolyCommunioninearlyDecember.FieldDayFieldDaytakesplaceeachspringontheLowerSchoolfieldsandintheHydeGymnasium.OrganizedbyourPEteachers,thisisanafternoonofachievingyourbestinskillchallenges.Dadsareinvitedtojoininandpopsiclesaresharedattheendofthisfun-filledevent.ClassDaysAttheendoftheschoolyear,ClassDaysforfirstthroughthirdgradersisheldintheHydeGym.ClassDaycelebratestheaccomplishmentsoftheyearthroughmusic,danceandart.Areceptionfollowstheperformance.Aspecialchapelandreceptioncompletesthefourthgraders’daysatMossHall.ClassPartiesPartiesintheclassroomarearrangedbyclassroomteacherandparentvolunteergraderepresentative.Timeshouldbeallottedforstudentsandparentvolunteerstocleanup.Staffshouldnotberesponsibletoprovideadditionalcleanupservicesafterclassroomparties.Siblingsarenotpermittedtoattendclassparties.TeacherBirthdaysThecelebrationofateachers’birthdayshouldbelimitedtoatreatatbreakand/orpersonalcardsorlettersfromthechildren.Inanefforttokeepthingssimpleamongfacultyandstaff,pleasenoparties,professionalarrangements,orgifts.