Saint Luke the Evangelist School Handbook:
Table of Contents
Scroll down to view entire handbook or click on a link below to go to a specific section.
Printable PDF version

SECTION I - PHILOSOPHY & MISSION STATEMENT
PHILOSOPHY
MISSION STATEMENT

SECTION II - POLICIES
POLICIES
ACCEPTABLE USER POLICY
ADMISSION POLICY
ATTENDANCE
BULLY POLICY
DRESS CODE/UNIFORM
FIELD TRIPS
GRADING SYSTEM / REPORT CARDS
GRADUATION
HOMEWORK
NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY
PHOTO RELEASE POLICY
PROMOTION/RETENTION
RECORD DISSEMINATION/RELEASE OF A CHILD
SACRAMENTS
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
SPORTS/ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
STUDENT CODE OF DISCIPLINE
TRANSFERS
ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY
CHILDREN AND WEAPONS POSSESSION
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF POLICY

SECTION I
PHILOSOPHY & MISSION STATEMENT

SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Saint Luke the Evangelist School, located in Glenside, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1921.  This Roman Catholic elementary school exists primarily to educate children in the practice of their faith and to provide an outstanding academic education.

The faculty and staff of Saint Luke School create an environment that integrates faith into all aspects of the students’ formation by ensuring that Catholic values and practices permeate every facet of school life.  Teachers cultivate academic growth by challenging students to attain proficiency in basic skills while developing each child’s God-given ability.

MISSION STATEMENT

The faculty of Saint Luke the Evangelist School, in collaboration with parents and the parish community is committed to developing the Catholic identity and intellect of each child.  This faith-based education prepares students morally and intellectually to meet the challenges of the 21st century by fostering spiritual and academic maturity and by challenging students to integrate Catholic values with their own God-given gifts and talents.

SECTION II

POLICIES

ACCEPTABLE USER POLICY

PURPOSE
Technology is a valuable and real world educational tool. Our schools are committed to teach its students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community to work and to learn effectively with technology and to ensure responsible use of technology.   The policy outlined below applies to all technology use including but not limited to Internet use.  The Acceptable Use Policy for Technology applies to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, volunteers or community members allowed access to school technology resources. In some cases outside or personal uses of technology may be applicable under this policy.

SCOPE OF USE
We recognize that the digital world allows anytime, anywhere access. Uses mentioned in this policy apply to inside school use and may in certain instances apply to personal technology use and/or uses outside of school. Where personal outside use of technology threatens a likelihood of substantial disruption in school, including harming or interfering with the rights of other students or teachers to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities, these activities may be viewed as a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and may be subject to the disciplinary measure found herein.
N.B. The types of electronic and digital communications referenced in this AUP include, but are not limited to, social networking sites, cell phones, digital cameras, text messaging, email, voice over ip, chat rooms and instant messaging.

GOAL
The school’s goal is to prepare its members for life in a digital global community. To this end, the school will:
• integrate technology with curriculum to enhance teaching and learning
• encourage critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem solving skills
• facilitate evaluation and synthesis of information
• encourage ethical practices and provide education for internet safety and digital citizenship
• provide a variety of technology based tools and related technology skills

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USER
Our schools will make every effort to provide a safe environment for learning with technology including Internet filtering and safeguards. The students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community are granted the privilege of using the computer hardware and software peripherals, and electronic communication tools including the Internet.  With this privilege comes the responsibility for appropriate use.

In The Archdiocese of Philadelphia we use information and technology in safe, legal, and responsible ways. We embrace the following conditions or facets of being a digital citizen.

• Respect One's self. Users will select online names that are appropriate and will consider the information and images that are posted online.
• Respect Others. Users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease or harass other people
• Protect One's self and Others. Users will protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.
• Respect Intellectual Property. Users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, etc.
• Protect Intellectual Property. Users will request to use the software and media others produce and protect license agreements for all software and resources.

TECHNOLOGY USE GUIDELINES

Educational Purpose/ Appropriate Use:  School technology is to be used to enhance student learning. Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision. 

Copyright/Intellectual Property and Identity: All sources obtained for teacher and student work should be properly cited. Users are to respect the rights of and the intellectual property of others in accordance with Federal Copyright Law.  Transferring copyrighted material to or from a school without expressed permission of the owner is a violation of Federal Law.

Communications: Electronic and/or Digital communications with students should be conducted for educationally appropriate purposes and employ only school sanctioned means of communication.  The school sanctioned communications methods include:

1. Teacher school web page
2. ·Teacher school email
3. Teacher school phone number
4. Teacher created, educationally focused networking sites

 
Teachers or administrators in their normal responsibilities and duties may be required to contact parents outside of the school day.  A teacher or administrator is free to contact parents using a home phone or a personal cell phone. However, they should not purposely distribute a home phone number or a personal cell phone number to students.  If a student contacts a teacher or administrator using a teacher or administrator’s personal numbers, email or networking sites, the teacher or administrator should immediately report this to the administrator or appropriate authorities.

Electronic and Mobile Devices, Cellphones:  Users must adhere to local school policy that may further define uses of mobile devices. Access will be determined by the administrator of the school. If a particular mobile device is to be used for educational purpose, the school administration and/or teacher will provide parameters for this use.

Examples of Unacceptable Uses - Users are not to:    

1. Use technology to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, or annoy any individual.
2. Post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane or sexually oriented material.  Users must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language.  Users must not knowingly or recklessly post false information about any persons, students, staff or any other organization. 
3. Use a photograph, image, video or likeness of any student, or employee without express permission of that individual and of the principal. 
4. Create any site, post any photo, image or video of another except with express permission of that individual and the principal. 
5. Attempt to circumvent system security.
6. Deliberately visit a site known for unacceptable material or any material that is not in support of educational objectives.  Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision. 
7. Violate license agreements, copy disks, CD-ROMs, or other protected media.
8. Use technology for any illegal activity. Use of the Internet for commercial gains or profits is not allowed from an educational site.
9. Breach confidentiality obligations of school or system employees
10. Harm the goodwill and reputation of the school or system in the community
11. Transmit any material in violation of any local, federal and state laws. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, licensed material and threatening or obscene material.

Reporting: Users must immediately report any damage or change to the school’s hardware/software that is noticed by the user.
 
Administrative Rights:   The school has the right to monitor both student and employee use of school computers and computer accessed content.  Due to the evolving nature of Technology, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catholic Education reserves the right to amend or add to this policy at any time without notice.
 
Personal Use of Social Media

This section of the policy refers to the personal use of social media sites such as, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Myspace.

Teachers and students may not mention members of the school community without their consent unless the subject is of public concern and the speech falls under applicable constitutional protections.

‘Friending’ of current students by teachers is forbidden on a teacher’s personal social networking site.  Personal posts’ must use appropriately respectful speech, and refrain from harassing, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, threatening or other inappropriate communications.

 Policy Violations

Violation of the above rules will be dealt with by the administration of the school. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:

1. Loss of use of the school network, computers and software, including Internet access. The student will be expected to complete work on a non-networked, stand-alone computer system.
2. Issuance of demerits/detentions, if applicable.
3. Disciplinary action including, but not limited to, dismissal and/or legal action by the school, civil authorities, or other involved parties.

All parents are asked to discuss this policy and its contents with their child(ren). Parents and students will be asked to sign Student Internet Access Contracts.



ADMISSION POLICY

Admission Policy

Parents with children in Kindergarten through Grade Six (6) who desire an educational experience for their children founded on a Catholic philosophy of education and who fulfill age, health and academic requirements are eligible for admission to our school.

Age Requirements

• A child entering our first grade must be six (6) years of age on or before September 10th of the current school year.

• Children entering our Kindergarten program must be five (5) years of age on or before September 10th of the current school year.

Health Requirements
Immunization records and general health examination reports must be presented to the school before admission.  Montgomery County health requirements must be fulfilled.  

Academic Requirements 
Acceptance of children in Grades 2 through 6 is contingent upon receiving complete and accurate information from the sending school.

Priorities for Admission

• Registered members of the parish who use envelopes regularly
• Families with children already attending Saint Luke the Evangelist School
• Catholics
• Other denominations

Requirements for School Entrance

• Catholic students entering Kindergarten or first grade:
  Parish membership verification
  Baptismal certificate if the child was not baptized in Saint Luke the Evangelist Church
  Immunization record
  Birth Certificate

• Catholic students entering grades 2 through 6

Parish membership verification
Baptismal certificate if the child was not baptized in Saint Luke the Evangelist Church

Immunization record
Birth certificate
Transfer from previous school with academic records

• Non-Catholic students may be admitted to Saint Luke the Evangelist School under the following conditions:

Adequate facilities and space are available

The parents/guardians of the students agree in writing to permit their child(ren) to attend religion classes and religious functions which are offered as part of the school program

The parents/guardians agree in writing to accept and to promote the philosophy, mission statement, goals, objectives and regulations of  Saint Luke the Evangelist School

Re-registration
Families registered in Saint Luke the Evangelist School are required to reregister annually.  Information regarding re-registration, tuition and fees for the following year is forwarded to each family during the months of January and February.  All financial obligations must be current before re-registration forms can be processed.      

Tuition
Saint Luke the Evangelist School provides quality education through the efforts of our parish priests, faculty, staff, Home/School Association, volunteers, parish community and, most of all, the parents/guardians of the students enrolled in our school. The pastor and parish finance committee determine the tuition costs for each school year. The pastor reserves the right to withhold report cards should tuition not be paid in the agreed upon manner.

ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance impacts positively on a child's academic development. The total amount of days that school is in session is prescribed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Student absences must be called into Child Check (887-1236) before 8:15 AM on the day of the child's absence. When the child returns to school, written notification of the reason for absence must be provided to the classroom teacher. Students leaving for the day before 10:30 AM will be charged with a full day's absence. Students leaving during their lunch period will be charged with an afternoon absence.

Dental and doctor appointments should be made outside of school time when possible. A child will not be released early without a note from a parent/guardian.

Should an early dismissal need to take place, the parent/guardian must report to the school office in order to meet the child and sign him/her out. Children may not walk home or to an appointment during school hours.

Lateness
A student arriving after 8:15 AM will be marked "late". The student must report to the school office in order to secure a late pass which will admit the child to his/her classroom. Three late arrivals will deprive a student of perfect attendance at the end of the school year.

Vacations
Vacations during school time are strongly discouraged. A written notification must be submitted to the child's classroom teacher. It is the responsibility of the parent to see that students make up homework and/or class work that is missed due to a vacation taken during school time. In the event that a child needs help with concepts that were covered during their absence, it is the responsibility of the parents and student to communicate this to the classroom teacher. To provide students with assignments does not replace actual classroom instruction that is missed while the student is absent.

BULLY POLICY

Bullying / Harassment Prevention

Purpose
Saint Luke School recognizes the importance of having students feel safe, respected, and comfortable when at school, including conveyance to and from school property.  It is important that we maintain a school environment where bullying, in any form, is not tolerated.  It is the policy of Saint Luke School to fully support the guidelines prohibiting harassment/bullying which consists of verbal, written, cyber, graphic or physical conduct relating to an individual in any way when such conduct:

• is sufficiently severe, persistent or pervasive that it affects an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from any Saint Luke School educational program
• has the purpose or effect of substantially or unreasonably interfering with an individual’s academic performance or learning environment.

Definition
Bullying is defined as intentional, repeated hurtful acts, words or other behavior, such as name-calling, threatening and/or shunning committed by one or more children against another.  These negative acts are not intentionally provoked by the victims, and for such acts to be defined as bullying, an imbalance in real or perceived power must exist between the bully and the victim.  Bullying may be physical, verbal, cyber, emotional or sexual in nature:

• Physical Bullying – includes, but is not limited to, punching, poking, hair pulling, beating, biting, and excessive tickling
• Verbal Bullying – includes, but is not limited to, such acts as hurtful name-calling, threatening, teasing, and gossiping
• Cyber Bullying – includes any technological harassment generated during any Saint Luke School educational program
• Emotional Bullying – includes, but is not limited to, rejecting, terrorizing, rating/ranking of personal characteristics, manipulating friendships, isolating, ostracizing, and peer pressure
• Sexual Bullying – see Parish Elementary School Policies and Procedures 2000, Appendix D

Procedures
Any student, who feels he or she is being bullied, harassed, or discriminated against, or who is aware of bullying, harassment, or discrimination, should report it immediately to the principal, a teacher, staff member, or the guidance counselor.

Any student who is found to have engaged in behavior that is related to bullying, harassment, and/or discrimination will be subject to immediate disciplinary action.  Actions may include but are not limited to detention, suspension, and/or expulsion from school.

In determining what disciplinary action to impose, consideration will include the severity of the offense, whether the perpetrator knew or should have known that the conduct was not permitted; whether one incident or recurrent conduct was involved; and whether there have been prior warnings or prior disciplinary actions for similar conduct.

If bullying is found to have occurred, prompt and appropriate disciplinary action will take place.  Retaliation for reporting a bullying, harassment, or discrimination incident will not be tolerated.

Sexual Bullying – Archdiocesan Policies and Procedures 2000   – Appendix D

Sexual Harassment Prohibited

Sexual harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. All employees and students are responsible for ensuring that this school is free from all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment by one employee to another, by an employee to a student, by a student to an employee, or by one student to another, is misconduct prohibited by this Policy. In addition, sexual harassment by one employee to another frequently constitutes a form of employment discrimination and is prohibited by law.  

Sexual Harassment Defined

For purposes of this policy, the term “sexual harassment” refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, requests of sexual favors and other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

• Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment or status as a student; or
• Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for a decision affecting the individual’s employment or status as a student; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an employee’s work performance or a student’s school performance; or
• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or school environment.

Examples
Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, threatening adverse actions if sexual favors are not granted; promising preferential treatment in return for sexual favors; unwanted and unnecessary physical contact; a pattern of offensive remarks, including unwelcome comments about appearance, obscene jokes or other inappropriate use of sexually explicit or offensive language; the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures; and unwelcome sexual advances by vendors or other visitors if the advances are condoned explicitly or implicitly by the school. An intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or school environment may be created by the existence of such circumstances as those described above or other circumstances creating a sexually discriminatory work or school environment.  

Persons Covered
This policy prohibits sexual harassment of any employee or student by any other employee, student, vendor, or visitor.  

Enforcement of the Policy
The principal shall answer questions about this policy, investigate complaints and take appropriate corrective action. Any person who feels that he or she has been a victim of sexual harassment shall bring the problem to the immediate attention of the principal. If the complainant is uncomfortable for any reason with discussing such matters with the principal, or, in the alternative, if the complainant is not satisfied after bringing the matter to the attention of this individual, the complainant shall report the matter promptly to the pastor of the local parish school. If the complainant is not satisfied after bringing the matter to the attention of the principal and pastor, the complainant shall report the matter promptly to the Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Schools.
 
The school will investigate all allegations of sexual harassment in as prompt and confidential a manner as possible and will take appropriate corrective action when warranted. Any employee or student who is determined, as a result of such an investigation, to have engaged in sexual harassment in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment in the case of an employee and dismissal in the case of a student.  

Retaliation
Retaliation in any form against an employee or student who exercises his or her right to make a complaint under this policy is strictly prohibited, and will itself be cause for appropriate disciplinary action as specified above in the paragraph referring to enforcement of the policy.

DRESS CODE/UNIFORM

A student's appearance, self-respect and performance complement one another. All uniforms must be appropriately sized.

Girls - Grades 1 - 4

Girls - Grades 5 - 8

Boys - Grades K- 8

All Students

Gym Uniform
All students in grades K through 8 are expected to wear the navy blue uniform sweat pants, sweatshirt/T-shirt. Appropriate athletic sneakers must be laced and secured for gym class. The school monogram is required on the sweatshirt/shirt. Mesh gym shorts are acceptable.

Summer Uniform

FIELD TRIPS

Educational field trips are permitted but not required. Student participation in any field trip is a privilege, and is at the discretion of the administration and teacher. Field trips are considered regular school days and attendance is expected. Written permission from a parent/guardian is required for any student to participate in any trip. A faculty member accompanies the students on any field trip.

GRADING SYSTEM / REPORT CARDS

Grades are based on both formal and informal assessment of the students. A test folder is maintained for each student. Test papers are sent home for parental review and signature. If a child is in danger of receiving a failing grade, parents/guardians are notified by the middle of the marking period.

Report cards are issued to students three times during the school year.

GRADUATION

Eighth grade students who have successfully completed the prescribed course of study and maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible for graduation if all financial obligations have been met.

HOMEWORK

The purpose of homework is to provide reinforcement and practice in skills previously taught. It affords parents/guardians the opportunity to be aware of the material being presented in class. The amount of parental interaction in the completion of homework should be appropriate with the age/grade level of the student. Children are expected to work to the best of their ability.

All class and homework assignments are to be carefully completed and submitted to the teacher in accordance with the teacher's due dates.

HOMEWORK FOR ABSENTEES

• Students must make up homework and/or class work when they are absent
• Parents are expected to call the school office for make-up homework assignments by 9:30 AM
• Parents must pick up homework and books or designate someone to do so. Students may not take homework to their absentee classmates.
• Students must be responsible to communicate with the teacher upon their return regarding missing assignments and the need for additional help.

NON-DISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Our parish school admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students attending our school. Similar policies apply to school staff. Saint Luke the Evangelist School does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, national or ethnic origin in the admission of its educational policies, its admission policies, or in any administered program.

PHOTO RELEASE POLICY

Parents/guardians will be asked to sign a Photo Release Form giving the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Saint Luke the Evangelist School permission to reproduce, copyright, publish, circulate or otherwise use any school pictures of their children. This form will be given to parents/guardians at the time of registration.

PROMOTION/RETENTION

Student progress is monitored throughout the school year. At the time of report card conferences, parents/guardians are made aware of their child's academic, social, and emotional progress. In January, the teacher will contact parents/guardians of children experiencing difficulty to discuss options available regarding support services and/or retention. In the primary grades, promotion/retention is a joint decision of the administration, teacher and parent/guardian together.

Any eighth grade student who fails at least two (2) of the basic skills (Integrated Language Arts and Math) or who has a failing average, will not receive a certificate of completion and will be required to attend summer school before being accepted into secondary school.

RECORD DISSEMINATION/RELEASE OF A CHILD

Unless a court or custody agreement otherwise specifies, each parent/guardian is legally entitled access to all school records of their child(ren). Only the parent/guardian having legal custody of a child has the right to make religious and educational decisions. A child will not be released to a non-custodial parent without the written consent of the custodial parent/guardian. To determine legal custody, Saint Luke the Evangelist School requests from all separated and divorced parents of children enrolled in our school, a copy of the court order adjudicating the determination of custody. The court order is placed in the child's file.

SACRAMENTS

The students of Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish receive Sacraments in the following grades:

Grade 2            Reconciliation
Grade 3            First Eucharist
Grade 7            Confirmation

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Saint Luke the Evangelist School follows the Archdiocesan policy regarding sexual harassment. Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal, visible or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual harassment is unacceptable behavior and will not be tolerated. Any student who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

STUDENT CODE OF DISCIPLINE

In accord with our school philosophy, our faculty strives to develop an understanding and respect for each individual person. Our code of student conduct is built on respect for others and personal growth. All our actions are based on Jesus' two (2) great commandments: love of God and love of neighbor. The following code of conduct is expected of all students attending Saint Luke the Evangelist School.

• Students should be aware that their first obligation is to give service and respect to God and to others.
• Students should cooperate with all school personnel by following directions willingly and by offering service.
• Students should give proper respect and courtesy to all. The courtesies of "Please", "Thank you", "Excuse me", and "Good Morning", etc., are important. Gestures such as holding a door, helping carry packages and stepping aside on the stairs are signs of respect for visitors, faculty, classmates and volunteers.
• Students should use class time as effectively as possible by taking pride in doing their best and by helping to provide an atmosphere in which real learning takes place.
• Students are responsible for completion of all homework assignments and projects on time.
• Students are required to take care of all the things given them for their use. Textbooks are very costly. Students should keep them covered, in good condition and carry them in school bags.
• Students should appreciate that their environment must be kept neat and clean. To this end chewing gum, defacing property, and littering are not acceptable behaviors.
• Students are responsible for arriving at school and to all classes on time and are expected to remain on the premises at all times. Students arriving after the bell has rung will be marked late.
• Students are expected to demonstrate a Christian attitude toward one another. Therefore, fighting, abusive language, roughness, excessive teasing, or any similar conduct is not acceptable.
• Students should obey all the rules and regulations of the school and their individual classrooms. Failure to comply with the student code of conduct will result in disciplinary action.
• Formal suspension is a serious disciplinary action taken by school authorities against a student whose actions constitute a major disciplinary infraction and are contrary to the good order of the entire school community. Suspension is a major step toward student dismissal.
• Therefore, students should understand that serious consequences will follow from an infraction of great magnitude, including but not limited to: truancy, vandalism, smoking, possession of alcohol, drugs or drug paraphernalia, possession and/or use of a pocket knife or any instrument that could be construed as a weapon as quoted in our Zero Tolerance Policy, theft, disrespect to teachers and/or staff, or any other seriously inappropriate behavior. Lack of proper immunization will also warrant suspension.
• After two (2) formal suspensions a student is subject to dismissal. In certain cases the infraction, because of extraordinary circumstances, may warrant immediate dismissal.
• In situations requiring formal suspension or dismissal, parents will be immediately notified and the policy as outlined in Archdiocesan Policies and Procedures will be followed.
• Pregnancy is not a reason for dismissal.
  
  

TRANSFERS

Parents/guardians should notify the school office in advance of their plans to transfer students. Name, address and telephone number of the new residence and school are needed to complete transfer records. It is also necessary for parents/guardians to sign a release of records form and to state the reason for withdrawal. Student records will be mailed to the receiving school upon request. Parents/guardians are expected to fulfill all financial obligations before school records can be forwarded to the receiving school.

ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Purpose
Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish recognizes its responsibility in the education and guidance of all youth in matters relating to spiritual, mental and physical welfare. It recognizes its responsibility in initiating or recommending for rehabilitation any youth who is troubled by the hazards of contemporary society and its responsibility for protecting and sheltering its children from those who may have become so victimized.

The parish will not provide a sanctuary for those who violate the laws relating to illegal distribution, possession or use of narcotics, drugs or alcohol. The parish will protect the children under its jurisdiction by requiring compliance with all laws and by requiring aid, treatment, and/or necessary removal from school of those who become so involved.

Authority
To comply with existing laws concerning alcohol and controlled substances, including, but not limited to, the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish declares the use, consumption, distribution, sale, offering for sale, possession of, holding, possession with the intent to deliver, delivery, manufacture, or being under the influence of anabolic steroids, alcohol, controlled substances or other drugs, in any form, without proper medical prescription is prohibited on school property and at all parish related activities. The possession, distribution and sale of drug paraphernalia as defined in the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act is also prohibited.

Also the use of anabolic steroids by any person in parish related activities is strictly prohibited. These prohibitions extend to visitors and guests on parish property and at parish related activities.

Zero Tolerance Policy
In order to comply with Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish stated purposes, a Zero Tolerance Policy with regard to possession of weapons and/or the abuse of alcohol and drugs has been adopted. Accordingly, all parish employees must report any known or suspected instances concerning the abuse of illegal drugs and/or alcohol by youth.

Furthermore, no employees shall either prescribe or administer unauthorized medication or drugs to any child.

All children/teens and their parents are placed on notice that all desks and space provided for the use of students shall be subject to inspection at any time by school authorities.

Furthermore, any student may be requested to produce for inspection by the principal and/or his/her designee any substance or article which the student may have on or about his/her person or in any motor vehicle on school property. This includes divulging the contents of pockets, school bags and other closed containers. If a student fails to cooperate with a directive to divulge the contents of his/her pockets, school bag, vehicle or closed container, the matter may be turned over to proper law enforcement authorities. Additionally, the student may be suspended immediately from school or any school related activities and his/her parents shall be notified immediately. At that time, the parents shall have the opportunity to confer with the principal and or his/her designee in order to resolve the problem. Teachers, school authorities, the principal and/or his/her designee are recognized to have the right to take possession of any unauthorized drugs, alcohol, weapons, and paraphernalia in the possession of any student or guest.

This policy will be in effect during all parish and school-related activities including all CYO activities and functions.

The policy will apply to all controlled substances (as defined in Section Two of the Pennsylvania Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act), anabolic steroids and alcohol, as defined by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the exception of those medications or drugs dispensed to a student, pursuant to a physician's prescription, which are registered with the school nurse and/or principal and maintained or used in accordance with the instructions of the prescribing physician.

Any student selling, possessing or being under the influence of, using, or possessing with the intent to deliver or delivering any of the aforementioned substances, or abusing prescription medications on school property or at any parish related function, is in direct violation of this policy and is subject to disciplinary action.

Students in Grades K through 8 will be instructed on the harmful and illegal aspects of substance abuse. This information will include the physical and psychological effects of drug and alcohol use/abuse.

Saint Luke the Evangelist School will provide the training for designated faculty members to deal with this subject. The primary resources for students seeking information or assistance concerning drug and alcohol related problems will be their parents and the faculty and administration of Saint Luke the Evangelist School.

It must be recognized that the illegal use of drugs and alcohol by youth and others is a community problem that transcends, in some cases, the authority of the school. It is likewise recognized that a positive approach to the problem of drug and alcohol abuse cannot be achieved without the support of parents and the community.

Confidentiality
Saint Luke the Evangelist parish wishes to extend a helpful and protective hand to those young people who are grappling with the difficult problems of drug and alcohol abuse.

Accordingly, confidential communications to school personnel, including the principal, guidance counselor, school nurse, teachers, aides, CYO officials or any clerical worker involved with the school shall not be compelled or allowed, without the consent of the child's parents or guardians, to disclose such information in any legal proceeding, trial, or investigation before any government unit.

Exemption
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such person shall be excused or prevented from complying with Chapter 68 of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statute relating to Child Protective Services.

Furthermore, in circumstances involving the violation of the Zero Tolerance Policy the school and CYO will, to the extent practicable, keep such information confidential. It is recognized, however, that dissemination of disciplinary action will need to be made to all affected parties, including but not limited to teachers and CYO officials. Information concerning incident reports and violations of the Zero Tolerance Policy shall be kept in a secure place accessible only to the school principal and/or pastor.

NO WEAPON SHALL BE PERMITTED ON SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST PARISH PROPERTY.

The above prohibition shall apply to all persons who, for whatever reason, are on parish property, whether or not during regular school hours or days. This policy shall remain in effect twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The fact that a federal, state or local license or permit may have been issued authorizing a person to own, possess or operate a weapon does not constitute an exception to this policy or otherwise constitute permission to such a person to bring a weapon upon Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish property.

The prohibition contained in this policy shall not include police or other law enforcement officers who enter Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish and/or school property:

• in response to a call for assistance
• in response to another emergency
• as part of their official duties as police law enforcement officers

Youths who are in violation of this policy will be subject to exclusion from school / CYO functions and shall be reported to law enforcement agencies.

Employees who violate this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary measures, which could include dismissal.

CHILDREN AND WEAPONS POSSESSION

Saint Luke the Evangelist Parish hereby enacts the following written policy regarding expulsion of any youth who is determined to have carried a weapon onto any school/parish property, any school/parish sponsored activity or any conveyance providing transportation to the school/parish sponsored activity.

Definition of a Weapon:
The term "weapon" shall include, but not be limited to, any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nunchaku, firearm, shotgun, rifle or any other tool or implement capable of inflicting serious bodily injury.

Policy:

• Any person determined to have brought a weapon onto parish property, to any school/CYO/parish-sponsored activity, or conveyance providing transportation to a school, CYO or parish-related activity will be expelled for a period of not less than one (1) year.
• The principal/parish administrator may recommend discipline short of expulsion on a case-by-case basis.
• The provisions of this section shall not apply to a weapon being used as part of a program approved by the school/parish by an individual who is participating in the program.
• The principal/parish official in charge shall report the discovery of any weapon prohibited by this policy to local law enforcement officials.

CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATION OF POLICY

Level 1 Misconduct
Level 1 misconduct on the part of a child is misconduct which involves the possession, sale, furnishing, use or involvement of any nature with an unauthorized substance. These acts may be criminal and always require administrative action, which may result in immediate removal of the child from school/CYO, sponsored events, the intervention of law enforcement authorities, and/or action by the school principal/CYO official/pastor.

Types of Level 1 Misconduct:

• Use of unauthorized substance
• Furnishing an unauthorized substance for others
• Selling an unauthorized substance
• Possession of an unauthorized substance
• Involvement of any nature with an unauthorized substance

Disciplinary Options for First Offense of Level 1 Misconduct:

• Verbal reprimand
• Parental conference
• Behavioral contract
• Involvement with Guidance Counselor
• Withdrawal of privileges within the classroom or organization
• Detention
• Telephone call to parent
• In-school suspension
• Out-of-school suspension
• Other such consequences at the discretion of the principal/pastor which will result in rehabilitation of the child while ensuring the others' safety

Types of Level 2 Misconduct:

• Second offense of Level 1 misconduct
• Furnishing an unauthorized substance to younger children
• Endangering the welfare of others while under the influence of an unauthorized substance
• Engaging in violent conduct such as fighting, vandalism, or threatening behavior while under the influence of any unauthorized substance.

Disciplinary Options for Level 2 Misconduct:

• Any combination of Level 1 disciplinary options
• Out of school suspension
• Mandatory participation in a drug/alcohol treatment program
• Other disciplinary action deemed appropriate by principal/pastor

Level 3 Misconduct:

Level 3 misconduct on the part of a child is misconduct that involves the act of bringing a weapon onto parish property, to any school sponsored activity or upon any conveyance providing transportation to a school/parish sponsored activity. Such an act is criminal and always requires administrative action, which may result in the immediate removal of the child from school/parish sponsored activities, the intervention of law enforcement authorities and/or action by the principal/pastor. Repeated Level 1 or Level 2 misconduct would also constitute Level 3 misconduct.

Types of Level 3 Misconduct:

• Repeated violations of Level 1 or Level 2
• Possession of a weapon in school
• Bringing a weapon onto parish property
• Bringing a weapon to any school/parish sponsored activity or upon any conveyance providing transportation to a school/parish sponsored activity

Disciplinary Options for Level 3 Misconduct:

Mandatory expulsion for at least one (1) academic year, unless the school principal/pastor determines, on a case-by-case basis that there are extenuating circumstances warranting a less severe sanction.

SECTION III
CURRICULUM

BASIC ACADEMIC STANDARDS

Saint Luke the Evangelist School follows the prescribed Kindergarten through Eighth Grade curriculum developed by the Curriculum Committees of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Curriculum modification and adapted grading procedures are employed for students with special learning needs.

RELIGION

The Religion guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, copyrighted September 1998 for Kindergarten and September 2000 for Grades One through Eight are the framework upon which the Religion curriculum is based.  Additionally, the guidelines for each grade include the following components:  Praying with Children, Mary (summaries of feasts), Saints (summaries of the lives of the saints), Peace and Justice, and End-of-year assessment suggestions.

Throughout our Kindergarten – Grade 1  program, emphasis is placed on God’s love and His influence on each child’s life.  Lessons center on the child’s recognition of his/her gifts of personal identity, family, and the ability to spread the love of Jesus to others.  This continues at the second grade level, as students prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

Students in grade three receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist.  In grades 3 – 5, students learn to incorporate the Sacraments, Commandments, Corporal/Spiritual Works of Mercy, and the Beatitudes into their lives. 

In grades 6 – 8, students begin the study of Sacred Scripture.  Preparation for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation occurs in Grade seven.  Religious instruction in Grade 7 includes learning about the life of Jesus through the Gospels.  Students in Grade 8 devote themselves to the study of Church History and Morality.

INTEGRATED LANGUAGE ARTS

Integrated Language Arts (ILA) is defined as the integration of reading, writing, thinking, listening, and speaking. It is achieved by combining the curriculum of Language Arts with the Reading program (Anthology). The Integrated Language Arts Curriculum reflects both the Standards of the National Council of Teachers of English, and the Pennsylvania State Standards.

In the kindergarten program, focus is placed on the development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. Reading anthologies with a range and variety of literature are used as the basis of instruction in grades one through eight. Use of a practice workbook reinforces skill instruction, vocabulary development and comprehension. A phonics book is also incorporated into the curriculum in grades one through three. A “Reading Workshop” component is added to the curriculum in grades five through eight. Daily, self-selected silent reading is promoted with a strong emphasis on journal writing and literature discussion (Literature Circles).

The Writing Process is modeled and taught at all grade levels. Portfolio assessment is used to guide instruction. Components from the reading program provide daily opportunities for written expression. Grammar and spelling are woven into the writing activities. A spelling workbook, using an integrated approach to spelling, provides additional opportunities for drill in grades three through six. Spelling instruction is literature-based in that it generates words from the anthology selections. An English grammar text and coordinating workbook are used in grades three through eight to provide further opportunities for instruction and review.

Opportunities are provided daily for structured oral language development through choral reading, speeches, debates, shared reading time, oral presentations and discussions. Listening, as a means of learning, is promoted through teacher “read aloud's”, Reader’s Theater, students’ oral reading, and literature “Book Chats”.

MATHEMATICS

The mathematics curriculum is a continuous progress program initiated in Kindergarten and developed throughout the elementary level. This curriculum has been carefully developed to reflect the Curriculum and Evaluation Standards, the Professional Standards for Teaching Mathematics, and the Standards for Assessment of School Mathematics established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Mathematics is taught and reinforced through the use of manipulatives, cooperative learning, calculators, computers, centers, daily maintenance checks, games, projects, and writing about math. Problem solving, communicating mathematically, and developing reasoning skills takes place throughout the curriculum on a daily basis to encourage students to recognize mathematics as a life skill.

The K-2 curriculum covers the introduction to various skills in exploring numbers. This includes place value, graphing, classification, exploring patterns, measurement, geometry, time, money, and the calendar. Included is addition and subtraction of one and two digit numbers. Fractions are introduced.

The curriculum for grades 3-5 reinforces and carries the above concepts to a higher level. Emphasis is placed on multiplication and division of integers, as well as the addition, subtraction , multiplication and division of fractions and decimals. Geometry, metric and customary measurement are taught.

Grades 6-8 use a pre-algebra based program. Focus is placed on statistics, graphing, patterns, functions, addition, subtraction, multiplication and division of decimals and integers, ratios, proportions, percents, rational and irrational numbers, geometry, measurement, polynomials and probability.

HONORS MATHEMATICS

The Elementary Honors Mathematics Program is designed to meet the needs of students who are capable of completing the regular mathematics curriculum in seven rather than 8 years. Students eligible for participation in this program are identified at the end of Grade 3 and begin formal instruction in Grade 4. Students who remain in the program are expected to complete an Algebra I course in Grade 8; mastery on the Algebra I examination, ensures these students a second year of high school mathematics in their freshman year.

The criteria, as defined by the Office of Catholic Education, for participation in the Honors Mathematics Program are as follows:

• Cognitive Skills Quotient falling in the range of 125 in the Terra Nova Test
• Standardized test scores in Mathematics of 90% or above
• Standardized test score in Reading Comprehension of 80% or above

The teacher periodically evaluates the students to determine continued participation in this program.

SCIENCE

The science curriculum is based on the National Science Education Standards. Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on the scientific process as well as the comprehensive study of physical, life, and earth science. Experimentation, demonstration, lecture, and research reinforce effective processing skills.

Through informal instruction grades K-2 study science using hands-on activities and nature exploration centers. Formal science instruction begins in grade 3 with the introduction of the scientific method, life cycles, and nutrition. Grades 4 - 6 continue the study of physical, life, and earth science; the introduction of research projects and experimentation further enhance grades 4-6 curriculum. The grade 7 curriculum concentrates on the life sciences of biology, botany, and ecology. The focus in grade 8 is earth science with specific emphasis on geology, oceanography, and meteorology.

SOCIAL STUDIES

The social studies curriculum is based on the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) Standards. The social studies curriculum emphasizes factual knowledge, map skills, multi-cultural appreciation, and awareness of current events. Grades K-2 develop awareness of local communities by studying family units, school communities, and neighborhoods. The curriculum in grades 3-6 includes geography, history, cultural diversity, government, and map studies. Grade 3 focuses on communities; grade 4 studies Pennsylvania; grade 5 emphasizes the Western Hemisphere, and grade 6 studies the Eastern Hemisphere. Grades 7 and 8 concentrate on the study of American History from the first settlements and colonization to the Cold War.

Classroom projects involve the children in multi-cultural experiences at all grade levels. Additionally, newspapers, computers, and guest speakers, are used to make history and geography meaningful to the students. Children learn through lecture, group activities, presentations, and cross-curricular thematic units.

TECHNOLOGY

The technology curriculum is based on the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and is cumulative in nature. In grades K-2, the children learn computer skills at the introductory level. They begin to use the keyboard, word processing software and multimedia software, learning how computers and the Internet work. In grades 3-5, students are introduced to spreadsheets, databases, and the proper use of the Internet. More advanced keyboarding skills, researching and safety on the Internet, word processing skills, and multimedia presentations are taught. In grades 6-8, students review the skills outlined above, proceed to an advanced level of these skills and learn web development and publishing skills.

In all grades the use of technology gives students the skills to develop documents, make presentations and participate in web quests in all academic areas. The classroom teachers, the librarian, and the technology teacher collaborate to achieve the ultimate in cross-curricular learning.

ART

The art curriculum is based on the National Standards for Art Education introducing each grade to the elements and principles of art. Students explore their creativity by experiencing a wide range of artists and their styles, media and techniques

MUSIC

Students are taught that music has universal meaning.

In Grades K-2 children learn body motion, type and tone of sound, beat and rhythm, types of songs, group and solo singing, musical terms and symbols.

In grades 3-5 children learn a variety of rhythms, concepts of unison and harmony, musical notation and create instruments from everyday objects.

Students in grades 6-8 translate music to stories, write short melodies, and concentrate on styles, composers, and different types of music.

LIBRARY

Saint Luke the Evangelist School Library offers students the opportunity to explore various fields of knowledge and provides a resource for pleasure reading. Through weekly instruction in library, reference and study skills, students learn how to gather and organize available data, enabling them to become independent researchers. Classroom teachers and our librarian work together to integrate acquired skills into all subject areas.

Students are responsible for the care of our library books and must pay for any they lose or destroy. Fines of 5 cents per school day are charged on overdue books for students in grades 3 through 8. Overdue reference and reserve books carry a fine of 25 cents per school day. Any student removing or tampering with the bar coded label and protective covering affixed to each library item will be charged $1.00 for replacement costs.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical fitness and teamwork are emphasized throughout all grade levels. In Grades K–2, our children participate in activities involving movement, gross motor skills, and rhythmic activities. In Grades 3-5, these skills are reinforced and team sports are introduced through low organized and non-competitive games. In Grades 6-8, there is continued team building through sports and cooperative activities as well as fitness-for-life skills education.

SECTION IV

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

MONTGOMERY COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT

Reading Services

This program provides remedial, corrective or developmental reading skill reinforcement. Students are considered for this program based on their performance on the Terra Nova Test, an informal reading survey, teacher recommendation and/or parental request. Service is coordinated with the classroom teacher in order to maximize reading, thinking and learning potential. Service is provided once parents/guardians sign written consent forms.

Math Services

Remedial Math services are provided through Act 89 and the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Students are considered for this program based upon classroom teacher recommendations, performance on the Terra Nova Test and informal diagnostic testing administered by the I.U. staff. Services are coordinated with the classroom teacher to provide maximum benefit to the students. Service is provided once parents/guardians sign written consent forms.

Speech and Language Services

The Montgomery County Intermediate Unit provides speech and language services. Children are selected for service when standards of sound production, fluency, language use, form or content fall below normal standards for a child's age and ability. Teachers, and parents/guardians initiate referrals for evaluation. Evaluation and service are provided once parents/guardians sign written consent forms.

Counseling and Psychological Service

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides counseling and psychological service through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. The school counselor provides quality service to students by consulting with school administration, faculty, and parents/guardians regarding individual students. Individual and small group counseling is available to students.

After consultation, individual students are eligible for educational and psychological testing. The school psychologist consults with the administration, faculty, parents/guardians in order to prepare for the testing of an individual student. Following the testing of a child, the psychologist meets with the child's parents/guardians to review test results.

After parental permission is obtained, the school psychologist shares the test results and recommendations with the school administration and the child's teacher.

SECTION V
SERVICES

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

After school care is available at St. Pauls Lutheran Church (884-8995) for children in Grades K-5 until 6:00 PM. Parents/guardians are responsible for making the necessary after school care arrangements for their child(ren).

HEALTH

The Abington School District provides our school with nursing service.

The school nurse checks heights and weights of the students in all grades. Scoliosis screening is provided for students in Grade 6. Vision and hearing screenings are provided according to state mandates. The Abington School District medical professionals may provide physical and dental examinations if necessary.

LUNCH

Children eat lunch in their classrooms and are supervised by a lunch parents in the classrooms and in the recess yard.

Lunchtime classroom regulations:

Students must:

• remain seated during the lunch period
• remain in their own homeroom during the lunch period
• speak to each other in moderate tones
• remain away from teachers' desks
• walk to the trash receptacle to dispose of lunch trash

Students may not:

• bring glass bottled drinks or soda for lunch
• use computers during lunch time unless permitted by the homeroom teacher
• do homework assignments
• remain in the classroom after the class has left
• return to the classroom at any time during lunch once the class has gone to recess

Yard regulations:

• must be able to be seen at all times by the lunch monitor
• may not leave the yard for any reason
• may not return to any parish building for any reason
• may not use hard balls/tennis balls in the recess yard at any time
• may not retrieve balls that go over the fence without permission
• may not play violent and/or physically rough games

MEDICATION

We discourage the distribution of medication during the school day. However, if your doctor decides that it is necessary for your child to receive prescription medication during the day, his/her approval and specific directions must be provided to the school. For long-term medication a special form is available and must be requested from the school office. Children are not permitted to have any kind of medication with them in the classroom. Medication should be given to the school secretary or the principal who will dispense it at the prescribed time. If it is necessary for a child to take over-the-counter medication, written permission to administer it is required. Over the counter medication must be sent to school in the original container.

Each student requiring daily medication must have documentation of permission on file in the school office. Appropriate forms may be obtained from the school office.

TRANSPORTATION

This publicly funded service is provided to students who live outside the 1.5 mile radius of Saint Luke the Evangelist School. At dismissal time each day, faculty members escort students safely to their buses. All students utilizing the bus service are expected to display courteous behavior while traveling to and from school each day. Saint Luke the Evangelist School administration and the various township transportation services reserve the right to suspend a student from riding the bus should inappropriate behavior become evident. Children living in one township may not ride the bus to a friend's house located in a different township.

Evacuation drills are conducted by the transportation provider and practiced throughout the year.

Transportation for class trips and field days are chartered with a private company. The student assumes the expense for class trips.

WALKERS, BIKE AND CAR RIDERS

Upon arrival, all students in Grades K-4 should assemble in designated places in the yard directly behind the lower building.

Students in Grades 5-8 should assemble in designated places behind the upper building. During inclement weather, the children should enter the upper building by way of the Fairhill Avenue doors.

• Walkers
  At dismissal, faculty members escort walkers, with the assistance of safeties to Easton Road, Sylvania Avenue and Roberts Avenue.
• Car Riders
  When dropping students off in the morning, enter parking lot at the Roberts Avenue entrance and drop off your child only at the designated place. After dropping your child(ren) off, please exit the parking lot by way of the Easton Road driveway.

At dismissal time, all drivers must back into a parking space to await the line being escorted to the parking lot. If parking in the lower lot is impossible, parents/guardians may park on Roberts Avenue near the parking lot to await the arrival of their children.

• Changes in Transportation
  At the beginning of the school year, parents/guardians are asked to specify how their children will be dismissed from school at the end of the day. Any change in dismissal procedures, even if for only one day, must be communicated to the classroom teacher in writing. Children may not make transportation arrangements over the telephone.

SECTION VI

PROCEDURES

APPOINTMENTS-ADMINISTRATION

All requests for an appointment with the principal must be scheduled through the main office via note, email, or phone call. Every effort should be made to resolve student problems with the appropriate teacher before seeking an appointment with the administration.

APPOINTMENTS-TEACHERS

Parents/guardians may schedule individual conferences at any time during the school year. Scheduling should be initiated through written request or email to the teacher. The teacher will contact the parent/guardian to confirm date, time and place of conference. A teacher may request a conference as the need arises.

BOOKS AND MATERIALS

Books and materials must be carried to and from school in a school bag. Books must be covered. It is suggested that workbooks be covered with clear contact paper. Textbooks must be covered with removable paper materials (brown paper bags, etc.). Students are not permitted to draw, write or deface in any manner copybooks, book covers, pencil cases, or any other school supplies. Lost or damaged books are the responsibility of the student and must be replaced at the student's expense. Children are not permitted to bring correction fluid to school.

EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES

Saint Luke the Evangelist School’s closing number is 332.  Abington Township’s school closing number is 301.  Decisions regarding school closings, late arrivals or early dismissals due to inclement weather or emergencies of any kind are usually governed by Abington/Cheltenham School Districts and their transportation offices.  Saint Luke School uses KYW 1060 News Radio and TV Channel 3 exclusively to broadcast our closing numbers.

Procedures

Notification of Parents
Saint Luke the Evangelist School uses the School Reach® automated Messaging System.  This system enables the school to send announcements to parents via phone and/or email.  School closings are communicated without waiting for a number to be broadcast over the radio.  This system is also activated when there is need for an “unplanned” early dismissal.  The School Reach System is designed to function in the following manner:

• Three attempts will be made to reach each of the numbers provided to us.   
• Answering machines should be set to a maximum of four rings only so that the called is not missed.
• There will be a short pause after you have said “hello”, prior to the beginning of the message.  Repeating “hello” or excessive background noise will delay the message.  Wait 3 seconds to allow the message to play. 

Dismissal of Students
Each year parents select the emergency dismissal procedure that best suits their needs and their children’s needs when updating the student verification forms in September. Keeping this information updated is important to insure the safety of every child in the most efficient manner.  Parents may not go to the school office or to the classroom to pick up children earlier than the designated time for the early dismissal.  Emergency dismissal options include:

Option 1
Regular daily dismissal procedures – walk home/car line/ take the bus
This option presumes that someone will be home to receive the child when they arrive in spite of bus delays during severe weather conditions.

Option 2
Remain at school (in the gym) and wait for parents to pick up
This option should be selected when parents do not wish the child to leave the school in severe weather and go home as usual.  See below for procedures governing this emergency dismissal option.

Option 2 Procedures
Children whose parents have requested that they remain at school and wait to be picked up will be escorted to the gym by the supervising teachers after the walking lines, bus lines and car lines have been called.

Parents should:

• enter the parking lot via Easton Road and park in the upper school yard
• enter the school gym via the back doors to pick up your child
• children are released by supervising teachers only to those adults designated by you
• exit the school yard via Roberts Avenue

In the event of unforeseen circumstances, bus delays, car problems, etc. children will always be kept safe at school until an adult arrives to pick up the child. 

FAMILY ENVELOPES

Good communication between home and school is essential for the continued success of Saint Luke the Evangelist School and its programs. Every Thursday the youngest child in each family will receive an envelope containing school information. The envelope is to be returned to school the next day. Do not include any communications in the envelope when returning it to school. Any correspondence or monies should be sent to school in a separate properly labeled envelope.

FAMILY INFORMATION

Parents/guardians must notify the school immediately if any changes occur in address, telephone number or emergency contact information.

LOST AND FOUND

All clothing (sweatshirts, sweaters, jackets) or other school equipment (lunch boxes, pencil cases, etc.) must be labeled with the student's name. Identified items will be returned promptly to the student. Unidentified items will be kept in Lost and Found in the gym until the end of the school year and then sent to our uniform exchange- The Swap Shop.

SCHOOL HOURS

Regular school hours are 8:15 AM until 2:55 PM. Students are supervised in the yard in the morning from 7:55 AM until the bell rings at 8:15 AM. Parents must consult with the school principal if the need arises to drop a student off early in the morning.

SCHOOL TELEPHONE

Use of School Telephone by Students

• The telephone in school is used for official business only. 
• Students are not permitted to use the phone unless there is an emergency.  
• Students should not request to make phone calls for books, homework, musical instruments, gym supplies, school and/or extracurricular related materials etc.  It is a student’s responsibility to check school supplies before leaving home in the morning.

Cell Phones

When a parent deems it necessary for a child to bring a cell phone to school, the following guidelines must be followed:

• Cell phones must be turned off and kept in a student’s backpack during the school day.
• Students may never keep a cell phone on their person during the school day for any reason.  If this policy is violated, the cell phone will be confiscated by school personnel. 
  
  

VISITORS DURING SCHOOL HOURS

Any parent visiting school during the day must report to the main office. Out of respect for the learning process, teachers or students may not be disturbed during the day unless there is an urgent reason cleared with the administration or main office personnel.

ANNUAL ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

Saint Luke School has developed and maintains an Asbestos Inspection and Management Plan as required by the Asbestos Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA).   A copy of the plan is available for your inspection at our business office during regular school hours. Pennoni Associates Inc.is the asbestos program coordinator. Inquiries regarding the plan can be directed to them or the parish business manager.