Saint Maurice, a Catholic Elementary school, serves
the Parish of Saint Maurice and the surrounding communities by providing
instruction for students in kindergarten through grade eight.
Saint Maurice School is rooted in the absolute
truths of the Gospel message given to us by our Savior, Jesus Christ. As stated in Psalm 127:1, “Unless the Lord
build the house, those who build it labor in vain.” The goals of Saint Maurice School reflect the belief in an
education system that is Christ-centered.
These goals are:
1.
To
provide an education centered around the commitment to Catholic Doctrine.
2.
To
respect the individuality and nurture the intellectual, personal, and spiritual
development of each student.
3.
To
establish an environment that is safe, educationally sound and updated, and
emphasizes community and respect.
4.
To
extend opportunities to practice Gospel values.
5.
To
challenge and prepare students to make choices based on and rooted in their
faith.
The Saint Maurice School Community believes and
teaches that all we do, all we say, and who we are must reflect the Christ-like
image in which we are created.
DEPARTMENT FOR
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The Vision for the Department for Catholic Schools
is to promote and to sustain Catholic Schools of unparalleled quality, which
integrate faith into every aspect of life and culture, producing graduates who
continually strive for human and Christian perfection. These well managed schools, in light of
their great value, will be open to all and made as accessible as possible by
seeking support from the total Catholic community, as well as from the
community at large.
The Sisters of Mercy and dedicated lay teachers
staff St. Maurice School. All teachers
have State and Diocesan Certification as well as additional credits and/or
Master's Degrees.
The Middle States Association of Colleges and
Schools accredits St. Maurice School. This accreditation validates publicly the
quality education that is happening at St. Maurice School.
Middle States accreditation is an expression of
confidence in our mission, goals and objectives, performance and resources.
The Middle States Evaluation is an on-going process
requiring the submission of updated plans every three years. After ten years the school is re-evaluated
for continued accreditation.
Liturgies are celebrated weekly for the students and
faculty. Attendance is scheduled
according to grade level. Also, the
entire school attends Liturgies for Holy Days of obligation and special feasts.
Special consideration is given to students in the
second and eighth grades concerning their sacramental preparation. The students use a text specifically devoted
to preparing them for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, First
Eucharist and Confirmation. . They are
also given the opportunity to gain spiritual enrichment through their
participation in retreat programs.
Parents are given the opportunity to attend parent
preparation meetings in order to provide adult education concerning the
sacraments. Parents are an integral part of the sacramental preparation
program. They are the primary catechists of their children and therefore serve
as the teacher and role model for their children.
Quality academic education is dependent on an
organized plan of basic content with special attention given to the integration
of Gospel values.
Curriculum Guidelines for all subject areas are
utilized by the Catholic elementary schools and provided through the Department
for Catholic Schools. The guidelines
endeavor to give continuity to the teaching/learning process, and are geared to
meet the individual needs of students and to guide the teaching/learning
process.
The use of a Multiple Intelligence approach is
incorporated in all curriculum areas.
The integration of subjects is a primary goal for planning instruction
at all levels.
The computer curriculum in the primary levels
develops familiarity with the functional uses of the computer. This is accomplished through the use of
programmed software.
In the upper school levels, skills such as word
processing, database, composition and entry, and the use of spreadsheets are
emphasized.
Graphics programs are utilized at all levels,
particularly in the intermediate levels.
Along with these technical skills, it is important to focus on the
ethics and responsibilities that come from using a powerful communication
machine.
Fine
Arts
Fine Arts is an important entity in contemporary
society. Through music, art, and the
movement experiences, values and needs of individuals are revealed and savored.
Instruction in the Arts contributes to the
development of the whole person; promotes individual expression; allows
experimentation with diverse materials and elements; enables exploration and
appreciation of the works of other students and major artists; develops an
awareness and sensitivity toward the environment and finally promotes a deeper
understanding of heritage and culture.
The Fine Arts curriculum provides a wholistic
approach to education, which incorporates many aspects of the core curriculum
and can be integrated into the total educational experience.
Foreign language studies enter the curriculum in the
5th grade with an introductory course of French and Spanish offered
each semester. At the end of the 5th
grades, students commit to three additional years of study in either French or
Spanish.
Foreign language students learn the sounds and
syntax of their chosen language.
Students are also introduced to French or Spanish culture. A variety of materials and methods are used
for instruction.
Health and Physical Education
Health education, which leads to the total well
being of each student, is the goal of the Diocesan “Health for Success”. “Health for Success” is a complete,
comprehensive approach to developing our students physically, mentally,
emotionally, spiritually, and socially.
A health text, along with current periodicals such
as CURRENT HEALTH, is used. Guest
speakers are invited to speak to the students about various health related
topics.
A quality Physical Education program recognizes the
value of teaching students to stay physically active and develop skills needed
for present and future leisure. To
achieve this goal, St. Maurice incorporates the Department of Catholic Schools
Curriculum, “Fit for Life” into the program.
This program assists students in identifying their strengths and
weaknesses and encourages students to build on their strengths to achieve
personal goals.
The students learn to respect the rights of others
and follow rules through games and physical activity. Learning to constructively channel energies helps the student to
develop a good self-image and perform well in life. The skills, habits and attitudes developed within the program
will provide opportunities for greater success in the student’s lives.
The health and physical education curriculums strive
to establish healthy, active students so that each child can develop to his or
her full potential.
Language Arts
The Elementary LANGUAGE ARTS CURRICULUM Guide for
the Diocese of Pittsburgh has been developed to enable each student to be
introduced to language as a viable form of communication, as an invaluable
skill, and an art to be enjoyed.
Language, as a skill, provides the student with the
important tools to speak fluently, to read and comprehend, to compose, to write
legibly and to spell correctly. An
awareness of the history of language and the continuous development of
vocabulary also are important phases of skill development.
Students in grades K-5 center on a whole language
approach to reading while developing the necessary phonetic skills.
For grades 6-8 an appreciation of literature as art
enriches through experiences with skillful authors who vicariously open new
worlds of adventure that envelop far off places, times long past, and modern
trends of good reading. Having
developed a love for good literature, this aesthetic element will overflow into
the student's personal oral and written expression.
English classes center on improving writing, grammar
and speaking, as well as expanding vocabulary and improving spelling.
Library
The school library exists primarily to support and
enrich the curriculum. It is a service
and teaching agency as well as a place of purposeful learning.
The librarian and classroom teacher are partners in
the instructional process. They plan
and implement these activities so that the goals of both the content area and
the library program are achieved.
Significant changes have occurred in the practice of
mathematics, (computers and calculators) which require adjustment in the
content approach to virtually every topic in school mathematics.
Basic facts are taught in the lower grades and must
be drilled and memorized throughout the
years. Concepts are taught
sequentially.
Teachers need to promote problem solving skills and
an exploratory inquisitiveness in all students to assure each one the necessary
critical thinking skills for life.
Cooperative learning in the classroom is essential to heighten student
awareness in the value of cooperation in group situations, to strengthen
communication skills in mathematics, and to promote a mathematically literate
society.
In primary grades, students are introduced to many
ideas that lead naturally to algebra.
Algebraic topics are taught in the older grades and a full year of
algebra is taught in the eighth grade.
Our Catholic faith is presented accurately,
authentically, completely, and is consistent with the age and readiness of the
child. We empower children with
Catholic knowledge and ways to best practice their Catholic faith. A genuine, personal relationship with God
and the response of worship and service are ultimate goals of the catechetical
program. The family, school, and parish
are engaged in faith sharing and scripture study.
The children are taught the doctrine of the
Church. Appropriate prayers are taught
at each grade level. Children study the
sacraments, commandments and scripture.
Experience is provided through participation in the Liturgy, Prayer
Services, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Children are provided with the opportunity to participate in service
projects. Class time is devoted to
discussion for the purpose of providing the children the opportunity to express
how their faith affects their lives.
The science curriculum in the elementary school
focuses on an inquiry-based process and fosters collaborative learning.
A sound, basic education in science will enable
students to use scientific principles and processes in making personal
decisions and in being pro-active in the solution of scientific problems that
affect society.
A solid education in science strengthens life skills
such as creative problem solving, critical thinking, team cooperation, use of
technology, and the values of life-long learning.
A respect for the sacredness of all life, the
pursuit of peace and order in the world, an awareness of the responsibility to
be co-creators of life giving designs and protectors of the environment are
primary goals of the teaching of science in the Catholic Schools in the Diocese
of Pittsburgh.
Students in grades 6-8 submit a science project
yearly and the 7th and 8th grade students take part in
Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.
In addition to meeting all the requirements of the
Department of Education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Social Studies
class in the Catholic School provides many opportunities for teachers to help
students understand, appreciate and lean how to live Christian social values.
The curriculum begins with an introduction to
community helpers. It progresses to the
study of family and friends, and later encompasses a more in-depth study of the
community. Beginning in fourth grade,
the curriculum focuses on the study of the United States land regions and
Pennsylvania history. At the fifth
grade level, United States history through the Civil Was and a study of the
United States geographical regions is covered.
Sixth grade students study World Cultures with an emphasis on the
countries of the Eastern Hemisphere.
Seventh grade covers World Geography and eighth grade studies United
States history beginning with the Civil War.
Map and geography skills are taught at all levels. Values such as social justice, peace,
cooperation between states and governments’ opposition to the “isms” such as
racism, sexism, and materialism are integrated into the Social Studies program.
AIDS
INSTRUCTION
The State of Pennsylvania, Department of Education
under Title 22, Pennsylvania School Code 22 Chapter 5, has mandated AIDS
instruction at all grade levels.
PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS:
Each school will provide instruction about Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and related issues at least once each year at
all grade levels. In Catholic
education, it is most important that information regarding HIV/AIDS be
communicated within a religious and moral context. Within this perspective, the challenge of HIV/AIDS education for
children and young adults is to prepare them for a mature and responsible
Christian life by helping to develop attitudes of respect, trust,
self-discipline and self-esteem.
Catholic teachers and parents can help young people to understand how
their moral choices and their actions affect their own welfare as well as the
welfare of others.
The instruction, using the NCEA program AIDS: A
Catholic Educational Approach to HIV, will be part of the Health Curriculum
in conjunction with the Diocesan Catholic Vision of Love Program.
The Catholic Vision of Love is the designated
sexuality program for all schools in the diocese. This program, for grades five through eight, presents a clear
articulation of the Church’s vision of love and human sexuality so essential in
today’s society in order to strengthen the family, to help love endure, and to
enable God’s people to live faithfilled, joyous and meaningful lives.
By fostering strong partnerships with families, the
Catholic Vision of Love is designed to assist parents in fulfilling their
responsibility as the primary educators of their children.
Effective education requires teamwork between the
school and parent/guardian. The goal of
St. Maurice School is to help each child reach his/her highest potential, both
academically and socially.
The school year is broken into four (4) nine-week
periods. During the 5th week of each period deficiency notices will
be sent home for those students who are not performing as expected.
Report cards are given four times a year.
The following scale, which was approved by the
Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh, will be the grading scale used by St. Maurice
School.
GRADES 1 &
2
The letter at each quarter indicates the overall
progress in performance of that subject area.
Quizzes, class work, homework, observations, projects, and daily work
determine the letter. If a child
indicates a particular strength or an area for improvement, a sub-code will be
used.
A –
Advanced Performance The student demonstrates a thorough understanding of the
skills and concepts with ease and is working at developing advanced skills and
concepts.
B –
Proficient Performance The student demonstrates proficiency in important skills
and concepts and is able to exemplify these skills and concepts in detail.
C –
Basic Performance The student demonstrates an understanding of the basic skills
and concepts.
D –
Below Basic Performance The student demonstrates an incomplete understanding of
the basic skills and concepts with possible misconceptions.
-A = Outstanding Progress
-B = Good Progress
-C = Satisfactory Progress
-D = Needs Improvement
-E = Experiencing Difficulty
-A = 93-100
-B = 85-92
-C = 75-84
-D = 70-74
-E = 69 and below
A final grade is determined by averaging the four-
(4) nine-week periods together.
(APPENDIX B
& C)
If a student does not achieve a final grade of “D”
or above in any subject, he/she will have to take a make-up course at an
approved summer school.
A copy of the summer school grades will be needed
before the student is permitted to advance to the next grade at St. Maurice.
The Kindergarten Report is given twice a year, January
and June.
This report is used as a tool to show the
conceptual, physical, and social growth and development of your child.
The only subjects/areas that will be evaluated are
Religion, Language Arts, Mathematics, Gross and Fine Motor Skills, and Character
Development.
(APPENDIX D)
In accordance with Diocesan Guidelines, the students
of St. Maurice are tested using the standardized testing format
Kindergarten – Readiness Test -
Administered in the spring.
Grades 2-8 -
Iowa Test of Basic Skills Administered in the spring.
Grade
5 - Writing Assessment
Administered
in the spring.
The Title I program, which is Federally funded, is
designed to provide additional assistance to students who are not demonstrating
grade level proficiency in reading.
Selection is based on multiple criteria: standardized tests, teacher
observations, and other measures of student progress in the classroom.
Parents/Guardians are informed of the decision to
have their child receive this additional assistance and must sign a permission
form. Title I teachers are certified as
Reading Specialists because they must diagnose and remediate student needs.
Increasing parent/guardian knowledge about Title I
activities and ways to help their children at home can enhance the Title I
program. Student achievement in the
regular classroom should increase when learning is reinforced, both in Title 1
classes and in the home.
St. Maurice School receives instructional support in
Math from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit.
(AIU) Remedial services are
provided for those students requiring additional help in Math, based on teacher
referrals, standardized test results, and parental approval. Students meet in small groups outside of the
regular classroom once/twice weekly.
Alternate strategies are planned for students in
accordance with individual instructional goals and in support of the classroom
curriculum in order to help students develop mastery of basic math skills.
The A.I.U. counselor provides individual and small
group counseling sessions to children in grades K-8. Children are referred by teachers, the principal or parents for a
variety of school-related issues.
Additionally, the counselor makes herself/himself
available for teacher consultation regarding classroom issues after observing
classroom dynamics.
The counselor provides support for the school’s CORE/ESAP
team, as requested. The counselor
sometimes helps to screen and refer children who might need more specific or
intensive help than school counseling can offer.
SERVICES
The Allegheny Intermediate Unit provides speech and
Language services to St. Maurice under ACT 89.
It is a special service offered to students to repair or enhance
communication skills which directly impact social and academic interactions.
Students are identified by one or more of the
following procedures: 1) failing a speech/language screening, 2) teacher
referral, 3) parent referral, 4) referral from an outside agency and/or 5)
pupil service team referral.
The
service can be provided in a variety of ways based on each student’s needs:
1) individual therapy, 2) small group therapy, 3)
classroom speech and language programs, 4) consultation and/or 5)
collaboration/team teaching.
Students may need to be enrolled for articulation,
language, fluency, and/or voice therapy.
The length of therapy depends on the severity of involvement, learning
styles and attendance.
Admission to the Gifted program for students in the
Woodland Hills School District is based on the results of standardized academic
testing and I.Q. tests.
Students can be recommended by the teacher or parent
by submitting a letter to the Principal or to the Woodland Hills School
District. St. Maurice fills out the
original forms for the program and forwards them to the School District.
Students who are accepted in the program can
participate in classes offered in the Woodland Hills School District once a
week. The students miss some of their
classes at St. Maurice but are responsible for making up the work.
STUDENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is mandated in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Act 211 of 1990. It is a comprehensive program of prevention, intervention, and
support for students in grades K-12.
The members of the Team are the principal and faculty members of the
school who have received special training through the Allegheny Intermediate
Unit.
The program exists in order to promote the growth
and development of the whole child. The
team members work with students who are experiencing educational, social,
physical and/or emotional difficulties in the school environment.
The team identifies these students through referrals
that are made by the faculty and/or parents.
After the referrals have been received forms are
given to each of the child’s teachers to be completed. When the forms have been processed, a team
member interviews the child. The team then makes informed assumptions as to
what is needed to help the student, conveys this information to parents and
evaluates the result. If necessary, appropriate referrals to outside agencies
are made after consultation with the parents.
The team also assists the faculty in coping with
students who exhibit behavior that is disruptive to classroom teaching and
learning.
Team members must maintain all information regarding
students and their families under safeguards of privacy and
confidentiality. Access is limited to
individuals who have a legitimate educational interest.
“To teach as Jesus taught” is our commitment at St.
Maurice School. Self-discipline is the
key to good conduct and proper consideration for other people and us. It is the training that develops
self-control, character, orderliness, and efficiency.
Because each of us holds within us a unique image of
God, mutual RESPECT is essential to a school community. Respect of oneself, student respecting
students, student respecting teacher, teacher respecting students and teacher
respecting teacher are all needed. It
is the responsibility of the students and teachers
to exemplify and extend mutual respect to staff, volunteer
parents, and guests.
Students are responsible for their own actions and
choices. A student chooses whether or
not to follow the classroom rules, to study for a test, and to be a
friend. If a student chooses an
acceptable action, a positive consequence will result. Examples are: teacher or peer praise, good
grades, etc. If a student chooses an
unacceptable action, a negative consequence such as a reprimand by a teacher,
loss of friend, or a decline in grades will result. Our behavior policy was developed to enforce these ideas.
It is understood that all students must abide by the
rules of the school. The infractions
listed are examples and are not all-inclusive.
Other consequences may occur at the discretion of the teacher and
administration. Behavior deemed
unacceptable by any teacher will be handled in a discretionary manner.
Students in Kindergarten – 4th grade will
follow the following guidelines for a happy environment conducive to learning:
1.
Respect
the property of others and of the school
2.
Respect
and follow the directions of teachers, staff, and parent volunteers
3.
Respect
the classroom, cafeteria, and playground
4.
Walk
and whisper in the halls
5.
Be
truthful, honest, and considerate of others in words and actions
6.
Grow
in their responsibility for their personal belongings, their assignments, and
their respect for school property
7.
Be
accountable for their actions
8.
Value
and appreciate their friends as Jesus has taught
Students in grades 5-8 will follow a Behavior Policy
that includes detention, forgiveness, and reward. Students will earn a detention after 6 points and a detention for
every 6 points after that. Detention
will be scheduled after school from 2:30 – 3:30.
Students can erase points through good
behavior. Two points will be erased for
every 14-calendar days the student goes without receiving additional
points. Any student who does not earn a
detention by a specific day at the end of the school year will be permitted to
dress down during the last week of school.
The students will earn 2 points for each of the
following infractions:
1.
Violation
of classroom rules
2.
Non-compliance
with dress code
3.
Inappropriate
dress for dress down days (this includes a loss of privilege for next time)
4.
Eating
outside of the cafeteria
5.
Wearing
hats in school
6.
Littering
7.
Inappropriate
display of affection
8.
Tardiness
to class
9.
Passing
notes or other items in class
The following will result in 5 points:
1.
Violation
of cafeteria or playground rules
2.
Running,
shouting or pushing in the halls
3.
Chewing
gum
4.
Throwing
any object
5.
Possession
of unauthorized electronic devices
6.
Disrespectful
behavior/verbal abuse to other students
The following will result in
10 points:
1.
Vulgarity
and obscene gestures
2.
Disrespect/insubordination
to faculty, staff or parent volunteers
3.
Lying
4.
Cheating
– including but not limited to tests and homework
5.
Throwing
or tossing food or other items in the cafeteria
6.
Writing
on desks, books, or other school property
7.
Inappropriate use of school materials or athletic equipment
The following infractions
will result in 25 points for students in grades 5 – 8 and a possible in-school
suspension for students in grades K – 8.
Parents will be notified immediately if a student engages in any of the
following behaviors:
1.
Dangerous
horse-play
2.
Fighting
3.
Cutting
class or truancy from school
4.
Leaving
school building or property without permission
5.
Stealing
6.
Changing
written correspondence – including report cards
7.
Forging parents/guardians signature
8.
Vandalism
9.
Racial
or Ethnic intimidation
The following infractions will result in automatic
suspension and the possibility of expulsion according to Diocesan Guidelines:
1.
Deliberate
bodily harm
2.
Possession
or use of tobacco
3.
Possession
or use of weapons or any object that can be used as a weapon.
4.
Arson
5.
Possession
or use of explosive devices – including but not limited to firecrackers, smoke
bombs, and stink bombs
6.
Assault
and battery on a student or adult
7.
Possession
or use of drugs or alcohol
Students who accumulate 25 points or exhibit inappropriate behavior will be referred to the Student Assistance Team for an evaluation. This evaluation will include a meeting with the parents.
STUDENT MISCONDUCT OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL
In order to avoid liability
for actions outside of our control, principals are not to take responsibility
for actions that occur off school property.
Principals are asked to
forward disciplinary notices given by public school bus drivers to parents and,
in that way, support the responsibility of both driver and parents for the
child's action.
Any person carrying a weapon onto school property,
including, but not limited to, the school building, outdoor areas, outdoor
facilities, vehicles used to transport students, or school related activities
poses a clear and present danger to other students and staff. For the purpose of this policy, a weapon is
defined to be a gun, knife or any other article that could be used to cause
injury. Such person in possession of a weapon violates state criminal statutes
and school regulations and shall be subject to the following discipline and
penalty:
1.
Parents
will be notified immediately
2.
Local
police will be called
3.
The
student will be expelled
SUBSTANCE
ABUSE POLICY
PREFACE
The education system within the Intermediate Unit
Consortium and the Diocese of Pittsburgh recognizes that chemical abuse and
dependency seriously impair the ability of individuals to develop their full
potential. We also recognize that
problems created by chemical abuse and dependency have adverse effects on the
ability of all members of each school community to achieve personal educational
goals.
Our policy is based on the belief that chemical
dependency is a life threatening illness that affects individuals in all areas
of their lives, emotionally, intellectually, and socially. Because it is our conviction that chemical dependency
is a treatable illness, the following substance abuse policy has been adopted.
The schools of the Intermediate Unit Consortium and
the Diocese of Pittsburgh, recognizing that chemical abuse is a serious
problem, adopt the position that a student must be chemically free to develop
in the most productive manner.
It is therefore, the intent of this policy to
prevent and to prohibit the possession, use, sale, distribution and/or intent
of distribution of any illegal or controlled mood-altering medication or
chemical. These are prohibited on
school property and at any school-sponsored event.
Violations of this policy
may result in the following consequences:
1.
Appropriate
disciplinary response consistent with each individual school's philosophy.
2.
Notification
of parent/ guardian
3.
Notification
of municipal authorities when appropriate
4.
Suspension
or expulsion from school
5.
Referral
of student to appropriate drug and alcohol agency
This policy will be implemented through the
cooperative efforts of administration, faculty, parent/guardian, staff, student
and community.
Students at St. Maurice School wear uniforms. We need your cooperation to ensure that all
are adhering to the dress code.
The students must have shirts tucked in and belts
must be worn AT ALL TIMES with pants that have belt loops. Pants must be worn at the waist. Excessively baggy or form fitting types of
clothing will not be permitted.
Skirts and shorts for the girls must be no more than
four inches above the knee.
For the safety of the children, in lieu of dress
shoes, they may wear athletic shoes with white soles only. The black soles make marks on the floors.
SHIRTS (white
or navy only)
1.
Short
or long sleeved “golf shirt” with a St. Maurice logo or plain (NO insignias of
any kind). All shirts must have
collars.
2.
Oxford
style dress shirts – with collar. (Only
a plain white T-shirt or tank top is permitted under the dress shirt).
3.
Turtlenecks-
long sleeved – white or navy only – no logos
1.
Any
St. Maurice sweat shirt
2.
Plain
(no logo) navy blue sweat shirt
3.
White
or navy cardigan sweater
SLACKS/SHORTS
(Must be uniform style)
1.
Navy
Blue or Khaki dress slacks – NO cargo pants are permitted.
2.
Navy
Blue or Khaki walking shorts. Shorts
can be worn from the first day of school through Oct. 15 and from April 15
until the last day of school.
1.
Grades 1-3 – Plaid uniform jumpers
2.
Grades
4-8 – Plaid uniform skirts
3.
Grades
6-8 – Navy uniform skirts (optional)
4.
Uniform
culottes may also be worn.
1.
Solid
Navy jogging/sweat pants and a gray or white St. Maurice T-shirt. A plain white T-shirt may also be worn. Logo shirts are not permitted and pants with
snaps and stripes are not permitted.
2.
Plain
navy gym shorts may be worn from the first day of school through October 15 and
from April 15 until the last day of school.
Children are to wear comfortable casual clothing (NO
jeans). Athletic shoes with white soles
may be worn. Appropriate play clothes
(shorts/sweat suits) can be worn on gym day.
St. Maurice School offers a wide variety of
activities in the upper grades. Samples of activities are as follows:
Forensics
Pennsylvania Junior Academy
of Science
Pittsburgh
Science Fair
Yearbook
Student
council
Shakespeare
Play
Intramurals
The above activities are just a sample of what St.
Maurice offers its students.
Instrumental band lessons are offered to students in
grades 4-8 for a nominal fee. Students
also have the opportunity to participate in group band rehearsals and perform
on stage. Many students have the
opportunity to audition and participate in the Diocesan Honors Band.
Students in grades 1-5 may take Suzuki Violin
lessons for a nominal fee.
Assemblies are held for children throughout the
school year. The assemblies are planned in conjunction with the principal,
faculty, and the PTG. Focus is on both education and entertainment.
Money that children raise through fund-raising
events is used to pay for these assemblies.
Field Trips are educational in nature and planned by
the grade level teachers. Each grade level participates in one field trip per
year. No child may participate without a completed consent form.
The PTG provides financial assistance for each trip.
BASKETBALL
The Athletic Association sponsors a basketball
program covering all students of St. Maurice School in grades 1-8.
The Little Hoopers Program, for students in grades
1-4, is a ten-week introduction to basketball. The focus is fundamental
basketball skills and basic knowledge of the rules of the game.
Boys and girls in grades 3 and 4 may also
participate in developmental league teams. The purpose of the league is to
provide the players with an introduction to the competitive aspects of
basketball. The league offers a meaningful opportunity for all players to
participate and prepare for future competition in the Diocesan League.
The boys and girls school teams participate in
competitive Diocesan Basketball Class “A” League for junior varsity and varsity
teams. The junior varsity team involves
students in grades 5 and 6 and the varsity team is for students in grades 7 and
8. Aside from the regular season competition, all the teams participate in
pre-season competition and post-season tournaments throughout the year. The
league is designed for high level competition and the St. Maurice teams have
been challenging the best teams in the Diocese.
To allow for greater participation by the team
members, some ‘B’ teams have been established. These teams, while not able to
be part of an established league, have increased the number of games played and
the quality of the teams.
The teams practice and play home games at Wilkins
School Gym and the Bessemer Avenue Gym.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES
In order to participate in any extra-curricular
activity, a student must maintain acceptable behavior and be working to his/her
ability.
A student who receives a “D” or “E” in any class and
is not working to his/her ability will be put on probation or suspended from
all extra-curricular activities. The
Principal in consultation with the teachers makes the determination.
Probation indicates that a student may still
participate in the activities but must make an extra effort to improve his/her
work. If there is no improvement in a
two-week period, than a suspension will follow.
Suspension entails:
1.
No
participation in meetings, rehearsals, practice or other activities or
functions.
2.
No
participation in games or performances.
Altar servers will not be scheduled for funerals or other liturgical
services during school time.
3.
Turning
in of athletic uniform or script/costume, etc. to the Principal.
Reinstatement in the activity will be granted at the
end of the two-week suspension period if the student receives a notice of
improvement from the teacher(s).
If the grades do not improve in the two-week period,
the suspension will be extended for another two-week period. If there is no improvement, the student will
be suspended from the activity for the remainder of the quarter.
GENERAL SCHOOL
INFORMATION
Our school day begins at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 2:30
p.m. for students in grades 1-8 and all day Kindergarten. Morning Kindergarten
begins at 8:10 a.m. and ends at 10:50 a.m.
The afternoon Kindergarten
begins at 11:45 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.
Students are considered tardy if they are not in
their homerooms by 8:10 a.m.
Car Riders should not arrive at school before 7:30
a.m. Those arriving before 8:00 a.m.
should report to the Cafeteria.
On days in which an early dismissal has been
scheduled, school hours will be from 8:10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Students arriving late for school must report to the
office with a written excuse. A
half-day's absence will be recorded if a student arrives after 11:00 a.m. Any student arriving late, but before 11:00
a.m. will be marked tardy.
Parents/Guardians, who need to have students
dismissed early, must send a note to the homeroom teacher upon arrival to
school on the day of the early dismissal or the previous day. The homeroom teacher will then forward the
note to the office for approval. The
note should include the date, homeroom number, and time the student will need
to be dismissed. Students must be
picked up in the school office. Parents/Guardians
will need to sign for the student's release.
This is to ensure the safety of your child.
If a student leaves before 11:00 a.m., a half-day's
absence will be recorded.
Please remember that classes should only be missed
in an emergency situation. Please try
to schedule appointments around school hours.
To meet the attendance requirements of the state of
Pennsylvania, students must attend 180 days of school. If a student misses 30 or more school days
the student may have to repeat the same grade during the next school year.
When a child is absent from school, it is the
parents responsibility to call the school office and inform the secretary that
your child will not be attending school for that particular day. This will ensure the safety of your child.
If a child misses an excessive amount of days
without a doctor’s excuse, it is possible that the truant officer will be
called to check on the child.
Please do not
call the office for homework if your child is absent for one day. Homework will only be sent home if the child
is absent for three or more days.
(refer to homework section in handbook.)
All absences are classified as Excused or Unexcused
according to the state attendance code.
Pennsylvania State law allows for a limited number
of reasons for which a child may be excused from school. Such reasons are illness or quarantine,
death in the family, religious holidays, and family emergencies.
According to Pennsylvania State Law, when a child
returns to school they must have a
written excuse. The excuse should be
given to the homeroom teacher, who will then forward it to the office.
Vacations
during the school year are in violation of Pennsylvania State Law. They are recorded in the state registers as
an unexcused absence. It is important
to maintain an even flow in your child’s education. Please schedule vacations around school holidays or during the
summer months.
EMERGENCY
SCHOOL CLOSINGS, DELAYS AND EARLY DISMISSALS
If the Woodland Hills School District Schools are
closed or delayed for inclement weather, St. Maurice School will also be closed
or delayed.
An announcement will be made as early as possible on
the radio and local television stations.
Parents and students are urged to listen for the announcements on
regularly scheduled programs and respond accordingly. The School, Rectory, Radio
Stations and Television Stations should not be called.
The PTG Phone Tree will be activated in case of an
early dismissal or emergency.
Fire Drills are held monthly. Directions for exiting
are posted and reviewed by the teachers in each classroom. Students are to move
quickly, orderly and quietly. Absolute silence is observed throughout the
drill. No person(s) may remain in the building during a fire drill.
It is the policy of St. Maurice School that the
teachers and principal assign children to each homeroom for the following year.
We understand that parents have a great concern over where their child will be
placed. However, the administration and staff of St. Maurice School has the
final decision of any placement.
Homeroom assignments will be posted on the Sunday
nearest to August 15.
Homework is needed for students to practice skills
that are/were taught in the classroom setting.
Homework should not be busy
work.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of
Education, the time allotment for homework, for an average student, should be
ten minutes times the grade level of your child. An example being:
Grade 1 10
x 1 = 10 minutes
Grade 4 10
x 4 = 40 minutes
Grade 8 10
x 8 = 80 minutes
If you feel your child is exceeding these
guidelines, look for the following reasons.
1.
Your
child may have difficulty with the concept being taught and may need extra time
in completing the assignment.
2.
Your
child may not be working to his/her full potential.
3.
Your
child may be delaying work on long term assignments.
If you are having a problem with the homework policy
of your child’s teacher, please talk with the teacher to find a solution.
If your child is absent from school for one day,
please do not call the office for assignments.
Your child will have the opportunity to make up missed assignments upon
return to school.
If your child is absent for the period of two (2) or
more days, please call the school to request the missed work.
Due to limited free time of teachers, it is important that
all requests for homework be made to the office by 8:30 a.m. Assignments may be picked up in the school
office at 2:30 p.m.
If you are taking your child out of school for a
trip, do not expect the teacher to give you exact work before the trip. If we adhere to the Philosophy of teaching
students, lesson plans may change from day to day. It is the student’s responsibility to get work on return from the
trip.
Students are permitted to borrow library books for a
period of one week. They are to be
returned on the student’s library day.
If a student is absent the books are to be returned when the student
returns to school. Books may be renewed.
If a student loses a book, he/she must pay the full current purchase
price.
Fines will be charged if a book is not returned on
time.
Any article lost in the school building, gym or
parking lot will be kept in the Lost and Found located outside of Centurion
Hall in the school hallway. After a period of time, items unclaimed will be
donated to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Students should not bring valuable
items or toys to school.
Each Wednesday during the school year the students
take home an envelope with various notices from the teacher, the office, or
PTG. The envelope is to be returned to
school the next day.
A newsletter, containing information from the
Principal and various classes and activities, will be sent home at the end of
each month. The lunch menu, monitor
schedule and monthly calendar are also included.
It is important to read all school notices. If you are not receiving notices, please
discuss the matter with your child.
CONFERENCES
Conferences are held twice a year, during the 1st
and 2nd quarter. Both
conferences are mandatory and will be with your child’s homeroom teacher. No report card will be given without a
conference. Notification of the time
and date will be sent home with your child. The parent/guardian or teacher may
request additional conferences.
Conferences are not intended to be solely
academic. They encompass any problem
that may arise academically, socially, and emotionally.
REGISTRATION OF NEW STUDENTS
Any
new students entering St. Maurice School from the Woodland Hills School
District, must register with the District by going to the Central Registration
Office located in the Edgewood Primary School, 241 Maple Avenue. Parents will be required to take copies of
the following information with them in order to complete the process:
§
Photo
identification of parent(s)
§
A
deed or lease on current residency
§
A
current gas bill
§
A
current electric bill
This
must be done before any services, such as bus transportation, can be provided
by the District.
STUDENT RECORD POLICY
Parents
have the right to inspect their child’s records upon request to the Principal. No individual or agency outside the school
will be permitted to inspect your child’s record file without your written
consent. Inspection of student records
shall follow guidelines set by the Diocesan policy for the collection,
maintenance, and dissemination of school records.
AND CAMPBELLS
LABELS
By saving supermarket receipts and Campbell’s’
Labels, St. Maurice is able to obtain free educational equipment and
assemblies.
If everyone helps, the amount of equipment that we can
acquire is endless.
The school phone is reserved for use by school
personnel. In an emergency, students are granted permission to use the phone.
Students may not
call home for books, gym clothes, band instruments,
lunches, etc.
Students are not permitted to use the pay phone in
Centurion hall without permission from the office.
Only in emergencies should parents call the school
to give messages to students.
TRANSPORTATION
WALKERS
Walkers will enter and be dismissed via the parking
lot outside Centurion Hall. Walkers
should not arrive to school prior to 7:50 a.m.
Arrival:
Cars are not
to be parked.
All cars are to drive into the lot facing Centurion Hall bearing to the
right. Children are to be dropped off
at the door and cars are to keep moving and exit to the left. One car at a time should drop off the child
and keep moving to the exit.
Dismissal:
All students will be dismissed through Centurion
Hall with a teacher. Parents are not to
wait in Centurion Hall or outside the Hall door. Parents are to remain in their cars for dismissal after backing
into a parking space. A teacher will
escort students through the center of the lot.
No students or parents are
permitted to use the stairs or grass at dismissal. No parking is permitted
along the fire lane or in the Church lot. (This is reserved for buses only).
If Centurion Hall lot is full, please park in the
upper church parking lot behind the
Parish Center/Rectory until Centurion Hall clears and parking becomes available.
The teacher will dismiss cars one at a time when all
students are cleared from the parking lot.
If a parent is not in the Centurion Hall lot, students will wait with
the teacher at the door of Centurion Hall until a parent arrives. Students not picked up by 2:40 will be
seated in Centurion hall. At 2:45
students will be sent to the office to wait for their ride. All parents arriving after 2:40 must come
into the building for their child.
Bus transportation is
arranged through Woodland Hills School District or the district in which you
reside.
Bus schedules are prepared
during the summer months and are published in the local newspapers and in the
school district community newsletter.
If you have questions
concerning pupil transportation, contact the Director of Transportation for
your school district.
NOTE:
IF THE MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION CHANGES, A WRITTEN NOTE MUST BE
PRESENTED TO THE HOMEROOM TEACHER. NO
STUDENT MAY RIDE A BUS OTHER THAN THE ONE ON WHICH THEY ARE ASSIGNED UNLESS
PERMISSION HAS BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR.
The
tuition charge helps meet the school expenses; as well as maintain quality
education. Costs for tuition can be
obtained from the school office or the rectory.
All
families must sign a Letter of Agreement indicating how the tuition will be
paid. If paying monthly, the FACTS
program must be used.
In
addition, all families must complete the Pastor Verification Form and have it
signed by the Pastor of their home Parish.
To apply for tuition assistance from St. Maurice
Parish:
§
Your
tuition must be up to date.
§
You
must apply for the Bishop’s Education Fund Grant. For the 2000-2001 school year, if you did not apply for that
grant, than a copy of your 2000 IRS Form 1040 and W2 forms are required.
§
A
request for an application must be made in writing to the Principal.
§
Twenty-five
hours of volunteer service are required and must be completed before any monies
are credited to you.
§
The
amount of individual grants will be based on the amount of money available and
the need of each family (consideration will be given to size of family, number
of children in school, income, special circumstances).
§
Distributions
of the funds will be determined by a group of parishioners appointed by the
Pastor.
During the course of the day, we try not to
interrupt the learning experience of your child. Therefore, we are asking that
parents/visitors report to the office as they enter the building. All
parents/visitors should enter through Centurion Hall. This is done for the
safety of each child attending St. Maurice School. It is also important to
know, at all times, when visitors are in the building.
All messages, lunches, etc. should be left in the
school office. The secretary will see that your child receives what is needed.
Volunteers are a valuable asset to St. Maurice
School. Parents, senior citizens, college students, professionals– all are
welcome and make a valuable contribution. Teacher aides assist teachers by
working with individual children, with small groups or by performing clerical
work. Persons interested in volunteering are to apply at the school office.
GENERAL HEALTH
GUIDELINES
All kindergarten and new students must have
completed medical forms in the Health Office no later than one week after
entering school.
The school nurse is in the school one day a
week. She makes certain that the
following are completed for the students:
§
Vision
– checked yearly
§
Height
and Weight – checked yearly
§
Hearing
– checked in grades K, 1, 2, 3 & 7
§
Dental
Exam – Original entry into school and grades 3, & 7
§
Physical
Exam – Original entry into school and grade 6
§
Tuberculin
Test – within 6 months of starting school
§
Scoliosis
Screening – Grades 6 & 7
The school nurse is available to St. Maurice School
at any other time during the week when needed.
The School Office must have on record any severe
disability or illness a child may have such as: Asthma, Diabetes, Epilepsy,
Seizures of any type, etc. In this way,
we will be better prepared to deal with any emergencies which may arise. Any medications to be taken by a student
must be cleared in advance through the principal’s office after necessary forms
have been completed.
All students must submit a completed “Emergency Care
Card” at the beginning of each year. (APPENDIX E)
Pennsylvania State Law requires the following
immunizations be completed prior to admission to school:
§
Four
doses diphtheria/tetanus vaccine (usually given as DTP), one dose to be given
on or after the fourth birthday.
§
Three
doses of polio vaccine
§
Two
properly spaced doses of measles-containing vaccine, usually given as measles/
mumps/rubella (MMR& MMR2)
§
Three
properly spaced doses of hepatitis B vaccine usually administered over a
six-month period. A child who has one
or two doses of hepatitis B vaccine may be provisionally enrolled in school if
there is a plan to complete the series within eight months.
Children need not be immunized if a physician or his
designee provides a written statement that immunization may be detrimental to
the health of the child.
Most illnesses in young children are usually of an
infectious nature and can be rapidly transmitted throughout an entire school
population. To minimize the occurrence
of contagious diseases among our students, we are asking for your cooperation
in the following manner. Please keep
your child home if he/she has any of these symptoms:
1)
Fever
– elevated temperature (above 99.8 F.) usually indicates the presence of an
infection. Tylenol relieves the fever,
but not the disease. Children should remain at home at least for
twenty-four hours (24) after a fever subsides.
2)
Uncontrolled
Cough
3)
Profuse
sinus and nasal congestion or runny nose
4)
Nausea
and/or vomiting – within 12 hours prior to school
5)
Diarrhea
– within 12 hours prior to school
6)
Pain
– sore throat, stomachache, etc…
When a child returns to school after an illness,
he/she should have a written excuse from his/her parent. Following a lengthy illness or communicable
disease, a written excuse from a doctor must be presented stating the nature of
the illness and certifying that the child is able to return to school. (APPENDIX
F)
Before a child is dismissed because of illness, a
parent will be notified by the school nurse or secretary, NOT BY THE CHILD. The
parent should report to the main office to sign the child out. Emergency numbers are very important for the
School Office. Please be sure
that they are up to date since it is necessary to
contact the parents in case of an emergency or illness.
Pennsylvania State Law prohibits school personnel
from providing aspirin or other medication to students. School personnel are
also prohibited from diagnosing or treating illness, or prescribing medication
for students.
In keeping with Pennsylvania State Law, when a child
is to take any type of medication at school, he/she will do so under the
following conditions:
1.
The
child should bring all medication to the school office immediately upon
arrival.
2.
Only
current prescription medication may be dispensed.
3.
Medication
shall be given under the supervision of the nurse or other responsible school
personnel.
4.
Parent/guardians
must send a detailed request, in writing, to administer the medication. The required medication forms are available
at the school. The form must be
completed by the parent/guardian. Please note that if medication is to be
administered for longer than ten (10) school days, a physician’s signature is
required. This form will become part of
your child’s health record. (APPENDIX
G&H)
5.
Medication
must be in its original container labeled with the student’s name, type of
drug, physician’s name, prescribed dosage, and pharmacy name and phone number.
6.
Any
remaining medication (pills, inhalers, etc.) will be sent home at the end of
the school year.
7.
A
new form is required each school year for continuing medications.
NOTE: Cough drops, throat lozenges, Tylenol and
other over the counter medications are considered drugs and must be given to
the school office as any other type of drug.
NO STUDENT SHOULD CARRY AND ADMINISTER THESE TYPES
OF DRUGS TO THEMSELVES OR OTHER STUDENTS AT ANY TIME.
COMMISSION
(DPC) LUNCH
The DPC lunch program has been in operation in the
Diocese since 1976, with a large number of Catholic schools currently enrolled.
The DPC program is a USDA program. It meets all
government regulations set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education,
regarding the school lunch programs.
The DPC is responsible for ordering and preparing
the food, which is cooked on site.
Because of its size, the DPC has a strong purchasing power, which makes
for a more cost-effective program.
The cost of a student lunch will be announced each
year.
Volunteers are still a very important part of the
cafeteria program.
GENERAL
GUIDELINES
CHILDREN MUST BE MONITORED AT ALL TIMES. IF THE ASSIGNED MONITORS ARE NOT PRESENT FOR
DUTY, THE SAFETY OF OUR CHILDREN MAY BE IN JEOPARDY. THEREFORE, IT IS NECESSARY FOR MONITORS TO FIND A SUBSTITUTE ON
DAYS IN WHICH THEY ARE UNABLE TO FULFILL THEIR OBLIGATION.
1.
Lunchroom
and playground monitors are to watch and observe children in the cafeteria and
on the playground.
2.
Monitors
are never to touch or hit a child but may reprimand a child for inappropriate
behavior, in a kind and sensitive manner.
3.
All
inappropriate behavior should be reported to the principal or teacher on duty.
4.
Monitors
should not hesitate to inform a child of inappropriate behavior when necessary.
Students are aware of expected behavior patterns in the lunchroom and on the
playground.
1.
Do
not deny the use of the bathroom to any student unless you feel that the
students are going there to socialize.
Only one student should be in the bathroom at a time. Students may use
the bathroom in the cafeteria and across from the office.
2.
Monitors
should watch and observe students’ behavior while in the cafeteria.
3.
Students
should sit at their tables quietly and remember their table manners. Yelling
from one table to the next is not permitted.
4.
Students
are to be dismissed one table at a time.
Monitors should make sure that the table is clear before dismissing
them. Students are to take their empty trays to the dishwasher window/shelf and
quietly line up.
5.
Students
will line up at the cafeteria doors and wait for a monitor to take them
outdoors or back to their homerooms. Students are not to leave the cafeteria on
their own at any time.
RECESS
(OUTDOORS)
1.
The
school will provide a playground ball for each homeroom for the children to use
during recess. There is an assigned
area on the playground for this activity.
2.
Children
may not have more than one ball per classroom.
If this privilege is abused, equipment can be temporarily removed from
the playground.
3.
Should
a child fall and need medical treatment, the child should be sent to the school
office. There are medical supplies
available.
4.
If
you are the only monitor on duty and feel an older child can comfortably
accompany the child, you may make that judgment.
5.
A
verbal warning should be given to a student who exhibits inappropriate
behavior. If the behavior persists, see
the homeroom teacher and or the principal.
6.
All
incidents of inappropriate behavior or disrespect are to be reported to the
principal.
1.
Students
will respect playground monitors and follow their directions.
2.
Students
should not yell or scream on the playground.
3.
Students
are to play ball in the designated area.
4.
Students
are to stand completely still and remain quiet when the first bell is rung and
walk quietly to line-up when the second bell is rung.
5.
Students
should leave and re-enter the school building quietly and in a single file
line.
6.
Students
are to use all equipment brought onto the playground in the proper manner.
7.
Students
are not to be playing near the Trailer.
8.
Violations
of these rules will result in students missing recess.
RECESS
(INDOORS)
1.
STUDENTS MUST BE SUPERVISED
BY AN ADULT AT ALL TIMES.
2.
If
monitors are not available for each classroom, the students are to remain in
the cafeteria.
3.
Everyone
is to be seated.
4.
No running or throwing is permitted.
5.
Games
are provided in each classroom.
6. A verbal warning should be given to a student who exhibits inappropriate behavior. If the behavior persists, see the homeroom teacher.
The goal of the Parent Teacher Guild (PTG) is the
advancement of Catholic education, and specifically, the betterment of the
welfare of the students of St. Maurice.
The PTG attempts to do this by enhancing the parents’ and teachers’ role
in the education of our children; by increasing their knowledge of education
and its processes; by increasing their mutual understanding of children; and
also by providing the opportunity for parents and teachers to work together for
the good of children in a Catholic School setting.
Membership is open to all parents, faculty and other
individuals interested in the objectives of this association. Annual dues, set
by the Board, are payable prior to November 1.
PTG Board meetings are held throughout the school
year. The PTG Board meetings are open to parents, faculty and other interested
individuals and their attendance is welcomed and encouraged. There are at least
two general membership meetings each year. These will include a business
meeting and enrichment program.
The executive Board consists of the Pastor, the PTG
President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and the School Principal. The Board includes members of the executive
boards, the assistant secretary, assistant treasurer, faculty representative
and committee chairpersons, and co-chairpersons.
The PTG raises monies to provide services for the
school and provides
parents with meaningful and productive opportunities
to influence their child’s education in a positive Christian way.
The Catholic School is an expression of the
educational mission of the parishes and the diocese with which it is
associated. The School Advisory Council
assists the principal and pastor for the good of the school community. Membership on a local/regional Catholic
School Advisory Council gives one the opportunity to participate significantly
in an important aspect of the Church’s ministry.
The pastor establishes the Council in accord with
diocesan policy. The Councils are consultative and assist the pastor and
principal in those areas defined in the diocesan policy. In view of the many demands on the Catholics
school principal, assistance from a group of people who are committed to the
Catholic school and are willing to work for the good of the school and the
parish are paramount.
Ex-officio members of the Advisory Council shall be
the pastor and the principal.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
POLICY
The schools of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, as listed
in the Official Directory of Catholic Schools, admit students of any race to
all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made
available to students at that school.
They will not discriminate on the basis of race in administration of its
educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and
athletic and other school-administered programs.
Because of the religious nature of the schools in
the Diocese of Pittsburgh and their commitment to teach doctrine, only
Catholics may be hired. This policy is
not to be considered as discriminatory but protects Catholic Doctrine from
adulteration. In some instances, for
good reasons, exemption is given by the Superintendent upon request.
There shall be no racial discrimination in our
schools.
PROCEDURES FOR
IMPLEMENTATION
OF POLICY
1.
This
policy applies to all school personnel.
2.
When
a complaint of racial discrimination is received at a school, the Principal
should ask that it be submitted to him/her in writing, and the Principal should
prepare a written report of the complaint.
The written complaint and the Principal’s report should be submitted to
the Superintendent of Schools for investigation.
3.
After
obtaining all of the facts relating to the complaint, the Superintendent of
Schools will appoint an “Investigative Team.”
The Team will consist of three members selected from the approved
list. One Team member shall be
appointed chairman of the Investigative Team.
4.
The
Superintendent of Schools shall notify the party filing the complaint, the
accused party, the pastor, and the principal that an Investigative Team has
been appointed.
5.
The
Investigative Team shall meet with the parties filing the complaint, the party
accused of the discrimination, the principal, pastor, witnesses, and any other
individuals who have information relative to the complaint in question.
6.
After
gathering all of the necessary information, the Team shall prepare a report
with a recommendation, and submit this to the Superintendent of Schools.
7.
After
reviewing the report the Superintendent
shall consult with the Secretary for Education, Black Catholic
Ministries and/or the Legal Department, if necessary.
8.
If
it is deemed necessary, the Superintendent of Schools shall meet with the
complaining parties.
9.
The
Superintendent of Schools shall make a recommendation concerning the resolution
of the matter, and shall advise the complaining parties of their right to a
Diocesan due process hearing.
RATIONALE FOR THE POLICY
1.
The
dignity and sacredness of the human person requires that we respect and value
all persons regardless of race, color and culture.
2.
A
philosophy that celebrates racial and cultural diversity should be a part of
the total educational environment.
3.
Federal
and State statutes forbid discrimination based on race.