TEST - Student parent handbook 2017 18 sept18

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Student/Parent Handbook Sacred Heart School 2017-2018 Preschool – Grade 12


SACRED HEART SCHOOL STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK 2017-2018 Table of Contents

Sacred Heart School • • • • •

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Mission, Philosophy, Core Values, Vision and Objectives The Sisters Of Divine Providence And Sacred Heart School Sacred Heart School Campus Ministry Administrative Leadership Board of Directors

Student/Parent Handbook Agreement

Page 9

Sacred Heart High School Handbook

Page 10

Sacred Heart High School Athletic Handbook

Page 53

High School Handbook Index

Page 64

Sacred Heart Elementary School

Page 66

Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center

Page 79

Sacred Heart School Bullying Prevention Plan

Page 91

Sacred Heart School Tuition and Fees

Page 95

Sacred Heart School Transportation Program

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Notice to Occupants, Parents and Employees

Page 99

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL MISSION, PHILOSOPHY, VISION, VALUES AND OBJECTIVES MISSION Sacred Heart School is a private, Catholic, co-educational learning community for students in preschool through grade 12. As a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence we strive to inspire minds, define character and encourage responsible leadership through a curriculum that prepares students to pursue knowledge now and throughout their lives. In the tradition of the Sisters of Divine Providence, we seek to develop a community of faith that encourages students to act with compassion, to work for a just society, and to pursue opportunities to develop and share their God-given talents in service to society.

PHILOSOPHY AND VISION Rooted in the values and beliefs of the co-founders of The Sisters of Divine Providence, Bishop Wilhelm Emmanuel von Ketteler and Marie de la Roche, Sacred Heart’s educational philosophy instills in our students the Gospel values of faith, service, and leadership. Through a rigorous curriculum, ever evolving teaching methods, and cutting edge technology we offer a diversified liberal arts education that includes spiritual, academic, cultural, athletic, and social opportunities. Compassion, dedication to service, and a life-long commitment to the pursuit of social justice are hallmarks of our students.

CORE VALUES The Sacred Heart School community believes that these core values identify, support and inspire us in all we do. Sacred Heart School holds the following core values: Spirituality To preserve our school’s proud Catholic tradition and celebrate the charism and philosophy of our founders, the Sisters of Divine Providence Knowledge To foster within the Sacred Heart School community a thirst for intellectual development, thus empowering our students to maximize their individual potential Integrity To encourage responsible habits of leadership and justice by all the members of the school community and in doing so demonstrate concern and compassion for all Service To cultivate within our Sacred Heart student body a dedication and personal commitment to serve our school, community, nation and world

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL OBJECTIVES

Sacred Heart School strives to ensure that each student: •

Develops a personal relationship with God through instruction, prayer, and the Liturgy.

Acquires knowledge of the Catholic heritage, understands the Church's role in a global setting, and is encouraged to commit him/herself to a personal mission within the Church.

Nurtures personal growth through interaction with family, peers, and the larger community.

Deepens personal awareness of the need to contribute towards justice and peace in the world and develops an understanding of the obligation to be a responsible member of diverse communities.

Acquires the necessary skills to assume responsible participation in a democracy.

Contributes to and helps to maintain a non-threatening atmosphere which generates a sense of joy in learning, social interaction, and school pride.

Cultivates intellectual interest and completes the academic preparation for success in higher education and lifelong learning.

Learns to think critically, speak clearly, and write effectively.

Acquires knowledge and an appreciation of the visual and performing arts as integrating disciplines.

Develops habits of good sportsmanship and a sense of self-respect through physical education and health programs, individual challenges, and team sports.

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HISTORY OF THE THE SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND SACRED HEART SCHOOL

The Sisters of Divine Providence, an international teaching and nursing religious community, were founded in Germany in 1851 by Bishop Wilhelm von Ketteler to meet the educational and nursing needs of people in rural areas. This small community of German Sisters grew in number, and in 1876 they moved to America, establishing a foundation in in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the next 100-plus years, the Sisters staffed several hospitals and parochial and private schools in the Pittsburgh diocese and surrounding areas. In 1947, the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence (www.divineprovidenceweb.org), was welcomed into the Archdiocese of Boston by Richard J. Cushing, Archbishop of Boston. The Sisters continued their ministry in education, became involved in catechetical instruction, administered a camp for girls, and managed food service programs at two Boston seminaries. As diverse as these ministries were, the Sisters have yielded their greatest influence as teachers in the Plymouth-Kingston area, an area that was predominantly non-Catholic. During their first two years in Kingston, the Sisters educated young pre-kindergarten and kindergarten age students on the grounds of Camp Mishannock. In the fall of 1949 the Sisters opened Sacred Heart Schools in Plymouth, Grades K-7; and over the next 14 years, the Sisters built both the High School and the Elementary School in Kingston. The Sisters realized a longheld dream in 2006, when they built a new, contemporary Early Childhood Center on the grounds adjacent to the Elementary School. The Early Childhood Center opened for Kindergarten in August of 2007, and for the Preschool/Pre-Kindergarten Programs serving 3 and 4 year old children, in September of 2008. Effective July 1, 2011, the Sisters of Divine Providence incorporated the Early Childhood Center, Elementary School and High School into one unified school system: Sacred Heart School System, Inc. The Sisters implemented a new governance structure, including the creation of a Board of Directors, and hiring of the School’s first President, to assure the continuation of the School’s Catholic mission, the religious community traditions, and academic excellence into the future. Today, this sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Divine Providence is an independent, co-educational Catholic School system located on Bishops Highway (Route 80) in Kingston. The school system serves children from preschool through grade 12 on a beautiful, expansive campus that includes three school buildings, a music center, and athletic fields and facilities. Sacred Heart School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It is a tribute to the support of Cardinal Cushing, the leadership of the Sisters of Divine Providence, the untiring work of the Sisters, and the collaboration of the lay teachers, administrators and staff, that Sacred Heart School stands as a unique testimony to the Providence of God and the willing and generous response of God’s people.

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL CAMPUS MINISTRY

Sacred Heart seeks to "inspire minds and foster faith." In support of parents as the first and greatest teachers of the faith, a Catholic school exists to help the family and the Church cultivate a rich and expansive sense of the joy of the Gospel in each new generation of Christian disciples. Through worship, prayer, sacraments, retreats, and charitable services, faith is deepened and the school community becomes ever more fully the Body of Christ. Sacred Heart School’s Campus Ministry provides these ongoing avenues of spiritual growth and community outreach. It does so through a cycle of events and programs throughout the year on the various campuses. Included are monthly Masses marking the seasons and feasts of the Church, including holy days of obligation; morning prayers, Reconciliation and prayer services for special occasions and community "rites of passage," and retreat days designed for class bonding and spiritual enrichment. With these aims in mind, all are expected to participate with their class. Service out of love is a fundamental element of living the Gospel so naturally it is incorporated and promoted in all segments of the Sacred Heart community. Campus Ministry helps facilitate expressions of loving service through formal and informal community service programs, consciousness-raising and charitable events like food drives, service at Matthew's Kitchen, mission trips, Peer Ministry, and a full calendar of seasonally appropriate events designed to help students, teachers, and families cooperate in showing that Sacred Heart cares!

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP 2017-2018

Sister Myra Rodgers, CDP, President Ed Spadoni, Chief Financial Officer Tracey Merrill, Chief Development Officer Ann Taylor, Director, Admissions David Ellis, Director, Marketing and Communications Michael Gill, Ed.D, Principal, Sacred Heart High School Division Jean Marston, Vice Principal, Sacred Heart High School Division Shaun Morgan, Interim Principal, Sacred Heart Elementary School Division Sr. Lydia Steele, Assistant Principal, Sacred Heart Elementary School Division Sr. Angela Provost, Principal, Sacred Heart Kindergarten/Early Childhood Center

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2017-2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Executive Committee Kenneth Binder Board Chair Martin Gaynor, Esq. Board Vice Chair Margaret Alfonso* Board Secretary Sister Francesca O’Regan, CDP Board Treasurer Directors Sr. Ella Jane Bruen, CDP* Sr. Juliana Frisoli, CDP, LICSW, BCD Sr. Catherine Ann Koller, CDP Brother Richard Lunny, CFX Sr. Myra Rodgers, CDP, President Jonathan Sanford, Esq.* Frank A. Smith, III, Esq. Sr. Anne Stevenson, SND, Ph.D. Mary Tiernan* Sr. Mary Traupman, CDP Elizabeth Yekhtikian

* indicates Sacred Heart School alumnus

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STUDENT/PARENT and ATHLETIC HANDBOOK AGREEMENT 2017-2018 We acknowledge that we have read the Student/Parent and/or Athletic Handbooks, understand and accept the Mission Statement, and agree to comply with all school rules, regulations, and policies. High School Division

_____________(please check if appropriate)

High School Athletic Handbook _____________(please check if appropriate) Elementary School Division

_____________(please check if appropriate)

Early Childhood Center Division _____________(please check if appropriate)

Furthermore, we have considered the implications of the standards set by Sacred Heart School and agree to support Sacred Heart School in following and enforcing the aforementioned. ___________________________________________ Student Name/Signature

______________ Grade

___________________________________________ Student Name/Signature

______________ Grade

___________________________________________ Student Name/Signature

______________ Grade

___________________________________________ Student Name/Signature

______________ Grade

___________________________________________ Street Address

_______________________ Town

____________________________________ Parent/Guardian name (please print)

_____________________________ Parent/Guardian name (please print)

____________________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

_____________________________ Parent/Guardian Signature

Date________________________________

Date_________________________

The Student/Parent Handbook is available on the Sacred Heart School website under and in hard copy upon request.

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Sacred Heart High School

2017-2018 Student-Parent Handbook

SCHOOL MASCOT - The Fighting Saint MOTTO - Veritas et Caritas ALMA MATER - All Hail, Dear Sacred Heart

Sacred Heart High School 399 Bishops Highway Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-7511 10 | P a g e August 2017


SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION 2017-2018 Student-Parent Handbook Table of Contents

FOREWARD………………………………………………….….

12

DIRECTORY OF PERSONNEL………………………………....

13

STUDENT HONOR CODE……………………………………....

14

STUDENT RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES……………….…

14

ACADEMIC INFORMATION…………………………………...

15

GUIDANCE SERVICES…………………………………………

20

HEALTH SERVICES………………………………………….....

21

DISCIPLINARY ACTION…………………………………….…

23

REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS…………………….………..

25

GENERAL INFORMATION……………………….…….………

36

HARASSMENT and HAZING………………………..….……….

46

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES………………………….…….

47

STUDENT ATHLETIC HANDBOOK…………………….……..

53

SCHOOL SONGS…………………………………………………

63

INDEX…………………………………………………………….

64

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FOREWORD The policies and procedures contained in this student handbook are the results of a concerted effort on the part of the faculty and administration of Sacred Heart High School. The Handbook has been prepared and presented to you and your parents, so that you may clearly understand the guidelines in use at your school. Sacred Heart High School is registered and affiliated with the Archdiocesan Schools of Boston and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). It is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational day school that is college preparatory in purpose. Sacred Heart High School is part of Sacred Heart School System, which also encompasses Sacred Heart Elementary School and Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center. The school is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of members of the Sisters of Divine Providence, Sacred Heart Alumni, and highly supportive and talented individuals who represent different key areas of expertise. In addition, the Congregation of the Sisters of Divine Providence possesses reserve powers in terms of setting the mission and direction of the School. Sacred Heart High School admits students of any race, religion, or sex to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities available to students at the school. It does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid program, or in athletic or other schooladministered programs.

REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK The Sacred Heart School Student Handbook was revised in August 2017. The principals retain the right to amend any section of the handbook. Parents will be given notification if changes are made.

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SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL DIRECTORY OF ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL

High School Administration: Dr. Michael Gill, Principal Mrs. Jean Marston, Vice Principal Guidance: Mrs. Susan Gallitano, Director Sr. Janice Carmen SND, Counselor Athletic Director: Mr. Robert Duquette Health Office: Mrs. Karen Noyes, RN Librarian: Lynne Ann Murphy High School Department Chairs: English-Mrs. Margaret Pasquale Health and Physical Education - Mr. Robert Duquette Math - Mr. John Olson Religious Studies – Mr. Ray Concannon Science–Mrs. Clair Lombardo Social Studies – TBD World Languages – Mrs. Justine Murphy High School Support Staff: Ms. Mary Carroll, Administrative Assistant to the Principal Mrs. Jennifer Deegan, Administrative Assistant, Guidance

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SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT HONOR CODE “As a member of this Sacred Heart community, I will demonstrate integrity and moral character. I promise to remain truthful and never take anyone’s work as my own. We seek an environment in which we can come to learn and will promise to uphold the rules and regulations for the classes ahead. I will practice respect, acceptance, and love to all humanity. I understand that by upholding these principles, I represent Veritas et Caritas and live a life according to God in and out of the Sacred Heart community.” STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Sacred Heart High School is much more than a building constructed to involve students in a lifelong process of education, just as education is much more than academic subject material neatly divided into several different departments. Education is meeting and working with people in an enjoyable and productive manner. Sacred Heart is a group of people striving for a common goal—excellence in education and responsible citizenship. Whenever people are involved in a dynamic situation, there are bound to be differences of opinion. Differences of opinion, when not resolved in a cooperative manner through discussion and compromise, can easily result in conflict. If a school is to succeed in educating, it provides for the resolution of disagreement in a mature fashion and manifests to the community that irresponsibility and violence have no place in our free society. Self-development, self-expression, and self-discipline are major themes expressed in Sacred Heart's philosophy of discipline. The primary right of all students is the right to further their education in a peaceful, secure atmosphere. This is the purpose of discipline within the community. The attainment of this goal requires the full cooperation of the administration, the faculty, the student body, and the parents. Student Responsibilities -The Balance to Rights Equity and balance should always be present in the school and this can only be accomplished when the rights of students are equitable and balanced by the responsibilities that flow from the exercise of these rights. The rights of any individual are preserved only by the protection and preservation of the rights of others. The rights of an individual end where the rights of another begin. A. Respect for one's self 1.

2.

3.

4.

The exercise of rights presupposes the exercise of responsibility. The individual must exercise responsibility regarding his or her actions as they affect the student body and the total school community. Experience develops responsibility. a. School leadership endeavors to provide each student with the opportunity to experience responsibility. b. Responsibility is related to maturity. The school takes care not to expose students to experiences requiring the exercise of responsibility beyond their level of maturity. Each student has the right to an education, and from that right, flows the responsibility not to interfere with or threaten the education of other students. Each student must be aware that actions generate consequences, and that each person's actions must be in accord with school rules. Each student should be responsible for having the best record of which he or she is capable.

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B. Respect for others and their rights 1. The rights of all are adversely affected by irresponsible actions of a few. 2. Responsibility includes personal concern for the effect of both spoken and written statements on the personal reputation of others. 3. Distinction must be made between liberty and license. Infringement upon the right of another is wrong. 4. The rights of individuals to pursue a particular course of action must be weighed against the result of the action as it affects the rights of the group. 5. Students elected or appointed to positions of student leadership have the responsibility to devote the time required to fulfill the functions of that leadership. 6. Concern for the rights of others includes all those who make up the school community — students, faculty, administration, and parents — plus the supporting community at large. 7. Students attending school-sponsored events beyond school hours have the responsibility not to pursue actions that tend to disrupt or demoralize the event. Unacceptable actions by students after school hours can bring consequences to the students involved. C. Student publications and other school media Students assuming responsibility for publications of school newspapers must realize that editorial responsibility entails: 1. responsibility to pursue all available means to ascertain the truth of statements before they are published; 2. responsibility to refrain from taking advantage of leadership to further personal opinions and prejudices; 3. responsibility to distinguish between editorializing and reporting of facts D. Respect for authority and the legal responsibility of those in authority 1. The right to be heard carries with it the responsibility of accepting decisions that may be adverse. The right to be heard does not imply that there is a right to prevail. E. Respect for property. School property exists so students can receive the best possible education. Responsible students will recognize and respect the sacrifice entailed in production and preservation of facilities for the benefit of current and future students. It is the desire of this school to develop self-growth, to encourage each student toward responsible action — not to eliminate from our membership those who most need the understanding and guidance that will bring this about.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS To qualify for a Sacred Heart High School diploma a student must complete the equivalent of 23 onecredit courses while enrolled in grades 9-12, including the following: RELIGIOUS STUDIES ENGLISH MATH

4 4 3

SOCIAL STUDIES ELECTIVES WORLD LANGUAGE

3 1 2

SCIENCE HUMANITIES FINE ARTS

3 1 1

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Students and parents should plan the selection of courses with care to ensure that these choices conform to the student's post high school plans. For admission to highly selective colleges, Sacred Heart students are encouraged to take 4 years of mathematics, 4 years of a world language, 4 years of science along with 4 years of English and 4 years of religion. Sequential courses in major areas are available in all college preparatory subjects. Courses are offered on a yearly basis and may carry 1 or 1/2 credit. All students must register for a minimum of 6 credits. Students may, and are encouraged to, register for 6.5 credits. Updates to the core curriculum may result in additional credit and will be determined by year of graduation. Permission to carry 7 credits is subject to both the availability of spaces and the discretion of the administration. Sacred Heart offers a wide range of electives and courses that extend the traditional college-prep curriculum. Each year departments investigate the possibilities of new offerings and work to develop innovative programs. The school administration encourages the extension of subject areas through forums which may not be traditionally scheduled or receive academic credit, but which nevertheless enhance the potential of the student's educational achievement in a specific area. Sacred Heart recognizes and emphasizes in its curriculum offerings the importance of reading as a key educational tool. More than any other skill, reading proficiency will make possible or limit academic success and determine the eventual educational goals of the student. To that end, the administration stresses the need for students to engage in reading not only for course work but also as a leisure activity. Research has consistently identified time-spent reading as the most reliable factor in improving reading skills. The faculty and administration consider the primary occupation of those who attend Sacred Heart to be that of student. While economic circumstances may dictate the need for a student to hold a part-time job, such employment should not take precedence over the educational goals of the student. The program at Sacred Heart requires home study on a nightly basis and encourages the pursuit of interests beyond the classroom. Working 15 or more hours per week may seriously hinder a student's ability to meet those demands and may subsequently compromise the student's educational development. Sacred Heart recommends that students and parents carefully weigh the competing needs of study, physical activity, leisure activity, and rest with financial gain before committing to a part-time job during the academic year. Students in grades seven and eight follow a strong and well-rounded liberal arts program. Honors level coursework is offered in English Language Arts, and Math. Placements are made after careful review of current and past coursework, overall academic record, teacher recommendations, and entrance and national standardized test results. GRADING AND HONORS A student who fails one subject for the year may be required to attend summer school or engage in tutorial study as prescribed by Department policy. A student who fails two major subjects must make them up in summer school. A student who fails three major subjects will be required to withdraw from Sacred Heart High School. Courses at Sacred Heart are paced for college preparatory students of mixed abilities. Most academic disciplines have at least one Honors section on each level. The Honors courses have enriched content with longer or more difficult assignments. Independent research and analysis are integral to Honors courses. Honors courses carry a .5 grade increment for the purposes of averaging and are designated on the report card as “HON.� Several departments also offer Advanced Placement courses (AP). These courses are college level classes that require college level work. All students who take an AP course will 16 | P a g e August 2017


take the AP exam in that subject area offered in the spring. There will not be a final exam administered to students enrolled in an AP course. Advance Placement courses also carry a .7 grade increment for the purposes of averaging and are designated on the report card as “AP.�

GRADING SYSTEM Letter grades are used to record academic progress at Sacred Heart for each of the marking terms and the end of year exams. A final average is recorded using the 4.0 scale. Grade A AB+ B BC+ C CD+ D DF INC WP WF X

%Equivalent 94-100 90-93 87-89 83-86 80-82 77-79 73-76 70-72 67-69 63-66 60-62 0-59 Incomplete Withdrawn Passing Withdrawn Failing Exemption

Quality Point 4.0 3.7 3.3 3.0 2.7 2.3 2.0 1.7 1.3 1.0 .7 0 .0 (See Make-Up Work) (See Make-Up Work) .0

ACADEMIC HONORS Each marking term, the school honors those who have achieved notable grades in academic studies. Lists are sent to local newspapers. High Honors: Honors:

A- average (3.7); no grade less than B- (C+ for grade 7 & 8) B+ average (3.3); no grade less than B- (C for grades 7 & 8)

Two or more unsatisfactory grades in conduct by two different teachers in the same marking period make a student ineligible for honor roll. All marking period grades are included in the average for Academic Honors status. Final exams are not used in computing Academic Honors. VALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN CRITERIA To be considered for designation as Sacred Heart Valedictorian and/or Salutatorian, a student must be enrolled at Sacred Heart High School for both the junior and senior years. The designation will be determined at the end of the third marking term in the senior year, and will be based upon the computation of the cumulative, weighted G.P.A. at that time. TRANSFER STUDENTS AND GRADE POINT AVERAGE Transfer students may receive credit toward a Sacred Heart High School diploma for courses successfully completed at other accredited high schools. However, the grades earned for those courses will not be included in the calculations used to determine the cumulative GPA.

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STUDENT SCHEDULES Course selection becomes final when a completed Registration Form and deposit for the next academic year have been returned to the Director of Admissions. New entering students will return the course selection form by mail to the Director of Admissions. Students register for courses in the spring semester through the Guidance Department. Students should consult course descriptions, department heads, individual faculty members, guidance personnel, and parents in making their choices. The administration reserves the right to alter a student's program of studies whenever scheduling or an insufficient number in a class make this necessary (a registration of ten students is the usual minimum). In cases where courses are oversubscribed, priority will be given to students by year of graduation. Students taking a course as a requirement have priority over students taking the course as an elective. In cases where students in the same grade are involved, preference depends on date of registration. Those students who cannot be enrolled in a course of their first choice will be offered an alternate course to ensure a complete program. If in June a student has not met the prerequisites for the course approved earlier in the spring, the student will be reassigned to an appropriate level in the subject area for the following year. If a student qualifies for a course offered beyond the grade level, placement will be made on an individual basis. COURSE FAILURE & REPEATING A COURSE A student will fail a course when the final grade, grade point average (GPA) is .59 or below. The GPA is based on the 4.0 scale found in the Student-Parent Handbook. Should a student fail a course or need a better grade to meet a pre-requisite for the next level, remediation should occur through summer school or tutoring approved by the Department Head and coordinated by the Guidance Counselor. A student who fails a course may repeat that course at Sacred Heart only under extenuating circumstances and both grades will appear on the official transcript. COURSE CHANGES Since the entire schedule is designed each spring in accord with requests made by the student, with the advice of counselors, and with the approval of parents, no request for a change will be honored unless extraordinary circumstances exist. HONORS AND ADVANCED PLACEMENT STUDENTS Advanced Placement and Honors courses at Sacred Heart are extremely challenging and require the utmost in diligence and discipline from those students selected to participate in Honors and Advanced Placement classes. Students are placed in levels after careful evaluation of prior academic performance (grades), academic testing (may or may not be a specific level test), teacher recommendations, appropriateness of material, and, finally, careful communication among the staff and the administration. Consideration is given to academic challenge, students’ work habits and the reinforcement of adolescent development of self-image. Periodic review of a student’s placement levels is made at appropriate times and changes are initiated, if necessary. The final decision of placement, which is always made in the best interest of the student, rests with the administration. STUDY PERIODS Study periods are designed for serious, silent, and solitary work. Students are expected to attend studies whenever they do not have a scheduled class. Newspapers may be read during studies as part of class assignments. Study hall passes are used for the library, labs, tutorials and guidance office. REDIKER 18 | P a g e August 2017


SHHS participates in a communication program called Rediker that enable students and parents to monitor academic progress throughout the school year via the Internet. This communication tool also allows teachers the ability to post assignments, important documents, grades, class calendars and to email parents and students. Rediker allows the school to inform parents and students of important events via e-mail as well as listing them on the home page. Rediker is password protected to ensure privacy. Parents with more than one child at SHHS can set up their account to enable access to all their children’s classes on one page. Parents are cautioned on overuse or dependency on Rediker. It is not intended to be used as a daily monitoring system. The mission, philosophy, and objectives of SHHS highlight the need for students to become responsible individuals capable of managing their daily assignments independent of their parents. Teachers maintain their own individual sites that are linked to Rediker so it becomes an effective communications tool for the parents and students. To ensure a common thread throughout Sacred Heart High School community, teachers follow these guidelines when using Rediker. A. At the opening of school the following will be listed on each teacher’s home page: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Course Descriptions/Syllabus for each class Classroom Expectations for each class Grading Policy Homework Policy Contact policy/e-mail address Long term assignments/projects for Term I

B. On a bi-weekly basis, grades will be posted to Rediker. Teachers will follow these guidelines: 1. Grades posted will include any incomplete or missing work. 2. Grades will be accurate. If changes are made, an explanation must be sent home to the student and parent explaining the need for the change.(make-up, extra-credit) 3. Teachers may post grades earlier or on a daily basis if they so choose; however, ALL teachers will post grades by the designated dates. C. Reports for parents/parent-teacher conferences: 1. Progress reports - will be posted to Rediker 2. Parent-teacher conferences are scheduled upon request. Please contact a teacher to set up an appointment. Student work 1. Homework is given to reinforce the daily classroom learning and to extend this learning beyond the classroom situation. Students should plan for considerable home study as well as 2. proper use of studies during the day in order to complete successfully both short and long-range assignments. 3. For Students in Grades 7 & 8 homework is given to reinforce the daily classroom learning and to extend this learning beyond the classroom situation. Students should plan for about 25 minutes per subject area of home study daily in order to complete successfully both short and long-range assignments. Homework time will vary somewhat with student's program and ability. 4. Make-up work - Students must make arrangements with each teacher to make up work immediately upon return to school from any absence. Students are given two days for each day absent, up to three days absent, to make up any work. Any work not made up in that time will be 19 | P a g e August 2017


graded a zero. For absences longer than three days, Guidance will coordinate homework and makeup work. Teachers cannot be expected to provide tutoring for students who are absent because of personal vacations. a. Once the marking period closes, no late work will be accepted. All missing work will be graded an F or zero for the computation of marking period grades. No change of grade will be permitted for handing in missing or late work. b. If, because of serious illness or other extenuating circumstances, a student has not completed sufficient class work to receive a report card grade, the faculty member may, with the approval of school administration, assign an "incomplete." This designation must be changed to a letter grade within three weeks of the report or it automatically becomes an "F," unless prolonged illness dictates that other arrangements be made. 5. Tutorial help - Teachers will schedule after-school sessions until 3:00 p.m. Monday – Thursday to offer students the additional help they may require. These sessions take precedence over all extracurricular activities. Each department provides extra help sessions on days when tutorial periods are scheduled. 6. Final Exams - are administered in June in a 90-minute format. Each exam weighs 10% of the student's final average in the course (each semester weighs 45%) Final exams are scheduled for courses that meet daily in a semester. Seniors who have achieved an overall GPA of 3.7 for the year may be exempt from the course’s final exam. See Grading and Honors for Advanced Placement. STUDENT ENROLLMENT Sacred Heart High School believes that a positive and constructive working relationship between the school and the student's parent/guardian is essential to the accomplishment of the school's educational mission. The school accordingly reserves the right to not renew a student’s enrollment contract if the school reasonably concludes that the actions of a parent or guardian make such a positive and constructive relationship impossible or otherwise interfere with the school's accomplishments of its educational purpose. Like you, we regret the necessity of taking such action, and believe it should only be done in those cases where a family's behavior toward teachers and administrators constitutes a major problem. GUIDANCE SERVICES The aim of Guidance Services to help the students in their personal and academic growth and development. The close interrelationship between the students and the faculty at Sacred Heart is exemplified in Guidance Services. The school provides comprehensive, developmental assistance through the direction of Guidance Services, which conducts group sessions, classes, workshops, and presentations. Guidance Services also provides opportunities for students to schedule individual appointments with guidance counselors. Advisory services are additionally available through faculty, coaches, and administrators. Parents may request appointments with the counselors by contacting the school. College counseling is an effort to match the interests and talents of the student with a college so that both benefit. Choosing a suitable college is a difficult task. The Junior Jumpstart Program and the Senior Strategy Series provide valuable information concerning college admissions. Juniors attend regularly scheduled classes called Jumpstart in which they are introduced to the concepts of career development and decision-making. These classes focus on the students’ ability to assess themselves in light of their abilities and talents both academically and personally. They also explore the many career options, college majors, and opportunities beyond high school. Special evening programs and workshops are scheduled for parents regarding the College Financial Aid programs and the college selection and admissions process. 20 | P a g e August 2017


Students are regularly informed of National and Regional College Fairs, College Information Sessions, and College Open Houses. College visits are encouraged and should be planned during the summer, on the teacher Professional Development Days, holidays, and school vacations. ADMISSIONS PLACEMENT TESTING PROGRAM The standardized testing program includes: Grades 7 and 8 Placement Testing is administered for the purpose of providing objective data to assist in placing students in the most appropriate levels for English and Math. The following tests are administered: a. Quick Inventory of Competency in Communicative Arts. b. Quick Inventory of Competency in Mathematics c. Gates-MacGinitie Reading Test Grade 9 The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is administered to all students applying for 9th grade. Sacred Heart High School participates in the HSPT program through the Boston Archdiocese Catholic Schools Office.

ACADEMIC TESTING PROGRAM Grade 7 Iowa Test of Basic Skills and Cognitive Abilities Test Grade 8 Iowa Test of Basic Skills Grade 9 PSAT Grade 10 PSAT Grade 11 PSAT/NMSQT; Advanced Placement Exams; Harrington-O’Shea Career Decision Making Grade 12 Advanced Placement Exams ACADEMIC PROGRESS The guidance counselors monitor academic progress, distribute report cards, and are available to meet with students and parents throughout the school year. Parents are asked to contact individual teachers with concerns prior to contacting the guidance counselor. TRANSCRIPTS A transcript is a copy of the record of the student’s courses, grades, credits earned, and final graduation status. Transcripts are obtained from the guidance office and can only be released upon receipt of a signed request from the student or parent. Official transcripts are either submitted electronically or embossed with the school seal and mailed directly by the guidance office to a school or college to insure credibility and confidentiality. Seniors are required to have official transcripts sent with their college applications. HEALTH SERVICES General concern for the good health of the student is evident in the many programs and services generated at the school. Classes in health inform the student in diet, health, nutrition, AIDS, human sexuality, and other related topics; special assemblies deal with current facts on alcoholism and its effects on the body. A full-time Certified School Nurse is available to assist in the health needs of the student. Students may not leave the school for illness without first reporting to the nurse. They are not to call home for health dismissal; the Nurse will make the arrangements as necessary. The Nurse must be kept 21 | P a g e August 2017


informed of medications taken at home for specific conditions (e.g., Attention Deficit Disorder, Asthma, Diabetes, Depression) and injuries (e.g., sprains or fractures) requiring temporary exclusion from Physical Education. In order for students to be excused from physical education classes for more than a few days, a doctor’s note should be submitted to the school Nurse. In order for the excused student to return to physical education classes, the school requires written permission from the physician to be submitted to the school Nurse. Physical examinations are required of all students entering the school and all students in grade 11. The State Health Form must be returned to the Health Office no later than October 1. Sports Physicals (MIAA) are required annually for all students participating in interscholastic sports. No student will be allowed to participate in an athletic tryout, practice, or competition if the exam form has not been returned to the Health Office by August 15th. A. Immunizations All students entering the school must provide complete up-to-date copies of their immunization records. Massachusetts Law requires that students be excluded from attendance at school until it is known that they have received the required immunizations. Records must be kept current. In addition to the new 1999 law, varicella, hepatitis B (three doses) and Td immunizations are required. Students entering into seventh grade also need two doses of MMR. B. Medication Guidelines The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, promulgated March 26, 1993, regulations governing the administration of prescription medications in public and private schools. In compliance with these, the following guidelines have been adopted: It is generally accepted that the School Nurse will assume responsibility for dispensing necessary medication ordered by a physician. The School Nurse may administer OTC’s provided that she/he has an assessment of the following information: the student’s current medication profile; the student’s history of allergies; parental consent; and appropriate documentation of the medication. It is general practice to discourage the taking of medication in school. For example, medication administered three times a day should be given at home (early a.m., 3:30–4:00 p.m., and at bedtime) unless specifically requested otherwise by the M.D. Medication, including the psychotropic drugs (Ritalin, Dexedrine, Haldol, and Lithium) can be administered only under the following conditions: With a written order from a physician which must detail the name of the drug, dosage, and time interval that medication is to be taken, and diagnosis and reason for the medication to be given in school. Any change in dosage or time must be made in writing by the M.D. to the school. Please request the M.D. to use the medication order form whenever possible. Also, this medication requires that the school receive a written parent/guardian consent for medication administration. Additional forms available from the Health Office. Medication must be in a container labeled by the pharmacy or physician. A baggie or other type container is not acceptable. It is advisable to request the pharmacist to provide a separate, properly labeled container for school when a prescription is filled.

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School personnel must refer all requests for administration of medication to the school Nurse. In the Nurse's absence, a dispensing procedure will be established by the RN with the Vice Principal for each student in question. A daily record must be kept of all medication administered and the name of the person dispensing the medication. The school's position is to allow the student to be responsible for the following medications: •

Inhalers—They are frequently needed during an acute episode or prior to exercise (gym) when it is not convenient to go to the Health Office. The student’s physician needs to provide a written order approving self-administration. The medication order form and parent consent form need to be completed with attention to #4. Inhalers should also be labeled with the student's name as they are often found after lunch and in classrooms. Tylenol—If a student requires this medication for minor headaches and other ordinary discomforts, it should always be carried in a properly labeled container. If a parent wishes to have it regulated from the Health Office, a physician's written order is necessary. Please use the yellow medication and blue parent form.

Students should not share medication of any kind including Tylenol. DISCIPLINARY ACTION A student whose academic performance or conduct is unsatisfactory may be placed on probation, or may be required to withdraw. Probation for either scholastic or disciplinary cause provides a step short of separation from Sacred Heart. It gives the student a period of time in which to prove that she or he can meet the standards of the school and consequently remain at Sacred Heart. The school reserves the right to refuse a student's return. At the discretion of the Vice Principal all forms of detention and suspension may include silent reflection, manual labor, or completion of academic assignments. A. Academic Probation The Academic Review Board, after reviewing a student’s record, can place a student on probation. Students and parents will be informed in writing of the academic probation, the length of time of the probation and the steps needed to take place in order to end the probation period. Students will be encouraged to work closely with their teachers, guidance counselors and school administration to improve their academic standing. If students do not end academic probation by the end of the school year, separation from Sacred Heart High School may be considered. B. Disciplinary Probation Students who are placed on probation due to disciplinary reasons, along with their parents, will be informed in writing by the administration for the reason(s) and length of probation. This probation period can run for one marking period or the entire school year. In extreme cases, a student can remain on probation for the remainder of his/her time at Sacred Heart High School. Students who are placed on probation must receive permission from the Vice Principal to participate in any/all extracurricular activities. C. Detentions Students may be given detention by teachers and/or administrative personnel for continued or flagrant violations of school policies. The detention period runs from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Students who arrive after 2:45 p.m. will be required to remain after 3:45 p.m. to make up the time missed. Any student who arrives after 3:00 p.m. will be required to make up the detention on another day and may receive an additional detention for being late. Students who are assigned a detention will be given a minimum of 24 hour notice and a maximum of 48 hour notice to inform their parents and arrange for transportation home. It is the student's responsibility to serve detention before participation in any 23 | P a g e August 2017


after-school activities. Any student who fails to serve a detention as assigned will be subject to escalating consequences. Further failure to serve detentions will result in a suspension and parent conference with the Vice Principal. No student is excused from detention without permission of the Vice Principal. D. Office Detention Office detention is a disciplinary action taken when three detentions or other flagrant violation(s) have occurred. Parents will be notified when an office detention has been given. The office detention may occur between the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm, the exact length of time to be determined by the Vice Principal. Three office detentions may result in suspension. E. Suspension Suspension is a disciplinary action taken when a serious infraction of school rules and regulations occurs. The student involved receives an oral or written report of the charge and is given an opportunity to respond before being penalized. Parents are notified when a suspension has been assigned. Suspensions may be served either in school or out of school, as determined by the Vice Principal in conjunction with the Principal. Students who are suspended in-school or out-of-school will be required to make up all missed work. Work that is not made up as determined by the teacher will receive a grade of “0.” During suspension, students will not be allowed to participate in, or attend any school activity, sporting event, or function.” Suspended students are not allowed on campus unless the suspension is an “in-school suspension.” Suspensions may be assigned for: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

Repeated office detentions Repeated disruption of class Truancy or cutting a class Leaving school grounds Plagiarism or cheating Falsification of documents or other misrepresentations Gambling Fighting Verbal abuse of another student, faculty or staff member Vandalizing school property Theft of personal or school property Threatening to harm other students, faculty or staff members Other significant acts that violate the trust and respect that exists between students, parents, and faculty 14. Any form(s) of bullying, hazing or harassment of other students. This harassment can be written, verbal, physical, non-verbal, or photographic 15. Possession or consumption of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, controlled substances, or drug paraphernalia, after or during school hours or at any school sponsored function 16. Placing a student or staff member in a dangerous situation F. Dismissal (Expulsion) Dismissal of a student at Sacred Heart High School is considered to be the last resort and is only done in the most extreme circumstances. If an offense occurs that may require a dismissal from school, these steps will be followed: 24 | P a g e August 2017


1.

2.

A preliminary meeting will be held between the Vice Principal, the parents and student to discuss the violations and reasons for the possible dismissal from school. All facts will be disclosed and discussed by all parties involved at this meeting. Based on the outcome of the meeting, the Vice Principal will present the facts gathered during the preliminary meeting to the Principal and the student and his/her parents will be invited to attend a second meeting. Input from both sides will be heard and a final decision will be made either at that meeting or within a 48-hour period.

A student may be dismissed for committing any of the following offenses: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

The possession of a weapon on school grounds The possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs or the misuse of any drugs Possessing, drinking, or being under the influence of alcohol Hazing/Bullying/Harassment of other students Physical violence toward any member of the faculty or staff Repeated suspension offenses Repeated unsatisfactory conduct, or a generally unsatisfactory record, or conduct injurious/dangerous to the student, the school, and/or to others

Sacred Heart High School as a private school reserves the right to inspect student automobiles, desks, backpacks, and other belongings brought into or onto the school grounds.

REGULATIONS FOR STUDENTS ATTENDANCE, TARDINESS, AND EARLY DISMISSAL POLICIES Regular attendance and promptness are essential to a student's academic career, social development, and sense of responsibility. Each student is expected to attend all scheduled classes. ATTENDANCE (see also Early Dismissal) When students are marked absent by their first period teachers, the school will send out an automated phone call to the parents’ or guardians’ primary phone number notifying them off the student’s absence. Parents and guardians are encouraged to call the school immediately if they have a question about their student’s presence in school. All absences from school will be recorded as unexcused/undocumented unless the student can verify for the school administration that the absence qualified as “excused/documented” (see below). Any student who accumulates more than six unexcused/undocumented absences for a quarter will not receive credit for the course during the quarter. Only those reasons listed below are considered excused/documented absences. Excused/Documented Absences are as follows: 1. After a doctor’s appointment and documented by a verifiable appointment card 2. In observance of a religious holiday 3. Bereavement

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Unexcused/Undocumented absences are those absences that will count towards loss of course credit, examples include: personal illness, illness in the immediate family, suspensions, college visitations, family trips, extended vacations, etc. Excused/documented absences are those absences that will not count toward loss of course credit, examples include: personal illness verified by a physician’s note, death in the immediate family, verified court summons, recognized religious holidays, etc. The student has the responsibility to reinstate himself/herself in the class progression. Make-up work for an absence is the responsibility of the student. Make-up tests are at the convenience of the teacher. (See section on Make-Up Work). Extraordinary emergencies are discussed with the Principal. Students with extended excused/documented absences due to health issues must be present in school for two marking periods of the school year in order to be promoted to the next grade level. Following consultation with the student, parents, medical professional, teachers, and administration should said student be unable to be present in the classroom for longer than one marking period of the school year the student may be asked to withdraw from Sacred Heart High School. TARDINESS TO SCHOOL Excessive tardiness jeopardizes a student's academic progress, future employment, and college admission. Students are to be seated in their classrooms at the start of the school day in order to be considered present. Being in the building does not equate with being in class. Students are required to be in class by 7:53 a.m. If a student arrives to class after 7:53 a.m. he/she is tardy to school and must obtain a tardy slip from the main office. Students failing to report to the main office will be assigned consequences for “unauthorized entrance into school.” A student arriving tardy to school will be held responsible by the teacher to make up missed work, possibly after school. Students arriving late and missing class must make arrangements by the end of the school day to make up missed work. Failure to do so may result in a “0” being given for the assignment. Students who are tardy must have a written explanation from their parents or guardian. The note should state the specific reason for the tardiness and include a phone number that can be called for verification. Students who do not produce a note will serve a detention on the first day detention is held following their tardiness. If a note is not submitted, the student may also be charged with a class cut if more than half of a class period was missed without appropriate excuse. Tardiness to school may be designated as “excused/documented” under the following circumstances: 1. After a doctor’s appointment and documented by a verifiable appointment card 2. In observance of a religious holiday 3. Bereavement Parents please note: a parent note does not constitute an “excused/documented tardy” as written above. Only the Sacred Heart administration can deem an absence or incident of tardiness as “excused/documented.” Consequences Unless designated as “excused/documented” all incidents of tardiness after the first four will be met with progressive consequences as stated below: Tardiness 5-10: After-school detention (30 minutes) on the same or following school day or early morning detention the following morning (7:15 – 7:45 a.m.) student choice. 26 | P a g e August 2017


Tardiness 11 or more: After-school detention (60 minutes) on the same or following school day or two early morning detentions the following two mornings (7:15 – 7:45 a.m.) student choice. The 13th tardy will require a parent conference with the Vice Principal. Each student receives three discretionary tardy passes to use during the school year to avoid a consequence (detention/Saturday school) for tardiness. These passes are meant to be used when a student’s tardiness to school was not entirely the student’s fault. ATTENDANCE AND CO-CURRICULAR PARTICIPATION Students participating in athletics or other co-curricular activities must be present in school no later than thirty minutes after the official start of the school day and must remain in school for the remainder of the day in order to participate in those activities (competition, practice, rehearsal, recital, dances, etc.). In cases where a student has a doctor’s appointment or needs to attend a funeral for a family member or close family friend, the Principal has the right to waive this rule. The Principal’s approval should be requested in advance. EARLY DISMISSAL If it is unavoidable that a student be dismissed early, a written request from the parents stating the time and the reason for the dismissal must be submitted to the attendance office prior to the start of the school day on the day of dismissal. Early dismissals on days when assemblies or other school activities are held may not be honored. The student who is to be dismissed must report to the Attendance Office and sign the early dismissal register before leaving the building. EXAM DAY ATTENDANCE Exam schedules will be published at least one week prior to examination periods. Students are expected to abide by published attendance regulations. CLASS ATTENDANCE Cutting classes will result in an office detention. A second cut is cause for suspension from school. AUTOMOBILE REGULATIONS 1. Students must register their cars during the first week of school. A parking sticker will be issued and must be displayed in the rear window of the car. Stickers will be issued to Seniors and Juniors who currently have a license. Due to the limited number of parking spaces, stickers will be given out on a first come, first served basis to licensed sophomores and is not guaranteed. 2. Students must park in the areas designated for students. Cars parked illegally (outside a defined space or without stickers) may be subject to towing and the driver subject to disciplinary action and loss of driving privileges. There are NO reserved student parking spots or lots. 3. During afternoon dismissal, student drivers may not leave before the buses do; students must wait until after buses clear the parking lot before they can leave. 4. Students may not return to their cars during the school day without permission from the administration. Students who visit their cars during the school day without permission may be required to turn their keys in to the Vice Principal and disciplinary action will be taken. 5. All operators and passengers of motor vehicles are required to properly fasten safety belts when driving on school property. Failure to do so may result in loss of parking privileges. 6. All motor vehicle accidents must be reported immediately to administration. The student driver and family are responsible for notification of police when necessary and communication with the insurance company of all involved parties. 7. Any careless driving or excessive speed reported by a teacher or responsible adult will result in the student's loss of parking privileges for a period of time to be determined by the administration and possibly other disciplinary action. 27 | P a g e August 2017


8. Students may, at times, have need to drive another car to school that is not registered with the school. If that need arises, students must register that car and receive a temporary pass to place in the car. This pass is valid for one day. 9. If student drivers are released from school early due to inclement weather, it is the expectation of the school’s administration that they will go directly home. 10. All Massachusetts driving laws apply on school grounds with particular attention paid to junior operator laws.

CAR POOL STUDENTS Students in car pools must be dropped off and picked up in the back parking lot - Not at the Front Door. The front of the building must remain clear for emergency responders. PLAGIARISM POLICY Sacred Heart High School values academic integrity. It is as integral to the education process as the acquisition of skills and the accumulation of knowledge. The faculty assumes that any work submitted by a student represents his or her own work. Because plagiarism is a serious form of cheating, it will not be tolerated at Sacred Heart. It is the teachers’ responsibility to present and reinforce what students should do to avoid plagiarism. Sacred Heart High School will follow the guidelines set by the Modern Language Association as presented in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, which states that you have plagiarized if: 1. you took notes that did not distinguish summary and paraphrase from quotation and then you presented wording from the notes as if it were all your own. 2. while browsing the Web, you copied text and pasted it into your paper without quotation marks or without citing the source. 3. you presented facts without saying where you found them. 4. you repeated or paraphrased someone’s wording without acknowledgment. 5. you paraphrased someone’s argument or presented someone’s line of thought without acknowledgment. 6. you bought or otherwise acquired a research paper and handed in part or all of it as your own. If it is determined that a student plagiarized, the student will receive no credit with no option to make-up the work. In each instance the teacher will contact the parent/guardian and explain the situation and submit a discipline referral form to the Main Office. • First offense - student will receive a “0” for the assignment and parent notification • Second offense – student will receive a “0” for the assignment, parent notification, and two day suspension from school. • Third and subsequent offenses – student will receive a “0” for the assignment, parent notification, five day suspension from school, and enrollment will be placed under review. This offense may result in expulsion. A student may make an appeal according to school policy. CHEATING POLICY It is an expectation that all Sacred Heart students will develop a strong sense of honor and integrity, behave ethically, and act responsibly.

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Implicit in the above statement is the fact that trust is an important component in the educational process. Cheating violates this trust. Consequently, the work that a student hands in must be his/her own. For instance, students are expected to complete assignments individually unless otherwise directed by the teacher. Furthermore, the unauthorized provision of information to another individual, whether in a testing situation, homework assignment, etc., also constitutes a violation. In this case, the person who provides the information will be considered just as guilty as the person who uses it. The dishonest use of technology resources also falls under this policy. For example, downloading material from the Internet and submitting it as the student’s own work, using translation websites, downloading essays or parts of essays, book summaries, plagiarized material inserted in a research project: all of these constitute serious breaches of the academic code of ethics. In each instance the teacher will contact the parent/guardian and explain the situation and submit a discipline referral form to the Main Office. • First offense - student will receive a “0” for the assignment and parent notification • Second offense – student will receive a “0” for the assignment, parent notification, and two day suspension from school. • Third and subsequent offenses – student will receive a “0” for the assignment, parent notification, five day suspension from school, and enrollment will be placed under review. This offense may result in expulsion. CLIFF/SPARK NOTES The English Department and Sacred Heart High School discourages the use of Cliff Notes, Monarch Notes and Spark Notes or any resource designed to assist a student to avoid reading an assigned text or document. Such references can too easily lead to students not reading the texts themselves. All sources listed above if brought to school are to be confiscated by all teachers who will notify the Vice Principal. A student using any of these sources will receive a zero for class work relating to that assignment and be subject to further disciplinary action by the Vice Principal. ELECTRONIC TRANSLATIONS The growing availability of translation services online poses a threat to the academic integrity of all classes, especially World Language. Therefore, the use of such translation services for completing assignments is prohibited and shall be considered cheating. DRESS CODE Sacred Heart High School's policy is designed to reflect the needs of students, parents, faculty, and administration to promote the academic atmosphere of the school and to assist all students in developing self-confidence, self-respect, and self-discipline. In accord with the school's philosophy and purpose, it is intended to promote "honesty, accountability for one's actions, responsibility to task, and responsibility to others." In general, students are expected to be neat, clean, and presentable. Hats, bandanas, or other headgear are not to be worn in the school building. Students are expected to arrive dressed appropriately and remain so throughout the day. Boys and Girls Non-dress code jackets, sweatshirts, jerseys, or other similar clothing may not be worn at any time. Extreme hairstyles and unusual hair colors as well as body piercing (other than ears) will not be permitted. Boys must be clean-shaven, and girls must refrain from wearing excessive/extreme makeup.

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Tattoos are not to be seen. “appropriate” dress.

The administration reserves the right to determine what constitutes

No hats, head covers, or caps of any kind should be worn inside the building at any time. This includes before and after school. The only exceptions are for students who have athletic practices that take place indoors. The following dress code items for boys and girls should be purchased as specified from Donnelly’s Uniform Company. No substitutes will be accepted. GIRLS Grades 7-8 Shirts: Long sleeve, or short sleeve, ¾ sleeve, light blue, oxford shirts will be worn during the colder months (Oct 1 – after spring vacation). Short sleeve, royal blue, polo shirts are optional before Oct. 1 and after spring vacation. All shirts must be inscribed with the school logo. Sweaters:

Navy, V-neck, cardigan can be worn over the oxford shirt. inscribed with the school logo.

All sweaters must be

Skirt:

Plaid. All skirts must reach a level no more than three inches above the knee.

Pants:

Gray.

Shoes:

Leather shoes and low cut athletic footwear are permitted. Shoes without backs, clogs, sandals, flip flops, high heels, slippers, or exposed fur-lined footwear are not permitted. Boots, work boots, and outdoor hiking boots are not permitted.

Socks

Navy or white knee socks must be worn at all times. Stockings or tights must also be navy or white.

GIRLS Grades 9-12 Shirts: Long sleeve, or short sleeve, ¾ sleeve, white, oxford shirts will be worn during the colder months (Oct 1 – after spring vacation). Short sleeve, royal blue, polo shirts are optional before Oct. 1 and after spring vacation. All shirts must be inscribed with the school logo. Sweaters:

Navy, V-neck, cardigan can be worn over the oxford shirt (in season). All sweaters must be inscribed with the school logo.

Skirt:

Khaki or Plaid. All skirts/skorts must reach a level no more than three inches above the knee.

Pants:

Beige Khaki slacks ordered from Donnelly’s Uniform Co.

Shoes:

Leather shoes and low cut athletic footwear are permitted. Shoes without backs, clogs, sandals, flip flops, high heels, slippers, or exposed fur-lined footwear are not permitted. Boots, work boots, and outdoor hiking boots are not permitted.

Socks

Black, white, navy, or royal blue ankle or knee socks must be worn at all times.

BOYS Grades 7-8 30 | P a g e August 2017


Shirts:

A light blue oxford dress shirt, long or short sleeve and tie must be worn during the colder months (Oct 1 – after spring vacation) Short sleeve, royal blue, polo shirts are optional before Oct. 1 and after spring vacation. All shirts must be inscribed with the school logo. When wearing an oxford shirt, the shirt must be tucked in and buttoned completely at all times.

Sweaters:

Navy varsity vest, or navy V-neck pullover. All sweaters must be inscribed with the school logo.

Pants: Tie:

Gray, flat or pleat front ordered from Donnelly’s Uniform Co. An appropriate bow or necktie must be worn with dress shirts.

Shoes:

Leather shoes and low cut athletic footwear are permitted. Shoes without backs, clogs, sandals, flip flops, slippers, or exposed fur-lined footwear are not permitted. Boots, work boots, and outdoor hiking boots are not permitted.

BOYS Grades 9-12 Shirts: A white oxford dress shirt and tie must be worn during the colder months (Oct 1 – after spring vacation). Short sleeve, royal blue, polo shirts are optional before Oct. 1 and after spring vacation. All shirts must be inscribed with the school logo. When wearing an oxford shirt, the shirt must be tucked in and buttoned completely at all times. Sweaters:

Navy varsity vest, or navy V-neck pullover. All sweaters must be inscribed with the school logo.

Pants:

Beige khaki, flat or pleat front ordered from Donnelly’s Uniform Co.

Tie:

An appropriate bow or necktie must be worn with dress shirts.

Shoes:

Leather shoes and low cut athletic footwear are permitted. Shoes without backs, clogs, sandals, flip flops, slippers, or exposed fur-lined footwear are not permitted. Boots, work boots, and outdoor hiking boots are not permitted.

No dark colored T-shirts may be worn under white shirts. Students who come to school with incomplete uniforms will receive a written warning, which must be signed by the parent and returned. After three warnings, students will have to call home and will not be permitted to attend class until they are in complete uniform. The uniform code is an issue that together home and school must stress. DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS If a student is in violation of dress code, he/she is to be sent to the Vice Principal’s office and will receive a detention. While in the Vice Principal’s office, the student will be given an opportunity to comply with the dress code in the following ways before being allowed back into the classroom: 1. He/she can provide the necessary items. 2. He/she can contact a parent who will be required to bring the necessary items to school. 3. If a student refuses to comply with the dress code, a parent may be called and the student will be sent home.

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(Please note that if a student misses more than 10 minutes of a class or classes due to a dress code violation, it will be considered an undocumented absence for that class or classes.)

FIGHTING Christian concern and love for one another demand that we respect one another as human persons. Differences of opinion, personal harassment or other situations that result in physical violence or psychological harassment are considered extremely serious and are dealt with accordingly. Where reasonable doubt exists as to the aggressor, all of those involved will receive the same punishment. WEAPONS Weapons of any kind are not permitted at any time on school grounds or at any school activity or event regardless of location. This includes any type of gun (such as air rifles, BB guns, paintball guns, water guns, or other instrument capable of firing a projectile at increased velocity), knives (regardless of blade length), or any other instrument whose purpose is to inflict bodily injury. Violation of this policy may result in suspension or dismissal from school. LOOK-ALIKE WEAPONS OR DRUGS Possession of a look-alike weapon or drug or the attempt to misrepresent any item as a weapon or illegal substance, whether in earnest or as a joke, will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including suspension. DRUGS/ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE No person may possess, be under the influence of, distribute, sell, ingest a controlled substance or lookalike on any school premises or while attending authorized school-related activity. This includes having drug paraphernalia on their person, in their belongings, or automobiles. Students and their belongings are subject to search, if deemed appropriate by the Administration in order to maintain a safe school environment.

TOBACCO USE POLICY Use of tobacco products and/or electronic cigarettes is prohibited at all times within the school building, on school grounds, and at school-sponsored events. Any student in violation of this policy will receive: 1. 1st Offense - Referral to the vice principal, one day of Saturday School to be served by the student as well as parent(s)/guardian(s) notification. 2. 2nd Offense - Referral to the vice principal, one (1) day of external suspension to be served by the student, and parent(s)/guardian(s) notification. 3. 3rd Offense - Referral to the vice principal, two (2) days of external suspension and a required parent(s)/guardian(s) conference for re-admittance. Any subsequent violations will result in external suspension and referral to the Superintendent. Use of tobacco products is also a violation of the MIAA chemical health policy. See co-curricular section.

USE OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POLICY

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In order to safeguard the individual and general welfare and safety of all students, Sacred Heart High School has established the following guidelines for disciplinary action with regard to due process and student's rights in dealing with drug, alcohol, or other toxification related cases. Students shall not use or consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any product containing tobacco, alcohol, steroid, any other controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, or look-a-like on any school premises or while attending or before a school-sponsored activity. Referrals should be made by all school personnel (teachers, secretaries, custodians, etc.) to a building administrator. The following procedures should be followed: SUSPICION OF BEING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1. opinion of a second person - school principal, vice principal, teacher, and/or a school nurse will be sought 2. parent/guardian may requested to take the student home POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1. opinion of a second person - school principal, vice principal, teacher, and/or school nurse; 2. parent/guardian called to take student home; 3. letter to parent(s)/guardian(s) - copy placed in student's temporary file; 4. immediate suspension from all school programs; 5. every possible effort must be made by a parent/guardian to confer with the school administration before a pupil will be readmitted; 6. possible referrals to rehabilitation program, when deemed appropriate; 7. notification to local police department; 8. minimum five (5) day suspension; and expulsion hearing 9. expulsion, reinstatement, or further suspension UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND/OR USE OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1. parent(s)/guardian(s) called to take student home; 2. letter to parent(s)/guardian(s) - copy placed in student's temporary file; 3. immediate suspension from all school programs; 4. every possible effort must be made by a parent/guardian to confer with the school administration before a pupil will be readmitted; 5. possible referral to rehabilitation program; 6. notification to local police department; 7. minimum five (5) day suspension, and expulsion hearing 8. expulsion, reinstatement, or further suspension SELLING OR DISTRIBUTING A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE 1. parent/guardian called to take student home; 2. letter to parent(s)/guardian(s) - copy placed in student's temporary file; 3. immediate suspension from all school programs; 4. 10 day suspension 5. expulsion hearing 6. expulsion, reinstatement, or further suspension

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7. notification to local police department Please note that any allegations made to a teacher by a student concerning another student or students regarding use or possession of a controlled substance will be reported to the administration and acted upon. Drug education is a basic part of the Health Education curriculum. BREATHALYZER PROTOCOL A. School Sponsored Events 1. The administration will determine at which school-sponsored events the Breathalyzer test procedures will be used. These events will include, but are not limited to, proms, dances, concerts, overnight activities, athletic events, etc. 2. The administration will determine the manner by which the students will be tested: entire group, random selection, or based on individualized suspicion. The administrator or designee present at such events has the authority to test and retest any individual suspected of being under the influence of alcohol even if the student has a negative test on entering the event. 3. Students attending these school-sponsored events may be required to take a Breathalyzer test administered by a trained member of the staff prior to entering the event or during the event. a. Any student who tests positive (any reading above 0.00) will be given a second test after a waiting period of five (5) minutes; b. If this test is also positive, the student will be detained by school officials until parents/guardians arrive or the student/s may be released to law enforcement or medical personnel for safety reasons. c. Students who refuse the test will be denied entrance to the event and/or will be detained until parents/guardians arrive to remove them. d. Where school officials are testing based on individualized suspicion, a student who tests positive or who is suspected of using alcohol as described herein refuses the test, that student will be denied entrance, detained and sent home with a parent/guardian and may be suspended for up to ten (10) school days. e. Whether school officials are testing students randomly or testing the entire group, a student who tests positive may be subject to social probation and prohibited from participating in extra-curricular activities including but not limited to athletics. 4. A student already in attendance at a school-sponsored event who is suspected of being under the influence will be tested or retested. a. If this test is positive, the student will be detained until parents/guardians arrive and be suspended for up to ten (10) school days. b. If a student who is suspected of using alcohol as described herein refuses the test, that student will be detained and sent home with a parent/guardian and will be suspended for up to ten (10) days. B. During the School Day An administrator may give any student who is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol according to the regulations of this policy a Breathalyzer test. 1. A student who tests positive (any reading above 0.00) may be given a second test after a waiting period of five (5) minutes. 2. If this test is also positive, school officials will detain the student until parents/guardians arrive; the student will be sent home and may be suspended for up to ten (10) school days.

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3. A student who is determined to be under the influence as described herein and who refuses the test will be detained until parents arrive, be sent home, and be suspended for up to (10) days. FALSE DOCUMENTS AND MISREPRESENATION Sacred Heart’s ability to serve the needs of each student depends on the authenticity and reliability of information available. Any effort to submit false information or otherwise deceive parents or personnel of Sacred Heart High School is detrimental to the school’s need for accurate information and is therefore seen as a serious matter. In the case where a student submits false information of any kind, including forged or altered documents, and/or misrepresents the school in any way, will necessitate disciplinary action ranging from office detention to suspension. Please note: Parental permission does not relieve the student of responsibility with regard to forged/altered documents or other false information. GAMBLING AND CARD PLAYING Games of chance detract from the quiet dignity that is necessary for pursuing academic or spiritual interests. Gambling of any kind is not permitted on the premises of Sacred Heart High School. Because of its unfortunate association, card playing of any kind is expressly forbidden at Sacred Heart before, during, or after school hours. Card playing of any kind will result in confiscation of the cards. Gambling of any kind may result in suspension. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS Once a student arrives on school grounds the student may not leave without authorization from the Vice Principal or Principal and must have parental permission. Any student who leaves school grounds without permission will be subject to suspension. RESPECT FOR OTHERS Public displays of romantic affection are inappropriate in a school setting. Personal information, personal feelings, and rumors about others should be kept private and not disclosed on social networking sites. Cyber-bullying will not be tolerated. RESPECT FOR SCHOOL PROPERTY Deliberate destruction of building, equipment, furnishings, or grounds will require repair and adequate recompense. Vandalism of school property or the property of members of the Sacred Heart community is a serious offense. Students who commit such an offense will be required to pay for the repair or replacement of the damaged property and be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the administration. Accidental damage should be reported to the teacher or Building Administrator so that repair can be made. STUDENTS SENT FROM CLASSROOM Disruption of a class is considered a serious offense and a violation of the rights of all students to an education. Students who are asked to leave the classroom for disciplinary reasons, such as excessive talking, insubordination, or other disruptive behavior, must report directly to the Vice Principal. For a first offense, the student will serve a teacher detention and receive an unsatisfactory conduct grade from that teacher on the next report card. A student sent from class a second time may be issued an office detention and asked to participate in a conference with the Vice Principal, the teacher, and/or parent/guardian before re-admittance to class. Repeated violations may result in suspension or dismissal from school. UNAUTHORIZED AREAS OF THE CAMPUS

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Unless students are under the direct supervision of staff, they are not to be in the SAC, the Auditorium (including backstage), the mezzanine, the lower gym, empty classrooms, or any other unsupervised area, such as behind the SAC, in the woods, on the athletic fields, subbasement, south corridor offices, the observatory, or in cars. Students found in the areas will be subject to disciplinary action.

GENERAL INFORMATION ACCIDENTS Every accident in the school building, on the grounds, at any practice session, or at any event sponsored by the school must be reported immediately to the person in charge and to the administration. Parents will be notified immediately. Students are required to have on file an Emergency Card which contains at least two phone numbers that can be used to locate parents or guardians, and the name and number of a relative or neighbor who can be contacted in the event that neither parent can be reached. ANNOUNCEMENTS Announcements for the day are made early in the school day. All announcements brought to the office should bear the signature of the teacher or the moderator responsible. Students will not be paged to receive messages at any other time during the school day. AUDITORIUM The auditorium provides a place where the entire student body can gather for assemblies, musical shows, and dramatic performances. Whenever a large group gathers, every individual needs to follow certain guidelines to make sure that the entire group profits from the gathering. Students should file in quickly and fill in the front rows. No food or drink may be brought into the auditorium. When the performance begins, students should sit attentively and attempt to reduce the noise of programs, talking, and coughing. Inappropriate ways of expressing audience appreciation of a performance are neither acceptable nor tolerated. Most productions are planned with the expectation that the hall will be quiet. If students know in advance that they must leave early, they should sit in the back of the auditorium and on the aisle so that leaving causes only a minimal disturbance. After a performance, students are asked to file out quietly and take the programs and other items they brought with them. Performers always appreciate a "Thank you" and generally are willing to answer questions about their craft or art. SCHOOL STORE The School Store is located on the lower level. The store offers supplies to the students from August until June of each school year, supplying textbook information, e-book information, and order information for the 7-12 curriculum. There are many spirit and clothing items available at the store or online through the school website. CAFETERIA All students in grades 7 & 8 are expected to eat lunch in the cafeteria. On pleasant days, students in grades 9-12 may eat outdoors on the lawn beside the Student Athletic Center. Students leaving the cafeteria must first clean their area and deposit all trash in the barrels. Chairs should be pushed in. Students who behave inappropriately in the cafeteria will be dismissed and referred to the Vice Principal. Students who leave the designated outside area will be subject to disciplinary action. Students should always respect the rights and property of others by making sure all trash is properly disposed of in the trash barrels. Students who fail to properly clean their areas after lunch will be subject to disciplinary action.

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It is the responsibility of parents to know the financial status of their student’s lunch account and to keep them current. When accounts fall more than $25 in debt, warnings may be sent to parents and denial of food to students may follow.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS/PHONE Parents must notify the Business and Admissions Offices of any change of address or telephone number so that mailing lists and other data will be kept current. CHILD CUSTODY AND THE SCHOOL Sacred Heart is aware of the enormous burdens placed on children as a result of separation or divorce. Parents need to be aware of the difficulties this can create for the school’s administration. The parents or custodians must deliver to the school’s administration a copy of the Court Order or agreement as is applicable to the custody and visitation rights of the divorce or separated parents, or custodian. The administration is entitled to deem that if no divorce or separation decree or written custody agreement (signed by both parents) is presented to the school, the administration and teachers are entitled to deal with each parent equally. When a student is picked up at school during school hours for an illness, doctor’s appointment, or other bona fide reason, it must be done by the parents, or the custodial parent, or the guardian, or by a person designated in writing by the parent. The same is applied to a student who is to be picked up after school has ended for the day. The administration should not have to determine who the proper party to pick up the child is. The same policy applies to progress reports, report cards, and notices of disciplinary action. These will always be sent to parents jointly, or to the custodial parent or guardian as designated in writing to the school. Whenever there is a change in the custodial rights of a parent or other custodian (whether temporary or permanent) the school must be notified immediately in writing; otherwise, the school will continue to rely upon the original written arrangement on file in the Records Office. COLLECTIONS AND FUNDRAISING Students are not permitted to collect monies or materials for their own purpose or for any organization outside of the school. Students must have permission from Administration to collect money for any Sacred Heart activity. All requests for fundraising on Sacred Heart property must begin with a written request or application to the school principal. The principal will, in turn, bring the request to the Sacred Heart School Development Office for approval. TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Computers are used to support learning and to enhance instruction. Computer networks allow people to interact with many computers. The Internet allows people to interact with hundreds of thousands of networks. It is general policy that all computers are to be used in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner. Failure to adhere to the policy and guidelines below will result in the revocation of the users’ access privilege by the network administrator and possible disciplinary action. The Internet opens the world to the students. This new world can include anything and everything. Material is placed on the Internet for a number of reasons, and each user has total control as to the origin of materials. Some of the information available is controversial and, sometimes, offensive. Sacred Heart High School does not condone the use of such materials. Students and parents must be aware that access to the Internet will be withdrawn from the user who does not respect the rights of others or who does not 37 | P a g e August 2017


follow the rules and regulations established by the school. The Internet can be as useful or as dangerous as the telephone or library . . . it requires the self-control of the user.

Rules and Regulations Basic Concepts: 1. It is a privilege to access the Internet from the school equipment. 2. The Internet account and access is maintained and contracted for by Sacred Heart High School. 3. Internet access is provided to the faculty and students of Sacred Heart High School for educational and research purposes only. RESPONSIBLE USERS MAY: 1. Use the Internet to research assigned classroom projects. 2. Use the Internet to send electronic mail (E-mail) for assigned class projects. RESPONSIBLE USERS MUST: 1. Sign in with the proctor and declare the intended use. 2. Have completed a training session. 3. Follow the rules of the school, the computer lab, and of the on-line provider. RESPONSIBLE USERS MAY NOT: 1. Violate any policy set forth in the Student Handbook. 2. Use the Internet for any illegal purpose. 3. Use impolite, abusive, bullying or harassing language. 4. Send or display any offensive messages or pictures. 5. Violate the rules of common sense and etiquette. 6. Change any computer files. 7. Send or get copyrighted materials without permission. 8. Give out the password to anyone. 9. Intentionally waste time or ignore other's needs. 10. Disrupt others. 11. Send out any information or messages without full identification and/or use other people's names, pseudonyms, or cryptic messages. 12. Damage computers, computer systems, or computer networks. 13. When using the Internet as part of an in-class assignment, seek out sites or resources other than the one under discussion in the class. Chromebook User Agreement The Sacred Heart High School Chromebook User Agreement/Acceptable Use Policy is a contract between the Signed Student, their Parent/Guardian and Sacred Heart School. It will go into effect once the devices/equipment are distributed and remains in effect until the Chromebook and accessories are returned in good operating condition at a time designated by the School Administration. When the equipment is returned to the school and is deemed by Administration that it needs repairs or needs to be replaced, the student will be held responsible.

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Ownership: All equipment is considered school property and is issued to students on loan. The equipment includes: • One (1) Lenovo N22 Chromebook • One (1) Lenovo N22 AC adapter • One (1) Lenovo N22 Power Cable for AC adapter Care of equipment: Students are responsible for the care and condition of the Chromebook and accessories. The devices must be kept in good operating condition, with minimal wear and tear. Sacred Heart School reserves the right to inspect, repair, upgrade, provide maintenance, and install software on any or all devices at any time. General Care Guidelines for Chromebooks • • • • • • •

Should not be used near food or liquids. Should not be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures. Must be kept free of any writing or stickers Avoid leaning on or placing heavy objects on the Chromebook. Do not lift or carry the Chromebook by the screen. Chromebook should remain closed and secured when transporting. Use of a Chromebook protective case or sleeve is mandatory.

Use at school: Students will login to the Chromebook using their G-Suite for Education account. Students must bring their Chromebooks to school with them every day of the school year, fully charged, and prepared for use with daily classes and assignments. When the student is not using the equipment and or does not need it for a particular class, the student must store it safely. The device is issued to enhance the educational process. This means no gaming, movie watching, surfing the internet, etc, while in class. Students can use these features before or after school or when instructed by a teacher or an administrator to do so. Sacred Heart also has the right to confiscate the device and/or deny the students use of the Chromebook at any time. Backing up your work: Chromebooks integrate directly with the student's G-Suite for Education account. Work done directly from Google docs or saved to your Google Drive will be saved automatically. Work done outside of Google Drive and saved either directly to the Chromebook or other media such as an SD card or USB drive does not backup automatically. Students are encouraged to make backup copies of any important files not saved in Google Drive. Sacred Heart High School and any of its employees are not responsible for the loss of files on the device. Chrome Operating System: Chromebooks use the Chrome OS operating system. Chrome OS will periodically run automatic updates. There is no user intervention required for these updates. Students are prohibited from tampering with the current operating system or attempting to load any other operating system on the Chromebook.

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Loss, Theft or Damage: Any loss, theft or damage to student's Chromebook needs to be reported immediately to Sacred Heart Administration. Students are responsible for the cost of repair for a damaged device or the cost of replacement for a lost or stolen device. When a damaged or non-operational Chromebook is turned in for repair, it must be accompanied by a $75.00 deposit. All replacements and repairs will be managed through Sacred Heart Administration. School owned Chromebooks may not be brought to an outside service for repair. A temporary loaner device will be distributed to the Student while the Chromebook is being either repaired or replaced as available. Tech Fee This annual fee covers the insurance for the Chromebooks, the apps and technical support throughout the year. Chromebook ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (“AUP�) Sacred Heart High School strives to provide the best possible learning environment and tools for their students. Sacred Heart utilizes the Chromebook as a learning tool. This contract lists the rules, requirements, and regulations that students are to follow. Please keep in mind that breaking any of these rules will result in disciplinary action. Please give these terms and conditions high importance, take care of your Chromebook and use your Chromebook for your educational studies while at Sacred Heart. Privacy and Safety Do not give any personal information to anyone who you do not know. Some examples of personally identifiable information are full name, home address, phone number, account numbers, scheduled activities etc. Passwords are confidential and are not to be distributed to anyone. If you feel that your password has been compromised, please change it and contact SHHS faculty for any further action needed. You are fully responsible for your own passwords and usernames. Passwords should be at least 7 characters long, and contain a upper and lowercase letters as well as one number or symbol. Password locks on Chromebooks are mandatory. When Chromebooks are inspected, students must give administration the correct password. If failed to do so, the school may deem the student to have broken any of the user policies and inappropriate content will be immediately removed from the device. Teachers have the right to inspect Chromebooks and require a student to show the work being done during class. Taking another student's Chromebook without their expressed consent is forbidden. The school reserves the right to view any websites and apps that a student uses on the Chromebook. Chromebooks are the school's property and the school reserves the right to take, inspect, and delete any content on the Chromebook. Reproduction of any software or distribution of any copyrighted material is not permitted.

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Outside Chromebooks and laptops are allowed, but they can only be used in certain designated areas of the school (library and cafeteria) or at the teacher’s discretion during class. Wi-Fi access will only be granted to Sacred Heart High School’s Chromebooks in the classrooms. Outside devices will be able to access the Wi-Fi at designated places within the school.

E-mail 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

No emailing during classes unless instructed by a teacher. No profanity or inappropriate graphics and texts shall be sent. The use of language translation tools is prohibited. E-mail accounts are strictly used for educational purposes only. No threatening, hazing, bullying, or harassing others through use of e-mail or any other technology. Chain letters are unacceptable unless school related and approved by teachers or faculty. No spamming. School reserves the right to search any messaging application within the device. School documents and/or forms are the only acceptable attachments when using the school email. School email can only be accessed during designated times throughout the day (break, tutorial, lunch, and unless otherwise instructed by a Sacred Heart faculty member). Personal e-mail is acceptable, but all rules and regulations that apply to your designated school e-mail apply to your personal e-mail while on Sacred Heart property.

Communications and Social Media 1. Only educational blogging is permitted. 2. Chat rooms are for educational purposes only and are only permitted when instructed by a teacher. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and any other social networking/ 3. application are only permitted before school and after school. Audio, Video, and Photo Recording 1. No type of video, audio or photo recording is allowed without prior consent of all parties involved. Students are allowed to listen to music at the teacher's discretion, but only with headphones. 2. Ringers, alerts, alarms, ringtones, and any other possible disturbing notifications must be turned 3. off. 4. Distribution of photos or videos without consent of all parties involved is not permitted. File Sharing File sharing is the sharing of any files or data. It is prohibited because your work is your work only. The only exception of file sharing is if one is permitted to do so by a teacher for educational purposes and projects. File synchronization through apps such as Dropbox, Google-docs, and iCloud to multiple personal devices is permitted. Use of these apps is restricted to your own devices and account information is not to be shared. Deleting Files Deleting others' data and files is prohibited; this includes deleting documents on their Chromebook, on school servers, and on any third party application others may be running.

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Screen Savers and Backgrounds Copyrighted or inappropriate content is not allowed on the school's Chromebooks. Photos can be used as backgrounds or screen savers, but photos with sexual content, violence, gang related symbols, and profane language, are prohibited. Internet Use 1. The internet and school's Wi-Fi should be used for educational purposes only. 2. Proxy services and any other third party applications that allow you to remain anonymous while using the internet are prohibited. Applications The school is free to deem any applications inappropriate and/or not allowed on school devices. Applications must be age appropriate. Downloading and Managing Space All devices can be personalized, although students need to manage the space appropriately to ensure ample room for educational apps and tools and book. Remember photos and music can take up a lot of room. School-related topics and materials, especially eTexts and iBooks, must be prioritized over personal use. Games Gaming is only allowed before school, after school, break, and lunch; all other uses of games throughout the day is prohibited. Inappropriate apps are prohibited. This includes anything with sexual content, graphic violence, and explicit language. The school reserves the right to remove any apps that Sacred Heart deems inappropriate without warning. Consequences Any violations of these rules and regulations will result in punishment as designated by administration according to the misdemeanor.

DANCES AT SACRED HEART 1. Students and guests are expected to act with common sense, common courtesy, and those applicable standards of conduct set forth in this Handbook. 2. No freshman may attend the Junior/Senior Prom. 3. Students in grades 7 & 8 are not permitted to attend HS dances. Students in grades 9-12 are not permitted to attend grade 7 & 8 dances. Arriving and departing 1. All students must arrive at the dance within thirty minutes of the start time. Parents dropping students off should make sure that their student has been admitted into the dance prior to departing. 2. Students may not leave and reenter the building. 3. Students must remain in attendance until thirty minutes prior to the end time. Parents picking students up at the end of the dance should make sure that they are at the venue prior to the end of the dance. 4. Sacred Heart students should introduce their guests to the chaperone(s). Guests 1. Students bringing guests who do not attend Sacred Heart High School must register those guests with the sponsoring class or club moderator prior to the day of the dance. 42 | P a g e August 2017


2. If and/or when guests are allowed, student bringing guests are responsible for ensuring that the guests understand and comply with all school and dance rules. Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs 1. All school rules are in force during the function. Tobacco products, electronic cigarettes, alcohol or other illicit drugs and/or controlled substances are not allowed on school property or at school functions. 2. All students will be required to submit to a Breathalyzer test at least once during the dance (high school dances only). Attire 1. Clothing containing messages promoting violence, sexual activity, tobacco, drug or alcohol use, or other inappropriate messages will not be allowed. 2. Clothing that is suggestive or revealing will not be allowed. This includes low-cut neck lines, exposed midriffs and dresses, skirts and short that shorter than arm’s length. Dance Styles All dance styles must comply with standards of Christian morality, standards that include modesty and safety. School officials will be the final judge of the appropriateness of the dance style. School officials will confront any student behavior or dancing deemed inappropriate. All dancing must be face-to-face unless otherwise approved by administration. The school reserves the right to refuse admittance to, or to expel from the premises, anyone who does not comply with the above guidelines. DANCE AND OTHER EVENT TICKETS 1. When offered, a student may purchase a ticket for one guest from outside the school. The name and telephone number of the guest must be provided at the time the ticket is purchased. 2. Students enrolled at Sacred Heart must purchase their own ticket and register with those sponsoring the event. 3. Once tickets are purchased a student may not sell or give the tickets to another student without the permission of the faculty moderator of the event. 4. Tickets are non-refundable. Sacred Heart and the sponsoring organization are under no obligation to buy back unused tickets. ELECTRONIC DEVICES & EQUIPMENT: Sacred Heart High School seeks to provide an academic atmosphere free from disruptions. Therefore, the use of electronic devices during class time is strictly prohibited without permission of the classroom teacher. We also understand that there are certain times during the school day that these devices can be used without disrupting the educational process. Therefore, electronic devices that include cell phones, I-Pods, and other communication or entertainment equipment may be used ONLY at these designated times: 1. Before school until 7:45 am 2. Between classes 3. During Morning Break 4. During Lunch 5. After School

These devices may ONLY be used in the following areas: 1. The cafeteria, 43 | P a g e August 2017


2. In classrooms ONLY before or after school 3. Outside of the building. 4. In the hallways when classes are not in session Staff members who see students using these devices at other times will report the student to the Vice Principal. Parents will be contacted and the student’s privilege of bringing said item to school will be suspended for a period of time to be determined by the Vice Principal for habitual offenses. Use of unauthorized electronics during testing may result in a zero for the assignment and disciplinary action. Parents are asked not to call or text student’s during class time. FIELD TRIPS On varying occasions during the year students may be invited to participate in field trips related to class study. Parental approval is required. All school rules, regulations, and policies apply to students on field trips. All students attending overnight trips affiliated with the school or school personnel, must be current in their financial obligations to the school. FIRE DRILLS Fire drills are an important safety precaution and are held throughout the year. Students are asked to observe the following: 1. close windows and doors of room 2. turn off lights 3. follow posted directions to the nearest exit 4. observe silence and stay with the group 5. assemble on the fields, away from the roadway 6. respond to roll call. FOOD AND DRINK Food and drink (other than water) are not permitted in any classroom at any time. GUM CHEWING Gum chewing presents sanitation and cleaning problems and costly repairs. Therefore, it is not permitted in school. Students who disregard this regulation will be subject to disciplinary action. PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND ATHLETIC FACILITIES Prior to physical education classes, students should change into clothing appropriate for vigorous physical activity. Students are permitted to use the gym and school athletic and fitness facilities and equipment only under adult supervision (faculty, coach, physical-education instructor). Food and drink are not permitted in the SAC. LIBRARY The library is open each day from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 pm. The school has a wealth of books, periodicals, and research materials and is sufficient for the basis of all research required of students. Students obtain passes from the study proctor when they desire to use the library. Books may be checked out for two weeks. A photocopier for students' use is located in the library. Students may be charged per photocopy. It is recommended that students download information to a flash drive. MESSAGES FROM PARENTS

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In order to limit the number of interruptions in the school day, the school will deliver messages from parents to students only in the event of an emergency. Routine changes in schedule or pick-up cannot be treated as emergency information. Parents are asked not to call or text students during class time. NO SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS School cancellation notification will be posted on local television, radio stations, the school website, and phone messages. Please do not contact the school office if a winter storm begins after school is in session. Should a severe storm occur during school hours, the school administration may allow student drivers to leave with those who carpool with them. The school recognizes the inexperience of young drivers and contacts the state and local police for advice on dismissing early. Every precaution is taken for the safety of the students. If forecasters predict that an early morning storm will end quickly, the school may announce a delayed opening. Check school website for details. PARENT/STUDENT SPONSORED EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES Parents and students are cautioned that they may not solicit participation or promote an event or activity on school grounds nor use the school’s name in promoting, sponsoring, or arranging such an event or activity without the expressed written permission of the administration. Events or activities include, but are not limited to, trips of any kind, parties, dances, and athletic events. PERSONAL PROPERTY Students are cautioned not to bring large amounts of money, electronic equipment, cameras, and/or other expensive property to school. If this is unavoidable, students should contact the Vice Principal about storing the property during the school day. Students who wear glasses or watches should care for them properly. All valuables found, i.e. rings, watches, money, etc., should be taken to the Office. These items may be claimed after school. POSTED MATERIALS No posters, flyers, or announcements, whether for Sacred Heart events or programs outside the school, may be posted until previously approved by the administration. Any organization that posts announcements, flyers, or posters is responsible for the removal of the same following the event announced. Materials should be taped to the tile walls whenever possible. Judicious use of painted walls is advised. RECREATION PRIVILEGES Weather permitting, students may spend break time and lunch time outdoors. Students who avail themselves of this privilege should stay on the lawn between the SAC building and the music center. Unless students are under the direct supervision of staff, they are not to be in the SAC, the auditorium (including backstage), the lower gym, empty classrooms, or any other unsupervised area. SENIOR PRIVILEGES Sacred Heart has a long-standing practice of Senior Privileges. Their definition and description is presented by the senior class officers for review and approval by the administration. Privileges can be lost at any time if students do not adhere to the rules in the student handbook and parameters set by the class and the administration. SENIOR WEEK 45 | P a g e August 2017


When classes are not scheduled, seniors are expected to report to school as directed by the administration. In addition, the administration has the right to refuse a student's participation in the graduation ceremonies and to withhold awarding the diploma on graduation day on the following grounds: 1. Failure to participate in graduation rehearsals as deemed necessary by the administration. 2. Refusal to wear academic robes and other appropriate clothing. 3. Any breach of behavior that would tend to discredit the school. TEACHER ABSENCE Should a teacher not report to class, one student from the class should report the absence to the administration within five minutes of the start of the period. No other student may leave the room and the classroom doors will remain open until a substitute arrives. TEXTBOOKS Students are responsible for purchasing their own books. It is expected that all students have the text, workbook, and other materials necessary for each of their classes. No books are distributed to the student without the full payment. Students may resell textbooks directly to underclass students or to the "Book Buy-Back" at the end of the school year. VISITORS The school policy is to accept only those visitors who have legitimate business at the school. Parents are always welcome. Guests and visitors must register in the school office. All guests must have permission by the school administration to be in the building. VOTER REGISTRATION — In accord with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 51, section 42E, Sacred Heart makes available in the Records Office mail-in affidavits of voter registration for all students of voting age. WORK ASSIGNMENTS At times, students will have assigned tasks in helping to clean and maintain the classroom or the grounds. Taking some part in caring for the immediate environment increases the respect the student has for it. In addition, students who violate the school building and grounds may be asked to serve their detention by cleaning the grounds and/or building. Parents will be notified in advance if this action will take place. WORK PERMITS A student under 16 years of age may require a Working Permit for employment. These Permits may be obtained from the student's home school district. Sacred Heart High School is not authorized to provide Working Permits, but proof of enrollment, age, and address will be provided in letter form from the Records Office. Please provide sufficient notice. HARASSMENT POLICY As a Catholic high school, Sacred Heart strives to build a Christian community based on Gospel values. Because we recognize and respect the dignity of each person, we seek to provide an environment free of bigotry and intolerance, including discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, national origin, appearance, disability, or gender. Such inappropriate behavior includes unwelcome advances, unwarranted remarks, or derogatory or discriminating comments that can occur between any two individuals or groups of individuals, including verbal, non-verbal, written, electronic, physical and photographic imagery. Anyone who believes he/she has been harassed should implement the following procedures: 1. Let the offending person or persons know that you want the behavior to stop. Say "no" firml`y, looking directly and unapologetically at them to give a clear message about how you feel. If you are unable to confront the person(s) alone, take a friend along or write a letter. You may want the 46 | P a g e August 2017


assistance of an adult (e.g. guidance counselor, administrator, teacher) in preparing the letter as well as in presenting it. 2. If your objection does not cause the behavior to stop, keep a record of when, where, and how you have been harassed. Include witnesses, direct quotes, actions, evidence, and any written communication. 3. Promptly contact someone at the school about the situation —an advisor, faculty member, guidance counselor, or administrator. A response from the school administration may be made in consultation with the person making the complaint; it will be made discreetly to protect the confidentiality of the information and the reputations of those involved and it will adhere to any laws mandated by the Commonwealth. Retaliation in any form against any person who has filed a complaint relating to harassment is forbidden. If retaliation occurs, it could be cause for dismissal of staff, personnel, or student. HAZING In November of 1985, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts made law an Act Prohibiting the Practice of Hazing. The Act requires that we print the following sections: Section 17—Whoever is a principle organizer or participant in the crime of hazing as defined herein shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars or by imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one hundred days, or by both such fine and imprisonment. The term "hazing" as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen shall mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to weather, forced consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other brutal treatment of forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation of sleep or rest or extended isolation. Section 18. Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such person can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars. Section 19. Each secondary school and each public and private school or college shall issue to every group or organization under its authority or operating in conjunction with its campus or school, and to every member, plebe, pledge or applicant for membership in such group or organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen. An officer of such group or organization, and each individual receiving a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen shall sign an acknowledgment stating that such group or individual has received a copy of said sections seventeen and eighteen. CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES All students are encouraged to become involved in the co-curricular programs of the school by participation in at least one of the many clubs, publications, or service organizations. Competitive as well as cooperative opportunities meet the differing needs of students and present them with occasions to develop leadership and heighten the awareness of the need to render service to others. Any student receiving two unsatisfactory conduct grades in the same marking period will not be allowed to participate in any athletic team, organization, club, or publication. The student's conduct will be monitored until the next report card is issued. Any student receiving two unsatisfactory grades in conduct in the fourth marking period will be placed on probation for the first marking period of the next school year. 47 | P a g e August 2017


PARTICIPATION IN ACTIVITIES As a small school that encourages student participation in co-curricular activities, Sacred Heart sometimes encounters conflicts when students wish to participate in multiple activities. While the school does not wish to limit the number of activities in which the student can engage, students and parents should recognize that when two activities require extensive commitments of time, and those time commitments overlap, the student might not be able to do both. Coaches of sports teams and moderators of activities are asked to be flexible in accommodating the individual needs of students. Coaches and moderators do, however, retain the right to select for their teams and activities the students who are able to make a full commitment to the schedule of practices and events so that the group's goals can be best met. Unless specified otherwise, eligibility requirements for participation in co-curricular activities, such as theater, speech, debate, and other clubs, shall be the same as they are for athletics as listed on page 54. Listed below are a sampling of offerings designed to enrich the student experience. NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY The purpose of the National Honor Society is to create enthusiasm for scholarship, to stimulate a desire to give service, to promote responsible leadership, and to encourage the development of good character in all the students at Sacred Heart High School. Membership in the National Honor Society is recognized as one of the highest honors that can be given a high school student. Students do not join the Society, they are selected for membership by the faculty and administration on the basis of character, scholarship, leadership, and service. Once selected, a student must maintain the criteria by which he or she was selected. Failure to maintain these standards results in a written warning to the student and parent. Dismissal procedures are outlined in the National Honor Society Appendix to Bylaws which is signed by student and parent. Criteria for selection to the National Honor Society are: Academic Excellence The student who demonstrates academic excellence maintains a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 throughout the year Leadership The student who exercises leadership: 1. demonstrates initiative in promoting school activities 2. exercises influence on peers in upholding school ideals 3. exemplifies positive attitudes and inspires positive behavior in others Service The student who serves: 1. participates in some outside activity, such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church groups, volunteer services, family duties 2. cheerfully and enthusiastically renders service to the school 3. does committee and staff work without complaint

Character The student of character: 48 | P a g e August 2017


1. 2. 3. 4.

consistently exemplifies desirable qualities of behavior upholds principles of morality and ethics cooperates by complying with school regulations observes instructions and rules, punctuality, and faithfulness both inside and outside the classroom

NATIONAL JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

National Junior Honor Society Selection Process Description

The National Junior Honor Society chapter of Sacred Heart Intermediate School is a duly chartered and affiliated chapter of this prestigious national organization. Membership is open to those students who meet the required standards in five areas of evaluation: scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship, and character. Standards for selection are established by the national office of NJHS and have been revised to meet our local chapter needs. Students are selected to be members by a 5-member Faculty Council, appointed by the principal, which bestows this honor upon qualified students on behalf of the faculty of our school each spring. In the first 3 terms, 7th graders are considered “candidates” for membership if they meet the following criteria: a minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale, no grade lower than a C+. In addition, comments regarding the "unsatisfactory conduct" of the student by two or more different teachers in the same marking period will deem a student ineligible. The students who meet those criteria are invited to complete a Student Activity Information Form that provides the Faculty Council with information regarding the candidate’s leadership and service. A history of leadership experiences and participation in school or community service is also required. At the beginning of Term 4, if the aforementioned criteria have been maintained, the candidate will be asked to turn in the Student Activity Information Form. The Faculty Council will use two forms of input to evaluate a candidate’s character. First, school disciplinary records are reviewed. Second, members of the faculty are solicited for input regarding their professional reflections on a candidate’s service activities, character, citizenship, and leadership. These forms and the Student Activity Information Forms are carefully reviewed by the Faculty Council to determine membership. A majority vote of the Council is necessary for selection. Candidates are then notified regarding selection or non-selection. Following notification, a formal induction ceremony is held at the school to recognize all the newly selected members. Once inducted, new members are required to maintain the same level of performance in all five criteria that led to their selection. This obligation includes regular attendance at chapter meetings during the school year, and 4 hours of service per term. If they fail to maintain the criteria, they will be put on probation for one term. If they do not improve after that term, they will be dismissed from the Society. Students or parents who have questions regarding the selection process or membership obligations can contact the chapter advisor.

SACRED HEART SCHOLARS

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Sacred Heart Scholars is a group engendered by the school primarily to recognize and honor freshmen and sophomore students who have achieved superior academic performance. Additionally, "The Scholars" will provide opportunities for students to enrich their academic experiences and explore their interests. Eligibility To be invited to join Sacred Heart Scholars, freshmen or sophomore students must have achieved a GPA of 3.5 or higher for the first two semesters of the year. Additionally, no grade must be lower than a C+. Comments regarding the "unsatisfactory conduct" of the student by two or more different teachers in the same marking period will deem a student ineligible. Members are expected to abide by all the rules and regulations of the Student Handbook. Dismissal Procedures If a member's GPA falls below 3.5 or if the student receives a grade below a C+ in any class for a term, the Moderator will issue a written warning and place the student on probation. The student will have one term to restore academic standards. Failure to do so will result in dismissal. A student can only be on probation twice before dismissal. These probations cannot be for consecutive terms. Any students who resigns or is dismissed from "The Scholars" forfeits any future eligibility. Failure to abide by the rules and regulations of the Student Handbook is cause for dismissal. STUDENT GOVERNMENT Class Officers are elected by their peers to represent the class in working with the school administration in the upcoming academic year, to serve as leaders and organizers of class activities, and to represent the school in the larger community. Holding a class office is a trust both for the class and the school; class officers are expected to act with the best interests of Sacred Heart and their class in mind. President 1. Conducts class meetings 2. Meets with other officers and the class moderator to plan meetings and activities 3. Represents the class at school and public functions 4. Organizes class participation in school activities 5. Maintains communication between class members and the officers— between the class and the faculty. Vice-President 1. Serves as acting president during the president's absence 2. Assists the president in gathering ideas and focusing class spirit. Secretary 1. Keeps minutes of officer meetings and class meetings 2. Handles all matters of class correspondence 3. Contributes materials for creating a class history

Treasurer 50 | P a g e August 2017


1. Maintains financial records for the class 2. Collects yearly class dues and oversees payment of bills 3. Prepares and presents to the class moderator a financial report at the conclusion of the academic year. SCHOOL ELECTION PROCEDURES 1. The class moderator, with the homeroom teachers' assistance, conducts the elections. 2. Elections are announced to the student body. The moderator publishes a list of candidates who desire to run for office. Candidates should receive signatures of two faculty members before submitting their names for consideration. 3. To be eligible for election, a student: a. must have a GPA of at least 1.7 for the previous two marking periods; b. must have received no more than two unsatisfactory grades in conduct in the previous two marking periods; c. must have received no suspension in the current and previous two marking periods. a. Failure to maintain standard will result in the student being placed on probation for one marking period. b. Failure to maintain standards throughout the term of office will result in forfeiture of office. 4. At a class meeting, each candidate addresses the students stating: a. reasons for running for office; b. qualifications for holding office; c. their background of service and dedication to class and school. 5. At a subsequent meeting, students vote via secret ballot, which may be tallied in the presence of students. A majority of one over half the number voting is required to win an office. If no majority is reached on the first ballot, the top two vote getters go to a second round of voting. A simple majority vote in the second round is all that is needed for victory. 6. Any variation of the above should receive specific approval from the Principal. 7. Results of the elections are published and given to the Principal, Guidance Director, and Records Office. 8. Newly elected officers present themselves to the Principal and Vice Principal. STUDENT COUNCIL The mission of the Student Council is to establish closer cooperation between the students and faculty of Sacred Heart, to instruct its members in the principles and responsibilities of a democracy, to foster student leadership in its many facets and to lead in the general welfare of the school community. The Student Council is an open membership to our student body, inclusive of an elected board of at least nine executive officers. Student Council is representative of grades 7 through 12, with at least one elected executive member per grade. The Student Council acts as the umbrella organization for student activities, and plans activities for the student body that are beneficial to the school and the community. The Student Council consults with the Principal and has an appointed faculty moderator. Qualifications for Officers and Members: 1. To be eligible for election, a student: a. must have a GPA of at least 1.7 for the previous two marking periods; b. must have received no more than two unsatisfactory grades in conduct in the previous two marking periods; c. must have received no suspension in the current and previous two marking periods.

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2. Failure to maintain standard (a) will result in the student being placed on probation for one marking period. Failure to maintain (b) and/or (c) throughout the term of office will result in forfeiture of office. 3. Any student who has been an active member in Student Council for at least one year and is a senior is eligible for election to the office of President of the Student Council. 4. Any student who will be a junior or senior and has been an active member in Student Council for at least one year is eligible for election to the office of Vice-President of the Student Council. 5. Any student who will be a sophomore or junior during the term of office is eligible for election to the office of Secretary or Treasurer of the Student Council. 6. Any officer or homeroom representative may be removed from his or her position for failure to attend meetings, failure to represent his or her group properly and fairly, failure to carry out his or her duties, or for any other actions which are detrimental to the welfare of the school. Current Organizations, Publications and Clubs Amnesty International Art Club

“Lingua Franca” – Annual literary-art magazine independently produced by students Moody’s Mega-math Challenge - An annual competition held in March. Multicultural Club National Honor Society National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)

Chess Club Student Coffee House – providing students open mike opportunities to exhibit talents and passions. Acts include musicians, poetry, speech, comedy, and more. Delta Epsilon Phi - the National Honor Society Roots and Shoots - educates students about of High School Students of German recycling and coordinates the recycling of cans and plastics at the High School. Games Club Sacred Heart Scholars The “Heart Beat” - Sacred Heart High School's SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) award-winning student newspaper. History Club Speech & Debate La Societe Honoraire de Francais – French Drama Club Honor Society La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica- A club for Student Council high-level Spanish students, formed to promote cultural and linguistic awareness 8th Grade Spanish Book Club “Tech Dorks” - providing the SHS auditorium with all its sound and lighting needs Latin Honor Society The “Corric” - the Sacred Heart High School Yearbook

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SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL 2017-2018 ATHLETIC HANDBOOK SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY The faculty and administration of Sacred Heart High School view interscholastic athletics as an important part of the total educational process. We feel that the combination of strong academic and athletic program helps the student-athlete reach their full potential. Over the course of an athlete's career at Sacred Heart, the coaches and athletic department strive to help the student-athlete reach this potential. The first area of concern for the Athletic Department is the physical development of an athlete. An athlete who is in peak physical condition can perform at a higher level of competition for a longer period of time with a somewhat diminished risk of injury. Bearing this in mind, we stress the development of cardiovascular endurance, muscle strength and flexibility. We believe this program of physical development in combination with individual skill development will help the student-athletes reach their full potential. In addition to physical development, the Athletic Department also works towards the development of personal self-esteem, individual accomplishment, confidence, leadership, responsibility and accountability. Guided by this philosophy, the Athletic Department encourages hard work, dedication, loyalty, and sportsmanship. Sacred Heart's goal for each student/athlete is the development of a strong set of Christian values and a responsible work ethic, which students can carry into the classroom and throughout their lives. MASSACHUSETTS INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (MIAA) PHILOSOPHY Within high school sport programs, young people learn the values associated with discipline, performing under stress, teamwork, sacrifice, commitment, effort, accountability, citizenship, sportsmanship, confidence, leadership, and organizational skills, participating within rules, physical well-being and healthy lifestyles, striving towards excellence, and many other characteristics that come quickly to the mind of any educator. If interscholastic athletics are to be justified as school activities, then values such as these must be priorities of every program. Ethics, playing within the spirit of the rules, and good sportsmanship (which is good citizenship) must be woven into the fabric of the high school athletic program. In the education of 63% of the young people attending MIAA member schools, athletic participation is a critical component. What should drive those responsible for student-athletes and their programs is the educational mission of school activities. For many students, the most stable environment in their lives is that provided by high school activity programs. Often the best opportunities for crisis intervention, drug prevention, "day care" programs, and the like are school activity programs. The cost is minimal, while the worth is maximal. While winning contests, rather than losing them, is a laudable goal, it should not supersede the primary priorities of high school sport programs. What should be the rationale behind high school activities is preparing students to succeed rather than merely to win games. Win or lose, students should learn lessons of a lasting and positive nature. If the success of any high school athletic program is measured by an undefeated season, then 99% of the thousands of high school teams which participate annually in Massachusetts have failed. If a league championship is the measure of success, then 85% of our programs are failures. Even if success is

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measured merely by qualification for MIAA end-of-season tournaments, then 50% of our students are "losers." What should be encouraged is participation in varied activities under different teacher/coach role models. The percentage of student-athletes who complete their formal athletic experience at the high school level is overwhelming (well in excess of 90%). Schools should focus their attention upon goals other than championships or the development of "blue chip" athletes. Young people need varied activities: time at the beach, time to study and, in fact, time to be kids. Young people need to learn, to think, and simply to grow up. School should guide them, through athletics, to allow that to happen as comfortable as possible. SACRED HEART HIGH SCHOOL 2017-2018 SPORTS OFFERINGS FALL SPORTS Football Women's soccer Men's soccer Women's volleyball Women’s cross country Men's cross country Golf Cheerleading

LEVEL varsity and freshman jv & varsity jv & varsity jv & varsity varsity varsity jv & varsity varsity

WINTER SPORTS Women's basketball Men's basketball Cheerleading Men’s swimming Women’s swimming Hockey Gymnastics co-op/Carver

LEVEL jv & varsity jv & varsity jv & varsity varsity varsity varsity varsity

SPRING SPORTS Women's softball Men's baseball Women's track Men's track Women's tennis Men's tennis Men's lacrosse Woman’s lacrosse

LEVEL jv & varsity jv & varsity varsity varsity varsity varsity varsity varsity

All athletic programs are contingent upon the number of participants. Any Sacred Heart student in grades seven through twelve may try-out for any team sponsored by Sacred Heart High School. Please refer to “eligibility” in the next section. Students in the seventh and eighth grade may participate at the sub-varsity and varsity level with the exception of the cooperative gymnastics team. 54 | P a g e August 2017


ELIGIBILITY Other students, especially younger students, often look up to student athletes as role models. Studentathletes are encouraged to set for themselves the highest academic standards and standards of conduct. In addition, a student must secure, during the previous marking period, a passing grade and full credit in the equivalent of four traditional year-long major English courses (MIAA p. 58). In addition, any student who fails two or more classes in a given marking term will be ineligible for participation in the Sacred Heart Athletic Program. Any student receiving two “poor and/or unsatisfactory” conduct grades in the same marking term will not be allowed to try out for or participate on any athletic team. All athletic requirements begin on the day report cards are issued. The Principal reserves the right to waive academic ineligibility for any student. Chemical Health/Alcohol/Drugs/Tobacco From the earliest fall practice date, to the conclusion of the academic year or final athletic event (whichever is latest), a student shall not, regardless of the quantity, use, consume, possess, buy/sell, or give away any beverage containing alcohol; any tobacco product; marijuana; steroids; or any controlled substance. This policy includes products such as “NA or near beer”. It is not a violation for a student to be in possession of a legally defined drug specifically prescribed for the student’s own use by his/her doctor. If a student is in violation of Sacred Heart Chemical Health rule and is unable to participate in interscholastic sports due to injury or academics, the penalty will not take effect until that student is able to participate again. Use of electronic cigarettes is banned in accordance with MIAA and Sacred Heart regulations. PENALTIES First violation When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 25% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. No exception is permitted for a student who becomes a participant in a treatment program. It is recommended that the student be allowed to remain at practice for the purpose of rehabilitation. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 25% of the season. Second and subsequent violations When the Principal confirms, following an opportunity for the student to be heard, that a violation occurred, the student shall lose eligibility for the next consecutive interscholastic contests totaling 60% of all interscholastic contests in that sport. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 60% of the season. If after the second or subsequent violations the student, of his/her own volition, becomes a participant in an approved chemical dependency program or treatment program, the student may be certified for reinstatement in MIAA activities after a minimum of 40% of events. The director or a counselor of a chemical dependency treatment center must issue such certification. All decimal part of an event will be truncated i.e. All fractional part of an event will be dropped when calculating the 40% of the season.

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Penalties shall be cumulative each academic year. If the penalty period is not completed during the season of violation, the penalty shall carry over to the student’s next season of actual participation, which may affect the eligibility status of the student during the next academic year. (* NOTE) Sacred Heart High School adheres to the minimum penalties set forth by the MIAA concerning chemical health, with the following additions: A student may be considered to be in violation of Sacred Heart High School’s chemical health policy if it is determined that he/she was in a vehicle where alcohol and/or illicit drugs are determined to be in plain view or when, in the opinion of the principal or his/her designee, the student should have been aware that said banned substances were in the vehicle. Students who violate the SHHS/MIAA chemical health policy may not, at the Principal’s discretion, be eligible to attend the post-season team banquet/break-up celebration/awards ceremony if they do not finish the season in good standing. Students declared ineligible for any part of a season due to violation of the chemical health policy are ineligible for post-season honors and recognition in any and all sports from which he/she was suspended (including letter awards and all-star teams). UNIFORMS The Sacred Heart High School athletic uniform is given to students to wear with pride and respect. Uniforms are issued to all athletes who are selected to participate in the Sacred Heart High School interscholastic athletic program. Uniforms will be issued when all of the following criteria have been met: 1. Team rosters have been given to the athletic director. 2. All paper work has been completed by parents and students and returned to the athletic office. UNIFORM RETURN POLICY Athletes who leave a team for any reason before the end of the season must have the uniform in the Athletic Director's office the following school day. At this time, the athlete must receive a receipt verifying the return of the uniform. All other uniforms must be returned to their coach following the athlete’s or team’s last game. The school will bill those athletes the replacement cost of any uniform that is lost, stolen or damaged. Students are responsible for the uniforms they are issued. (Athletes should not lend their uniforms to other athletes). UNIFORM CARE Parents and students should read and follow the instructions located on the uniform tag for the washing and care of all uniforms. If no instructions are found, please wash in cold water with like colors and hang dry on rust proof hangers. Athletes are responsible for all uniforms that have been shrunk, discolored, or otherwise damaged in the wash. DO NOT DRY CLEAN! ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION FEE There will be a $150 dollar participation fee assessed to all athletes (7-12) participating at the junior varsity and varsity levels for each season they participate. The exception is for football and ice hockey where the fee is $200.

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There will be a $100 dollar participation fee assessed to all athletes participating at the intermediate school level for each season they participate. An athlete is considered a member of an athletic team the day rosters are posted. Athletic fees will be collected by the Finance Office through FACTS Tuition Management. If necessary, other arrangement may be made by contacting the Finance Office. Payment of an athletic participation fee does not guarantee that a student will receive playing time that will be satisfactory to the student-athlete or his/her family. UNIFORM REPLACEMENT CHARGES FALL GOLF: $ 50.00 SOCCER: $150.00 CROSS COUNTRY: $ 75.00 VOLLEYBALL: $150.00 FOOTBALL $200.00 CHEERLEADING $200.00 WINTER J.V.BASKETBALL: VARSITY BASKETBALL: CHEERLEADING: HOCKEY

$200.00 $200.00 $200.00 $200.00

SPRING SOFTBALL: BASEBALL: TRACK: TENNIS: LACROSSE

$150.00 $150.00 $ 75.00 $ 50.00 $200.00

ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION Athletic participation is open to all Sacred Heart students in grades 7 - 12 who meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the MIAA and Sacred Heart High School. ATHLETIC PHYSICALS All potential athletes must have a current physical on file in the Sacred Heart Health Office before they will be allowed to participate in any Sacred Heart athletic competition, practice, or try out. Sacred Heart coaches will not accept physicals at any time!!! CONCUSSION POLICY Pursuant to Mass. Gen. Law Chapter 111, Section 222, and accompanying regulations (105 CMR 201 et seq.), Sacred Heart School has developed this policy to address the identification and proper handling of suspected head injury in students participating in school-based athletics and activities. Medical management of sports-related concussion is evolving. In recent years, there has been a significant amount of research into sports-related concussion in high school athletes. Sacred Heart School has established this protocol to provide education about concussion for athletic department staff and other 57 | P a g e August 2017


school personnel. This protocol outlines procedures for staff to follow in managing head injuries, and outlines school policy as it pertains to return to play issues after concussion. Sacred Heart School seeks to provide a safe return to activity for all athletes after injury, particularly after a concussion. In order to effectively and consistently manage these injuries, procedures have been developed to aid in insuring that concussed athletes are identified, treated and referred appropriately, receive appropriate follow-up medical care during the school day, including academic assistance, and are fully recovered prior to returning to activity. This protocol will be reviewed on a two year basis, by the Sacred Heart School administration, athletic director, athletic trainer, and school nurse. Any changes or modifications will be reviewed and given to athletic department staff and appropriate school personnel in writing. The Athletic Director of Sacred Heart High School shall be the person responsible for the implementation of these policies and procedures in coordination with school administration, school nurse and athletic trainer. The Athletic Director is required to review this policy every two years. All athletic department staff will attend a yearly in-service meeting in which procedures for managing sports-related concussion are discussed. Coaches are required to instruct students in form, technique and skills that minimize sports-related head injury and are directed to discourage and prohibit students from engaging in any unreasonably dangerous athletic technique that endangers the health and safety of students, including using a helmet or any other sports equipment as a weapon. Students who engage in unreasonably dangerous behavior while participating in extracurricular athletic activities will be subject to the code of conduct and possible disciplinary consequences. Training The following personnel shall be required to participate in training in the prevention and recognition of a sports-related head injury: coaches, certified athletic trainers if applicable, volunteers, school nurses, athletic director, (including those volunteers), parents/guardians of students who participate in an extracurricular athletic activity, and students who participate in an extracurricular athletic activity. In accordance with Section 222 and accompanying 105 CMR 201.008, online training programs will be offered through the athletic department at no charge to the individual. This training shall include recognizing sports-related head injury including second impact syndrome. Individuals who participate in the training shall submit documentation verifying the completion of the training to the Athletic Director. Such documents shall be maintained by the Athletic Director for three years. Documentation of a student history of head injuries, including concussions, is kept on file each athletic season with the completion of the parental consent form for each athlete. (See Department of Public Health Pre-Participation Head Injury/Concussion Reporting Form for Extracurricular Activities) This Pre-participation information required on the Department of Public Health form concerning head injuries and concussions is included in the Sacred Heart School parental/guardian consent form required of each athlete and kept on file in the athletic office. Documentation of an annual physical examination of students participating in extracurricular athletic activities consistent with 105 CMR 200.00 is kept in the student’s health record, which is on file in the Sacred Heart High School nurse’s office. Prerequisites to Participation in Student Athletics At or before the start of each sport season, students/parents/guardians shall provide the following information: Documentation of the students’ annual physical examination:

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1. A completed Pre-participation Head Injury/Concussion Reporting for Extra- Curricular Activities (“Pre-Participation Form”) which shall include a comprehensive history with up-to-date information relative to concussion history, any history regarding head, face or cervical spine injury and/or any history of co-existent concussion injuries; and signatures of both the parent/guardian and the student. 2. A certification of completion for any Athletic Department approved online course or a signed acknowledgement as to their receipt of department approved written materials. Certification for completion of the online course is valid for one school year. If the student/parent/guardian fails to provide any of the above information, the student will not be permitted to participate in the activity/sport, including but not limited to try-outs or practices. Removal from Athletic Activities due to Head Injury Any student who, during a practice or competition, sustains a head injury or suspected concussion, shall be removed from the practice or competition immediately and may not return to practice or competition that day. Parents/guardians will be notified so that they may take the student to a medical provider for appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. The student must provide a completed Department Post Sports-Related Head Injury Medical Clearance and Authorization Form to the Nurse and Athletic Director prior to resuming the extracurricular athletic activity. Procedures for Returning to the Activity If a student is diagnosed with a concussion, school personnel, including but not limited to the teachers, school nurse, guidance counselor, along with parents/guardians shall develop a written graduated entry plan for return to full academics and extracurricular activities. The guidance counselor in coordination with the school nurse will coordinate the writing and approval process of the written graduated entry plan. Accommodations may include, as appropriate: provision for physical or cognitive rest; graduated return to classroom studies; estimated time intervals for resuming activities; assessments by the school nurse; periodic medical assessment by a physician until the student is authorized to full classroom and extracurricular activities. The student’s physician should be consulted as appropriate in devising the graduated entry plan. Reporting Requirements All coaches are required to report any student’s head injury or suspected concussion sustained in practice or competition to the student’s parent/guardian so follow up by a medical provider for evaluation and treatment can provided. The parent/guardian shall be informed of the injury immediately after the practice or competition in which it occurred and notification must be provided in writing no later than the end of the next business day. The coach must also notify the Athletic Director of the injury and removal from play by the end of the next business day. The coach must also complete a Department Report of Head Injury During Sports Season Form and provide it to the Athletic Director, parent/guardian and school nurse. If a student sustains a head injury outside of the extracurricular activity, the parent/ guardian must complete the Department Report of Head Injury During Sports Season Form and return it to the Athletic Director. The Athletic Director shall disseminate to coaches and copies of the Pre-Participation Form for all of the teams. All forms that indicate a history of head injury shall be provided to the school nurse. The Athletic Director shall copy any forms that indicate a history of head injury, batch them by team, and provide them to the team’s physician and the team’s certified athletic trainer, if any.

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Conclusion All coaches, volunteers, trainers etc. who are involved with Sacred Heart School student-athletes are responsible to follow the procedures and protocols associated with this policy. Failure to do so may result in, but not be limited to dismissal. Transfer students All transfer students, grades ten through twelve, must report to the Athletic Director on the first day of practice. Seasons of Participation After enrollment in grade 9, students may not participate in more than four years in any sport. Students who do not participate in the 9th grade will be limited to three years of participation in grades 10-12. Second year freshmen Students repeating the ninth grade must report to the Athletic Director's office the first day of practice. Practice and game requirements Athletes who are chosen to represent a team sponsored by Sacred Heart High School agree to make themselves available for all athletic contests and practices during the season. Athletes are expected to attend all athletic contests and practices that are scheduled on or during holidays and any game or practice that has been re-scheduled during the season. Loyalty to the High School Team: Bona Fide Team Members A bona fide member of the school team is a student who is consistently present for, and actively participates in, all high school team sessions (e.g. practices, tryouts, competitions). Bona fide members of a school team are precluded from missing a high school practice or competition in order to participate in a non-school athletic activity/event in any sport recognized by the MIAA. First Offense: Student athlete is suspended for 25% of the season. Second Offense: Student athlete is suspended for an additional 25% of the season, and is ineligible for tournament play immediately upon confirmation of the violation. See MIAA Rule 96 for additional tournament restriction and MIAA Rule 86 for waiver guidelines. Only One School Sport Per Season is Permitted A student-athlete shall participate in only one MIAA interscholastic sport in any defined MIAA sport season (Fall, Winter, or Spring), including tournaments and/or championships in that season. For the purposes of this rule only, a student-athlete officially becomes a member of his/her team for the sport season on the date of that school's first regular season contest in that sport. Exception: If a licensed physician recommends that an athlete terminate participation in a sport for medical reasons after the first contest, the athlete will be permitted to join another team if he/she receives the written approval of a licensed physician. Exception: A school may approve a varsity or sub varsity request to join a second varsity or sub varsity team after terminating his/her membership with the first varsity or sub varsity team, providing written approval is received from the principal, athletic director, and both coaches involved with the change, and it happens within the first ½ of the season. PENALTIES - If a student-athlete violates this rule, he/she will be ineligible for that season, and all contests in which he/she participated in both sports must be forfeited.

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Absence and Tardiness Students must be registered as being present in school within 30 minutes of the official start of the school day and must remain in school for the entire day in order to be eligible to participate in a game/match or practice on that day. The principal can make exceptions to this rule in cases of documented excused absence, (e.g., doctor’s appointment, etc.). Detentions Any athlete missing an athletic contest or practice due to an after-school detention will be credited with an unexcused absence. All detentions will be served on the day assigned. In School Suspension A student serving an in-house suspension on the day of a home game/match/meet will be allowed to participate in the game/match/meet as long as it does not interfere with the time required to complete the suspension. Students serving a suspension on a day that their team is scheduled to travel will not be allowed to travel with their team if the departure time interferes with the time needed to complete the suspension. Out of School Suspension Students serving an out-of-school suspension will not be allowed to participate in any athletic practice or competition until the suspension has been fully served. Any multiple day out-of-school suspension that carries through a weekend makes the athlete ineligible for that weekend, e.g., three-day suspension starting on Friday. In such a case the student will be eligible to play on Wednesday. Transportation of Athletic Teams Students are expected to travel to and from scheduled events on transportation supplied by the Athletic Department. Any individual requesting a change from this procedure must submit this request in writing 24 hours prior to the next scheduled contest. The Athletic Director with the administration will review all procedure changes, and a decision will be given by the end of the day. Transportation to away games will leave 10 minutes after class dismissal. Any athlete who is late will not be allowed to travel with the team. Conduct Behavior at home or away is governed by standards set by Sacred heart High School Student-Parent Handbook. Violations may result in loss of athletic eligibility. Taunting Special mention is being made in this handbook relative to the MIAA’s rule on taunting. Taunting includes any actions or comments by coaches, players, or spectators, that are intended to bait, anger, embarrass, ridicule, or demean others, whether or not the deeds or words are vulgar or racist. Included is conduct that berates, needles, intimidates, or threatens based on race, gender, ethnic origin, or background, and conduct that attacks religious beliefs, size, economic status, speech, family, special learning needs, athletic ability, or personal matters. At all MIAA contest sites and tournament venues, appropriate management may give spectators one warning for taunting. Thereafter, spectators who taunt players, coaches, game officials, or other spectators are subject to ejection and/or further disciplinary action. We expect all Sacred Heart student-athletes, coaches, and spectators to maintain a high level of decorum and good sportsmanship at all school athletic events.

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Dress Code Athletes who represent Sacred Heart High School should take pride in their appearance. Therefore the following guidelines concerning the dress code have been set. Athletes are required to wear the uniform issued by the athletic department. No deviation from the uniform is allowed without the expressed approval of the Athletic Director. Athletes are expected to leave Sacred Heart High School for all away games in full uniform. Students will travel under the guidelines of the Sacred Heart High School dress code for contests that do not require the athletes to change prior to departure. No athletic uniforms will be worn to classes on game days unless authorized by the athletic director or school administration. Letter Jackets Athletes who complete a season will be awarded either a middle school, junior varsity, or varsity certificate depending on the level of participation. A point value is awarded to each certificate. A middle school certificate merits 1 point. A junior varsity certificate merits 3 points and a varsity certificate merits 5 points. When an athlete earns a total of 27 points he/she is awarded a varsity letter jacket. A coach has the right to award either a junior varsity or varsity certificate in those sports that compete only on the varsity level (e.g., Golf, cross country, track, tennis, cheerleading.)

THE ATHLETE'S QUEST IS A MOVING CELEBRATION OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT

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SCHOOL SONGS

SPIRIT SONG Hail to you, Sacred Heart! We will be true to you, Sacred Heart. Loyal sons and daughters we will ever be As we gratefully go on our way. Hail to you, Sacred Heart! For you're our own dear school, Sacred Heart, We have learned to live and love and lead the way, And from our hearts, we proudly say . . . Dear Alma Mater fair, we pledge our love to you, And to our glorious colors, white and blue. With strength and courage we stand, To will what e'er God has in His plan. All of us unite to praise in one accord, Hail to you, dear Sacred Heart. (Sr. Rosemonde Deck, CDP)

ALMA MATER All hail, dear Sacred Heart, Our Alma Mater true. Beneath your colors white and blue, We pledge our love to you. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, Light the path that lies before With faith and hope you give to us On this New England shore. With faith and hope. . . All hail, dear Sacred Heart, Our Alma Mater strong, Your vision and your faithfulness, We honor now in song. Make us loyal sons and daughters, Keep us strong in mind and heart To live for justice, peace and right, And you, dear Sacred Heart. To live for justice. . . (Sr. Dolores Kohout, CDP)

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INDEX A Accidents 36 Academic Information 15 Academic Progress 21 Academic Testing Program 20 Advanced Placement 18 Alcohol 32 Athletics 53 Attendance Policy 25 B Breathalyzer Protocol 33 Bullying 46 Bus Conduct 99 C Cafeteria 36 Campus Ministry 6 Cell Phones & Cameras 43 Cheating Policy 28 Child custody 36 Class Cuts 27 Clubs 52 Co-Curricular activities 47 Computers acceptable use 37 Concussion 57 Course failure/ Repeating a course 18 Course Credit, Loss of Credit and Attendance 25 D Dances 42 Discipline 23 Dismissals 24, 27 Dress code 29 Drugs and Controlled Substances 32 E Edline/Rediker 18 Electronics (cell phones, cameras, etc.) 43 Eligibility for Co-Curricular Participation 26 Email 39 Enrollment 20 Exam Policy 27 F False documents, forgery, misrepresentation 34 Field Trips 44 Fighting 31 Fire drills 44 Food and drink 44 Fundraising 37 G Gambling and card playing 34 Grading System 17 Graduation Requirement.15 Guidance Services 20 Gum chewing 44 H Harassment policy 46

Hazing 47 Health Services 21 Homework Policy 19 Honor Code 14 Honor Roll 17 I Inclement Weather Procedures 45 Internet 41 Chromebook Acceptable Use 39 L Level Placement 16 Library/ Media Center 44 M Make Up Work 19 Messages from parents 44 Mission Statement 3

User Fees (Athletic participation) 56 V Vacations 19, 25,67 Valedictorian 17 Valuables 45 Vandalism 35 Visitors 46 Voter registration 46 W Weapons 32 Working Permits 46 Y Yearbook 52

N National Honor Society 49 No School Announcements 45 O Objectives 4 P Parking 27 Peer Ministry 6 Philosophy 3 Physical Education 44 Plagiarism Policy 28 R Report Cards 21 Rights and Responsibilities 14 S Salutatorian 17 School songs 62 Seat Belt Safety 27 Senior privileges 45 Student Government 50 Student Council 51 Confidentiality of Student Records 21 Student Schedules 17 Substance Abuse 32 Suspension 24 T Tardiness to Class 25 Tardiness to School 26 Taunting 61 Testing Program 20 Tobacco Policy 32 Transcripts 21 Transportation 27 Truancy 24 Tuition and fees 97 Tutoring 19 U Unauthorized Departure 35 Unexcused Absence from Class 25

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Sacred Heart Elementary School Early Childhood Center 2017-2018 Student-Parent Handbook

Sacred Heart Elementary School 329 Bishops Highway Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-2114

Sacred Heart Kindergarten/ECC 251Bishops Highway Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-2290 65 | P a g e


WELCOME TO SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL! The purpose of this handbook is to promote an understanding of our school programs, policies and procedures, and the expectations that will help to ensure a successful educational experience for each student. As partners in this educational journey, we look forward to a year of spiritual development, academic excellence, and an atmosphere of care and respect for each other. ADMISSIONS Parents/Guardians of candidates seeking admission, Grades K-6, must provide the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Registration form, deposit and registration fee, and signed contract. Birth Certificate Baptismal Record (if applicable) Copy of immunization record Copy of most recent pre-school evaluation for Kindergarten Copy of most recent report card - Grades 1-6 Copy of most recent standardized testing Copy of Educational Evaluation (Individual Educational Plan) where appropriate Teacher Summary of Math/Reading progress and series - Grades 3-6

Acceptance is based on available space, and the ability to meet the educational needs of the student. Grade level and group determinations are made on the basis of school records and testing. The school reserves the right to refuse students whose needs cannot be met by its program. Sacred Heart Elementary School admits students of any race, religion, gender, color, national or ethnic origin. We do not discriminate in the administration of educational policies, admission policies or any school administered programs. CURRICULUM The academic curriculum for grades K-6 is based on continuity and skill building. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Religion (all students participate in the school’s religion program) Language Arts (Reading, English, Spelling, Phonetics) Penmanship Mathematics Social Studies Science Art Music Physical Education Media (Educational technology, library, library science) World Language (Spanish)

Additional school activities include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Art Enrichment Musical Performances Chorus Sacred Service Soccer After school clubs: some examples are Science, Crafts, Knitting/Quilting, Lego, Spanish, Fitness, Games

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HEALTH AND SAFETY 1. Students will not be admitted without proper immunizations. 2. Physical examinations are requested annually. 3. Medication can only be dispensed through the Nurse’s office. a. Written authorization must be provided by both the physician and the parent/guardian. b. Prescriptions must be brought to school in the prescription bottle. 4. Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from sending children who are ill to school. The school will use its discretion in calling parents/guardians to come for a child who appears to be ill. Students with a fever may return to school after being free of a fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medication. 5. Head lice checks must be conducted frequently by parents/guardians. Students found with head lice will be sent home for treatment. 6. In the case of injury/illness, parents/guardians will be notified. In the event that parents/guardians are not available, the principal will make the most reasonable decision for the child’s welfare. EMERGENCY INFORMATION Emergency information is provided by the parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year. An up-to-date emergency card is kept on file in the office and parents are responsible for notifying the office of any changes in parent/guardian contact information, including address, home/work telephone and cell phone numbers, email address, and physician contact information. SCHOOL HOURS Students are expected to be in school from 7:40 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. An early dismissal at 11:20 a.m. is scheduled approximately once a month for a faculty meeting. The school office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may arrive in the morning beginning at 7:15 a.m. for outside play and at 7:25 to report directly to their classroom. Students are permitted to stay in the building after school hours only for an approved and supervised school activity or meeting. Before-School Care hours are 6:45 to 7:25 a.m. for students enrolled in the program. After-School Program hours are 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. for students enrolled in the program. ATTENDANCE Regular and on-time attendance is critical for a student’s success in school. Absence: If a student is to be absent from school, the parent is asked to notify the office by 8:15 a.m. Upon the student’s return to school, a written note is required to excuse an absence. Students are responsible for securing and completing work missed during an absence. Parents of students experiencing a prolonged illness of more than two (2) days may obtain missed school work by calling the office before 10:00 a.m. and arranging for pick-up at 2:45 p.m. Missed assignments should be completed within two days of the student’s return to school, unless the teacher determines that additional time is necessary. Repeated or excessive absences are a cause for concern and will be addressed with the parent. Tardiness: Students arriving after 7:40 a.m. are considered tardy, whether the tardiness is due to an excused or unexcused reason. Students who are tardy must enter school using the front door and report to the secretary’s office. The student must obtain a late pass prior to going to class. A written note is required to excuse tardiness. Excessive tardiness disrupts class time and instruction, and is unacceptable. Appointments: Medical, dental, and other appointments are to be made after school hours. However, should it be necessary to make an appointment during school hours, the student is required to bring a note to this effect and may leave the building only with an authorized person who will meet him/her at the office.

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VACATION Prolonged vacations during scheduled school time are strongly discouraged. Teachers will not provide individual with advance assignments. Completing worksheets cannot replace instructional time. Parents and students are expected to assume responsibility for class work, assignments and tests missed by completing make-up work as assigned by the teacher. EARLY DISMISSAL Early dismissal of a student is allowed, provided a written request is given to the teacher upon the student's arrival in the morning, and approved by the principal. Early dismissals are not permitted between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. to avoid interfering with the bus dismissal. Any and all changes in dismissal require a WRITTEN NOTE from the parent/guardian. Please do NOT call for dismissal, unless it is an emergency. WEATHER-RELATED OR EMERGENCY CLOSING In the event of a school cancellation or delayed opening, families will be contacted by phone through our automated calling system. Also tune in to your television or radio station. Do not call the school. Television stations 4, 5, 7, as well as WBZ radio, will provide the announcement. Efforts will also be made to update the school website at www.sacredheartkingston.com with weather-related announcements. If an early emergency dismissal is necessary, the procedure is as follows: 1. Notice on school website: www.sacredheartkingston.com 2. Enactment of the Rediker auto alert system (crisis only) 3. A radio announcement on WBZ Parents should establish an alternate plan for their child/children in the event of an emergency dismissal. DROP OFF/PICK UP Students should arrive at school between 7:15 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. Students enrolled in the Before-School Program should arrive between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. All students enter the Elementary School by way of the rear door of the building. A copy of the drop-off and pickup procedures and plan of entrance and exit from school grounds and parking lots is provided to all parents/guardians in the summer mailing. The drop-off and pick-up procedures must be followed for the safety of all students. The rear door is locked at 7:40 a.m. Students arriving after 7:40 a.m. must use the front door to enter the building and report to the office. Students who are being dismissed early from school must also report to the office before leaving and must exit using the front door. Kindergarten children enter and exit the Early Childhood Center by the front door. UNIFORMS - STANDARD AND WARM WEATHER A regulation uniform is to be worn at all times with the exception of a student’s birthday or a “No Uniform Coupon” from the principal; coupons may not be used on a Mass day or a field trip day. Parental cooperation is essential in this matter. Please label all clothing and personal items with your child’s name. Iron-on labels are available from the uniform company. Uniforms for boys and girls are purchased through: Donnelly’s School Apparel 50 Sharpe Drive, Cranston, RI 02920 1-800-498-0045 or 1-401-942-5202 www.donnellysclothing.com

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Girls and Boys - Standard Uniform: Worn October - April (starting the day after Columbus Day until the April school vacation break) GIRLS Grades K-3 Plaid jumper or navy slacks Long or short sleeve light blue blouse Red cardigan sweater or sweater vest Navy blue knee socks or navy blue tights Sturdy school shoes (black, navy blue or brown) GIRLS Grades 4-8 Plaid skirt or gray slacks Long or short sleeve light blue blouse Navy cardigan sweater Navy blue knee socks or tights Sturdy school shoes (black, navy blue or brown) The following may not be worn: Clogs, flip-flops, sandals, crocs, ballet slipper style shoes, or boots (no Uggs) Heels higher than 1 inch Winter/snow boots during class (bring shoes to change) Make-up (includes glitter and nail polish) Jewelry is restricted to small earrings, a watch and a ring

Expensive jewelry should never be worn in school. BOYS Grades K-3 Navy blue pants and a belt Long or short sleeve light blue button-down oxford shirt Red sweater vest Above the ankle, navy blue or black crew socks Sturdy school shoes (black, navy blue, or brown) BOYS Grades 4-8 Gray pants and a belt Long or short sleeve blue button-down oxford shirt Navy sweater or vest Plaid neck tie Above the ankle, navy blue or black crew socks Sturdy school shoes (black, navy blue, or brown) The following may not be worn: Work boots/hiking boots Fashion sneakers Flip flops, sandals or crocs Haircuts Conservative styles are required. Off the collar for boys. Girls and Boys-Warm Weather Uniform Worn August – early October, and the end of April to the end of school in June Royal blue polo shirt (with school logo) Khaki skort or walking shorts and belt Above the ankle white crew socks (low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Sneakers - non-marking soles (High top sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted) 69 | P a g e


“No Uniform” Days: On “No Uniform” days, appropriate clothing must be worn. Tee-shirts or sweatshirts with distasteful or offensive slogans, logos, or graphic images are not permitted at any time. For girls, short shorts, short skirts, spaghetti strap tops and cropped tops are unacceptable. For boys, low rise or excessively baggy pants, or pajama bottoms are unacceptable. Coupons for "No Uniform" days may not be used on days when Mass is scheduled or on field trips. UNIFORMS - PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students are expected to wear their gym uniform on gym days. Boys and girls in Grades K-6 will wear the following regulation uniform on gym days: Standard Gym Uniform Worn October - April (starting the day after Columbus Day until the April school vacation break) Royal blue sweat suit (with school logo) Royal blue long sleeve or short sleeve tee-shirt (with school logo) for warmer weather, with sweatpants White cotton above the ankle crew socks (Low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Non-marking athletic tie sneakers (High top sneakers, Velcro-fastened sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted.) Warm Weather Gym Uniform Worn August – early October (until Columbus Day), and the end of April (after spring break) to the end of school in June Royal blue micromesh or jersey gym shorts (with school logo) Royal blue tee-shirt (with school logo) White cotton above the ankle crew socks (Low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Non-marking athletic tie sneakers (High top sneakers, Velcro-fastened sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted.) In the interest of safety, no jewelry may be worn on gym days GUM CHEWING Gum chewing is forbidden anywhere in the school buildings or on school grounds at any time. This includes field trips or any school-sponsored activity. CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE POLICY Students who are enrolled in Sacred Heart Elementary School are expected to strive for and display exemplary and responsible behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, at an assembly, on the playground, and on the bus. Good manners, courtesy and respect are expected in relationships with adults and peers. Respect and care of school and personal property is also expected. Harassment or threats of any kind are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment, as defined by the diocese, is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Sacred Heart Elementary School is committed to an educational process that is focused on the education of the whole student. We strive to develop not only the mind, but strong moral character as well. Wholehearted and generous participation is a prerequisite for all involved in the educational process. Reasonable rules and regulations help to foster an academic setting and promote quality community life for all. Self-discipline is an important goal for our students, and consistent guidelines are necessary for them to learn to be responsible and accountable for their behavior. The purpose of our discipline policy is to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all of our students. Effective discipline requires consistency; with parents, students, teachers and administrators all working together to share the responsibility for enforcing discipline, to maintain an environment that will foster excellence in learning as well as the spiritual and moral growth of each child. The purpose of any disciplinary action is always meant to be corrective, not punitive; and to help the student understand and accept the responsibility and consequences for making poor choices. When unacceptable conduct and infractions occur, parents/guardians will be notified, and 70 | P a g e


appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Primary responsibility for disciplining students in school lies with the classroom teachers. The principal will be involved in cases of severe and/or a pattern of disciplinary problems, or when requested by the teacher because of special or unusual circumstances. TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Overview Sacred Heart Elementary School offers educational technology instruction and Internet access for student use, as part of the school curriculum. Access to the school’s computer network and Internet will help students to learn and practice necessary technology literacy skills and will enable students to explore a wealth of educationally appropriate information and resources. This is an exciting educational privilege, not a right, and carries with it responsibilities for all users. Technology resources are provided with the understanding that they are to be used for educational purposes only, and in a responsible, ethical and legal manner at all times. Inappropriate use will result in an immediate termination of computer and Internet access, and will be cause for disciplinary action. Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses of the Computer and Internet Students are encouraged to use the computers and the Internet for activities to increase knowledge, seek information and resources, access libraries, practice skills, communicate, collaborate, and engage in learning activities. If there is any question about whether an intended activity is acceptable, students should ask their teacher. Students may not use the computers and Internet for the following activities, which include, but are not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

unauthorized access into school accounts, private files, or the files of others destruction or alteration of others’ documents or files, and/or the addition, deletion or re-naming of icons threatening, harassing, or bullying students or staff introduction or transmission of computer viruses commercial use of the school networks acts that jeopardize the security of the computer network by sharing passwords violation of copyright laws, such as unauthorized downloading or copying of licensed software programs and music/video files 8. use of inappropriate or offensive language; illegal activities, and transmission of, or searches for, obscene material.

Privacy Computer and Internet access is provided as a tool for students’ education. Sacred Heart Elementary School has the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, without permission and without prior notice, anything students do on the computer, including email, and any Internet sites accessed by a student. All information files are the property of the school and the use of the computer should not be considered students’ private files. The school can and will remove from the computer anything a student does that is inappropriate. Liability Sacred Heart Elementary School, to the best of its ability, provides technology resources for student use, but cannot guarantee availability at all times. The school will not be responsible or held liable for any failure, loss, or damage that may occur due to technical or other difficulties. The school cannot guarantee the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet, or the security and privacy of electronic transmissions. Internet Guidelines Students are to use the Internet in school under the active supervision of a teacher, who will make every effort to ensure that students are directed to sites with only age-appropriate material and topics.

Inappropriate Websites - Sacred Heart Elementary School uses filtering software to block access to inappropriate content on all computers with Internet access. Students are restricted from accessing subject matter that is obscene, 71 | P a g e


pornographic, violent or harmful. Despite every effort for supervision and filtering, however, the school cannot guarantee that students will not have access to inappropriate materials. Students and all members of the school community should report all inappropriate sites not blocked by the filters to a teacher and/or to the administration for appropriate action, and must take responsibility to avoid these sites.

Personal Safety/Confidentiality – In using the computer and Internet, students should not reveal any personal or private information about themselves such as their full name, home address or telephone number. Students should never arrange to meet with someone they “met” on the Internet. Students should never give out their passwords to anyone except their teachers and parents.

Electronic Mail – Only students in grades, 4, 5, and 6 will be issued a gmail account. These accounts are limited to correspondence between student and teacher and cannot accept or send email to or from any other account. No other student access to email will be allowed on school computers. As part of the educational process toward gaining skills in becoming more independent, responsible users of the Internet, students may have the opportunity to use blogs, wikis, podcasts or other web tools for school-related projects and activities, but must do so only with teacher supervision. If using these tools, students are expected to act safely by keeping all personal information out of their posts. Students must agree to not share their user name or password with anyone except their teachers and parents, and to treat blog spaces as classroom spaces. Speech that is not acceptable for class is not acceptable for a blog or wiki. Computer and Internet Etiquette - Students must follow all of the rules of proper and appropriate computer and Internet use, including polite language, avoiding any offensive material, and not forwarding any messages or information without the permission of the other person. Students may not share passwords or disrupt computer use by others, print excessively, monopolize technology resources, or use excessive amounts of shared data storage space. Cell Phones and other Personal Electronic Devices If parents have deemed it necessary for a child to have a cell phone at school, it may be used only for emergency purposes after school hours. All cell phones and other mobile personal communication devices must remain off and be kept in student backpacks during the school day (including recess). If a student’s cell phone rings or is used by the student during school hours, it will be removed and held in the principal’s office for parents to retrieve, and appropriate disciplinary action will be given. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any cell phone or personal communication device. Students may not use any electronic music players or hand-held electronic games/toys in school. Such devices will be removed from the student if used during school hours and will be held in the office for parents to retrieve, and appropriate disciplinary action will be given. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any such personal devices. eReaders may be allowed for reading only. Playing games is not considered acceptable use. Parents and students are asked to sign the agreement page acknowledging that they have received and read the “Technology Guidelines in the Student-Parent Handbook. SEARCH It is the right and responsibility of the school administration at any time to conduct a search of a student’s desk or personal belongings if there is reasonable cause. BOOKS Students must cover all school hard-covered text books to avoid soiling or damaging them. All books belonging to the school and used by the students are the responsibility of the student and must be paid for if lost or damaged. 72 | P a g e


HOMEWORK Homework is a necessary follow-up to schoolwork and an important component of the school’s academic program. It reinforces learning and allows for independent practice of skills, research time, study, or reading. Homework is assigned Monday through Friday. Long-term projects and reports may extend over weekends and holidays. Guidelines for anticipated daily homework time frames are: Kindergarten Gr. 1 Gr. 2 Gr. 3

10 – 15 minutes 10 – 30 minutes 20 – 30 minutes 30 – 60 minutes

Gr. 4 Gr. 5 Gr. 6

30 – 60 minutes 60 – 90 minutes 60 – 90 minutes

Neatness, legibility and promptness are expected when handing in assignments. Failure to complete required homework assignments will adversely affect a student’s grade. Assigned homework or books forgotten at school may not be retrieved after dismissal. STUDENT EVALUATION Progress reports are a communication tool for teachers and parents. If a child is in jeopardy of receiving a poor grade in a class, a progress report will be sent home. Report Cards (Grades K – 6) are issued 3 times a year, in November, February, and June. Standardized Testing: NorthWest Evaluation Association Measure of Academic Progress is administered in grades 2-6 twice quarterly. The Aimsweb Formative Assessment will be administered three times yearly in reading and math fluency for grades K-3 PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conferences for Kindergarten are generally scheduled in November and February. Conferences for Grades 1-6 are generally scheduled in December and March, and may be arranged at other times when necessary. To consult with a teacher, an appointment may be made by sending a note to the teacher with the student, or by calling the school office. Should any problem arise regarding a student and his/her environment, parents should not hesitate to contact the teacher and then, if necessary, the principal. VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL During school hours, parents/guardians, volunteers and visitors must use the front entrance, check in at the office, and sign-in using the visitor log in the lobby, before visiting any classroom or other area of the school. Volunteers and visitors must also wear the name badge provided. All volunteers must have a current Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) and SORI verification on file, or must be accompanied while in the building, by a school employee. CUSTODY If parents are separated or divorced, the school presumes that both parents have access to their children and their records, unless a legal document, such as a court order, is on file in the office, which revokes these rights. A duplicate copy of the child’s report card and any other relevant data will be mailed to the non-custodial parent provided there is a written request, which must be renewed annually. RECORD REVIEW/PRIVACY RIGHT The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents and eligible students (18 years of age) the right to inspect and review the student’s education record maintained by the school. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that the school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. Generally, the school must have written parent permission to release information from the student’s educational 73 | P a g e


record; however, FERPA allows schools to disclose the student’s educational record without written consent to other parties, under certain conditions, such as to other schools to which the student seeks to transfer or intends to enroll. The following procedure is used for parents to request a review of the student’s educational record: 1. Call the office to request an appointment with the principal. 2. State the purpose of the meeting. 3. The school will respond to the request within two business days. PROTOCOL FOR RAISING CONCERNS AND GRIEVANCE POLICY A partnership between parents, teachers and administrators working together is the best assurance of the student’s success. It is integral to the school’s philosophy that a spirit of harmony exists among parents/guardians, teachers and students. Any concerns should be shared so they can be addressed. The following steps will serve as a useful procedure in solving school problems that may arise: 1. The teacher is the first person to address with a classroom concern. The student should discuss the situation directly with the teacher involved and vice versa. 2. If the parent has a concern, an appointment should be made to meet with the teacher involved. It may be appropriate in some situations for the student to also be included in the meeting. 3. If a solution is difficult to achieve, the principal may be contacted to help. Usually, a meeting with the principal, parents, and teacher together will occur. In some situations, the student may also be included in the meeting. 4. As a final and last action, the President’s office may be contacted. BIRTHDAYS/SOCIALS Parties by parents/guardians should be planned outside of school hours. Birthday cakes and food are not permitted. Please help us keep all children safe from a wide variety of food allergies by not sending in food for distribution to others. Birthday/social invitations are not given out at school. Addresses and phone numbers of Sacred Heart Elementary School families are not publicized by the school, or given out over the phone. A family directory is published by the Parent Association. Inclusion in this directory is with parent/guardian permission. LUNCH Bag lunches can be ordered through Chartwells or students bring their own lunch from home and eat in the cafeteria. Milk is provided by the school. Once a month, “Pizza Lunch” is provided by the Parents’ Association and students may purchase slices of pizza for a fee. If a student forgets to bring their lunch to school, a lunch will be provided for them. Students may not contact their parents to bring a forgotten lunch. RECESS Recess allows for a spirit of recreation among students and teachers. Therefore, all children have outdoor recess. Parents/guardians are asked to cooperate by not requesting that a child be excused from recess. If a child needs to remain in the building, a doctor’s note is necessary, and the student must report to the nurse’s office. In order to play outside for recess, students must have appropriate clothing (jackets), especially during the winter months. Children must play within the designated area, seek permission to re-enter the school building, and use playground equipment provided by the school. Socialization and interaction with one another is essential, therefore, students may not bring personal electronic games and toys to recess.

SAFETY DRILLS Safety drills are held several times during the year. For fire drills, everyone must leave via designated exits and silently walk to pre-arranged areas. Those not in a classroom must leave by the nearest exit. Lights are turned off and classroom doors are closed upon leaving the building. For lock down drills, students and teachers lock doors and position themselves so as not to be seen from classroom windows. Drills are brief and matter of fact. 74 | P a g e


TELEPHONES The school phone is for school business. Teachers are not called from the classroom for phone calls from parents, except in cases of emergency. Students may use the office telephone only in an emergency. Students will not be permitted to call home for forgotten homework, clothing, library books, or lunches. Children will not be called to the telephone during school hours. If an emergency arises and a parent must contact a child, please call the school office for assistance. Students who bring cell phones to school must leave them turned off and in their backpacks during school hours. They are not to be used during school time, or during recess. SUPPLIES Students should check with teachers for required supplies. Limited desk space does not allow for large loose leaf/trapper keepers or binders. PARENT PARTICIPATION Positive family cooperation and support of our school always has a positive effect on the students’ attitude toward school and learning. Parent participation and support is essential to the success of our educational programs and our fundraising efforts. Children benefit most when parents: • • • • •

attend school meetings and conferences become involved and support school-sponsored activities keep an open line of communication contact teachers regarding student progress and any concerns refrain from negativity and gossip, especially concerning other children, parents and families, teachers and administration.

Parents’ Association There are multiple ways for parents to be involved in school activities. At Sacred Heart Elementary School and Early Childhood Center, most of the school volunteer activities are coordinated through our parents’ association. Parents may serve as an officer, committee co-chair, or committee member. Parents may volunteer in support of Parents’ Association-sponsored activities and/or school-sponsored activities, and may serve as “Classroom Coordinators.” Classroom Coordinator Responsibilities & Guidelines Classroom Coordinators work as liaisons between the classroom teacher and the parents/guardians of the children in each classroom. Classroom Coordinator duties and activities may vary depending on the individual teacher’s needs and the grade level of the children. Classroom Coordinators are selected by individual teachers from the listing of school-based volunteers elicited at the beginning of the school year. All parent correspondence and classroom activities must be approved in advance by the classroom teacher. The primary role of the Classroom Coordinator is to assist the classroom teacher. The Classroom Coordinator should not be in the role of planning or coordinating projects independent from the teacher. The following is a listing of responsibilities and guidelines for Classroom Coordinators. They should be read carefully, and the classroom teacher or the school administration should be contacted with any questions. Letter of Introduction to Parents/Guardians Classroom Coordinators are asked to send a letter introducing themselves to each parent/guardian at the beginning of the school year through the children in the homeroom. A sample letter is provided by the school administration. The letter should include a request for classroom volunteers, and willingness to provide supplies that might be needed during the school year. Classroom Coordinators should compile a list of volunteers and contact parents as needed. A list of the volunteers will be provided to the classroom teacher.

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Classroom Activities Classroom Coordinators arrange for special activities only as requested by the teacher. These activities should be designed and organized to enhance the children’s school experience yet be balanced with the classroom schedule and maintain order. Classroom Coordinators may participate in or simply be the “organizer” of the activities. The list of Classroom Coordinator volunteers should be called upon for assistance. The school would like to encourage opportunities for all interested parent volunteers to help and become involved. Reminders • Classroom Coordinators, volunteers and visitors to SHES are required to enter the school at the front door, and to sign-in on the volunteer log located in the school lobby. Volunteers should also fill-out and wear a name badge while in the school. • Parents who volunteer in school are required to maintain policies regarding student and family privacy and confidentiality, and are asked to exercise appropriate discretion outside the school. • Every volunteer is required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)/SORI form each year. CORI/SORI forms will only be handled by the administration of the school. This is a requirement for all Catholic Schools, public schools, and organizations providing activities for children. CORI POLICY (Criminal Offender Record Information)/SORI In order to maintain a consistently safe environment for the children, anyone 18 years of age and older will not be given unmonitored access to the school building or grounds at any time unless the CORI form has been submitted. Individuals who have not had a CORI check completed must not have unsupervised contact with the children. Volunteer activities for which a CORI check is required include, but are not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

assisting teachers in individual classrooms, pizza lunch and/or other lunch activities, Classroom Coordinators, library assistance, FUN DAY, etc. Facilitating after-school clubs

Two forms (one for each parent/guardian) are sent home with the opening day packet. This is the only time these forms will be sent home requesting this information. 1. A photo copy of each person’s current driver’s license or other current photo ID is required with each CORI form. 2. Additional forms (i.e. for grandparents or other relatives) may be obtained by calling the school office. 3. All CORI forms must be submitted by September 10th. CORI checks completed through other organizations are not “transferable” and DO NOT fulfill the obligation of Sacred Heart Elementary School to the Archdiocese of Boston.

Please note: All Sacred Heart Faculty, Staff, and Sisters, as well as all Vendors also have a CORI check completed, and anyone visiting the school is accompanied by a Sacred Heart staff member for the duration of the visit. WALKS At times, the property surrounding the schools provides a wonderful walk-through for either Science observations, or a short-cut through the woods to a practice for a musical at the High School, or a walk to Camp for a fun activity. Students are always accompanied by teachers during walks. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are an important link between the classroom and the community and can be an integral part of the core 76 | P a g e


curriculum. Well-designed field trips are opportunities for enrichment, discovery, and reinforcement of what has already been learned in the classroom. Classroom teachers plan field trips that will be memorable and educational, and classroom activities are often assigned in preparation for the upcoming field trip. To ensure the safety of the students, chaperones, and teachers, the following guidelines have been established: 1. Field trips are utilized primarily for unique outcomes that cannot be attained in the classroom setting. 2. Costs for the field trip are the responsibility of the student. 3. Each student’s parent or guardian must sign the school’s permission slip before each trip. The form includes pertinent student information that applies to the field trip. 4. The student Code of Conduct and all applicable school regulations are in effect while students are participants on a field trip. 5. Students will wear school uniforms on all field trips. The uniforms worn (standard, seasonal, or physical education) will depend on the field trip destination. 6. All children are required to ride to and from all field trips on the school bus. Siblings are not permitted on field trips. 7. All chaperones will be provided with a list of names of the students in their groups. Guidelines for Chaperones 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Cell phones should be used during the field trip only for emergencies. Have in hand the list of students in your group. Know where your group is at all times and keep a close eye on the group. Report any accidents or misbehavior to the teachers on the trip. Know where the First Aid Kit/Station is on the bus or at the place being visited. Gift shops will not be visited.

PHOTOGRAPHS It is the practice of Sacred Heart Elementary School to photograph the students engaged in school activities. These photographs are used in school publications such as the president’s newsletter, memory book, brochures, flyers, the school web site, and other marketing materials. Classroom teachers may also occasionally post photos of student activities on their class webpage. Students will not be identified by name on the school website or teacher class webpage. Student photographs and names, on occasion, will appear in the area newspapers with regard to school activities, in accordance with the newspaper policy regarding photo identification. Most of the community newspapers also publish a website on the Internet, so it is possible that if a student is identified by name in the newspaper, the photo and name identification may also be published on the newspaper’s website. Sacred Heart Elementary School will make every effort possible to ensure that published photos and videos always portray the students in a positive and tasteful manner that reflects the mission and identity of the school. Parents and students are asked to sign the agreement page (with Photo Release) giving permission for the school to use photographs of their child for the above stated purposes. AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Once students are dismissed from school, they are not allowed to stay in the school building or use the school playground unless engaged in an approved, school-related activity, e.g., soccer in the gym, Sacred Service, etc. Participation in soccer and in after school clubs is limited to Grades 1-6 only.

Soccer Coaches are responsible for student supervision during the designated time after school. Siblings do not attend these practices without a parent or parent-designate present. Coaches are not responsible for supervision of siblings. Playground use outside of school time is not permitted; the after-school program uses the facilities.

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BEFORE-SCHOOL CARE Sacred Heart Elementary School offers supervised care before school for students in pre-kindergarten to grade six, from 6:45 to 7:30 a.m. There is a separate registration and payment process for Before-School Care. Students who participate in Before-School Care are expected to abide by the school's Code of Conduct, and any applicable policies and procedures as outlined in this handbook. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM Sacred Heart Elementary School offers an After-School Program for students in pre-kindergarten to grade six. The After-School Program is held at the Early Childhood Center and the hours are from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. There is a separate registration and payment process for the After-School Program. Students who participate in the AfterSchool Program are also expected to abide by the school’s Code of Conduct, and any applicable policies and procedures as outlined in this handbook. EXPECTATIONS REGARDING STANDARDS This handbook provides guidelines and expectations to ensure parental support and equity for all students. The application of standards helps to provide certainty in an environment of feeling safe, and being happy and engaged in an academic setting.

SACRED HEART ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2017-2018 CONTACT INFORMATION

Principal Assistant Principal Administrative Assistants

Mr. Shaun Morgan Sister Lydia Steele Mrs. Lauren Kelley Mrs. Jade Smolinsky

smorgan@sacredheartkingston.com lsteele@sacredheartkingston.com lkelley@sacredheartkingston.com jsmolinsky@sacredheartkingston.com

Address: Telephone: Fax: Website:

329 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-2114 781-585-6993 www.sacredheartkingston.com

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WELCOME TO SACRED HEART EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER! The purpose of this handbook is to promote an understanding of our school programs, policies and procedures, and the expectations that will help to ensure a successful educational experience for each student. As partners in this educational journey, we look forward to a year of spiritual development, academic excellence, and an atmosphere of care and respect for each other. ADMISSIONS Kindergarten A child entering Sacred Heart Kindergarten must be five years of age by August 31st. The following documents are required at the time of registration: Parents/Guardians of candidates seeking admission to Kindergarten must provide the following: 1. Enrollment form, deposit and registration fee, and signed contract. 2. Birth Certificate 3. Baptismal Record (if applicable) 4. Copy of immunization record 5. Copy of most recent pre-school evaluation for Kindergarten 6. Copy of Educational Evaluation (Individual Educational Plan) where appropriate Acceptance is based on available space, and the ability to meet the educational needs of the student. The school reserves the right to refuse students whose needs cannot be met by its program. Sacred Heart School admits students of any race, religion, gender, color, national or ethnic origin. We do not discriminate in the administration of educational policies, admission policies or any school administered programs. Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool Children entering preschool must be 3 years old. Children enrolling in the pre-kindergarten must be 4 years old by August 31st. All children need to be toilet trained in order to be eligible for our programs. The following documents must be provided: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Enrollment form, contract, registration fee and deposit Birth certificate and Baptismal record (if applicable) Copy of immunization record and health form Copy of any applicable developmental assessments or evaluations

Acceptance is based on available space and the ability of the program to meet the child’s needs. CURRICULUM The academic curriculum for Sacred Heart Early Childhood Center and the Elementary School is based on continuity and skill building. The curriculum includes, but is not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Religion (all students participate in the school’s religion program) Language Arts (Reading, English, Spelling, Phonetics) Penmanship Mathematics Social Studies Science Art Music Physical Education Media (Educational technology, library, library science) World Language (Spanish) 79 | P a g e


HEALTH AND SAFETY 1. Students will not be admitted without proper immunizations. 2. Physical examinations are requested annually. 3. Medication can only be dispensed through the Nurse’s office or an authorized person(s). Written authorization must be provided by both the physician and the parent/guardian. Prescriptions must be brought to school in the prescription bottle. 4. Parents/guardians are asked to refrain from sending children who are ill to school. If they have a fever, they need to stay home for 24 hours. The school will use its discretion in calling parents/guardians to come for a child who appears to be ill. 5. Head lice checks must be conducted frequently by parents/guardians. Students found with head lice will be sent home for treatment. 6. In the case of injury/illness, parents/guardians will be notified. In the event that parents/guardians are not available, the principal/director will make the most reasonable decision for the child’s welfare. EMERGENCY INFORMATION Emergency information is provided by the parent/guardian at the beginning of each school year. An up-to-date emergency card is kept on file in the office and parents are responsible for notifying the office of any changes in parent/guardian contact information, including address, home/work telephone and cell phone numbers, email address, and physician contact information. SCHOOL HOURS Kindergarten students are expected to be in school from 7:40 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool hours begin at 8 a.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. Half-day Preschool class hours begin at 8 a.m. and end at 11:30 a.m. An early dismissal at 12:00 p.m. is scheduled approximately once a month for a faculty meeting. The school office is open from 7:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students may arrive in the morning beginning at 7:25 a.m. and are to report directly to their classroom. Before-School Care hours are 6:45 to 7:25 a.m. for students enrolled in the program. After-School Program hours are 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. for students enrolled in the program. ATTENDANCE Regular and on-time attendance is critical for a student’s success in school. Absence: If a student is to be absent from school, the parent is asked to notify the office by 8:15 a.m. Upon the student’s return to school, a written note is required to excuse an absence. Repeated or excessive absences are a cause for concern and will be addressed with the parent. Tardiness: Kindergarten students arriving after 7:40 a.m. are considered tardy, whether the tardiness is due to an excused or unexcused reason. Students who are tardy must report to the secretary’s office. A written note is required to excuse tardiness. Excessive tardiness disrupts class time and instruction. Appointments: Medical, dental, and other appointments are to be made after school hours. However, should it be necessary to make an appointment during school hours, the student is required to bring a note to this effect and may leave the building only with an authorized person who will meet him/her at the office. VACATION Prolonged vacations during scheduled school time are strongly discouraged. Teachers will not provide advance assignments. Completing worksheets cannot replace instructional time. EARLY DISMISSAL An early dismissal of a student is allowed provided a written request is given to the teacher upon the student's arrival in the morning, and approved. Early dismissals are not permitted between 2:00 and 2:30 p.m. to avoid interfering with the bus and car dismissal. Calling after 2:00 p.m. is discouraged with the exception of an 80 | P a g e


emergency. Please do not call for dismissal unless it is an emergency. WEATHER-RELATED OR EMERGENCY CLOSING In the event of a school cancellation or delayed opening, families will be contacted by phone through our automated calling system. Also tune in to your television or radio station. Do not call the school. Television stations 4, 5, 7, as well as WBZ radio, will provide the announcement. Efforts will also be made to update the school website at www.sacredheartkingston.com with weather-related announcements. If an early emergency dismissal is necessary, the procedure is as follows: 1. Notice on school website: www.sacredheartkingston.com 2. Enactment of the parent REACH Telephone Network (crisis only) 3. A radio announcement on WBZ Parents should establish an alternate plan for their child/children in the event of an emergency dismissal.

DROP OFF/PICK UP Car riders: Kindergarten students should arrive at school between 7:25 a.m. and 7:40 a.m. Elementary siblings may be dropped off at the ECC between 7:25 a.m. and 7:35 a.m. and will be walked over to the Elementary School. All other ES children need to be dropped off at the Elementary after that time. Students enrolled in the Before-School Program should arrive between 6:45 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. UNIFORMS - STANDARD and WARM WEATHER A regulation uniform is to be worn at all times with the exception of a student’s birthday or a “No Uniform Day” with approval. Parental cooperation is essential in this matter. Please label all clothing and personal items with your child’s name. Iron-on labels are available from the uniform company. Uniforms for boys and girls are purchased through: Donnelly’s School Apparel 333 Niantic Ave., Providence, RI 02907 1-800-498-0045 or 1-401-942-5202 www.donnellysclothing.com. Standard Uniform – Girls and Boys Worn early October to April GIRLS Grades K-3 Plaid jumper or navy slacks Long or short sleeve light blue blouse Red cardigan sweater or sweater vest Navy blue knee socks or navy blue tights Sturdy school shoes (black, navy blue or brown) The following may not be worn Clogs, flip-flops, sandals, crocs, ballet slipper style shoes, or boots (no Uggs) Heels higher than 1 inch Winter/snow boots during class (bring shoes to change) Make-up (includes glitter and nail polish) Jewelry is restricted to small earrings, a watch and a ring

Expensive jewelry should never be worn in school. BOYS Grades K-3 Navy blue pants and a belt 81 | P a g e


Long or short sleeve light blue button-down oxford shirt Red sweater vest Above the ankle, navy blue or black crew socks Sturdy school shoes (black, navy blue, or brown) The following may not be worn Work boots/hiking boots Fashion sneakers Flip flops, sandals or crocs Haircuts - Conservative styles are required and off the collar for boys. GIRLS AND BOYS Warm Weather Uniform – Worn August to early October, and the end of April to the end of school in June Royal blue polo shirt (with school logo) Khaki skort or walking shorts and belt Above the ankle white crew socks (low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Sneakers - non-marking soles (High top sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted) GIRLS AND BOYS Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten – Royal blue sweat suit (with school logo) Royal blue long sleeve or short sleeve tee-shirt (with school logo) for warmer weather, with sweatpants White cotton above the ankle crew socks (Low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Non-marking athletic sneakers (High top sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted.) Royal blue micromesh or jersey gym shorts (with school logo) Royal blue tee-shirt (with school logo) White cotton above the ankle crew socks (Low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) NO UNIFORM” DAYS On “No Uniform” days, appropriate clothing must be worn. Tee-shirts or sweatshirts with distasteful or offensive slogans, logos, or graphic images are not permitted at any time. For girls, short shorts, short skirts, spaghetti strap tops and cropped tops are unacceptable. For boys, low rise or excessively baggy pants, or pajama bottoms are unacceptable. UNIFORMS - PHYSICAL EDUCATION Students are expected to wear their gym uniform on gym days. Boys and girls in Grades Preschool to grade 6 will wear the following regulation uniform on gym days: Standard Gym Uniform Worn early October to end of April Royal blue sweat suit (with school logo) Royal blue long sleeve or short sleeve tee-shirt (with school logo) for warmer weather with sweatpants White cotton above the ankle crew socks (Low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Non-marking athletic tie sneakers (High top sneakers, Velcro-fastened sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted.) Warm-Weather Gym Uniform Worn August – early October (until Columbus Day), and the end of April (after spring break) to the end of school in June Royal blue micromesh or jersey gym shorts (with school logo) Royal blue tee-shirt (with school logo) 82 | P a g e


White cotton above the ankle crew socks (Low-cut athletic socks that do not cover the ankle are not permitted) Non-marking athletic tie sneakers (High top sneakers, Velcro-fastened sneakers and sneakers with wheels are not permitted.) In the interest of safety, no jewelry may be worn. BOOKS All books belonging to the school and used by the students are the responsibility of the student. SUPPLIES Supplies for preschool, pre-kindergarten and kindergarten are included in Student Fees. HOMEWORK Homework is a necessary follow-up to schoolwork and an important component of the school’s academic program. It reinforces learning and allows for independent practice of skills, research time, study, or reading. Homework in Kindergarten is assigned Monday through Friday. Anticipated daily homework time frames for Kindergarten students are 10 – 15 minutes. Neatness, legibility and promptness are expected when handing in assignments. Failure to complete required homework assignments will adversely affect a student’s grade. Assigned homework or books forgotten at school may not be retrieved after dismissal. GUM CHEWING Gum chewing is forbidden anywhere in the school buildings or on school grounds at any time. This includes field trips or any school-sponsored activity. BIRTHDAYS/SOCIALS Parties by parents/guardians should be planned outside of school hours. Birthday cakes and food are not permitted. Please help us keep all children safe from a wide variety of allergies by not sending in food for distribution to others. Birthday/social invitations are not given out at school. Addresses and phone numbers of Sacred Heart Elementary School and ECC families are not publicized by the school, or given out over the phone. A family directory is published by the Parent Association. Inclusion in this directory is with parent/guardian permission. LUNCH Students bring their own lunch from home and eat in the cafeteria. Milk is provided by the school. Once a month, “Pizza Lunch” is provided by the Parents’ Association and students may purchase slices of pizza for a fee. RECESS Recess allows for a spirit of recreation among students and teachers. Therefore, all children have outdoor recess. Parents/guardians are asked to cooperate by not requesting that a child be excused from recess. If a child needs to remain in the building, a doctor’s note is necessary, and the student must report to the office. In order to play outside for recess, students must have appropriate clothing (jackets), especially during the winter months. Children must play within the designated area, seek permission to re-enter the school building, and use playground equipment provided by the school. Socialization and interaction with one another is essential, therefore, students may not bring personal electronic games and toys to recess.

TELEPHONES The school phone is for school business. Teachers are not called from the classroom for phone calls from parents except in cases of emergency. Students may use the office telephone only in an emergency and are not permitted to call home for forgotten homework, clothing, library books, or lunches. Children will not be called to the 83 | P a g e


telephone during school hours. If an emergency arises and a parent must contact a child, please call the school office for assistance. SAFETY DRILLS Safety drills are held several times during the year. For fire drills, everyone must leave via designated exits and silently walk to pre-arranged areas. Those not in a classroom must leave by the nearest exit. Lights are turned off and classroom doors are closed upon leaving the building. For lock down drills, students and teachers lock doors and position themselves so as not to be seen from classroom windows. Drills are brief and matter of fact. CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE POLICY Students who are enrolled in Sacred Heart School are expected to strive for and display exemplary and responsible behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, at an assembly, on the playground, and on the bus. Good manners, courtesy and respect are expected in relationships with adults and peers. Respect and care of school and personal property is also expected. Harassment or threats of any kind are unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Sexual harassment, as defined by the diocese, is unlawful and will not be tolerated. Sacred Heart School is committed to an educational process that is focused on the education of the whole student. We strive to develop not only the mind, but strong moral character as well. Wholehearted and generous participation is a prerequisite for all involved in the educational process. Reasonable rules and regulations help to foster an academic setting and promote quality community life for all. Self-discipline is an important goal for our students, and consistent guidelines are necessary for them to learn to be responsible and accountable for their behavior. The purpose of our discipline policy is to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all of our students. Effective discipline requires consistency; with parents, students, teachers and administrators all working together to share the responsibility for enforcing discipline, to maintain an environment that will foster excellence in learning as well as the spiritual and moral growth of each child. The purpose of any disciplinary action is always meant to be corrective, not punitive; and to help the student understand and accept the responsibility and consequences for making poor choices. When unacceptable conduct and infractions occur, parents/guardians will be notified, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Primary responsibility for disciplining students in school lies with the classroom teachers. The director and/or principal will be involved in cases of severe and/or a pattern of disciplinary problems, or when requested by the teacher because of special or unusual circumstances. TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY Overview Sacred Heart School offers educational technology instruction and Internet access for student use, as part of the school curriculum. Access to the school’s computer network and Internet will help students to learn and practice necessary technology literacy skills and will enable students to explore a wealth of educationally appropriate information and resources. This is an exciting educational privilege, not a right, and carries with it responsibilities for all users. Technology resources are provided with the understanding that they are to be used for educational purposes only, and in a responsible, ethical and legal manner at all times. Inappropriate use will result in an immediate termination of computer and Internet access, and will be cause for disciplinary action. Acceptable and Unacceptable Uses of the Computer and Internet Students are encouraged to use the computers and the Internet for activities to increase knowledge, seek information and resources, access libraries, practice skills, communicate, collaborate, and engage in learning activities. If there is any question about whether an intended activity is acceptable, students should ask their teacher. Students may not use the computers and Internet for the following activities, which include, but are not limited to: 1. unauthorized access into school accounts, private files, or the files of others; 84 | P a g e


2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

destruction or alteration of others’ documents or files, and/or the addition, deletion or re-naming of icons; threatening, harassing, or bullying students or staff; introduction or transmission of computer viruses; commercial use of the school networks; acts that jeopardize the security of the computer network by sharing passwords; violation of copyright laws, such as unauthorized downloading or copying of licensed software programs and music/video files; or 8. use of inappropriate or offensive language; illegal activities, and transmission of, or searches for, obscene material. Privacy Computer and Internet access is provided as a tool for students’ education. Sacred Heart School has the right to monitor, inspect, copy, review, and store at any time, without permission and without prior notice, anything students do on the computer, including email, and any Internet sites accessed by a student. All information files are the property of the school and the use of the computer should not be considered students’ private files. The school can and will remove from the computer anything a student does that is inappropriate. Liability Sacred Heart School, to the best of its ability, provides technology resources for student use, but cannot guarantee availability at all times. The school will not be responsible or held liable for any failure, loss, or damage that may occur due to technical or other difficulties. The school cannot guarantee the accuracy or quality of information obtained through the Internet, or the security and privacy of electronic transmissions. TechnologyGuidelines Students are to use the Internet in school under the active supervision of a teacher, who will make every effort to ensure that students are directed to sites with only age-appropriate material and topics.

Inappropriate Websites - Sacred Heart School uses filtering software to block access to inappropriate content on all computers with Internet access. Students are restricted from accessing subject matter that is obscene, pornographic, violent or harmful. Despite every effort for supervision and filtering, however, the school cannot guarantee that students will not have access to inappropriate materials. Students and all members of the school community should report all inappropriate sites not blocked by the filters to a teacher and/or to the administration for appropriate action, and must take responsibility to avoid these sites.

Personal Safety/Confidentiality – In using the computer and Internet, students should not reveal any personal or private information about themselves such as their full name, home address or telephone number. Students should never arrange to meet with someone they “met” on the Internet. Students should never give out their passwords to anyone except their teachers and parents.

Electronic Mail – Students are not issued personal email accounts, and those who may have personal email accounts from sources outside the school may not access those accounts using the school’s computers and Internet.

Computer and Internet Etiquette - Students must follow all of the rules of proper and appropriate computer and Internet use, including polite language, avoiding any offensive material, and not forwarding any messages or information without the permission of the other person. Students may not share passwords or disrupt computer use by others, print excessively, monopolize technology resources, or use excessive amounts of shared data storage space. Cell Phones and other Personal Electronic Devices If parents have deemed it necessary for a child to have a cell phone at school, it may be used only for emergency purposes after school hours. All cell phones and other mobile personal communication devices must remain off and be kept in student backpacks during the school day (including recess). If a student’s cell phone rings or is used by the student during school hours, it will be removed and held in the principal/director’s office for parents to retrieve, and appropriate disciplinary action will be given. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any cell phone 85 | P a g e


or personal communication device. Students may not use any, electronic music players or hand-held electronic games/toys in school. Such devices will be removed from the student if used during school hours and will be held in the office for parents to retrieve, and appropriate disciplinary action will be given. The school is not responsible for loss or damage to any such personal devices. Parents and students are asked to sign the agreement page acknowledging that they have received and read the Technology Guidelines in the Student-Parent Handbook. SEARCH It is the right and responsibility of the school administration at any time to conduct a search of a student’s desk or personal belongings if there is reasonable cause. STUDENT EVALUATION Progress reports are a communication tool for teachers and parents. Kindergarten Report Cards are issued 2 times a year (January and June) along with progress reports sent home periodically. Pre-kindergarten and Preschool Progress Reports are issued 2-3 times a year. Aimsweb Formative Assessment is administered three times a year in Kindergarten. PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES Conferences for Kindergarten are generally scheduled in November and March. Pre-kindergarten and Preschool conferences are generally 1-2 times a year. Conferences may be arranged at other times when necessary. To consult with a teacher, an appointment may be made by sending a note to the teacher with the student, or by calling the school office. Should any problem arise regarding a student and his/her environment, parents should not hesitate to contact the teacher. VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL During school hours, parents/guardians, volunteers and visitors must check in at the office, and sign-in using the visitor log in the lobby, before visiting any classroom or other area of the school. All volunteers must have a current Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)/SORI verification on file. CORI POLICY (Criminal Offender Record Information) In order to maintain a consistently safe environment for the children, anyone 18 years of age and older will not be given unmonitored access to the school building or grounds at any time unless the CORI form has been submitted. Individuals who have not had a CORI check completed must not have unsupervised contact with the children. Volunteer activities for which a CORI check is required include, but are not limited to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

assisting teachers in individual classrooms, pizza lunch and/or other lunch activities, Classroom Coordinators, library assistance, FUN DAY, etc.

Two forms (one for each parent/guardian) are sent home with the opening day packet. (This is the only time these forms will be sent home requesting this information) •

A photo copy of each person’s current driver’s license or other current photo ID is required with each CORI form. 86 | P a g e


• •

Additional forms (i.e. for grandparents or other relatives) may be obtained by calling the office. CORI forms must be submitted by September 30th.

CORI checks completed through other organizations are not “transferable” and DO NOT fulfill the obligation of Sacred Heart Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center to the Archdiocese of Boston. Please note: All Sacred Heart Faculty, Staff, and Sisters, as well as all Vendors also have a CORI check completed, and anyone visiting the school is accompanied by a Sacred Heart staff member for the duration of the visit. CUSTODY If parents are separated or divorced, the school presumes that both parents have access to their children and their records, unless a legal document, such as a court order, is on file in the office, which revokes these rights. A duplicate copy of the child’s report card and any other relevant data will be mailed to the non-custodial parent provided there is a written request, which must be renewed annually. PARENT PARTICIPATION Positive family cooperation and support of our school always has a positive effect on the students’ attitude toward school and learning. Parent participation and support is essential to the success of our educational programs and our fundraising efforts. Children benefit most when parents: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

attend school meetings and conferences become involved and support school-sponsored activities keep an open line of communication contact teachers regarding student progress and any concerns refrain from negativity and gossip, especially concerning other children, parents and families, teachers and administration

Parents’ Association There are multiple ways for parents to be involved in school activities. Most of the school volunteer activities are coordinated through our parents’ association. Parents may serve as an officer, committee co-chair, or committee member. Parents may volunteer in support of Parents’ Association-sponsored activities and/or school-sponsored activities, and may serve as “Classroom Coordinators.”

Classroom Coordinators Classroom Coordinators work as liaisons between the classroom teacher and the parents/guardians of the children in each classroom. Classroom Coordinator duties and activities may vary depending on the individual teacher’s needs and the grade level of the children. Classroom Coordinators are selected by individual teachers from the listing of school-based volunteers elicited at the beginning of the school year. All parent correspondence and classroom activities must be approved in advance by the classroom teacher. The primary role of the Classroom Coordinator is to assist the classroom teacher. The Classroom Coordinator should not be in the role of planning or coordinating projects independent from the teacher. The following is a listing of responsibilities and guidelines for Classroom Coordinators. They should be read carefully, and the classroom teacher or the school administration should be contacted with any questions. Letter of Introduction to Parents/Guardians Classroom Coordinators are asked to send a letter introducing themselves to each parent/guardian at the beginning of the school year through the children in the homeroom. A sample letter is provided by the school administration. The letter should include a request for classroom volunteers, and willingness to provide supplies that might be needed during the school year. Classroom Coordinators should compile a list of volunteers and contact parents as needed. A list of the volunteers will be provided to the classroom teacher. Classroom Activities 87 | P a g e


Classroom Coordinators arrange for special activities only as requested by the teacher. These activities should be designed and organized to enhance the children’s school experience yet be balanced with the classroom schedule and maintain order. Classroom Coordinators may participate in or simply be the “organizer” of the activities. The list of Classroom Coordinator volunteers should be called upon for assistance. The school would like to encourage opportunities for all interested parent volunteers to help and become involved. Reminders 1. Classroom Coordinators, volunteers and visitors to SHES and ECC are required to enter the school at the front door and to sign-in on the volunteer log located in the school lobby. 2. Parents who volunteer in school are required to maintain policies regarding student and family privacy and confidentiality, and are asked to exercise appropriate discretion outside the school. 3. Every volunteer is required to complete a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) form each year. CORI forms will only be handled by the administration of the school. This is a requirement for all Catholic Schools, public schools, and organizations providing activities for children. PHOTOGRAPHS It is the practice of Sacred Heart Elementary School and the Early Childhood Center to photograph the students engaged in school activities. These photographs are used in school publications such as the president’s newsletter, memory book, brochures, flyers, the school web site, and other marketing materials. Classroom teachers may also occasionally post photos of student activities on their class webpage. Students will not be identified by name on the school website or teacher class webpage. Student photographs and names, on occasion, will appear in the area newspapers with regard to school activities, in accordance with the newspaper policy regarding photo identification. Most of the community newspapers also publish a website on the Internet, so it is possible that if a student is identified by name in the newspaper, the photo and name identification may also be published on the newspaper’s website. Sacred Heart Elementary School and Early Childhood Center will make every effort possible to ensure that published photos and videos always portray the students in a positive and tasteful manner that reflects the mission and identity of the school. Parents and students are asked to sign the agreement page (with Photo Release) giving permission for the school to use photographs of their child for the above stated purposes. WALKS At times, the property surrounding the schools provides a wonderful walk-through for either Science observations, or a short-cut through the woods to a practice for a musical at the High School, or a walk to Camp for a fun activity. Students are always accompanied by teachers during walks. FIELD TRIPS Field trips are an important link between the classroom and the community and can be an integral part of the core curriculum. Well-designed field trips are opportunities for enrichment, discovery, and reinforcement of what has already been learned in the classroom. Classroom teachers plan field trips that will be memorable and educational, and classroom activities are often assigned in preparation for the upcoming field trip. To ensure the safety of the students, chaperones, and teachers, the following guidelines have been established: 1. Field trips are utilized primarily for unique outcomes that cannot be attained in the classroom setting. 2. Costs for the field trip are the responsibility of the student. 3. Each student’s parent or guardian must sign the school’s permission slip before each trip. The form includes pertinent student information that applies to the field trip. 4. The student Code of Conduct and all applicable school regulations are in effect while students are participants on a field trip. 5. Students will wear school uniforms on all field trips. The uniforms worn (standard, seasonal, or physical education) will depend on the field trip destination. 6. All children are required to ride to and from all field trips on the school bus. Siblings are not permitted on field trips. 88 | P a g e


7. All chaperones will be provided with a list of names of the students in their groups. Guidelines for Chaperones 1. Cell phones should be used during the field trip only for emergencies. 2. Have in hand the list of students in your group. 3. Know where your group is at all times and keep a close eye on the group. 4. Report any accidents or misbehavior to the teachers on the trip. 5. Know where the First Aid Kit/Station is on the bus or at the place being visited. 6. Gift shops will not be visited. AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Once students are dismissed from school, they are not allowed to stay in the school building or use the school playground unless engaged in an approved, school-related activity, such as After Care. Playground use outside of school time is not permitted; the after-school program uses the facilities. BEFORE-SCHOOL CARE Sacred Heart Elementary School and Early Childhood Center offers supervised care before school for students in pre-kindergarten to grade six from 6:45 to 7:25 a.m. There is a separate registration and payment process for Before-School Care. Students who participate in Before-School Care are expected to abide by the school's Code of Conduct, and any applicable policies and procedures as outlined in this handbook. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM Sacred Heart Elementary School and Early Childhood Center offers supervised care before school for students in pre-kindergarten to grade six from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The After-School Program is held at the Early Childhood Center and the hours are from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. There is a separate registration and payment process for the AfterSchool Program. Students who participate in the After-School Program are also expected to abide by the school’s Code of Conduct, and any applicable policies and procedures as outlined in this handbook. RECORD REVIEW/PRIVACY RIGHT The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) give parents and eligible students (18 years of age) the right to inspect and review the student’s education record maintained by the school. Parents or eligible students have the right to request that the school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or misleading. Generally, the school must have written parent permission to release information from the student’s educational record; however, FERPA allows schools to disclose the student’s educational record without written consent to other parties, under certain conditions, such as to other schools to which the student seeks to transfer or intends to enroll.

The following procedure is used for parents to request a review of the student’s educational record: 1. Call the office to request an appointment with the principal. 2. State the purpose of the meeting. 3. The school will respond to the request within two business days. PROTOCOL FOR RAISING CONCERNS and GRIEVANCE POLICY A partnership between parents, teachers and administrators working together is the best assurance of the student’s success. It is integral to the school’s philosophy that a spirit of harmony exists among parents/guardians, teachers and students. Any concerns should be shared so they can be addressed. The following steps will serve as a useful procedure in solving school problems that may arise: 1. The teacher is the first person to address with a classroom concern. The student should discuss the situation directly with the teacher involved and vice versa. 89 | P a g e


2. If the parent has a concern, an appointment should be made to meet with the teacher involved. It may be appropriate in some situations for the student to also be included in the meeting. 3. If a solution is difficult to achieve, the principal may be contacted to help. Usually, a meeting with the principal, parents, and teacher together will occur. In some situations, the student may also be included in the meeting. 4. As a final and last action, the President’s office may be contacted. EXPECTATIONS REGARDING STANDARDS This handbook provides guidelines and expectations to ensure parental support and equity for all students. The application of standards helps to provide certainty in an environment of feeling safe, and being happy and engaged in an academic setting.

SACRED HEART EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER 2017-2018 CONTACT INFORMATION

Principal Administrative Assistant

Sister Angela Provost, CDP Mrs. Erin Benoit-Berry

saprovost@sacredheartkingston.com aberry@sacredheartkingston.com

Address: Telephone: Fax: Website:

251 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364 781-585-2290 781-585-6428 www.sacredheartkingston.com

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL 2017-2018 BULLYING PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION PLAN

Sacred Heart School takes the issue of bullying very seriously, and in compliance with the Massachusetts state law, "An Act Relative to Bullying in Schools,” passed in May 2010, a Bullying Prevention and Intervention plan has been implemented. It is expected that all members of our school community, students, faculty, administration, staff, parents and volunteers will demonstrate respectful, responsible, and caring behavior, Sacred Heart School will continue to create and maintain a safe, positive, and supportive environment for all students. Bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation will not be tolerated in our school buildings, on school grounds, or during school-related activities. Sacred Heart School will investigate any allegations of bullying, cyber-bullying, and/or retaliation, and will take prompt action as necessary.

I. Policy Statement We believe that character and moral values are taught by example in a climate that is supportive, caring, and just. The community spirit of Sacred Heart School thrives in an atmosphere of intellectual and spiritual development. By developing each student’s intellectual curiosity, self-discipline, and creative thinking, we build self-confidence and an appreciation of each person’s abilities and accomplishments in a partnership of mutual respect. Interaction between students, teachers, and parents/guardians within the school setting affords an opportunity for each student to experience growth socially and emotionally. In this atmosphere the individual student will grow in self-respect and acceptance of others. Students are encouraged to see and understand their personal responsibilities within the school and the larger community. As a Catholic school, Sacred Heart strives to build a Christian community based on Gospel values. Because we recognize and respect the dignity of each person, we seek to provide an environment free of bigotry and intolerance, including discrimination or harassment based on race, religion, national origin, appearance, or gender. The School will not tolerate any form of bullying or cyber-bullying, nor will we tolerate retaliation against any person who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying. Bullying and cyber-bullying are prohibited on school grounds and at school sponsored events, activities, functions, and programs. Bullying and cyber bullying also are prohibited at school bus stops, on school buses and other vehicles owned, leased, or used by the school, and through use of technology or an electronic device owned, leased, or used by the school. Sacred Heart School will investigate promptly and take prompt action to end any instance of these behaviors and restore the target’s sense of safety. In addition, bullying and cyber-bullying are prohibited at a location, activity, function, or program that is not school-related or through the use of technology or an electronic device that is not owned, leased, or used by the school, if the bullying creates a hostile environment at school for a targeted student; infringes on the rights of a targeted student at school; or materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of the school.

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II. Definitions Several of the following definitions are copied directly from Massachusetts General Laws. M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, as noted below. Aggressor is a student who engages in bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation. Bullying, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is the repeated use by one or more students of a written, verbal, or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof, directed at a target that: • • • • •

causes physical or emotional harm to the target or damage to the target’s property, places the target in reasonable fear of harm to himself or herself or of damage to his or her property; creates a hostile environment at school for the target; infringes on the rights of the target at school; or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of a school.

Cyber bullying, is bullying through the use of technology or electronic devices such as telephones, cell phones, computers, and the Internet. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages, and Internet postings. See M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O for the legal definition of cyber bullying. •

Cyber bullying shall also include the creation of a web page or blog in which the creator assumes the identity of another person or knowingly impersonates another person as author of posted content or messages, if the creation or impersonation creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying. Cyber bullying shall also include the distribution by electronic means of a communication to more than one person or the posting of material on an electronic medium that may be accessed by one or more persons, if the distribution or posting creates any of the conditions enumerated in the definition of bullying.

Hostile environment, as defined in M.G.L. c. 71, § 37O, is a situation in which bullying causes the school environment to be permeated with intimidation, ridicule, or insult that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of a student’s education. Retaliation is any form of intimidation, reprisal, or harassment directed against a student who reports bullying, provides information during an investigation of bullying, or witnesses or has reliable information about bullying. Staff includes, but is not limited to, educators, administrators, counselors, school nurses, cafeteria workers, custodians, bus drivers, athletic coaches, advisors to extracurricular activities, support staff, or paraprofessionals. Target is a student against whom bullying, cyber bullying, or retaliation has been perpetrated. III. Reports of Bullying, Cyber-Bullying, or Retaliation Reporting by Staff A staff member will report immediately to the school administration when he/she witnesses or becomes aware of conduct that may be bullying or retaliation. The requirement to report to the school administration does not limit the authority of the staff member to respond to behavioral or disciplinary incidents consistent with school policies and procedures for behavior management and discipline. Reporting by Student, Parents or Guardians, and Others The school expects students, parents/guardians, and others who witness or become aware of an instance of bullying or retaliation involving a student to report it to the school administration. Reports may be made anonymously, but no disciplinary action will be taken against an alleged aggressor solely on the basis of an anonymous report. Students will be provided practical, safe, private and age-appropriate ways to report and discuss an incident of bullying with a staff member, or with the school administration.

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IV. Responding to a Report of Bullying Investigation Prior to fully investigating the school administration will ensure the safety of the alleged target and/or protect the target from possible further incidents. The school administration will also ensure that all parties understand the definition and prohibition of retaliation. An impartial investigation of the complaint is conducted by the school administration. That investigation may include (but will not necessarily be limited to) interviews with the person who made the complaint, with the student who was the target of the alleged bullying, cyber-bullying, or retaliation, with the person or persons, (aggressor), against whom the complaint was made, and with any students, faculty, staff or other persons who witnessed or who may otherwise have relevant information about the alleged incident. Depending on the circumstances, the school administrator conducting the investigation also may choose to consult with other teachers, guidance counselors, school nurse, and other members of the administrative team. To the extent practicable, and given his/her obligation to investigate and address the matter, the school administration will maintain confidentiality during the investigative process. Discipline Following interviews and any other investigation undertaken, as the administration deems appropriate, the administration will determine whether and to what extent the allegation of bullying, cyber-bullying or retaliation has been substantiated. If it is determined that the policy set forth in this Plan has been violated, the administration will determine what disciplinary action and/or other remedial action is appropriate and how it will be implemented. The goal of an investigation and any disciplinary or other remedial process that is imposed following that investigation is to correct the situation to the extent it is reasonably possible and to take such steps as can be taken to prevent there being a repetition of the incident and to prevent the student or students targeted and others who participated in the investigation from being subject to retaliation. Discipline will be administered according to the school’s handbook. All discipline must be balanced with the requirement to teach appropriate behavior. If the school administration decides that disciplinary action is appropriate, the disciplinary action will be determined on the basis of facts found by the school administration, including the nature of the conduct, the age of the student(s) involved, and the need to balance accountability with the teaching of appropriate behavior. Sanctions may include: • Detention • Office Detention • Loss of privileges to participate in school activities • Suspension • Dismissal If the principal or designee determines that a student knowingly made a false allegation of bullying or retaliation, that student may be subject to disciplinary action. Notifications The amount of information provided in any of these conversations may be limited by confidentiality laws protecting student records. Notice to Parents or Guardians The school administration will promptly notify the parents or guardians of the target and the aggressor about the results of the investigation and, if bullying or retaliation is found, what action is being taken to prevent further acts 93 | P a g e


of bullying or retaliation. Because of the legal requirements regarding the confidentiality of student records, the school administration cannot report specific information to the target’s parent or guardian about the disciplinary action delivered to the aggressor. Notice to Law Enforcement At any point after receiving a report of bullying or retaliation, including after an investigation, if the administration has a reasonable basis to believe that criminal charges may be pursued against the aggressor, the administration will notify the local law enforcement agency. Notice to Another School or District If the reported incident involves students from more than one school district, charter school, non-public school, approved private special education day or residential school, or collaborative school, the administration will promptly notify by telephone the principal or designee of the other school(s) of the incident so that each school may take appropriate action. V.

Closing Statement

This Plan is intended • • •

to prevent bullying and cyber-bullying among our students, to encourage students and their parents to have confidence in Sacred Heart’s procedures and to come forward promptly whenever a student is subject to conduct that is prohibited by this or any other Sacred Heart policy; and to implement appropriate discipline and other corrective measures when they are found to be warranted.

Please note that conduct need not meet the legal definition of bullying to violate the school’s expectations for appropriate behavior. Conduct that violates other policies or is inconsistent with the school’s mission or educational purpose will also result in disciplinary action. Stricter standards of behavior may apply under Sacred Heart School policies in order that we may prevent inappropriate verbal and physical conduct before a student has been subject to bullying as it is defined under the law. For example, although the law defines bullying as “repeated use” of certain expressions, acts, and/or gestures, Sacred Heart reserves the right to apply disciplinary measures and other corrective action in a case of a single expression, act or gesture, if the school determines that it is of sufficient severity to warrant disciplinary measures or other remedial action or that the repetition of that expression, act, or gesture might reasonably result in bullying as defined under the law. Bullying can only be stopped or prevented by a coordinated effort among students, teachers, administrators and parents/guardians. Parents/guardians must accept responsibility for the out of school behavior of their child, take steps to control their child and cooperate with the school when the child is subject to a bullying complaint. This plan and the incident reporting forms will be posted annually on the Sacred Heart School website. A statement is also included in the Sacred Heart School Student Handbook. Sacred Heart School will provide annual overview of the school’s plan for all staff.

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TUITION AND FEES 2017-2018 At Sacred Heart School, we believe our tuition payments are an investment in your child’s education and the formation of their spiritual foundation. When students are enrolled, families accept the responsibility of tuition and are financially obligated to pay their tuition in a timely manner. When tuition and fees payments become delinquent, it is a serious matter. If family financial circumstances change to such a degree that it warrants reevaluation of the tuition and fees commitment, it is the responsibility of the family to contact the School’s Business Office as soon as possible. Typically, this occurs when there is a family emergency such as illness or unemployment. All families with students enrolled in Preschool through Grade 12 may check their tuition and fees balance online through the FACTS program https://online.factsmgt.com/ Delinquent Tuition 30 Days Past Due 1. At 30 days past due under the agreement established by the Enrollment Contract or through an accepted alternate plan for payment, SHS will email or communicate a past due notice. 2. It is the responsibility of the family to contact the Finance Office within 15 days of receipt of the past due notice to correct the situation or make an acceptable alternate plan for payment. 3. A $30.00 late fee will be added to the family account balance. 60 Days Past Due In addition to the above, the following actions will be taken: 1. Administrative leaders will be informed of delinquent account balance. 2. Official transcripts will be withheld and Rediker (at the High School) will be disabled. 90 Days Past Due In addition to all of the above, steps will be taken to create an exit plan for the student’s withdrawal from the school. Families with Students in Grade 12 1. All tuition and fees for students in Grade 12 must be paid by April 1 or the family must have an alternate payment plan for payment approved by Sacred Heart School Finance Office to complete payments by graduation. 2. Parents will receive advance notice that their senior student will receive a blank diploma during the graduation ceremony if the balance is not paid. Students will not receive official grade transcripts until the balance is paid in full. End of School Year Balance 1. Students will not be permitted to return for the following academic year until the balance is paid in full. Delinquent Account Policy Enforcement Sacred Heart School reserves the right to pursue legal action against, or require a promissory note from, the parent/guardian for failure to honor the Enrollment Contract signed by the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian refuses to act in good faith, Sacred Heart School reserves the right to refuse to accept future enrollment requests from the family and may turn the delinquent balance over to a collection agency.

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SACRED HEART SCHOOL 2017-2018 TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM The following protocols apply to the transportation services provided by Sacred Heart School to its students. Sacred Heart School provides transportation for its student body via a contract with First Student Bus Company. Bus routes are set up in July based on the registrations received. The routes are established to best accommodate those wishing to ride, and always with safety as a first priority. Due to the distances the buses must travel and the time involved, door to door pickup is not possible. Children will be picked up and dropped off at established stops. Students new to Sacred Heart transportation will be notified in August of the place and time of their bus pickup/drop-off; and returning students will be notified of any changes to their stops. Bus Registration and Fees Registration for use of the school bus is done annually. A registration fee of $50.00 per student is charged to cover costs of data entry, billing, and the planning and scheduling of routes. The school leases services based on registrations and pays a fixed annual cost which is set by First Student Bus Company. Transportation costs are prorated based on the distance students live from school. Families will be billed for transportation through SMART tuition. One way transportation is billed at 60% of the total cost. A one month written notification is required for any change in the use of the transportation system. Please send notice to: Transportation, Sacred Heart School, 399 Bishops Highway, Kingston, MA 02364. Town Reimbursement Policies The following towns have provided partial reimbursement for transportation: Kingston (Grades 1-12) Halifax (Grades 7-12) and Plympton (Grades 7-12). Sacred Heart is responsible for sending lists of students who qualify for reimbursement to the public school offices. Reimbursement is directed to Sacred Heart’s Transportation Office in two payments. When notification of the reimbursement amount has been received, student accounts are credited accordingly. Refunds Sacred Heart will issue a full refund to families if a bus route that they have contracted for is cancelled. Bus fees, however, are non-refundable should a family decide to no longer use the bus service after having contracted to do so. Conduct and Safety Sacred Heart students, while waiting for the school bus are under the supervision of their parents/legal guardians. Once the student enters the bus, he/she is subject to school regulations and discipline. First Student bus drivers are empowered to enforce all school and bus rules and regulations once students are on the bus. Serious misconduct, which threatens the safe operation of the motor vehicle, will not be tolerated. When a student does not conduct her/himself properly on the bus, such instances will be reported by the bus driver to the appropriate School Administrator and to the Transportation Coordinator. The Administrator will inform the parents/guardians immediatelyof the misconduct and will request parental/guardian cooperation in correcting the student's behavior. If a student is reported twice to the Administrator for misconduct on the school bus, the student's busing privileges may be suspended for a period deemed appropriate by the school administration. The parents and/or legal guardians of the student will be notified and informed that they are responsible for their child's transportation to and from school during the period of suspension. A subsequent offense may result in the suspension of busing privileges for the remainder of the schoolyear. These rules shall also apply to students who are travelling in Sacred Heart School vans. Students must ride the bus to which they are assigned unless they receive written permission from their parents/guardians and school administration. Although Sacred Heart School is providing transportation service for its students, the parents/guardians of students are responsible for supervising their children before the student boards the school bus in the morning and after the student leaves the bus at the end of the school day. Students 96 | P a g e


should arrive at their designated stop 5 minutes prior to the scheduled pickup time. They should stay off the road at all times and conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner. It is the responsibility of a parent/guardian to wait with or for a child until the bus arrives/departs. It is especially important that those meeting the bus in the afternoon be on time. If a bus driver waits 3-4 minutes at a couple of stops this puts the bus behind schedule for those being dropped off later in the route. Each year, parents/legal guardians will be asked to fill out a form, a copy of which will be given to the driver, containing emergency numbers for contacting parents/guardians. If no one is at a stop to pick up a student from the Elementary School or Early Childhood Center, drivers are instructed not to let the student off the bus. If no one can be reached and an alternate pick-up (e.g., an older sibling) is not arranged for these students, the driver will return the child to the Elementary School. Food Policy As a general policy, First Student does not permit eating on their buses because of safety concerns. Because of the length of the Sacred Heart School routes, it has been agreed to allow elementary school students to have a snack while the buses are stopped and waiting at the high school after school. As always this privilege is contingent on proper disposal of trash and the following of the driver's instructions. Students are not permitted to eat while buses are in motion. In addition to the emergency contact information supplied on the above-referenced form, parents/legal guardians will be asked to provide information regarding any allergies or health conditions of their children that the bus driver needs to be aware for the safety of the child. When the driver is made aware of a food allergy, he/she is authorized to forbid eating on the bus completely. Parents/guardians of students are to inform their child’s bus driver that their son or daughter carries an epi-pen, which is to be used in the event of a severe allergic reaction. Occasional use of Sacred Heart School buses Students may ride on the Sacred Heart School buses on an as-needed basis. They will be dropped off only at one of the predetermined bus stops. For the use of this service, Sacred Heart School charges the student $10.00/daily rate for the 2017-2018 academic year. A ten-ride pass costs $85.00. Students who wish to take the bus on an occasional need to purchase a pass from the Elementary School Front Office or at the High School Front Desk. Emergency situations Under Massachusetts State Law, School bus drivers are required to be certified in first aid (which includes the use of epi-pens) and CPR. Bus drivers are required to be recertified in first aid every two years. While bus drivers do not carry epi-pens on their buses, they are trained to administer an epi-pen that a student is carrying, should it be necessary.

For additional information, issues or concerns, call Amira Schumann, Transportation Coordinator at 781-585-7511 x327. BUS REGULATIONS Sacred Heart students, upon boarding the bus, are subject to school regulations and discipline. The bus driver is in charge of the bus and reports misconduct to the Vice Principal. All smoking is prohibited. Any serious complaint can result in disciplinary action and exclusion from the bus. Buses are operated to provide transportation for students who attend Sacred Heart School. Bus passengers are expected to comply with the following regulations in order to assure safety, cleanliness, and behaviors which respect both persons and property. Students will forfeit the privilege of bus transportation if a major offense or repeated offense occurs. Bus stops Please remember that bus stops are chosen as a convenience for parents and students. Many of these stops are at places of business and on private property. Sacred Heart students are guests at these stops, and we expect both 97 | P a g e


parents and students to act in a responsible manner. A. Problems and Concerns Violations: are reported in writing to the Vice Principal/Transportation Coordinator, who keeps these on record and channels the information to the appropriate administrator. Appropriate action will follow; parents will be notified if this is necessary. The first violation will generally bring an official warning. If the matter is one of conduct, this should be remedied; if the matter is one of disorder, the bus should be cleaned. Subsequent violations merit official action by the Director appropriate to the violations. This may result in suspension of bus privileges. B. Damages Damages will be paid for by the individuals responsible for them. C. Complaints Complaints should be addressed to the Vice Principal/Transportation Coordinator. D. Bus Break-downs Despite delays, buses (and buses sent as replacement) will ALWAYS run the entire bus route. Parents are requested to read these regulations and discuss them with family members who will be passengers on Sacred Heart School buses. Education does not stop with the afternoon dismissal bell. Long days require release, but not at the expense of safety. Consideration for others, safety, good manners - these will bring a safe and pleasant close to the school day.

REVISIONS TO HANDBOOK The Sacred Heart School Student Handbook was revised in August 2017. The principals retain the right to amend any section of the handbook. Parents will be given notification if changes are made.

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NOTICE TO SHS OCCUPANTS, PARENTS AND EMPLOYEES This notification is required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763 of Title II of the Toxic Substance Control Act, in accordance with EPA regulations, this school has been inspected for friable materials which contain asbestos. Friable asbestos containing material may cause health problems. Asbestos management plans have been developed for Sacred Heart High School and Sacred Heart Elementary School. These plans are available and accessible to the public at each individual facility, as well as at the LEA Administrative Offices. A walkthrough is conducted bi-annually, by the maintenance staff and the LEA persons, notes are taken of any cuts or friable asbestos and it is repaired immediately. A record of the inspection, a diagram of the location(s) of friable asbestos containing materials, and a copy of relevant EPA regulations are available in the Facilities Office. All asbestos containing material has been encapsulated and is maintained according to stated plans. Any asbestos containing material that has been removed is recorded and filed with the required paperwork. A complete inspection was performed by Corvino Environmental Associates, Inc. in June 2013. This inspection report is on file in the Facilities Office. The next inspection is Fall 2017.

For further information, interested persons should call 1-800-424-9065 (544-1404 in the Washington, D.C. area). SHHS designated LEA Person: John Fahey (Facilities Manager) SHHS Asbestos 16 Hour Disturbance Training: Mr. Michael Parsons & Mr. John Fahey (Maintenance Staff) SHHS Asbestos 8 Hour Disturbance Training: Mr. John Ayala

路 399 Bishops Highway 路 Kingston, MA 02364-2098 Sacred Heart Elementary School 路 329 Bishops Highway 路 Kingston, MA 02364-2098 Sacred Heart High School

Annual Notice - 2017-2018

EPA Form 7730-3

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