Civility Guidelines for a Safe Environment

Preamble: The purpose of this policy is to provide rules of conduct for parents, teachers, staff, students, and visitors to provide a safe environment. It is the intent of the school community to promote mutual respect, civility, and orderly conduct among employees, parents and the public. It is not the intent of the School Council to deprive any person of his/her right to freedom of expression. The intent of this policy is to maintain, to the greatest extent reasonably possible, a safe, harassment-free workplace for teachers, students, administrators, other staff, parents, and other members of the community. In the interest of presenting teachers and other employees as positive role models, the school community encourages positive communication and discourages disruptive, volatile, hostile, or aggressive communications or actions.

1. Expected level of behavior:

   • School Personnel will treat parents and other members of the public and each other with courtesy and respect.

   • Parents, teachers, staff, students and visitors to our Schools will treat teachers, school administrators, other school staff, and employees with courtesy and respect.

2. Unacceptable/disruptive behavior:

   • Disruptive behavior includes, but is not necessarily limited to: behavior which interferes with or threatens to interfere with the operation of the school, the operation of a classroom, an employee’s office or office area, areas of the school open to parents/guardians and the general public to include sports facilities and/or athletic fields. It also covers all areas of the school that are not open to parents/guardians and the general public.

   • Using loud and/or offensive language, swearing, cursing or display of temper.

   • Threatening to do bodily or physical harm to a teacher, school administrator, school employee or student regardless of whether or not the behavior constitutes or may constitute a criminal violation.

   • Damaging or destroying school property.

   • Any other behavior that disrupts the orderly operation of a school, a school classroom or any other school facility.

3. Parent recourse:

   • Any parent who believes he/she was subject to unacceptable /disruptive behavior on the part of any staff member should bring such behavior to the attention of the staff member’s immediate supervisor and/or the school principal.

4. Authority of school personnel:

   • Authority to direct persons to leave school or school premises

   • Any individual may be directed to leave who:

     1. Disrupts or threatens to disrupt school or school operations.

     2. Threatens or attempts to do or does physical harm to school employees, school community personnel, students or others lawfully on school or school premises.

     3. Threatens the health or safety of school employees, students, school community personnel or others lawfully on school or school premises.

     4. Intentionally causes damage to school property or property of others lawfully on the school premises.

     5. Uses loud or offensive language.

     6. Without authorization comes to school.

   • The person may be directed to leave the school by the school’s principal or assistant principal, or in their absence, a person whom is lawfully in charge of the school. If the person refuses to leave the premises as directed, the administrator or other authorized personnel shall seek the assistance of law enforcement.

5. Authority to deal with persons who are verbally abusive:

   • If any member of the public or members of the staff uses obscenities or speaks in a demanding, loud, insulting, and/or demeaning manner, the employee to whom the remarks are directed shall calmly and politely warn the speaker to communicate civilly.

   • If the verbal abuse continues, the employee to whom the remarks are directed may, after giving appropriate notice to the speaker, terminate the meeting, conference or telephone conversation.

Rules are a necessary part of any society and are made to benefit everyone. Students are expected to obey all school, classroom, emergency drill, and playground rules. Rule violations fall under one of five levels and must be witnessed by a teacher or staff member.

LEVEL I – ACTIONS DISRUPTIVE TO LEARNING

Any consequence may also include loss of participation for student in school activities.

EXAMPLES – Include, but not limited to:

• Missing required classroom supplies;

• Disregard for other personal space/ property;

• Inappropriate language, gestures, or physical contact;

• Food and/or drink other than teacher’s discretion.

Consequences for Actions Disruptive to Learning

Generally, Level I offenses are handled in the classroom pursuant to the teacher’s classroom plan. Consequences may include a behavior break, walking during recess, a silent lunch, a written assignment, and/or a call/letter home to parent.

LEVEL II – ACTIONS DISRESPECTFUL TO SELF, SCHOOL,
STUDENTS, TEACHERS, STAFF, AND OTHERS

Any consequence may also include loss of participation for student in school activities.

EXAMPLES – Include, but not limited to:

• Gossiping;

• Offensive language/gestures;

• Destruction of another’s personal property;

• Cheating;

• Lying;

• Throwing objects;

• Pushing, shoving, rough play, or other unwanted physical contact;

• Shouting;

• Insubordination, defiance, not listening.

Consequences for Actions Disrespectful to Self, School, Students, Teachers, Staff, or Others

Grades K-1

• 1st Offense – Listening, reteaching, parent contact.

• 2nd Offense – Listening, reteaching, parent contact, silent lunch and/or walking at recess.

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, listening, reteaching, parent contact, ISS*.

Grades 2-5

• 1st Offense – Parent contact by student, silent lunch and/or walking at recess.

• 2nd Offense – Parent contact by student, two silent lunches and/or walking at recess.

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, ISS*.

Grades 6-8

• 1st Offense – Christian Expectation Essay, parent contact by student, silent lunch and/or walking at recess.

• 2nd Offense – Christian Expectation Essay, parent contact by student, two silent lunches and/or walking at recess.

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, ISS*.

*In-School Suspension (ISS) – During ISS, the student is to sit silently and/or complete a Christian behavior reflection assigned by the principal. ISS takes place in a designated area in the office. Any class work missed will be sent home with the student to be completed and returned the next day. Length of ISS is determined by grade and principal’s discretion: up to 1 hour (Kindergarten-Grade 1), 1 hour – ½ day (Grades 2-3), ½ day – 1 day (Grades 4-8).

LEVEL III – ACTIONS THAT ARE HARMFUL

Any consequence may also include loss of participation for student in school activities.

EXAMPLES – Include, but not limited to:

• Theft (value under $25.00);

• Demeaning written/verbal language;

• Profane comments in verbal or written form;

• Obscene gestures;

• Graffiti or defacing property;

• Intimidation;

• Racial, ethnic, sexual comments or actions;

• More severe physical contact than Level I or II;

• Dangerous misuse of items (scissors, pencils, etc.).

Consequences for Actions That Are Harmful

Grades K- 3

• 1st Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, silent lunch and/or walking at recess.

• 2nd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, two silent lunches and/or walking at recess.

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, behavior contract developed at conference with student, parent(s), and principal.

Grades 4-8

• 1st Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, silent lunch and/or walking at recess.

• 2nd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, ISS*.

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, 1 day at home suspension, priest referral, behavior contract developed at conference with student, parent(s), and principal.

*In-School Suspension (ISS) – During ISS, the student is to sit silently and/or complete a Christian behavior reflection assigned by the principal. ISS takes place in a designated area in the office. Any class work missed will be sent home with the student to be completed and returned the next day. Length of ISS is determined by grade and principal’s discretion: up to 1 hour (Kindergarten-Grade 1), 1 hour – ½ day (Grades 2-3), ½ day – 1 day (Grades 4-8).

LEVEL IV – ACTIONS THAT ARE INTENTIONALLY PHYSICALLY DESTRUCTIVE

Any consequence may also include loss of participation for student in school activities. Student(s) and their family(ies) will be responsible for any expense the school incurs in clean-up, repair or replacement.

EXAMPLES –Include, but not limited to:

• Racial, ethnic, or sexual harassment;

• Fighting;

• Threat of assault;

• Battery;

• Vandalism of school or personal property;

• Extortion;

• Persistent Level II or Level III violations.

Consequences for Actions That Are Intentionally Physically Destructive

Grades K-3

• 1st Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, ISS*

• 2nd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, ISS*, priest referral

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, 1 day at home suspension, behavior contract developed at conference with student, parent(s), priest, and principal.

• 4th Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, 3 day at home suspension, conference with parent(s), principal, teacher, student, priest, and School Council member. A written recommendation will be sent to the School Council that the student be expelled without further consultation if another violation occurs.

• 5th Offense – Expulsion

Grades 4-8

• 1st Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, ISS*

• 2nd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, 1 day at home suspension, priest referral

• 3rd Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, 2 day at home suspension, behavior contract developed at conference with student, parent(s), priest, and principal.

• 4th Offense – Office referral, parent contact by student, 3 day at home suspension, conference with parent(s), principal, teacher, student, priest, and School Council member. A written recommendation will be sent to the School Council that the student be expelled without further consultation if another violation occurs.

• 5th Offense – Expulsion

*In-School Suspension (ISS) – During ISS, the student is to sit silently and/or complete a Christian behavior reflection assigned by the principal. ISS takes place in a designated area in the office. Any class work missed will be sent home with the student to be completed and returned the next day. Length of ISS is determined by grade and principal’s discretion: up to 1 hour (Kindergarten-Grade 1), 1 hour – ½ day (Grades 2-3), ½ day – 1 day (Grades 4-8).

LEVEL V – ACTIONS RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION

Student(s) and their family(ies) will be responsible for any expense the school incurs in clean-up, repair or replacement.

EXAMPLES – Include, but not limited to:

• Weapons;

• Bomb threats;

• Illegal use of substances;

• Under the influence;

• Severe fighting at school;

• Use or possession of alcohol or tobacco on school property;

• Major theft (value over $25.00);

• Knowingly creating a false emergency.

CONSEQUENCES FOR ACTIONS RESULTING IN IMMEDIATE, AUTOMATIC SUSPENSION

Grades K-8

• 1st Offense –Office referral, parent contact by principal, immediate suspension. Public safety will be contacted as per the law. A conference with parent(s), principal, teacher, student, priest, and St. Mary’s School Council member will be required to possibly reinstate the student in school. Should student be reinstated, a written recommendation will be sent to the school council that the student be expelled without further consultation if another violation occurs.

• 2nd Offense – Expulsion

On first offense, immediate expulsion may be considered.  An informed decision will be made based on past level and current Level V infractions.

Probation, Suspension, and Expulsion (diocesan policy # 5114)

The following disciplinary measures may be imposed separately or progressively:

1.  Probation is ordinarily imposed in conjunction with counseling. Probation may be imposed for either academic or behavioral reasons. A behavior contract is the supervision and evaluation of a student by the principal for a specific period of time, at the end of which a determination is made as to whether the student has overcome his/her problem or is in need of further corrective procedures.

2.  Suspension is the isolation of a student by the principal from some or all school activities. Suspension is normally a result of unacceptable student behavior. The student may be required to report to school but be separated from his/her ordinary classes and be expected to continue school work on an independent or private study basis. In some instances, the student may be barred from school entirely.  The suspension should not normally exceed one week.

3.  Expulsion is the permanent dismissal of a student from the school by the St. Mary’s Catholic School Council upon the documented and written recommendation of the principal. Expulsion requires the transfer of the student to another school.  Except in extreme cases, expulsion shall be imposed only after a period of probation and/or suspension.

The principal shall consider the Christian development and welfare of the individual student and the practical, common good of the students and teachers before imposing probation or suspension on a student or before recommending expulsion.

Parents and/or guardians shall be directly notified of the probation, suspension or possible expulsion of their child and shall normally be requested to attend a conference with the principal, the student, and, where appropriate, other persons such as the parish priest, involved teachers, or other professionals.

Parents and/or guardians may request a review of a probation, suspension, or expulsion by the school council.

Morning Procedure

Arrival/Dismissal:

Families with last names beginning with A-M will drop off AND pickup on the south side (Armory Place) of the building

Families with last names beginning with N-Z will drop off AND pickup on the north side (Maple Street).  Arrival and Dismissal will take place as drop-off and pick-up (parents will not walk students into the building); at least one adult will be present at each entrance during morning drop-off while teachers will be with students during dismissal.

1. Drop Off procedure –

Families A-M using Armory Place (south entrance) must drive up from the east and exiting to the west.  Drivers must never abandon their vehicle at the drop off curb. NEVER, EVER park in the drop off area – this is a moving line! AND PLEASE, pull as far forward as possible before stopping to drop off your child(ren).

Families N-Z using Maple Street (north entrance) must drive up from the west and exit to the east.  Drivers must never abandon their vehicle at the drop off curb. NEVER, EVER park in the drop off area – this is a moving line! AND PLEASE, pull as far forward as possible before stopping to drop off your child(ren).

• No students are allowed in the building prior to 7:45 a.m.

• Students who walk or ride their bicycles to school and who arrive between 7:45 – 8:00 a.m.  must enter the school building immediately upon arrival to school grounds.  They may not play outside before they enter as there is no supervision.

• Any student arriving before 7:45 a.m. must wait quietly and respectfully outside the Armory Place doors. Students are expected to follow the Civility Guidelines for a Safe Environment as outlined in Appendix A, Community Relations.

• Any students arriving before 7:45 must follow social distancing guidelines, remaining 6 feet apart; however, early arrival is discouraged.

Dismissal Procedure

Dismissal will start at 3:00 p.m.  

Families A-M will pick up at the south doors on Armory Place. 

Upon arrival,

• show your family name sign to the attendant in the entranceway

• pull up as far as you can to allow for additional families to pull up behind you

• wait for your child(ren). 

• Vehicles are to be lined up at the curb facing east.  This will be a moving line only stopping to load students into the cars.   

Families N-Z will pick-up at the north doors on Maple Street. 

Upon arrival,

• show your family name sign to the attendant in the entranceway

• pull up as far as you can to allow for additional families to pull up behind you

• wait for your child(ren). 

• Vehicles are to be lined up at the curb facing east.  This will be a moving line only stopping to load students into the cars.   

PLEASE BE PATIENT AS WE WORK THROUGH DISMISSAL, AND WATCH FOR STUDENTS AND OTHER VEHICHLES AROUND YOU.  SOME PARENTS MAY HAVE TO ASSIST THEIR LITTLE ONES AS THEY GET INTO THEIR VEHICLE.  THANK YOU.

Students need to develop pride in their personal appearance and modesty is a virtue we must help develop.  School uniforms bring an image of success to students and inspire self-confidence.  School uniforms need to be neat, clean and in good repair.  The following rules shall govern dress code at St. Mary’s School.

1. Uniforms may be purchased from:  French Toast (frenchtoast.com) or Meijer’s: French Toast brand.

2. Preschool-5th grade girls will wear navy blue jumpers, scooters or navy blue pants.  All jumpers, skirts, scooters and shorts may not be more than two inches above the knee.  Pre-School-5th grade boys will wear navy blue pants with set-in-side pockets and straight legs.  All students may wear navy blue walking shorts during September, October, April, May and June only.  No elastic waist pants, except for Preschool & Kindergarten, but must be appropriate with the current dress code.  No gather at the ankle, cargo pants, or cargo shorts of any kind, no sweatpants or yoga pants, no skinny jeans/pants.

3. All Preschool-5th grade students will wear white, buttoned-down collared shirt, blouse, polo, or white turtle neck.  All shirts must be tucked in. Students may wear navy cardigan, pullover or vest.  Students may wear solid navy sweatshirts or hoodies over a white shirt (all shirts must have sleeves).

4. Tights and socks are to be solid color navy or white.  Shoes are to be closed toe and closed heel.  Socks and undergarments are to be worn.

5. 6th, 7th, & 8th grade uniform: khaki on bottom and navy on top

6. 6th-8th grade girls will wear khaki jumper, pleated khaki skirt, pleated khaki scooter, or pleated khaki pants. All jumpers, skirts, scooters and shorts may not be more than two inches above the knee.       
   6th–8th grade boys will wear khaki pants with in-set pockets and straight leg.  Khaki walking shorts are permitted the months of September, October, April, May, and June only.

7. 6th-8th grade students may wear navy blue buttoned-down collared shirt, blouse, polo, or navy turtle neck (with khaki worn on bottom) – all shirts must have sleeves. 

8. 6th-8th grade tights and socks are to be solid color navy or khaki.  Shoes are to be closed-toe and closed heel.  Socks and undergarments are to be worn.

9. Pants if not purchased from the uniform company must be a dress pant of similar style and fabric, no stretch knits or corduroy No gather at the ankle, cargo pants, or cargo shorts of any kind, no sweatpants (except during P.E. class) or yoga pants, no skinny jeans/pants.

10. 6th, 7th, & 8th grade Physical Education Uniform: solid navy sweatpants or solid navy short (shorts may not be more than two inches above the knee), solid grey sweatshirt or solid grey t-shirt (all shirts must have sleeves).

11. For safety reasons, dangling earrings are not allowed.  Earrings are not permitted for boys.  Make-up is not allowed.

12. Hats, caps, or hoods are not to be worn anywhere in the school building.

13. Hair should be clean, well-groomed and must be worn out of the eyes.  Boys hair should not be so long as to the touch the shirt collar.  Hair color is to be shades of only natural hair color.

14. On Color Days, the last Friday of the month, casual attire is acceptable in exchange for a donation, which is used for charity (modesty dress code remains in effect on color days).

15. 6th, 7th, 8th grade girls are allowed to wear navy blue ties as part of their uniform (see picture below).

Color Days follow the same rules of modesty as Uniform Days in regard to the length of skirts and shorts and the requirement of sleeves on shirts.  Again, shorts are only worn during September, October, April, May and June.

Compliance with the Dress Code is the responsibility of parents and students.  For any violation of the uniform policy, parents will be called to bring appropriate clothes to the school for their son or daughter.  If violations persist a student may be asked to withdraw from the school.

Click here for pictures of approved uniforms

Harassment of staff (including those who volunteer their services) is prohibited and will not be tolerated.  This includes inappropriate conduct by any person in the school environment, including other employees, Board members, parents, guests, teachers, contractors, vendors, and volunteers.  It is the policy of St. Mary’s School to provide a safe, positive work environment free of harassment of its entire staff.

Harassment is defined as inappropriate conduct that negatively impacts a staff member’s ability to perform his/her job.  This would include harassment based on any of the legally protected characteristics such as sex, race, color, national origin, religion, age, height, weight, marital status, or disability.  This policy however is not limited to these legal categories and includes any harassment that would negatively impact a staff member, such as stalking, unwelcome taunting, teasing, intimidation, demeaning comments, verbal harassment or abuse, including racial slurs, mocking behavior, or other demeaning comments.  If a staff member or other individual believes there has been harassment, regardless of whether it is stated here, she/he should report it and allow administration to determine the appropriate course of action.

Every staff member must report any situation that they believe to be harassment.  Reports may be made first to the administrator.  If the complaint relates to the Administrator, the Complaint may be filed with the Board President.  All complaints will be investigated.  The investigation will be handled as confidentially as possible under the circumstances.

If the investigation finds harassment occurred, it will result in prompt and appropriate action.  This may include up to expulsion for students, up to discharge for employees, exclusion of parents, guests, volunteers, and contacts and removal from any officer position and/or a request to resign for Board members with board decision.

Lice Policy                                                                               

1. If a child is suspected of having lice by scratching their head or acting uncomfortably, they shall be sent to the office.  The child will simply be told they are needed in the office.  As always kindness, humor, and reassurance will assist in lessening the fear and apprehension that children often display concerning this problem.

2. If a child is brought into the office for a lice check, the secretary or principal will escort this child into the principal’s office and the door will be closed.  A second opinion is necessary, and if the principal is not present, a teacher will be summoned.

3. If nits are found on the head of the child, the child’s parents will be contacted and the child will be sent home immediately.  While waiting, the child will be asked to either sit in the conference or in the principal’s office.  We will conduct a check in that classroom ASAP as well as in the classroom(s) of other family members.  Notification and information will be sent home with the children of the school as to what precautionary measures are to be taken along with identification procedures.

4. A child must be nit free in order to return to school.  It is preferred that the child’s parent or guardian accompanies him/her into the office for a recheck.  This check will be done behind closed doors with two school staff members present.

5. As required by the Michigan Department of Public Health, a weekly report is filed every Friday stating the names and addresses of the child(ren) who are infested with head lice.  The original is on file at the St. Mary’s School office and a copy of this form is sent to the Health Department.

Communicable Diseases

All students with communicable diseases should be reported to the office.  We are mandated by the Chippewa County Health Department to report these to them.

If a measles outbreak – one (1) case – should occur in our school, students who are not vaccinated and those who are under-vaccinated will be required to stay home from school for 21 days after the date of exposure to try to limit the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Measles

If a measles outbreak – one (1) case – should occur in our school, students who are not vaccinated and those who are under-vaccinated will be required to stay home from school for 21 days after the date of exposure to try to limit the spread of the highly contagious virus.

Covid-19 Sick Policy School Year 2020-2021*

*The purpose of this policy is to address a plan of care for students and staff regarding SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). This policy is current with CDC guidelines and is subject to change under new or evolving information and/or circumstances.

1. Daily at home screening highly recommended for all students prior to drop off EACH day Symptom screeningClose contact/potential exposure

2. High risk symptoms requiring immediate pick up at school or warranting an excused absence.

   1. Temperature of 100.4 orally or signs of fever (chills/sweating) or per school staff judgment.  

   1. Respiratory symptoms such as new uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, sore throat, or congestion.  NOTE: Allergy and asthma symptoms are not acute respiratory illness.

   1. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting or abdominal pain.

   1. New onset of severe headache

   1. Other conditions meeting an excused absence for school can be found in existing policies for non COVID -19 related illnesses.

1. Additional reasons warranting an excused absence.

   1. Close exposure as defined by Chippewa County Health Department Tracing

1. Students with COVID-19 symptoms while at school

   1. If able to be tolerated, students will be given a mask and placed in an isolation room until able to be picked up and transported home.

   1. If symptoms are severe (extreme shortness of breath, lips turning blue, etc) an ambulance will be called.

   1. Staff will also wear a surgical mask (unless they have N95 mask available).

   1. A gown, gloves, and face shield should also be worn by staff while caring for the symptomatic child if in a space less than 6 feet from student.

   1. The student will be monitored until they are picked up.

• Process for a COVID-19 contact tracing/exposure for students 

  • Chippewa County Health Department and St. Mary’s School work together to identify close contacts.

  • Parents/guardians will be notified with further instructions based on circumstance.

• Procedure for returning to school

  • Positive COVID-19 test with symptoms (fever, cough etc)Keep out of school until it has been at least 10 days from the first day they had symptoms and they have had 24 hours fever free without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND other symptoms have improved. There is no need to get a “negative test” or a doctor’s note to clear the child to return to school if they meet the above criteria.

• Students with more severe illness or those whom are immunocompromised may take longer to recover and special consideration will be taken into account with guidance from Chippewa County Health Department and/or primary care provider.

  • If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, has risk for exposure to COVID-19 and no testing has been done.

    • Keep student out of school until it has been 10 days from the first day they had symptoms, they have had 24 hours with no fever without the use of fever-reducing medications, AND other symptoms have improved

  • If your child has symptoms of COVID-19, has risk for exposure to COVID-19, and tests negative for COVID-19

    • Student may return based on their symptoms.

      • Fever: at least 24 hours have passed with no fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.

      • Sore throat: Improvement in symptoms (if strep throat: do not return until at least 2 doses of antibiotic have been taken).

      • Cough or shortness of breath: improvement in symptoms

      • Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain: No diarrhea for 24 hours

      • Severe headache: Improvement in symptoms

  • If student was identified as close contact to a positive COVID-19 case, had no testing, and no symptoms

    • Quarantine for 14 days from last exposure.

  • Guidance directed by Chippewa County Health Department 906-635-1566 for COVID-19 related illness

• DAILY HOME SCREENING FOR STUDENTS: If yes to any of these questions keep your student home until further guidance by either primary care provider or CCHD

Section 1: Symptoms

• Temperature 100.4 F taken by mouth

• Sore throat

• New cough

• Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, or

• New onset of severe headache

Section 2: Close contact/exposure

• Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with a person with confirmed COVID-19; or

• Had close contact (within 6 feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes) with person under quarantine for possible exposure to SARS-Cov-2; or

• Traveled to an area where health department is reporting large numbers of COVID-19 cases

Policy developed by Kristen Sawruk NP, MSN

Recommended for Approval by St. Mary’s Catholic School Council                     

Date: 8/06/2020

Resources:

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: (2020 July 22). Contract Tracing for COVID-19.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: (2020 July 22). Duration of Isolation and Precautions for Adults with COVID-19.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: (2020 July 23). Screening K-12 Students for Symptoms of COVID-19: Limitations and Considerations Screening Students for Symptoms.

Center for Disease Control and Prevention: (2020 July 16). When You Can be Around Others After you had or Likely Had Covid-19.

Health Department  School Handout Set: (2020 July 28). Process for COVID-19.

VOLUNTEERS’ GUIDELINES FOR RECESS DUTY

2020-2021: IF AT ANY TIME YOU ARE NOT FEELING WEEL, PLEASE DO NOT VOLUNTEER FOR RECESS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE OFFICE YOU WILL NOT BE PRESENT SO WE MAY MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS.  THANK YOU!

1. Be on time.  Recess begins for the first group at 11:50 a.m.  Each group has 20 minutes of recess time. 2020-2021: 11:20-11:40a.m.; 11:50a.m.-12:10p.m.; 12:20-12:40p.m. (this allows for staggered entering/exiting of building as well as cleaning of cafeteria in between cohorts)

2. Notify the office when you arrive (call the office or press door buzzer to announce arrival).

3. An adult should be at the crosswalk before the students exit the building.

4. Another adult should be by the door to enforce the rule “Walk out of the building”.  Students should not run out of the school building. 

5. One adult needs to stay near the crosswalk at all times to help students cross the street.  Students trickle out of the lunchroom at different times.  If a student needs to come inside for any reason, he or she must ask an adult for permission and be escorted across the street.

6. Students in Grades K-3 (2nd group) may play ONLY across the street, in the playground, or in the field.  Grades 4-8 (1st group) may play across the street or in the tennis court with supervision.
   2020-2021: Phase 5 and Phase 4 defined safety requirements will be in place. For example, cohorts must be spread out from one another/assigned playing areas. If recess is outdoors, masks may be removed, but students will stay at least six feet apart.  Students are not to share balls or other playground equipment. Facial coverings will need to be placed back on faces when lining up, walking into the building, and walking through the hallways.

7. If a ball goes onto the street, an adult must retrieve the ball.

8. Ring the bell when you see a concern for safety or inappropriate behavior.  Suggested remedies for inappropriate behavior might be to have a student sit out for 3-5 minutes or walk a lap or two around the perimeter of the playground.  For gross misconduct, the child should be escorted to the office.  Please let the teachers know if you had any problems with his or her students following rules during recess. Teachers want to know so they can reinforce the rules in the classroom.

9. The teacher on duty will ring the bell when it is time to go inside. Escort the children across the street to meet their teachers.

10. Notify the teacher on duty in case of an accident involving blood. Our teachers are trained to handle blood safely.  Volunteers should not handle blood.

11. Conduct an inspection of playground equipment and open play areas, looking for hazards such as splinters, loose or protruding bolts, pinch hazards, broken bottles or trash, and notify the principal immediately.

12. We need a volunteer responsible to make sure the gate on Spruce Street is closed.

PLAYGROUND RULES FOR STUDENTS

1. Come out of the school building in a calm, orderly way.  Do not run out of the building.

2. Wait for an adult to help you cross the street.

3. Play in assigned areas.

4. No tackle play or tackle football.

5. Do not stand on the swings, twist, or swing sideways.

6. Slide down slide on bottom, feet first.

7. No fence or tree climbing.  No climbing on swing set poles.

8. Stop running, playing, or talking when the adult rings the bell.

9. Do not tease other students.

10. No snowballs, no king of the mountain or red rover, or other pushing contact games.

11. Equipment should be used for the purpose intended.

12. No food or drinks are to be taken outside at recess.

13. Ask the teacher or adult on duty if there is a need to go indoors.

14. All equipment taken outdoors is to be brought in and returned neatly back in equipment room.

15. Respect each other and the adults on duty.

16. Enjoy yourself and play in a Christ-like way.

Families who have:

1. Completed the registration process;

2. Paid the registration fee;        

3. Do not have delinquent tuition from the prior school year; and

4. Do not have unfulfilled service hours from the prior school year are eligible to attend St Mary’s Catholic School if all of these requirements are met by the first day of school.

In addition to the above requirements, one of the following methods of payment must be elected by July 1st, to allow adequate time to set up a payment plan:

Option A- Enrollment with FACTS tuition company by July 1st and by making monthly payments;

Option B- Enrollment with FACTS tuition company by July 1st and making one full payment by August 15th.

Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance is not guaranteed after May 15th. 

Nonpayment of Tuition

Families who have not fulfilled their tuition commitment for the current school year or have not returned the tuition contract for the new year will not be able to attend St. Mary’s School in September until the tuition and applicable late fees are paid in full and the tuition contract for the next year has been signed and returned.  If the child(ren) have already registered for the upcoming school year, they shall be removed from the registration list and will no longer be given pre-registration priority.  If they have not registered, then they shall not be allowed to register until all past due tuition and late fees are paid in full and they have enrolled in one of the payment options listed above.  In any event, all past due and current tuition shall be current before the family can register or enroll in St. Mary’s School.  If any family becomes delinquent on their tuition for sixty (60) days, then they shall appear before the St. Mary’s Catholic School Council to explain their situation and to show good cause.  After the council’s written decision, any payments not made within 15 days can be turned over to an agency for collection.

New Student Policy                                                                                        

Students entering St. Mary’s Catholic School after the start of school shall pay the registration fee and shall be charged tuition on a pro-rata scale.  New students must be registered in one of the plans as provided by FACTS.  If the payment in full option (Option B) is selected, the family will have 30 days (from the date of registration) within which to make payment.  If they do not, then their child shall not be allowed to attend school.  If Option A is selected, they must enroll with FACTS within seven days from the date of registration and the first month tuition payment must be paid at the time of enrollment.

Tuition Refund Policy

Tuition shall be refunded, on a pro-rata basis, only if one of the following conditions has been met:

1. Extenuating circumstances (e.g., death, disability of a household income earner, or other uncontrollable situations) to be submitted in writing and presented to the St. Mary’s School Council and determined by a majority vote of the St. Mary’s Catholic School Council to be extenuating;

2. Council action terminating a student; or

3. Mutual consent of the school and family for the best interests of the student.

I. ATTENDANCE POLICY                                                 

In accordance with the Michigan Compulsory Attendance Law (380.1561), “Every parent/guardian or other person in this state having control and charge of a child from the age of 6 to the child’s sixteenth birthday, shall send that child to school during the entire school year.  The child’s attendance shall be continuous and consecutive for the school year fixed by the school district in which the child is enrolled.”

Research has shown a definite correlation between attendance and the amount of educational growth a child makes. Presence in a classroom aids in instilling concepts of self-discipline and exposes a student to group interaction with teachers and fellow students.  Such presence also enables a student to hear and participate in class instruction, discussion and other related learning experiences.

The total number of allowable excused absences per school year is 15.  This does not include school excused/imposed absences or an absence due to extenuating circumstances.

School imposed absences do not count toward the fifteen-day limit.  The absences include:

• School related absences such as field trips, athletic events, service clubs, etc.

• School imposed absences, such as in/out school suspensions.

Extenuating circumstances may also be taken into consideration. These absences may include:

• Serious illness, hospitalization, or immediate family emergencies verified by a written medical note.

• Attendance at a funeral or death in the family verified by a written parental excuse.

• Professional appointments that cannot be scheduled after school (i.e., dentist, physician and court appointments) verified with a professional excuse submitted to the main office.  Otherwise these absences will be deemed unexcused.

II. ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES:

On the morning of a child’s absence, the school must be notified by 9:00 a.m.  For your child’s safety, all absences, regardless of duration, should be notified daily.

St Mary’s accepts the responsibility of keeping accurate records of attendance.  The responsibility of regular attendance in school rests with the student and most assuredly with the parents.  The parents or guardian are an integral part of the school’s educational team and will be regularly informed of any attendance problems.  For your child’s safety, all absences, regardless of duration, should be notified daily.

• When a student is absent a parent/guardian must call the school office by 9:00 a.m. to verify their son’s/daughter’s absence(s).  When it is not possible to phone the school, a written parental excuse must be submitted to the school office upon the student’s return or the absence may be considered unexcused.

• Notification in advance is requested if your child is going to be out of school for a known reason.

• When a student arrives late to school (see Tardiness section), they must check in at the main office.  When a student must leave school early, the student must be signed out by a parent/guardian.  No student will be released without a parent/guardian or designated Emergency Release person signing the student out.

III. REGULATIONS REGARDING SCHOOL ATTENDANCE POLICY

In accordance with the State of Michigan Compulsory Attendance Law and in cooperation with the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office, St. Mary’s will also follow the procedures below when excessive absences exist:

CHIPPEWA COUNTY TRUANCY PROTOCOL is as follows:

Lack of school attendance is an ongoing issue in Chippewa County.  Research has shown that regular attendance at school increases the chance for students to improve academically.  Various law enforcement, school, and court officials have come together, in a collaborative effort, to strengthen this region’s commitment to the education of youth.

The attendance and the participation of children in an educations program set the foundation for their future.  The school environment allows children to develop not only academic skills, but also self-esteem, social skills, positive peer relationships, and athletic/extra-curricular achievements.  This opportunity is best served with the combined efforts of parents, school personnel, and community agencies.

The Chippewa County Truancy protocol is as follows:

After 9 absences A school official will hold a conference with the student and will also attempt to make contact with the parent or guardian of the student to discuss the attendance issue.  Contact will be attempted by both phone and letter.

After 12 absences – A school official will contact a parent/guardian to discuss the student’s ongoing attendance issue.  A restricted certified letter will be sent to the adult/s responsible for the student explaining the attendance.  A meeting time will be assigned to meet and discuss the student’s attendance issues.  At this point, failure of the parent/guardian of student to contact school officials may result in a referral to law enforcement and/or a complaint being forwarded to the county prosecutor.

After 16 absences – As required by Compulsory School Attendance Act and the Chippewa County Truancy Protocol, the school will file a complaint with the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s office for review and disposition.

Further absences – School will file additional complaints with the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s office for review and disposition.

Any questions regarding the attendance policy or its interpretation should be brought to the attention of the principal.

IV.  TARDINESS

Tardiness is a grave problem that disrupts the educational process.  Every minute of tardiness will be accumulated.  Sixty minutes of tardiness will equal 1 day of unexcused absence.  A student must be in class and in their seat at the established starting times or they will be considered tardy.  A tardy can be considered excused or *unexcused.

*Tardiness due to personal transportation and/or getting up late will not be considered excused.

1.   Subject to the case-by-case exception, any student who is determined to have brought a weapon to a school must be expelled from school for a period of not less than one year. For the purpose of this section, the term “weapon,” means a firearm as such term is defined in Sec. 921 of Title 18, United States Code.1      .

2.   If a student is expelled pursuant to section 380.1311(2), the expelling school district must enter that fact on the student’s permanent record. Within 3 days of expelling a student an official of the school district must refer the student to the appropriate county department of social services or county community mental health agency. Notification of this referral must be given by the school district official to the expelled student if he or she is at least 18 years of age or is an emancipated minor, or to the student’s parent or legal guardian.

3.   St. Mary’s School will report annually a description of the circumstances surrounding expulsions imposed under the one-year expulsion requirement, including: ·

            a.      The name of the school concerned

            b.     The number of students expelled from such school, and

            c.      The type of weapons concerned

4.   The above does not apply to a firearm that is lawfully stored inside a locked vehicle on school property, or if it is for activities approved and authorized by the local educational agency and the local educational agency adopts appropriate safeguards to ensure student safety.

Exceptions

St. Mary’s School is not required to expel a student if the student can establish in a clear and convincing manner at least one of the following:

       (1)    The object or instrument possessed by the student was not

possessed for use as a weapon, or for direct or indirect delivery to another person for use as a weapon.

       (2)    The weapon was not knowingly possessed by the student.

       (3)    The student did not know or have reason to know that the object or instrument possessed by the student constituted a dangerous weapon.

       (4)   The weapon was possessed by the student at the suggestion,

request or direction of, or with the express permission of school or police authorities.

1  The term dangerous weapon means a firearm, dirk, dagger, stiletto, iron bar, knife with a blade over 3 inches in length, pocket knife opened by a mechanical device and brass knuckles (MCL 380.1313(4)). The definition of a firearm in section 380.1311   refers to the definition of that term in the federal Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 which in turn refers to another section of federal law which defines “firearm” as:

• Any weapon (including a starter gun) which will or is designed or may readily be converted to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive;

• The fi·ame or receiver of any such weapon;

• Any _firearm muffler or firearm silencer; or

• Any destructive devise

Petitioning for Reinstatement

It is the responsibility of the petitioning person (a parent, legal guardian, or the expelled student if he or she is at least 18 years of age or is an emancipated minor), to prepare and submit the petition for reinstatement.

The school board is not required to assist in the preparation of the petition. If a petition form is requested by a person wishing to be reinstated, the school board must make the petition form available.  The local school board may include conditions in a petition for reinstatement.  If the expelling school board denies a petition for reinstatement, the petitioner may petition another school board for reinstatement. The following timelines. and procedures apply to reinstatement.

Grade 5 or below

For a student who was enrolled in grade 5 or below at the time of the expulsion and who has been expelled for possessing a firearm or threatening another person with a dangerous weapon, the parent or legal guardian, or the student (if he or she is at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor), may initiate a petition for reinstatement any time after 60 school days following the date of the expulsion. A student may be reinstated 90 school days following the date of expulsion.

Grade 6 or above

For a student who was enrolled in grade 6 or above at the time of the expulsion and who has been expelled pursuant to subsection (2), the parent, legal guardian, or the student (if he or she is at least 18 years of age or an emancipated minor), may initiate a petition any time after 150 school days following the date of expulsion. A student may be reinstated 180 school days following the date of expulsion.

Committee Review and Recommendation

Within 10 school days after receiving a petition for reinstatement, the school board must appoint a committee comprised of two school board members, one school administrator, one teacher, and one parent of a student in the school district to review the petition and any supporting information submitted by the petitioner. During this time, the superintendent may prepare and

submit information concerning the circumstances of the expulsion and any factors weighing in favor of or against reinstatement.

Not later than 10 school days after being appointed, the committee must review the petition and supporting information together with information provided by the school district and submit a recommendation to the school board. The committee may recommend unconditional reinstatement, conditional reinstatement, or against reinstatement. The recommendation must be accompanied by an explanation of the reasons for the recommendation. If the recommendation is for conditional reinstatement, it must include any recommended conditions.

The committee’s recommendation must be based on all of the following factors:

• The extent to which reinstatement of the student would create a risk of harm to pupils or school personnel.

• The extent to which reinstatement would create a risk of school district or individual liability for the school board or school district personnel.

• The age and maturity of the individual.

• The student’s school record before the incident that caused the expulsion.

• The student’s attitude concerning the incident that caused the expulsion.

• The student’s behavior since the expulsion and the prospects for remediation.

• If the petition was filed by a parent or legal guardian, the degree of cooperation and support that has been provided by, and that can be expected from, that person if the student is reinstated, including, but not limited to, receptiveness toward possible conditions placed on the reinstatement.

School Board Decision

After receiving the committee’s recommendation, the school board must make a decision no later than the next regularly-scheduled board meeting. The school board must decide either to reinstate the student, conditionally reinstate the student, or deny reinstatement.

Before conditionally reinstating the student, a school board may require a student and the parent or legal guardian to agree in writing to specific conditions. The conditions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)  Agreement to a behavior contract which may involve the student, parent or legal guardian, and an outside agency;

(2)  Participation in, or completion of, an anger management program or other appropriate counseling;

(3)  Periodic progress reviews; and

(4)  Specified immediate consequences for failure to abide by a condition.

The law provides that the decision of the school board is final.

The Michigan Compiled Laws are accessible on the Internet

2020-2021: SMCS will minimize the number of volunteers this year in an effort to mitigate risk.  The 30-service hour per family requirement is removed for 2020-2021; however, we will need volunteers to help with outdoor recess. A sign-up system will be developed for helping with recess.  Parents/Guardians will receive an email with instructions and health screening questionnaire to be completed prior to volunteering.

St. Mary’s Catholic School considers its parent involvement/service as a very special resource. Parental support and involvement/service are essential for St. Mary’s Catholic School to continue to provide quality programs and unique opportunities for our children.  Studies have shown parental involvement/service to be directly related to student academic performance, enhancing self-esteem, improving student behavior, and attendance. One of the most important things we can do for our children is to allow them to see parents and teachers working together. 

Parental involvement/service is also essential for keeping tuition costs as low as possible as well as creating the family atmosphere which is so important to the school mission.  At St. Mary’s Catholic School, each family is required to give a minimum of 30 hours annually of involvement/service.  Failure to fulfill this commitment may prevent the student from returning to St. Mary’s Catholic School the following school year.  Parents MUST contact the principal if extenuating circumstances prevent them from fulfilling this commitment.

Families who do not complete their involvement/service hours will be charged $20/hour for every hour not fulfilled, to be paid in full prior to June 30, the closing of the academic fiscal year.

It is the responsibility of the parents to record their own involvement/service hours using the recording method available.  Involvement/service hours can be earned by parents or relatives 18 years of age or older.

All individuals completing involvement/service hours in our school will need to complete the VIRTUS training “Protecting God’s Children”.  A background check and DHS central registry clearance report will be required to be on file as well prior to starting involvement/service hours.

Scholarship/Tuition Assistance Requirements
Each returning family must validate how they completed their involvement/service hours during the past school year to be eligible to receive scholarship or tuition assistance.

Confidentiality
Confidentiality is of the utmost importance in your association with teachers and students.  What you see or hear at the school is private.  Students you observe in the classroom or school cannot be discussed with other parents (even that child’s parents), faculty, or staff.  You must always refer any questions regarding students at St. Mary’s Catholic School to the child’s teacher or principal.

Discipline
When completing involvement/service hours, one is not to discipline students.  Discipline is solely the responsibility of the teacher.  Those in the role of assisting during their involvement/service hours always work under the direction of the teacher to HELP, not replace, the teacher.  If the teacher is unavailable, you, as assistant, may appropriately address safety and behavior issues, and inform the teacher immediately about these issues. However, any consequences for behavior are the responsibility of the teacher, not the assistant.

There are many opportunities for you to become involved at St. Mary’s Catholic School. Please contact the front office, classroom teacher or, Home and School Association Involvement/Service Coordinator to see how you can get involved.  We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of all our families to St. Mary’s Catholic School.

Tuition Assistance Requirements:

• Each returning family must validate how they volunteered during the previous year to be eligible to receive tuition assistance.  If required hours were not met, tuition assistance will not be granted for the following school year.  All hours must be completed by June 30 of current school year.

• Each Catholic family is to be actively involved in their parish; parish priests will validate this activity. If active involvement the previous year is not validated, tuition assistance will not be granted for the following school year.

• Families who qualify for free (F) or reduced (R) school lunches, according to the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines, qualify for tuition assistance at SMCS. Families who do not fall under these guidelines but are in need of assistance due to extenuating circumstances (i.e., unexpected medical bills, loss of employment, etc.,) must be explained in writing and attached to the completed Tuition Assistance Application Form, and requested income documentation, no later than May 15th.  If no justification is given in writing, the application will be immediately denied.

• Current St. Mary’s Catholic School families, who wish to apply for tuition assistance for the following year, must submit the Tuition Assistance Application Form and a copy of Income Tax Return 1040 form and/or other income forms, no later than May 15.

• Tuition Assistance Applications from new families are due by August 15.

Tuition Assistance Procedures:

• All tuition assistance funds received by May 31 will be applied to the upcoming school year.  Tuition Assistance funds received after this date will be held in a liability account until they can be applied to the following school year.

• Tuition Assistance will be calculated via a Diocese of Marquette formula that uses specific demographic information including marital status, number of school age children, number of parents who work, and adjusted gross income.

  • Qualifying families for free lunch under Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines will pay $650.00 per school year, regardless of the scholarship calculation.

  • Families who qualify for reduced lunch under the Federal Income Eligibility Guidelines will pay one-half of the total family tuition and will be given second consideration

  • The tuition assistance process will be confidential to the school secretary, school administrator, and the tuition award committee

  • All tuition amounts may be paid in installments through FACTS.

Asbestos Notification

St. Mary’s Catholic School was built in 1937.  The building contains asbestos in areas not accessible to students.  Most of the asbestos material was removed before the school reopened in 1993, yet some material remains sealed under the gymnasium floor, tile floor, and in insulation for water pipes behind the plaster walls.

St. Mary’s Catholic School has an Asbestos Management Plan filed with the State of Michigan. This plan includes the location, condition, and plan for monitoring and maintaining the asbestos-containing materials.

Once every six months, asbestos-containing materials must be visually inspected for changes in condition and the results of these inspections are documented in the management plan.  The law requires re-inspection of the building every three years by a certified inspector.  A copy of this plan and documentation is available in the school office.

As a result of water damage during the fall of 2002, repair work was needed on a water pipe located on the south side of the gymnasium stage.  Asbestos pipe wrapping was removed by Pearson Asbestos and Abatement Inc. of Escanaba.  All air monitoring results conducted after the removal and during the summer of 2003 by E. G. Environmental of Ishpeming, indicated air levels to be clean and safe.

In July 2015, asbestos pipe wrapping was removed throughout the tunnel under the perimeter of the gymnasium by Pearson Asbestos and Abatement Inc. of Escanaba.  All air monitoring results conducted during and after the removal was performed by Northern Analytical Services, indicated air levels to be clean and safe.

In September 2016, encapsulation work was completed in the north stage dressing room by Great Lakes Environmental.  All air monitoring results conducted during and after the removal was performed by Northern Analytical Services, indicated air levels to be clean and safe.

In September 2016, encapsulation work was completed in the north stage dressing room by Great Lakes Environmental.  All air monitoring results conducted during and after the removal was performed by Northern Analytical Services, indicated air levels to be clean and safe.

In March 2017, abatement work was completed in the entrance of the boiler room by Great Lakes Environmental.  All air monitoring results conducted during and after the removal was completed by Northern Analytical Services, indicated air levels to be clean and safe.

In August 2017, abatement work was completed in the north and south stairwell and landings by Great Lakes Environmental.  All air monitoring results conducted during and after the removal was completed by Northern Analytical Services, indicated air levels to be clean and safe.

Pesticide Notification

St. Mary’s Catholic School has never experienced a pest control problem; therefore, pesticide application has never been necessary.  In the event that it becomes necessary to use a pesticide in the school grounds or building, you will be informed prior to the application.

Student Records

Consistent with the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, student records (CA-60) are available for examination by parents/guardians in the presence of a school official.  Parents and guardians also have the right to challenge the content of a student’s records on grounds that information is inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise inappropriate.  Such appeals will be reviewed by the school administrator.