2023-2024 OLMC
Parent-Student Handbook
Please download a copy of our handbook and keep for reference.
Welcome and thank you for your interest in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School!
At Our Lady of Mount Carmel School we carry on a rich tradition of Catholic education at its finet.Always mindful of our high standards of excellence, we look to the future with the goal of poviding a total learning environment based on excellence in educational opportunities and the formation of the Christian community.This fine institution serves students from diverse backgrounds. We offer a rigorous curriculum for students from Pre-K3 through Grade 8 that includes, in addition to our regular academic courses, foreign language (Italian) as well as computer technology, STEM science, art, music, physical education, and library as well as manwonderful various school clubs and activities.
We fortunate to have a dedicated staff of pressionals and pastor who are committed to the mission of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We continue the traditions of this institution while constantly searching for ways to advance our mission, that of developing the whole child academically and spiritually. To that end, Kindergarten through Grade 8 participate in weekly Mass while implementing our school buddy system. Our students host and participate in all Liturgical year celebrations. Our Lady of Mount Carmel welcomes those who wish to grow academically and spiritually.
SCHOOL OFFICE HOURS:
The school office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
VISITORS:
All visitors must ring the buzzer to be let into the building. All parents, volunteers, visitors, and alumni must reportto the officeupon entering the school to receive avisitor’s pass and to sign in. Please remember, that for safety purposes, we cannot allow parents to escort their children to their class or to visit classrooms.
TUITION AND FEE OBLIGATIONS:
A material precondition to any student(s) being permitted to attend classes at Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is that all payments be current. Should any installment remain unpaid by the end of the school year, including Before/After Care installments, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, at its option, reserves the right to not allow that student to return. All 8th grade students who are not current with their tuition obligations risk the possibility of not participating in graduation and/or 8th grade activities. The parent(s)/guardian(s) hereby agree to pay all costs and attorney’s fees incurred by Our Lady of Mount School in the enforcement of the tuition agreement. Tuition obligation and payments must be in good standing in order to utilize any portion of the Before/After Care program or any school program.
In addition to the tuition obligation, each family is assessed a Home/School assessment fee that is due payable by May 1 of each respective school year. This fee is separate from the tuition obligation but remains payable and completes each family’s school tuition obligation.
SCHOOL REGISTRATION AND ADMISSION:
All current families must re-register each year for the upcoming new school year. Registration packets are sent out during the month of February and are due back to the main office with deposit by March 15 of each calendar year. Any registration with deposits received after March 15 are subject to a late fee.
ACCREDITATION:
Our Lady of Mount Carmel was accredited by NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and the State of Connecticut in 2018.
VISION STATEMENT OF THE ARCHDIOCESE OF HARTFORD:
The fundamental purpose of Catholic schools is to advance the educational mission of the Church. Catholic schools educate diverse students to form Catholic, person-centered learning communities; provide quality teaching through traditional and innovative educational programs infused with Catholic social teachings; involve students to serve as thinkers, productive moral citizens, and spiritual leaders; and recognize and appreciate parents as the primary educators of their children.
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School guides students of diverse backgrounds from Pre-K3 through Grade 8 in a faith-filled climate to develop a strong Catholic foundation which enriches their academic journey. All students are encouraged to embrace their God-given talents and strive to reach their full academic and social potential through a comprehensive and challenging curriculum.
PHILOSOPHY:
In accordance with our mission:
¯ We are a blended community consisting of various cultures and religions.
¯ We enhance our curriculum with advanced mathematics, foreign language, technology,
physical education, fine arts, library science and extracurricular activities.
¯ We foster each student's relationship with God and others through regular participation in the
liturgical and sacramental life of the Church.
¯ We actively partake in charitable events to support our local and global communities.
We believe that our spiritual atmosphere and academic program encourages each individual to utilize his/her talents and strive to become moral and responsible children of God. We believe that our faith-filled climate:
- Instills in the students the tenets of the Catholic social teachings.
- Each student/staff member exhibits respect for the dignity of all individuals through daily interactions.
- Working with our parish community (pastor, religious, parish societies), we prepare the students to become participants in the community.
- Improves the faith life of faculty, students, parents/guardians through liturgical and sacramental participation.
- Clearly demonstrates to all visitors that this is an extension of our Church.
- Graduates young adults ready to accept their stewardship within the community at large.
In accordance with our mission of providing a comprehensive academic program:
- We utilize the curriculum standards provided by the Archdiocese of Hartford, Office of Catholic Schools, to formulate and update our curriculum collaboratively, thus maintaining continuity within our academic program.
- We provide physical education, art, library, music, STEM and technology classes, as well as a choral music program.
- We offer a foreign language program for students Pre-K3 through 8.
- We offer advanced studies in mathematics (Pre-Algebra & Algebra) for students in grades 6-8.
In preparing students for a multi-cultural environment:
- Our curriculum incorporates materials exposing students to other faiths and cultures.
- Our school community has evolved from a predominately Italian population to a multi-cultural student body and staff with the addition of members from other European countries as well as from South Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
In preparing students for a technologically advancing world:
- Maintain a state of the art computer lab for student use in all areas of the curriculum.
- Computer classes to grades Pre-K3 through Grade 5.
- Integrated technology into the curriculum through the use of Smart Board technology and Google classroom.
- A technology coordinator is available to assist all classroom teachers in incorporating technology into the curriculum.
- Computers in every classroom with internet access as well as a teacher’s laptop and Smartboard.
- All Pre-K classrooms are equipped with I-Pads for centers with age appropriate software/games as well as Smartboards.
- Chromebook pack for Advanced Math, Algebra.
- 30-Class Pack of Chromebooks with charge cart for teacher use in every classroom K-8.
- 30-Class Pack of I-Pads with charge cart for teacher use in classroom.
- Robotic programing and coding programs corresponding with I-Pad use.
- VEX Robotics station.
- Capstone exit projects for all Grade 8 graduating students.
When enrolling your child in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, you are agreeing to abide and be governed by this OLMC Parent-Student Handbook.
Education of each child is a partnership between parents and the school. If the administration determines that partnership is irretrievably or irrevocably broken, the school reserves the right to require the withdrawal of their child.
Everyone who enrolls is admitted on one quarter/trimester probation. If you do not hear from the school after one quarter/trimester, you will be considered fully enrolled in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
SCHOOL DAY SCHEDULE
- School hours for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 are 9:00 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.
- School hours for grades K through 8 are from 8:50 a.m. to 3:10 p.m.
- Dismissal on half days for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 is 12:10 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- Dismissal on half days for Kindergarten is 12:15 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- Dismissal on half days for Grades 1-8 is staggered beginning at 12:20 p.m. until 12:30 p.m.
ARRIVAL PROCEDURES
PK3 and PK4
- An authorized adult will sign in students at the back entrance of the school on Avon Avenue at 9:00 a.m. for arrival.
- Back entrance doors are locked at 9:05 a.m. every morning. Any students arriving after 9:05 a.m. must be buzzed into the front entrance of the building and report directly to the main office to sign their child into school. An Office staff member will then escort your child to their classroom for you. Parents are not allowed to walk their child to their classroom.
- Any Pre-K student needing to be dropped off prior to the 9:00 a.m. start, must be signed into the Before Care Program located in the front office. Under no circumstances is any child to be left unattended in the building or escorted to their classrooms by their parent prior to 9:00 a.m.
K through 8
- No child should arrive to school before 8:30 a.m. Any child arriving prior to 8:30 a.m. will be brought to the Before & After Care room and the parent/guardian will be billed accordingly. No child is to be left outside the school alone to wait school opening.
- Parents are to drop off students at the front entrance to the school anytime between 8:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. At that time, students may enter the building. Children will report directly to their respective classrooms.
- Under no circumstances is any child to be escorted to their classrooms by their parent.
ABSENCE
- Irregular attendance interferes greatly with a student’s progress. An extended illness of a student or death in the immediate family constitutes reasons for an excused absence of 4 days or longer. Please refrain from scheduling vacations during regular school hours and also refrain from scheduling medical appointments during regular school hours. Too much precious time is lost when the child is not in the classroom.
- When a student is absent from school, parents will call the School Office 203-755-6809 in the morning by 9:30 a.m. to notify the school of his/her absence. The school reserves the right to contact parents of students who are absent and who have not phoned before 9:30 a.m.
- For an extended absence of 4 days or more, a doctor’s note is required. Absentee notes will be kept on file.
- Absences will be monitored. The principal and teacher will review records of students who are absent for a prolonged period of time and not due to any medical issue. Frequent absences may provide reason to consider a year incomplete and cause a student to be retained. It is important for your child to be in school.
GYM CLASS ABSENCE
A written note signed by the parent or doctor is necessary in the event a student must be excused from gym. If the student is excused from gym with a doctor’s note, the doctor must also submit a note informing the teacher and nurse when the student may resume gym.
TARDINESS
Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. are tardy and should report directly to the school office with a parent so that the parent can sign them into school. Any Pre-K students arriving late will need to be escorted to their classroom by an office staff member. Parents signing their child in late are not permitted to escort their child to their classroom.
DISMISSAL PROCEDURE
Pre-K3 and Pre-K4
- An authorized adult will sign out students at the back entrance of the school at 2:45 p.m. for dismissal.
- Students will only be allowed to leave with a pre-authorized adult.
- Teacher reserves the right to ask for identification from any adult picking up a child.
- Due to the 2:50 p.m. back entrance dismissal of our older children and in order to preserve the safety of our Pre-K students in the same area, ANY Pre-K STUDENTS WHO ARE NOT PICKED UP BEFORE 2:50 P.M. WILL WAIT IN THE AFTER CARE PROGRAM. Family will be charged accordingly. No students are to remain in the office waiting for pickup after 2:50 p.m.
Grades K through 8
At 2:50-3:10 p.m. Grades K through 8 will be dismissed as follows:
- Kindergarten and Grades 1 through 5 students will be escorted to the back entrance in the playground by their classroom teachers, where they will be picked up by their parent/guardian or designated adult.
- Middle school students (Grades 6 through 8) will be escorted to the front entrance by their classroom teachers and are to be picked up by their parent/guardian or designated adult in the front of the school building.
- Siblings of middle school students will be allowed to dismiss from the front entrance of the school with their older sibling.
- All bus students will remain in their classrooms or in a designated vicinity of their classrooms until their busses arrive.
- Parents are not to park or block the back entrance of our school building on Avon Avenue during dismissal. Parents are not to park on crosswalks or in front of school on Congress Avenue to allow room for busses to arrive for pick up.
- There is no parking in the playground at dismissal time due to safety hazards.
- STUDENTS NOT PICKED UP BY 3:10 P.M. WILL WAIT IN THE AFTER CARE PROGRAM. Family will be charged accordingly. No students are to remain in the office waiting for pickup after 3:00 p.m.
Change in Normal Dismissal:
If a student is making a change in the normal afternoon dismissal procedure, (such as taking a bus instead of getting picked up or vice versa, going home with another child or adult, or getting picked up instead of going to Aftercare or vice versa), a note should be sent to the homeroom teacher in the morning indicating the change. An email should be sent to the teacher prior to the beginning of the day. Emails sent during the school day cannot be guaranteed that they will be read during the day. All emails should be sent prior to the teacher. All dismissal notes or emails must include any address and any necessary directions for the bus driver each time this occurs.
Early Release from School:
- Before individual students can be dismissed from school, he or she must give the homeroom teacher a written request from a parent or guardian stating the reason and time for dismissal and indicating the person to whom the student is to be released. OLMC discourages parents from taking students out of class before regular dismissal time. Students miss instruction and classrooms are interrupted.
- No parents or guardians are permitted to get their children from their classroom. The child(ren) will be called down to the office by the secretary.
- No child will be permitted to leave school early unless an adult signs the student out in the office.
- The school requests that medical and dental appointments be scheduled after school hours.
BEFORE AND AFTER CARE
The Before and After Care Program is for students from PK3 through Grade 8. This program is an extension of our school day and all rules and regulations outlined in this handbook are applicable while your child is in our care.
- The Before Care Program runs from 6:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. Monday through Friday. On delayed openings due to weather, the program runs from 7:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.
- The After Care Program runs from 2:45 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
- On regularly scheduled half days with a 12:30 p.m. dismissal, the After Care runs from 12:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m.
- If there is an early dismissal due to weather cancellation, the After Care Program does not run.
- If there is no school, the program does not run.
- Children attending the program MUST be signed in and signed out each day in the school office.
- Children must be pre-registered in order to attend the Before/After Care Program. Registration forms and more information pertaining to the Before/After Care Program can be obtained from the office.
EMERGENCY CONTACT FORMS
Emergency contact forms must be renewed each year. The Parent/guardian is responsible for informing the school if there are any changes to emergency contact information.
CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Discipline is everything we do for our children to make them feel responsible and accountable. The moral obligation of training children in self-discipline and self-control rests first of all with the parents. The primary function of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is to teach students and to encourage them to become respectful and responsible members of society. Thus, our school discipline policy encourages the development and growth of each child toward becoming a self-disciplined, respectful, accountable, and mature young person. The following basic principles of conduct and discipline are in effect:
- Respect is encouraged to create a positive Christian attitude toward everyone.
- Self-control is required to facilitate the teaching and learning process for each member.
- An orderly atmosphere conducive to learning is encouraged throughout the school.
- Proper behavior and sportsmanship should prevail during school-related activities both on and off the school premises.
- Courteous and respectful behavior is expected of all students, faculty, and staff at all times during the school day.
The faculty of this school strives to provide incentive and rewards to encourage and motivate students to do their best in all areas of self-discipline. Sometimes, however, it becomes necessary for teachers to refer students to the School Administrator for disciplinary action because of a lack of self-control and/or self-discipline by the student.
Procedures for Disciplinary Action
The school Disciplinary Policy warrants specific consequences depending on the misbehavior/action. Disruptive behavior may result in various forms of discipline such as detention, suspension, or expulsion depending upon the nature of the misbehavior. Disciplinary consequences are applicable to misbehavior/actions stemming from those that occur on school property, school transportation, and at school-sponsored activities that occur either on or off school grounds.
The Discipline Policy is not all-inclusive. Teachers will identify and/or report, when necessary, inappropriate behavior/action to parent/guardian and/or the school principal. If warranted, a conference with the parents will be scheduled. School Principal and/or Pastor retain final judgement in all disciplinary actions.
Disciplinary steps as a general course of action:
*INITIALS ARE REQUIRED ON LAST PAGE.
1) A warning shall be given and parents shall be called based upon the severity of the action.
2) A parental conference may be instituted.
3) A detention shall be given.
4) A suspension shall be given.
Individual situations may require alternate steps.
School Principal and Pastor is the final recourse in all disciplinary actions.
Detention System
Detention will be given by a teacher or by the Principal for infraction of rules and school policies. Detention will be held on a scheduled afternoon for 45 minutes (3:00 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.). When a detention is given, the student is required to bring the detention notice home to be signed by a parent. It is then returned to the classroom teacher and filed in the office the following day.
Failure to serve a detention at the appointed time will result in additional detentions being issued and continued infractions will require the attention of the Principal.
Suspensions
Suspensions are extremely serious and are preceded by involvement of the Principal and the parents.
Inappropriate Behavior
Inappropriate behavior may be handled in a variety of ways. Based on the misdeed, the student may:
· Be assigned a writing punishment, which may require a parent’s signature.
· Be removed from the class for a specified period of time.
· Be required to remain after school to complete work (parents will be notified).
· Receive a detention.
· Receive an in-school suspension.
· Be suspended from the school.
· Face expulsion.
Expectations of the Students *INITIALS ARE REQUIRED ON LAST PAGE.
The faculty and administration of Our Lady of Mount Carmel expect the students of our school community to behave in a responsible and caring way both on and off campus. The students shall:
· Accept the leadership and authority of teachers, the Principal, and other staff members.
· Cooperate with teachers, other students, and all members of the school community.
· Be courteous.
· Be honest in all class work and homework.
· Use acceptable language.
· Remain on school property until dismissed by a teacher or the Principal.
· Not chew gum on the school bus, or on school property.
· Be in the school building before or after school only with the permission of a teacher or the Principal.
· Be in the proper school attire while on school property.
· Show consideration and care for school property.
· Complete all assignments on time.
· Not verbally or physically abuse another student at any time.
· Assume responsibility for learning.
ü Be attentive in class
ü Come to school prepared and ready to learn
ü Be organized
ü Use time wisely
ü Cooperate with peers and teachers
· Refrain from bringing electronic equipment or valuable possessions to school except with special permission from a teacher or a parent. The school will not assume any responsibility for such items.
· Walk at all times, especially in the hallways and classrooms.
· Refrain from bringing any beverage other than water into the classroom. All other beverages will be disposed of by faculty, staff and administration.
Conduct whether inside or outside school that is detrimental to the reputation of the school including social media will result in disciplinary actions including suspension, expulsion or withdrawal from school.
Education of your child is a partnership between yourself as primary educator and the school. If in the opinion of administration that partnership is irretrievably broken, the school reserves the right to withdraw your child.
MISCELLANEOUS
· Birthday invitations will only be distributed in school if there is an invitation for each student in the class, or if the invitations are for all the girls or all the boys.
· Please label items of clothing, bags and other items. This will help when items are misplaced.
· Money should be sent in envelopes and labeled. (Name, Grade, Reason for Money.)
· Any student who needs to make a phone call must do so at the main office after first asking the school secretary for permission to do so.
· Articles that can be considered “weapons of any kind” are prohibited in school. Examples of these are: guns, lasers, knives of any description, etc.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
No student shall possess, use, attempt to use, or be under the influence of a prohibited substance on school premises during any school term or off school premises at a school-related activity, function, or event that is held on/or off the school premises.
In addition, the transmittal, sale, or attempted sale of a prohibited substance is also prohibited under this policy.
A ‘prohibited substance” is defined as:
· Any controlled substance or illegal or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to marijuana, any exotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, or barbiturate.
· Alcohol or any alcoholic beverage.
· Any use of glue, aerosol paint, or any other volatile chemical substance for inhalation.
· Any other intoxicant or mood-changing, mind-altering, or behavior altering drug.
· Any prescription drugs used in amounts or purposes not contemplated by the prescription.
Students who violate the substance abuse policy shall be subject to disciplinary action including expulsion.
CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES
*INITIALS ARE REQUIRED ON LAST PAGE.
Tablets, with signed permission slip from parents, may be brought to school.
Headphones, iPods, Earbuds and electronic games are not to be brought to school or used in school.
We strongly discourage students from bringing cell phones or smart phones to school. Children are welcome to utilize the phones in the school office at any time if needed. Should there still be a need for a child to bring a cell phone to school, then all cell phones will be turned in and collected by the home room teacher first thing every morning. All cell phones will then be stored safely by each homeroom teacher during the school day. Cell phones will be returned at the end of the school day. Absolutely NO cell phones are to be stored in book bags nor on the child. Should any child be caught with a cell phone on them during the school day, they will face immediate suspension from school. Cell phones also are NOT to be utilized during the Before and After Care Program or while waiting for the bus after school.
BULLYING POLICY
Bullying is prohibited in all Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese. It will not be tolerated during the school day or during any school-sponsored activities on or off school grounds. Bullying and intimidation are actions that are contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Any behavior deemed by the school administration to be considered as bullying shall result in disciplinary action, which may include detention, suspension and expulsion from school.
Any student who retaliates against another student for reporting bullying may be subject to disciplinary action, which may include detention, suspension, and expulsion from school.
Bullying means unwanted and aggressive behavior among children in grades Kindergarten to twelve, inclusive, that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.
Bullying is defined as any overt acts by a student or a group of students directed against another student with the intent to ridicule, humiliate, or intimidate the other student while on school grounds or at a school-sponsored activity, which acts are repeated against the same student over time. Bullying includes physical intimidation or assault; extortion; oral, written or electronic threats; teasing; putdowns; name calling; threatening looks, gestures, or actions; cruel rumors; false accusations; and social isolation.
School employees, students, and parents who become aware of any act of bullying must report the incident to the school administration for further investigation.
The guide that we will follow is the State of Connecticut Bullying Task Force Report, Brave Enough to be Kind.
Upon learning about a bullying incident, the Administrator shall thoroughly investigate the circumstance.
If it is concluded that an act of bullying has occurred, the parents or guardians of the student who committed such acts and the parents/guardians of the student whom such acts were directed shall be notified. Consequences for students who bully others shall depend on the results of the investigation and include parent conference, detention, suspension, or expulsion. Depending on the severity of the incident, or the series of incidents, the administrator may take appropriate steps to ensure student safety. This may include reporting incidents to law enforcement if appropriate, and establishing a supervision plan with the parents.
INTERNET ENGAGEMENT
Engagement in online blogs or postings while in school, such as, but not limited to, My Space.com, Facebook, You Tube, Instagram, TikTok, etc., shall result in disciplinary actions, including expulsion from school, if the content of the student’s blog or postings includes defamatory comments regarding the school, a person’s dignity, bullying, harassment, threats or other inappropriate comments or language that are contradictory to Catholic teaching. While in school, any engagement with these online platforms will result in disciplinary action.
Each user shall abide by the generally accepted rules of etiquette and applicable school policies, which include, but are not limited to the following:
· Not writing or sending abusive messages or those which contain vulgarities, violence, or threats.
· Not sending chain letters or participating in pyramid schemes.
Each teacher shall educate students in the proper use of the internet and shall provide appropriate supervision and monitoring of student use while in school.
Official forms will also be sent out concerning the use of photos of OLMC students that we may use on our school web site and/or OLMC Facebook account.
Although OLMC cannot control online engagement outside of the school as this is the responsibility of parents, a student and/or parent may be held liable for any postings or defamatory comments regarding the school, a person’s dignity in the school, bullying or harassment, threats or other inappropriate comments or language that are contradictory to Catholic teaching.
PLAYGROUND RULES
· No balls are to be thrown against school building.
· The area behind the dumpster and side of school are off limits.
· No pushing or shoving is allowed.
· No swearing or trash talking to any student or teacher.
· Everyone plays on a team.
· No ostracizing of any student will be allowed.
· No touching or rough housing contact with other students.
SCHOOL BUS CODE
· Respect must be shown for the bus driver at all times.
· Students must remain seated. Arms should remain inside seating area.
· There is no pushing, shoving, roughhousing, eating, chewing gum, or name calling of any kind.
· Speak in a normal tone of voice.
· Notes are needed if a student is not taking assigned bus home. Notes are to be given to homeroom teacher who will send to the principal.
· Cell phones, iPads, headphones or any other electronic devices are not permitted on the bus. They must be kept inside backpacks.
CARE OF SCHOOL BOOKS
· Students must carry books to and from school in a book bag.
· Books should be covered at all times, except for books designated as consumables.
· No writing or marking is permitted inside the books or edges of the books.
· In cases where a book is damaged or lost, the student will be charged a fee for replacement of the book.
UNIFORMS
Complete school uniforms are to be worn at all times and every day in school and on the bus for Grades K-8, except on casual dress days. It is the choice of the Principal only to award dress up and casual dress days. It is the primary responsibility of the parents to ensure that the uniform policy and dress code listed below are adhered to.
Uniforms will always be clean, with no holes, tears or rips. No clothes will be worn inside out.
Uniforms are to be purchased at Blake’s School Uniforms in Stratford. Online ordering is also available for convenience. See Blake’s for composition of OLMC school uniform.
If a student is out of uniform for school or for gym, parent will be called to furnish the appropriate uniform. If a belt is not worn, parent will be called to supply child with a belt. Students will not be permitted to attend class until parents has furnished the appropriate uniform. Child will receive a zero for the day if the appropriate uniform is not brought to school by a parent or family member.
No uniforms are required for Pre-K3 and Pre-K4. Pre-K students must wear sneakers on gym day. Girls will not be allowed to wear any type of dresses on gym day.
BOY’S UNIFORM:
(GRADES K-5)
· Khaki, uniform cotton trousers (Docker-style) worn at the waistline, with a dress belt. No oversized or baggy looks. Absolutely no tan jeans, no cargo pants, no skinny jeans. Uniform Docker-style pants are the only type of pants that will be accepted.
· Navy polo shirt with OLMC logo. Either short sleeve shirt or long sleeve shirt are to be worn tucked in and are not to be oversized. If wearing a short sleeve shirt, NO undershirt with long sleeves are to be worn under this. If child is cold, then we suggest the child wear a long sleeve uniform shirt. If an undershirt is worn, the top two buttons of the polo shirt must be buttoned to the top to prevent the undershirt being seen.
· Khaki uniform cotton shorts (dress-style only) may be worn in lieu of trousers in August, September, May and June only. No Cargo shorts or jean shorts are allowed. All other uniform requirements apply.
· Navy button-down sweaters with the OLMC logo only may be worn during class over uniform. No sweatshirts, even with OLMC logo, may be worn during class over uniform. No hoodies of any kind are to be worn over uniform during class or anytime during the school day.
· No socks below the ankle will be allowed. Socks must be a solid color, white, black, brown or navy only.
· Belt is always required.
(GRADES 6-8)
Fall/Spring Uniform
· Khaki, uniform cotton trousers (Docker-style) worn at the waistline, with a dress belt. No oversized or baggy looks. Absolutely no tan jeans, no cargo pants, no skinny jeans. Uniform Docker-style pants are the only type of pants that will be accepted.
· Navy polo shirt with OLMC logo. Either short sleeve shirt or long sleeve shirt are to be worn tucked in and are not to be oversized. If wearing a short sleeve shirt, NO undershirt with long sleeves are to be worn under this. If child is cold, then we suggest that child wear a long sleeve uniform shirt. If an undershirt is worn, the top two buttons of the polo shirt must be buttoned to the top to prevent the undershirt being seen.
· Navy button-down sweaters with the OLMC logo only may be worn during class over uniform.
· No hoodies except for OLMC Hoodies may be worn over uniform during class or during the school day.
· No socks below the ankles will be allowed. Socks must be a solid color, white, black, brown or navy only.
· Belt is always required.
Winter Uniform
Beginning November 1, the 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys will change over to their winter uniforms. The winter uniform will consist of a white oxford button down shirt (short or long sleeve), a school tie, and a navy blue sweater vest with the OLMC logo and khaki Docker-style uniform dress pants.
On May 1 the children switch back to the fall/spring uniform.
GIRL’S UNIFORM
(GRADES K–5)
· Navy/Khaki/with red stripe, plaid knee-length jumper with white short sleeve or long sleeve cotton shirt with Peter Pan collar.
· Navy blue or white knee-socks are to be worn. The only socks that will be allowed are knee-socks.Ankle socks are NOT allowed.
· Navy tights or white tights in place of socks may be worn from November to March. No panty hose allowed.
· Navy button-down sweaters with OLMC logo only may be worn over uniform during class. No sweatshirts of any kind, even with OLMC logo, are allowed to be worn over uniform.
· Khaki uniform shorts with belt and white Peter Pan collared shirt may be worn in lieu of a jumper in August, September, May and June. All other uniform requirements apply.
Girl’s skirts more than two(2) inches above the knee will never be permitted.
(GRADES 6 – 8)
Fall/Spring Uniform
· Khaki, knee-length skirt. Skirts are not to be rolled up and appear short. Skirts must be worn at knee-length and should never be higher than 2 inches above the knee.
· Navy blue or white knee-socks are to be worn. The only socks that will be allowed are knee-socks. Ankle socks are NOT allowed.
· Navy tights or white tights in place of socks may be worn from November to March. No panty hose allowed.
· Navy button-down sweaters with OLMC logo only may be worn over uniform in class. No sweatshirts of any kind, even with OLMC logo, are allowed during class over uniform.
Winter Uniform
Beginning November 1, the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade girls will change over to their winter uniforms. The uniforms will consist of a white oxford button down shirt (short or long sleeve) and a navy blue sweater vest with the OLMC logo and khaki skirt.
On May 1 children switch back to the Fall/Spring uniform.
Girl’s skirts more than two(2) inches above the knee will never be permitted.
SHOES
All students, grades K-8, have the choice of wearing a conservative dress type shoe:
· Mary Janes – Navy or black are acceptable.
· Bucks or Sperry’s for both boys and girls – Tan or black are acceptable. These shoes have non-lug soles.
*INITIALS ARE REQUIRED ON LAST PAGE.
NO other style shoes will be permitted. NO construction type boots. No open-toed shoes. NO high heels. NO flip-flops. No workboot style shoe. No UGGS. No Crocs or slip-on type shoes. No sneaker type shoes. No ballerina slippers. No slipper moccasins, etc. Shoes should look like a conservative type dress shoe. Please be aware that if your child is not wearing acceptable shoes, you will be called to school to furnish your child with a pair of acceptable shoes before child can attend class.
GYM UNIFORM
· Navy blue sweatpants must have OLMC logo.
· Navy T-shirt or Navy sweatshirt (without hood) must have OLMC logo. No hoodies will be allowed even if they have the OLMC logo.
· Navy gym shorts must have OLMC logo and may be worn during warm weather. Shorts will be no shorter then 2 inches above the knee.
· For middle school students, loose fitting nylon basketball style shorts are to be worn. These shorts must have OLMC logo. No exceptions.
· No socks below the ankle will be allowed. Socks must be a solid color, white, black, brown or navy only.
· Full gym uniform must be worn on gym day, or the children will not be allowed to participate in gym.
· Sneakers are to be worn on gym day only. If there is a dress down day or using a dress down coupon on gym day, sneakers need to be worn in order to participate in gym class. Children may bring sneakers in with them and change them prior to gym if they are not already wearing them.
For PreK: Sneakers must be worn on gym day for safety issues. No dresses are to be worn on gym day, even with shorts underneath, for safety issues.
You may send your child in with a water bottle for gym. No sports drinks or juices.
Please make sure that gym shirt and pants fit properly. If they are too tight or too short, then they have probably outgrown them.
HAIRCUTS/OTHER
· No shaved heads to the skin, no razor stripes, no shaved lines of any kind. No bizarre haircuts or styles of any kind.
· No excessive long hair.
· No highlighted hair for both boys and girls.
· NO STUDENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO COLOR OR ALTER THE COLOR OF HIS/HER HAIR.
· Students are not allowed to wear makeup, lip-gloss and/or nail polish at any time including Class Night and Graduation.
· Excessive jewelry is prohibited. Girls may wear one earring per earlobe and no large dangling earrings. Boys may not wear earrings. Chokers and excessive jewelry are not allowed.
· Bracelets are not allowed in school; the only exception would be a bracelet worn for medical reasons. Silly bands are not allowed. A religious item may be worn. A regular watch may be worn in order to tell time. Smart Watches, computerized watches of any kind or Fit-bits are not allowed.
*INITIALS ARE REQUIRED ON LAST PAGE.
CASUAL DRESS DAYS
· Allowed: Jeans, sweatshirts, sweatpants, appropriate saying tee shirts, sneakers.
· Not allowed: Shorts (see shorts policy below), oversized pants, leggings, ripped jeans, ripped pants, tank tops, midriff shirts, half shirts, sleeveless shirts, low-cut shirts, tight-fitting shirts, open-toed shoes, flip-flops, heels or sandals.
· Children in PK and K are allowed to wear sleeveless shirts for casual dress day and/or shorts.
Open toed shoes are NOT allowed for safety reasons.
· If dressing down on gym day, please make sure to still wear sneakers or bring them along to change into prior to gym class.
Shorts for casual dress policy: For grades 6-8, there will be NO shorts of any kind unless they are gym uniform shorts. For grades K-5, the only shorts allowed will be the khaki uniform shorts or OLMC navy gym shorts. For PK3 and PK4, any shorts may be worn.
The Administration reserves the right to decide what is appropriate. Parent will be called if child is found to not be in the appropriate school attire. Students will be sent home to change if appearance is inappropriate. Administration reserves the right to change or alter the Uniform Policy as deemed necessary with changing of styles, fashions and fads.
Sports uniforms in class: On game day or for preapproved special sporting occasions, children may be allowed to wear their athletic uniform jersey top OVER their school uniform during a particular designated school day. Full school uniform including school shoes must still be adhered to. This will need to be approved by the Administration prior to athletes wearing them. Children are not allowed to wear their practice or game uniforms in school. They must change after school under the supervision of their coach. Please make arrangements for your children to get home to change prior to attending practices or games.
CURRICULUM DESIGN:
Curriculum design shall be understood to include every learning experience (academic and co-
curricular) sponsored by the school. The subjects included in the curriculum shall meet and/or exceed
the requirements of Connecticut state law, as applicable to private schools, and Archdiocesan policies
and procedures. Curriculum design and development is not merely a course of study or a listing of
goals and objectives, but rather it encompasses all of the learning experiences that students receive
under the directions of the school and office of Catholic Schools. In implementing the curriculum,
each school shall consider the needs of the student, the abilities of the staff, and the requirements of
time allotments, according to Archdiocesan and applicable state regulations.
The Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Hartford are encouraged to implement and monitor an
integrated curriculum infused with Gospel values and a global view, which recognizes that students
learn in different ways. Each elementary school maintains a balanced curriculum, including religion,
language arts, science, mathematics, geography, social studies, health/wellness, physical education,
the arts, world languages, and service learning. Technology must be integrated into all curricular
areas.
HOMEWORK POLICY
The value of homework to a child depends upon interest in continuing one’s learning experience. Values from homework are gained when the following facts are understood.
· Homework has a definite function in extending skills learned in class.
· Homework is a preparation to share with others something, which is covered, read, or created.
· Homework assists in the development of basic skills.
· Homework handed in after the appropriate time established by the teacher is considered missing.
· Failure to complete homework will affect a student’s overall grade.
SUGGESTED AVERAGE TIME ALLOTMENTS FOR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS
Grades 1-3 - 30 minutes
Grades 4-6 - 60 minutes
Grades 7-8 - 90 minutes
Parents have the responsibility to provide a quiet place that is conducive to study.
Students of all ages, but particularly younger ones, sometimes need someone to help drill reading, vocabulary, spelling words, and math facts. Never should parents take on the responsibility for completing a child’s assignments. Parents should check all homework. Refer to Detention policy on homework.
Projects may be given from time to time which will require work outside of the classroom. Students may need to access outside resources to complete their task. Late or incomplete projects will result in lowering of grade.
Children absent for 1 or 2 days will make up their homework/class work upon their return.
GRADING SYSTEM
KINDERGARTEN:
Most of the assessments done in Kindergarten are informal and individual. Progress is monitored by the teacher and communicated to the parents via parent conferences. Report cards are issued three times a year during the school year. The evaluation key used is as follows:
M - Meets Grade-Level Expectations.
P - Progress Noted Toward Grade-Level Expectations.
T - Time and Experience Required For Skill to Develop.
ED - Experiencing Difficulty.
NI - Not Introduced at this Time.
GRADES 1 - 3:
Report cards will be issued three times a year during the school year. The evaluation key is as follows:
5 - Consistently Exceeded Grade Level Expectations.
4 - Consistently Achieved Grade Level Expectations.
3 - Approaching Mastery of Grade Level Expectations.
2 - Approaching Proficiency Toward Grade Level Expectations.
1 – Difficulty Meeting Grade Level Expectations.
I – Incomplete work.
* - Improvement needed in this skill area.
GRADES 4 - 8:
Progress Report Cards: Progress Report cards are sent home three times a year. They are sent home in the middle of a marking period. This gives parents/guardians a chance to see how their child is performing in school.
Letter grades will be given for academic achievement major subjects. The numerical averages earned will be based upon daily work, tests, andhomework.
Grades for Report Cards grades 4-8
|
A+ 100-98 |
B+ 89-87 |
C+ 79-77 |
D 69-65 |
|
A 97-94 |
B 86-83 |
C 76-73 |
F Below 65 |
|
A- 93-90 |
B- 82-80 |
C- 72-70 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For all grade levels, Health, Art, Music, Handwriting, and PhysicalEducation will be graded as follows:
O- Outstanding
S- Satisfactory
U- Unsatisfactory
REPORTING SYSTEM
Reporting To Parents:
- The school year is divided into trimesters. Each trimester, the school will inform parents as to the academic progress of the student through the distribution of the official diocesan report card.
- In addition to trimester report cards, the faculty will give information when requested or when deemed necessary through personal contact, conferences, and interim reports.
- Report cards will be used in determining extracurricular eligibility.
- There will be conferences held in the first and second trimesters. In the first trimester, all parents will be asked to come in for conferences, regardless of how their student is performing academically. In the second trimester, it will be up to the discretion of the teacher as to which parents will be asked into school for a conference.
- Grades 6 through 8 parents may access Educonnect, the online grading system, to check student averages.
Parent Seeking Reports
It is the parent’s privilege to remain informed of their child’s progress. A parent is free to contact a
teacher by sending a note for an appointment to discuss a child’s performance. Teachers will then respond by telephone, e-mail, or written note. Email for teachers can be found on our website at mtcarmelschool.net. Teachers should not be called at home.
HONOR ROLL SYSTEM
Grades 4 – 5
Honors with Excellence
Students receiving a grade of A- or higher in all of the following subjects; Science, Social Studies, Math, Reading, Religion, Written Language, Oral Language and Spelling, will be awarded the recognition of Honors with Excellence for their excellent academic performance.
Honors
Students receiving a grade of B- or higher in all of the following subjects; Science, Social Studies, Math, Reading, Religion, Written Language, Oral Language and Spelling, will be awarded the recognition of Honors for their outstanding academic performance.
Grades 6 – 8
Honors with Excellence
Students receiving a grade of A- or higher in all of the following subjects; Religion, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, Geography, Language Arts, Literature and Italian, will be awarded the recognition of Honors with Excellence for their excellent academic performance.
Honors
Students receiving a grade of B- or higher in all of the following subjects; Religion, Math, Science, Social Studies/History, Geography, Language Arts, Literature and Italian, will be awarded the recognition of Honors for their outstanding academic performance.
STUDENT RECORDS
A cumulative record is maintained for each pupil from his/her entrance into Our Lady of Mount
Carmel School. Such records pertaining to the individual pupil may be used only for the benefit,
promotion, or welfare of that student. All material is treated as confidential information and is accessible only to authorized school personnel.
*INITIALS ARE REQUIRED ON LAST PAGE.
PROMOTION AND RETENTION POLICY
Students are promoted once a year based on the student’s satisfactory completion of the grade requirements. Students who fail a subject for the year must make up the course in a summer program or discuss alternative solutions with the approval of the Principal. The school may retain a student in a grade for a second year if the administration, faculty and parents/guardians agree that it would contribute positively toward the personal development and academic progress of the student. Criteria for decision-making concerning retention should be based on the gathering and documenting of multiple forms of data including but not limited to: qualitative and quantitative sources of assessments, student responses to strategies implemented for intervention, teacher input and consultation among faculty, administration, and parent/guardian. Standardized testing should be a factor for academic judgment.
When the question of retention arises, all other avenues should be investigated: public school assessment, psychological evaluations, and medical evaluations of hearing, eyesight, physical and social wellness.
If a student is to be retained in the same grade, the parent should be advised at least three months prior to the end of school year.
LUNCH
Children may bring lunch to school or choose our hot lunch program. Hot lunch will be served five days a week. You will be notified on the monthly calendar as to the type of hot lunch that will be served. Please adhere to the due dates for submitting Hot Lunch order forms.
If students do not have their hot lunch slips in on time, they need to bring lunch from home on the day hot lunch is served.
If a student forgets a lunch, he/she may call the parent from the school office. Please adhere to the following procedures when bringing the lunch to school.
· Label the child’s lunch with name and grade.
· Leave lunch in the school office. Student will pick it up at lunchtime.
· Nut or peanut butter products are NOT allowed in school.
MILK PROGRAM:
The school milk program begins with the first full week of school. For a set fee, parents may purchase milk for their child(ren) for the entire school year. Milk will not be provided on half days.
VACATION POLICY
Vacations should be planned to coincide with the school vacations. Teachers are not expected to provide homework for those who vacation at times other than those specified by the school calendar and absence from school is not excused.
FIELD TRIP POLICY
· School-approved trips will be held during the school year and will be monitored by teacher and parent volunteers.
· Field trips are a privilege, not a right.
· Each grade is allowed a maximum of two field trips per year.
· Students with pending, serious disciplinary actions will not be allowed to attend school trips.
· Students attending field trips must have written permission slips from parents/guardians on file with their teachers. Official forms will be sent home for each school sponsored field trip.
· School-sponsored overnight trips shall not be permitted in elementary/middle schools.
· Children not enrolled in the school may not attend a school class field trip.
· No student shall be denied a trip because of parental inability to pay.
· The Principal reserves the right to exclude a student from participation in a field trip.
· Any parent or guardian chaperoning must have Virtus training and must get a background check prior to attending any school trip. Any parent or guardian who does not meet this criteria, will not be able to accompany their child on a school bus when that school bus is part of a school sponsored activity (game, theatre, field trips, class trips etc.) If you decide to drive to these venues to meet your children, you may not sit with the school group. If your child leaves the group to be with you then you will become responsible for the child and OLMC is no longer responsible for the child. The child will no longer be allowed to ride the bus back with the school. It is strongly suggested that this not happen and that the children remain under the care of OLMC School. Please understand that we do this to protect your children.
VIRTUS TRAINING
* All persons working for the schools of the Archdioceses of Hartford have to be Virtus trained and fingerprinted.
* All persons who volunteer for the schools of the Archdioceses of Hartford have to be Virtus trained and background checked.
There will be no exceptions to this policy. Please contact the school secretary for more information for Virtus training for you or a family member.
VIDEOS
· The use of teaching aids, including a variety of technologies, shall be used insofar as they
contribute to learning and help the teacher attain teaching objectives and goals pertinent to the curriculum.
· Videos/DVDs whose rating by the film industry is not for “General Audiences” (G) must have a signed release from the parent/guardian before viewing.
· Videos/DVDs which are not property of the school shall be shown only with prior permission of the Principal.
· Video/DVDs are not to be shown for entertainment purposes only.
INCLEMENT WEATHER/EMERGENCY CLOSING
Our Lady of Mount Carmel School will follow the “no school” radio announcements of the Waterbury Public Schools. In case of inclement weather, please advise WSFB Channel 3 or all other major Connecticut television broadcasts. A text message through the Remind App may be sent out.
If early dismissal occurs, due to inclement weather or emergency, please have an emergency plan intact for your child (i.e. taking bus home, picked up by parent, etc.).
SCHOOL SPONSORED EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:
· Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, school clubs, sport teams, and movie nights, restaurant nights, plays, field trips, etc.
· Extracurricular activities are provided according to the availability of volunteers to direct programs. These activities are an integral and desired component of a student’s school life.
· Extracurricular activities foster the value placed upon human life given by God.
As a participant and/or spectator, the student develops his or her personal potential and contributes to school spirit. Extracurricular programs do not, in any way, take precedence over the academic program of the school. The expected behavior of each student and parents in dealing with the entire school community is of a higher priority than the sports and extracurricular programs.
ATHLETICS
Design
· In the design of the athletic program, the widest possible participation of students shall be
encouraged.
· Students who participate in sports must meet the behavioral and academic standards the school sets for membership on sports teams or leagues.
· Students who fail a course or exhibit behavior that is detrimental with our policies will meet with the Principal to discuss possible suspension or termination of that sport.
· Coaches shall be chosen for their character and willingness to abide by school policy, as well as for their coaching skills. They shall be directly accountable to the Athletic Director and ultimately accountable to the school Principal.
· The Principal has final responsibility for and authority over all athletic teams.
Guidelines:
These guidelines will affect all OLMC coaches, students and parents. The overall objective of extracurricular activities at OLMC is two-fold:
· To provide an opportunity for students to develop their athletic skills and gain a personal sense of accomplishment.
· To promote an environment where constructive interaction within the context of a group effort can be experienced.
These goals are consistent with the philosophy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School. The aim is to develop positive personal and social growth in preparation for adulthood with a Christian perspective. Concentration on the following specific areas will ensure a successful and enjoyable program: initiative, motivation, school spirit, and a healthy sense of competition, the acceptance of individual differences, the ability to share success, as well as failure, and mutual supportiveness. Although the direction of athletic programs will be guided by the Administration, the responsibility for these objectives resides in all adults (parents, coaches, teachers, interested friends), who impact the maturation of these young people.
Regulations:
All students, in order to participate in an extracurricular or sports program, will meet the following requirements:
· Parent’s permission to play.
· Academic performance will be reviewed by the school administration and may affect eligibility for participation.
· He/she must possess personal qualities, which are consistent with the philosophy of the school.
· Be cooperative and get along in a group.
· Be able to take correction respectfully.
· Be cheerful and courteous.
· No foul language or gestures by team members.
· No fooling around during practice or at games.
· He/she must be physically fit as appropriate for the sport or activity.
· All students must stand for the National Anthem and/or prayer. Any student not adhering to this policy faces suspension from the team. The administration will have the final say on punishment.
Sport physicals are required before trying out for a sport. Students without appropriate sports physicals will not be allowed to participate until physical is completed. Sport’s physical forms are available in the school nurse’s office. Sports physicals must be completed annually. The sports and mandated health assessments are not interchangeable.
Please check with school nurse if you have any questions.
Other:
· Students are ineligible to participate in any extracurricular activity during a period of suspension.
· A student involved in a disciplinary action can be suspended from playing on a team or from
participating in any other extracurricular activity.
· No student may participate in a sports practice, or extracurricular event on a day that he/she is absent from school. Four hours is considered a school day.
· Students who earn one or more failing grades or an unsatisfactory conduct grade, check marks, or negative comments on a report card will become ineligible to participate in the extracurricular activities program.
· Students must fulfill the requirements of this handbook.
Awards:
· Awards and award functions are the responsibility of the Administration and Athletic Director.
· Awards will be presented based on participation in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Athletic Program.
Coaches Responsibilities:
· Should be consistent with the philosophy of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School.
· Seek medical attention for any player who sustains an injury.
· Coaches are not allowed to provide or arrange for transportation of any team member (with exception of their own children).
· Playing time for each player will be at the coach’s discretion.
· Each coach should inform the Administration in writing before the close of the school year as to whether or not he/she plans to continue coaching the following year.
· Practice should not be so excessive that it interferes with the player’s academics.
· Keep academics a priority.
Serious injuries:
· Get proper medical attention; call 911.
· Notify parents and administration of injured player.
· Students need to obtain a physician’s medical release form before they return to normal activity.
Minor injuries:
· Each coach should have a properly equipped first-aid kit for minor injuries.
· No injured player should be left unattended.
NO PRACTICE OR GAME SHOULD BE CONSIDERED SO IMPORTANT THAT IT COULDN’T BE INTERRUPTED TO GET PROPER MEDICAL ATTENTION FOR AN INJURED PLAYER.
Care for Team Equipment and Uniforms:
· No player should abuse equipment or uniforms unnecessarily.
· All uniforms and equipment will be turned in at the end of each season.
· Practice and try-out policies will be decided by each coach to meet the needs of his/her team after notifying the Administration.
· Sports practices should never be scheduled on a Sunday morning or a holy day such as Good Friday.
Parent’s Responsibilities:
· Give consent for their child’s participation.
· Parents are responsible for transporting their children to and from all games and practices.
· Support coaches.
· Do not criticize coaches’ decisions.
· Discuss concerns privately with the coach or Administration.
· If you have a question concerning your son/daughter, please talk to the coach first.
· Respect decisions of officials at all games.
· Keep academics a priority.
· Be a role model in sportsmanship and Christian behavior.
ILLNESS OR INJURY WHILE IN SCHOOL
Emergency telephone numbers are required of all pupils. If a child becomes ill or is injured, and in the judgment of the school nurse a child should be sent home, the parents will be notified. If parents or guardians cannot be reached, the emergency telephone contact will be used. Health records and emergency files must be kept updated at all times. If you change your work or home phone numbers, please inform the office.
Medication to be taken in school must be presented to the school nurse by parent or guardian and must be accompanied by a doctor’s authorization explaining how it is to be administered. No medication, including over-the-counter, will be given under any circumstances without the written authorization of a physician. State law requires that all medication must be brought to school in its prescription bottle or container. All medications must be left with the school nurse.
Kindergarten pupils must have a health examination before the first day of school by their personal physician. Immunizations against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, measles, and polio are required.
Subsequent health examinations must be performed as required by State law and all immunizations must be kept up to date. A health assessment form is required for all new students entering OLMC School. This form is part of the admitting process.
A mandatory health examination is needed for entry into sixth-grade for all new and existing sixth grade students.
All pupil allergies are to be reported directly to the school nurse on or before the first day of school, or as diagnosed.
Medical documentation of allergies should be provided to school nurse as soon as possible.
Any change in medication should be reported to the school nurse and office.
MEDICATIONS
No medications are to be brought to school unless their personal physician and the school medical advisor authorize them. Medication authorization forms are available from the school Nurse. All medications that are to be administered must be written out and sent into school.
If a child has to be on temporary medicines, like penicillin, cough medicine, Tylenol etc., a parent or appointed person must come into the school to administer it to the child. Otherwise, they must adjust the time so it does not have to be given in school.
State Law strictly prohibits giving any medicines not authorized by the child’s doctor. It takes several days to get all necessary forms signed and the child could be off the medicines by then. Prescribed medications shall be administered to and taken only by the person for whom the prescription has been written. Orders are valid for the requested time period only and long term medications must be renewed annually, beginning each academic year. The school nurse will notify parent/guardian in advance when student’s medication is running low at school. It is the parent/guardian responsibility to provide more medication with appropriate prescription label to the school nurse. At end of school year, notices will be sent home to remind parents to pick up their child’s medications. Any medication left after the end of the school year, will be discarded.
HEAD LICE
The responsibility for early detection of head lice is shared by all school personnel. Education and health employees should be alert to any unusual scratching and redness around the nape of the neck and ears.
The transmission of head lice from one person to another usually occurs during close personal contact. Thus, the problem is particularly common among school children that are inclined to share various articles such as hats, combs, and brushes, and who engage in contact sports, roughhousing and other activities involving bodily contact.
The following protocol is recommended for the control of head lice:
· Examine any student suspected of lice infestation.
· Screen all siblings, classmates, club members, and team members of the individual.
· If the individual with head lice is enrolled in the OLMC Before and After Care program, then all students enrolled in the program will be screened.
· The decision of “who else will be screened” will be at the discretion of the public health nurse and/or supervisor assigned or Principal of the school.
When a child is identified as having head lice, attempts should be made to contact a parent or guardian. That individual should be asked to come to the school and take the child home. The purpose of exclusion is two-fold. First, prompt action is a method of preventing lice from spreading to others while maintaining the dignity of the infested child. Secondly, parents need education related to the transmission and treatment of lice.
In the event children with lice cannot be excluded from school, the child may return to class with these recommendations:
· Activities involving close body contact should be discouraged.
· Group activities around classroom table should not take place.
· Child should be instructed not to put on articles of clothing that belong to another student.
· Instructions on proper treatment of the child’s hair, clothing and other articles should be sent
home with the child.
· Rules related to re-admittance to school should accompany the child.
· Family is required to bring in a box of shampoo or bottle of shampoo that was used.
In schools where there are numerous children and classrooms affected with head lice, the
Principal and the public health nurse will:
· Develop a temporary place to care for children (with lice) who cannot be excluded on the day the problem is identified.
· Provide additional health education for administrators and teachers in the spread and control of head lice.
· Have a “no nit” policy for the school. This policy would require students, who return to school following treatment, to be free of nits, after the School Nurse/Principal has checked the child’s head.
Remember: Lice are very small, flat, wingless insects that cling to the scalp or hair shafts to keep from being brushed or washed out. Lice cannot jump or fly. Their legs and bodies are not designed for jumping and they cannot fly because they don’t have wings. So, for lice to be transferred from one person to another, the infested person must come in direct contact with another person.
VACCINATIONS
All students must have required immunizations prior to being allowed to attend school unless
exempted by law.
DISABILITIES
Students with special needs will be given the same consideration as all applicants, however, prior to admitting a student with diagnosed special needs, a school shall make a determination as to whether or not it believes it can provide an appropriate education for that child. Each child must be considered on an individual basis.
SEARCH AND SEIZURE
Upon reasonable suspicion of inappropriate activity that may subject a student to any level of discipline, or in the interests of safety of students and staff, the Principal and/or his designee, may search students desks, personal belongings and anything brought onto school property including but not limited to handbags briefcases, purses backpacks, clothing, cell phones or other electronic devices and the content within such devices such as email, photos, messages, or other information. The school Principal may seize any such items and retain them until the end of the school day or longer. The school administration will have the prerogative to turn over any such items to the police if there is evidence of illegal activity.
OLMC School reserves the right to search ANYTHING brought on school property.
OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL SCHOOL
2023-2024 PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK AGREEMENT
Child Name: Grade:
Child Name: Grade:
Child Name: Grade:
I have thoroughly read this Student Handbook and I agree to uphold the policies and rules
stated therein. I have initialed the specific policies below with my understanding.
Both Parents/Guardians must sign this agreement.
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Please initial below that you have read and understand the policy listed.
Discipline Steps Page 9
School Principal and Pastor is the final recourse in all disciplinary actions. Page 9
Expectations of Students Page 10
Cell Phone Policy Page 11
Shoe Wearing Policy Page 15
Casual Dress Day Policy Page 16
Promotion Policy Page 20
When enrolling your child in Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, you are agreeing to abide and be
governed by the Our Lady of Mount Carmel School Parent/Student Handbook.
All monetary obligations must be fulfilled in order to maintain enrollment at Our Lady of Mount
Carmel School. This is inclusive of tuition, Home and School Assessment, and applicable fees.