K-6 Handbook

(Policy Book revised 6/9/2020)

POLICIES

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

INDEX

Parent/Teacher

3.01                       Program of Instruction

3.02                       Admission of Students

3.03                       Immunization Requirements

3.04                       Enrollment Policies

3.05                       Tobacco Free Policy

3.06                       Divorced/Separated Parents/Guardians

3.07                       Cumulative Records/Folders

Official Student Records Policy

3.08                       Confidentiality

3.09                       School Day

3.10                       Testing

3.11                       Tuition

3.12                       Report Cards and Grades

3.13                       Promotion and Retention of Students

3.14                       Attendance & Absenteeism

3.15                       School Closing – Inclement Weather

3.16                       Supervision of Pupil Safety and Protection

  1. Reporting procedure of suspected child abuse or neglect cases
  2. Accidents
  3. Medications
  4. Communicable Disease
  5. Policy on AIDS – The Church as Educator
  6. Admission and Continued Enrollment
  7. Exclusion
  8. Confidentiality
  9. Extended Applicability

3.17                       Homework Policy

3.18                       Communication

3.19                       Permission to Leave the School or Grounds

3.20                       Carpool Drop– off/Pick –up

3.21                       Change of Address

3.22                       Concerns and Grievance Procedures for Students and Parents

3.23                       Field Trips

3.24                       Movies and Videos

3.25                       School Lunch

3.26                       Coordinated Dress Code

3.27                       Bikes

3.28                       Telephone

3.29                       Lost and Found

3.30                       Money

3.31                       Care of School Property

3.32                       Discipline

3.33                       Anti-Bullying Policy

3.34                       School Wide Rules

3.35                       Transportation Policy

3.36                       Suspension

3.37                       Weapons Policy

3.38                       Recess Policy/Weather Conditions

3.39                       Music

3.40                       Physical Education

3.41                       School Library

3.42                       Special Services

3.43                       Crisis Plan

  1. Evacuation
  2. Fire Plan
  3. Tornado Plan

3.44                       Volunteers

3.45                       Equipment Use

3.46                       AHERA Notification

3.47                       Electronic Devices Policy

3.48                       e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy

3.49                       Student Acceptable Use Policy

Appendixes 1-5

PHILOSOPHY

 

” . . . . Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring.  Hence, parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children.  Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it . . . For it devolves on parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and men that a well-rounded personal and social development will be fostered among the children.   Hence, the family is the first school of those social virtues, which every society needs.

It is particularly in the Christian family, enriched by the grace and the office of the sacrament of matrimony, that from their earliest years, children should be taught, according to the faith received in baptism, to have knowledge of God, to worship Him, and to love their neighbor.  Here, too, they gain their first experience of wholesome human companionship and the Church.  Finally, it is through the family that they are gradually introduced into civic partnership with their fellow men, and into the People of God.  Let parents, then, clearly recognize how vital a truly Christian family is for the life and development of God’s own people . . .”

– – Declaration of Christian Education

 

MISSION STATEMENT

Inspiring children to lead Christian lives, strengthened by our Catholic faith,

while cultivating academic excellence.

 

VISION STATEMENT

In partnership with families, we strive to prepare our students to be faith-filled leaders

and life-long learners dedicated to serving the Church and community.

 

HTCS MOTTO

Inspire. Excel. Serve.

 

Holy Trinity Catholic School, Huron

of the

Diocese of Sioux Falls

Parental Covenant

Parent Partnership Requirement

Integral Part of Catholic School Culture

 

Since as parents we are the primary educator of our children, we will participate in the education of our children by:

…recognizing that all we are and have is gift from God

…promoting positive attitudes toward school at home and in the community

…bringing concerns about our child directly to the teacher

…showing respect for the teacher as a professional person working for the well-being of our child

…following the policies of the school

…attending Mass/worship at respective local parish on weekends and holy days with our children

…participating in the sacramental life of the church regularly

…promoting family prayer and faith traditions at home

…volunteering and giving service to the school and parish

…witnessing gospel values in our everyday life

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.01       PROGRAM OF INSTRUCTION

The program of instruction is to meet the requirements of the content standards of the South Dakota Department of Education in all academic subject areas and the requirements of Diocese of Sioux Falls in religion.

 

3.02       ADMISSION

  1. ADMISSION TO HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL

No person shall be admitted as a student in any Catholic school unless that person and his/her parent subscribe to the school’s philosophy and agree to abide by the educational policies and regulations of the school and the diocese of Sioux Falls.

No student shall be admitted unconditionally to any Catholic school unless he/she has a reasonable, well-founded hope of successfully completing that school’s program.  In doubtful cases, students may be admitted on a probationary basis with dates and criteria of evaluation clearly established in writing.

Students shall not be denied admission to a diocesan school because of handicap unless this handicap seriously impairs the student’s ability to complete successfully the school’s academic program or unless the school cannot provide sufficient physical care for the handicapped child.

Each Catholic school retains the right to set local admissions standards and policies in addition to those specified by the diocese.

 

  1. STUDENTS OF OTHER FAITHS

Holy Trinity may admit students who practice other faiths.  Parents and students must clearly understand that participating in Catholic religion instruction and school activities related to the Catholic character of the school are required.  Tuition for non-Catholic students is at a higher rate than Catholic students.

 

  1. KINDERGARTEN

Students must be five years old on or before September 1. Ages must be verified and a birth certificate and immunization records must be complete.  Kindergarten classes are held Monday through Friday all day.

 

  1. EARLY LEARNING PROGRAM

Holy Trinity Catholic School has an early learning program for students ages 3 and 4 (on or before September 1) including preschool and pre-kindergarten classes.  Preschool and pre-kindergarten tuition amounts can be found in Appendix 1.   A non-refundable registration fee is required (see Appendix 1).  No child is to be brought to preschool more than 10 minutes before class begins, nor picked up more than 10 minutes after class is over.  If a child is left beyond those limits with no arrangements made, a child care fee of $1.00 for every minute will be assessed and added to the student’s monthly tuition statement.  Students picked up more than 10 minutes after class is over will be in the school office.  (Tuition costs, Days and Hours are located in Appendix 1) See the HTCS Policy Handbook for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten for more information.

 

3.03    IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

South Dakota Codified Law requires any pupil entering school shall, prior to admission, be required to present to school authorities certification from a licensed medical professional that he or she has received a test, or are in the process of receiving, adequate immunization for childhood diseases.  (See Appendix 4)

 

3.04       ENROLLMENT POLICIES

  1. HTCS Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Policy
  2. All families who currently have student(s) attending Holy Trinity Catholic School will be able to pre-register their child for preschool, pre-kindergarten starting on the first Monday of February up to and including the third Monday of February. A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  This will be on a first come, first served basis.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.
  3. All Holy Trinity Catholic Parish families who do not currently have children enrolled in Holy Trinity Catholic School will be able to pre-register their child for preschool and pre-kindergarten starting on the first Wednesday after the third Monday of February up to and including the first Wednesday in March. A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  This will be on a first come, first served basis.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

  1. Registration for all other families who wish to attend HTCS preschool or pre-kindergarten will open on the second Monday of March. A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  This will be on a first come, first served basis.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.

 

  1. HTCS Kindergarten Enrollment Policy
  2. All families who currently have student(s) attending Holy Trinity Catholic School in grades K-5 will be able to pre-register their child for kindergarten starting on the first Monday of February up to and including the third Monday of February.  A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Kindergarten.  This deposit will be applied to book fee and tuition.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.  If there are more applicants than open spots at this time a lottery will be held.  See below for lottery details.
  3. All Holy Trinity Catholic Parish families who do not currently have children enrolled in Holy Trinity Catholic School (K-5) will be able to pre-register their child for kindergarten starting on the first Wednesday after the third Monday of February up to and including the first Wednesday in March. A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Kindergarten.  This deposit will be applied to book fee and tuition.  Registration will continue until all classes are full. If there are more applicants than open spots at this time a lottery will be held.  See below for lottery details.
  4. Families who currently have student(s) attending Holy Trinity Catholic School Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, or 5th grade will be able to pre-register their child for kindergarten starting on the first Friday after the first Wednesday of March up to and including the second Friday of March. A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Kindergarten.  This deposit will be applied to book fee and tuition.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.  If there are more applicants than open spots at this time a lottery will be held.  See below for lottery details.
  5. Registration for all other families who wish to attend HTCS kindergarten will open on the third Monday of March and continue until March 30th. A place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  A non-refundable deposit will be required for Kindergarten.  This deposit will be applied to book fee and tuition.  Registration will continue until all classes are full. If there are more applicants than open spots at this time a lottery will be held.  See below for lottery details.
  6. Registrations after March 30th will be accepted on a first come, first served basis.

Lottery:  If there are more applicants than open spots a lottery will be held. Complete applications with the required deposit will be included in the lottery.  The deposit will be returned if the applicant is not chosen through the lottery.  Once enrollment is met, remaining students are placed on a waiting list in lottery order.  If an opening occurs, students will be called in this order.

 

  1. HTCS 1st – 5th Grade Enrollment Policy
  2. All families who currently have student(s) attending Holy Trinity Catholic School in grades K-5 will be able to pre-register their child for 1st through 5th grade starting on the first Thursday of April up to and including April 30th. With the book fee payment, a place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  This will be on a first come, first served basis.  The non-refundable book fee will be reduced if paid by April 30th.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.
  3. Registration for new families who wish to attend HTCS 1st through 5th grade will open on May 1st. With the book fee payment, a place will be reserved in the class requested until the classes are filled.  This will be on a first come, first served basis.  A non-refundable book fee will be required for 1st through 5th grade.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.

 

3.05       HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY IS TOBACCO FREE.

 

3.06       DIVORCED/SEPARATED PARENTS/GUARDIANS

The Holy Trinity Catholic School shall maintain neutrality between parents who are involved in a legal action affecting the family, unless otherwise directed by a court order.  It is the sole responsibility of the parent(s) to notify the school and provide a copy of such a court order.

 

The parent(s)/guardian(s) who enrolls a student shall be considered to be custodial parent and that parent’s residence shall be considered the student’s residence for school purposes, unless a court order or other documentation is presented which specifies otherwise.  The parents of the student are solely responsible for informing the school of names and mailing addresses of custodial and non-custodial parent.

 

Federal law requires that the non-custodial parent of any student enrolled at HTCS shall be provided all report cards, notices of school activities, disciplinary reports, conference information and/or summaries, or other student records which are

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

provided to the custodial parent, unless otherwise expressly curtailed or restricted by a provision of a court order which has been provided to the building principal.  The non-custodial parent(s) may participate in all activities including conferences.  The school will conduct only one meeting for parents in which both parents will be permitted to participate.  If divorced or separated parents request separate teacher conferences, the principal shall have the discretion to grant or deny such a request.

 

A student enrolled at HTCS may be released from school to either the custodial or non-custodial parent, unless the custodial parent has presented a court or other legally binding document that prohibits such a release.

 

3.07       CUMULATIVE RECORDS/FOLDERS

Pupil’s records are to be current, accurate and meaningful.  Teachers will be held responsible for recording all information on the permanent record card at the end of each school year.  Information on this record is open to review by parents, though this may only be done in the presence of the principal or teacher.  There is a sign-in sheet in each folder, which needs to be signed by anyone who views this file.  This sign-in sheet will also contain a list of the authorized personnel who will be allowed to view this folder.   In a case of court awarded joint custody, student information is provided to both legal parents.  Teachers are encouraged to use the cumulative records at any time.

 

OFFICIAL STUDENT RECORDS POLICY

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records. These rights are:

(1) The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day Holy Trinity Catholic School receives a request for access. Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect.  The school principal will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

(2) The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate.  Parents or eligible students may ask Holy Trinity Catholic School to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate.  They should write the Holy Trinity Catholic School principal, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate. If         Holy Trinity Catholic School decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, Holy Trinity Catholic School will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

(3) The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent.  One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by Holy Trinity Catholic School as an administrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law        enforcement unit personnel); a person serving on the School Advisory council; a person or com­pany with whom the School has contracted to perform a special task (such as an attorney, audi­tor, medical consultant, or therapist); or a parent or student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educa­tion record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

 

Upon completion of fifth grade, Holy Trinity Catholic School forwards education records without consent to officials of the Huron Public School District unless requested by parents to forward these records to a different school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll.

(4) The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Holy Trinity Catholic School to comply with the requirements of FERPA.  The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

 

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20202-5901

 

3.08       CONFIDENTIALITY

Privileged communication regarding our students, whether it be permanent records, progress reports, or cumulative folders, are to be considered confidential and treated in a professional manner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.09       SCHOOL DAY

School begins at 8:05am each morning.  There is no adult supervision prior to 7:50am.  Each Wednesday the students will gather for Liturgy at 8:30am.

 

School ends at 3:00pm for Kindergarten through second grade and 3:05pm for third through fifth grade.  Parents are encouraged to pick up students promptly.  Students will be sent to the HTCS After-school Program at 3:15pm.  The regular hourly rate will apply with a minimum charge of one hour of drop in care per child.

 

3.10       TESTING

Achievement and ability tests will be administered each year at the discretion of the teachers and principal while remaining compliant with the South Dakota Department of Education.  Test results will be recorded on the child’s permanent record.  Teachers will then critically evaluate the results of these tests.  Achievement scores may be shared with the parents and emphasis should be placed on growth rather than grade level.

 

3.11       TUITION

  1. Tuition costs for K-5 are determined each year by the advisory council. (See Appendix 1) There is a non-refundable Book Fee for each child for consumable books.  There will be a 1.5% interest charge per month or 18% APR on the 15th the following month for the total amount of tuition they are behind.  The tuition should be paid in full on registration day if possible.  Families not paying the tuition in full during registration must sign a tuition contract stating how they would like to pay their tuition.  Personal contact must be made with the Superintendent and/or Principal if payment cannot be made.  If tuition and book fees are not paid by the end of the fiscal year, a student cannot register for the next year until they are paid in full.
  2. Each school should establish a tuition assistance program that will allow those families who cannot afford the published tuition rates. The process of awarding financial aid limits and determining of recipients shall be left to the local school authorities.
  3. Tuition Assistance Procedures
    1. All families with Kindergarten through 5th grade students may apply for local tuition assistance.
    2. Families who qualify can also apply for a scholarship through the SD Partners in Education: https://www.sdpartnersinedu.org/
    3. Requests will be granted according to funds available in the tuition assistance account.
    4. Applicants’ names and financial information will be kept in strict confidence.
    5. Applications will be available online at TADS.com in March each year. Parents will be notified via the school newsletter when the application is open.
    6. Parents will be asked to complete an online application and submit it with copies of federal tax returns, copies of W-2s from all employers, current paystubs, and documentation of food stamps or other welfare benefits. There is a fee for this application. Please contact the school office if you are unable to pay the fee.
    7. Parents are encouraged to complete applications prior to May 30th.
    8. When reports have been received from TADS, a committee consisting of the pastor, business manager, and principal will meet to award local tuition assistance.
    9. Families will be notified of their assistance award at fall registration.
    10. Parents are encouraged to ask for help with the application process. Office personnel will help you complete the application.

 

3.12       REPORT CARDS AND GRADES

  1. Report cards are issued every nine (9) weeks to students in all grades. They will be distributed during the first week of the following quarter, with the exception of the fourth quarter, when report cards will be distributed the last day of the school year.  Unsatisfactory progress reports will be sent home to parents of 4th and 5th grade students in danger of failing.
  2. GRADING SCALE KINDERGARTEN – 5TH GRADE:

E = Excellent

S = Satisfactory

P = Progressing

N = Needs Improvement

U = Unsatisfactory

N/A = Not Applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

  1. STANDARDS BASED REPORT CARDS:

 

1 Exceeds Expectations
2 Meets Expectations
3 Approaching Expectations
4 Needs Additional Support/Practice
NA Not assessed at this time

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. LETTER GRADES FOR 3RD, 4TH, & 5TH GRADES:

95-100   A

93-94     A-

91-92     B+

87-90     B

85-86     B-

83-84     C+

80-82     C

78-79     C-

76-77     D+

72-75     D

70-71     D-

Below 70 F

 

  1. CONFERENCES

Holy Trinity is noted for close contact with parents and teachers.  Parent-Teacher conferences will be held twice a year with special “get-togethers” throughout the year as planned by teachers and parents.  Parents are free to make an appointment to visit with your child’s teacher at any time.

 

3.13       PROMOTION AND RETENTION OF PUPILS

  1. Students are promoted to the next grade level based on their academic achievement, behavioral growth, social development, and the recommendations of the administrator and the appropriate teacher.
  2. Should a child be retained for another year at the same grade level, parents must be involved in the decision process through a scheduled meeting with parents, teacher, and administrator present.
  3. Should parents refuse to accept the recommendation of the administrator and the appropriate teacher, they may be requested to remove the child from the Holy Trinity Catholic School.

 

3.14     ATTENDANCE ABSENTEEISM

The school office must receive an excuse, either written or by phone, from the parents, before any absence other than illness will be considered excused.  This should be before the absence of the child if at all possible.  All students are expected to be in regular attendance, and when possible, should schedule activities such as doctor appointments outside of the regular school day.  Excused absences will be allowed for the following reasons consistent with South Dakota Law:

    • Doctor and dental appointments
    • Emergencies or a death in the family
    • Illness or injury
  • Inclement weather

 

School work missed because of an excused absence must be made up.  On the first day the student is back in class, he/she will make arrangements with the teacher for make-up work.  The student will have the number of days absent plus one day to complete make-up work.  Compulsory education laws mandate school attendance.  The truancy laws will be enforced for unexcused absences.  A child who comes to school after 9:15 a.m., or leaves before 2:00 p.m. will be marked absent for one-half day.

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

 

3.15     SCHOOL CLOSING – INCLEMENT WEATHER

It shall be school policy to take the following steps or procedures during inclement weather in which school will be called off or buses will not run, or that students may have to be sent home during the day:

  1. The decision to open school in the morning during inclement weather will rest with the Superintendent of the Huron Public School. He/she shall determine, and properly announce, early dismissal due to weather conditions.

Factors entering into this judgment might include the following:

  • Snowfall, wind, and temperature (wind chill factor);
  • Dangerous driving conditions;
  • Weather forecasts in the early morning or during the day:
  • Other weather conditions determined to be serious enough to warrant school dismissal.
  1. The recommendation to operate the buses in the city and rural area during inclement weather will rest with the Transportation Supervisor of Huron Public School. Information received from rural patrons, the bus supervisor, national weather service, and city officials will weigh heavily on his recommendation to the Superintendent.  The Superintendent will ultimately make the final decision.

In some instances, buses will operate on a limited schedule.  In those instances, it may be desirable for parents to bring their child/children to meet the bus so that they can be transported to school.

  1. The Superintendent will notify the news media whenever the regular school day is to be altered. The Transportation Supervisor will notify the bus supervisor as to the operation of the bus runs.
  2. If weather conditions are such that a late school start and late bus run seem advisable, such announcement shall be given to the news media.
  3. The decision by a principal to release any children from school (such as to individual parental custody) because of inclement weather during the day is permissible.
  4. The ultimate decision as to whether or not an individual student goes to school during inclement weather is the responsibility of the parent. If the parent decides weather conditions are such that the child should not go to school, a note to the principal will excuse the child for the time missed.
  5. When school is in operation and the buses do not operate in the rural areas, teachers and administrators should realize that these rural students are absent not because of their choosing and that schoolwork and related activities should be governed by this fact. If there are questions relative to this, teachers are encouraged to talk with their principals.
  6. In the absence of the Superintendent of Schools, decisions shall be rendered by his designees.
  7. The principal is to develop a contingency plan with each family regarding the procedure to follow for the dismissal of students if inclement weather forces the early closing of school.

 

3.16        SUPERVISION OF PUPIL SAFETY AND PROTECTION

 

  1. REPORTING PROCEDURES FOR SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT CASES.
  2. According to South Dakota Codified Law, any school teacher, counselor, school official or nurse having reason to suspect that a student under 18 years of age has been neglected or starved, emotionally or physically abused (including sexual abuse) shall report the circumstances or cause them to be reported to the State Attorney’s office or the Department of Social Services.
  3. The duty to report concerns suspicion only. The burden of proof does not rest with the person reporting.
  4. Medical or professional confidentiality does not apply in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.
  5. Anyone participating in good faith in the reporting of suspected case shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal. On the contrary, failure to report constitutes a misdemeanor.
  6. Teacher’s Responsibilities:
  7. To gather and document information about the child, including name, family name, addresses, evidence and observation of incidents, child’s version of incidents, and any repeated incidents.
  8. To report the incident to the designated school staff person, the principal.
  9. To report, when necessary in certain special cases to act immediately upon a suspicion of child abuse or neglect, directly to the Department of Social Services or the State Attorney’s Office. It is the legal responsibility of the person suspecting the child abuse or neglect to ensure that the suspicion is reported, if the procedurally designated person does not do so.
  10. Principal (or designated person’s) responsibilities:
  11. To report the incident to Social Services or the State Attorney’s office.
  12. The principal, or designate, shall immediately report the case by telephone, then inform the school employee initiating the action within 24 hours to action.

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

  1. ACCIDENTS

In case of injury, a child will be cared for temporarily by the school secretary.  School personnel will render first aide treatment.  The School Principal will be notified of the accident.  If emergency medical treatment is necessary, the parents will be contacted.   If parents are not available the child will be taken to the emergency room at the hospital.  Remember, an emergency telephone number where parents can be reached and the name and telephone number of the student’s family doctor must be on file at the school.  An accident form will be filled out in duplicate, one copy for the parents and one copy for the student’s file.  (See Appendix 3)   Every accident or injury must be reported to the principal and parent or guardian.  The teacher or supervisor must complete an accident report form on the day that it occurs.

 

  1. MEDICATIONS

Prescription drugs and over-the-counter medicine should, whenever possible, be dispensed by the parent or guardian.  The school acknowledges that its personnel have limited or no knowledge of administering medications to students.  The Catholic school personnel can refuse to dispense medications to students.  First aid materials are to be placed in a designated area, which should be known by all teachers.  For pupils who depend on medication in order to stay in school and whose parents cannot be present to dispense, the aide will follow this procedure.

  1. Written permission from the parent or guardian for dispensing the medication must accompany any medicine. This permission must include instructions.
  2. Prescribed medications must be in a container provided by the pharmacy with a label, which includes date, student name, doctor name, and dosage.
  3. Acetaminophen will be dispensed to students upon request, provided parent permission has been granted.
  4. The permission note will be kept on file in the school office.
  5. The school will keep a log stating date, time, type of medicine, who dispensed, and who received the medicine, and whether the permission form was checked.
  6. Medications will be kept in a locked container.

 

  1. COMMUNICABLE DISEASE

The advisory council recognizes all students should be permitted to attend school in a normal classroom setting.  The advisory council also recognizes a responsibility to provide a healthy environment for students and school employees.

The determination of whether an infected person should be excluded from the classroom or building shall be made on a case-by-case basis, under the direction of the school principal/supervisor.

 

If an infected student is not permitted to attend class or school, the school will provide the student with educational assignments. HTCS will follow Diocesan and South Dakota Department of Health recommendations concerning communicable diseases.

 

In order for an infected student to be permitted to attend class or school, the parent/guardian must bring the communicable disease school admission form to the office.  The form needs to be signed by the County Health Nurse or an equivalent medical professional.

 

It is recognized that personal hygiene measures are part of creating a healthy environment.  Thus, good hand washing techniques are imperative in the school setting.  Thorough maintenance cleaning is part of this environment.

 

Communicable disease is defined as any disease transmitted from one person or animal or another directly, by contact with excreta or other discharges from the body; or indirectly via substances or inanimate objects such as contaminated drinking glasses, toys, or water; or via vectors as flies, ticks, or other insects.  To control a communicable disease it is important to identify the organism, prevent its spread to the environment, protect others against contamination, and treat the infected person.

 

Examples of communicable disease include, but are not limited to:

Scabies                                                The common cold                                Viral fever outbreaks including

Lice                                                     Rubella                                                Acute upper respiratory illness

Chickenpox                                         Pink Eye                                              Diarrheal disease

Measles                                                Roseola                                                Rash Illness

Mumps                                                Scarlet fever                                         Waterborne or food borne

Mononucleosis                                    Fifth disease                                         Illness in child care setting

Smallpox                                             Hepatitis                                               Impetigo

Rabies                                                  Herpes                                                 Ringworm

Pertussis                                               Legionellosis                                        Pediculosis (lice)

Plantar warts                                        Lyme disease                                       Cytomegalovirus

Staphylococcus                                    Streptuococcus                                    Impetigo

AIDS/HIV                                            Malaria                                                Giardiasis

Haemophilus influenza                         Encephalitis

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

  1. POLICY OF THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF SIOUX FALLS ON AIDS
    Holy Trinity Catholic School Advisory council has adopted the Diocesan Policy on Aids. A copy of this in its entirety may be found in the office.  There are four sections:    The Church as Pastoral Minister; II.  The Church as Employer; III.  The Church as Educator:  and IV.  The Church as Social Service Provider.  Only section III (three) will be printed here:

THE CHURCH AS EDUCATOR

  1. ADMISSION AND CONTINUED ENROLLMENT

Students with AIDS enrolled or seeking enrollment in grades Preschool through 12 shall be permitted to attend school or parish religious education programs in an unrestricted setting.  Students with AIDS shall not be excluded from attending school or parish religious education programs for reasons of the infection unless the following exceptional conditions are evident as determined by the student’s attending physician, the student’s parent(s) or legal guardian(s), the appropriate school or religious program administrator(s), and in a parish setting, the pastor.

  1. The student is not toilet trained or is incontinent, or is unable to control drooling.
  2. The student is unusually physically aggressive with a documented history of biting or harming others.

Cases shall be referred to the Superintendent of Schools or the Diocesan Director of Religious Education according to the guidelines and procedures in our diocese when disagreement on the existence of the excluding conditions prevents the student’s physician, the student’s administrator(s) and, in a parish setting, the pastor from reaching a decision on admission or continued enrollment.

  1. EXCLUSION

A student with AIDS who is excluded from school shall be provided with an appropriate educational program as well as catechistic instruction at the proper level.  A student with AIDS in a parish religious education program who is excluded from attending school, shall be provided with an alternate means of catechistic instruction.

  1. CONFIDENTIALITY

The identity of a student with AIDS and all health records and other pertinent files shall be kept confidential in accordance with the law.

  1. EXTENDED APPLICABILITY

The principles set forth in Section III of this policy shall be applicable to any program operated by the diocese which serves children (e.g., day care center, homeless shelters, etc.).  In such cases the appropriate diocesan administrator shall be substituted for the diocesan or parish educational personnel in the procedures outlined in Section III.

 

3.17      HOMEWORK POLICY

The amount of homework that students have will vary with the grade level, the teacher, and subjects involved.  The primary grades will have very little assigned homework.  In grades 3-5 there will be some assignments which students are required to complete at home.

 

3.18    COMMUNICATION (Newsletters & Classroom Letters)

Most Thursdays the “Brown Envelope” will be sent home with the oldest child in each family.  The “Brown Envelope” contains a weekly newsletter from the principal and any communications from the teachers and the office.  The “Brown Envelope” is to be signed and returned on Friday acknowledging that you have read its contents.

 

Anyone or group who wishes to include information in the “Brown Envelope” should have the information to the office by Wednesday at noon.  Anything coming in after Wednesday will go in the next week’s envelope.

 

3.19    PERMISSION TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL OR GROUNDS

Students will not be permitted to leave the school grounds any time during the day unless written or verbal permission is submitted to the Principal’s Office.  Students will not be released from school grounds without parental or adult supervision.  No student will be allowed to go home from school because of illness without first notifying the parents and the principal or her/his designee.

 

3.20     CARPOOL DROP – OFF/PICK-UP

So that we can provide the best possible safety environment for the children, driving on the playground during school hours is not permitted.

 

Please avoid parking in the loading/unloading zone at the main entrance of the school.  The bus loading zone must be clear for Huron Public and People’s Transit busses.

 

Please use the main school doors for pick-up and drop-off.

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.21    CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Please notify the school of any change of address or telephone number.  If you plan to move out of town or transfer from one school to another, please notify the school office in time to prepare the necessary withdrawal or transfer information.

 

3.22    CONCERNS AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

There are times during the school year when parents may have some questions about the classroom procedures, grading policies, scheduled activities, or some specific concern relative to the behavior/treatment of their children.  Usually a visit with a classroom teacher will provide the necessary answers or clarification of the situation.  In the event that this cannot be accomplished, the following is a guideline to follow in dealing with a concern or grievance:

 

  1. Any student or his/her parents or guardian will be provided the opportunity to discuss with the student’s teacher a decision or situation which he considers unjust or unfair. Such action should be taken within seven days of the incident or occurrence.

 

  1. If the incident remains unresolved, the student or his/her parents or guardian or the teacher may bring the matter to the principals’ attention for his/her consideration and action within seven days.

 

  1. If the matter is still unresolved after the procedure outlined above, it may be brought to the Superintendent for his consideration within seven days.

 

  1. Complaints that remain unresolved following any action of the Superintendent may be referred in writing to the Advisory council for review within seven days.

 

  1. Complaints that remain unresolved may be referred in writing to the diocese.

 

3.23       FIELD TRIPS

Education field trips are part of the school’s program.  These will be organized by the teacher in cooperation with chaperones and the approval of the principal.  Permission forms for each student are to be signed by the parent or guardian and be on file before the student is allowed to take part in the trip.

 

Parents who provide transportation for trips are to have valid driver’s licenses, automobile insurance, and enough seat belts for the number of children being transported. Drivers will also be required to follow the Diocesan Safe Environment regulations for volunteers.

 

3.24       MOVIES AND VIDEOS

Movies, videos, and other audiovisual materials may be important tools in the educational process.  At the same time, the use of movies and videos should be limited so that they are used legally and appropriately in achieving legitimate educational objectives.  Therefore, it is the purpose of this policy to promote the appropriate educational use of movies and videos in schools.  The following guidelines represent advisory council policy regarding how and when movies and videos may be used as an instructional strategy to supplement approved course curriculum.

 

Copyright – With regard to rented or privately owned movies and videos, all district employees must comply with copyright laws and other applicable regulations.  The director of instruction will be responsible for providing information regarding regulations.

 

Educational Relevance of Movies and videos – The showing of movies and videos must be limited to specific educational purposes.  The following must be considered before showing a movie or video:

  1. The age, maturity, and sophistication of the group of students.
  2. The movie or video’s MPAA rating or television parent guideline rating.
  3. The presence of profanity, sexual content, prejudicial stereotypes, or violence in the movie or video.
  4. The course curriculum and educational benefit of the movie or video.
  5. The availability of alternate sources to accomplish educational objectives.
  6. The feasibility of using a lawfully edited version or specific portions of the movie or video rather than in its entirety without seriously weakening the movie or video’s educational value.
  7. The student, teacher, and community interest in viewing the particular movie or video.

 

The following ratings and guidelines apply before showing a movie or video:

  1. A movie or video with a G, TY-Y, or TV-G rating may be shown to any grade (K-12) with teacher discretion.
  2. A movie or video with a PG, TV-PG, or TV-Y-7 rating may be shown in grades 2-12 with school approval and parent notification.
  3. A movie or video with a PG-13 or TV-14, R, NC-17, or TV-M rating is prohibited.

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

Parent Objections:  If a parent objects to a student’s viewing of an approved movie or video and personally communicates such objection to the teacher or administrator, the teacher shall not allow the student to view the movie or video.  The teacher shall provide the student alternate assignments or course work similar to that done by students who view the movie or video.

 

Nothing in this policy grants parents, students, or school staff the authority to prohibit an approved movie’s showing based solely on individual objections.  At the same time, educators should be sensitive to individual complaints and take all reasonable steps to resolve complaints equitably in a manner that would allow the child full participation in the curriculum.

 

The principal will be responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy.

 

3.25       SCHOOL LUNCH

Holy Trinity Catholic School contracts with the Huron Public School Lunch Program to provide well-balanced, nutritional hot lunches for students, staff, and guests.  HTCS families will pay a school lunch fee to HTCS with their monthly tuition payment to cover the cost of this program.  The school lunch fee covers the cost of school lunch every day of the school year for students.

 

The school lunch fee will be assessed to every student, even if they choose to bring a sack lunch.  Families can still apply for free or reduced lunches.  With qualification and a signed disclosure statement, the school lunch fee will be reduced or eliminated for these families.  Applications for free or reduced lunch can be picked up in the HTCS school office at registration.  The current school lunch fee can be found in Appendix 1.

 

Parents may choose to supplement their child’s school lunch tray.  For example, a PBJ sandwich could be sent with your child to be eaten with their regular school lunch tray.  Parents may also choose to send an entire sack lunch with their child.

 

In order to encourage healthy eating habits, supplemental items and sack lunches should include healthy choices including dairy, grains, proteins, fruits, and vegetables.  Please do not include fast food, pop, energy drinks, sugary foods, or candy in your child’s supplemental items or sack lunches.  Sack lunches will not be refrigerated so keep food safety in mind when packing items.

 

3.26       DRESS CODE

  1. Dress for both boys and girls must be suitable for classroom-wear. School clothes are expected to be clean, neat and modest.  Tennis shoes are required for gym.  Parents are urged to send their children to school properly dressed to meet existing weather conditions.  Warm boots, warm coats, snow pants, hats, and mittens are needed if the playground is snow covered or if the temperature dips below freezing.

 

Short shorts, tank tops, and clothing with holes in need of repair are not appropriate for school.

 

  1. Coordinated Dress Code on Mass Days and Other Special Day: The objective of the coordinated dress code is to exhibit reverence for the Sacrament of the Eucharist while showing school unity and pride.  Students in grades K-5 will be expected to follow the coordinated dress code on Mass days (Wednesdays) and other special days as indicated by the school.  A special day could be defined as a Holy Day, field trip, special Mass, or a school wide event.

Pants: Any type of Khaki/Tan dress pants or knee length skirt for girls is allowed as long as the material is not a denim jean or sweatpants.  Khaki shorts may be worn on field trips.

Shirts: Any plain white or navy collared shirt (long or short sleeved, polo or button down).

Sweaters:  Any plain white or navy sweater will be allowed.

 

Administration of the Dress Code:  Teachers will remind the students a day or two prior to Mass day during the first few months of school.  Teachers will also give notice a week in advance for a “special day.”  The brown envelope will list the special days to notify parents.  “Special days” will not be declared excessively.

Consequences:    1st time= warning

2nd time= call home

3rd time = call home and parent brings clothes to school

 

3.27       BIKES

Preschool and Kindergarten students are not allowed to ride bikes to school.

Students are to walk their bikes on the school ground when arriving and leaving between 7:50am and 3:05pm

Put bikes in the racks provided.

The school accepts no responsibility for bicycles brought onto the school property.

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

 

3.28       TELEPHONE

No child will be called from class unless it is an emergency.  Also, please do not call and ask for a teacher during class time.  The office will take a message and have them return the call.  Phone calls should not be made by students to make arrangements that could have been made earlier.  This is to train the child in responsibility.  Cell phones will be turned off during school hours. Please see 3:47 ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY for more information.

 

3.29     LOST AND FOUND

Articles are kept in a box for parents and students to check for missing clothing.  Periodically all unclaimed items will be taken to the St. Francis shop.

 

3.30     MONEY

Students are discouraged from bringing money to school other than for school related purposes.

 

3.31     CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

Please help your child develop a sense of responsibility for school property.  Instilling in students respect for all public facilities promotes good citizenship.

 

Parents will be held financially responsible for damages to school property incurred by their child.

 

Students will be assessed a fine for lost or damaged books.

 

3.32        DISCIPLINE (See 3.36 Suspension Policy)

It is important that parents, students, and school staff work together to maintain a positive educational atmosphere.  Courtesy, respect, and honesty are expected.  As a partner in the child’s education, the parent will be a part of the disciplinary process.  Each teacher will provide specific behavior expectations.  In the case of a severe or chronic problem, the student will be referred to the Principal who will notify the parents and Superintendent for immediate action.  The principal may suspend the student for up to 5 days.  The student will receive a grade of “0” in all subjects for all days suspended.  Longer periods of suspension or recommendation of expulsion are referred to the Advisory council for action.

 

3.33       ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Holy Trinity Catholic School believes every child is a gift from God, created in His image, and therefore must be treated as such.  HTCS expects students to always treat others as they want to be treated, showing respect and acceptance to everyone.  HTCS pledges to provide all students with a safe, caring, and peaceful environment which ensures the respect and acceptance of all.  It is the right of every student to receive their education in a safe and positive learning environment.

 

Bullying is defined as (SDCL13-32-15) a pattern of repeated conduct that causes physical hurt or psychological distress on one or more students that may include threats, intimidation, stalking as defined in chapter 22-19A, physical violence, theft, destruction of property, any threatening use of data or computer software, written or verbal communication, or conduct directed against a student that:

(1) Places a student in reasonable fear of harm to his or her person or damage to his or her property; and either

(2) Substantially interferes with a student’s educational performance; or

(3) Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of a school.

Bullying also includes retaliation against a student for asserting or alleging an act of bullying.

 

  1. The Holy Trinity Catholic School community will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any students, including bullying.   Bullying is a pattern of repeated behavior that involves one student causing harm to another student over an extended period of time.  Bullying is characterized by a power imbalance and includes physical intimidation or assault, humiliation, extortion, oral or written threats, teasing, putdowns, name calling, threatening looks, gestures, or actions, cruel remarks, false accusations, social isolation, and cyber-bullying, all of which violate HTCS Policy.  Bullying can also lead to more serious violence.  A person is being bullied when he or she is exposed repeatedly and over time to negative actions on the part of one or more persons.  (Olweus, 1993)

 

  1. Bullying is prohibited:  The HTCS staff will not tolerate bullying on school grounds or during any school activity, on or off school grounds.

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

  1. The HTCS community encourages and expects students, parents, and staff to report incidents of intimidation to the principal who will promptly and discreetly investigate the accusation and document all reports and consequences.

Reports can be made to the school principal through verbal, written, or emailed communication. Anonymous reports are handled with the same discretion.

HTCS expects all staff members who observe or become aware of any of the acts referred to in section one to take immediate, appropriate steps to intervene and separate the students.  The staff member will immediately report the incident to the principal and complete the school’s incident report form before the end of the work day.

This policy and incident investigation applies to students while on the school grounds, school bus or bus stop, school field trips, and during any school sponsored activity.

 

  1. Age-appropriate consequences for students who bully others will depend upon the results of the investigation and may include a parent conference, removal of privileges, counseling, suspension, or expulsion.  Depending on the severity of the incident, the principal may also take appropriate steps to ensure student safety.  These may include implementing a safety plan, separating and supervising the students involved, providing staff support for students as necessary, developing a supervision plan with parents and reporting incidents to law enforcement if necessary.  Consequences will vary dependent on grade level.

 

3.34     SCHOOL WIDE RULES

  1. Be Orderly

We will: a.  Walk quietly in the hallways.

  1. Enter and leave building quietly.
  2. Be Respectful of Self and Others

We will: a.  Be cooperative and respectful to all.

  1. Not use inappropriate language and gestures.
  2. Receive permission to use other people’s property or materials.
  3. Keep hats off in the building.
  4. Keep Hands, Feet, and Other Objects to Yourself

We will: a.  Walk without hitting overhead doorways.

  1. Walk along hallways without marking walls or windows.
  2. Refrain from defacing school property.
  3. Keep to the right when walking down halls.
  4. No Bullying

We will: a.  Not use intimidating and/or threatening looks, words, or gestures.

  1. Help others who are being bullied by speaking out and by getting adult help.
  2. No Insubordination

We will: a.  Obey the rules and follow instruction or directions of all adults.

  1. Not be defiant or rebellious.

 

CONSEQUENCES OF MISBEHAVIOR

  1. Verbal warning from the adult in charge.
  2. Conference with the adult in charge about misbehavior.
  3. Conference with Principal.
  4. Note sent home to parents about misbehavior from the adult in charge. Must be signed by parent and  returned to the adult that sent the note.
  5. Serious offenses will be dealt with immediately and individually by a team consisting of the student, teacher, principal, and/or parent.

 

RULES FOR ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

Children should not arrive at school before 7:50 am.  When they arrive, students go immediately to their grade level lines and wait for the supervisor to come get them.  Supervision will not be provided before 7:50.  Students will not be allowed in the building before 7:50 without supervision.

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

RULES FOR THE LUNCHROOM

  1. Proper manners are expected to be used by all students.
  2. Students may talk in low voice. No shouting.
  3. Food should remain on your tray.
  4. No food will be taken from the lunchroom to the playground.
  5. Students will take their trays and scrape them at the assigned area.
  6. Students will return to sit at assigned table.
  7. Students are expected to remain seated until the lunchroom monitor dismisses them.
  8. Students line up quietly and orderly.

Consequences for school wide rules will be used for misbehavior in the lunchroom.

 

RULES FOR DISMISSAL

Preschool through second grade begin dismissal at 3:00.  Third through fifth grade begin dismissal at 3:05.  People’s Transit students are dismissed from the classroom first to walk to the bus.  Students who are walking or have rides are dismissed next.

 

RULES FOR THE BUS LINE

Stand in line.

Follow all school rules.

 

RULES FOR THE PLAYGROUND

Basic Rules:

Obey the adult on duty.

Play safely.

Be kind to others.

No shoving or pushing.

Take care of the equipment.

Stay on the assigned area.

Keep away from stray animals.

Come back to class on time.

Equipment Rules:

Basketball:  No hanging from hoop.

 

Playground Balls:  Do not intentionally roof balls.

 

Merry-go-roundsBoth feet on merry-go-round at all times.

Hang on with at least one hand.

No jumping off while merry-go-round is moving.

 

Swings:  No jumping out.

One person to a swing.

Sitting only.

 

Horizontal ladder:  Move in one direction only.

No climbing on top of bars.

 

Slides: Slide down only (no climbing up slide or on top of tunnel slide).

No rocks on the slide.

 

Football:  No tackle.

 

Winter Rules:  No climbing on snow hills.

No throwing snow.

No sliding on the ice.

 

CONSEQUENCES FOR MISBEHAVIOR ON THE PLAYGROUND

  1. Verbal warning from adult in charge.
  2. Conference with adult in charge and/or stand by the wall.
  3. Conference with principal.
  4. Serious offenses will be dealt with immediately and individually by a team consisting of the student, adult in charge, principal, and/or parent.

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.35       TRANSPORTATION POLICY – BUS SAFETY RULES

When the Huron School District provides busing for Holy Trinity students.  Bus safety is an important topic to be considered by your child.  Each parent should take precautions to make sure that all children know the rules and regulations designed for safe bus transportation.

 

It is evident that the school bus driver is a very important person, with a responsible part to play in our educational system.  With that statement as a framework, we have adopted the following Rules for School Bus Riders from the Huron School District No. 2-2.

  1. The driver is in full charge of the students and the bus. The driver’s relationship with the students should be on the same level as that of a teacher in the classroom.  Bus transportation for students is not entirely a right, but more like a privilege, conditioned upon courteous behavior and obedience to the established rules.  The safety of the bus and its passengers demands cooperation from the students.  It shall be the duty of the driver to report to the school administrator the names of any students who persist in violating the rules and regulations.  It may be necessary to temporarily withhold bus privileges from those students who fail to cooperate accordingly.
  2. Students shall obey all instructions from the school bus driver and authorized student monitors.
  3. Students shall occupy the seat assigned to them, if seats are assigned.
  4. The same courteous conduct as is expected in the classroom is to be observed while on the bus. Ordinary conversation is permitted.  Loud and vulgar language is not permitted.
  5. Students must be on time at the designated bus stops; the bus cannot wait beyond its regular time schedule for tardy students.
  6. Students must not stand in the traffic lanes while waiting for the bus.
  7. Students will assist the driver in keeping the interior of the bus clean, sanitary, and in orderly condition. Students are not to throw waste paper or rubbish on the floor or out Of the windows of the bus.
  8. Students will not open or close the windows without the permission of the bus driver. Students must not, at any time, put hands, arms, or heads out of the bus windows.
  9. Students must not move about inside the bus or try to get on or off the bus while it is in motion.
  10. Students will immediately report to the driver any damage occurring to the bus.
  11. Students are to follow the instructions of the driver when entering or leaving the bus, and when they must cross the road or highway.
  12. Students must await the signal from the driver to cross a road or highway, then cross promptly. The crossing should be made approximately 10 feet in front of the bus, in full view of the driver.
  13. Students desiring to leave the bus at other than their designated bus stop must present the driver with a written permission from their parents.
  14. Students will be courteous to the driver, fellow students, and the general public.

 

3.36     SUSPENSION (See 3.32 Discipline Policy)

In guiding children’s growth in habits of virtue and Christian attitude, it is good to emphasize positive rather than negative behavior.  Suspension is an extreme measure and is enforced only when extreme misbehavior is obvious.  When disregard of school rules, or misconduct are clear, parents and students must be ready to accept the consequences of the rules governing school discipline.  For any severe disruption of class or activity, students will be removed and sent to the Principal’s office.  The parents will be called and suspension will take place on the following day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.37     WEAPONS POLICY

School should be an example of what is required regarding the observance and respect for law in society at large.  Schools also must be highly conscious of the health, safety, and welfare of students, staff, and the public.

 

State and federal laws, as well as school policy, forbids the bringing of dangerous or illegal weapons to school or school sponsored activities.  No dangerous weapons are permitted on any school premises, in any school vehicle or a vehicle used for school purposes, or in any other building or premises used for a school function.  Exceptions include weapons under the control of law enforcement or the United States Military, starting guns used for athletic events, gun shows, and authorized supervised school training sessions for the use of firearms.

 

Any weapon taken from a pupil shall be reported to the pupil’s parents.  Weapons will be confiscated and reported to law enforcement authorities.  Appropriate disciplinary action, legal action, or both, shall be pursued by the building principal.  Any student bringing a dangerous weapon to school can be expelled for up to twelve months.  The superintendent shall have the authority to recommend to the School Advisory council that this expulsion requirement be modified on a case-by-case basis.

 

A dangerous weapon is defined as any firearm, air gun, knife, or device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which is calculated or designed to inflict death or serious bodily harm.  A “firearm” includes any weapon that is designed to expel a projectile by an explosive action.

 

3.38     RECESS POLICIES/WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather permitting, Kindergarten through 3rd grade students are given three recesses each day.  Outside recess during cold weather depends upon the temperature and the wind chill factor.  Shorter outside recess times are scheduled on very cold days.  Students should dress for outside recess.

 

Unless the weather is extremely severe, all students are expected to be outside at scheduled times.  Please have children bring the necessary warm clothing for cold weather.  This applies to preschool through fifth grade.   We will use our discretion to determine when the children will remain in the building.

 

3.39       MUSIC

All kindergarten through fifth grade students at our school are enrolled in two 30 minute music classes per week.  The music program provides opportunities for students to develop music skills and have a better understanding and enjoyment of music.  The basic elements of music are presented to students through various experiences involving singing, playing instruments, listening, movement, expression, and music reading.

 

  1. CHOIR OF ANGELS
    Students in grades 3, 4, and 5 may choose to participate in our school choir. The choir is under the direction of our school music teacher.  They meet twice weekly during the school year.  They perform at our school programs, and also at some community events.

 

  1. ORCHESTRA

Students in grades 4 and 5 may choose to play violin, viola, cello, or bass violin.  They are taught by the orchestra instructor from the Huron Public Schools, who services our school weekly to provide private or small group lessons.  Our students participate in group rehearsals and concerts with all the other string students in the Huron Schools.

 

  1. BAND

Students in fifth grade may choose to play any of the band instruments.  They are taught by the band director from the Huron Public Schools, who services our school weekly to provide private or small group lessons.  Our students participate in group rehearsals and concerts with all the other band students in the Huron Schools.

 

Recruiting for these three groups takes place in the fall of every year.  The only cost is the rental or purchase of choir shirts, orchestra, or band instruments.

 

3.40       PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical education is taught to each class K-5, for two thirty minute periods each week.  The instructor works to develop individual skills and positive personal attitudes which will enable students to participate in physical activities in the future.

 

All students will attend their scheduled PE class on a regular basis and a written excuse must be presented if a student is to be excused from participation because of illness or injury.  To prevent injury all students must wear appropriate athletic shoes and will not be allowed to participate in PE class if they have forgotten.

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.41      SCHOOL LIBRARY

Holy Trinity Catholic School offers, through the Ruth Ann Bruns Library the opportunity to check out books, reference materials.  Students in Kindergarten – 5th grade are able to check-out books or may renew them.  Students are given overdue notices when books are not returned by their due date.  Final report cards are not sent home unless books are returned or their replacement cost is paid.

 

3.42    SPECIAL SERVICES

The following special education programs/services are currently provided to Holy Trinity School by the Huron School District:

**Language, Speech and Hearing Services

**Learning Lab Program

**Title I Program

 

3.43    CRISIS PLAN

  1. EVACUATION

In the event that Holy Trinity Catholic School is evacuated, students will be taken to Holy Trinity Catholic Church.  Faculty and students have been prepared for fire and severe storm emergencies.  In the event that further evacuation is required, students will be taken to Carr Chiropractic Clinic.

 

  1. FIRE PLAN

In the event that we need to evacuate the building due to a fire the following plan will be used:

  1. The teacher shall instruct the students on the procedure to leave the room in single file and quietly. Students shall walk outside and gather on the south side of the parking lot away from the school.
  2. After the students are outside they should line up alphabetically and the teacher will account for all students by using a class roster.
  3. The principal shall make sure the building is clear and all students and staff are accounted for.
  4. The following exits will be used:
    1. South School Door:  Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Computer, Library, Speech, and Title
    2. South CCE Door:  Fourth and Fifth
    3. Main School Door: Multi-Purpose Room, School Office
    4. West New Edition Door: Music
  5. If students are on the playground when the alarm sounds, the teacher should gather all students and walk them around the West side of the Church to join the rest of the students.
  6. Fire drills will be performed twice per semester.

 

  1. TORNADO PLAN

In the event of a tornado the following plan shall be followed:

  1. The teacher shall instruct the students on the procedure to leave the room in single file and quietly.
  2. The teacher will account for all students once the class is assembled in their assigned location.
  3. The designated area for the school wing is the hallway between the fire doors and the computer lab.
    1. Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, and Second will use the computer lab
    2. Third, Fourth, and Fifth will be in the hallway.
    3. Music and Multi-purpose room will use the west bathrooms.
  4. Tornado drills are done once a semester.

 

  1. Safety Management Plan and Crisis Management Guidelines can be found in each classroom, the school office, and the parish office.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.44       VOLUNTEERS

Holy Trinity Catholic School could not be an excellent school or offer superior education without parental involvement, volunteer services and donations.  If parents/ friends feel you can help out in some capacity, please talk to a classroom teacher, or call the school office.  Involvement will also give the parents a knowledge and understanding of what is happening in their school.  All visitors/volunteers must sign in and out in the school office.  Please do not interrupt teachers while with their students.  Volunteers must meet the Safe Environment regulations set forth by the diocese.

  1. Volunteer Service Program

Because volunteers are vital to the success of our school, each K-5 family attending Holy Trinity Catholic School is required to donate their time and talent for a minimum of 10 hours per year.  Families that have only Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten children attending HTCS are encouraged to be involved as volunteers.

Any time that is spent in service to Holy Trinity Catholic School counts toward the required 10 hours of service time.  Some examples of service include, but are not limited to working in support of the Development Committee or Family School Organization, driving for field trips, helping in the classroom, office, or lunchroom, and all other activities that help support our school.  A list of Service Opportunities will be sent home periodically throughout the year or posted on our website.

After completing service time, parents are to complete a Service Time Card and turn it into the HTCS office.   All Service Time Cards need to be turned into the HTCS Office to be credited to the family’s account.  Service Time Cards will be sent home in the brown envelope at the beginning of each semester and can also be found in the school office.

Volunteer hours will be tracked from April 16th – April 15th.  A notice of the number of hours contributed will be sent out to each family in the second semester.  This will be done so families have an opportunity to complete their service hours before April 15th of that year.

Holy Trinity Catholic School feels very strongly that our parents’ time and talents are more valuable than money; but parents are given the option of choosing to pay $300 instead of the 10 volunteer hours.  If a family has not completed their required 10 hours of service by April 15th, the $300.00 will be charged on their May tuition statement.

 

3.45        EQUIPMENT USE

Holy Trinity Catholic School is generous in lending Audio Visual and other equipment to Parish organizations.  It is to be understood that any damage resulting from the lending of this equipment will be the responsibility of the borrower.  It is further understood that the borrowed equipment will be returned ASAP when no longer needed, and will be returned in the same condition as when it was borrowed.  All equipment use must be cleared through the school office.

 

3.46       AHERA Notification

In compliance with the Asbestos-Containing Materials in Schools Rule, the architect responsible for the construction of Holy Trinity Catholic School, has stated that, to the best of his or her knowledge, no asbestos-containing building material was used as in the construction of the Holy Trinity Catholic School building.  An Asbestos Management Plan has been developed for Holy Trinity Catholic School and the activities required by the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) 40 CFR Part 763.93 have been fulfilled.  A copy of the HTCS Asbestos Management Plan document is currently available for review during regular business hours at the HTCS school office. This document is available for examination upon request.

 

3.47       ELECTRONIC DEVICES POLICY

Students shall not carry electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, MP3 players, wearable devices, or comparable devices on their person during the school day, including before and after school care. These electronic devices must be turned off and left in the student’s backpack.

Electronic devices may be used by students in the classroom for reading only. A consent form must be signed by both the student and parent prior to use. Please refer to 3.48 E-READER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY & AGREEMENT and Appendix 5 for the E-Reader Permission Form

 

If students are found to be carrying any of these devices with them, or using them improperly, the administration or staff member has the authority to confiscate the device. Penalties for violation of this policy include: 1st offense – warning and the device will be held to the end of the school day, 2nd and subsequent offenses, device will be confiscated and turned over directly to the parent or guardian.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

3.48       E-READER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY & AGREEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Electronic readers, simply called “e-Readers”, are digital devices that can store books, periodicals, magazines, and other electronic media.  HTCS is providing the opportunity for students to use these devices in accordance with our e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy. This opportunity is a privilege that requires extra caution and responsibility both on the part of the students and their parents.

E-READER ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

The wide variety of capabilities of available e-Readers makes them challenging to monitor and control in a school environment.  The following e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy is specific and clear. A student who violates any portion of the e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy may immediately lose the privilege to use their e-Reader at school.

  1. All e-Readers must be registered with the school office and accompanied by the Acceptable Use Agreement Form signed both by the parents and the student. The e-Reader Acceptable Use Agreement can be requested in the HTCS school office.
  2. e-Readers are to be used only for the reading of school approved material (books, etc.) and not for other purposes such as communication, entertainment, music, gaming, etc.
  3. All material on the e-Reader must comply with the spirit and policies of HTCS. Please refer to the HTCS Policy Handbook for more details.
  4. All e-Readers must have cellular, network, and wireless capabilities disabled (turned off) while the device is at school.
  5. e-Readers must be used at appropriate times in accordance with teacher instructions. The e-Reader must not be a distraction for the student or those around him/her nor be a source of any classroom disruption.
  6. e-Readers are not to be used during lunch or playground/recess time.
  7. The student is responsible for knowing how to properly and effectively use their e-Readers. Teachers will not provide technical support.

 

3.49       STUDENT COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE POLICY

PURPOSE AND GOALS

Computers are a valuable tool for education and one of Holy Trinity Catholic School’s purposes is to encourage the proper use of computer related technology, including the Internet.  Students and all users of computer technology have a responsibility to use these tools properly and in accordance with the policy set forth below:

  1. to provide a variety of electronic tools to help students and teachers develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources and enable them to work effectively with various computer/communications technology.
  2. to encourage critical thinking and problem solving skills, which will be needed in this increasing electronic and global society.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF USER

With the right of access comes the responsibility to use the source both correctly and wisely.  Access to the Internet may mean that some material found will not meet guidelines set in our Acceptable Use Policy.  Monitoring and controlling all such materials is impossible.  Holy Trinity Catholic School will make every effort to discourage the appearance of such material; however, the opportunities and information made available by the Internet make it necessary to provide access in order that our students can take advantage of the many resources on the information superhighway.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR USE OF THE INTERNET

  • All users are required to take simple Internet training from the computer coordinator or his/her designee.
  • All users and their parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign a student access contract governing use of computer resources, which is provided by Holy Trinity Catholic School and set forth below.
  • Only students issued passes or permission and have completed training may use Holy Trinity Catholic School’s computers to access the Internet.
  • Use of stations is limited to those who have a clear need for research, with a teacher assignment to back it up. Use will be limited, if necessary.
  • Transferring copyrighted material to or from Holy Trinity Catholic School without express permission of the owner may be a violation of federal law. The user must insure that this does not incur.
  • Use of electronic mail and other Internet facilities to harass, offend, or annoy other users is forbidden.
  • E-mail accounts through Holy Trinity Catholic School may be restricted and/or monitored.
  • Any attempt to circumvent system security, guess passwords, or in any way gain access to secured resources is forbidden.
  • Use of the Internet for commercial gain or profit is not allowed from an educational site.
  • Users will not move, repair, reconfigure, modify or attach external devices, or load software on the system without the express, prior written consent of Holy Trinity Catholic School.
  • The system operator has the right to monitor all computer activity without prior notice to the user.
  • Holy Trinity Catholic School may impose additional rules and restrictions at any time.

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

 

DISCIPLINE

Violations of these rules will be handled by the computer education coordinator and Holy Trinity Catholic School administration.

STUDENT RULES

  • For reasons of personal safety, students must never post or transmit personal information about themselves or other people. This includes name, address, telephone/fax number, school address, social security number, etc.
  • Students must not access material that is profane or obscene (e.g., pornography) or that advocates illegal acts, violence, harassment or discrimination toward other people.
  • Students must not plagiarize works they find on the Internet. Plagiarism is taking the ideas or writings of another and presenting them as if they were one’s own.
  • Students must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language. Nor will they, through means of the Internet, harass or annoy other users.
  • Students must not knowingly or recklessly post or transmit information about persons or organizations that is false or private.
  • Students must not make deliberate attempts to disrupt computer systems or destroy data by spreading computer viruses or by other means. These actions are illegal.
  • The illegal downloading of copyrighted software or other written works for use on home or School computers is prohibited.

Violations of any of these rules may result in any or all of the following at the discretion of Holy Trinity Catholic School administration:

  • Loss of Internet access privileges
  • Disciplinary and/or legal action by the school, law enforcement or other involved parties.

STUDENT ACCESS CONTRACT – This contract is to be signed annually by parents at fall registration.

I understand that when I am using the Internet or any other computer/ telecommunication device, I must adhere to all rules of courtesy, etiquette and laws regarding the copying or use of information as prescribed by either Federal, State or local laws, the Diocese of Sioux Falls or Holy Trinity Catholic School).  I have read Holy Trinity Catholic School Acceptable Use Policy and discussed it with my parent/guardian.  I understand and agree that Holy Trinity Catholic School may monitor my use of computer resources; including without limitation e-mail and Internet activity and that my violation of Holy Trinity Catholic School policy is grounds for punishment.

 

Parents and Guardians:  You must review Holy Trinity Catholic School’s Acceptable Use Policy with your child(ren).

 

I hereby release Holy Trinity Catholic School, Holy Trinity Catholic Parish, and the Diocese of Sioux Falls, its personnel and all other institutions with which they may be affiliated, from any and all claims and damages of any nature arising from my child’s use of or inability to use the computer resources of Holy Trinity Catholic School, including without limitation Internet access, including but not limited to claims that may arise from the unauthorized use of such resources to purchase products or services.

I have reviewed the Acceptable Use Policy with my child(ren). I will instruct my child regarding compliance with the Policy as well as any additional restrictions that I may impose.

As the parent or guardian of this student, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy.  I hereby give permission for my child to use Holy Trinity Catholic School’s computer resources and Internet access.  I understand that my child has agreed not to access inappropriate material on the Internet.  I also understand and agree that Holy Trinity Catholic School may monitor my child’s use of computer resources, including without limitation e-mail and Internet activity and that violation of Holy Trinity Catholic School policy is grounds for punishment.

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

Appendix 1

TUITION COSTS

2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR

Monthly payments based on 10 month payment plan.

Preschool

Monday, Wednesday, Friday                                   $600.00/year

$60.00/month (Aug-May)

 

Pre-Kindergarten

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday               $750.00/year

$75.00/month (Aug-May)

 

**A non-refundable book fee of $25.00 will be due at the time of registration in order to reserve a place for your child in preschool.

 

 

 

Kindergarten through Grade 5

Catholic                                     $1900          or       $190.00/month

Non Catholic                             $2200          or       $220.00/month

 

**Lunch Fee – $650

(see also 3.25 School Lunch)

The school lunch fee will be assessed to every student, even if they choose to bring a sack lunch.  Families can still apply for free or reduced lunches.  With qualification and a signed disclosure statement, the school lunch fee will be reduced or eliminated for these families.  Applications for free or reduced lunch can be picked up in the HTCS school office at registration.

 

**A nonrefundable Book Fee of $70.00 will be due for 1st – 5th grade registration but if paid by April 30th the fee will be $55.00.

 

**A nonrefundable deposit of $100.00 will be due for Kindergarten registration.  This deposit will be applied to the $70.00 book fee and first month’s tuition.

 

** Volunteer Service Program – 10 hours or $300

(see also 3.44 Volunteers)

Because volunteers are vital to the success of our school, each K-5 family attending Holy Trinity Catholic School is required to donate their time and talent for a minimum of 10 hours per year.  Holy Trinity Catholic School feels very strongly that our parents’ time and talents are more valuable than money; but parents are given the option of choosing to pay $300 instead of the 10 volunteer hours.  If a family has not completed their required 10 hours of service by April 15th, the $300.00 will be charged on their May tuition statement.

 

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

Appendix 2

 

 

Volunteer Service Time Card

Holy Trinity Catholic School

 

Date________________________________________________

 

 

Parent Name_________________________________________

 

 

Teacher/Event________________________________________

 

 

Description of Service__________________________________

 

____________________________________________________

 

 

Number of Hours_____________________________________

 

Complete and return to the HTCS school office.

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

Appendix 3

 

ACCIDENT REPORT

(For Non-Employees)

MEMBER NAME _________________________________________________________________

PARISH/SCHOOL _________________________________________________________________

ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________

CITY ______________________________________________ ZIP __________________________

PHONE NUMBER _____________________PARISH EMAIL _____________________________

PERSON REPORTING _____________________________________________________________

DATE FORM COMPLETED ________________________________________________________

DATE OF ACCIDENT_______________________________TIME OF ACCIDENT ____________

WHERE ACCIDENT OCCURRED________________________________________________

WERE PHOTGRAPHS TAKEN?__________________________________________________

DESCRIBE THE ACCIDENT________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

PARTY INVOLVED-NAME __________________________ STUDENT? ______YES  ______NO

IF STUDENT, PARENT NAME(S) ___________________________________________________

ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________

CITY ______________________________________________ ZIP __________________________

PHONE NUMBER _________________________ WORK NUMBER ________________________

DOB ________________________________ SS# ________________________________________

INJURY/DAMAGE ________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________ TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE? _________________________________________________

WITNESSES (PLEASE INCLUDE ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER)

______________________________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

COMMENTS:

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

Appendix 4

 

 

South Dakota law (SDCL 13-28-7.1) requires students entering school or early childhood programs to present certification that they have been adequately immunized, according to the recommendations of the Department of Health. The law applies to all children entering school for the first time, including transfer students.

 

Minimum immunization requirements for Kindergarten and transfer students are defined as:

1) At least 4 doses of diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis containing vaccine, at least 1 dose on or after 4th birthday. Children who are 7 years of age or older should receive adult-type-Td vaccine.

2) 3 or more doses of poliovirus vaccine, at least 1 dose on or after age 4; or 4 or more doses of any combination of OPV/IPV given by 4 years of age.

3) At least 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine separated by at least 28 days, on or after 1st birthday. 2nd dose usually given as a measles/mumps/rubella vaccination. Hepatitis B and Haemophilus Influenzae B recommended at this time, but not required.

4) At least 2 doses of a rubella-containing vaccine, separated by at least 28 days, on or after 1st birthday.

5) At least 2 doses of a mumps-containing vaccine, separated by at least 28 days, on or after 1st birthday.

6) Effective August 2007, two doses of varicella (chickenpox) vaccine administered after the age of 12 months, or history of disease. Parental history is acceptable, and physician documentation is not necessary.

 

Contact the South Dakota Department of Health, Immunization Program, at 1-800-592-1861.

 

SECTION THREE:  PARENT/TEACHER HANDBOOK

Appendix 5

 

e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy & Agreement

approved by HTCS School Board on June 12, 2012

Introduction

Electronic readers, simply called “e-Readers”, are digital devices that can store books, periodicals, magazines, and other electronic media.  HTCS is providing the opportunity for students to use these devices in accordance with our e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy. This opportunity is a privilege that requires extra caution and responsibility both on the part of the students and their parents.

 

e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy

The wide variety of capabilities of available e-Readers makes them challenging to monitor and control in a school environment.  The following e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy is specific and clear. A student who violates any portion of the e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy may immediately lose the privilege to use their e-Reader at school.

  1. All e-Readers must be registered with the school office and accompanied by the Acceptable Use Agreement Form signed both by the parents and the student.
  2. e-Readers are to be used only for the reading of school approved material (books, etc.) and not for other purposes such as communication, entertainment, music, gaming, etc.
  3. All material on the e-Reader must comply with the spirit and policies of HTCS. Please refer to the HTCS Policy Handbook for more details.
  4. All e-Readers must have cellular, network, and wireless capabilities disabled (turned off) while the device is at school.
  5. e-Readers must be used at appropriate times in accordance with teacher instructions. The e-Reader must not be a distraction for the student or those around him/her nor be a source of any classroom disruption.
  6. e-Readers are not to be used during lunch or playground/recess time.
  7. The student is responsible for knowing how to properly and effectively use their e-Readers. Teachers will not provide technical support.

 

 


Holy Trinity Catholic School e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy & Agreement Form Parent/Guardian Agreement

I authorize my child to bring their e-Reader Holy Trinity Catholic School with the understanding that it is to be used as a tool for reading only and that my child will comply with the aforementioned e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy. I understand that Holy Trinity Catholic School is not responsible for any damage or loss associated with my child’s e-Reader. I also understand that a violation of the e-Reader policy may result in my child losing the privilege to bring their e-Reader to school for a length of time commensurate with the nature of the violation.

 

Parent/Guardian Name: (Print) ________________________________________________________________

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________________________ Date: _____________________

 

e-Reader Make/Model: ______________________________________________________________________

 

Student Agreement

I agree to abide by all guidelines set forth in Holy Trinity Catholic School’s e-Reader Acceptable Use Policy as well as those outlined in the HTCS Policy Handbook. I understand that a violation of the e-Reader policy may result in losing the privilege to bring the e-Reader to school.

 

Student Name: (Print) _______________________________________________________________________

 

Student Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: _____________________

 

Office Use Only:

Received in office by: _____________________________________________Date: _____________________