Pre-K Handbook

(Policy Book revised 5/12/15) 

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.

 

 

Welcome to the Holy Trinity Catholic School Early Learning Program

This handbook is written to familiarize you with our early learning program and to describe the role each participant – teacher, parent and child – has in this wonderful experience.

Today early childhood education is centered around the belief that it is important to teach the “whole” child.  Our program centers around activities that foster growth in all areas of development:  emotional, social, intellectual, linguistic, physical, and spiritual.  Children learn best when allowed to see, feel, taste, and smell.  Becoming involved in early learning activities almost always means noise, much activity, and even getting messy.  Our schedule encourages active involvement and balances free choice and structured activities in a warm, caring atmosphere.

The teacher, teacher’s aide, and other adults involved in our program are dedicated to providing a wide variety of learning experiences that develop the mind, body, and spirit.  We treat each child as an individual and allow each child to experience their own level of development and help them feel success without pressure.

Parents are a vital part of our school.  The link between home and school is very important to the success of your child.  Parental involvement consists of reading home/school communications, providing snacks, keeping us informed of any difficulties or successes your child is experiencing, and volunteering and/or just visiting our classroom.  We are open to you and want your suggestions and support.

The children in our program are encouraged to participate at their comfort level.  Through our curriculum they learn about themselves and how they relate to others while developing skills in fine and gross motor activities, language development, pre-reading and pre-math skills, self-care, and spiritual areas such as simple prayers and Bible stories.

Holy Trinity Catholic School Early Learning Program is under the direction of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Advisory council and the supervision of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Principal.  All rules of the Holy Trinity Catholic School Advisory council are upheld.  Holy Trinity Catholic School Early Learning Program does not discriminate against race, religion, or ethnic background.  Holy Trinity Catholic School Early Learning Program follows the guidelines of the South Dakota Department of Education.

EARLY LEARNING PROGRAMS AT HTCS

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.  This early learning program follows the guidelines put forth by the South Dakota Department of Education.

  1. PRESCHOOL AM

Students who are at least 3 years old by September 1st.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

8:15-11:00

  1. PRESCHOOL PM

Students who are at least 3 years old by September 1st.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

12:15-3:00

  1. PRE-KINDERGARTEN AM

Students who are at least 4 years old by September 1st.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

8:15-11:00

  1. PRE-KINDERGARTEN PM

Students who are at least 4 years old by September 1st.

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

12:15-3:00

ADMISSION

  1. REGISTRATION

Students are accepted on a first come, first served basis following the HTCS Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Policy.  If classes are filled when a parent registers, the child’s name will be put on a list and the parent will be contacted if a vacancy occurs.

At the time of registration parents will be asked to complete a registration form and to provide birth certificate and an updated copy of their child’s immunization records.  A non-refundable registration fee will be due at the time of registration in order to reserve a place for your child in the early learning program.  Registration forms must be on file at the school before your child will be allowed to start in our early learning program.  All immunization and birth certificates must be on file by September 30th for your child to continue in our early learning program.

  1. IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL 13-28-7.1) 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.  Immunization requirements are available in the school office upon request.

  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.

  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.

ENROLLMENT POLICIES

  1. HTCS Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten Enrollment Policy
  1. All families who currently have student(s) attending Holy Trinity Catholic School will be able to pre-register their child for preschool and 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Families who currently have student(s) attending Holy Trinity Catholic School Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, or 6th 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 – 6th Grade Enrollment Policy
  1. 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 6th 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.
  2. Registration for new families who wish to attend HTCS 1st through 6th 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 6th grade.  Registration will continue until all classes are full.

CALENDAR

The Holy Trinity Catholic School Early Learning Program follows the HTCS yearly calendar, closing for the same holidays and vacations and uses the same emergency closing procedures.  Preschool and pre-kindergarten will not be held on the afternoons that the public school has early release in-service for teachers.

ARRIVAL AT SCHOOL

For safety sake children must always be left in the care of an adult.  Children should be brought directly to the classroom and must never be left without a teacher or teacher’s aide present.  Children should not arrive at school before 8:00 am.  Supervision will not be provided before 8:00am nor 12:15pm.  Students will not be allowed in the building before 8:00am nor 12:15pm without supervision.

DISMISSAL

Preschool /pre-kindergarten students are dismissed at 11:00 and 3:00.  People’s Transit students will be walked to the bus.  Parents should pick students up outside the preschool/pre-kindergarten room and wait quietly in the hallway until children are dismissed.  Students picked up more than 10 minutes after class is over will be in the school office.

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.  You are encouraged to walk your child to the preschool/pre-kindergarten classroom.  Students should not be left alone in the classroom.

ABSENTEEISM

The preschool/pre-kindergarten teacher or school office must be notified if your child will not be attending classes.  This should be done before the absence of the child if at all possible.  Phone calls will be made to parents of students who are not in attendance.

TUITION

  1. Tuition costs for preschool/pre-kindergarten are determined each year by the advisory council. (See appendix 1) A twenty-five dollar non-refundable registration fee is required.  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.  (Tuition costs, Days and Hours are located in Appendix 1)
  1. Tuition payments for preschool/pre-kindergarten are due on the 15th day of each month, August through May. If tuition is not paid by the last day of the month the child’s spot will be relinquished to the next candidate on the waiting list.  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.  

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.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress reports will be issued to parents each semester.  They will be distributed in each child’s brown envelope.

CONFERENCES

Holy Trinity is noted for close contact with parents and teachers.  Scheduled Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held at the same time as conferences for Kindergarten through 6th grade students.  All students will have at least one scheduled Parent/Teacher Conference each year.  Parents will be notified of scheduled conferences.  A conference may be called at other times during the year by the parent or teacher if needed.

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.

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.

DRESS CODE

  1. Dress your child in comfortable, casual clothing suitable for school. School clothes are expected to be clean, neat and modest.  Tennis shoes are required for gym.    Short shorts, tank tops, and clothing with holes in need of repair are not appropriate for school. Wash and wear are                 the best.  Young children tend to go home with their art ON them.  Shirts will be worn for messy       projects but we don’t want children to be concerned about getting their clothes dirty and not             participating.
  2. Mark any items of clothing your child may take off at school and any item brought from home with their full name.  Use a felt tip pen that won’t come off in the wash.
  3. An extra set of clothes should be brought in your child’s book bag each class day in the event of an   unexpected accident.  Closed toe shoes should be provided if sandals are worn.
  4. 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, if the temperature dips below freezing or if wind chill is below -20.

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 2.)  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.

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.

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.  (See appendix 3.)

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                                                       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                        Encephalitis

Rabies                                                 Herpes                                                                Ringworm

Pertussis                                            Legionellosis                                   Pediculosis (lice)

Plantar warts                                   Lyme disease                                   Cytomegalovirus

Staphylococcus                             Streptuococcus                             Impetigo

AIDS/HIV                                            Malaria                                                                Giardiasis

Haemophilus influenza

 

BIKES

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

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.

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.

MONEY

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

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.

 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.

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.  Therefore, 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.

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. 

HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL PROPERTY IS TOBACCO FREE.

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 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.

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:

  1.   Snowfall, wind, and temperature (wind chill factor);
  2.   Dangerous driving conditions;
  3.   Weather forecasts in the early morning or during the day:
  4.   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.

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. a) The duty to report concerns suspicion only.  The burden of proof does not rest with the person reporting.
  4. b) Medical or professional confidentiality does not apply in cases of suspected child abuse or neglect.
  5. c) Anyone participating in good faith in the reporting of suspected case shall haveimmunity from any liability, civil or criminal.  On the contrary, failure to report constitutes a misdemeanor.
  1. Teacher’s Responsibilities:
  2. a) 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.
  3. b) To report the incident to the designated school staff person, the principal.
  4. c) 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.
  1. Principal (or designated person’s) responsibilities:
  2. a) To report the incident to Social Services or the State Attorney’s office.
  3. b) The principal, or designate, shall immediately report the case by telephone, then inform the school employee initiating the action within 24 hours to action.
  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:  I.  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.

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 can not 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.

DISCIPLINE

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.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

In an effort to instill Catholic values and promote academic excellence by nurturing mind, body, and soul, we pledge to provide all students with a safe, caring, and peaceful atmosphere which ensures the respect and acceptance of all.  HTCS recognizes that bullying and intimidation have a negative effect on school climate.  Students who are intimidated and fearful cannot give their education the attention necessary for success.  It is the right of every student to receive their education in a safe and positive working environment.

  1. Definition of bullying:  Bullying is a pattern of abuse that involves a 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)
  2. Bullying is prohibited:  The HTCS staff will not tolerate bullying on school grounds or during any activity on or off school grounds.
  3. Staff intervention:  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—unless intervention becomes a threat to a staff member’s safety.  The staff member will report the incident to the school principal so that a determination can be made as to whether this is a pattern and/or has occurred over an extended period of time.
  1. Students and parents will report bullying:  HTCS expects and encourages students and parents who become aware of an act of bullying to report it to the school principal for further investigation.  Any student who retaliates against another for reporting bullying may be subject to consequences.
  2. Investigatory procedures:  Upon learning of a bullying incident, the building administrator will interview both students, and thoroughly investigate.  This investigation may include interviews with students, staff, and parents, or a phone call to parents; review of school records, and identification of parent and family issues.
  3. Consequences/Intervention:  Age-appropriate consequences for students who bully others will depend upon the results of the investigation and may include a parent conference, detention, 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.

SCHOOL WIDE RULES

  1. Be Orderly

We will:

  1. Walk quietly in the hallways.
  2.   Enter and leave building quietly.
  3. Be Respectful of Self and Others

We will:

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

We will:

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

We will:

  1. Not use intimidating and/or threatening looks, words, or gestures.
  2. Help others who are being bullied by speaking out and by getting adult help.
  3. No Insubordination

We will:

  1. Obey the rules and follow instruction or directions of all adults.
  2. 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 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.

SUSPENSION (See 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.  Holt Trinity Catholic School reserves the right to dismiss any child that does not abide by the rules and/or cannot get along with other children in the class.

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, airgun, 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.

RECESS POLICIES/WEATHER CONDITIONS

  1. Weather permitting, Kindergarten through 3rd grade students are given three recesses each day. Outside recess during cold weather depend upon the temperature and the wind chill factor.  Shorter outside recess times are scheduled on very cold days.  Students should dress for outside recess.
  2. 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.

MUSIC

Preschool/Pre-kindergarten students attend class with the music teacher once each 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.

SCHOOL LIBRARY

The librarian from the Ruth Ann Bruns Library at Holy Trinity Catholic School will have story time with preschool/pre-kindergarten once each week.  Preschool/pre-kindergarten students are not allowed to check books out of the library,

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

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:
  2. 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.
  3. After the students are outside they should line up alphabetically and the teacher will account for all students by using a class roster.
  4. The principal shall make sure the building is clear and all students and staff are accounted for.
  5. The following exits will be used:
    1. South School Door: Preschool, Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First, Second, and Third, Computer, Library, Speech, and Title.
    2. South CCE Door:  Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth
    3. Main School Door: Multi-Purpose Room, School Office
    4. West New Edition Door: Music
  6. 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.
  7. Fire drills will be performed twice per semester.
  1. TORNADO PLANIn the event of a tornado the following plan shall be followed:
  2. The teacher shall instruct the students on the procedure to leave the room in single file and quietly.
  3. The teacher will account for all students once the class is assembled in their assigned location.
  4. 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, Fifth and Sixth will be in the hallway.
    3. Music and Multi-purpose room will use the west bathrooms.
    4. Tornado drills are done once a semester.
    5. Safety Management Plan and Crisis Management Guidelines can be found in each classroom, the school office, and the parish office.

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.

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.

 

  Appendix 1

TUITION COSTS

2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

Monthly payments based on 10 month payment plan.

Preschool

Monday, Wednesday, Friday                      $520.00/year

$52.00/month (Aug-May)

Pre-Kindergarten

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday   $670.00/year

$67.00/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 6

Catholic                                   $1700                   or      $170.00/month

Non Catholic                          $1950                   or      $195.00/month

**A nonrefundable Book Fee of $57.00 will be due for 1st – 6th grade registration but if paid by April 30th the fee will be $42.00.

**A nonrefundable deposit of $100.00 will be due for Kindergarten registration.  This deposit will be applied to the $57.00 book fee and first month’s tuition.

 

Appendix 2

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix 3

Holy Trinity Catholic School Communicable Disease

School Admission Form

 

Date________________

 

I, ______________________________certify that ____________________________(student) has been treated for ____________________________________ (communicable disease) and is eligible to return to Holy Trinity Catholic School.

______________________________                          ______________________________

Signature                                                                                               Title

 

 

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 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 (in SD only), or email with your questions. (Complete schedule of recommended childhood immunizations – use ADOBE to view this file from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)