Ss. Colman-John Neumann School Family Handbook 2014-2015

This handbook contains certain policies and procedures of the school. The school may change any of its policies and procedures and apply them as circumstances dictate. If you have a question about a particular policy or procedure, please contact the principal. Students and parents must accept and abide by the school’s policies and procedures in order for the student to attend the school.

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Ss. Colman-John Neumann School 372 Highland Lane Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania 19010-1150 610-525-3266 www.scjnschool.org Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Elementary Schools Certificate of Accreditation This is to affirm that Ss. Colman-John Neumann School has demonstrated to evaluators of the Commission on Elementary Schools that it is effectively advancing the quality of educational experiences it offers its students and meets its responsibilities to the public and profession of education and complies with standards for accreditation that are established by the Commission on Elementary Schools and approved by the membership of the Association and is therefore granted accreditation, for a period of ten years from this date, subject to the terms of accreditation maintenance set by the Commission on Elementary Schools. In November 2006 a visiting team from The Middle States Commission visited the school to review our application for reaccreditation. The faculty and staff worked on an action plan that explores and analyzes two subject areas and resources for the next three years. With the action plan drawn up, there is a blueprint for Writing and Science for the next three years. Final reaccreditation was issued in the spring of 2007. Currently, the faculty and administration are working on reaccreditation by completing the necessary steps required by the Middle States Commission. A visiting team will visit the school in March of 2015.

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Mission Statement The mission of Saints Colman-John Neumann Catholic School is to teach as Jesus did by weaving faith, community, and service into our curriculum. Our school provides students in preschool through eighth grade with a challenging and successful academic program. Partnering with families, we prepare the students academically and spiritually to become moral and compassionate leaders.

Belief Statement We believe that: Jesus is the reason for the school’s existence. The Catholic Christian values espoused by the school community contribute to the spiritual development of the students. Enacting the spiritual and corporal works of mercy through our social justice program encourages the students to practice Catholic social teaching. Each student is uniquely blessed with God-given talents that are fostered within the school community. Students thrive in our school’s safe and caring environment. Education is the shared responsibility of the entire school community. Our curriculum challenges students to become productive and contributing citizens in an ever-changing global society. Opportunities to develop leadership skills are provided at every level. Our graduates are prepared to meet the demands of high school.

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Policies and Procedures Absence Notes A child who has been absent must present a written explanation by the parent upon returning to school. A doctor’s permission to return is usually needed when a child is absent for more than three days in a row. Should a child contract a contagious disease, notification is to be given to the school immediately so that proper precautions can be taken. Admissions and Withdrawals Admission to Ss. Colman-John Neumann School follows these procedures: 1. Students of families who are registered in St. John Neumann Parish or St. Colman Parish and live within the parish boundaries, and students with siblings already attending Ss. Colman-John Neumann School are admitted first. 2. Students who are registered in either St. John Neumann Parish or St. Colman Parish and live outside of the parish boundaries are considered next. 3. Students who are registered in a parish that does not have a parish school are considered. 4. Students from outside the parish who do not fall into one of the above categories or students who are not Catholic are considered. All students must present a birth certificate. In addition, Catholic students must present a baptismal certificate at the time of enrollment. The following immunizations are required for admission: Diphtheria Tetanus Polio Measles Rubella Mumps Hepatitis B

Four doses toxoid (one after fourth birthday) Four doses toxoid (one after fourth birthday) Three doses trivalent (oral vaccine) Two doses of vaccine Two doses of vaccine Two doses of vaccine Three doses of vaccine

Children entering Preschool must be three years old on or before September 30th for the three-year-old program and four years old on or before September 30th for the four-year-old program. Children entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before September 30th of the current school year. Those entering first grade must be six years of age prior to September 30th of that current school year. At the time of registration for applicants in grades one through eight, the parent must supply satisfactory evidence of prior grade completion by bringing a transfer slip, the current report card, and any certificates required by state law or Ss. Colman-John Neumann School. When a student withdraws from school, his/her parent or guardian needs to notify the school office regarding the transfer. The parent/guardian may write a note or telephone 4

the school office giving the new school and the expected transfer date. School records will be forwarded to the child’s new school upon request from that school. The Principal will request an Exit Interview with the family. After School Enrichment Program An After School Enrichment Program is offered to our students three times a year. Examples of courses offered are Arts and Crafts, Baking, Board Games, and Sports. The program runs for approximately five weeks. Classes begin at 3:00 PM and end at 4:00 PM one day a week. Information on courses offered and registration is sent home two weeks prior to the start of the program. Appointments If at all possible, medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours. If this is impossible, a note should be presented notifying the school of the time the child will be called for by the parent. The child is to be picked up at the school office. Parents/guardians must sign the student out at the school office. Busing Haverford, Lower Merion, Marple/Newtown, and Radnor School Districts provide transportation for our students. In order to initiate service, a form is submitted from the school. The mailing of the form should be followed up by a phone call from the parent to the district in which the family resides. Bus riders are expected to be at the bus stop before the scheduled time of pick up. Students must follow bus safety rules and respect the driver and other passengers in order to maintain the privilege of riding. If a child is going to a friend’s house that is not located within the same district, parents need to arrange their own transportation. This directive is from the transportation departments. If a child is visiting a friend within the same district, a note to the bus driver must be presented in order for a child to ride a different bus. Class Size It is important that parents are aware of our school policy regarding class size. Every effort is made to keep classroom numbers at the maximum of twenty for Pre-K 3, twentytwo for Pre-K 4, twenty-five in grades kindergarten to fourth and thirty in grades five to eight. Exceptions to this policy are occasionally necessary. Computers IPADs Ss. Colman-John Neumann School students in fifth-eighth grades will receive iPads to use during school hours. Students must pay an annual fee of $50 (beginning 2015) to SCJN. Students will be responsible for increasing deductibles for each successive insurance claim. Students will not be covered by insurance beyond the third insurance claim.

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Archdiocesan Acceptable Use Policy for Technology Purpose Technology is a valuable and real world educational tool. All Archdiocese of Philadelphia schools will educate all students about appropriate online behavior, including interacting with other individuals on social networking websites and in chat rooms and cyber bullying awareness and response to ensure responsible use of technology. The policy outlined below applies to all technology use including but not limited to Internet use. The Acceptable Use Policy for Technology applies to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, volunteers or community members allowed access to school technology resources. In some cases outside or personal uses of technology may be applicable under this policy. Scope of Use We recognize that the digital world allows anytime, anywhere access. Uses mentioned in this policy apply to inside school use and may in certain instances apply to personal technology use and/or uses outside of school. Where personal outside use of technology threatens a likelihood of substantial disruption in school, including harming or interfering with the rights of other students or teachers to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities, these activities may be viewed as a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and may be subject to the disciplinary measures found herein. The types of electronic and digital communications referenced include, but are not limited to, social networking sites, cell phones, digital cameras, text messaging, e-mail, voice over ip, chat rooms and instant messaging. Goal The school’s goal is to prepare its members for life in a digital global community. To this end, the school will: • Integrate technology with curriculum to enhance teaching and learning • Encourage critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem solving skills • Facilitate evaluation and synthesis of information • Encourage ethical practices and provide education for Internet safety and digital citizenship • Provide a variety of technology based tools and related technology skills Responsibilities of User Our schools will make every effort to provide a safe environment for learning with technology, including Internet filtering and safeguards. The students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community are granted the privilege of using the computer hardware and software peripherals, and electronic communication tools, including the Internet. With this privilege comes the responsibility for appropriate use. In the Archdiocese of Philadelphia we use information and technology in safe, legal, and responsible ways. We embrace the following conditions or facets of being a digital citizen. ● Respect One's Self. Users will select online names that are appropriate and will consider the information and images that are posted online. ● Respect Others. Users will refrain from using technologies to bully, tease or harass other people ● Protect One's Self and Others. Users will protect themselves and others by reporting abuse and not forwarding inappropriate materials or communications.

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● Respect Intellectual Property. Users will suitably cite any and all use of websites, books, media, etc. ● Protect Intellectual Property. Users will request to use the software and media others produce and protect license agreements for all software and resources. Technology Use Guidelines Educational Purpose/Appropriate Use: School technology is to be used to enhance student learning. Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision. Copyright/Intellectual Property and Identity: All sources obtained for teacher and student work should be properly cited. Users are to respect the rights of and the intellectual property of others in accordance with federal copyright law. Transferring copyrighted material to or from a school without expressed permission of the owner is a violation of federal law. Communications: Electronic and/or digital communications with students should be conducted for educationally appropriate purposes and employ only school sanctioned means of communication. The school sanctioned communications methods include: ● Teacher school web page, e-mail, and/or phone number ● Teacher created, educationally focused networking sites Teachers or administrators in their normal responsibilities and duties may be required to contact parents outside of the school day. A teacher or administrator is free to contact parents using a home phone or a personal cell phone. However, they should not purposely distribute a home phone number or a personal cell phone number to students. If a student contacts a teacher or administrator using a teacher or administrator’s personal numbers, e-mail or networking sites, the teacher or administrator should immediately report this to the administrator or appropriate authorities. Electronic and Mobile Devices and Cell Phones: Users must adhere to local school policy that may further define uses of mobile devices. The administrator of the local school will determine permissible use. If a particular mobile device is to be used for educational purpose, the school administration and/or teacher will provide parameters for this use. Examples of Unacceptable Uses - Users are not to: ● Use technology to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, or annoy any individual. ● Post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane or sexually oriented material. Users must not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language. Users must not knowingly or recklessly post false information about any persons, students, staff or any other organization. ● Use a photograph, image, video or likeness of any student, or employee without express permission of that individual and of the principal. ● Create any site, post any photo, image or video of another except with express permission of that individual and the principal. ● Attempt to circumvent system security ● Deliberately visit a site known for unacceptable material or any material that is not in support of educational objectives. Students must not access social networking sites or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision. ● Violate license agreements, copy disks, CD-ROMs, or other protected media.

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● Use technology for any illegal activity. Use of the Internet for commercial gains or profits is not allowed from an educational site. ● Breach confidentiality obligations of school or system employees ● Harm the goodwill and reputation of the school or system in the community ● Transmit any material in violation of any local, federal and state laws. This includes, but is not limited to: copyrighted material, licensed material and threatening or obscene material. Reporting: Users must immediately report any damage or change to the school’s hardware/software that is noticed by the user. Administrative Rights: The school has the right to monitor both student and employee use of school computers and computer accessed content. Due to the evolving nature of technology, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, Office of Catholic Education reserves the right to amend or add to this policy at any time without notice. Personal Use of Social Media This section of the policy refers to the personal use of social media sites such as, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and MySpace. Teachers and students may not mention members of the school community without their consent unless the subject is of public concern and the speech falls under applicable constitutional protections. ‘Friending’ of current students by teachers is forbidden on a teacher’s personal social networking site. Personal posts must use appropriately respectful speech, and refrain from harassing, defamatory, abusive, discriminatory, threatening or other inappropriate communications. Policy Violations Violation of the above rules will be dealt with by the administration. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:  Loss of use of the school network, computers and software, including Internet access. o Students will be expected to complete work assigned at home. o Notes can be taken by hand in a notebook.  Issuance of demerits/detentions  Suspension  Disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, dismissal and/or legal action by the school, civil authorities, or other involved parties. Conferences Parent conferences will be held during the first trimester. Parents are asked to attend this conference to discuss their child’s progress. Students in grades five to eight are required to attend this meeting. This meeting affords parents and teachers the opportunity to voice concerns, suggest solutions to problems, and therefore cooperate in making the school year as worthwhile as possible for the children. Parents of pre-k and kindergarten students have two scheduled conferences during the year: one in October and the other in February. If a parent feels a need to see a teacher, a conference can be arranged. The parent may contact the teacher in writing or by e-mail to arrange an appointment.

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Curriculum Parents can find the curriculum standards for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on their website. The elementary standards are listed here: http://www.catholicschoolsphl.org/curriculum/elementary-school-curriculum. Student test folders are sent home each Wednesday for parents to review the tests that have been given during the previous week. Tests are to be signed by a parent or guardian and returned to school. Parents are encouraged to discuss with their children their progress each Wednesday when the test folder is sent home. Custody Issues All separated or divorced parents must submit a copy of the court order or legally enforceable agreement each year adjudicating the determination of custody. Non-custodial parent(s)/guardian(s) who have legal custody, and therefore have the right to participate in the educational decisions affecting the child, are generally entitled to report cards. It is the parent’s responsibility to request an extra copy of the above, if the two parents cannot agree to share information. Unless a court or custody agreement otherwise specifies, each parent/guardian is legally entitled to be provided access to all school records of the child or children. Only the parent/guardian or parent(s)/guardian(s) having legal custody of the child have the legal right to make religious and educational decisions. If there is joint custody, then both parents must agree on life decisions. Religion and education are life decisions. Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU) The state legislature in Harrisburg allocates funds for providing auxiliary services to nonpublic schools through the county intermediate units. Delaware County Intermediate Unit offers these services by maintaining learning centers for remedial students, offering a short term counseling program, and providing speech/language services in the schools by certified personnel who are attached to the aforementioned center. The DCIU provides the following to Ss. Colman-John Neumann School:  Reading Specialist twice a week for grades 1-4, depending on need  Counseling once a week, individual or group, upon request of parent, teacher or school administration  Speech and Language Specialist once a week  Educational Testing if needed  Training and workshops for parents and teacher All new students in grades one through four will be screened for services during September of their first year at SCJ]. Parents have the option to deny screening. Please inform the principal if your child received services from his/her former school.

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DCIU Staff Maryanne Regan Lisa Glavin Jessica Ryan Kate Hottenstein Marie Semper

Center Leader Reading/Math Remediation Teacher, EP Specialist School Counselor School Psychologist Speech and Language Specialist

Discipline The students who attend Ss. Colman-John Neumann School are expected to behave in a respectful, courteous, and self-disciplined manner to all school personnel, visitors, and classmates. Students are encouraged to take pride in the appearance of the school and the school grounds and to help in maintaining it whenever possible. Violent acts, performed by a student and/or parent, are against the mission of the school and will not be tolerated. Any act will be subject to disciplinary consequences including dismissal. Any act that involves the use of a weapon or an item used as a weapon will be reported to the police and is reason for immediate dismissal. Any act against our Acceptable Use Policy using the Internet or any type of Social Media may result in dismissal. Students are reminded that behavior outside of school in school uniform is subject to the policies and procedures of Ss. Colman-John Neumann School. Bullying Ss. Colman-John Neumann School defines bullying as behavior that is unfair and one-sided and is repeated. It can be verbal or physical. Examples of bullying include but are not limited to:  hurting someone physically  stealing or damaging another person’s belongings  ganging up on someone  teasing someone  using put-downs, such as insulting someone’s race or making fun of someone  spreading rumors about someone  leaving a student out or encouraging others to do the same  using the Internet to do any of the above  touching or showing private body parts The teacher, principal and school counselor will discuss an action plan to handle any bullying situations. This may involve group or individual counseling, a warning, or if warranted, suspension. Bullying will not be tolerated. Disciplinary Action The following steps will be taken when a student does not comply with school policy: 1. Student will be given a verbal warning and/or a conduct referral. If warranted, the teacher will discuss matter with the principal. 10

2. Student will meet with the principal if verbal warning is not effective. Parents will be notified. Student may be given: a. Detention after school hours. Parents will be notified twenty-four hours in advance of the date and time. b. Suspension if student has had two detentions without improvement or if warranted by offense. Suspension could be served in school. c. After two suspensions, the student may be asked to leave the school. Detention Detention may be given by any teacher or school administrator who considers an offense serious enough to warrant it. Such offenses may be: - continued lateness* - incomplete homework** - lack of cooperation - disrespect/misconduct - failure to comply with the dress code. A Conduct Referral will be administered with the detention date and time. Conduct Referrals must be signed by the parents and returned to school. A copy will also be sent to the office and placed on file. *After three late slips a detention will be given. **After three warnings a detention will be given.

Suspension Suspension is a serious disciplinary action taken by the administrator against a student whose actions constitute a major disciplinary infraction and are contrary to the good order of the entire school community. Such serious offenses are:  cheating  alcohol/drug use  plagiarism  bullying  disrespect to faculty/staff/other student  harassment  hurting another student  leaving school grounds  misuse of computers  smoking  truancy  vandalism  improper use of cell phones, including filming, picture taking, texting or phone calls made without permission of a teacher or the principal The number of days for which a student is suspended is determined by the degree of the infraction and decided upon by the administration. Suspension is a major step towards dismissal.

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Expulsion After a student has been suspended twice, he/she may be expelled. Immediate expulsion may take place without two suspensions, depending on the degree of the infraction and its result. Dismissals will take place after the situations are investigated and evaluated by the principal and the pastors. Dismissal Students leave school in lines accompanied by teachers. They are required to stay with the line until they reach their stated destination. All bus riders will exit the doors on the Highland Lane side to board the bus. All car riders will exit the glass doors near the main office to the parking lot near the gym. A sibling will go to the kindergarten and pre-k classrooms to accompany their younger siblings to their bus (kindergarten only) or car lines (kindergarten and pre-k). PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR BUS COMPANY TO SEE IF THEY ALLOW CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN FIRST GRADE ON THE BUS. If a sibling does not pick up the preschool child, the parent may pick the child up from 2:30 – 2:45. The teachers and/or assistant teachers will walk the children to the driveway perpendicular to Highland Lane (where the pre-k/k playground is located) to meet you. Please pull up as close to Highland Lane as possible. Any pre-k (every day) or kindergarten (Tuesday or Thursday only) student who is leaving at 12:00 must be picked up in the parking lot near the gym. The teachers will lead the students to you. Dress Code Kindergarten  Children attending kindergarten are to wear navy gym pants with school logo from C & M Sporting Goods (November 1st- March 31st)  Gray sweatshirt with school logo from C & M Sporting Goods  Gym shorts from C & M Sporting Goods (April 1st– October 31st)  White golf shirt with logo from Flynn & O’Hara (everyday but Gym Day)  Gray gym T-shirt from C & M Sporting Goods (Gym days only)  Sturdy sneakers Grades 1-8 Fall/Spring Uniform (optional) Girls Navy blue skort White golf shirt with logo White ankle socks

Boys Navy shorts White golf shirt with logo White ankle socks

Fall/Spring Uniform may be worn from April 1st to October 31st. The skort, shorts, and white shirt may be purchased from Flynn & O’Hara. School Uniform Throughout the School Year Girls Grades 1-4 1. Jumper and white golf shirt with school logo (long or short sleeved) or a white turtleneck 12

2. Blue V-neck sweater or vest (optional) 3. Navy blue tights or knee high socks Grades 5-8 1. Plaid skirt with white button down oxford shirt or white turtle neck (may wear only a plain white t-shirt beneath white shirt) 2. Blue V-neck sweater or vest 3. Navy blue tights or knee high socks *Jumper, golf shirt, skirt, oxford shirt, sweater and vest are to be purchased at Flynn & O’Hara. Boys 1. Navy blue pants with a belt if pants have belt loops. (no cargo style pants) 2. White shirt (may wear only a plain white t-shirt beneath white shirt) a. Golf shirt with school logo for grades 1-4 b. Button down oxford shirt for grades 5-8 c. Tie (grades 5-8) 3. Blue V-neck sweater or vest 4. Navy blue or black dress socks (no logos or athletic socks) *Sweater, vest, and golf shirt are to be purchased at Flynn & O’Hara. We recommend purchasing Navy pants from Flynn & O’Hara. Shoes Everyday Black or brown leather or leather-like Oxford tie shoes are to be worn. (example: Bucks) Plain brown or tan boat shoes are also acceptable. (example: Sperry) Gym Sturdy sneakers with white socks. Personal Appearance Boy’s hair length may not be over the shirt collar or hang below the eyebrows. Girl’s hair should not cover their eyes. We recommend keeping hair pulled up, especially on gym days. Post earrings may be worn in each pierced ear. Earrings that extend below the ear are not acceptable. In all matters of personal grooming and hygiene, common sense is the determination regarding the acceptability of personal appearance and hygiene. Shirts should be cleaned and pressed. Navy pants, skort, skirts, or navy shorts should not be overly worn or faded. Girls’ tights should not have holes in them. Boys in grades 5-8 button down shirt must be buttoned at the top under the tie. Both boys and girls must tuck their shirts in except when wearing their gym uniform. 13

Gym Uniforms Students wear their gym uniform on their designated gym day.. Any combination of the items listed below may be worn to school. However, sweatpants must be worn from November 1 to March 31 and should be worn from April 1 to October 31, as needed for cold weather. . Gray sweatshirt and t-shirt with school logo from C & M Sporting Goods . Navy sweatpants/shorts with school logo from C & M Sporting Goods . Rubber-sole sturdy tied sneakers with white socks Drills Building Evacuation If for some reason the school building needs to be evacuated, students would walk or be bused by Haverford Township to the Community Recreation and Environmental Center at the Haverford Reserve. Parents would be notified of the evacuation through the Option C school messaging system and would be instructed to pick up their children at the Community Recreation and Environmental Center at Haverford Reserve. Fire Fire drills are held regularly in cooperation with the Haverford Fire Department. Children are instructed on the route to be taken from each classroom they occupy. Occasionally, an exit is intentionally blocked so that the students will be prepared to take alternate routes. Strict silence and order is demanded during these very necessary drills. Lockdown This drill is conducted on a regular basis with the collaboration of the Haverford Police Department. The children are instructed by each classroom teacher what they are to do during a lockdown. Strict silence and order is demanded of the children during these very necessary drills. Lost Child This drill is conducted on a regular basis. Teachers are instructed on what to do during this drill. It does not necessarily involve all the students. Shelter in Place This drill is conducted on a regular basis. Students are taken to a designated area and the building is closed and locked. Tornado/Inclement Weather Tornado drills are held in the fall and spring. Children are instructed as to where they are to go during these drills. Strict silence and order is demanded of the children during these very necessary drills. Early Dismissals To request an early dismissal, send a note to the homeroom teacher who will forward it to the main office. The student will be dismissed from the main office. The parent or

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guardian must report to the main office and sign the child out in order for the child to be released from school. Failure Policy Students whose final grade in a basic skill area is a failure (F) will be required to participate in a tutorial class of that same area during the summer. This class may be a program sponsored by the school district in which the child resides, a program sponsored by another parish/private elementary school, or a private tutor engaged by the parent and approved by the principal. The teacher will work closely with the tutor to ensure the correct work is taught. A written confirmation that the program was completed will be due to the principal before the start of the following school year. Either the teacher or principal will administer an end-of-level test before the student is accepted for the following year. Field Trips Educational field trips are scheduled during the school year. Written permission from parents for children to participate is required for each trip. A faculty member, assisted by parent chaperones, will accompany the students on any field trip. Graduation Eighth grade students who have successfully completed the prescribed course of study of Ss. Colman-John Neumann School and maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible for graduation, if all financial obligations have been met. The place of the graduation Mass and exercises is St. John Neumann Church. A small reception hosted by the seventh grade parents will follow. Health Services The school nurse is on duty Tuesday and Thursday 12:30PM until 3:00 PM. The care given in school is limited to first aid at the time of accidents and illnesses until parents can be reached to take the child home, to the doctor, or to the hospital. Parents are called when a child has a head injury, has a temperature of 100 or higher or is vomiting. If any medication is administered, the child will be given a slip to inform the parent of the time and medication. Emergency cards are kept for each child, providing the necessary information needed in locating parents or the person to be notified in an emergency. It is important that parents notify the school office of any changes so that this information may be kept up to date. Physical examinations are required when a child enters school and in the sixth grade. Vision is checked yearly and a growth screening is administered every other year. Hearing is checked in grades kindergarten, first, second, third, and sixth. Children with hearing problems are checked yearly, as are those children who have failed their previous examination. Reports are sent home when a child is found deficient in this area. These must be returned to the school so that we are assured that the child has received proper care. The Haverford School District provides examination by a dentist for students in grades one, three and seven.

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Parents are encouraged to administer medication to their child at home. If a child needs to take medicine during the school day, the medicine must be accompanied with a signed parental consent note. This applies to over-the-counter medications as well as prescription drugs. Do not send medicines in your child’s lunch box or school bag for students to self-administer. All medications must be taken to the school office. Students who need to take medication every day of the school year must have their parent complete a form from the nurse’s office and are required to report to the school office to receive their medication. We strongly recommend that parents be aware of the common problem of head lice. Check your child’s head on a regular basis. You should notify the school immediately of any problem so that a prompt inspection may be made in the classroom. Prompt action promotes good health practices. A child must be cleared prior to returning to school. The nurse will inform you of the proper step prior to your child returning to school. A child must be fever free for 24 hours prior to returning to school. Homebound Program Students who are temporarily handicapped or who have contracted an illness, which requires him/her to be at home for an extended period of time, may take part in the Homebound Program. This program provides the student with the services of a certified teacher, assigned by the school district in which he/she resides, who works with the child in academic instruction. Parents of students in either of these categories should contact the school office to begin participation in this program. Homeroom Parents A request form for the names of parents who are interested in acting as a homeroom parent is sent home at the end of the year for the following school year. The teacher will notify the homeroom parent when he/she needs assistance. Homework Homework is vital to the reinforcement of the concepts represented during the school day. It may be assigned in written and/or study form. Since it is so important, homework should be supervised at home. Parents are encouraged to foster good study habits in their children. Some habits that have been proven to help children are: setting a homework time and place, providing a quiet atmosphere, and encouraging neatness, accuracy, and completeness. Helping children set up a schedule to study or complete an assignment will help him/her with time management. Children should study every night—not just the night before a test. Children in grades two to eight have an assignment book in which they copy all homework. Please check the assignment book, as this is the main source for finding all assignments. It is the student’s responsibility to copy the assignments into the book. If you find your child is not copying the homework down, please alert his/her teacher.

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The following time allotments are suggested for homework: Grades one and two ----------------- 30 minutes Grades three and four --------------- 60 minutes Grades five and six ------------------ 90 minutes Grades seven and eight -------------120 minutes Honors Recognition is given to students in grades four to eight who meet the following standards: First Honors Students must have a general average of 93 or above, with nothing below a 90 in a major subject. While Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, Spanish and Technology are not included in the General Average, a 3 or 4 is required to achieve First Honors. In addition a 3 or 4 is required in Personal and Social Growth and Effort and Study Skills. Second Honors Students must have a general average of 88 or above, with nothing below an 85 in a major subject. While Art, Library, Music, Physical Education, Spanish and Technology are not included in the General Average, a 3 or 4 is required to achieve Second Honors. In addition a 3 or 4 is required in Personal and Social Growth and Effort and Study Skills. Be A Better Me Award In the second and third trimester a student in grades 4-8 will receive a Be A Better Me Award if his/her grades improved by ten or more points overall. Personal and Social Growth/Effort and Study Skills In the upper grades where more than one teacher is responsible for the student, the Personal and Social Growth/Effort and Study Skills grades will reflect a joint decision. Lunch Children should bring their lunches clearly labeled with their names and grades to school every morning. Forgotten lunches may be delivered to the school office. The school offers a milk/juice program for parents who are interested. Information on selections and prices are posted on the school website (www.scjnschool.org) each trimester. Payment to SCJN and forms must be returned to the school office by the date indicated. Families with more than one child may return the forms with total payment in one envelope. The school offers a lunch program on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. Ordering is done on a monthly basis. The menu is sent to the parents and payment to SCJN and the forms must be returned to the school office by the date indicated. On Thursdays, students have the option to purchase pizza, drinks, and ice cream. Preorders are not necessary. The cost for pizza is $3.00; water or juice $1.00; and ice cream $1.00. Students should bring their money in an envelope.

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The principal, the lunch moderator and parent volunteers will assist students in kindergarten-eighth grade while they are eating lunch and during lunch recess. Pre-k students will eat lunch and play in their classroom and will be monitored by parents. Students in grades k-4 will eat lunch first while students in grades 5-8 are at recess. At 12:35, the students in grades k-4 will go to recess, while students in grades 5-8 eat. Students are expected to obey all lunchroom and schoolyard regulations. Lunchroom regulations are as follows:      

Children will show respect to the lunch volunteers at all times. Those who do not comply will be reported to the lunchroom moderator. Lunch is to be eaten while sitting at the table. No one may walk around the lunchroom without permission. Each child is responsible for his/her own area. Papers and trash are to be put into the containers at the time designated by the lunchroom moderator. All students are expected to recycle plastic bottles and aluminum cans. If a student has been asked to take a make-up test after eating lunch, the teacher will pick him/her up in the cafeteria. Students may not go to the classrooms without a teacher. If a child cannot finish eating his/her entire lunch, the remainder is to be taken home. Food may not be wasted or thrown out.

Schoolyard regulations are as follows:  Children are expected to act in a mannerly and Christian way toward one another. Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated.  Children are to follow the rules of the games set by the gym teacher in their gym class.  Children are permitted to bring soccer balls or basketballs from home to use at recess.  Playground balls are provided for each class to use at recess.  Two basketball courts are available for a class to use at recess. Morning Arrival All children in grades kindergarten to eight should come to the cafeteria doors between 7:45 and 8:10 AM. Parents are asked not to leave a child at school before 7:45 AM. There is no supervision before this time. Pre-k students who have siblings in the school may get dropped off at the cafeteria doors. The oldest sibling will accompany the pre-k child to their classroom. All other pre-k children will be dropped off at the brown doors nearest the pre-k classrooms. A teacher or teacher assistant will be waiting to assist your child into school. Pre-k students may be dropped off between 8:00-8:30AM. My Student Progress (MSP) Each parent is issued a password to gain access to MSP. It is vital that parents check their personal information on MSP and keep it current. SCJN uses MSP to notify parents of any school emergencies, including closing. It is our primary means of

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communicating through text, email or phone. In addition, parents may view their children’s grades. Teachers post test grades within one week of testing. Permanent Record Cards Any changes in address, phone numbers, or emergency numbers should be reported so that records will remain both accurate and current. Changes must also be made on MSP by the parent. Final report card grades and standardized test scores are also noted on these cards. All information regarding students and their families is safeguarded to protect the rights of the students against any infringement of privacy, misinterpretation of data, and inappropriate use. While enrolled in Ss. Colman-John Neumann School, the students’ records are kept in the active file. After transfer or graduation, these records are retained in the inactive file for five years. At the time of departure, records of Math and Reading skills and health records are forwarded to the receiving school. Permanent record cards are sent to diocesan elementary and high schools only. Personal Belongings Student’s personal belongings should be marked with the child’s name. Found articles that are not labeled are placed in a box on the stage. Cellular phones and electronic devices need to remain in the book bag in the off position during school hours. If a student has any type electronic device on him/her and it is not placed in the school bag, the device will be confiscated. A parent must come to school to retrieve the device. Students need to secure permission from the office before retrieving items from the classroom after school hours. No one may come back for items after 4:00 PM. Phone Calls The school office should be called by 8:30AM in the event that a child will be absent for the day. Parents who wish to pick up books or assignments are to make this request before noon so that assignments will be ready for pick up after 2:30PM in the school office. The telephone in the school office is for business only. A student may use the phone only with the permission of the school staff. Report Cards Report cards will be distributed three times a year at the end of each trimester: December, March, and June. In pre-k and kindergarten, each student will receive two progress reports. These reports will provide parents with an understanding of how their child’s skills are developing. Retention Policy Student progress is monitored throughout the school year. Conferences will be held with the parent/guardian to discuss the student’s academic, social, and emotional progress. If retention is indicated, the parent/guardian will receive an official notification, which must

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be signed and returned to the school administration. Promotion or retention is at the discretion of the administration in consultation with the teacher. Roll Slips Roll slips provide a record of a student’s absences and lateness. Final report card grades and standardized test scores are also noted on these slips. The roll slips are bound each year and kept for record. Scrip Program The SCJN Scrip Program is a major fundraiser for our school. Participation in this program subsidizes tuition and costs the parent absolutely nothing out of pocket. The parent simply uses scrip or gift cards to pay for purchases they are making. The gift cards are sold at even exchange, i.e. $25 in cash or check for a $25 gift card. For 2014-2015, each family will be required to purchase a minimum of $1200 in scrip over the course of the year. Once a family has satisfied that requirement, the profits earned on all Scrip purchases over the $1200 amount will be split with the family 50/50 in the form of a rebate which can then be applied toward the next year’s tuition at SCJN. Eighth grade families only can apply the rebate to the current school year’s tuition. Those families who do not reach $1200 in scrip purchases will be billed $250 additional for that year's tuition. Those who purchase between $1000 and $1200 will be billed for the amount of profit not realized for the year (5% per purchase amount). Families also have the option to pay a $250 fee to “Opt Out” of the Scrip Program. Forms must be completed and returned to school in order to participate. Families choosing this option will receive an invoice for the $250 fee at a later date. Grocery scrip can be purchased by emailing an order to Deanna Golden at [email protected] by 8:30 PM one day prior to when the parent would like to receive it. The parent sends payment into school the next morning in the scrip order envelope and it will be sent home that day. In addition, grocery scrip can be purchased in the school office and after the weekend Masses at St. John Neumann Parish The grocery scrip available is: Acme, Giant, Super Fresh, Carlinos and Colonial Village. Great Lakes Scrip orders (gift cards for retailers not in stock) will be placed on a weekly basis every Thursday. Please send orders (or order online) and payment to school by Thursday of each week. Please go the school website to download an order form and to see the Scrip available. Families are also encouraged to “Go Green” and order online at www.shopwithscrip and view a complete list of gift cards that can be purchased and the rebate amount that each one yields. Any questions about the Scrip or eScrip programs should be directed to Deanna Golden [email protected], and questions about Great Lakes orders to Barbara Rake [email protected].

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Snow Closings In the event the school administration needs to close school, parents will receive information through our messaging system, My Student Progress (MSP). Please keep all information on MSP updated so that you will receive a text, phone call and/or email to be informed. Information will also be posted on KYW and Channel 3. Our school number is 441. We follow what the Haverford School District is doing. Please check your local school district for busing information. KYW - Radio 1060, www.kyw1060.com School Number SCJN #441 HAVERFORD #455 LOWER MERION #302 RADNOR #457 Social Justice The Social Justice Committee of Ss. Colman-John Neumann School was formed to help the school community become aware of our responsibility as Catholic Christians to enact the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The primary work of the committee is the care of four children: Fany Yesenia Orellana Sanchez of Honduras, Sani Mondal of India, Martha Mutikaof Zambia, and a student at Sacred Heart School in Camden. The school also sponsors a Salesian sister from New Jersey. Each month a class or grade selects a charity to sponsor. The students in that grade relay their cause to the student body. The entire school participates in the monthly Social Justice projects. Students in seventh and eighth grade continue our mission by doing service outside the school boundaries. This includes visiting the children at St. Edmond’s Home and the home bound parishioners and cooking for and serving the homeless. The following is a list of social justice projects we have recently participate in:             

Archdiocesan Nutritional Development Services food drives Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl lunch Main Line CROP Walk November “Book of Life” Outreach to Women of Change, Women of Hope, St. John’s Hospice, Ronald McDonald House (juice can tabs) Fill the baby bottles collection for Mothers’ Home in Darby, PA Salvation Army Christmas Angel Project Thanksgiving food baskets for St. Francis Inn Collection of school supplies for Our Mother of Sorrows The Jared Box Project St. Edmond’s Home Visiting the home bound Parishioners

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Standardized Diocesan-wide Test The Terra Nova Test is administered each year to students in grades kindergarten to seven. It measures non-verbal skills, mathematics, reading, language arts, reference skills, social studies, and science. The results are communicated to parents and are utilized by the school for curriculum planning. Student Council The Student Council Leadership Team will consist of a President, Vice-President and Chairperson of each standing committee of Community Relations, Religious Activities and Spirit. These students are elected by ballot, after presenting themselves to principal, faculty, moderators and the student body. Following elections, each eighth grade student will submit two committees on which he/she would like to serve. The moderators along with the Leadership Team assign students based on their choices. Students from grades three through seven will be selected by their classmates in the beginning of each year as class representatives. Student Safety For the safety of the children, all doors including classroom doors are locked from the outside during the school day. Doors can be opened from the inside to allow for emergency exit. If a parent must visit the school during the day, he/she may enter the building where the double glass doors are located and report to the main office. Volunteers must sign in at the main office. All parents must sign out a student who is leaving outside of the regular dismissal. Visitors and parents who volunteer in school must wear an identification card while they are in the school. Supplies Parents are encouraged to purchase supplies from the school stationery store. Each grade has a list of materials needed for the school year. The list will be sent home at the end of the year for the following year. Tardiness Children who arrive after the scheduled starting time of the morning or afternoon session are tardy. A late slip must be obtained from the office and presented to the teacher prior to admission to class. Students in grades one to eight are required to serve a detention when lateness is excessive. When a student is late three times in a trimester, he/she will serve a detention.

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Tuition Tuition for the 2014-2015 school year is $3,075 for one child, $4,940 for two children, and $6,685 for three or more children. Out-of-parish tuition may be discussed with the pastor. There are four payment plans: Plan A Plan B Plan C Plan D

One payment due September Two payments due September and January Four payments due September, November, January, and March Monthly payments

All tuition is paid through SMART Tuition. In addition, there is an Activity Fee of $125 for each student for Religion textbooks, testing, duplicating, art, and construction paper. Beginning in the school year 2015-16, a $50 technology fee for grades 5-8, who are one to one with the iPads, will be charged. These fees are due the first week of October. A re-registration form is sent home in November (beginning in 2015). Parents are asked to choose a plan and return to the school office with the non-refundable pre-registration fee along with any necessary additional forms (letter from pastor, medical, etc.) Vacations Parents are responsible for insuring that work missed due to family vacations is completed. Teachers are not always able to provide material in advance. However, the teacher will keep a record of the work missed and give it to the student upon his/her return. It is the student’s responsibility to make up the missed work. Virtual Communication The purpose of the website is to provide information on school activities for our parents and students. A weekly update is sent home electronically to the parents’ email addresses, through MSP, each Wednesday. Parents are asked to carefully review the news update. The update and the website are SCJN’s primary form of communication about school activities with the parents. Volunteers Volunteers are an integral part of our school program. At the end of each school year a form is sent out to all parents asking for assistance in various areas. Sign up sheets to volunteer for Home and School Association sponsored events are available during the Back-to-School evenings scheduled in September.

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School Personnel 2014-2015 Reverend James Sherlock, Pastor, St. Colman Parish [email protected] Reverend James J. McKeaney, Pastor, St. John Neumann Parish [email protected] Mrs. Cathleen Lamberto, Principal [email protected] Classroom Teachers Ms. Kerry Gilmore Pre-K 3A [email protected] Miss Lauren Lamberto Pre-K 3B [email protected] Mrs. Diane Mattson Pre-K 3A&B Aide [email protected] Ms. Elizabeth Gioia Pre-K 4A [email protected] Ms. Tammy Leonard Pre-K 4A Aide [email protected] Ms. Rebecca Pennock Pre-K 4B [email protected] Mrs. Gail Alessandroni Pre-K 4B Aide [email protected] Mrs. Jamie O’Donnell K/1 [email protected] Mrs. Renee Scardecchio K/1 Aide [email protected] Ms. Brigid Harron K/2 [email protected] Mrs. Dawn Liscom K/2 Aide [email protected] Mrs. Wendy Kmetz Grade 1 [email protected] Ms. Lauren Goane Grade 2 [email protected] Ms. Jessica Leone Grade 3 [email protected] Ms. Lauren Hedrick Grade 4 [email protected] Mrs. Mary White Grade 5 [email protected] Mrs. Deborah Sabatino Grade 6 [email protected] Mrs. Diann Venezia Grade 7/Honors Math [email protected] Mrs. Deborah Andes Grade 8 [email protected] Specials Teachers Ms. MaryAnn Dougherty 7&8 ELA/Social Studies [email protected] Ms. Denise Rose Music [email protected] Mrs. Clare Scangarella Art [email protected] Mrs. Maritza Nelson Spanish [email protected] Mr. Michael Raimondi Technology [email protected] Mrs. Maryann Ratigan Librarian [email protected] Mrs. Sheila Sheaffer Physical Education [email protected] Mr. Kevin Viola Math/Science [email protected] Office Staff Mrs. Mary Anne Edwards Secretary [email protected] Mrs. Kathleen McCauley Special Services [email protected] Mr. Thomas Conaghan Building and Grounds Mrs. Mary Conaghan School Maintenance Mr. Pat Getzfread Building and Grounds Ms. Kathy Frank School Nurse [email protected] Mrs. Jennifer McMahon C.A.R.E.S. [email protected]

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Home and School Association The main objective of the Association is to maintain a closer relationship between home and school. All parents of the children attending school are members of the Association. General meetings are held four times a year and are important avenues of communication. All parents are encouraged to attend these meetings and to become involved in the activities of the Association. Principal: President: Vice President: Past President Secretary: Treasurer:

Mrs. Cathleen Lamberto Jennifer Wilson Jennifer Ciarmoli Elyse Wackerman Kate Campbell Dan Adamczyk

Publicity Chairperson:

Erin Dunkel Nancy Franz Debra Zuccarini

Program Chairperson:

Susan Momenee Cush Jennifer Carr Ann Daniel Lisa Figge Jennifer Bodner Jennifer Migliaccio Lisa Palumbi Megan Knott Amie McMullen Stacia Halfpenny Nicole Stout Cindie Dowd Robin Lavelle Jan Baffa Kevin Sheehan Stephanie McGrath Deanna Golden Kathleen Geibel Barbara Rake Nicole Stout Kristie Ganley Bernadette Price Kathleen Geibel Mrs. Mary White Father James Sherlock Father James McKeaney

Mentor Program:

Lunch Monitor Chairperson: Homeroom Parent Chairperson:

Fundraising Chairperson:

SCRIP Chairperson:

Beautification Chairperson:

Administrative Chairperson: Faculty Representative: St. Colman Pastor: St. John Neumann Pastor:

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Home and School Sponsored Activities Back to School Social Donut Day New Parents’ Meeting Field Day Pizza Bingo Floor Hockey Tournament Santa’s Workshop Boo Hoo Breakfast Dress Down Day Coupon Books Princess Ball

Grandparents/Special Friends Day SCJN Boutique Supermarket Certificate Program Pancake Breakfast 4/400 Raffle Santa’s Lunch Innisbrook Sale Mentor Program Thursday Pizza Lunch

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Athletic Association The purpose of the Athletic Association is to foster the physical, moral and emotional growth of youngsters who are members of either St. Colman Parish or St. John Neumann Parish and/or attending Ss. Colman-John Neumann School, by establishing a program of sports which stresses the concept of Christian principles, respect for authority and for one’s peers, individual conditioning and effort, knowledge of fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, and reinforcing a positive self-image for all children. Athletic Board Officers Co-Athletic Director Co-Athletic Director Secretary Treasurer Scheduling Manager Equipment Manager/Boys Equipment Manager/Girls Team Coordinator St. Colman Pastor St. John Neumann Pastor

Shonna Gillespie John Knott Bill McCoach John Figge Darin McMullen Jennifer Lord Maureen Dougherty Ann Marie Donnelly Fr. James Sherlock Fr. James McKeaney

610-527-3180 484-454-5277 484-412-8589 610-527-3939 610-527-5409 610-449-3144 610-449-2624 610-449-1789 610-642-0545 610-525-3100

Sports Program Fee This fee is used to buy uniforms, equipment, sports awards, and also to pay CYO fees, tournament fees, and referee fees. The sports program fee and registration material are due prior to playing the various sports. All registration material will be made available on the Athletic Association’s website at http://www.scjncyo.org/. A child will not be prevented from playing a sport because of inability to pay the sports program fee. Questions may be directed to the Athletic Board. The sports fees are as follows: Baseball/Softball Basketball Basketball Cross Country Field Hockey Soccer Track Fall Sports Cross Country Field Hockey Flag Football Soccer Tackle Football

Grades 5 - 8 Grades 5 - 8 Grades 9-12 Grades 4 - 8 Grades 5 - 8 Grades 5 - 8 Grades 4 - 8

$40.00 $65.00 $60.00 $20.00 $45.00 $50.00 $20.00

Boys/Girls Girls Boys/Girls Boys/Girls Boys

Grades 4 - 8 Grades 5 – 8 Grades 3 – 4 Grades 5 - 8 Grades 5 - 8

Flag and Tackle Football participants from SCJN CYO register with the St. Denis Bulldawgs program Winter Sports Basketball

Boys/Girls

Grades 5 - 8

Spring Sports Baseball Softball Track

Boys Girls Boys/Girls

Grades 5 - 8 Grades 5 - 8 Grades 4 - 8

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