Bluejean
/ Cupcake Day
Once a month the
students are allowed an "off-day" from the dress code.
This coincides with a cupcake sale during their lunch period.
The parents of children in a particular classroom are notified
when it is their turn to furnish two dozen cupcakes, cookies,
brownies, or Rice Krispie treats. The student cost is
25 cents. Half of the money raised from the monthly sale
is given to a charity chosen by the classroom that furnished
the cupcakes for that month. The other half of the money
goes into a school fund to be used for 'extras' in the classroom.
Cupcake/bluejean day is usually the last Wednesday of the month.
Back
to top
Busing / Transportation
Many St. Joseph
students take advantage of St. Johns Public School busing.
Information regarding bus routes is sent to families each year
in August. Any exceptions to home routes because of child
care providers must be arranged through the St. Johns Public
School Bus Garage (227-5330).
St.
Joe students are expected to meet the behavior criteria established
by their individual bus drivers and to adhere to all bus rules
of conduct. Infractions will be reported to parents and
to the school principal. Continued abuse of bus privileges
may result in the denial of transportation. St. Joseph
students are reminded that they represent the entire school
at all times and their behavior on the bus should exemplify
the same good behavior expected at school and home.
For
safety reasons, parents picking up students after school are
asked to park in the school parking lot or to cross with students
on Cass Street.
Back
to top
Discipline Code
The philosophy of
St. Joseph School is to provide a Christian environment in which
students are led to a respect for their own dignity and the
dignity of all life. The purpose of this code is to help
establish an atmosphere for learning which is as free as possible
from distraction and disruption. Teachers are responsible
for establishing and enforcing a discipline policy in their
individual classrooms which will support and reinforce the established
school-wide rules. At the same time, teachers recognize
the importance of supporting students' appropriate behaviors
and incorporating the use of positive reinforcement in their
classrooms.
In
keeping with the mission and philosophy of St. Joseph School,
there are certain standards of behavior which are expected throughout
the school.
School-Wide
Rules
Students
are expected to do the following:
- conduct themselves in a responsible
manner which shows respect for themselves and others
- show respect and follow directions
given by any person designated as an authority by the school
- use school property,
facilities,
materials, and equipment in an appropriate manner at all times
- only be in authorized or supervised
areas of the building and grounds
- conduct themselves at work and
play in a safe manner so as not to endanger or harm themselves
or others
- follow established procedures
appropriate to specific areas in the school, i.e., playground,
church, lunchroom, gym, computer lab, etc.
- refrain from the use of any
vulgar language, signs, or disruptive noise
Problem Solving
Procdures
If a social, behavioral
academic, or any related problem develops regarding a student, the parent has recourse
to the following procedure:
- Contact the teacher in question.
A conference between the teacher, student, and parent will very often
lead to satisfactory solution of the problem.
- Make an appointment with the school principal
if, after a conference with the teacher, the problem has not been resolved.
A discussion with the principal will usually lead to the proper corrective measures.
- Any parent has the right to address the Diocese
of Lansing Grievance Procedure, if they feel that a satisfactory resolution to
a school problem has not occurred after the two steps outlined above have taken
place.
Major
Offenses
Certain
behaviors will be considered major offenses and require severe
consequences. Some examples include, but are not limited
to, the following:
- use of profanity
- blatant defiance of authority
- possession of illegal, obscene,
or harmful materials
- persistent disregard for school/classroom
rules
- possession of weapons / explosive devices
- physical assault
- stealing
- vandalism
- repeated minor offenses
- sexual harrassment
Examples
of severe consequences include, but are not limited to, the
following:
- after school detention
- supervised in-school suspension
- out-of-school suspension
- removal of student from school
accompanied by a conference with parents
Any
consequence for major offenses will be decided by the principal
and teacher after consultation with parents, and, when necessary,
the pastor.
Weapons
Policy
St. Joseph school
prohibits the use, possession, sale, or discharge of any weapons or
explosive devices in the school, on school grounds, on the bus, or at
school sponsored activities. This policy includes, but is not limited
to, any firearm, knife, deadly weapon, or exposive or incendiary device.
Harassment /
Discrimination Policy
To provide
a safe, non-threaening environment in which students can learn, St. Joseph
School is committed to keeping our school free of all forms of harassment,
intimidation, and bullying. The following conduct and actions prohibited
under the diocesan sexual harassment / harassment policy include, but are not
limited to:
- Unwelcome comments concering a person's national
origin, race, personal appearance, physical attributes, or academic abilities.
- Unwelcome sexual jokes, stories, rumors, threats, or slurs.
- Unwelcome sexual notes, drawings, picures, or gestures.
- Unwelcome touching of an individual's body or clothes
in a sexual way.
Back
to top
Education Commission
The Education
Commission sets policy and serves as the regulatory body for
the parish educational programs. This commission includes
the priests of the parish, school principal, director of religious
education, school secretary and seven members of the parish
selected by lottery from a pool of nominees. Each selected
member serves a three year commitment with staggered terms to
provide some constancy on the board.
The
purpose of the Education Commission is to consult with and advise
the pastor of St. Joseph Parish on policy matters related to
the catechetical/educational ministry of the parish. The
Education Commission is empowered to take initiative in areas
of concern or respond to concerns brought to it by the pastor
or his representatives, the principal of the school, or the
Director of Religious Education. The Commission holds
meetings, open to all parishioners, on a bi-monthly basis.
Back
to top
Enrichment
A variety of enrichment
experiences are offered to the students throughout the grade
levels. These include those which enhance the curriculum,
others which lead to personal growth, and some that allow us
as a school to entertain, as well as to share the good news
of Christ with others.
Choir:
Fourth through sixth grade students may be members in the school
choir. Choir members
add beauty to school and parish liturgies, as well as having
a special role in the two school musical programs. Their
talents are often enjoyed in a variety of other situations as
well.
Field
Trips: Field trips are planned by each classroom teacher.
These are meant to enhance the curriculum or to add
another dimension to classroom experiences.
Field trip information, including cost, will be sent home to
parents in advance of the event. Signed parental permission
slips and driver information sheets (when aplicable) are required
for students' participation on class field trips.
Musical
Programs: The entire school presents two musical programs
during the year under the direction of the music teacher.
A Christmas program and a spring musical with a variety of themes
provide the students with an opportunity to witness to Christ
through music, narration, and dance.
Band
and Orchestra: Fifth and sixth grade student have
the opportunity to attend band or orchestra programs arranged with the public
school. This is a cooperative endeavor between our school
and St. Johns Public Schools which allows our students to make
a smooth transition into the middle school and high school instrumental
music programs.
Eagle
Village: Sixth grade students attend a "New Horizons"
program at Eagle Village in Hersey, MI each fall. This
is a three day, two night experience which allows for both group
and personal growth in cooperation, communication, caring,
commitment, and challenge. Teachers and parent volunteers
attend with the students. This experience often has a
long lasting impact on a student's life.
Back
to top
Faculty and Staff
Rev. Eoin Murphy, Pastor
Mrs. Tomi Ann Schultheiss, Principal
Mrs. Terrilynn Voisin, Secretary
Mrs. Diane Glowacki, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Rose Schmitz, Kindergarten Teacher
Mrs. Rose Rennells, First Grade Teacher
Ms. Sarah Presocki, First Teacher
Mrs. Linda Kurncz, Second Grade Teacher
Mrs. Nancy Goerge, Second Grade Teacher
Mrs. Dorian Cormier, Third & Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Dorella Page-Hunter, Third Grade Teacher
Mrs. Cheryl Wieber, Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Amber Carn, Fifth Grade Teacher
Ms. Sherry Winkler, Fifth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Julie Zielinski, Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Pat Snyder, Sixth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Donna Besinger, Librarian
Mrs. Nancy Poff, Music
Mrs. Carlene Deitrich, Classroom Aide
Mrs. Ann Parker, Hot Lunch Program Supervisor
Mrs. Chrissi Smith, Kitchen Staff
Mrs. Lisa Fedewa, Kitchen Staff
Mrs. Mary Jo Eiseler, Lunch/Playground Supervision
Mr. Larry Barnum, Lunch/Playground Supervision
Mrs. Wendy Jakus, Lunch/Playground Supervision
Mr. Tom Karek, School Maintenance
Back
to top
Honor
Roll
Academic achievement
of students in grades four, five, and six is recognized through
a quarterly honor roll. To qualify for an honor roll certificate
the following standards must be met:
- First Honors - All A's
(gold certificate)
- Second Honors - All
A's and a maximum of 2 B's (silver certificate)
- Third Honors - All A's
and B's (bronze certificate)
In
addition, special recognition may be given at each teacher's
discretion to one or two students who may not qualify for the
Honor Roll but who show a determined spirit in putting forth
their best effort to do well.
Back
to top
Mass and Daily Prayer
As Christians and
as Catholics, we rely on God for His guidance and strength as
we attempt to live out our Christian faith. St. Joseph
students, therefore, begin and end each day in a short period
of prayer. Throughout the year, students also take part
in seasonal prayer celebrations such as Stations of the Cross,
May Crowning, and praying the Rosary. Students also receive
the Sacrament of Reconciliation periodically throughout the
year.
Students
have an opportunity to attend Mass weekly. They participate
as lectors, readers of intentions, and gift bearers. All-school
Masses for grades K-6 are planned for First Fridays, holy days,
and other special occasions. Parents, as well as all parishioners,
are welcome to attend school Masses.
Back
to top
Medications
All medications sent
to school must be dispensed through the office. Students
are directed to bring medications directly to the Principal's
Office to be given to the adult in charge. A written request
must be signed by the parent granting permission to school personnel
to give the medication to the child. All medication must
be accompanied by a written order from the doctor, and prescription
medications must be in their original container. A written
record of all medications distributed will be kept on file.
This procedure is in accordance with Michigan Law governing
the dispensing of medication to students.
Back
to top
Office Procedures
The school office
opens 45 minutes before the beginning of the school day. The following
procedures are in place to provide consistency, to disseminate
information, or to protect the safety of each child.
- In case of absence, parents are asked to
call the office, unless prior arrangements have been made.
- It is requested that any communicable
diseases be reported to the office for our records.
The school, in turn, reports this information to the Health
Department.
- Any student needing to leave for an
appointment during the school day should bring a note from home.
Students will be dismissed from the office.
- Any student reporting to school late,
or returning from an appointment, should stop by the office for an
admissions slip.
- Anyone wishing to get a message
to a student during the school day should call the office
at least one hour before the end of the day.
- Each student is required to
have an emergency care form on file in the school office,
to be updated annually.
- Newsletters will be sent on
a regular basis to keep families informed of upcoming events
and points of interest. These communications and other
necessary information will be sent home with the student who
is the oldest child in each family in St. Joseph School. unless
other arrangements have been made.
Back to top
Parent / Teacher Conferences
Parent/teacher conferences
are scheduled in the fall for all parents and again in the spring
in situations where a conference is requested by a teacher or
parent. Parent/teacher contact throughout the school year
is always encouraged, and parents are invited to contact teachers
at any time with questions or concerns.
Back
to top
Report
Cards
Report cards are
issued following the completion of each nine week grading period.
Parents are encouraged to review their child's progress and
to contact the teacher if there are any questions regarding
the report.
The
grading system varies according to grade level. Students
in kindergarten are evaluated on physical and social skills,
as well as development in academic areas. First through
third grade students are given grades of V (Very
Good), G (Good), S (Satisfactory),
I (Improving, but not satisfactory), and U
(Unsatisfactory) according to their achievement. Letter
grades, based on percentage values listed below, are given
in grades four through six.
A -- 100-92
(Outstanding)
B -- 91-82 (Very Good)
C -- 81-72 (Average)
D -- 71-62 (Below Average)
E -- 61- (Failing)
Back
to top
Sacramental Preparation
The preparation for
the sacraments begins at home throughout the early life of the
child and continues throughout all of a child's religion program.
It is intensified in the school program near the time of the
child's reception of the sacraments.
Sacrament of Reconciliation: Preparation for this
sacrament begins in the fall of second grade with a parent meeting. As
the day of reconciliation approaches, a mini-retreat for parents and child
is held to enhance the preparation for the sacrament. The First Reconciliation
celebration occurs in the month of January.
Sacrament of Holy Eucharist: Preparation for this
sacrament also takes place in second grade beginning with a parent meeting in February.
Parents and children attend a mini-retreat in the spring. Parents will accompany
their child at individual interviews held in April. All
students receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion in the spring.
Back
to top
School
Cancellations Due To Inclement Weather
School cancellations/delays
due to inclement weather are announced on Lansing area radio
and TV stations. Because of busing, we will follow the
decisions of the public schools in these instances.
If it is announced that St. Johns Public Schools are not in
session, the same will be true of St. Joseph School.
If
weather conditions are such that early dismissal looks like
a possibility, please stay tuned to your local radio and TV
stations for information. Students will be expected to
follow their regular after school routine unless other arrangements
have been made. If the procedure is different for an early
dismissal, students should be informed ahead of time, and the
office should have the information on file.
Back
to top
Student Service Organizations
Students have the
opportunity to become involved in several service organizations
which help them to develop an early appreciation for volunteerism.
Service Squad: Students in grades four, five and
six are encouraged to volunteer for a variety of responsibilities.
Among these are: assisting teachers after school, helping
in the lunch room, working in the computer lab, and helping
to deliver messages from the office.
Safety Patrol: Non-bus students in the upper grades are
required to participate in the Safety Patrol. They have the important
responsibility of ensuring the safety of other boys and girls as they cross streets to
and from school.
Alter Servers: Boys and girls in grades five and
six are encouraged to assist the priest during weekday and Sunday
Masses as well as funerals, weddings, and seasonal celebrations.
Those who accept this opportunity to serve are trained to know
their responsibilities well, and are expected to carry out these
duties with reverence and respect.
Nursery Workers: Students in grades five and six
have an opportunity to assist adults in providing child care
for preschoolers during the 10:00 Sunday Masses.
These,
and other opportunities, are provided for student to perform
Christian service, and to develop an appreciation for helping
others.
Back
to top
Special Services
In cooperation with
Clinton County REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY (RESA) and
the St. Johns Public Schools, St. Joseph students are eligible
to receive the following services:
- Title I (Remedial Reading)
- Testing and Assessment for students
with special needs
- Resource Room Teacher
- School Social Worker
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational and Physical Therapy
- Staff Development
- Bus transportation to and from
school following regular bus routes
Back to top
Teacher Qualifications
The teaching staff
is comprised of state certified, experienced professionals,
who continue to update themselves through educational classes,
seminars, workshops, and in-service opportunities. Many
members of the staff are actively involved in a variety of professional
organizations, serving on local, state, and diocesan committees.
Additionally, teachers work annually toward fulfilling or updating
diocesan requirements for religious certification.
Working
as a team, respecting and supporting each other, the staff continually
strives toward educational excellence.
Back
to top
Testing
Each fall students
in grades four and six are administered standardized, norm referenced
tests. The Stanford Achievement Test and the Otis Lenon
School Ability Test (OLSAT) are the instruments used at our
school and throughout the Diocese of Lansing. Parents
receive a copy of the test results which they may choose to
discuss with their child's teacher or principal. A copy
of the results is placed in the student's cumulative file.
The results of these standardized tests provide one piece of
the student's total educational growth picture. In addition,
the testing process serves as a tool for a periodic evaluation
of the curriculum and the educational methods practiced.
Back
to top
Textbook Care
Textbooks are reviewed
and updated on a regular basis. Proper textbook care reflects
a recognition of their expense, as well as a sense of respect
and responsibility on the part of the students. Students
are asked to keep book covers on the books throughout the school
year. They may use either their own book covers or those
provided by the school. Please do not use adhesive type book
covers. Covers should be replaced when
they no longer serve their purpose. Other matters of textbook
care involve not writing in or on the books unless directed
by a teacher, proper mending of any accidental tears under the
guidance of the teacher, not keeping folded papers in the book
(this damages the binding), and carrying books to and from school
in a book bag. If a book is lost, misused, or damaged
beyond reasonable wear, the student is responsible to reimburse
the replacement cost to the school.
Back
to top
Attendance
Procedures
In cases of illness
or other family emergency, the parent/guardian should notify
the office that a child will not be in school. Students will be expected
to make up missed assignments in a timely fashion.
Student
who must be excused for an appointment during the school day
should bring a note to the office so that the time and day can
be recorded. The student should report to the office at the appointed
time so they can be released to a designated adult.
Advance
notice of anticipated absences should be sent in writing to
the teacher and the school office. The school calendar
provides for vacations at various times of the year, including
Thanksgiving, Christmas, spring break, and the summer
months. Since it is impossible to duplicate the
classroom experience, it is expected that family trips should be planned to
coincide with the school vacation schedule whenever
possible. In cases of absences, students will be
required to make up any assignments they missed, in a timely fashion though it is
not possible to replace the lost instructional time.
Teachers are not expected to prepare work for students prior
to an anticipated absence. However, upon the child's return,
necessary makeup work will be provided. Assignments not
completed in the time specified by the teacher will be
deducted for the student's grade.
While
good attendance is crucial to the learning process, it is
equally important that students arrive on time for their
school day. Any student arriving late to school should
report to the office for an admission slip. Excessive
tardies are disruptive to the student and to the entire
classroom's instructional procedures. Please make
necessary arrangements to avoid late arrivals.
Back
to top
