St. Matthew Catholic School Student-Parent Handbook 2019-2020
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St. Matthew Catholic School Student-Parent Handbook 2019-2020 Fr. Dennis Aréchiga, Pastor Geneva Salinas, Principal Mrs. Elizabeth Bloom, Vice Principal Mr. Harold Maldonado, Vice Principal 10703 Wurzbach, San Antonio, Tx. 78230 (210) 478-5099 www.smcssa.org 1 Contents St. Matthew Catholic School Student-Parent Handbook 2019-2020 ............................................................ 1 RIGHT TO AMEND THE STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK ....................................................... 7 ACCREDITATION ................................................................................................................................. 7 PASTOR’S LETTER OF WELCOME ..................................................................................................... 8 St. Matthew School Theme 2019-2020 ..................................................................................................... 9 ADMISSION POLICIES *3001 ............................................................................................................... 10 SCHOOL CALENDAR ............................................................................................................................ 13 MASS SCHEDULE ................................................................................................................................ 14 ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL OF SCHOOL ......................................................................................... 15 ATTENDANCE ......................................................................................................................................... 18 STUDENT RECORDS .............................................................................................................................. 21 CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE ............................................................................................................... 24 DRESS CODE *3303 .............................................................................................................................. 32 UNIFORM POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 32 NON-UNIFORM/SPIRIT DRESS DAYS .............................................................................................. 34 UNIFORM VIOLATIONS ...................................................................................................................... 34 INTERNET/USE OF ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION ............................................................... 40 MORALITY ............................................................................................................................................... 42 DUE PROCESS/APPEALS ...................................................................................................................... 43 COUNSELING OPPORTUNITIES AND EXPECTATIONS .............................................................. 45 EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES .................................................................................................. 46 HEALTH AND WELLNESS ................................................................................................................... 64 SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM ............................................................................................................... 71 ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION ................................................................................................................. 73 FINANCIAL POLICIES .......................................................................................................................... 73 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................. 77 PARENTS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS ..................................................................................... 78 COMMUNICATION ................................................................................................................................ 81 ACADEMIC POLICIES ........................................................................................................................... 82 STUDENT/PARENT HANDBOOK CONTRACT ................................................................................ 90 2 St. Matthew Catholic School Education Philosophy Be it known to all who enter here, That CHRIST is the reason for our school, The unseen but ever-present Teacher in our classes, The Model of our faculty and The Inspiration of our students. St. Matthew Catholic School Mission Statement The mission of St. Matthew Catholic School is to educate a strong, faith-centered community through a commitment to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical development of each child. St. Matthew Catholic School Vision Statement The Vision of St. Matthew is to continue as a school, based in our Catholic faith, traditions, and practices that will develop Catholic leaders of the future, offer the highest standards in academic education, and form responsible citizens who are stewards of the earth’s resources. 3 St. Matthew Catholic School Goals and Objectives St. Matthew Catholic School develops the whole student as a follower of Jesus Christ. The school supports a unique educational environment in which students and staff can experience the presence and love of God through a greater love for their Church, community, and country. In this setting, all are called to proclaim the Gospel message, to unite in worship and to respond to the needs of the community through fellowship and social justice. We strive to serve all through the sharing of their spiritual gifts and temporal goods. v The school is committed to the spiritual, moral, intellectual, social and physical development of each child. v The school promotes a community spirit among its constituents, allowing active members to find opportunity for Christian service. v The school provides instructional leadership. v The school will ensure a safe and orderly environment with a clear discipline code based in the Cardinal Rules. The Cardinal Rules 1. Show respect for yourself, adults, others, the St. Matthew uniform, and all property. 2. Be prepared for school and all activities. 3. Allow others to work undisturbed. 4. Follow directions. 5. Keep your hands to yourself. 6. Be honest. 4 BRIEF HISTORY OF ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL January 1993: Ground breaking for St Matthew Catholic School Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn August 1993: St. Matthew Catholic School opens – August 18, 1993 Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn Principal: Sr. Patrice Floyd, IWBS August 1994: Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn Principal: Mr. Curtis Youngman August 1996: Pastor: Msgr. John Flynn Principal: Mrs. Cindy Salinas June 1998: Pastor: Msgr. Michael Yarbrough Principal: Mrs. Cindy Salinas August 2004: Pastor: Msgr. Michael Yarbrough Principal: Mr. Alvin Caro August 2010: Pastor: Fr. Dennis Aréchiga Principal: Mr. Alvin Caro August 2018: Pastor: Fr. Dennis Aréchiga Principal: Dr. Jennifer Grenardo August 2019: Pastor: Fr. Dennis Aréchiga Principal: Mrs. Geneva Salinas St. Matthew Catholic Church and School are in North Central San Antonio, adjacent to the Medical Center. In 1992 Msgr. John Flynn, conducted a parish survey which revealed the desire for a parish school. He undertook the project with the firm belief that a parish school strengthened the religious education of the parish and strengthened parish life as a whole. In January 1993, ground was broken for St. Matthew Catholic School and on August 18, 1993, the school opened with an enrollment of just under 400 students. The school was dedicated by Bishop Joseph Galante on Oct. 10, 1993. Msgr. Michael Yarbrough was appointed pastor of St. Matthew Catholic Church on June 1, 1998. During his twelve years as our pastor, Msgr. Yarbrough was committed to the children, to their families, to the faculty and staff and, to promoting the Mission of St Matthew Catholic School. St. Matthew Parish welcomed Fr. Dennis Aréchiga as its pastor on June 1, 2010. Fr. Dennis, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and a former music teacher in the Archdiocese of San Antonio, brought his years of service as a pastor at St. Monica’s in Converse, Texas and as Pastoral Administrator of a parish school. Fr. Dennis is a strong supporter of Catholic education. 5 The faculty welcome his visits to the classrooms during the school year. We are blessed to be part of a living faith community. Fr. Dennis is assisted in the parish by Rev. Jake Emperor, SJ, Msgr. Juan Alfaro, Rev. Abel Ruiz and eleven deacons. They meet the school children at weekly liturgies, during Reconciliation and on special holy days. Sr. Patrice Floyd, IWBS, the first principal of St. Matthew Catholic School, opened the school with a full schedule for students from PreK-3 through 8th grade. Under the administration of Mr. Curtis Jungman, 1994-1996, school enrollment continued to grow, new classes were added at each grade level, and the decision was made to begin enrollment with PreK-4 classes. Under the administration of Mrs. Cindy Salinas, St. Matthew Catholic School reached an enrollment of over 700 students from Pre-K through eighth grade. Classroom space was expanded with the addition of three portable classroom buildings. This is Mrs. Geneva Salinas’ first year serving as Principal of St. Matthew Catholic School. She has been a school administrator for eight years. She is a graduate of Providence High School. She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s in Education from