Presentation of Mary Academy Enlightening Hearts and Minds Summer 2016 Newsletter

182 Lowell Road Hudson, NH 03051 www.pmaschool.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 90th GRADUATING CLASS OF PMA!

Dear Parents, Guardians and Friends,

Welcome to Presentation of Mary Academy and the new school year! I welcome in a heartfelt way all new parents and students to our school community. We commit to making your transition to PMA as smooth as possible for your family and children. The 2016 school year promises to be filled with many opportunities for personal growth in a Christian environment that fosters self-discipline, academic achievement and a lifestyle modeled on the Gospel message that we must love and respect each other as Christ loves and respects each one of us.

PMA continues to be blessed with many new students, so much so, we have had to open up a new fifth grade classroom. Thank you for what you do as parents and students to SPREAD the GOOD NEWS about PMA. Word of mouth and personal experiences continue to be the best marketing tools for the school.

I am also hosting an ORIENTATION MEETING FOR ALL PARENTS AND STUDENTS WHO ARE NEW TO PMA IN GRADES 1 THROUGH 8 ON MONDAY, AUGUST 29, AT 10:30AM, AND FOR PARENTS ONLY IN GRADES PREK-K AT 6:30 PM in the Alumni Hall located on the second floor. I will be reviewing some of our pick-up/drop-off car line procedures and answer any questions you may have about the start of the school year. In the interest of time, it would be helpful if you could email questions to me ahead of time so that I can be prepared to answer them for you. Please email me at [email protected].

Our Gym/Arts Center construction is running a bit behind schedule due to some revisions in the plans. The actual digging process will begin on August 22, 2016. Please be assured that extreme safety measures will be in place during the construction process with little or no impact on the regular school day schedule. I am attaching another Academic Calendar to this newsletter so you have the dates and times at hand for the first week of school.

I encourage you to become involved in your child’s education in whatever way you can. Your presence at PMA is important to all of us! It not only helps us grow into a more vibrant school community but also promotes your child’s success at school. Be assured of our prayer-filled support and commitment to your child’s education. Please do not hesitate to contact me or the school office should you have any concerns or questions.

With a grateful heart, Sister Maria Rosa, PM Principal IMPORTANT REMINDERS– PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 SCHOOL at the following times: THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1 Staff Meetings from 9:00am until 3:00pm. Gr. 1 11:10 Gr. 2 11:15 Gr. 3 11:20 Full day for all students Pre-K-8. Gr. 4 11:25 Gr. 5 11:30 MONDAY, AUGUST 29 SEPTEMBER 2-5 Grades 6, 7, 8 will be dismissed at 11:35am in ORIENTATION for new parents and students NO SCHOOL—Labor Day Break the FRONT OF THE SCHOOL. Junior High in GRADES 1-8 at 10:30am in the Alumni students will pick up their younger siblings at the BUS TRANSPORTATION Hall (Second Floor). New families may visit back car line and walk them to the front car line so Bus transportation for Hudson residents the classrooms and deliver supplies either that all siblings are picked up by parents in one will begin on Tuesday, September 6. before or after the orientation (9am-12:30pm) spot. Parents must contact First Student

Bussing and register their child for this Meet and Greet/Supply Drop-off for ALL SCHOOL UNIFORMS (Details on Page 4) service. GRADES Pre-K through 8 beginning at All students are expected to wear their school 9:00am in the following order: uniforms BEGINNING Tuesday, August 30. SEPTEMBER PARENT  Last name beginning with A through H: INFORMATION NIGHT 9:00am-10:00am. SCHOOL HOURS The Open House will begin at 6:30 pm  Last name beginning with I through P: The school hours vary according to grade levels. in the homerooms. 10:15am-11:15am All students must be in the school yard by the August 29: Gr. Pre-K & K at 6:30pm  Last name beginning with Q through Z: following times: September 13: Grades 1-4 at 6:30pm

11:30am-12:30pm September 14: Grades 5-8 at 6:30pm Grades Drop-Off Time Pick-Up Time

Gr. 6, 7, 8 7:35am 2:35pm This change in the Meet and Greet schedule FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 Gr. 3, 4, 5 7:45am will allow for better traffic flow and parking Early dismissal for all students Gr. 3 2:20pm spaces for all parents. As much as possible we beginning at 11:10am. Please see early Gr. 4 2:25pm ask that all parents with the exception of the dismissal time schedule on the left Gr. 5 2:30pm new parents adhere to the schedule above. column. Pre-K students will be Gr.1 and 2 7:55am 2:10pm Thank you! dismissed at 11:00am in the car line, Gr. 1 2:10pm and Kinder students will be dismissed Gr. 2 2:15pm This first day of school will be an informal at 11:00am in the front of the school. Kindergarten 8:10am 1:55pm MEET AND GREET DAY! This will give you After-school services will not be PreK-3/PreK-4 8:20am 1:50pm and your child an opportunity to visit the school, available. meet the teachers, and become acquainted with the school environment in an informal setting. Please note Drop-Off and Pick-Up Location for SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 grades 6, 7, 8 and Kindergarten will be in the 20th PMA FUN FEST from 10:00am— We encourage all parents and students to attend front of the school building. Please use the center 4:00pm the “Meet and Greet”. The teachers will be avenue for this pick-up and drop-off. available to answer your questions or concerns. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 The SHUTTLE ENVELOPES will be distributed Drop-off and pick-up for students in Prek-3, Mass with Bishop Libasci at 10:00am at this time. Students do not need to wear Prek-4, and Grades 1-5 will be in the back of the for students in grades 1 through 8, school uniforms for this event. School supplies school. Please follow the car line instructions that followed by Bishop Libasci’s visit to should be brought in on this day. you will receive on the first day of school. the classrooms.

MONDAY, AUGUST 29 Students who need to be at school before 7:30am FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 30: INFORMATION NIGHT FOR PRE-K and will be placed in the Before-School Program, and NO SCHOOL: Professional KINDER PARENTS AT 6:30 pm in the the parents will be billed accordingly. The safety Development Day for the Catholic Alumni Hall on the second floor. Following the of your child is of utmost importance to us. School Staff in the Diocese of General orientation in the Alumni Hall, the Children are not permitted to be on the campus Manchester. teachers will meet with the parents in the without supervision before 7:30am. homerooms for 45 minutes to review the following procedures: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31 1) Review of Extended Day Program  Half-day for Pre-K and Kinder Students with 2) Food Allergies dismissal at 11:30am 3) Car line drop-off and pick-up  Drop-off and pick-up for Kinder in the front 4) Extra clothing for ‘accidents’ avenue 5) Hot lunch and milk procedures  Drop-off for Pre-Kinder in the back car line 6) Snacks - what to pack and not to pack circle 5) Volunteering in the classroom  Full day for students in Grades 1-8

TUESDAY, AUGUST 30 BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL START HALF DAY SESSION FOR STUDENTS IN DATES GRADES 1-8. The Before-School Program will begin on Tuesday, Please note that dismissal will begin at August 30. 11:10am today. Grades 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 will be The After-School Program will begin on dropped off in the morning and dismissed in Wednesday, August 31. the carline area at the BACK OF THE IMPORTANT REMINDERS– PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

TUESDAY, SEPT. 20, AND WEDNESDAY, OCT. 5 MEET THE FACULTY AND Band Instructors/Company All parents and friends who desire to volunteer at PMA STAFF 2016-17 PAUL EFFMAN MUSIC SERVICES must participate in a mandatory Volunteer Training Session. The training will only be offered on Tuesday, Room # Teacher Plant Manager Sept. 20 and Wednesday Oct. 5. On each of those days PK(3) -111 MRS. DEBBIE HEITMILLER DAN LAMB there will be a session at 9 am and 6:30 pm. Parents need PK(4)-102 MRS. DONNA DEMERS to attend ONE SESSION. Training will not be offered K-206 MRS. CAROL GUARINO Parent Group Chair later in the school year. If you think you might want to K-101 MRS. CYNTHIA SIROIS CHRIS THOMPSON coach or chaperon a field trip be sure to attend. K-104 MRS. JENNIFER MASSEY DANIELLE TOUPIN (CO-CHAIR) FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 1-204 MRS. KIM POLOMBO 1-205 MRS. JULIE LAMONTAGNE Capital Campaign Director $2.00 Dress Down Day for students and staff. We invite DIANA LAMOTHE everyone to dress down on Friday, September 23. Money 2-304 MRS. JULIE SAVOIE 2-301 MRS. WENDY DE PENASSE raised through monthly dress down days will go towards Marketing and Development our new Gymnasium/Arts Center building project. Please 3-215 MRS. AMY RIBECK 3-303 MRS. JEANNE CRAVEN TRACIE DUMONT see the dress code section of the handbook for Dress Down Code! 3-302 MS. VALERIE BAUER 4-305 MRS. SANDRA DEREN Nurses Rm. 109 MRS. MARGARET SULLIVAN 4-306 MRS. JUNE DECOSTA MRS. BERNADETTE DEE A FOND FAREWELL AND WELCOME TO OUR 5-308 MRS. LISA TOOHEY NEW STAFF MEMBERS! 5-310 MR. KEVIN DESAULNIERS Extended Care Program Director Due to a change in career paths, it is with sadness that I 5-311 MRS. JENNIFER KING MS. MARY MCMANUS inform you that both Mrs. Carol Wagner and Ms. 6-320 MRS. MISSY ZAVALICK Meliza Chan will not be returning to PMA this fall. Gr. 6 Relgion/English/Literature PreK and Kinder Aides While we know that the students were looking forward 6-313 MR. ADAM SHAW MRS. BARBARA HOLT PREK-3 Gr. 6,7,8 Math and Algebra to having Mrs. Wagner and Ms. Chan as their teacher, MRS. AILEEN URBACH PREK-4 7-318 MRS. ANA GODBOUT we feel confident that they will appreciate their new MRS. SANDRA HANDY K-JM Gr. 6,7,8 Spanish teachers. MS. CHRISTINA SUN K-CS 7-315 MS. KAYLEE CUMMINGS MRS. MELISSA FRASER K-CS

Gr. 6 Science, Gr. 7 Religion and MRS. ANNA TERNI K-CG I am pleased to announce that Mrs. Julie Savoie, who Literature taught at PMA for numerous years before going on a 8-322 MS. CHRISTINA MEEHAN Maintenance maternity leave, will return to PMA now that her Gr. 7 English , Gr. 8 English and  MR. ROBERT BUCKLEY daughter Mia is starting first grade. We are thrilled to Literature  MRS. JACKIE CARRETI welcome Mrs. Savoie back to PMA. 8-324 MRS. JANE CARVER

Gr. 6,7,8 Social Studies Cafeteria We also welcome with open hearts Mrs. Jennifer King to our new fifth grade classroom. Mrs. King has two Science Gr. 7/8 and Religion Gr. 8  MRS. MELISSA RAUSEO children who presently attend PMA. She comes to us as Rm. 201 SR. CECILE LECLERC, PM  MRS. ROSE MCPHEE an experienced educator who taught for many years in both the public and Catholic school systems in MA. Religion Gr. 8 Enrichment and Tutorial Services MS. MARY MCMANUS  SR. FERN PERREAULT Our new seventh grade science teacher is Ms. Kaylee  SR. RITA GARNEAU Cummings. She will also teach seventh grade religion Art Rm. 106 and literature. Ms. Cummings just completed her  SR. CLAUDETTE LAVOIE MRS. ALEXA POREMBSKI Masters in teaching from Rivier College and is no stranger to PMA as she was the long term substitute Title One Math and Reading Spanish Grades PreK-5 Rm. 210 MRS. JUDITH BRENNEN science teacher for Sr. Cecile’s 7th and 8th grade MRS. HELENE WHERRY science last fall. Kaylee is also a proud graduate of Administrative Assistants PMA. Physical Education Rm. 100 MRS. MELISSA ANGIUONI  SR. CLAUDETTE Welcome, Mrs. Savoie, Mrs. King and Ms. Cummings BRUNELLE , PM Rm. 316 and thank you Ms. Chan and Mrs. Wagner for your Guidance Counselor  MRS. KIM FLINT many years of dedicated service to PMA. We will miss MRS. MELISSA ANGIUONI  MRS. JUNE NOLET you! Music Rm. 220 Athletic Director 21st PMA FUN FEST 2016 MRS. MARIA LETICIA GONZALEZ MR. STEVEN GAUDREAU Saturday, September 17, 2016 10:00 am-4:00 pm PENNY SALE ITEMS NEEDED Piano Alumni Hall Business Manager Rm. 312 Penny sale items can range from $2 items to whatever you SR. LORRAINE PINETTE MRS. DONNA DESRUISSEAUX want to spend. Better still, go through your “re-gifting” box and donate items that you do not plan on using. Library Rm. 200 Assistant Principal Rm. 326 Birthday gifts and Christmas gifts, we’ll take them all as MS. DENISE BABCOCK MRS. KATHRYN GAUDREAU long as they are NEW AND UNUSED. Your donation may be someone else’s long desired treasure! Items can Computer Science Rm. 202 Principal Rm. 312 be dropped off at car line during the first two weeks of MRS. JOAN METROPOLIS SR. MARIA ROSA, PM school. Important Information—Please take time to read this with your child!

THE UNIFORM POLICY! PMA SPIRIT WEAR PMA UNIFORM BOUTIQUE Throughout the year, parents may purchase a great savings for PMA You will find the complete dress code policy on various spirit wear clothing and articles through our website or when you visit Education the athletic program or through Educational Families! Outfitters to place your uniform orders. Outfitters. We strongly encourage the students to Parents, before heading to Educational PLEASE take time to read over the policy with wear spirit wear at appropriate school functions, Outfitters to purchase new uniforms for your child, paying particular attention to the sporting events, dress-down days, as outer wear your child, check out our PMA following items that often create tension both at to and from school, and on special designated UNIFORM Boutique, located on the school and at home: “spirit wear” days that may occur throughout the first floor by the business off. For $5.00  SHOES The policy is simple. Shoes must year at school. Spirit wear is not a replacement or less you can purchase gently used be BLACK, safe, and not exceed ONE- for any part of the school uniform or the gym uniform items for your child. INCH HEELS for the girls and boys. uniform.  HAIR No coloring, streaking, outlandish SEPTEMBER 14, 2016 styles, and must be SHORT for the boys, DRESS-DOWN DAYS (always optional) over the ears and above the collar. No On days when uniforms are not required, PMA PMA Band Presentation and bangs that cover the eyes. PLEASE keep students should not wear any type of clothing or Information Session in the Alumni Hall everyone’s life really simple: do not allow grooming which is inappropriate for a Catholic at 9:30am for Grades 3-5 10:00am for Grades. 6-8 your child to get his/her hair streaked, school. This includes spandex and other Parents, come and meet our Band colored, or whatever else he /she says is tightfitting clothes, shirts advertising brand Presenters and Instructors! Students okay to do … it is NOT OKAY. Keep it names, with ads or other writing, camisoles, will be receiving Band Registration simple and NATURAL. pajama bottoms, tank tops, shirts with spaghetti forms on September 14, 2016.  NAIL POLISH No colored nail polish; straps, extra short skirts or shorts, halter tops, sun this applies to all students from PreK-8! dresses, and torn clothing. Skirts and shorts should be near knee length. Flip-flops, sandals,  ROLLED UP SKIRTS are not slippers, and boots are never allowed. No bare acceptable as we are trying to instill in our midriffs or low-cut tops. Dress-down days are students a sense of modesty and respect not about “marketing” the latest style, fashion, or for the body. brand name. Students do not have to participate  DRESS DOWN DAYS It is a very in the dress down day, if they are not comfortable simple policy - no attire that in any way, adhering to the dress down code. The PMA shape, or form advertises the latest uniform is always acceptable. marketing fads, trends, or is inappropriate for a child attending a Catholic school. CAMOUFLAGE CLOTHING or any military- Please read the policy carefully. type clothing, including jackets and hats/caps, is not considered appropriate at this school and may GYM UNIFORM FOR ALL STUDENTS IN not be worn. GRADES PRE-K - 8 On “gym day” students must come to school THE PMA BLAZER HATS of any kind are not to be worn in school for JUNIOR HIGH STUDENTS dressed for physical education class. The gym by either boys or girls, except for medical or The boys and girls in the JUNIOR HIGH uniform is purchased through the uniform religious reasons. are required to purchase a PMA company only. BLAZER. The blazer is part of the We take great pride in our students and in the The uniform dress for physical education classes Junior High School Uniform. The consists of: way they look! The uniforms ensure that all students are required to wear the students look neat, studious, and presentable at  Maroon T-shirt with PMA logo (short or BLAZER on special occasions, such as all times. I am sure you will agree that you long sleeves) liturgies, special visits, and other events prefer that your child’s teacher and/or Sister as required by the school administration.  Maroon fleece or mesh shorts with PMA Maria spend their time assuring that your child is logo (Shorts must be hemmed.) The blazers are available at Educational getting the best possible education and not on Outfitters.  Maroon sweatshirt with PMA logo “uniform patrol.” Please support what we are  Maroon sweatpants or wind-pants with trying to instill at Presentation of Mary PMA logo Academy—respect for rules and policies by adhering to the DRESS CODE. Thank you! Sneakers (plain, sturdy, Velcro or tie) and socks are required. Sneakers with shoelaces 2016-17 PMA Advisory Board must be tied at all times. Sneakers must not be Chairperson Mr. Bill Hassey distracting, such as having lights, roller blades, Vice Chairperson Sr. Marie Henault, pm noisemakers, etc. built into them. Finance Committee Mr. Kevin Bannon Mr. Jerry Dolan IMPORTANT Alumni Committee Ms. Rita Deschenes PMA SPIRIT WEAR POLICY Pastor Fr. Joe Cooper Students ARE NOT ALLOWED to wear Public Relations Mr. Len Lathrop Help us spend more time on your education PMA spirit wear or sports uniforms as a and less time on DRESS CODE! Follow the Principal Sr. Maria Rosa, pm substitute for the gym uniform. UNIFORM CODE and stay DETENTION FREE! EVERYONE will be happy! BE PART OF THE PMA Alumni Reunion CELEBRATION! Sunday, October 23, 2016 JOIN OUR from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm 21st FALL FUN FEST! CELEBRATING Last year, over 5000 people attended the GRADUATES FROM THE Fall Fun Fest. To continue this success, FOLLOWING CLASSES we need your help on Saturday, September 17! The event depends entirely 1991 AND 1966! on PARENT VOLUNTEERS! For graduates of classes of DON’T DELAY WHEN PLANNING TO 1991 (25 years) and We need every family to commit two REGISTER YOUR CHILD FOR A PMA hours of time at the Fun Fest. When you 1966 (50 years) SPORTS PROGRAM! receive your Fun Fest Information Packet Gather your friends and Fall in the August 29 white student shuttle, come celebrate at PMA. All  Instructional Soccer: Co-ed, Grades Pre-K-2 please read ALL of the information.  Hatchling Soccer: Co-ed, Grades 1-2 Volunteer training is not required for this graduates are invited to the  Jr. Griffin Girls Soccer: Grades 3-5 event only! reunion!  Jr. Griffin Boys Soccer: Grades 3-5 Keep in mind that all of our children  Sr. Griffin Girls Soccer Team: Grades 6-8 th benefit from the proceeds of the Fun Fest. A Legacy of Excellence (5 graders by Try Out) The money goes directly into field trips Beyond Academics  Sr. Griffin Boys Soccer Team: Grades 6-8 th and enrichment activities. When you For more information on (5 graders by Try Out) volunteer, you build school spirit which  Cross Country: Co-ed, Grades 4-8 enhances our school community! how you can donate to the Capital Campaign Fund, Winter With all of your hard work on Friday or Saturday, you will leave the Fun email Diana LaMothe at  Instructional Basketball: Co-ed, Grades PreK-2 Fest a satisfied, tired and fulfilled [email protected]  Competition Cheerleading: Grades 3-8 Volunteer!  Mites Cheerleading: Grades 2-3  CYO Basketball for Boys & Girls: Grades 3-8  Ski Club: Grades 1-8

Spring  Diamond Skills (baseball & softball): Co-ed, Grades Pre-K-2  Lacrosse Skills & Drills: Co-ed, Grades K-8  Jr. Griffin Lacrosse (Boys): Grades 1-3  Jr. Griffin Softball (Girls): Grades 3-5  Sr. Griffin Softball Team (Girls): Grades 6-8 (5th graders by Try Out)  Golf Team: Co-ed, Grades 5-8  Tennis Club : Grades K-8

SPORTS PROGRAMS AND STANDARDS FOR PARTICIPATION PROJECT DETAILS Depending on the availability of volunteer coaches, PMA  A state-of-the-art 36,000 square foot gymnasium with a collegiate- offers various after-school sports programs to students. size, divisible court for multiple, simultaneous sports practices Participation in sports is dependent upon meeting the  Bleacher seating for 600 required academic/behavior standards.  A performing arts stage with seating capacity for 1,400  Three multi-purpose rooms created from enclosed balcony spaces  Two additional parking lots increasing parking availability from 85 spaces to 300 spaces  Reconfigured roadwork that will enhance traffic flow and on-campus safety  A functional grand entrance and lobby with natural lighting  An additional elevator and handicap access points  Two concession stands serving the athletic field and the gymnasium and art center  Two full locker rooms and rest rooms  Building construction to meet LEED Certification codes IMPORTANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

ABSENT/TARDY POLICY Parents are encouraged to exercise good judgment in keeping children home from school. Youngsters who are ill will have a difficult time attending to work and will expose other children to illness. Absences must be explained in WRITING to the classroom teacher. For the personal safety of your child, we ask that on the day your child is absent, you notify the school office (by calling the Absentee Line Ext. 455 or by emailing [email protected]) before 8:30am to inform us that your child will not be in school. Students will be required to make up work resulting from absences or tardiness. At the teacher’s discretion, a reasonable time-line will be determined for the completion of missed school work.

TARDINESS All students are expected to be in school on time. Students entering the building after the official start of the school day (varies according to grade levels) will be recorded tardy. If your child is late for school, he/she must report to the office with a WRITTEN NOTE explaining the reason for the tardiness before proceeding to class. Please remember that a late student will interrupt instruction and will miss important directions given at the beginning of the school day. Tardy arrivals after 8:30am should also be called into the office.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM The program begins immediately after school and ends at 6:00pm. Registration forms can be obtained from our school website under Administration.

BEFORE-SCHOOL PROGRAM The school building will be open at 6:30am, for parents of students in grades 1-8 who wish to bring their child to school before 7:30am, and Pre-K and Kinder students who arrive before 8:10am. Please use the cafeteria door located at the back of the building. The program is available on an as- needed basis. This service will begin on Tuesday, August 30, 2016.

FOOD & DRINKS For safety reasons, glass containers with food or drinks are not allowed in school. If your child does not order milk or water, please make sure his/her drink is secured in a thermos bottle or plastic container. Students may purchase snacks, milk and water in the school cafeteria during lunch or after school before 2:30pm.

REQUIRED FORMS All new students must have BIRTH, BAPTISM (if the child is Catholic) and MEDICAL HEALTH FORMS (immunization records) in the school office before the first day of school. In accordance with NH Health Department, we will not accept students in the school without proper immunization records.

WHITE SHUTTLES HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION On the first day of school your child will receive a “WHITE SHUTTLE” to be used as the means of communication between home and school. The SHUTTLE will contain weekly communications from your child’s teacher and the school office. We ask that you sign the envelope and return it to school the following day. We have designated the youngest child in the family as the “SCHOOL MESSENGER” for any communications. This will help us economize on the number of copies being duplicated at school as well as postage. The WHITE ENVELOPE will be sent home every WEDNESDAY. Please return it to school on THURSDAY. Please DO NOT SEAL THE ENVELOPE. Your child will be using the same envelope throughout the year.

NUT ALLERGY ALERT Sensitivity to students with nut allergies including, but not limited to, peanuts While we cannot realistically designate PMA as a PEANUT/NUT FREE SCHOOL, we can, however, sensitize all of our parents and students to the reality that we do have students in our school community with potentially life threatening allergies to nuts. Ingested peanuts/nuts, residue on objects and on skin, as well as airborne peanut protein may be dangerous for students with these allergies. To ensure the safety of our students, we ask that you do not send snack items containing peanuts or peanut/nut products to be shared with the entire class. Your child may bring lunch items containing peanuts, provided they are packed separately from your child’s snack, because special accommodations at lunch time provide a sanitized area for nut allergic students.

VOLUNTEERS On the first week of school you will receive a VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP FORM. The form will list numerous opportunities for you to become involved in the school. Your service is a helpful way for us to continue providing your child with a quality education at an affordable price.

MANDATORY VOLUNTEER TRAINING SESSION for all volunteers who work with the students of PMA. This includes chaperones for field trips, coaches, Girl Scout leaders, cafeteria, library aides, and classroom helpers. There are three requirements for becoming an official PMA volunteer.  The in-house volunteer training session is held in the cafeteria. This years sessions are being held on Sept. 20 and Oct. 5. (9 am and 6:30 pm)  Shield the Vulnerable online child safety course. Info will be given out at the in-house session. Certificates must be printed and sent in upon completion.  Criminal Background checks are done through the school office. Paperwork will be filled out at the in-house training ($10.00 fee)

While volunteering at PMA you must wear a volunteer badge. Badges will be picked up in the school office upon arrival. The badge must be visible while you are in the building. The badge should be turned into the office upon signing out.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES Parent/teacher conferences are encouraged anytime you have a question concerning your child’s educational, spiritual, or social development. Please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher for an appointment. We discourage parents from initiating conferences with the teachers in the car line at the beginning or end of the school day. It is difficult and often stressful for teachers to properly supervise students while being attentive to a parent. If you need to speak with your child’s teacher, we ask that you send a note to the teacher requesting a conference. We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this sensitive matter.

NEED A SUPPLY LIST OR SCHOOL CALENDAR? Download a copy from our school website at www.pmaschool.org. Parents, please take the time to review the PMA Bullying Policy with your child prior to the start of school. It is our hope and belief that if we work together as partners in instructing, modeling, and being authentic examples of Christ’s love and kindness, bullying as we know it will diminish in our schools. Please refer to the PMA Policy Handbook found on the website. PMA Bullying Policy As Catholics, we believe that everyone is created by God and loved by God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to value other people’s dignity and to treat them with respect just as Jesus did. Bullying of any kind goes against our call to be like Jesus and it is never acceptable.

Presentation of Mary Academy is committed to providing all students with a safe school environment in which all members of its community are treated with respect. The school believes that protecting against and addressing bullying is critical for creating and maintaining a safe, secure and positive school climate and culture; supporting academic achievement; increasing school engagement; respecting the rights of others; and upholding our Christian values.

The Principal or Principal’s Designee is responsible for ensuring that the Anti-Bullying Policy is implemented.

Definitions Bullying means a single, significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another pupil which:

Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or causes emotional distress to a student; or interferes with a student’s educational opportunities; or creates a hostile educational environment; or substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.

Cyber bullying means bullying conduct (as defined above) that is undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, electronic readers, videogames, and websites.

Statements of Prohibition Bullying and cyber bullying will not be tolerated and are hereby prohibited.

PMA reserves the right to address all forms of prohibited conduct and, if necessary, impose discipline for such misconduct that occurs on or is delivered to school property or a school-sponsored event on or off school property; or occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event.

False Reporting A student found to have knowingly made a false accusation of bullying may face disciplinary or remedial action within the discretion of the principal or principal’s designee.

Retaliation Retaliation or false accusations against a victim, witness, or anyone else who in good faith provides information about an act of suspected bullying or cyber bullying is prohibited. Any student found to have engaged in retaliation against those described above shall be subject to disciplinary action.

Reporting Incidents of Bullying  Note: The identity of the reporter will be protected unless otherwise required by State or Federal law. Any student who believes that he/she has been the victim of bullying should report the act immediately to a teacher or to any other school employee.  Any student who has knowledge of, or observes, bullying of another student is encouraged to report the bullying to a teacher or to any other school employee. If a student is unsure whether an incident learned of, or observed, may constitute bullying, the incident should be discussed with a teacher or another school employee.  Any parent, guardian, or school volunteer who suspects, has witnessed, received a report of, or has information that a student may have been subjected to bullying is encouraged to promptly report such incident to a teacher, a school employee, or the principal.  Any teacher, staff member, or school employee who suspects, has witnessed, received a report of, or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to bullying or suspected bullying as defined above shall promptly report such incident to the principal or principal’s designee.

Your actions can hurt more than words! Be Gentle … Be Kind! BULLIES NEED NOT APPLY FOR ADMITTANCE TO PMA!