2016-2017 Parent/Student Handbook ST. MARK Catholic School A 2015 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence 9972 Vale Road, Vienna, VA 22181-4005 703-281-9103, FAX 703-766-3430 Fr. Pat Holroyd, Pastor Mrs. Darcie Girmus, Principal Growing in Faith, Knowledge, and Service www.stmark.org/school This school is accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association whose accreditation process has been approved by the Virginia Council for Private Education as authorized by the Virginia State Board of Education. Table of Contents I. PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION/MISSION STATEMENT ............................................1 Diocesan Philosophy of Catholic Education ........................................................................1 Diocesan Mission Statement ................................................................................................1 School Mission Statement/Philosophy ................................................................................1 Student/Parent Handbook ....................................................................................................1 Parental Role ........................................................................................................................2 Non-Discrimination Clause .................................................................................................3 Non-Catholic Students .........................................................................................................3 II. ACADEMICS ......................................................................................................................6 Curriculum ...........................................................................................................................6 Math Placements ......................................................................................................6 Study Skills, fair use, and technology ......................................................................9 Health .......................................................................................................................9 Healthy Lifestyles ....................................................................................................9 Implementation of Family Life Program ...........................................................................10 Textbooks/Supplemental Materials ...................................................................................10 Technology – Acceptable Use ...........................................................................................10 Testing ................................................................................................................................15 Homework ..........................................................................................................................16 Suggested Time Allotments by grade level ...........................................................17 Late Work ..............................................................................................................17 Holidays And Family Vacations ............................................................................18 Parent-Teacher Communication ........................................................................................18 Scheduling and Other Conference Information .....................................................18 Grading/Report Cards ........................................................................................................19 Grading System ......................................................................................................19 Academic Progress Scale .......................................................................................20 Indicators for Effort, Specials and Personal Development: ...................................20 Promotion/Retention/Placement Policy .............................................................................21 School Counselors .............................................................................................................21 III. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ...............................................................................22 Admissions .........................................................................................................................22 Diocesan Initial Admission Requirements .............................................................22 Class Placement .....................................................................................................24 Attendance .........................................................................................................................25 Diocesan Policy for Attendance Requirements ......................................................25 Absence/Tardiness/Leaving School .......................................................................25 Attendance/Reporting Procedures ..........................................................................26 Transferring to Another School .........................................................................................28 Lunch/Milk Program ..........................................................................................................28 Arrival and Dismissal ........................................................................................................29 Elementary Parent/Student Handbook 2016-2017 IV. GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES ......................................................................................33 Administrative....................................................................................................................33 Student Custody and Guardianship ........................................................................33 Access to Records ..................................................................................................33 Transfer of Records ................................................................................................33 Retention of Records ..............................................................................................34 School Visitors .......................................................................................................34 School Communications ........................................................................................35 Telephone Use/Messages for Students ..................................................................37 Inclement Weather/School Closings ......................................................................37 Photos and Other Media .........................................................................................38 Library ....................................................................................................................38 Field Trips ..............................................................................................................38 Field Trip chaperones.............................................................................................39 Overnight Trips ......................................................................................................39 March for Life Policy .............................................................................................39 Graduation Requirements/Ceremonies ..................................................................40 Parent Organizations ..........................................................................................................40 FundRaising .......................................................................................................................41 Transportation/Parking ......................................................................................................41 V. FINANCES ........................................................................................................................42 Diocese of Arlington Tuition Assistance Program ............................................................42 Application Process & Requirements ....................................................................42 School Tuition Policies ......................................................................................................42 Tuition and other Fee Schedules ........................................................................................43 Financial Assistance: .............................................................................................43 Fees for Special Needs Students ............................................................................44 Re-Registration ......................................................................................................44 Withdrawing a Student ..........................................................................................45 VI. CO-CURRICULAR AND EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ..................................47 Participation .......................................................................................................................47 Transportation of Athletes .................................................................................................47 Supervision of Students .....................................................................................................47 VII. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES & BEHAVIOR ............................................................48 Code of Conduct ................................................................................................................48