Introduction to St. Paul's Catholic School

Parent and Student Handbook

“The purpose of a Catholic Education is the formation of the human person in the pursuit of his ultimate end and of the good of the societies of which, as man, he is a member, and in whose obligations, as an adult he will share.”

Vatican II, Education #1

It is important that we always keep in mind we are Catholics and as such, disciples of Jesus. Bearing that in mind, it is important to note this handbook is a means of communication from the school to home and it serves as an outline of basic policies and guidelines. It is impossible to foresee all problems or concerns that might arise in the operation of a school such as St. Paul’s, thus, use good common sense and if you are in doubt call the school for clarification.

There are many policies, regulations and services discussed in these pages. Please read everything and discuss all pertinent content, paying careful attention to the dress code, with your children. Keep this handbook readily available throughout the year.

Again, the handbook is not all inclusive and there will be things not covered herein that will need to be addressed by the administration. We will do our best to keep you informed of additions or clarifications that need to be made throughout the year. The principal and staff of St. Paul’s school are always available to clarify any school matter. It is our hope that this handbook will be helpful to you and that it will promote an understanding of school policies.

A parent or guardian is asked to detach and sign the receipt at the bottom of this sheet and return it to the child’s teacher. Please return the receipt by Tuesday, August 28th. The handbook receipts received by the deadline will be put in a drawing for a gift certificate that will be drawn at the School Open House. You must be present to win.

Thank you, God Bless and have a great year.

Bill Graham, Principal

The Mission of the St. Paul's Catholic School

Develop Catholic Faith and Ensure Individual Academic Excellence

St. Paul's Catholic School's Belief Statements are:

· To provide a nurturing community that supports a living faith

· To provide a quality Catholic education that enables the individual to become a contributing member of the Church and Society

· To provide a distinctively Catholic education with the integration of Catholic beliefs and values in all learning experiences

· Deliver Catholic education in partnership with the family, parish and the community as a means of developing learners who can contribute positively to the Church and Society

· Teach learners in a student–centered environment that

Ø Fosters the development of the whole person as an individual

Ø Nurtures values, skills and the ability to learn based on individual potential

Ø Teaches communication skills effectively across the content areas, possess broad general knowledge, and are skillful in the uses of technology

Ø Provides a safe and secure learning environment in which everyone is respected as children of God

Ø Promotes Christ-like behavior in all learners as a basis of school discipline

St. Paul’s Community Agreements

The entire school adopts the following five agreements. Individual teachers establish individual class rules.

Attentive Listening:

We will listen with our eyes, ears, and heart.

…you who love God: Listen! Acts 13:16

Mutual Respect:

We will treat people the way we want to be treated.

Love your neighbor as yourself. Matt. 22:39

Appreciations:

We will speak kindly to others and think of other people’s feelings.

Be kind and tender hearted to one another;

Forgive one another as God has forgiven you. Eph. 4:32

Safety:

We will always think of being safe.

Keep God’s laws and you will live longer… Prov. 19:16

Right to Participate:

We have the right to participate in social and community activities,

and know the more we participate the more we gain.

Let us not give up the habit of meeting together…

Let us encourage one another. Heb. 10:25

Code Of Christian Conduct Covering Students and Parents/Guardians

A students’ interest in receiving a quality, moral, Catholic based education is best served when students, parents and school officials work together. As in most working relationships, differences arise. While most differences may be resolved to everybody’s satisfaction, some rare instances may find it necessary to require parents/guardians to withdraw their child.

It shall be an express condition of enrollment that the student behaves in a manner, both on and off campus, which is consistent with the Catholic/Christian principles of the school as determined by the school in accordance with the Diocese of Boise. These principles include, but are not limited to, all policies, principles and procedures set forth in the St. Paul’s School student/parent handbook which is written in accordance with Diocesan policies.

It shall be an express condition of enrollment that the parents/guardians of a student shall also conform themselves to standards of conduct that are consistent with Catholic/Christian principles of the school, as determined by the school in its discretion. These principles include, but are not limited to, any policies, principles or procedures set forth in any student/parent handbook of the school.

The Catholic/Christian principles further include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Parents/guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively with the school to assist the student in meeting the academic, moral and behavioral expectations of the school. Please feel free to make an appointment to see your student’s teacher but please don’t just drop in because often times that prevents the teacher from performing their duties.

2. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to respectfully express their concerns about the school operation and its personnel. However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile, or divisive. “Tell everyone about the good things about St. Paul’s but tell us about the bad things.” (Fr. Jerry)

3. These expectations for students and parents/guardians behavior include, but are not limited to; all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g. extended care, athletics, field trips, etc.)

The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, which actions fall short of meeting the Catholic/Christian principles of the school. Failure to follow these principles will result in a verbal or written warning to the student and or parent/guardian and will first result in disciplinary action short of the requirement to withdraw from the school (e.g. suspension of student or suspension of parent/guardian’s privilege to come on the campus grounds and or participate in parish/school activities, volunteer work, etc.)

The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, when conduct is of such a severe nature as to warrant immediate action without a warning and/or without an intermediate step short of withdrawal.

(Diocese of Boise 1999)

2007-08 Staff List

Mr. Bill Graham Principal

Mrs. Stephanie Rider Secretary

Mrs. Diane Waggoner Backpack Director

Mrs. Wendy Burgess Assistant Backpack Director

Mrs. Peggy Gellert Pre-school

Mrs. Lisa Sceirine Kindergarten

Ms. Susan Bostick First Grade

Miss Kirsten Fox Second Grade

Mrs. Barbara Lehnus Third Grade

Mrs. Janice Vanderpool Fourth Grade

Mrs. Donna Gordon Fifth Grade

Mr. Dan Ansotegui Sixth Grade

Mrs. Linda Ahlborn Seventh Grade

Mrs. Patricia Hoyle Eighth Grade

Mr. Brett Binder PE/Health

Mrs. Cathy Cabalo Music/Liturgy Director Mrs. Cheryl Brasil Classroom Aide

Mrs. Heidi Pesek-Turner Classroom Aide/ Media/Library

Mrs. Imelda Carrillo School Lunch Supervisor

Mr. Roger Welsh Maintenance Supervisor

Mrs. Gina Urquidi Bookkeeper

Mr. Dan Jones Business Manager

School Board

The purpose of the School Board is to define policies and to govern Catholic education in St. Paul’s School. The School Board meets on the second Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to all parents, teachers and any individual interested in the school.

The following is a list of the names of the 2007-2008 School Board Members:

Mr. Pat Takasugi President

Mr. Patrick O’Neil Vice President

Mrs. Paula Nordstrom-Webb Secretary

Mrs. Mickie Miller

Mr. Jon Damon

Mrs. Laura Reeping

Appointed position to be filled by Fr. Jerry

Position to be filled Teacher Representatives

Mr. Bill Graham Principal

Mr. Dan Jones Business Manager

Father Jerry Funke Pastor

St. Paul School Curriculum

St. Paul School’s curriculum is based upon the Idaho State Standards. The areas of academic concentration are religion, reading, language arts, mathematics, science, health, and social studies. All students receive instruction in the special areas of music, art, and physical education. St. Paul’s School also has a foreign language component (Spanish) for students in grades K-8. Technology is integrated throughout the curriculum and students are provided instruction in keyboarding and other computer literacy skills.

Religious Education

We exist as a school because of our commitment to religious education. Our primary purpose is to promote the development of a responsible Catholic life style. The Religious program includes the aspects of Prayer, Faith, Liturgical Life, Moral Growth, and Social Responsibilities. Students receive 30 minutes of religious instruction daily in addition to preparation for and participation in student liturgies each Friday.

6^th-7^th-8^th Grade Confirmation

Preparation Program

Students of St. Paul’s school who attend St. Paul’s school for all of their 6^th, 7th and 8^th grade years will now have the option of using these years as preparation for the sacrament of confirmation which they would receive during the spring of their 8^th grade year.

In addition to all of the regular academic, financial and behavioral standards which are required for students and families of St. Paul’s School, they must also meet all requirements which are available for review either in the office or provided by the teacher. Students wishing to take advantage of the confirmation preparation program in our middle school must have written consent from parents or legal guardian.

Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities

Reports of Student Progress

Reports of student progress are handed out at the end of each quarter. The grading periods for the school year are as follows:

· Progress Report: September 27^th

· First quarter ends: October 26^th with conferences on November 1 & 2

· Progress Report: December 7^th

· Second quarter ends: January 18^th

· Progress Report: February 15^th

· Third quarter ends: March 21^st with conferences by appointment only April 4^th 12:30-3:00.

· Progress Report: April 25^th

· Fourth quarter ends: May 30^thlast day of school

Standardized Testing

The Idaho Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) is given to second through eighth grade students in the fall and the spring. The Idaho Direct Math Assessment (DMA) is administered in November to fourth, sixth and eighth grades. The Direct Writing Assessment (DWA) will be given to fifth and seventh graders in November. The Idaho Reading Indicator is given to Kindergarten through third grades in September, January and April/May. Notice of scheduled dates and times will be posted in the “St. Paul’s News Letter”.

Schedules

School Day

Morning Prayer and Flag salute:

Mon. and Fri. outside 8:00 A.M.

Dismissal: 2:50 P.M.

Preschool & Kindergarten Schedule: A.M. 8:00-11:00

P.M. 11:50-2:50

Extended Day Program – Backpack 7:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.

Lunch Schedule

Grades	Lunch Time:	Recess Time:
Backpack	11:10	n/a
First & Second	11:15 – 11:40	10:55 – 11:15
Sixth, Seventh, Eighth	11:25 – 11:40	11:40 – 12:00
Third, Fourth, Fifth	11:40 – 12:10	11:20 – 11:40

Liturgy

Friday at 8:30 A.M. unless notified otherwise. We encourage parents to participate in our Mass celebrations. Please remember this does not replace attendance at Saturday evening or Sunday Mass.

Important Contacts

School: 467-3601 School Board Representatives:

Backpack: 467-1232

Parish Office: 466-7031

School Fax: 467-6485

PTO Representative: Contact the school for information.

Web page: www.stpaulnampa.com E-mail: billgraham@cableone.net

Your Role as a Parent of a St. Paul’s Student

The school expects that parents establish and maintain an active support of the religious and academic growth of all students with active assistance in the development of each student spiritually and academically, we encourage parents to:

· Celebrate Mass together on Sundays and Holy Days

· Talk to their children about God and their own faith

· Pray together

· Assist with community service and school projects

· Be informed about the religious concepts the children are learning

· Support their child’s education by establishing a structured homework time

· Volunteer time towards your child’s education

· Celebrate your child’s successes

· Expect your child to follow school rules

Entrance Requirements

Kindergartners must be five years old on or before September 1^st of the year of enrollment. At the time of registration, the following must be presented:

1. Baptismal certificate or facsimile copy

2. Certified copy of birth certificate

3. Enrollment health information with up-to-date and physician verified immunization record as set by the State of Idaho

4. Copy of school records from previously-attended school

Admittance to St. Paul’s School will be based upon the following prioritization:

1. Students who have siblings currently at St. Paul’s

2. Catholic families Registered and Active in St. Paul’s parish

3. Catholic families not registered in St. Paul’s parish but participating at another Catholic Parish

4. Non-Catholic families

The Principal and Pastor may accept any transfer student on a case-by-case basis. New and transfer students are on probationary status for the first year of attendance at St. Paul’s.

Registration Procedures

Pre-registration of students for the new-upcoming school year takes place in the spring. Parents will complete registration forms and pay registration fees at this time. Proof of parish registration must be brought in at registration time to receive discounted tuition (weekly envelope or copy of registration form). Being a registered member of a parish requires regular attendance to Mass and registration process completed at the parish office. If this cannot be provided at the time of registration, the family will not be eligible for the discounted tuition. Registration opens in the spring for the next school year. The following is the order of registration priority:

· Currently enrolled St. Paul's School families

· St. Paul's and St. Joe's (Melba) parishioners

· Other Catholic Parishes

· Non practicing or non Catholic families

Waiting Lists will be kept for all grades. Priority on waiting list is as follows:

· First priority for siblings of students on waiting list

· Next priority for active St. Paul's or St. Joe's parishioners

· Next priority for active Catholics at other parishes

Tuition and Fees for 2007-2008

In order for St. Paul’s to continue to operate and provide a sound education for its pupils, it is necessary for all parents with children attending St. Paul’s to pay their tuition in a timely manner. Tuition contracts are distributed to families at the beginning of the year. The contract is a written agreement that payment will be made. For parents paying tuition on a monthly or quarterly basis, tuition is due the 10th or 30th of the month depending on which date you pick on your SMART contract. A late fee will be charged to your account if payment is not made by that date. If delinquent accounts are not rectified, suspension or termination of enrollment of the student may occur.

Financial assistance is available. Applications for financial assistance must be submitted for any requested tuition amount less than those amounts shown below. Forms are available in the school office.

At the beginning of the school year, no student will be admitted with delinquent accounts unless the Pastor, Principal or Business Manager has made arrangements. If a student withdraws from St. Paul’s before the end of the school year, the parent may be entitled to a prorated refund of tuition. The refund will be calculated on any of the full paid months of tuition remaining after the month in which the termination date occurred. Expelled students may not qualify for refunds.

The registration fee is $150.00 or $200.00 per enrolled family and $200.00 or $250.00 for all new families. The following is an explanation of how to read the tuition chart:

* St. Paul’s or St. Joseph’s participating parishioners

** Participating members of another Catholic Church or grand-fathered in non-Catholic

*** Fair share, Non-participating or Non-Catholics

Parish Families St. Paul’s/St. Joe’s	Total Tuition	Annual Tuition (5% cash discount)	Sem. Tuition (2.5% cash discount)	Monthly Tuition (10 mo. Aug-May)*	CHILD(REN)	*	**	***
Pre 3	$ 1060	$ 1007	$ 517	$ 106	PER CHILD	$ 1060	$ 1007	$ 517
Pre 4	$ 1433	$ 1361	$ 699	$ 143	PER CHILD	$90	$90	$90
Kindergarten	$ 1732

HOME PAGE	St. Paul's School	Principal's Message
New School Year Message	Handbook	School Calendar
Mission	School Newsletter	Faculty
Lunch Menu	P.T.O. Newsletter	School Supplies
Tuition	Registration	Sports
Library Adopt-A-Book	Awards	Library Donations
Classrooms	Gift Cards Order Form	Library AR Quiz Info
NCEA LINK Newsletter	NCEA ACCENT Newsletter