Attendance
School door opens at 7:30 AM. Please do not arrive before that time. Students assemble in the front foyer until the teacher on duty arrives. All students are expected to be in school by 7:55 AM so we can begin prayers at 8:00 AM. Dismissal is 2:20 PM. Half day dismissal is 12:00 PM

Regular attendance has an important bearing on a child’s success in school. Please schedule doctor and dentist appointments well in advance so your child will not miss the teacher’s presentation of important classwork. However, if this is not possible, please send a note to the principal’s attention stating the reason for the early dismissal. Parent/guardian must sign the child out at the secretary’s office.


Birthdays
Birthdays are very special and we like to celebrate everyone’s birthday at St. Michael’s! Birthdays are announced each morning before morning prayer. The “birthday person” may bring in a treat to share with their class and may wear an appropriate outfit on their special day.


Books
Books must be covered and carried in a book bag; a functional pencil case is also required. Anyone who damages or loses a book, is required to pay for it. Notebooks with a spiral binder, as well as trapper keepers are impractical for classroom use due to the issue of space.

Books must not be left on the floor of the classroom. They are to be arranged neatly in the students’ desks, or at a location designated by the teacher. An organized, neat classroom sets the tone for learning.


Bus
In view of the fact that the bus is an extension of the classroom, children riding the bus are required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with established standards for classroom behavior. Rules for school bus riders:

• Observe same conduct as in the classroom
• Be courteous – no profane language or gestures
• No eating or drinking on the bus
• Keep the bus clean
• Listen to the driver and be respectful at all times
• Remain seated in assigned seats
• Keep arms, hands, head inside the bus
• Use seat belts when provided

Children reported to the school office for misbehavior may have their bus privilege suspended.

Children may not ride any bus other than the one assigned them by their township transportation department.

If a child is not going to ride home on the school bus on a particular day, the parent must send a note or call the office that morning, otherwise, the child must ride the bus.



Calendar
A monthly calendar indicating days of no school, half days, meetings, special events, and lunches will be issued from the office for the following month.


Care of School Property
Students shall exercise reasonable care of all schoolbooks, supplies, and equipment utilized by them in either curricular or extracurricular activities. Defacing of school property will result in detention and the obligation for damages for the amount of such defacement.


Change of Address or Telephone Numbers
Parents are required to notify the teacher, principal and secretary in writing whenever there is a change of address or phone number that all records may e kept up-to-date.


Communication
Important school notices will be sent home each Tuesday, via the youngest child in the family, in a large brown envelope called the “Family Envelope”. Parents are asked to remove and review the contents. The envelope is to be returned the following day. Lost or damaged envelopes may be replaced for $.25. For daily communication, each child will purchase a colored vinyl folder to be used for daily memos, shopping dollar returns, tests, etc.


Conferences
After the first report card is distributed in November, two days are set aside for parent-teacher conferences. After that time, conferences are arranged at the request of the parent or teacher. Appointments must be scheduled through the teacher. Please send a note to the teacher or call the school office and the teacher will return your call. For safety reasons, no parent should speak to teachers while they are supervising children in class or on the playground. Parents should not bring a class problem to the principal until they have first spoken to the class teacher.


Discipline Code – Good Behavior
The essence of Christian discipline is self-discipline. Students, according to their level of maturity, are expected to use self-discipline. They are to show self-control, good character, and orderliness during classroom lessons, in the school hallway, in church, at assemblies, in the lavatories. Students should show respect to their teachers at all times and to any other person who any way is involved in the school community of St. Michael. They should practice Christian charity among themselves, avoid name calling, bullying, ridiculing, insulting, fighting, unbecoming language, and conduct themselves in an honorable way.

Problems may, and do, arise. Since unity in authority is essential to a good education, we would ask you to withhold judgment until all the facts of a situation are known. The teacher is usually the best source of information. If the teacher is consulted first, most problems can be resolved with little difficulty.


Detention
Students will be warned before receiving a detention. Detentions will be held from 2:20 – 3:00 PM on the day designated by the teacher. A parent should sign the detention slip and return to the teacher the day following the issuance.

Detentions may be given for the reasons listed below:

• Appearing out of uniform without a written excuse from parent.
• Aggressive or playful physical contact between students and excessive teasing, bullying, and/or harassment of fellow students.
• Abusive and/or vulgar language or gestures.
• Disrespect of authority.
• Willfully destroying school property or the property of another student.
• Failure to be prepared for class, such as not having necessary books, etc.
• Failure to complete homework assignments.
• Chewing gum on school premises.
• Eating candy outside of snack or lunch time.
• Use of make-up during school hours.
• Possession of cell phone.

Three detentions during a marking period will require a parent conference. A fourth detention may warrant an in-school suspension, and should a fifth detention be received, a meeting of parents, teachers, principal, and pastor will be held to discuss further action.


Suspension
Suspension is the temporary exclusion, by the principle in consultation with the pastor, of a student from the regular school program and/or activities connected with that program. The suspension of a student from a Catholic school is a serious matter and should be invoked only by a last resort.

Suspension may take one of two forms:

• Out-of-school – where the student is removed from the school community for a specified period of time;
• In-school where a student is removed from his/her class for a specified period of time. During in-school suspension, students must be supervised at all times and engaged in appropriate work assignments.

When it becomes evident that suspension is necessary, the administration should arrange a conference with the parents, student, and any other involved parties.

When a suspension occurs because of any of the following reasons, the Superintendent must be informed immediately:

• Any suggestion of racial or ethnic prejudice
• Fighting, resulting in serious injury or extensive damage to property
• Smoking, resulting in fire
• Pornography, drugs, or alcohol
• Acts of vandalism

Expulsion
Expulsion is a radical action permanently excluding the student from school. The Catholic school is saying either that the student’s interest would be better served in another environment, or that the individual’s behavior is a serious threat to the school community or both.

The administration should arrange a conference with the parents, the pastor, and the student. A complete report must be submitted to the Superintendent and no student shall be expelled or asked to withdraw from any school without the specific approval of the Superintendent.


Violence and Bullying
Schools in the Diocese of Paterson maintain a zero tolerance in dealing with threats and incidents of actual or potential violence. All threats will be taken seriously. Students who make threats will be suspended from school. The student can return to school only if he/she presents a written statement indicating he/she is ready to return to school and the administration is willing to have the student return. If the student returns to school, then the student’s parents should be notified in writing that a second offense will result in automatic expulsion.


Dress Down Day
Dress down days will be noted on the monthly school calendar. The children pay $1.00 and may wear their own clothes. The outfit, however, must be appropriate or the student will forfeit the next dress down day.


Emergency/School Closings
When for safety sake or for weather conditions, we must close school prior the regular dismissal time, the following methods will be used to inform parents: website and Honeywell Instant Alert System. No child will be released unless we receive specific instructions from the parent. It is imperative that each parent keep the Honeywell contact information up-to-date.

Information will also be broadcast on News 12, New Jersey and NBC, Channel 4. It will also be posted on the website, www.smikes.org


Emergency Morning Show Closing
St. Michael School monitors sending school districts to determine a closing or a delayed opening. This information will be posted on the television and website as noted above. Most importantly, you will receive necessary information from Honeywell Instant Alert. If you live in a school district that is closed or delayed, that district’s buses will not run or will be delayed.


Emergency Plan
The school maintains an Emergency Operations Plan in accordance with the directives of the State Emergency Management Office. A copy is kept in the school office, the rectory, the diocesan school office, and the offices of the local and county emergency management. A plan is never finished and is reviewed and revised as new information becomes available.


Faculty Meetings
Faculty meetings are conducted after school on the first Thursday of the month.


Field Trips
As directed by the Diocese of Paterson, all field trips should be of an educational nature. Since these trips occur during a school day, they should be a valued learning experience. There should be preparation for the trip and a “follow up” so that students derive the greatest possible benefit.

Parents will be given information and a permission slip prior to the trip. Without a signed permission slip, a student will not attend. Please note that students who lack self-discipline may also be excluded from the trip.

Educational field trips are not to be confused with the so-called “class trip”. Only Grade 8 has a class trip. There is an “all school activity,” Field Day, at the end of the year for students in kindergarten through grade 7.


Fire Drills/Emergency Drills
Fire drills and lock down drills are conducted twice a month as mandated by New Jersey State Regulations (18:14-106). At the signal of the fire bell, everyone quickly, quietly, and safely leaves the school through the assigned exit.



Fundraising
In addition to tuition and fees, fundraising is necessary to meet the per-pupil cost of educating the students. Each family is expected to participate in these drives so that the school may meet its financial obligations. The expectation is reflected in the service contract that every family must sign upon registering their child in St. Michael’s.


Graduation Standards
It is standard policy in the elementary schools that students, who have successfully completed the eighth grade course of study prescribed by the Diocese of Paterson, and who have paid in full their tuition and fees, are given diplomas.

The graduation should be celebrated within a liturgical or paraliturgical ceremony. The date must not precede the earliest date on the Diocesan calendar.


Health Services
Services of a registered nurse are provided in compliance with Chapter 226 (State Law of 1991). These services include:

• Maintenance of student health records
• Student compliance with state health immunization code
• Provision for current method of TB testing according to state health code
• Provision for emergency nursing care as prescribed by law
• Visual testing, auditory testing and scoliosis exams are available to students

Medications
All medications must be brought to the office by the parents/guardians in original containers with the doctor’s prescription. The medication will be kept locked until it is needed. Medication is to be given only by the school nurse, the principal or a person designated by the principal.


Injury or Illness
Whenever a child is injured or becomes ill at school, the following procedure will be followed:

• First aid treatment will be given
• In case of emergency, the parent or guardian will be notified. If it is not possible to contact the parent or guardian, the child will be taken to the hospital accompanied by a staff member
• In case of illness, the nurse (or designee) will notify the parent or guardian and request that he/she come for the student or arrange for transportation

Children who have been excluded from gym class by their doctor must present a note from the doctor to this effect. A doctor’s note is also required when they are able to resume their physical activities.


Home and School Association
The Home and School Association is composed of the parents of the school children, all the members of the faculty, the principal, and the pastor. Its objectives are:

• To facilitate better communication and cooperation between parents and teachers through mutual understanding
• To encourage the efforts of the teaching staff to help parents achieve their mission as co-educators
• To give parents and teachers an opportunity to explore and discuss aspects of child development essential to a better handling of children
• To improve the condition and surroundings of the students through appropriate fund raisers and, in general, to interest public sentiment in the welfare of the school.

Home and School meetings are held four times a year. One hundred percent cooperation is anticipated since it is only through parent cooperation and participation that St. Michael School can achieve the full potential of each child. Election of new officers is held in the spring.


Insurance
The Diocese requires mandatory insurance for each child. A minimal fee is added to the registration fee to cover this cost.


Lateness
Children are considered late if they arrive after 8:00 AM. If late, the student must report to the office to obtain a late slip before being admitted to class. Lateness is marked on the student’s permanent record card. Consistent lateness will require a conference with the principal and parents to determine what can be done to correct this situation. Since punctuality is a necessary tool for success, if a student has more than 3 lates during the marking period, he/she will not be eligible for the honor roll.


Lunch Program
A lunch program in compliance with the National School Nutrition Policy is offered to the children in Grades K-8. Lunch may be pre-ordered through Simply Gourmet.


Mid-Morning Recess
All students are allowed a mid-morning snack. These are to be kept small and nutritious, so as not to interfere with the students eating a healthy lunch.


Parking
With consideration of the residents of Church Street, during the morning drop-off, Church Street is an unofficial one way. This avoids a back-up of traffic. At dismissal, cars park in the back parking lot and will be directed to begin exiting once the school buses depart.


Personal Belongings
All personal items brought to or used in the school should be labeled. Clothing, as well as lunch boxes and pencil cases, should also have the child’s name on them.


Playground
All pupils must display respect for one another, avoid unnecessary pushing, touching, fighting, and bickering. They are to listen and respect the teachers and volunteer parents in the classroom and on the playground. Students, who disregard the rules, will have a “time out.” During inclement weather, the children will remain indoors for recess.


Compact Disc Players, iPods, Electronic Games, Cell Phones
Expensive toys and other electronic equipment are not permitted in school without the permission of the principal. The school does not assume the responsibility for the loss or breakage of the above if brought to the school.

If a student brings a cell phone with them to school, the phone must be placed in the designated spot in the classroom when entering the room and picked up at dismissal. No student is permitted to have a cell phone in their possession either on school grounds or on field trips.


Supply Lists
A list of supplies for each grade can be found on the school website, www.smikes.org. Being prepared for class is another tool for success. The children must have pens, pencils, paper, etc. for class each day.


Telephone
The telephone in the school office is not for public use. Children must be responsible for bringing the items they need to school each day. For emergencies, permission from the principal is necessary to have the secretary make a call for the student.


Transfers
Parents are asked to notify the principal in advance of the date of transfer and request an appointment for the issuing of the transfer slip. The following information will be needed:

• Name of child
• New address
• Name and address of the school which the child will be attending
• Reason for transfer if not relocating

Students who transfer from another school must present a report of a physical examination and academic records.


Tuition
Your child/children’s education is very important. It is a decision that often involves sacrifice on the part of the family. If your family is experiencing a particular difficulty, please address this concern with the pastor and principal.

The St. Michael School Payment Plan administered by Smart Tuition offers several options for payment. The most convenient is a ten-month plan beginning July 1st and ending April 1st. There are no interest charges or credit reviews.

Smart Tuition sends a monthly billing notice. Payments are due the 5th or 20th of each month. Payments are made by direct debit. Accounts with payments not received by the 5th or 20th of the month will be subject to a late fee and possible account termination. If your account is closed, you are required to pay the school directly all charges due at that time.

The school relies on the timely payment of all tuitions to operate efficiently.

For those with difficulty in paying tuition costs, the Tri-County Scholarship Fund administered by the Diocese of Paterson is available. Call the school office for information and application.


Uniforms
The prescribed uniform is to be worn each day, unless otherwise designated by the principal. Should a problem be encountered, a note from the parent should be sent to the child’s teacher.

Please do not accessorize. The uniform for St. Michael School consists of:


Girls – Grade K-4:

1. Blue plaid tunic jumper with blue Peter Pan collar long or short sleeved blouse.
2. Navy blue skort or pants with blue short or long sleeve knit shirt with school logo.
3. Navy blue socks or tights.
4. A closed, sturdy dark school shoe must be worn. No sneakers are allowed except on gym day.
5. Navy blue walking shorts (April 15th – October 15th).
6. Uniform sweaters or sweater vest must be worn October 15th – April 15th.

Girls – Grades 5-8:

1. Optional choice of kilt wrap around blue skirt, plaid skort, or navy pants.
2. Short or long sleeved white knit banded-bottom shirt.
3. Uniform sleeveless sweater vest, navy v-neck pullover sweater (October 15th – April 15th).
4. Appropriate dark colored shoe. No heels! No clogs!

Boys – Grades K-4:

1. Uniform navy blue pants.
2. Blue short or long sleeve knit shirt with school logo.
3. Cardigan, pullover, or sweater vest with school logo (October 15th – April 15th).
4. Navy blue walking shorts (April 15th – October 15th).
5. Dark colored school type shoe. No sneakers. Dark colored socks.
6. Black or brown belt (grades 1-4).

Boys – Grades 5-8:

1. Uniform navy blue pants.
2. Long or short sleeved white knit shirts with school logo – tucked in.
3. Black or brown belt.
4. Sweater vest or pullover sweater (October 15th – April 15th).
5. Navy blue walking shorts (April 15th – October 15th).
6. Dark colored school type shoe. No sneakers. Dark colored socks.
   
   

No fad hairstyles for boys or girls. This includes hair coloring and/or highlighting. Boy’s hair should be no longer than the collar of the shirt. Girls may wear a small earring (no dangles or large hoops). Also, no make-up or nail polish is permitted. It is not necessary to wear jewelry with the uniform. Save your jewelry for dress-down days.


Gym Uniform Boys and Girls – Grades K-8:

1. Navy blue school logo sweat pants or shorts.
2. Gray St. Michael t-shirt.
3. Navy blue school logo sweatshirt (to be worn on gym day only) or Spirit-wear.
4. Sneakers.

School uniforms and gym uniforms must be purchased from:
Flynn & O’Hara Uniform Company
The Pacific Pavilion
Edwards Road and Route 46 East
Parsippany, NJ 07054
(973) 882-0833


Vacations
Absences due to vacations are strongly discouraged. Should there be a need to do this, it should be discussed with the principal. The teacher is not required to assign materials ahead of time. The student is responsible for material covered during his/her absence. A period of one week will be given to the student to prepare missed work. The school calendar is distributed early so that vacations can be planned around the school schedule. An extended absence is a disruption in the learning process.


Visitors
All visitors must sign in when entering the building and sign out when leaving. A visitor’s badge, which will be given by the secretary, must be worn while in the building. No one may visit a classroom while school is in session without prior consent of the principal. This does not mean to imply that St. Michael School discourages parental involvement. Parental involvement is not only welcome, but also crucial in living our Mission; however, unannounced interruptions are disruptive to the students and the teachers, and therefore, not permitted.


Volunteers
One of the outstanding gifts of St. Michael School is the generosity and cooperation of the parents. Interested parents are welcome and encouraged to volunteer as lunch moms, playground assistants, class parents, and to assist with crafts in individual classes. Volunteers must sign in and out and secure a visitor badge.

The Diocesan Policy, Protecting God’s Children, requires every volunteer working with children under the age of 16 to:

• Be familiar with the Diocesan Policy on Sexual Abuse and sign the code of Pastoral Conduct. This document can be obtained from the school office or the rectory. Read it, sign it, and return the signature page to the school office.
• Attend a Virtus training session of Protecting God’s Children. Information and registration may be found at www.virtus.org.
• Be fingerprinted. Forms may be obtained in the school office.

Please note: This is not an optional policy which a parish can choose to participate or not. It is required that every church volunteer partake in this 3-fold process. Records must be kept on file.


After School Care
Our After Care Program will begin on the first full week of school in September. This program is designed for working parents, but all children are welcome. It provides professional child supervision in an environment of recreation and study time. Children may attend a full week or select days of the week, as necessary. The hours are from 2:20 – 6:00 PM. The cost is $15 per session. There is no After Care on half days before holidays such as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Certified/qualified adults, who have complied with diocesan guidelines, are on duty at all times.