Our Lady of Calvary Policies

CODE OF CONDUCT

In order for each student to enjoy the best possible learning environment, Our Lady of Calvary School requires its students to conduct themselves in the manner of young Christian ladies and gentlemen. Behavior that positively contributes to the creation of a productive and supportive learning environment will be rewarded (Scholar Dollar Day and Pastor’s Holiday). Behavior that detracts from this environment or which shows disrespect or disregard for the well being of others will be subject to corrective action. Both reward and correction will be based on a point system that will help determine the trimester mark. Students in Grades 3 to 8 will begin each trimester with 100 points. Point deductions will be based on the following:

DEMERITS: Grades 3 and 4, a 3-point deduction for each demerit; Grades 5 to 8, a 5-point deduction for each demerit.

1. Minor misconduct at any time, in any place.
2. Repeatedly unprepared for class; does not bring in necessary materials.
3. Chewing gum at any time or eating anything outside of lunch/recess without permission.
4. Dress Code violation (Most common: shoes not solid white/black, hoop earrings, shirts not tucked in, and ankle socks instead of crew).
5. Failure to have parent/guardian sign Demerit/Detention Notice.

DETENTIONS: (10 points); *SUSPENSIONS: (25 points) 1st served in school, 2nd served at home, 3rd will result in **DISMISSAL.

1. Major misconduct at any time in any place.
2. Hurtful teasing or taunting directed towards anyone, including cyber-bullying (threats, rumors, pictures, etc.)
3. Lying, cheating, forging or stealing.
4. Inappropriate language.
5. Writing, sending, and/or receiving notes.
6. Possession of any electronic, battery operated, or cellular devices. (Cell phone, Discman, Walkman, text messager, pager, iPod, etc.)
7. *Open defiance, willful disobedience or disrespectful actions toward authority.
8. *Vandalism, defacement, or damage to school property or the property of others (White-Out and markers are not permitted in school),
9. *Truancy or leaving school grounds or the classroom without permission.
10. **Physical assaults, verbal threats, disrespect toward authority, and harassment of any kind (including sexual, racial, emotional, or physical).
11. **Possession, use, sale, or distribution of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and/or any other controlled or dangerous substance which maybe be injected, injested, inhaled, or consumed.
12. **Possession or use of a weapon of any kind (anything which may inflict serious bodily injury or harm, and anything readly capable of lethal use).
13. Immoral conduct.

Numbers 6 through 11, if grave, may result in a suspension or dismissal if the situation warrants it. All infractions will be noted in the Homework Assignment Copy. They are to be signed by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and returned the next school day. The reason for the infraction will be number-coded (as per the nmbers given above.) Detentions will be served at Noon. Chronically disruptive students will not be permitted on class trips.

Note On Chronic Offenders: Because of our religious mission, we firmly believe in the examples of Christian forgiveness and redemption which give to each of us another chance to do right. At the same time, mindful of the responsibility we have to all students, there are limits to the number of second chances we can give to a chronic offender. Those chances are exhausted when that student's behavior causes consistent disruption to the imparting of the best education to the largest number of children. Chronic offenders will have every opportunity, within reason, to mend their ways; but if they choose not to do so, they will not be allowed to continue at Our Lady of Calvary School. To this end, students failing conduct (1) at the end of the school year, may return in the Fall on probation. No signs of improvement within the First Trimester, or thereafter, will result in dismissal.

DRESS CODE

GIRLS: Uniform – navy jumper, navy straight-leg slacks, or navy skort (no more than one inch above the knees), with a white turtleneck shirt or powder blue, long or short sleeve blouse or polo shirt which must be tucked in at the waist unless it is banded. A navy pullover sweater/fleece, cardigan or vest is to be worn over the blouse, polo shirt, or turtleneck. Knee socks and pantyhose (with jumper or skort) are navy. Shoes are black and white, light-soled saddles, or Keds School Days Leather Saddle Sneakers, or solid black non-scuff Reeboks, or docksiders in navy or black. Hair is to be neatly groomed and tastefully accessorized. Hair coloring, accenting, or streaking, make-up, nail polish, danglign, hoop, or multiple earrings (oen for each ear only) and ankle bracelets are not permitted. Jewelry must be minimal. No more than one bracelet, and no thick chains or leather, beaded chokers.

BOYS: Uniform - navy, straight-leg, non-baggy pants (no side pockets), a white turtleneck shirt or powder blue long or short sleeve polo shirt which must be tucked in at the waist unless it is banded. Navy pullover sweater/fleece or vest, may be worn over the shirts. A black or navy belt must be worn with the pants (Grades 3 to 8). Shoes must be black, light-soled tie shoes or non-scuff, black Reebok sneakers. Hair must be neatly combed, conservatively cut, trimmed to the top of the collar, above the eyebrows, with ears totally visible, nothing distractingly trendy (bowl or mushroom cuts) and no hair coloring or accenting. Earrings, beads, and thick chains are not permitted. No more than one bracelet.

Kindergarten students wear navy gym uniforms (sweats and shorts sets) purchased at Flynn and O'Hara.

WARM-WEATHER UNIFORMS: (Girls and Boys) Navy blue, Bermuda-length shorts or skorts (girls only) no more than one inch above the knees, black or navy belt (Grades 3 to 8) powder blue, short sleeve uniform polo shirt with "Our Lady of Calvary" monogram. All-white crew socks -- 2 inches above the shoe top -- (no ankle socks), and all-white, low cut, tie sneakers or tennis shoes.

GYM UNIFORMS: (Girls and Boys) "Calvary Comets" sweat suits or short sets only. Gym uniforms are purchased in school and worn on designated Gym days or special occasions, including class field trips. Sneakers, completely laced and tied, and socks are worn with the Gym uniforms. No other "Calvary" sportswear is acceptable.

THE SCHOOL DRESS CODE IS IN EFFECT EVERY SCHOOL DAY UNLESS THERE IS A DESIGNATED "DRESS DOWN" DAY FOR A SPECIAL EVENT. ON THESE DAYS, CLOTHES MUST BE MODEST AND TASTEFUL, SHIRTS MUST BE LOOSE-FITTING, T-SHIRT LIKE, AND LONG ENOUGH TO COVER THE WAIST THOROUGHLY. pANTS MUST BE AT THE KNEES (BOYS) OR BELOW THE KNEES (GIRLS - CAPRI).

There will be uniform inspection every morning after prayers and demerits will be issued to offenders. Notes will be accepted for valid emergency situations. All of the above is to be taken very seriously. Thank you.

TUITION AND FEES

The family rate of tuition (grades Pre-1 to 8) for contributing, active members living within our parish boundaries is $2,500 (provided that all families meet the necessary criteria, i.e., Church support and activity with the mutually beneficial parish SCRIP Program). The out-of-parish/non-contributing rate of tuition is $3,200 for one child, $3,800 for two children, $4,600 for three children, and $5,100 for four or more children. Tuition for Kindergarten and Pre-K is as follows: Full-day rate is $1,950 for parishioners and $2,100 for non-parishioners; half-day rate is $1,650 for parishioners and $1,750 for non-parishioners. The payment of parishioner and non-parishioner tuition is managed by a company called "The Tuition Management Systems." This company has successfully managed tuition payments for colleges, high schools and elementary schools throughout the country and has an outstanding track record. They have several payment option plans available to each family. Every family is assessed a stationery/book fee according to the needs of the children at each grade level. School and Gym uniforms are purchased separately.

DAILY SCHEDULE

1. Classes (K through 8) are in session from 7:55 AM until 2:45 PM daily. There is a staggered 45-minute lunch period from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM. Recess is from 10:00 until 10:10 AM.
2. Students should report to school before 7:45 AM the latest, in order to be prepared to meet the challenges and responsibilities of the school day. They should not arrive earlier than 7:30 AM due to lack of adequate supervision.
3. Half Day Pre-K and Kindergarten are from 7:55 AM until 11:45 AM.
4. When a Faculty Meeting is scheduled on First Friday, dismissal will be at Noon.
5. Inclement Weather: If ice or snow is predicted, listen to KYW news radio on (1060 AM) and wait for the words “All Philadelphia Public and Parochial Schools are…” and then act accordingly. If snow occurs during school hours and early dismissal is announced, we dismiss at 12:00 Noon. Have a plan in place for your child(ren) to go to a certain neighbor’s house or whatever. Children with no place to go stay in school and are supervised by teachers who live close by. They will be safe in school until they are picked up or we hear from you.

DISMISSAL

1. Parents who are picking up children at dismissal are to park in the area of the basketball courts and wait until the students going home in lines are safely out of the way.
2. Students are not permitted to walk by Fitzpatrick School.
3. Students who walk home must leave school in their designated lines. These lines are not to be changed without the permission of the teacher or the written directive of the parent/guardian.
4. For reasons of safety, and out of consideration for the property of others, students must line up in twos and remain that way until they are crossed at the corner.
5. Parents driving children to school are requested to pull into the basketball area, remain in a single line, drop the child(ren) off, and continue in a “U” turn out of the parking lot. We strongly recommend that you do not walk your child(ren) into the building because adults in and out pose a safety risk. Also, we want to avoid situations in which other children are led to wish that their parents could do the same for them.