Handbook

St. Ephrem School

Student-Parent Handbook

This handbook contains certain policies and

procedures of the school. The school may change

any of its policies and procedures and apply them

as circumstances dictate. If you have a question about

a particular policy or procedure, please contact the

principal.

STUDENTS AND PARENTS MUST ACCEPT

AND ABIDE BY THE SCHOOL’S POLICIES

AND PROCEDURES IN ORDER FOR THE

STUDENT TO ATTEND THE SCHOOL.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

St. Ephrem School is a Catholic elementary school with grades K through 8. The school upholds a nondiscriminatory policy and admits qualified students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to our students.

Telephone Number: 215-639-9488

Fax Number: 215-639-0206

Staff:

Pastor: Msgr. Kenneth McAteer

Principal: Sr. Mary Barbara Brahl, IHM

Religious Congregation of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Lay Faculty Members

Schedule

Grades K-8 7:55 AM to 2:40 PM

Before school CARES program 6:30 AM to 7:40 AM

After school CARES program 2:40 PM to 6:00 PM

*The school will not be responsible for any student left on the premises before 7:40 AM or after 2:50 PM unless they are involved in an extracurricular activity.

Important Phone Numbers:

Bensalem Bus Garage 215-750-2800, Ext. 4400

CARES 215-639-3195

PREP 215-639-4895

Catapult 215-638-5854

Rectory 215-245-1698

Nurse’s Office 215-447-0021

Scrip 215-447-0021

KYW School Closing Line 215-224-1060

School website www.saintephremschool.com

Mission Statement

Saint Ephrem School

Saint Ephrem Elementary School is a Roman Catholic School of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, dedicated to the religious, academic, and social education of its students. Empowered by Christ's command to make disciples of all and to teach all, we dedicate ourselves to the teaching mission of the Church by:

Reverencing and respecting the uniqueness of each student as a creation of God entitled to our best efforts.

Providing a spiritual environment and education that will enable our young people to live a life of continuous conversion.

Offering academic, social and physical curricula that will challenge our students to be agents of positive change for future generations.

Being Christ-like role models for our students and their families, instilling in them the desire to witness, by word and action, to the God who lives within all.

Providing varied opportunities for faculty and students to serve one another and to expand the concept of service to our local, national and world communities.

Aware of the Trinitarian dimension of our lives, we unite ourselves in the love of the Father and of the Son, through the Spirit who manifests that love in the hearts of all.

PHILOSOPHY OF SAINT EPHREM SCHOOL

The philosophy of Saint Ephrem School is rooted in the threefold goal of

MESSAGE, COMMUNITY, and SERVICE.

With the belief that the students of Saint Ephrem School are witnesses to Christ's message, the faculty strives to instill in them a personal awareness of God in themselves, their community, and the world. The faith community of Saint Ephrem School realizes as its primary tenet the fact that "Christian fellowship grows in personal relationships of friendship, trust and love, infused with a vision of men and women as children of God redeemed by Christ." In its attempt to be of service to the community, Saint Ephrem School participates in various programs designed to assist diverse charitable organizations, as well as programs designed to assist one another within the school community.

The community of Saint Ephrem School believes that the primary goal of the Church is to educate its people. With this in mind, the academic, intellectual, social, personal, and physical activities aim to integrate religious truths and values with life in contemporary society, and the world of technology. Thus, the student is keenly aware that Christ is the foundation of the whole enterprise in a Catholic School.

The pastor, principal, and teachers share the administration of the school. It is our belief that academic excellence is best achieved in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Although faculty members must follow the archdiocesan curricula, they are encouraged to use creative methodologies that encourage maximum student growth.

Because success is best achieved when people are "at home," faculty and staff members support, encourage, and strive to understand one another. Students are looked upon as children of God, who are in the process of becoming, and thus worthy of our best efforts. Inclusion of all children into a classroom, structured to meet the varied needs of present day realities, is recognized as an ideal for which we strive.

We are keenly aware that the school is part of a faith community, which includes the home. Since the faculty fully acknowledges that parents are primary educators, we reach out to them in ways that encompass the spiritual, academic, and social natures of Saint Ephrem School. This alliance provides help for the school as well as an avenue for parents to have a first hand experience of what is happening in the school.

Teaching as Jesus did, with compassion, concern, love, and respect, energizes the faculty of Saint Ephrem School to view the "whole" child as a "gift," and to work toward "sharing the message in a community of service."

Religion, as taught in our school, is a way of life, not merely a subject. It is important, therefore, that this way of life be supported and supplemented in the home. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to participate in developing their child’s relationship with God by witnessing to the values taught in school and by fostering a personal prayer life within the family.

Catholic parents/guardians are expected to see that their children participate in Sunday Mass and receive the sacraments of Penance and Eucharist often.

Non-Catholic students must attend religion classes and participate in all liturgical services at school. They and their families are also encouraged to develop and to follow the worship practices of their faiths.

The school endeavors to accommodate students with special needs, as the school’s resources and capabilities reasonably permit. The school reserves the right to decline admission of students whose needs cannot be met or impose reasonable conditions of attendance where indicated under the circumstances.

Registration of new students for the next school year takes place in the second trimester (beginning about February).

A non-refundable fee is charged per student and is required at the time of registration.

In addition to the above, those registering for grades 2 through 8 must present the most recent report card from their present school and a transfer card if he/she is enrolled in another archdiocesan elementary school.

Our school serves a variety of purposes including the academic, social, and physical development of the students. However, the primary purpose of our school is religious. We exist for the purpose of evangelization and catechesis, that is, the proclamation of the Gospel and the formation of the entire school community of faith. Our school offers a complete Catholic religious education program and makes every effort to develop the faith in all the students so that they may live a full Christian life.

Ø Adequate facilities and space are available without denying the admission of eligible Catholic students.

Ø The parents/guardians agree in writing to permit their child(ren) to attend religion classes and religious functions that are offered as part of the school program.

Families registered in our school are required to re-register annually. Tuition and registration information is sent to each family via the communication envelope in March.

Curriculum may be defined as every facet of a student's school life. We must follow diocesan-wide curriculum guidelines for every subject area. It is our desire to provide our students with the religious, academic, and social skills that will carry them through life. The primary reason for our existence is the spiritual and religious development of our young people. Religion is taught every day, and there are many opportunities throughout the year for students to practice their faith in daily life. First Penance is received in second grade, First Eucharist in third grade, and Confirmation is received in sixth grade.

The student is responsible for completing all class assignments and homework on time. Failure to do so indicates a lack of serious preparation for class. Incomplete homework assignments will affect the student's effort grade on the report card and may result in the issuance of demerits.

The teacher assesses daily performance of students. Examination of copybooks and worksheets for neatness and for completeness of work, as well as class participation, are all part of the overall report card grade.

All students are encouraged to use copybooks properly. Students should not tear pages from copybooks, skip pages, or use copybooks as drawing or scribbling pads.

Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class. Homework includes both written and study assignments. While this does not preclude parental help or interest, the assignments should not require undue parental assistance or supervision. Ample time should be allowed for the completion of out-of-class research assignments or projects.

Parents/Guardians are asked to check that the student has completed his/her homework neatly and accurately each night. If some circumstance has made the completion of an assignment impossible, the teacher should be made aware of that before class.

The school realizes that teachers, students, and subjects vary. The objective is the extension of learning beyond the class time.

In the event of absence, all homework and missed assignments are to be made up. Homework assignments may be found on our school website.

To obtain homework assignments and books from school, parents must call the school by 10:00 AM with the request. Homework may be picked up no sooner than 2:30 PM.

In order for parents to be aware of the academic progress their child is making, tests are sent home periodically. They are to be signed by parents/guardians and returned promptly.

The Terra Nova Test is administered each year to students in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8. The results are communicated to parents and are utilized by the school for curriculum planning.

Learning not only cultivates intellectual skills, but also responsibility for one's actions. Some of the skills students need to cultivate are:

Charts are sent home on a weekly basis to aprise parents/guardians of a student’s progress in these skills.

Progress reports are distributed three times a year in grades 1- 8 about mid-trimester. This insures that the students have plenty of time to improve their grades before the report card is issued.

The purpose of the report card is to inform parents of the achievement of the student, and to provide guidance for their child's growth and development.

Report cards are issued three times a year to students in grades 1 through 8. (Kindergarten students receive progress reports). Parents are to sign the report card and return it to school the next day. A student's BEHAVIOR and EFFORT marks affect his/her school grades, and should be noted by the parent.

Each student is responsible for his/her own report card grade by satisfactorily fulfilling the following requirements:

Please be sure to ask for a conference with the teacher if you have any questions concerning your child's progress. There is space provided to indicate your interest in a conference.

Each student is responsible for the satisfactory completion of projects, class work, and homework in a timely manner. Grades on tests and quizzes should be commensurate with the student’s ability. A student who does not fulfill his/her academic responsibilities in a trimester will be placed on academic probation for the subsequent trimester. During this period, the evaluation of a student’s progress is monitored as follows:

Student progress is monitored throughout the school year. At the first trimester parent-teacher conference, the parents/guardians are informed of the student’s academic, social, and emotional progress. During the second trimester, the teacher will contact the parents/guardians of any student who continues to experience difficulty, to discuss the possibility of support services and retention. By the end of May, the teacher will schedule a follow up meeting with the parents/guardians, (other meetings may occur before then). If retention is indicated, the parents/guardians will receive an official notification which must be signed and returned to the school administration.

Promotion or retention is at the discretion of the administration in consultation with the teacher.

Eighth grade students who have completed the prescribed course of study and maintained a suitable discipline record are eligible to participate in commencement ceremonies if all financial obligations have been met. The administration and the eighth grade teachers determine procedures for commencement ceremonies and celebrations.

Participation in closing exercises is a privilege, not a right. The school has the right to deny any student from participating in closing exercises if, in the view of the school, the student's conduct or academic or disciplinary record indicates that the privilege should not be extended.

The essence of Christian discipline is self-discipline. The rules of the school aim to safeguard a student’s liberties rather than curb them. The observance of rules ensures that each person’s freedom and rights are protected.

Correct training in discipline means that a student learns to accept rules and regulations presented by lawful authority. Students are expected to exhibit demeanors which reflect favorably on themselves and the school. They are expected to show respect and consideration for one another and their teachers, thus creating a harmonious atmosphere within the school. All students must recognize their responsibilities and obligations and discharge them in accordance with school regulations. Students who fail to comply with school policies and regulations must accept the consequences.

The discipline code applies to students and to parents/guardians both in school and at school-sponsored events. This also applies to the school/parish community and outside the school/parish community where behavior is contrary to Catholic teaching or could bring disrepute or embarrassment to the school.

a. cooperate with proper participation in celebrations, prayer experiences, assemblies, etc.

b. refrain from activities and speech contrary to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church.

Ordinarily, discipline problems are dealt with by the teacher and/or parents/guardians. The principal is the final recourse in disciplinary situations and has the right to add or waive any disciplinary rule or consequence for just cause at her discretion.

Demerit slips will be issued at a teacher’s/principal’s discretion for offenses that do not warrant suspension or the intervention of the administration. The demerit slip will be sent home to the parent/guardian to sign. The signature indicates that a parent/guardian has seen the demerit, not that he/she agrees with it, therefore, signing it is mandatory. Any student who accumulates 20 demerits will receive an in-school suspension.

The following, though not all-inclusive, is a list of conduct that violates the Discipline Code. The following infractions may warrant at least one demerit. The number of demerits may be adjusted accordingly by the teacher/principal.

Disrespect — any improper attitude displayed toward a teacher, staff member, volunteer parent, administrator or another student

Bullying – aggressive behavior that is intentional and involves an imbalance of power

Cyberbullying – bullying by e-mail, IM, or transmission on other electronic devices

Unprepared for class — repeatedly not having proper supplies or books for class after one warning

Improper behavior — disturbances in class, the lunchroom, yard, etc.; i.e. note passing, slamming books, unnecessary noises, any disruption deemed by the teacher to interrupt the educational process

Cheating — the taking or giving of schoolwork that is not one’s own or if the teacher has probable cause to suspect such an action

Forgery — handing in a paper signed or written by anyone other than a parent/guardian

Gum chewing/eating in class — gum is not permitted on campus. Snacks may only be eaten at the designated time

Other — any behavior that warrants attention not specified on the above list

Conduct by students or by parents/guardians, or by anyone acting on their behalf, incompatible with the educational and religious mission of the school is grounds for disciplinary action, including but not limited to the immediate dismissal of the student, as well as reporting the incident to the appropriate legal authorities where appropriate.

It is the intent of the school to provide an educational environment free from all forms of improper threats, intimidations, hostility and offensive and inappropriate behavior. Such improper conduct may take the form of unwanted verbal or physical behavior, verbal or written derogatory or discriminatory statements, and behavior not otherwise conducive to the educational and religious mission of the school.

Serious infractions may result in an immediate suspension or dismissal and apply when students are on campus, on a bus, or at school-sponsored functions.

Possession, sale, and/or use of drugs, narcotics, tobacco, or alcoholic beverages

Possession of any item which may present a danger to others in school or out.

Consistent non-compliance to rules and regulations on the part of the student and/or parent/guardian.

The school follows the Philadelphia Archdiocesan Policy prohibiting harassment, including sexual harassment. Sexual Harassment refers to any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, and requests for sexual favors or other verbal, visual or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Sexual Harassment is unacceptable conduct and will not be tolerated. Any student or parent/guardian who is determined to have violated this policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal of the student. A complete copy of the policy is maintained by the principal and is available upon request.

In the case of threats of violence or harassment, in any form, including oral, written, or electronic, by a student against any member of the school community, where a student is suspended but not dismissed, psychological or psychiatric clearance may be required before the student returns to school.

Students alleged to have committed a crime may be asked to be home-schooled for the duration of indictment and trial.

Just, appropriate disciplinary policies are essential educational processes, which include procedures, which are more remedial than punitive, yet include the necessary provisions that protect the common good of the school community.

Suspension may lead to dismissal. The principal will inform the parents/guardians of the seriousness of suspension and seek their immediate cooperation in a corrective program designed to resolve the student's problem, if possible.

A student may be dismissed after a serious infraction deemed by the administration to warrant immediate dismissal or after two (2) formal suspensions.

Technology is a valuable educational vehicle. Our schools are committed to teach its students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community to work and to learn effectively with technology and to ensure responsible use of technology. The policy outlined below applies to all technology use including, but not limited to Internet use. The Acceptable Use Policy for Technology applies to all students, faculty, administrators, staff, volunteers or community members allowed access to school technology resources.

The school’s goal is to prepare its members for life in an electronic, global community. To this end, the school will:

Our schools will make every effort to provide a safe environment for learning with technology including Internet safeguards. The students, faculty, administrators, staff, and school community are granted the privilege of using the computer hardware and software, peripherals, and electronic communication tools including the Internet. With this privilege comes the responsibility to use the equipment correctly, respect the name and intellectual property of others, and follow the policies outlined below.

o Users must not use equipment to harass, threaten, deceive, intimidate, offend, embarrass, or annoy any individual.

o Users must not post, publish, or display any defamatory, inaccurate, violent, abusive, profane or sexually oriented material. Do not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude or threatening language. Do not knowingly or recklessly post false information about any persons, students, staff or any other organization.

o Users must not use a photograph, image or likeness of any student, or employee without express permission of that individual and of the principal. Users must not use school equipment to create any site, post any photo, image or video of another except with express permission of that individual and the principal. Maintaining or posting material to a Web site or blog that threatens a likelihood of substantial disruption in school, including harming or interfering with the rights of other students to participate fully in school or extracurricular activities is a violation of the Acceptable Use Policy and subject to the disciplinary measure found herein.

o Users must not attempt to circumvent system security, guess passwords, or in any way gain access to secured resources, another person’s files or another person’s password.

o Users must not install, move, delete, download, upload, reconfigure, or modify any software or files on school equipment without permission.

o Users must not move, repair, reconfigure, modify, or attach external devices to the systems without permission.

o Users must not deliberately visit a site known for unacceptable material or any material that is not in support of educational objectives. Students must not access entertainment sites, for example social networking sites such as myspace.com or facebook.com or gaming sites, except for educational purposes under teacher supervision.

o Users are not to plagiarize content and may not present the work of another as their own without properly citing that work.

o Users must not violate license agreements, copy disks, CD-ROMs, or other protected media. Users must not use technology for any illegal activity. Use of the Internet for commercial gains or profits is not allowed from an educational site.

Violation of the above rules will be dealt with by the administration of the school. Violation of these rules may result in any or all of the following:

The primary purpose of school assemblies is educational. Being part of an appreciative audience is a learning experience; therefore, every student is expected to show proper respect and courtesy at this time.

Regular school attendance impacts positively on the student's academic development. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prescribes the total amount of days that school is in session. The School Laws of Pennsylvania classify absence as unexcused/illegal except for the following reasons: illness of pupil, death of immediate family member, and exceptional urgent reasons that may affect the student.

Please leave a message on voice mail. If we have not received a call from parents/guardians, please expect a call from the school to verify the absence.

Any student who is absent from school without his/her parent’s/guardian’s knowledge or who leaves the school without permission is liable to suspension.

Students who miss an excessive number of schools days will be reported to the school district attendance officer. Students who are considered truant are liable to dismissal from the school.

The school grounds generally are supervised during school hours, from arrival time until dismissal time, when school is in session. Parents/guardians are responsible for insuring that they and their children are not on the premises during other times. The school has no responsibility for students or parents/guardians on the premises during unsupervised times.

A student must come directly to the school – not before 7:40AM and by the 8 AM bell. If students are dropped off at school before 7:40 AM, it will be necessary for them to go to the Before School CARES Program.

Once the school day has begun, no student may leave the school grounds without the explicit permission of the principal. Doctor, dental, and optical appointments during school time are discouraged; students should leave early only in the case of emergency. If such an appointment is necessary during school time, parents/guardians are asked to send a note to the teacher the morning of the appointment or the day before if a student will arrive late to school.

THE PARENT OR THE PERSON SENT TO PICK UP THE STUDENT MUST SIGN THE STUDENT OUT IN THE FRONT OFFICE. IF THE PARENT/GUARDIAN WILL NOT BE THE PERSON PICKING UP THE STUDENT, PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR WRITTEN NOTE, THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO WILL BE PICKING UP THE STUDENT.

Note: Early dismissals before 2 PM and for reasons other than documented doctor appointments will prohibit students from receiving perfect attendance.

A student is late if he/she is not in school by the time the bell is rung at 8:00 AM. Any student who arrives after 8:00AM three times will receive a demerit for tardiness. If a student is late repeatedly, the principal will confer with the parents/guardians in an effort to correct the irregularity.

Consistent unexcused lateness will be considered parental neglect, which will be reported to the school district for further investigation. Excessive lateness impacts on an attendance record and constitutes a serious infraction.

Vacations taken during the school year are discouraged. If a student takes vacation during school time, that student is responsible to obtain all missed assignments the day he/she returns. The teacher will determine the time frame in which all work is to be completed by the student. No teacher is responsible to assign work before the rest of the class receives the assignment or is taught the work. Teachers cannot be expected to reteach the material a student has missed while on vacation; parents must take this responsibility. Students must present a note from the parents to the teacher at least one week in advance of the vacation. If a family vacation occurs at the end of the school year, all assignments and tests must be completed at the teacher's convenience before the vacation.

In order to receive a Perfect Attendance Certificate at the end of the school year, the following criteria must be met:

Note: Students absent for funerals (outside the immediate family), court appearances, etc. are marked as absent. These absences are excused/legal, but still count as absence.

Exceptions: Students with doctor’s appointments before school who arrive by 8:30 AM or leave at 2 PM will not be marked late or absent if they have a note from the doctor’s office.

Bensalem Township informs us of early dismissals due to inclement weather conditions. We do not receive much notice; therefore, it is necessary that the students have a place to go in case of an emergency dismissal. KYW and the Township School Cable Channel should have the early dismissal information. The time listed for the Bensalem Middle Schools is usually the time St. Ephrem dismisses.

**CARES services are also provided at this time if the parent/guardian has indicated it to the school.

KYW is the official station for school cancellations or late openings. On the radio, KYW 1060 AM, we follow the number for Bensalem School District #758, Bucks County. In addition to announcing the number on the radio, KYW will list it on their web site at www.kyw1060.com and the school name on the television station. Parents/Guardians may also call the

In addition to KYW, Bensalem School District is also listed on the cable channel, 99 and our school name will also be broadcast on 6 abc TV.

If the school is opened one hour late, car riders should not arrive before 8:40 AM; if two hours late, not before 9:40 AM. We realize that late openings present problems for some parents/guardians; however there will not be any school personnel on campus to supervise students arriving before the designated time.

The school requires the parents/guardians of each student to complete an emergency contact form provided by the school. It is important that the information on this form is accurate and updated so that the school can contact the parents/guardians in the event of an emergency. Any changes in emergency information, especially telephone numbers, should be reported to school immediately.

Students are to carry their books to and from school in a suitable book bag. All books must be covered. All covers are to be neat and clean and free from inappropriate material. Books, copybooks, and material are to be properly identified with a student's name.

The student and parents/guardians must pay in full for lost or damaged books. A charge will be made at the current rate to replace the book.

Students are expected to take care of their personal belongings, their books, and their clothing. They are also asked to help care for the school buildings and adjoining property. Any malicious damage to school property will necessitate compensation.

Cellular telephones, beepers, pagers, handheld electronic games, personal CD players, ipods, mp3 players, and other items that, in the view of the school, may be distracting or disruptive to the learning environment are not permitted in the school.

Since photo release forms are required before taking pictures of students, students are prohibited from using a camera, cell phone, or any other picture taking device to photograph any other student.

Before and after school care for students attending St. Ephrem School is available. The goal is to provide a safe and happy environment for students of working parents and at the same time, instill Christian values through meaningful interaction with other children.

After school activities include snack time, outside time, homework and play time.

The responsibility of homework still rests with the parents who must check, review, and sign homework.

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	5340 Hulmeville Road, Bensalem, PA 19020 \| (215)639-9488