Dear Parents and Students,

“From the first moment that a student sets foot in a Catholic School, he or she ought to

have the impression of entering a new environment, one illuminated by the light of

faith...an environment permeated with the Gospel spirit of love and freedom.”

#25, Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School

Vatican Congregation for Education

Welcome to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, and an extra warm welcome to those returning!

In choosing St. Anthony’s, you have demonstrated a commitment to the values and philosophy of a Catholic

education.

The 2018–2019 Parent/Student Handbook reflects the policies of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School for this

school year. Please read the document carefully. By enrolling a child in our school, a family agrees to

abide by our policies. A form that confirms this agreement will be sent to parents along with the

handbook. Please sign and return to school at your earliest convenience.

Our faculty and staff look forward to working with you to promote academic excellence and spiritual

development in the context of the teachings with our school. Thank you for entrusting your child, or children,

to our care. We pledge to provide all of our students with the best education possible in Greenville County!

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School’s Mission Statement

Distinctly Franciscan, proudly diverse, and centered in Jesus Christ, St. Anthony of

Padua Catholic School educates and inspires students to be life-long learners and prepares

them for lives of leadership and service as builders of the kingdom of God.

Serving One Another in Love,

Mary Margaret Martin

Principal

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Calendar

2018–2019 August *13-17 Teacher In-Service & Work Days *14 Regional Teacher In-Service *15 Meet the Teacher/Registration 8-11 a.m. & 3-6 p.m. *20 First Day K5-6th/PK (Families A-L) **Noon Dismissal** *21 PK (Families M-Z) **Noon Dismissal** *22 **Noon Dismissal** *23 First Full Day for All *31 DRIVE Game @ 7:30 PM

September *3 Labor Day/No School *4-14 MAP Testing (Gr 3-6th) *10 Back to School Night 5:30–7:00 p.m. *12 **Noon Dismissal** Teacher Workshops Title 1 Workshop *13 Progress Reports Sent Home PTO Mtg/Spanish Heritage Month @ 5:30 PM in GYM *15 Annual School Gala *19 School Pictures (Uniforms) *21 Muffins with Moms @ 8:15 a.m. *25 Parent University 3 p.m. or 6 p.m.

October *4 St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Service 9a.m.-Church *10 Noon Dismissal/Teacher PD *12 Family Game Night @ 6:30 PM GYM *22 End of 1st Quarter *24 Make-Up School Pictures (Uniforms) *26 **Noon Dismissal** **Parent Teacher Conferences 12:45–5:30 *26 Health Fair 1:00–5:00PM

November *1 All Saints Day Mass @ Noon *8 PTO Mtg @ 5:30 PM—GYM (Activities by Grades 3-6th) *14 **Noon Dismissal**

Teacher PD Title 1 Workshop *21-23 No School/Thanksgiving Break *26 Classes Resume *27 Parent University 3 a.m. or 6 p.m.

December *3 Advent Prayer Service @ 8 a.m. (GYM) *6 St. Nicholas Day *7 Family Movie Night 6:30 p.m. (GYM) *10 Advent Prayer Service @8 a.m. (GYM) *10-20 MAP Testing (Grades K5-6th) *17 Advent Prayer Service @ 8 a.m. (GYM) *21 **Noon Dismissal** Christmas Program 9:00 a.m. *24 Christmas Break (Dec 24–Jan 4)

January *1-4 Christmas Break (Dec 24–Jan 4) *7 Classes Resume *9 **Noon Dismissal**

Teacher PD *10 End of 2nd Quarter PTO Mtg @5:30 p.m.—GYM (Activities by Grades K5-2nd) *11 Doughnuts with Dad @ 8:15 a.m.

*18 Report Cards Go Home *21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day/No School *24 100th Day of School *27 Catholic School Week Begins (Jan 27-Feb 1) Open House for Parishioners & Friends 9:00-12:30 p.m. *31 Grandparents’/Special Friends’ Day 1:30-2:30 p.m. February *8 Family St. Valentine’s Day Dance 6:30 p.m-8 p.m. *11 Black History Celebration 1:30 p.m.—GYM *13 **Noon Dismissal/** Teacher PD Title 1 Workshop *14 St. Valentine’s Day *18 President’s Day/No School *19 Current Student Enrollment Begins For the 2019-2020 School-Year *22 School Tours 1:00-2:00 p.m. For Potential New Families *26 Parent University 3 p.m. or 6 p.m.

March *6 Ash Wednesday Mass @ Noon *7-8 No School/Teacher In-Service *11 New Student Registration Opens *14 PTO Mtg @ 5:30 p.m.—GYM (Activities by PK3–PK4) *15 Stations of the Cross *16 Family Bowling *18 School Tours 9:00–10:00 a.m. For Potential New Families *20 End of 3rd Quarter *29 Stations of the Cross Report Cards Go Home

April *10 Noon Dismissal/Teacher PD Title 1 Workshop *12 Field Day @ 8:45 a.m. *17 School Tours 12-Noon-1PM For Potential New Families *18 Holy Thursday/No School *19 Good Friday/No School *22-26 Easter Break/No School *29 Classes Resume *29 Map Testing Begins (April 29-May 10) *30 Parent University 3PM or 6PM

May *1-10 MAP Testing continues (K5–6th) *8 Noon Dismissal/Teacher PD *9 May Crowning *16 Celebrate the Arts Night & Talent Show *27 Memorial Day/No School *30 6th Grade Graduation *31 Move-Up Day K3–5th Family Breakfast 7:50 a.m. St. Anthony of Padua Prayer Service 8:30 Last Day of School Report Cards Go Home June 3-5 Teacher Post-Planning Days

*Events are subject to change:

Please check school website for updates

History

In the early 1950's, the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province and the parishioners of St. Anthony of Padua

Catholic Church worked to start a school for the African-American children of the parish as well as any other

interested families of the neighborhood. St. Anthony of Padua School was opened in a renovated farm house on

Douthit Street on September 8, 1951, staffed by the Sisters of St. Francis of Stella Niagara, New York.

In 1956, a brick school building was completed for children in grades K–8. From 1968–1971, the school was

reduced to kindergarten and first grade so that integration might be achieved at all Catholic schools in Greenville.

St. Anthony's grades 2–8 were sent to St. Mary's and Our Lady of the Rosary Schools, and first graders from

those schools attended St. Anthony's. In September of 1972, the Dominican Sisters of Adrian, Michigan took over

the care of the school and remained for ten years. Enrollment dropped drastically during an interim of four years

before the Sisters of St. Francis of of the Neumann Communities came to the school. A new school building was

completed in 2013 to accommodate increased enrollment and replace an aging structure. It houses K3–6th grade,

as well as a music/resource room, art room, library, chapel, cafeteria, and gym. St. Anthony of Padua Catholic

School is a part of the Diocese of Charleston.

MISSION OF THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS OF THE DIOCESE OF CHARLESTON

"...The preparation of young people for their future life in Church and society."

This mission encompasses education activities which allow every student to reach his/her potential, and formal

instruction and formation in which the students develop beliefs, values and traditions of Catholic Christianity.

More specifically, Catholic schools of the Diocese of Charleston are educational centers where faith is part

of the school's culture and in which all members of the school community share this Christian vision. The

Catholic schools are asked to "integrate all aspects of human knowledge through the subjects taught in the

light of the Gospel."

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA CATHOLIC SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT

Distinctly Franciscan, proudly diverse, and centered in Jesus Christ, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

educates and inspires students to be life-long learners and prepares them for lives of leadership and service as

builders of the kingdom of God. Revised May 2013

SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

To be recognized throughout our Community and the Charleston Diocese as an innovative and leading provider

of quality Pre-K through 6th grade Catholic education to a diverse, multicultural student body in an engaging,

caring and nurturing learning environment.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic School believes in meeting the needs of the whole student through solid

educational instruction, discipline, and growth in developing a positive self-image.

We hold that it is important to consciously model our beliefs that:

● It takes courage to be willing to risk.

● We don't have to know everything.

● Everyone has a right to have time to think.

● We are free to make mistakes while learning.

● We respect the rights of others.

● Each person is good though imperfect.

St. Anthony's School believes that families and staff should be positive role models in the overall development

of their children. Families, regardless of economic status, have an important place in the activities of our school

in collaboration with the members of our Church and Civic Communities.

SCHOOL GOALS

1. To live out of our belief that Jesus is Lord, that the Holy Spirit is our Divine Teacher, and that the Father

is the provider of all that is good.

2. To visibly value each child and to nurture in them the image of Christ.

3. To maintain our Catholic identity as reflected in our employment of faculty who teach the doctrines and

practices of the Catholic Faith by example, as well as by instruction.

4. To continually strive for academic excellence as reflected in fulfilling accreditation requirements, State

regulations, and Diocesan standards.

5. To arrive at financial stability in cooperation with the work of our School Development Committee.

6. To seek the commitment and support of our religious and civic community.

7. To model the charisma of St. Francis of Assisi (peace-making, joyful, respecting all creation, with a deep

concern for the poor).

8. To involve parents/guardians in school programs.

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA SCHOOL FACULTY & STAFF 2018-2019

Pastor Father Patrick Tuttle OFM

Principal Ms. Mary Margaret Martin

Dean of Students Ms. Carolyn Lenhardt

K3 Ms. Nakisha McKinney

Mrs. Beverly McKenzie

K4 Mr. John Clark

Mrs. Dawnhaines Davis

K4 Ms. Tracy Brownlee

Mrs. Tonya Poole

K5 Ms. Sydney Price

First Grade Mrs. Kristine Galemmo

Mrs. Lashone Strickland

Second Grade Ms. Krista McMullen

Mrs. Hilda Barton

Third Grade Mrs. Meg Gustafson

Fourth Grade Ms. Leah Krick

Fifth Grade Mrs. Kathy Burns

Sixth Grade Ms. Adrienne Whitner

Religious Education Mrs. Leanne Koffskey

Art/Science Lab Mrs. Mary Liddell

Music Mr. Larry McCullough

Physical Education Mr. Carlos Howard

Title One Mrs. Janet Kelly

Mrs. Emily Cely

Librarian Mrs. Cecile Slater

Spanish Ms. Marielis Trujillo

After School Program Ms. Nakisha McKinney

School Secretary Ms. Sonya Ferguson

Finance Mrs. Kathleen Perini

Safety Coordinator Ms. Terri Seabrook

Cafeteria Manager Mrs. Cheryl Bailey

Cook Ms. Marion Garrett

Cook Assistant Ms. Jennifer Lane

Nurse Mrs. Jenny Weidenbenner

Morning-Care/After-Care Mr. Phillip Griffin

Morning-Care/After-Care Ms. Ericka Wilson

Plant Facilitator Mr. Stu Grim

Plant Facilitator Assistant Mr. Harold Richardson

ACCREDITATION

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.

TELEPHONE DIRECTORY

School Office – 271-0167

School Fax – 271-2936

Church Office – 233-7177

School Website- www.stanthonygreenvillesc.org

FACULTY

Teachers are required to comply with all diocesan requirements and contracts with regard to degree and certification. All

working in K-3 and K4 (during the day and after school) are required to comply with all DSS requirements with regard to

licensing.

SCHOOL BOARD

The Board is an advisory body supporting the Principal of St. Anthony's in the operation of the educational process. Its

activities and functions are subject to the regulations of the Diocesan Board of Education. It is consultative in vote and

advisory in function.

Meetings

Board Meetings are monthly. Contact the school office for date and time.

Membership

The School Board is comprised of the Pastor, the Principal and 15–18 people appointed from among parishioners and

members of the community.

PARENT/TEACHER RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibility: Parents/students have a responsibility to read and follow all policies and procedures

as stated in the Student/Parent Handbook.

Cooperation between parents and teachers is of greatest importance. We encourage communication between our parents

and faculty to aid in the development of each student’s fullest potential.

The school does not give out teachers’ home telephone numbers. However, parents may communicate with teachers by

written notes, emails, or calls to school office.

Parents must request a conference with their child’s teacher before requesting a conference with the Principal.

A classroom newsletter is sent home weekly to keep parents informed about topics of teaching and learning. Class work

folders are sent home each week. Parents are required to sign the folder and it should be returned the following school

day.

Please send all correspondence and money to school in an envelope with the student’s name, grade, and teacher and

reason for the funds.

Parents must fulfill all volunteer requirements. Please stop by the school office for the appropriate forms and

paperwork.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

Due to the various types of home settings, our school is concerned with protecting the privacy of the student and the

family. To ensure these rights, the following procedures are in place:

Divorced parents are required to furnish a notarized copy of the child custody section of the divorce decree. If questions

arise about the decree, the administration will contact custodial parent.

If there is a court order specifying that no information be given out, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to

provide the school with an official copy.

ADMISSION TO SCHOOL

Diversity Policy: St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is a multicultural institution, in keeping with its school mission,

which fosters respect for people of all races and cultures. The school admits qualified students of any race, color, creed,

sex, ethnic origin, or disability. When registration is limited, preference will be given to participating parishioners from

St. Anthony of Padua.

● Regardless of family religion, all children take religion classes as part of their educational program.

● Age Requirement: Child must be 3 years of age by September 1st of given year. (All other grade levels follow

from this point.)

● All children must be toilet trained!

● Admission to St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is not final until all of the following steps are completed

AND accepted by the school:

● Completed Registration form with a $30 non-refundable application fee.

● All current fees must be paid in full by May 15, 2019 in order to register for the next year. We will not

hold any child’s place until we receive the registration fee. The registration fee is non-refundable.

● Birth certificate, Immunization Record, and, child’s Social Security card copied.

● Report card from previous school provided.

● Non-refundable registration fee must be paid of $100 for the 1st child and $65 for each additional child.

● Completed Emergency and Consent forms.

● Baptismal Record (Catholic only)

Please note: It is the parents' responsibility to provide documentation and information to the Principal, prior to registration,

regarding personal conditions, which may require special services by the school. In these cases, each situation will be

evaluated from these two perspectives: the educational standards of the school and the school's financial ability to provide

the service. Any legal custody issues must be provided to the school in writing.

TUITION AND FEE PAYMENT POLICY

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH PROGRAM: St. Anthony's participates in Federal Food Program, as coordinated by the

SC Department of Education. Each family is required to document family income and/or community program

participation in order to assist the school in qualifying for the breakfast and lunch program.

If your child has food allergies please have your physician write a note detailing what precautions the school needs to

take.

TUITION: The cost for the regular school session (8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) is as follows, using one of the four options for

K3–6:

Tuition Cost per student: $7,000 per year

-$ 4,000 less Scholarships, Grants, and Donations

$3,000 per year

Tuition Payment (a) $3,000 due August 31 OR

(b) $1,500.00 due August 31 and January 6 OR

(c) $333.33 per month per child for 9 months beginning

September ending in May OR

(d) $83.33 per week per child for 36 weeks beginning

August 20

Tuition Payment/Scholarships

Each family is required to meet with the tuition committee to sign an agreement regarding their total amount due

and method of payments before the start of the school year. See details below under “Tuition Agreement.”

Option 1 – Some children in K3–K4 may qualify for the First Steps Scholarship program.

Option 2–K5 Literacy Program. Consult with the School Financial Office regarding participation in

United Way Literacy program if your child is in K5.

Option 3: Students in grades 1–6 may be eligible for other scholarship programs. Discuss possibilities

with the Financial Office.

Option 4 – Pay the full tuition charge ($3,000 of $ 83.33 per week) to St. Anthony’s. This does not

include Late Stay fees.

Each family is required to meet with the tuition committee to sign an agreement regarding their total amount due

and method of payments before the start of the school year.

AFTER CARE (3:15 pm – 6:00 pm) for grades K3 through Grade 6:

Payment per student: $35.00 per week, for each additional student $5.00 or $7.00 per day, and for each additional student

$2.00.

Please note: A flat fee of $10.00 EXTRA is charged EACH TIME children are picked up after 6:00 p.m.

After 6:30, the fee grows by$1.00 per minute. These fees will be added to the late stay fee.

TUITION AGREEMENT

Each family is expected to make an appointment with the Tuition Committee to discuss TUITION amount and payment

plan.

These become the subject of a contract between the school and parent. Signatures are binding for the year. Contact the

School Office for an appointment by calling (864)271-0167/

● Financial need, W2 TAX FORM OR IRS FORM 1040 FROM PREVIOUS YEAR must be presented at

verification.

● No Field Trips will be permitted or report cards issued unless all fees are current.

● Each family must volunteer at least 15 hours of work at the school before May 1st. Failure to complete volunteer

hours will add $75.00 to your tuition bill.

● All families are expected to participate in fundraising activities/events noted in the calendar.

● After May 1, only cash, money order, debit/credit card will be accepted for all fees, if requested

● Students re-enrolling will not be accepted until the previous year's account is paid in full.

● No academic records, recommendations or transcripts of any student will be released unless the account is current at

time of the request.

● In cases of default on contractual agreement, parents are responsible for all fees incurred by the school, including

but not limited to, collection and attorney fees.

● 30-day past-due accounts not settled in discussion with the principal, may result in a student’s removal from school.

● A $30.00 handling fee will be charged for returned checks. After one returned check all payments must be paid in

cash or money order only.

● A student expelled from school is not entitled to a tuition refund.

DRESS CODE

Studies have shown that students in uniform are less distracted, more concerned about learning, and, consequently, more

successful. Parents of children not properly dressed will be called to bring a uniform or take the child home.

GIRLS in K3 through Grade 6:

● Khaki jumper, skirt, slacks or walking shorts (knee length).

● Burgundy knit shirt with collar (Shirts must be tucked in at all times).

● White, Burgundy or tan/khaki socks

● White, burgundy, navy, or black tights only.

● No Leggings unless they are covered by a skirt.

● Any solid-colored soft soled shoes or tennis shoes (no Crocs, sandals, or open toe, roller, or blinking light shoes,

or boots).

● Burgundy or khaki sweater

● PE Uniform must be worn in order for your child to participate in PE: Goldenrod yellow t-shirt, green shorts, green

sweat suit for cold weather. PE uniforms will be worn all day on PE days only.

● Hat, caps, jackets or coats are NOT part of the uniform dress code and should NOT be worn in the classroom.

● All additional indoor clothing must be the color of the uniform (burgundy or beige).

● K3–K4 uniforms are optional but shoes are not.

BOYS in K3 through GRADE 6:

● Khaki dress pants or walking shorts (to the knee) with a belt.

● Burgundy shirt with collar (Shirts must be tucked in at all times).

● Burgundy or khaki sweater.

● Burgundy or black socks.

● Black, brown, or white soft soled shoes or tennis shoes (no Crocs, sandals, or open toed, roller, or blinking light

shoes).

● PE Uniform must be worn in order for your child to participate in PE: Goldenrod yellow t-shirt, green shorts, green

sweat suit for cold weather. PE uniforms will be worn all day on PE days only.

● Hat, caps, jackets or coats are NOT part of the uniform dress code and should NOT be worn in the classroom.

● All additional indoor clothing must be the color of the uniform (burgundy or beige).

● K3–K4 uniforms are optional but shoes are not optional.

DISCIPLINE

Discipline is as fundamental to Catholic education as it is fundamental in life. Worthwhile discipline is that which is

prompted by motives from within. A good way to determine what these motives should be is to ask, "What would Jesus do

in this case?”

Discipline is not regimentation; nor does it imply a detailed surveillance of every action of the student. This does not mean

that we do not have high expectations of each child. Each student is expected to do his or her best each day. We at St.

Anthony of Padua School do not allow corporal punishment under any circumstances

St. Anthony of Padua follows a positive behavior system. Additional information is available and will be sent home with

the guidelines, expectations, and consequences.. Families will be required to sign an agreement to work with the school

concerning this area.

CODE OF CONDUCT

Rules are established to serve the overall needs of the students in their classrooms and throughout the school. Students who

fail to comply with these rules will be held responsible for their actions. Procedures for dealing with student misconduct are

as follows:

● Teachers provide the necessary direction and discipline for the students both in the classroom and throughout the

school in an age and grade appropriate manner.

● If an inappropriate behavior is exhibited, the teacher will first address the issue with the child and the next recourse

will be a discussion and documentation with the parents. Finally, the principal or designee will be informed of the

situation should the severity or consistency of the behavior warrant such action. The principal or designee will then

decide on the consequences or plan of action for the offense.

● In serious circumstances, it may be necessary for the Principal or her designee to consult with the Student Support

Team. and Pastor in order to ensure the best decision for the good of the school community.

● In order to maintain the Christian values of our school community, the safety and welfare of our students and faculty

shall be fostered and protected at all times. Students will be held accountable for actions such as physical harm to

others, destructive behavior, or property damage. Unacceptable behavior destroys the fabric of the St. Anthony’s

Catholic School community, which is based upon Jesus’ teachings of justice, love, and peace. Serious violations to

the harmony of the classroom/school community require serious consequences. Detention, suspension, behavior

contracts and even expulsion may result from improper and unacceptable behavior.

● A serious infraction of school rules may result in suspension or expulsion. When there are situations/infractions

that involve students, all students’ rights to confidentiality will be upheld. Consequences will be based on the

severity and prior history of the students involved. The following list is an example of behaviors warranting

suspension or expulsion but this list is not inclusive.

• Assault of school personnel or students

• Bullying

• Damage to school property

• Theft

• Profanity

• Obscene literature

• Drugs and alcohol

• Blackmail, threats, harassment

• Cheating or forgery

• Indecent behavior

• Weapons or simulated weapons

• Leaving school without permission

GENERAL SCHOOL RULES FOR ALL STUDENTS:

The atmosphere at school should always promote a learning environment for every student.

Therefore the general rules are:

1. Treat every adult and student with respect at all times.

2. It is important to be quiet in the hallways.

3. Always have permission before leaving the classroom.

4. No fighting or horseplay.

5. Remember manners at lunch. Speak quietly as in restaurants and cooperate with lunchroom staff.

6. Respect school and church property.

7. Keep silent during fire, tornado, and other drills.

8. Cell phones/Smart watches are not permitted during school hours including late stay

9. Dismiss from school in an orderly manner.

10. Remember to say please and thank you.

11. Chewing gum is not allowed on the school grounds .

To assure that everyone’s rights are respected, consequences will be administered when any individual’s actions interfere

with the right of teachers to teach and students to learn. Therefore students will be disciplined for (but not limited to) the

following actions:

1. Insolence, disrespect or insubordination – in word or action.

2. Irreverence during liturgies or prayer time.

3. Leaving a classroom, school building, school grounds or school-sponsored field trip without permission.

4. Inappropriate behavior: running, pushing, shoving, yelling, fighting, gossiping, teasing.

5. Forging of names.

6. Cheating or stealing.

7. Disregard for uniform regulations (Parents will be called to bring the correct uniform).

8. Vandalism, defacing or damaging school property. A student may be suspended if serious damage has been

done. Parents

are obligated to pay for repairs or replacement costs.

9. Possession or use of drugs, tobacco or weapons results in immediate suspension or expulsion.

10. Technology misuse or misrepresentation and other serious actions detrimental to the school and community.

THE SCHOOL DAY

● Classes begin at 8:00 a.m. Coming to school on time is necessary for the productivity of the classroom environment.

The first hour is extremely important to our teaching/learning routine!

● Dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. for all grades. If a child is absent for any reason, please CALL the school office and

leave a message.

● If a child arrives after 8:00 a.m. a late pass must be obtained from the OFFICE before he or she goes to class.

“WRAP AROUND”/MORNING AND AFTER- CARE

MORNING CARE is provided beginning at 7:00 a.m..

An AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM is provided for those children whose parents are unable to pick them up because of

work schedules. Our After-Care Program builds on the education begun during the school day. We are in compliance

with DSS and the federally-funded ABC Program in regard to group sizes, staff background checks, etc.

● Hours: After Care begins after dismissal and ends at 6:00 p.m.

● Fee: $35.00 per week, payable every two weeks or $7.00 per day.

● Activities: scouts, crafts, computer, games, playground, chess, movies, clubs.

● Snacks: nutritious food items listed on weekly menu.

● When your child is picked up each evening, please have a picture ID available and sign the SIGN OUT form

before you exit.

● Students who are frequently picked up late, may be excluded from Late Stay.

● Please send a note to school any days your child will not attend late stay.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL

School Arrival

● All students are to be dropped off at the Douthit Street entrance parking lot in the rear of the school only until

7:50 a.m.

● If arriving after 8:00 a.m. park in front of school and take student inside of the school at the front entrance.

● Students arriving late will receive an “UNEXCUSED” tardy unless the proper documentation is shown upon

arrival.

(Example: medical or dental note)

Dismissal

● K3-K5 students will be dismissed in the rear of the school at the Douthit Street entrance.

● 1st through 6th grades will be dismissed in the front of the school, except for the students who have siblings in K3–

K5. They will be dismissed with their siblings in the rear of the school.

● All grades are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. After 3:15 p.m., all students will be sent to After Care.

EARLY DISMISSAL

● If a child needs to leave school before 2:30 p.m., the person picking up child must sign the “Out Book” and

obtain an Early Dismissal note from the Front Desk. When possible, please schedule students’ appointments in

the afternoon in order to lessen the disruption in the learning place.

● No early dismissals between 2:30 and 3:00 pm.

NATIONAL BREAKFAST, LUNCH, SNACK PROGRAM

Nutritious, delicious hot lunches are available each day. Menus are posted on the school website. Parents are invited to

help serve lunches and/or to join their children for lunch, with prior notice to the school office. Based on household

income, students can qualify for free lunches. WATCH FOR FORMS REGARDING LUNCH STATUS. ALL

FAMILIES MUST FILL OUT THESE FORMS.

All children receive breakfast, served between 7:30–8:00 a.m., and an afternoon snack after school, at no charge.

Breakfast or a snack will not be served if your child does not attend the time allotment for the breakfast period. St.

Anthony’s does not allow Fast Food in the cafeteria. When packing your child’s lunch please make sure you include

healthy choices and do not include beverages. The school will be glad to supply water, milk or juice for your child’s

lunch.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Liturgy and Prayer Services are held throughout the school year. All students (Catholic and non-Catholic) are required to participate in religion classes and school religious services. Catholic students are REQUIRED to enroll in the St. Anthony Church CCD program if you are a St. Anthony parishioner. Sacramental preparations will be handled by St. Anthony Parish in their CCD program. The school is not responsible for any Sacramental preparations.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School is committed to providing a solid education to each of our students; we follow the

Curricula of the Diocese of Charleston. Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 use the HIGH/SCOPE and Scott Foresman curriculum, which

is developmentally appropriate and instructionally sound.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Promotion to the next grade depends on proficiency in all subject areas. The Administration may recommend the repetition

of a grade, tutoring, or summer school as a requirement for promotion when, after conferences with teachers and parents, it

is believed that such action will better prepare the student academically and emotionally for the next grade.

HOMEWORK POLICY

At St. Anthony’s School, children from Kindergarten through Grade 6 will be assigned homework each day. Homework

fosters skills in independent work and study, develops a sense of responsibility, reinforces lessons, and involves the family

in a child’s learning. Homework may require both dependent and independent effort by the student.

The suggested time to be spent on homework is:

Kindergarten—15 min. per day

Grades 1, 2, 3—30 min. per day

Grades 4, 5, 6—45-50 min. per day

Content-related projects might take more time.

PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

● Mandatory Parent Conferences take place at the end of the 1st quarter. Other conferences are scheduled as needed

throughout the rest the year.

● Teacher, parent or principal or designee may request additional conferences at any time.

● K3 and K4 Parents may meet weekly with teachers either at home and/or school.

● Please do not go to your child’s classroom unless you have scheduled an appointment through the office.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress Reports are issued midway through every quarter and sent home. Report cards are issued quarterly (every 9 weeks)

and sent home. Parents of children in Grades 1–6 may view a child’s progress at anytime through the RenWeb Portal.

Parents of new students should be sure to attend sessions on the use of RenWeb, which will be scheduled at PTO meetings.

QUIZZES

The teacher will administer tests or assignments to evaluate skills and knowledge on an as-needed basis. Each subject

will have at least four evaluations per report card period.

PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

A classroom newsletter is sent home weekly in a folder to keep parents informed about topics of teaching and learning.

Parents must sign and return their child’s folder to acknowledge its receipt.

Please check your child’s book bag and the school web site so that you will be up-to-date on school events.

A school newsletter will be sent home with your child every two weeks with information pertaining to the school, the

calendar, and the parish.

TESTING

St. Anthony’s works with children individually so they progress and learn in way that works best for their talents and capacities.. Using a system called Measures of Academic Progress or MAP testing, we can focus on each child’s proficiencies and needs. Children don’t have to prepare for a MAP test, although they may do some exercises at school. If your child is taking a MAP test the next day, turn off the TV and send them to bed early. The tests are given three times per year.

FIELD TRIPS

● Excursions away from school are for educational purposes only.

● Any student attending a class trip or activity away from school MUST have an official school Field Trip/Activity

Permission form signed by a parent, returned to the school at least 5 days before the trip.

● Required student payments must also be submitted to the school at least 5 days before a field trip.

● All adults attending field trips must have an approved background check and Safe Haven training before the day

of the field trip.

● A teacher, after consultation with the Principal, may withhold field trip permission for a student who has not

demonstrated satisfactory classroom behavior and/or academic work.

● In addition to the teacher, there needs to be an adequate number of chaperones to provide for the safety of the

students.

● Field trips may be cancelled without notice.

● Tuition and Late Stay money must be paid up to date before your child will be allowed to go on a field trip.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

We involve children in activities related to learning, but also work to develop social skills and foster attitudes of service to

others. Both are very important in nurturing the Christian atmosphere that is integral to our school.

Students will not be allowed to participate in school activities if they are not in uniform.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance and punctuality are important in developing habits and attitudes of responsible behavior. Students

must attend school for at least day (3½ hours) to be counted “present” for the day. Students leaving school before 11:15

a.m. or arriving to school after 11:15 a.m. will be counted as “absent” for the day.

South Carolina State law requires 170 of 180 days of attendance. If a child misses more than 10 days of school without

a medical excuse, the school has the right to retain the child for the next school year. This decision will be made

between the teacher and the principal. When absences do occur, excused or unexcused, it is important that parents and

students assume responsibility for any make-up work.

Perfect attendance awards are given at the end of the year. Tardy reports also count against perfect attendance.

Appointments: Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school time (after 3:00 p.m.). We

understand that sometimes that is not possible. If a child must miss class for an appointment, a written note must be sent

to the teacher prior to the day of the appointment. Please identify the adult who will pick up the student for the

appointment, and indicate what time. A student will not be called to the office until the designated adult arrives to sign

them out.

Reporting Student Absences: If a student is absent, please notify the school office by 9:00 a.m. to report the absence

and request homework (864-271-0167). A written note must be submitted within 3 days of the absence and include:

● Date

● Student’s full name and grade

● The date(s) of the absence

● The reason for the absence

● Telephone number of the parent/guardian AND

● Signature of the parent and/or the licensed certified health practitioner

If you know ahead of time your child will be missing school for an extended period of time (more than 2 days), please

contact the teacher. If you will be taking a trip, it is required that you submit a request in writing to the principal a

minimum of one week in advance.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

● Absence for student health concerns that excuse by parent/guardian or licensed certified practitioner.

● Absence for a serious family health concern or death in the family. Students may be excused from attendance in

school for recognized religious holidays of their faith.

● Absence for professional evaluation requires a doctor’s note upon return.

● Absences for any other reason must be approved ahead of time by the school administration.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

● Absence without acceptable cause.

● Any absence (other than illness or family illness/death) that is not pre-approved by school.

TARDINESS

In an effort to maximize instructional time, we encourage students to arrive at school on time and prepared to learn.

Students are considered late if they are not seated with their class in the gym by 8:00 a.m. In the event they are not

present at this time, students must report to the school office to obtain a tardy slip before being admitted to class.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School follows Greenville County School District decisions on weather days, snow days,

and delayed openings. In case of an emergency, contact will be made by phone, email, text, and FaceBook.

Please make sure your child’s teacher has your current contact information, to be updated throughout the year.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATION

● Classrooms are open for parent/guardian observations by appointment after the first month of school. Before

going to any classroom, you must obtain a Visitor’s Pass in the Office.

● During classroom observation, please refrain from having conversations/conferences with the teacher.

● Conferences can be scheduled after observation.

VOLUNTEERS/VISITORS

Volunteers are essential to our school. Volunteers donate their time and talent to provide services that benefit the students,

parents, teachers, administrators and staff. Since the children in our school are important gifts whom God has entrusted to

us, volunteers are required to follow the policies and guidelines of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School and the Diocese

of Charleston as a condition of providing services to the children.

● Volunteers must complete a Safe Environment online training (Safe Haven) and bring a copy of their certificate to

the office.

● Volunteers must complete Diocesan background screening as part of St. Anthony’s Safe Environment Program.

● Volunteers must read, sign and abide by the Volunteer’s Code of Conduct.

● Volunteers must sign in at the front office and receive a badge before reporting for any activity, and must sign out

at the front office and return their badge when finished with the activity.

PARENT ACTIVITIES

Our PTO works to build up a sense of community among parents, teachers, and students, as well as to take an active role

in fundraising for the school. Please join the PTO to be part of a successful school. Meetings/programs are scheduled

monthly. See Calendar

HEALTH CARE

REQUIREMENTS

Each child's well being is very important to the total well-being of our student body. It is important, therefore, that each

parent take seriously those requirements mandated by the various agencies with whom we must comply.

IMMUNIZATIONS

DHEC (the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control) requires these immunizations:

● Three doses of any combination of DTO, DT, DTO-Hib, DTaP, or Td vaccine with at least one dose received on

or after the fourth birthday and before the 6th grade.

● Three doses of any combination of oral or inactivated Polio vaccine, with at least one dose received on or after the

fourth birthday.

● Two doses of Rubeola vaccine.

● One dose of Rubella (German measles) vaccine.

● One dose of Mumps vaccine.

● Three doses of Hepatitis B vaccine for all children admitted to Kindergarten, First, Second and Third Grades.

By South Carolina Law, a student who does not have the proper immunization certificate may not attend school. St.

Anthony does not recognize any religious exemptions from immunizations.

Diocesan Health Records:

Measurement of height and weight, vision and hearing will be made at the beginning of the year. Referrals may be made

for specialized testing during the course of the year. These are diocesan requirements.

Emergency medical plan

If a child becomes seriously ill or is seriously injured at school, the Principal will be called for an assessment, the

parent notified, and, if deemed necessary, the child taken to St. Francis Hospital Emergency Room at 1 St. Francis

Drive in Greenville, a short distance from the school. (See Parent Information Packet for release forms for these

emergencies.)

● It is important that parents have an alternate plan for child care for when their child becomes ill. An ill child should

be picked up as soon as possible after the parent is notified, preferably within the hour.

● Children showing symptoms of communicable disease or illness will be isolated immediately.

● A child displaying signs of illness should be kept at home until all signs have disappeared. Although this may

impose a hardship on the parent, a sick child will not be able to fully participate in the daily activities and risks

infecting others in attendance.

● Religious Exemptions will not be accepted for any new student enrolled in a school in the Diocese of Charleston

beginning with the 2015-16 school year. Only students with a Religious Exemption who are enrolled in a school

in the Diocese prior to the 2015-16 school year are “grandfathered in” until graduation from a Diocesan

Secondary school.

● If a student with a Religious Exemption enrolled in a school in the Diocese prior to the 2015-16 school year

withdraws before graduating from a Diocesan Secondary School, they may not re-enroll with the Religious

Exemption.

A child, therefore, with any of the following symptoms must be kept at home:

● A fever of 100º F or above

● Diarrhea and/or vomiting two or more times in a day

● Evidence of head lice or other parasites

● Severe coughing

● Discolored nasal discharge · rapid or difficult breathing · yellowish skin or eyes · conjunctivitis

● Unusually dark urine and/or gray or white stool

● Sore throat or difficulty swallowing

● Stiff neck

● Infected skin patches

● Complaint of pain and/or pain which interferes with normal activity

● Evidence of infection

● Ringworm or a skin rash that has not been identified by a physician in writing

● Excessive fatigue

● Any other symptom of illness

Children may be readmitted:

● With a physician's statement stating that the child is free from communicable disease and that returning poses no

risk to the child himself/herself or to others,

● If the child is visibly free from communicable disease/illness, fever-free for 24 hours, and free of

vomiting/diarrhea for 24 hours while on a normal diet.

MEDICATION POLICY

According to the Diocesan policy effective July 1, 2001, student may not receive any medication during school hours

without the expressed written permission of the parent/guardian and the doctor or dentist. In order to further explain this

process, a sample of the Office of Charleston Schools Diocese of Charleston Medication Authorization Form is available

in the school office. Please complete one of the certified forms for each medication that your doctor wishes your child to

receive while at school. St. Anthony will not give your child any over-the-counter medications, i.e

aspirin/acetaminophen/ibuprofen, etc. without the Medication Permit Form. Please be specific when listing

medication/name/dosage/time to administer. Parents/Guardians must personally deliver the completed Medication Permit

Form along with the medication (well-labeled in its original container or current prescription bottle and enclosed in a

resealable plastic bag) to the school office or Health Room. Parent signed permission is sufficient for giving lip balm or

cough drops on occasional basis. All medicines (prescriptions and over-the-counter medications) must be kept on the

school Health Room.

Exceptions: Epi-Pen, Inhaler, and Insulin Pumps. Students prescribed to use these these items may, with the Doctor’s

signed permission, carry these items on their person during school hours, Wrap Around/Late Stay, and other related

school events. The family must supply the Health Room with a back-up epi-pen and/or inhaler. The Diocesan

Authorization Forms and the Allergy/Asthma Plan must be completed and kept in the School Health Room.

TECHNOLOGY POLICY & TECHNOLOGY ACCEPTABLE USE AGREEMENT

St. Anthony’s is fortunate to have computer technology available to the school. A great deal of work and expense has gone

into providing this technology for our students’ use. Students should recognize that the computers at St. Anthony’s are

available for completing classroom assignments or fulfilling co-curricular responsibilities and not for personal

entertainment. The following guidelines are provided to ensure the proper usage of our computers.

● Students may use the computer only with adult supervision.

● Students are not to use personal email accounts or any messenger or texting programs while at school.

● Students are not allowed to download files of any type from the Internet unless approved by the instructor.

● Students are not allowed to bring any type of computer programs from home to be installed on school computers.

● Students will not be permitted Internet searching without direct instruction and supervision by a faculty member. A

student searching the Internet or logging on to any website without prior permission of a faculty member will lose

computer privileges for a minimum of one week to a maximum of one year depending on the seriousness of the

situation.

● The school reserves the right to access E-mail to retrieve school information and records, to engage in routine

computer maintenance and housekeeping, to carry out internal investigations, or to disclose message, data or files

to law enforcement authorities.

● Any information contained on a school computer’s hard drive or computer disks which were purchased by the

school are considered the property of the school.

● Personal cell phones may not be used at the school.

Because of the readily accessible nature of Internet communications among our students while at home, the administration

of the school will not be able to intervene in problems that may arise from unsupervised communications while at home.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA): is a federal law enacted by Congress to address concerns about access to

offensive content over the Internet on school computers. St. Anthony’s meets CIPA requirements.

St. Anthony’s School will not be responsible for lost or stolen items that are not required for instruction.

STUDENT RECORDS, INFORMATION, AND PICTURES

● Permanent Records for students currently attending St. Anthony Catholic School are on file in the school office.

Our school abides by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (federal law) with regard to access

to student education records. Please submit written requests to review your child's records to the principal at least

one school day in advance of scheduled appointment.

● FERPA regulations –

● Parents have the right to request that a school correct records which they believe to be inaccurate or

misleading. If the school decides not to amend a record, the parent has the right to a formal hearing. After

the hearing, if the school still decides not to amend the record, the parent has the right to place a statement

with the record setting forth his or her view about the contested information.

● Generally, schools must have written permission from the parent in order to release any information from

a student’s education record. However, FERPA allows schools to disclose those records, without consent,

to the following parties or under the following conditions:

● School officials with legitimate educational interest

● Other schools to which a student is transferring

● Specified officials for audit or evaluation purposes

● Appropriate parties in connection with financial aid to a student

● Organizations conducting certain studies for the school

● Accrediting organizations

● To comply with a judicial order or lawfully-issued subpoena

● Appropriate officials in cases of health and safety emergencies

● State and local authorities, within a juvenile system, pursuant to state law

The school reserves the right to use student pictures in publications and on the school’s website.

Any parent who does not wish a child’s picture

published must notify the principal in writing within two weeks of the start of school year.

RECORDS and COMMUNICATION

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School abides by the Buckley amendment, i.e., Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act,

which gives parents and students the right of access to records. If a parent or student wishes to view a record, a 24–hour

notice is requested, along with the completion of a form available in the office. This year, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic

School will be sending recorded messages to you by voice mail, email or text. Please make sure the school has your current

phone number and email address.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of religion, sex, race, color, nationality, or ethnic

origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment or other school-administered

programs.

ASBESTOS

St. Anthony's is in compliance with Federal asbestos regulations.

AIDS POLICY

Students and employees will not be denied admission or employment nor be expelled or terminated solely on the basis of

HIV infection. The Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions will be consistently applied on campus.

BIRTHDAYS

It is acceptable to send in small treats to celebrate a child’s birthday. The teacher must be notified at least the day before.

We prohibit distribution of invitations for out-of-school parties unless the entire class is invited. Families are NOT to

send flowers or balloons to school on their child’s birthday. The student may come out-of-uniform for their birthday on a

teacher approved day, following the out-of-uniform guidelines.

DISCLAIMER

The St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School Handbook is intended to describe the Philosophy, Services and Structure of the

school's educational program to parents and students. The school administration reserves the right to make changes and/or

additions to this Handbook without prior notice. The school administration is the final interpreter of the content of this

Handbook.

SCHOOL PRAYERS

The spirit of St. Anthony’s School is revealed in our official school prayer, attributed to St. Francis of Assisi:

Prayer for Peace

LORD, make me an instrument of your peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow your love,

Where there is injury, pardon,

Where there is doubt, faith,

Where there is despair, hope,

Where there is darkness, light,

And where there is sadness, joy.

O, DIVINE MASTER, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled, as to console,

To be understood, as to understand,

To be loved, as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive,

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,

And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

a.m.en.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, and lead us

not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Guardian Angel Prayer:

Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom God’s love commits me here, ever this day be at my side, to light and guard, to

rule and guide. a.m.en.