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St. Daniel the Prophet School Calendar –2015-2016 See stdan.net for updates August 5 – Final Registration 17 - 21 – Teacher In-Service Days 24 – First day of class Grades 1-8/Early dismissal – 1:00 P.M.

Kindergarten Round-up– 10:00-11:00 A.M. Preschool 4 Yr. Old Preview – 9:00-10:00 A.M.

25 – Start full days Grades 1-8 Kindergarten and Pre-K 4 – Half Day – Dismissal – 11:00 A.M. Preschool 3 Yr. Old Preview – 12:00-1:00 P.M.

26 - Start full days Full Day PreK and K Parents’ Club Welcome Coffee 8-9 A.M. 27 –New Band Students meeting - 8:30 A.M. Brennan Hall 28 – Mass 1:15 30 – Start Book Fair Week September 1– School Open House – 7 – 8:30 P.M. 2 – Bible Dedication (Gr. 6) – 1:15 P.M. – Church New Band Parents Meeting – 7 P.M. – BH School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. – Library 4 – End Book Fair Week (No Mass) 7 – Labor Day – No School 10 – Grandparent’s Day (Gr. 3) 11 – Mass 1:15 13 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 18 – Pizza Day; Mass 1:15 P.M.; Raffle 22 - Confirmation Meeting – 7 P.M. – Church (Gr. 7) 23 – School Picture Day 25 – Mass 1:15 P.M.; SOM 29 – SOM Lunch October 2 – Progress Reports; Mass – 1:15 7 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. – Library 8 - Parent/Teacher Conferences – 11:30 A.M. Dismissal 9 – No School 12 – Columbus Day – No School 15 – 8th Grade Springfield Trip 16 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Mass – 1:15 P.M.; Raffle 18 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 22 – High School Night – 7 P.M. 23 – Mass 1:15 P.M. 25-30 – Red Ribbon Week 29 – Mass 1:15 P.M.; SOM 30 – Student Council Halloween Party - during school hours November 3 – SOM Lunch 4 - School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. – Library 6 – Mass 1:15 P.M. 8 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 10 – First Reconciliation (2nd Gr.) – 7:00 P.M., Church 12 – Staley Da Bear; End 1st Trimester 13 – No School – Catechetical Conference 19 – Confirmation Practice – Students & Sponsors – 7 P.M.-Church 20 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Mass 1:15; Raffle; SOM; Report Cards Issued 8th Grade Confirmation – 7 P.M. – Church 24 – SOM lunch 25 – 27 – Thanksgiving Holiday – No School December 2 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. (Executive Session Only) 4 - Mass – 1:15 P.M.; Honor Roll Recognition; Raffle 8 – Feast(Immaculate Conception) Mass 1:15; Gift Sharing 10-11 - Secret Santa’s Workshop 11 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; No Mass 13 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M.; Band Concert – 5:30 P.M. – BH 14 – Student Band Concert for Gr. K-4, 8:30 A.M. 15 – Christmas Concert – 7 P.M. – Church – Gr. 2-4-5-7 17 – Christmas Fun Day. 18 – Kindergarten Christmas Program – 9:00 A.M. – Brennan Hall; Church service for Gr. 1-8 Students – 9:00 A.M. – Church

Early Dismissal – 11:30 A.M. Dec. 21 – Jan. 1– No School – Christmas Break January 4 – Classes resume 6 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. - Library 8 – Mass – 1:15 P.M.; SOM (Dec.) 9 – High School Placement Test 12 – SOM lunch

13 - Science Fair – 7th Grade – Open – 7:00 – 7:45 P.M. 15 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Progress Reports; Mass – 1:15 P.M.; Raffle 18 – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School 19 – 8th Grade Graduation Pictures (8:15 A.M.) 22 - Mass 1:15 P.M. 23 – Art Fair and Book Fair Setup –Brennan Hall January 24 – 29 – Catholic Schools Week 24 – Family Mass – 9:00 A.M

Open House/Art Fair/ Book Fair – 10:00 A.M –12:00 P.M. 27 – Family Science Night – 6:30 – 8:00 P.M. – Brennan Hall 29 – Chicago Opera Playhouse; Mass - 1:15; SOM (Jan.) February 2 – SOM lunch; History Fair - 8th Grade – Open – 7:00 – 7:45 P.M. 3 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. - Library 5 – Mass 1:15 P.M. 10 – Ash Wednesday – Mass 1:15 P.M. 12 – No School – Teacher Inservice 15 – Presidents Day – No School 19 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Mass 1:15 P.M.; Raffle 21 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 23 – First Eucharist Meeting – Gr. 2 - 7:00 P.M. – Brennan Hall 26 – End Second Trimester; Mass – 1:15 P.M.; SOM March 1 – SOM Lunch 2 - School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. – Library 4 – Mass – 1:15 P.M.; Report Cards Issued 7 – First Communion Pictures – (2nd grade) – 4:00 – 6:00 P.M. BH 10 – Parent/Teacher Conferences – 11:30 A.M. Dismissal 11 – No School 13 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 18 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Mass 1:15 P.M.; SOM; Honor Roll; Raffle 22 – SOM Lunch 23 – Saints Mass 9:00 A.M.; Convention 8:15 – 8:45 & 10 – 11:30 24 – Holy Thursday – 9 A.M. Service; 11:30 A.M. Dismissal 25 - Good Friday – No School March 28 – April 1 – Easter Break – No School April 4 – Classes Resume 6 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. – Library 8 – Mass – 1: 15 P.M. 9 – Bunco Ladies Night 10 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 11 – Begin Aspire Testing – Grades 3-8 15 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Mass 1:15 P.M.; Raffle 18 – Begin Aspire Testing Makeup Week 22 – Jesus Day (Gr.2); Mass – 1:15 P.M.; SOM; Progress Reports 26- SOM Lunch 29 – Mass 1:15 P.M.; 8th Grade Ribbon Ceremony 30 – First Communion – 10:30 A.M. May 4 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. – Library 6 – May Crowning – 1:15 P.M. 10 – Spring Concert - 7:00 P.M. –Church –Gr. 1-3-6-8 13 – Communion Picnic (Gr. 2); Mass – 1:15 P.M 15 – Family Mass – 10:15 A.M. 17 – New Parent Meeting – 7 P.M. – BH 20 – Paw Print Day; Pizza Day; Mass 1:15 P.M.; SOM; Raffle 22 – Spring Band Concert – 5:30 P.M. – Brennan Hall 23 - Student Band Concert for Gr. K-4, 8:30 A.M. 24 – SOM lunch 27 – Faculty In-Service – No School 30 – Memorial Day – No School June 1 – School Board Meeting – 7 P.M. (Executive Session Only) 2 – Field Trips 7th and 8th grades 3 –Mass – 1:15 P.M.; 8th Grade Dinner Dance– 6 -9 P.M. – Gym 5 - 8th Grade Graduation – 3:00 P.M. – Church 7 – Pre-School Step-up 8 – Kindergarten Capers 10 –Last Day of School, Mass – 9:00 A.M.; Honor Roll; Raffle; Report Cards Issued; Dismissal – 1:00 P.M.

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INTRODUCTION

This handbook is your guide to the policies and regulations of St. Daniel the Prophet School. Please read through the entire handbook carefully with your child so that everyone in the St. Daniel family understands the policies and expectations of the school. Keep the handbook in a convenient location so that you may refer to it as needed. The handbook is also posted on the school website at stdan.net. We ask your cooperation in upholding the policies set forth in this handbook, as they will be strictly enforced for the good of the total student body. It is requested that you do not seek exceptions from the regulations for your child/children. We would like to emphasize the fact that the school is concerned with the education of the whole child. With Christ as our model, we must all develop a spirit of trust, understanding, harmony, and cooperation between home and school, in order that all of us may be effective educators. Through your cooperation in regard to these policies and regulations, we will be better able to make our school the Catholic educational institution that can best serve your child/children. Rules and regulations in this handbook are subject to change. They are not all-inclusive. Any of the statements in the book are subject to amendment with or without notice. Changes may be made immediately due to unforeseen circumstances. The school will attempt to keep parents and students informed of any changes as soon as practical. Questions about the policies contained within this handbook should be directed to the principal. Thank you for taking the time to read this handbook, and for entrusting us with the care and education of your child/children. We look forward to a wonderful school year!

The Administration and Faculty of St. Daniel the Prophet

Mission Statement

We, the administration, faculty and staff of St. Daniel the Prophet School are committed to embrace the challenges of the 21st Century. Nourished by our faith,

we become educators of joy, hospitality and celebration, sharing the ministry of Catholic Educators everywhere to:

create a faith community that is friendly, firm, and consistent.

develop students’ moral and spiritual values. enhance individual standards of conduct and basic integrity. provide sound educational opportunities of the highest quality.

recognize, respect and nurture the unique educational differences of our students.

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St. Daniel the Prophet School

Philosophy

St. Daniel the Prophet School exists to develop the talents and the abilities of each student within the context of Catholic, Christian living. We believe it is our mission to prepare our students to function productively in society by developing their academic skills and by instilling the values and beliefs of our Catholic faith and of our society. We believe that this mission is best accomplished when undertaken as a parish community guided by the example of the life and teachings of Jesus. We believe that parents, students, and teachers share in the process and responsibility of education.

We believe that the care of children from birth has been entrusted to parents by God. Therefore, parents are their children’s primary teachers. It is their mission to model the Christian values and work ethic that they expect the schools to inculcate. In doing so, they are co-teachers with the school and co-learners with their children.

We believe that students are unique, talented persons who need to actively acquire the skills to be life-long learners. They need to value and respect learning in order to meet the challenge to grow and learn. They need to become co-learners with their parents and teachers.

We believe that teachers must teach through example and in cooperation with parents and students. It is the responsibility of teachers to maintain standards of professional competency in content and methodology. It is also the responsibility of teachers to develop curricula that reflect the educational needs of each individual student. Teachers need to provide an environment that encourages growth, communication, and Christian acceptance of all individuals.

The process of education is collaborative, involving both school and parish communities, and, when guided by the life of Jesus, will enable our students to embrace the many challenges that life holds.

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ST. DANIEL THE PROPHET SCHOOL ADVISORY BOARD 2015 – 2016

William Billows - President

Brian Manfre - Vice President

Michael Cosentino – Treasurer

Gina Verta – Secretary

Mayda Corral

Stella Gaytan

The St. Daniel the Prophet School Advisory Board is comprised of a number of elected members, who along with the Pastor and Principal are responsible for:

Developing local policies. Reviewing the annual school budget and determining sources of funding. Collaborating with the Pastor, who hires the Principal to administer the school. Public relations for the school. Representing the constituency. Participating in the development of long-range school plans.

All regular meetings are open to the Parish and general attendance is encouraged. Anyone requesting to add or comment on meeting agenda items should contact the School Board, through the school, for the procedures.

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ST. DANIEL THE PROPHET SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION/FACULTY/STAFF 2015-2016 See Teacher Web Pages at stdan.net ADMINISTRATION E-MAIL ADDRESS Mrs. Mary Frances Porod mporod@stdan.net Principal Reverend John Noga Pastor FACULTY Grade Room Ms. Gina Madonia gmadonia@stdan.net Preschool – 4 Year Old Full Day Parish Center Mrs. Lisa Witkowsky lwitkowsky@stdan.net Preschool – 3 Year Old Half Day LL-0 Mrs. Lisa Witkowsky lwitkowsky@stdan.net Preschool – 4 Year Old Half Day LL-0 Mrs. Patricia Szymkiewicz pszymkiewicz@stdan.net Kindergarten - A LL-4 Ms. Elizabeth Werner ewerner@stdan.net Kindergarten - B LL-3 Ms. Kendyl Trail ktrail@stdan.net Kindergarten - C 106 Mrs. Sharon Druktenis sdruktenis@stdan.net 1st 105 Mrs. Jennifer Martinez jmartinez@stdan.net 1st 107 Mrs. Anita Jungels ajungels@stdan.net 1st 109 Ms. Rose Petrucelli rpetrucelli@stdan.net 2nd 110 Mrs. Mary Novak mnovak@stdan.net 2nd 112 Mrs. Nancy Padgett npadgett@stdan.net 2

nd 210

Mrs. Nadine Spychalski nspychalski@stdan.net 3rd

111 Mrs. Diane Colello dcolello@stdan.net 3rd 211 Mrs. Sandra Janes-Boll sjanesboll@stdan.net 3rd 212 Ms. Alexandra Evans aevans@stdan.net 4th 206 Mrs. Patricia Cerven pcerven@stdan.net 4th 207 Mrs. Tracey Monahan tmonahan@stdan.net 4th

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Mrs. Patricia Klaus pklaus@stdan.net 5th 102 Mrs. Kathleen Laski klaski@stdan.net 5th 103 Mr. Matthew Dorgan mdorgan@stdan.net 5th 101 Ms. Jessica Ficaro jficaro@stdan.net 6th 104 Ms. Margaret Finnegan mfinnegan@stdan.net 6th 205 Ms. Cecilia DiTommaso cditommaso@stdan.net 6th 201 Mr. John Bobek jbobek@stdan.net 7th 204 Mrs. Kathleen Ruggiero kruggiero@stdan.net 7th 200 Mr. George Velon gvelon@stdan.net 8th 202 Mrs. Helen Beth Fabiano bfabiano@stdan.net 8th 203 Ms. Joann Serafin jserafin@stdan.net Computer 108 Mr. Ronald Wiktor rwiktor@stdan.net Physical Education Gym TBA Music LL-2 Mr. Patrick Henning pjhmusic@comcast.net Band LL-2 Ms. Miriam Serrano mserrano@stdan.net Spanish STAFF Reverend Slawomir Kurc Associate Pastor Reverend Christopher Kituli Associate Pastor Mrs. Kathleen Ostrowski kostrowski@stdan.net Secretary/Office Manager Mrs. Deborah Ledwon dledwon@stdan.net Attendance/First Aid Mrs. Janette Havlicek jhavlicek@stdan.net Office Aide Mrs. Gidget Slinkard -Cain Library TBA Classroom Aides MAINTENANCE Mr. Michael Healy Maintenance Mr. Javier Flores Maintenance

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ST. DANIEL THE PROPHET SCHOOL PARENTS’ CLUB BOARD 2015-2016

Mrs. Suzanne Ramos - Chairperson

Mrs. Cindy Howard – Co-Chairperson Ms. Kelly Browning – Secretary Mrs. Jamie Romano - Treasurer

Mrs. Patricia Calvino Mrs. Melissa Connolly

Mrs. Elece Griffin Mrs. Robyn King

Mrs. Dawn Scuito Mrs. Erin Akstins Mrs. Delia Canino

Mrs. Cara Tetzner-Sinclair Mrs. Nicole Inendino

All school families of St. Daniel are expected to belong to the Parents' Club. This club is directed by a volunteer board of parents (minimum 6). The club funds and sponsors the following throughout the year: Scholarships for graduates, death benefit (paid tuition upon loss of a parent), Grandparents Day, Christmas Fun Day, 2nd grade Communion picnic, Kindergarten year end picnic, Family Science Night, Children’s Opera Theater, 6th grade Bibles and reception, 8th grade Graduation Dance, equipment and learning materials for the teachers and much more.

ST. DANIEL THE PROPHET SCHOOL SPORTS BOARD 2015-2016

Fr. John Noga - Pastor

Mr. John Bobek - Athletic Director

Sports Board Members - Coordinators of Each Sport (TBD)

All inquiries and concerns regarding the St. Daniel the Prophet Sports Program should be directed to Mr. John Bobek, Athletic Director. The Sports Board, along with the Athletic Director, oversees the sports program sponsored by St. Daniel the Prophet Parish. They coordinate the sports program and direct fund raising activities, which support the sports program.

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ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION OF STUDENTS

St. Daniel the Prophet School is operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a corporation sole, in the Archdiocese of Chicago. St. Daniel the Prophet School admits students of any religion, race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students in this school. Archdiocesan schools do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, or national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, loan programs, athletic, or other school-administered programs. For the purpose of admission, a family is defined as a unit wherein the student to be enrolled is the natural child of the enrolling parent, or the enrolling parent has provided proof of legal guardianship of the student to be enrolled. A child entering Preschool - 3 Year Old program must be three years of age, Preschool – 4 Year Old program must be four years of age, Kindergarten must be five years of age, and first grade must be six years of age on or before September 1 of that school year. Exceptions will not be made. For the admission of a preschool, kindergarten, first grade child, or transfer student, parents should present: 1) the child's birth certificate or some legal verification of the child's age; 2) the baptismal record; 3) the record of compliance with health code; 4) the weekly Sunday envelope as proof of registered parishioner. However, if your child was baptized at St. Daniel’s Church, the school does not need a copy of the baptismal certificate. The order of priority for admission shall be as follows:

1. Children of parishioners as per School Board Policy No. 1171: a. children from families with children already enrolled. b. children now reaching school age. c. School families, although given priority, must meet the registration deadline to be

guaranteed a seat for the following school year.

2. Transfer students from other Catholic schools: a. from schools that are merging or consolidating. b. from schools not offering full programs 1-8. c. subject to the approval by the principal after review of the student’s previous academic

records.

3. Children of non-parishioners: a. children from families with children already enrolled. b. children from families newly moved into the parish and whose children have been in

Catholic schools where such were available, or from public schools where Catholic schools were not available.

c. children now reaching school age

4. Transfer students from public schools.

5. Non-Catholics, with the understanding that these students will not displace Catholic students and that both students and parents clearly understand that participation in Catholic religious instruction and school activities related to the Catholic identity of the school are required.

All transfer students will be subject to a period of one year's probation. At any time during this year, the students may be asked to withdraw from the school. This decision is made by the principal upon referral from the teacher. The probation will be used to determine:

if St. Daniel the Prophet School has a program to fit the student's needs.

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if the student is able to comply with the academic standards, policies and rules of the school. if the tuition and fees are paid on time.

ATTENDANCE

The school day begins at 7:55 A.M. when the children are let into the school building. Children are counted tardy if they arrive after 8:05 A.M. Dismissal time for K- 5 is 2:45 and 6- 8 is 2:40 P.M. Tardy students arriving after 11:30 A.M. will be marked a half day absent in the morning. Students leaving school on or before 11:30 A. M. will be marked a half day absent in the afternoon. Parents are responsible for the safety of the child traveling to and from school. The school cannot assume responsibility for students before 7:50 A.M. and after 2:50 P.M. unless they are participating in an authorized activity. All other students are expected to leave the school grounds immediately after dismissal. Students arriving before 7:50 A.M. or not picked up by 2:50 P.M. should attend the St. Daniel Extended Day Program. Please make arrangements to assure your child’s safety to and from school at all times. On half days of school, dismissal will be at 11:30 A.M. Early dismissal on the first day of school (grades 1-8) and the last day of school (grades 1-7) will be at 1:00 P.M.

Half Day Preschool class will start at 7:55A.M. and dismiss at 11:00A.M.

Full Day Preschool class will start at 7:55 A.M. and dismiss at 2:45 P.M. CHILDREN ARE NOT TO BE ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS BEFORE 7:50 A.M.

FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL STUDENTS LINING UP, NO BALL PLAYING OR RUNNING IN THE PARKING LOT IS ALLOWED AT THIS TIME. SEE MORNING TRAFFIC PATTERN FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE DROP OFF.

Entrance and Dismissal Door # 1---------- Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 Rooms 101, 102, 103, 104, 200, 201, 202, 203,

204 Door # 2---------- Kindergarten C Room 106 Grades 1, 4, 6 Rooms 105, 107, 109, 205, 206, 207, 209 Door # 3---------- Grades 1, 2, 3 Rooms 110, 111, 112, 210, 211, 212 Door # 7---------- Kindergartens A & B, Half Day-Preschool Lower Level Classrooms Kelly Parish Center Doors Full-Day Preschool TARDY

Arriving at school on time helps students develop important life skills and displays respect for the other students in the classroom. In the event that a child is tardy, his/her parent is expected to escort the tardy student to the school office. Students who are tardy 4 times per trimester will receive a lunch or recess detention. A warning will be sent home by the teacher at the third tardy and the principal will be informed. At the fourth tardy, the student will receive the detention. Please be reminded again that the parents are expected to escort tardy children into the building. Natoma Avenue will be closed until 8:10 A.M.

Habitual or repeated tardiness will require a conference with the parent(s), teacher and principal.

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ABSENCES Students are required to attend school regularly. Absentees miss valuable class instruction, discussion, and continuity of work. Regular attendance is necessary to achieve success in school. Consequently, parents should consider it a serious obligation to have their children attend school daily. Vacations during school time should be avoided. School should be informed and permission granted by the Principal at least two weeks in advance. WORK IS NOT REQUIRED TO BE GIVEN IN ADVANCE. The work must be made up when the student returns.

If a student is absent, the parent must call the school before 8:30 A.M. to report the reason for this absence. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THESE CALLS IS 773-586-1304. PLEASE USE THIS NUMBER. If a call is not received, the office will call the parent, even if the parent is at work. When a student returns to school after an absence, the student must present a written excuse note from his/her parent or guardian stating the date and the reason for such absence, even though a call has been made. The parent/guardian may e-mail the required absent note to the school office to the attention of Mrs. Ledwon at dledwon@stdan.net in place of a written note to the school. Absent Work: The child/children have one day to make-up work for each day they are absent. Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. If you would like homework for your absent student, please leave a message when you call the absentee number before 8:30 A.M. Do not call the main office for homework. Homework may be sent home with another student or picked up at the school office between 2:45 P.M. and 3:15 P.M. When the necessity for absence from school is known in advance, the student needs to present a written request from the parent or guardian asking that he/she be excused from school for the necessary time. This regulation also applies when medical or dental appointments can be made at no other time. Since our schedule calls for a 2:45 P.M. dismissal, we urge you to make dental and medical appointments after school hours. The parent must come to the School office to identify himself/herself and sign out the students before the child will be permitted to leave the building. No child will be dismissed during the school day without following this procedure.

Emergency dismissals may be granted by the Principal or a school representative when serious conditions, as sickness, accident, emergency, etc., warrant such action. Students will not be released from school without authorization of persons indicated on the Emergency Information Form which must be on file for every student.

BAD WEATHER Parents will be notified of school closings via a telephone, text, and e-mail blast. Parents can also sign up for notification of school closings at www.emergencyclosingcenter.com. Please do not call the Rectory to find out about school closing. The following Stations will announce the closing of St. Daniel the Prophet School in the event of an emergency or inclement weather: WMAQ (670) - WGN (720) - WBBM (780), CBS-TV 2, WGN-TV, FOX 32-TV, CLTV News. A list of school closings is also available from the weather center at WGNTV.com.

BOOKS-PROPERTY

The cost of providing school text books is considerable and each family benefits financially from the privilege of being provided their student’s book. In order to keep book fees to a minimum, students are requested to take proper care of their assigned textbooks. Treating books and property with respect helps students demonstrate responsibility. All hardcover books should be covered at all times. Final report card and graduation diplomas will not be issued unless all school books are returned.

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Students are asked to take pride in keeping the school property in good order: desks, furniture, books, audio-visual equipment, etc. Students are required to pay for all damage to school property for which they are at fault.

BULLYING

Bullying is contrary to Gospel values and has no place in the Catholic school. Per the City of Chicago “Facts on Bullying”, Bullying is characterized by the following three criteria:

It is aggressive behavior or intentional harmdoing.

It is carried out repeatedly over time.

It occurs within an interpersonal relationship characterized by an imbalance of power. There are two types of bullying, according to information published by the Office of Violence Prevention. Direct Bullying can be: teasing; taunting, threatening, hitting, pushing, pinching, stealing, tripping, destruction of property; verbal threats; hurtful words; cruel jokes or tricks; making someone do something they don’t want to do; ganging up on someone. Indirect Bullying can be: Intentional exclusion; spreading rumors or gossip; enforcing social isolation (ignoring or leaving someone out); mean looks or rude gestures; writing and passing cruel or threatening notes (either in person or over the internet, cell phones, or other electronic devices). Students are expected to refrain from bullying behaviors by choosing positive behaviors:

Treat others with respect, whether they are your friend or not.

Refuse to bully others.

Refuse to let others be bullied. (Don’t be a bystander!)

Refuse to watch, laugh, or join in when someone is bullied. (Don’t be a bystander!)

Report bullying to an adult staff member. (It’s not tattling if someone is being hurt, physically or emotionally!)

Report bullying to your parents if you cannot tell a staff member. (Parents are partners!) Allegations of bullying will be promptly investigated by staff and school administration. Per the Discipline Policy, consequences may range from detentions and parent conferences to suspension or expulsion. Each incident will be handled on a case by case basis at an age appropriate level, per Archdiocesan Policy, while ensuring that the bullying behavior does not continue.

CELL PHONES See DISCIPLINE CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND CONTACT INFORMATION If at any time during the school year there is a change of home address, home or cell phone number, work phone number, or e-mail address, please notify the homeroom teacher and the school secretary in writing or through e-mail. This is of special importance in case of an emergency.

CHILD ABUSE/NEGLECT The schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago shall follow the Illinois Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and Archdiocesan procedures when allegations and/or suspicions of child abuse are made. Every member of the school staff has received mandated reporter training and will contact DCFS in this event.

COMMUNICATION Parent-Teacher communication is an important factor in each child’s education. In order to keep parents informed the school maintains a website at stdan.net where each teacher has a web page. You can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StDanieltheProphetSchool.

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Grades will be reported on a trimester basis. The school provides the following communications: Monthly School Newsletter – sent home Updated monthly calendar – on web site and sent home Parish and Community Organization Flyers – sent home

Power School web site – an on-line program for Grades 1 – 8 that posts graded assignments and current averages on-line for parents to access via the web site. Access codes for each child are provided to the parents by the school.

Mid-Trimester Progress Reports – sent home - must be returned with a parent signature. Trimester Report Cards – sent home for all students

Student Activity Flyers and Order Forms for gym uniforms, hot lunch program, pictures, Confirmation, First Communion, etc. – sent home

When necessary other communication from the principal or the teacher may be necessary through e-mail, a phone call or written correspondence. Parents are asked to e-mail the teacher, call the school office or send a written request to the teacher when they want to make an appointment to discuss a matter at length or resolve a conflict. Conferences cannot be held during the school day. TEACHERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LEARNING AND SAFETY OF ALL CHILDREN FROM 7:55 A.M. UNTIL 2:45 P.M. PLEASE DO NOT STOP BY A CLASSROOM TO CONFERENCE WITH A TEACHER IF YOU HAPPEN TO BE IN THE BUILDING FOR A VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY. It is neither the time nor the place for a conference. You may stop by the office to leave communication for the teacher who will get back to you at a later time. E-mails regarding Extended Day attendance should NOT be sent to the teacher. Please see the section for EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM for more information Parents should send a written note explaining the reason their child was absent. The parent/guardian may e-mail the required absent note to the school office to the attention of Mrs. Ledwon at dledwon@stdan.net in place of a written note to the school. See ATTENDENCE Policy for more information.

CONCEALED CARRY ACT In July 2013, Illinois passed the Firearm Concealed Carry Act. Under the law, even individuals with a permit to carry concealed weapons cannot carry such weapons into schools. The school has posted a conspicuous sign featuring a handgun in black ink with a red circle around it and a diagonal slash across the handgun. These signs are approved by the Illinois State Police to designate that no concealed weapons will be permitted on the premises. The signs do not reflect official school policy, but instead signify that the law does not permit concealed weapons on any school facility.

CUSTODY Any change of custody should be reported to the school with a court order. This school abides by the provisions of the “Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act” with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents. In the absence of a court order to the contrary, the school will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to other school related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. Custodial Agreements At the time of registration or enrollment, the parent(s) shall provide information regarding the custodial care of the student and visitation rights. Upon request, the parent(s) shall furnish to the Principal a copy

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of any relevant court orders so as to ensure the safety and welfare of the student. The parent(s) shall have continuing duty to apprise the school of any changes in the custodial care of any student and the issuance of any court order restricting or prohibiting parental third party access to the child. Unless prohibited by order of the court or other legally binding instrument, a non-custodial parent shall have the right of access to school records relating to his or her child, and upon written request, provided all financial obligations are met, can receive copies of all notices relating to the school and school activities.

DISCIPLINE Discipline is the student's ability to manage himself/herself within the limits set by school policies, procedures and expectations. Discipline in the school is essential to an environment for learning. Parents, as primary educators of their children, share the responsibility of educating their children in exhibiting good behavior choices to maximize the student’s learning experience within the context of the classroom/school setting. Teachers have the right to expect student behavior that allows teachers to teach and students to learn. Each student has a right to learn in a Christian environment. Students and teachers share the responsibility to maintain such an environment. When discipline is not in place or not enforced, both the teacher and the students suffer from the loss of learning time. Each teacher has set rules to meet the needs of his/her individual class. Each student is also made aware of the school rules as set forth in the Parent/Student Handbook. Parents share the responsibility for guiding their children toward responsible behavior by providing Christian examples. As the manager of the classroom, it is the responsibility of the teacher:

a) to enforce the policies of the school for the safety and education of all students b) to practice preventive discipline through effective classroom management procedures c) to set up and inform students of standards and expectations for classroom routine and

behavior d) to provide and maintain the best possible school environment for learning e) to maintain classroom control adequate for the pursuit of the course of study by each child f) to deal with all minor disciplinary problems g) to work closely with parents on individual student problems h) to instruct students concerning responsibilities, privileges and consequences of inappropriate

behavior in the classrooms, in the lunchroom, in Church, at school-sponsored activities, on the school grounds, and on the way to and from school (see SAFETY POLICY)

i) to correct students whose acts of behavior are not suitable Students should not bring valuables to school or have them in their desks or lockers. No student is to bring the following items into the school or have them on the playground. Also see SAFETY POLICY. Knives (toy or real) of any kind

Guns or bullets or any type of weapon (or any facsimile) Matches Cigarettes or tobacco products Alcoholic beverages or narcotics Gum and candy Hard balls and bats Skateboards Headsets

Hand held games Laser pointer E-Readers

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CELL PHONES may be brought to school but not used in the school at any time. Cell phones must be on silent and stored in a student’s backpack during school hours. Unauthorized cell phone use by a student, including text messaging, photo imaging, video recording, and voice recording, will result in the immediate confiscation of the phone and a possible detention. The phone will then only be released to the student’s parent/guardian after a conference reviewing the rules on cell phone usage on school property. CONSEQUENCES By choosing to break a rule, a student has also chosen to accept the consequences of his/her behavior. Approved disciplinary measures and sanctions:

a) conference with student e) detention b) conference with parent f) probation c) assignment of special tasks g) suspension d) denial of privileges h) expulsion

These procedures must be used in accordance with Archdiocesan and school policies on the matter.

Following are five major levels of discipline:

1. VERBAL COMMUNICATION: A teacher will discuss inappropriate behavior with the student, encouraging the student to understand the consequences of the behavior and to explore more acceptable choices for future behavior.

2. TEACHER/ PARENT MEMOS OR E-MAIL - REPORT OF CONDUCT: Teacher/Parent Memos and e-mails are intended as a communication between school and home. In some cases, they indicate a minor infraction of school policy. REPORT OF CONDUCT slips MUST be signed and returned by the next school day.

3. DETENTION: Detention will result after alternate disciplinary actions have proven ineffective. A detention is a disciplinary procedure issued after 3 instances of irresponsible or inappropriate behavior or when the severity of the offense warrants such a consequence. Examples of severe offenses may include: talking disrespectfully to a teacher or supervising adult, unauthorized cell phone usage and offenses that risk the safety of self or others. A detention may be issued as a lunch detention, recess detention or an after-school detention. Parents will be notified in advance via email, Report of Conduct Referral Slip, or Teacher/Parent Memo if a detention has been assigned. After 3 detentions, a conference with the teacher, student and parent will be required to address the continued irresponsible or inappropriate behavior. After three (3) detentions per trimester a student may be ineligible to participate in any future field trips. Detention is meant to inconvenience the student. Students will be excused from an after-school detention only if they have a prearranged medical or dental appointment which has been verified by the parents. A missed detention MUST be made up.

4. SUSPENSION: Suspension (in-school or out-of-school suspension) is the exclusion of a student from school for a specified time usually lasting from one to five days. Students will be given some meaningful work to complete during an in-school suspension for that day. Missed Class Work: All missed class work is due the next school day. Students may need to come before school or stay after school to make up missed tests and quizzes.

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To uphold the dignity of the human person, the sacredness of human life, and provide a safe secure environment, students are not to commit any action that jeopardizes the safety of themselves or another person. Students who commit the following offenses, under the jurisdiction of the school, may be eligible for suspension from school:

a. actions gravely detrimental to the educational, moral, physical and spiritual welfare of other students b. habitual profanity or vulgarity c. assault, battery, or any other threat of force or violence directed toward school personnel or students (Also See Bullying, Harassment and Sexual Harassment Policies) d. open or persistent defiance of the authority of the teacher e. continued willful disobedience f. bringing to school, on school premises or at school sanctioned events, weapons of any kind. Weapons include but are not limited to the following: knives, handguns, brass knuckles, “billy clubs”, bats, pipes, sticks, and any other object that causes bodily harm. School officials are required to report weapon violations to the local police. The weapon is turned over to the local police jurisdiction. g. use, sale, distribution or possession of any alcohol, illegal drugs, or unauthorized medications on school premises or at school sanctioned events (Also see SUBSTANCE ABUSE policy) h. smoking or having tobacco on school premises or at school-sanctioned events

i. * major theft j. *willfully cutting, defacing or otherwise injuring in any way any property, real or personal, while under the jurisdiction of the school k. habitual truancy 1. public scandal while under school jurisdiction (Also see Public Scandal Policy) m. leaving school grounds without permission n. forging signatures o. striking another student

*Stolen and/or damaged items must be returned/replaced in the original condition. Parents are

legally and financially responsible for the actions of their children.

DEPENDING UPON THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE BEHAVIORS LISTED MAY LEAD TO EXPULSION AND THE REPORTING OF THE VIOLATIONS TO THE LOCAL POLICE.

Parents of a child who is to be suspended will be contacted to arrange a conference with the Principal and/or Teacher, and/or Pastor. A student will NOT be readmitted to class after a suspension until the parents of the suspended student have had this conference.

5. EXPULSION:

Expulsion is a serious matter and will only be used when absolutely necessary. In some cases, the Principal may deem an action by a student so severe that it would result in immediate expulsion from school. This decision is the right and responsibility of the Administration. Students will be treated with respect and concern, and discipline will be individualized. Because discipline is individualized, one student's discipline as a result of an infraction will be seen primarily in the relationship to that student's own growth and development as to the good of the whole student body, rather than in relationship to the discipline given to another student who might have committed a similar infraction. If a student's conduct is not compatible with school standards, the School Administration reserves the right to make a final decision regarding discipline.

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GANG ACTIVITY Gang-related activities are contrary to Catholic Social Teaching and have no place in the Catholic School. Intimidation and/or disrespect of any person are unacceptable. The following may be subject to disciplinary action:

Intimidation and threat of physical harm to others

Symbols that may be gang-related in the manner displayed, including but not limited to jewelry, jackets, sweatshirts, caps or other forms of clothing

Display of signs/symbols on paper, notebooks, textbooks, and other possessions that may be gang-related.

Conduct on or off the premises that may be gang-related Parents/Guardians are notified when their children are either suspected of being involved in gang-related activities or are a victim of gang-related activity. The principal has the authority and responsibility to investigate and report suspected gang activity to local law enforcement. Proof of gang affiliation may result in probation, suspension and/or expulsion. A student accused of a serious crime can be put on home study. PUBLIC SCANDAL INVOLVING STUDENTS Catholic school students are responsible to the school staff for maintaining exemplary behavior in school, at school-sponsored activities, and while going to and from school. In addition, student conduct in or out of school that reflects negatively on St. Daniel the Prophet Church or School may be subject to disciplinary action, particularly when the names of the school, its teachers, or students are impacted by the behavior in or out of school. School personnel have a responsibility and a right to inform parents/guardians when their child’s behavior is inappropriate, disrespectful, or harmful to themselves or to others. TECHNOLOGY USE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Parents/Guardians are primarily responsible for the student’s appropriate and ethical use of technology outside of school. However, the inappropriate use of technology outside of school may subject the students to disciplinary actions. Inappropriate use of technology may include, but is not limited to harassment of others, use of school name, remarks directed to or about teachers and staff, offensive communications including videos/photographs and threats made via e-mail, text messaging or Internet communication sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.). Parent need to familiarize themselves with all social media platforms used by their children and should have access to their phones and computers with usernames and passwords. This will help protect both you and your child.

The rules, policies, and procedures outlined above respect and serve cultural, ethnic and gender differences. Furthermore these discipline policies serve to advance the mission of St. Daniel the Prophet School to: create a faith community that is friendly, firm, and consistent develop students’ moral and spiritual values enhance individual standards of conduct and basic integrity provide sound educational opportunities of the highest quality recognize, respect and nurture the unique educational differences of our students

DRESS CODE

School uniforms are to be worn from the first day of school until the last day unless otherwise specified.

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SCHOOL UNIFORM

Preschool Gym uniform will be the required uniform for ALL preschool students. See approved Gym Uniform policy below. Regulation foot wear-VELCRO FASTENED GYM SHOES ONLY— NO BUTTON, TIE, BUCKLE OR SLIP-ON STYLES WILL BE PERMITTED.

Kindergarten

Gym uniform will be the required uniform for ALL kindergarten students. See approved Gym Uniform policy below. Regulation foot wear-VELCRO FASTENED GYM SHOES ONLY— NO BUTTON, TIE, BUCKLE OR SLIP-ON STYLES WILL BE PERMITTED.

Boys - Grades 1-8

Navy pants (no cargo pockets or faded blue) Navy walking shorts (Shorts can be worn from beginning of school until November 1 and

from April 1 until the end of school) Light blue short sleeved, knit pullover shirt - no emblems. Only white short sleeve shirts

are worn under uniform shirts. All shirts must be tucked inside pants. Solid navy, white or gray socks, Socks need to cover the top of the ankle COMPLETELY

(this means no ankle showing at all!). Solid color means NO emblems or logos(such as Nike symbol), no stripes or bands of a different color or shade of color on the socks.

St. Daniel gym sweatshirt, St. Daniel fleece, Navy cardigan or Navy pullover sweater Belts must be worn with trousers that have belt loops (Grades 2 – 8)

Girls - Grades 1-3

Navy and white checked jumper Navy slacks or walking shorts (Shorts can be worn from beginning of school until

November 1 and from April 1 until the end of school) White or navy short or long sleeved blouse, short sleeved polo, or turtleneck St. Daniel gym sweatshirt, St. Daniel fleece, Navy cardigan or Navy pullover sweater Solid navy, white or gray knee high socks, plain crew socks or footed tights Socks need to

cover the top of the ankle COMPLETELY (this means no ankle showing at all!). Solid color means NO emblems or logos(such as Nike symbol), no stripes or bands of a different color or shade of color on the socks.

Girls - Grades 4-8

Blue and white checked 2-pleated skirt, multiple pleated skirt, or skort. Hem of the skirt must touch the knee.

Navy slacks or walking shorts (Shorts can be worn from beginning of school until November 1 and from April 1 until the end of school)

White or navy short sleeved or long sleeved blouse, short sleeved polo, or turtleneck Only white shirts may be worn under uniform shirt. All shirts except the banded polo shirt must be tucked inside skirt, slacks or shorts. St. Daniel gym sweatshirt, St. Daniel fleece, Navy cardigan or Navy pullover sweater Solid navy, white or gray knee high socks, plain crew socks or footed tights Socks need to cover the top of the ankle COMPLETELY (this means no ankle showing at

all!). Solid color means NO emblems or logos(such as Nike symbol), no stripes or bands of a different color or shade of color on the socks.

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NO SHORTS OTHER THAN THE SCHOOL UNIFORM ARE PERMITTED UNLESS STIPULATED BY DRESSDOWN NOTICES.

UNIFORM SHOES – 1-8

GYM SHOES (dominant color must be white, black, gray or navy) are required to be worn with the School Uniform. No gym shoes above the ankle (no high-tops) can be worn. Moccasins, plastic shoes, work boots, platform shoes, flip flops, or backless shoes are NEVER allowed. No shoes or boots above the ankle worn for poor weather may be worn all day in school. Only laced or Velcro-fastened gym shoes - NO SLIP-ONS ALLOWED. Laces must be white or match the dominant color of the shoe.

GYM UNIFORM

Students must wear the official school gym uniform. The required gym uniform is the T-shirt (short sleeve or long sleeve) and sweatpants. Only white short sleeve shirts are worn under uniform shirts. The T-shirt must be tucked inside the sweatpants or shorts. ** Contact the office for the order form for gym uniforms. ** The official school gym sweatshirt and official gym shorts are optional. The official school gym shorts may be worn until November 1st and starting April 1st. NO SPORTS UNIFORM SHORTS WILL BE ALLOWED. The St. Daniel fleece may also be worn on gym day. Only gym shoes and white socks may be worn on gym day. Gym day shoes may be any color. Only laced or Velcro-fastened gym shoes are allowed- NO SLIP-ONS ALLOWED. Socks need to cover the ankle. No-show socks are not permissible.

JEWELRY/MAKE-UP/HAIR/HATS The only jewelry that may be worn to school is a wristwatch - no fad jewelry. Exception is made for girls with pierced ears who may wear one small stud type earring in each earlobe. (No cartilage piercings are allowed.) For safety at gym and on the stairs, no dangle earrings or hoop earrings are allowed - NO EXCEPTION. No boy may wear any earring. One religious medal/crucifix on a chain is permissible. Make-up, nail polish, fake nails or tips may not be worn on any school day in or out of uniform. No tattoos of any kind. Girls wearing make-up or nail polish will be sent to the office to remove it. If nail polish is of the type that cannot be removed, students will serve a recess detention. Repeated offenses may result in a consequence to be determined by the principal. Hair should be clean, well-groomed, traditional and neat as determined by the school, from the first day of school until the last day of school. Boys' hair should not hang below the top of the shirt collar nor cover any part of the ear. No hair can hang over the eyes. Repeated offenses may result in a detention. Boy’s and girl’s hair cannot be sculpted or carved in radical fashions such as a mohawk, dreadlocks, punk, new wave, etc. No spikes, tails, carved or shaved sides permitted. Inappropriate haircuts will need to be adjusted before a student will be allowed to reenter school. We ask that students refrain from dyeing or streaking their hair. Unusually colored hair will need to be dyed back to the student’s natural color before they will be readmitted to school. Also, if a child comes to school with hair pieces, feather pieces, or beads in their hair, they will be asked to remove them.

PLEASE NOTE: During the LAST WEEKS of school, ANY STUDENT coming to school with an INAPPROPRIATE HAIRCUT will be asked to leave the school and RETURN ONLY when the hair has been made to conform to school regulations. GRADUATING STUDENTS may be prohibited

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from participating in the graduation ceremony if the HAIR DOESN’T CONFORM to school regulations. No hat or head coverings are allowed to be worn during any school day.

DRESS DOWN Dress down apparel consists of the following: Appropriate short/long sleeved tee-shirts reflecting the designated theme, jeans, sweat pants, warm-ups, wind pants, capris, or Bermuda shorts (knee length) until Nov. 1 and after April 1. Hooded sweatshirts are allowed but the hood cannot be worn during school. Only gym shoes may be worn. Clothing that is not allowed includes anything torn, ragged or discolored. Clothing cannot have offensive language or symbols. There is to be no exposed skin from knee to neck. No ripped jeans, yoga pants, skin-tight clothing or pajama pants are allowed. Leggings and jeggings are only allowed if worn with a skirt or dress that touches the knee. Please review with your child exactly where the knee is located. School make-up, jewelry and hat policies apply. If a student comes to school not following the Dress Down rules, he/she will need to call a parent for appropriate clothing. If parents cannot bring an appropriate change of clothing, and there is no extra gym uniform for the student, the student will serve a recess detention on that day.

DRESS UP (Picture Day, Music Show Performance, Sacraments) Dress up apparel consists of the following: BOYS: dress pants, short or long sleeved collared shirts, dress shoes. GIRLS: dress pants, capris, skirts (knee-length), dresses (knee length), short or long sleeved shirts, dress shoes with heels no higher than 1 inch, no backless shoes, no flip flops, no exposed skin from knee to neck, no make-up. No ripped jeans, yoga pants, skin-tight clothing or pajama pants are allowed. Leggings and jeggings are only allowed if worn with a skirt or dress that touches the knee. School policies regarding make-up, jewelry, and hats apply.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

According to State regulations, all schools are to schedule a certain number of emergency drills during the year. These include fire drills, tornado drills, bus evacuation drills, school evacuation, and intruder drills.

EXTENDED CARE PROGRAM In order to respond to the needs of our families with varying schedules, we have provided extended care service for our students beginning with full - day pre-school students. Half-day preschool students may only attend extended care in the morning. Students who need to arrive at school before 7:50 A.M. or not picked up by 2:50 P.M. should attend the St. Daniel Extended Day Program: Staff: Director: Mrs. Mary Frances Porod, Principal Asst. Director: Mrs. Mary Posluszny Monitors: Mrs. Chris Cacucci Ms. Michelle Campos Ms. Nancy Casalino

Ms. Marilyn Homan Mrs. Ann Marie Jurasich Mrs. Rita Ponschke

Ms. Jackie Schaer Ms. Rebecca Waliszewski Mr. Ryan Woods

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Telephone Numbers: Extended Day: 773-586-2237 During hours of operation, they will be available to answer your calls personally. During school hours, and between 6:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M., you may record your message on the facility’s answering machine. Messages will be picked up at 7:00 A.M. and again at 2:15 P.M. E-mails regarding your child’s schedule for Extended Day attendance should not be sent during the school day to the teacher. School Office: 773-586-1225 (Call from 2:00 P.M. until 2:45 P.M.) Please don’t call the school office except during the time between 2:00 P.M. and 2:45 P.M. to request any last minute changes in your child’s schedule.

Hours: Morning: 6:30 A.M. - 7:55 A.M. Afternoon: 2:45 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Half Day: 11:30 - 6:00 P.M. First day and Last day of School: 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. Parents must pick up and sign out all students at the Parish Center. For the security of the Extended Day Program, no student will be released from Extended Care in Brennan Hall.

Extracurricular Activity Code of Conduct (New for 2014-2015) For Students in 4

th through 8

th grade

(Extracurricular activities include but are not limited to: clubs/activities, music programs, athletics, and drama productions. ) The following is expected:

1. Student will exhibit acceptable standards of citizenship. All students are expected to follow school policies.

2. Students must be passing all academic subjects and maintain a grade average of “C” or above. 3. Eligibility sheets will be turned in monthly by teachers in order to confirm the minimum grade

average of “C”. If a student is found to be at a lower grade average, he or she may not participate in practice or games until the grade average is in compliance with the said grade average.

4. It is expected that participation in a sport or club will not hurt a student’s academic performance. If a student is failing a class, he/she is declared academically ineligible for one week. The student’s grades will then be checked weekly, and the student will remain academically ineligible until he/she is passing all of his/her classes. The teachers will inform the principal if a student earned failing or near failing grade(s) on Fridays, therefore making the student ineligible to play/participate/perform starting on Monday or until the grade is raised. It is the responsibility of the student to work with the teacher in order to raise the grade, thus making the student eligible again. The student will not be allowed to play/participate/perform until all of the work is completed and the grade is raised to passing. During this time, it is expected that the student will support his/her teammates at games. The student will not be allowed to dress in uniform until he/she is eligible to play.

5. A two week grace period for the grade average will be given to all students at the beginning of the first trimester.

6. Students must be in full attendance at school to be eligible to participate in the extracurricular activity on that given day. Students who go home sick during the day or students who are absent that day are not permitted to return for practice, games, or club activities.

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7. If the student is provided with a uniform, the student is responsible for the care of your uniform. The uniform must be returned in the condition in which it was received.

8. Students are subject to disciplinary action for misconduct or disobedience occurring on school grounds, at school sponsored activities, in connection with student transportation or at any place where the misconduct or disobedience has a reasonable relationship to school. Any student serving an in-school suspension or out-of-school suspension may not participate and/or attend any school-sponsored activity on the days of the suspensions.

9. Please remember that as a member of a team or club, each student is representing St. Daniel the Prophet School, as well as our Catholic Church, and is expected to exhibit proper behavior, respect the property and rules of the schools the student may visit.

10. Students are expected to work hard---good practice attitude equals good performance. Students must listen carefully to the coaches and club sponsors for directions, support all members, and try your best.

11. The Principal has final discretion for suspension of eligibility.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are an extension of St. Daniel’s School education program and students are expected to attend. Field trips are designed to enrich the students' classroom curriculum in an educational, cultural and social experience. Field trips are a privilege, not a right. Students may be refused the privilege based upon past behavior. Because this is not to be taken as a work-free day, all teachers will provide an alternative assignment of significant duration to any student who does not attend a field trip. This assignment will be graded and will count toward the trimester grade. Students must dress according to the Teacher Guidelines for that trip. All school policies, such as makeup, jewelry, cell phones, and gum-chewing, apply while on the field trip. Students attending field trips MUST ride the bus. Transportation and admission fees will be required. Due to cost factors, no refunds will be given. This includes illness, loss of privileges or at teachers' discretion, i.e., missing homework or detention, etc. Students not attending field trips will be marked absent unless they come to school that day. After three (3) detentions per semester a student may be ineligible to participate in any future field trips. CHAPERONES

Chaperones must be at least 21 years of age and must comply with the Archdiocese Safe Environment Requirements:

Criminal Background Screening No one may volunteer to chaperone unless the criminal background check has been completed and approved. Volunteers are required to complete the eAppsDB form online.

Safe Environment Training All volunteers who work with children must attend the Virtus/Protecting God’s Children training program within 3 months of beginning service.

Code of Conduct All volunteers who work with children must read, sign and date the Code of Conduct Personnel Acknowledgement Form.

Contact the School Office for required forms and further information.

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(Sample Permission Slip) ST. DANIEL THE PROPHET SCHOOL

5337 S. NATOMA CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60638

Date____________________

I request that St. Daniel the Prophet School allow my child to participate in the field trip to _____________________________________________________________ on ______________________. (Place of Field Trip) (Date of Field Trip) I hereby give my child permission to participate in this field trip. I hereby release and save harmless the school and any employees from any liability for any injury occurring while my child is on this field trip. ________________________________________ has permission to attend the field trip on_______________ (Student’s Name) (Date of Field Trip) at_______________________________________________to see, hear, or participate in __________________ (Place of Field Trip) (Name of Event) as a student of St. Daniel the Prophet School.

______________________________________________ Date____________________ (Guardian’s Signature)

I can cannot chaperon (circle one) on ____________________________. (Date of Field Trip) ______________________________________________________________ _____________________________ (Name and Phone number if you can chaperone). Emergency Name and Phone Number

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

GANGS See Discipline Policy

GRIEVANCE/COMPLAINT PROCEDURE The St. Daniel the Prophet School administration, teachers and staff desire to effectively serve and respond to the school parents. Please keep the teacher informed of any situations that may arise concerning your child in order to allow the teacher the opportunity to resolve these issues in a timely manner. This includes new developments in family dynamics, such as divorce, death of a close relative, older sibling moving away, etc. All of these may affect the way your child behaves in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to solve matters with the teacher before coming to the principal. If no resolution can be made the principal should be contacted. If a parent wishes to discuss an issue that involves a teacher or another staff member, the parent may either e-mail or call the individual teacher or staff member to schedule a personal or telephone conference or submit a written summary of the issue to that individual requesting a response. E-mail should not be used for this type of communication. If the matter is not resolved to the parent’s satisfaction, the parent may either call the school office to schedule a personal or telephone conference with the school administrator or submit a written summary of the issue (including prior communication with the individual involved) to the school administrator requesting a response. The school administrator will investigate the issue, including discussion with the individual involved and schedule a personal or telephone conference with the parent unless the parent prefers a written response. If the issue is still not resolved to the parent’s satisfaction, a third party facilitator may be brought in to arbitrate the situation. It is the responsibility of the parent to follow up the issue of concern with the teacher and or the administration.

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If resolution is not achieved, the conflicting parties may enter into formal conciliation under the direction of the Archdiocesan Office of Conciliation.

HARASSMENT The Pastor, administration, and staff of St. Daniel the Prophet School believe that all students and employees are entitled to work and study in school-related environments that are Christ-centered and free of harassment. The school will treat complaints of harassment seriously and will respond to such complaints in a prompt, confidential, and thorough manner. Harassment of any type will not be tolerated and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken. Disciplinary action may include suspension, expulsion, or termination. Also see the Discipline Policy, Bullying Policy, and Sexual Harassment Policy.

HEALTH All students shall present proof of having a health examination and be immunized against preventable communicable diseases as required by the Department of Public Health. These records are to be presented to the school before the first day of school. A child may be excluded from school until the child presents proof of having had the health examination and the required immunizations. Health Examination and Proof of Immunization All children in Illinois shall have a health examination as follows:

Immediately prior to or upon entrance into any Illinois school

Prior to entering pre-school and kindergarten

Also upon entering sixth and ninth grades Dental Examinations All children in kindergarten and the second and sixth grades shall have a dental examination. Forms will be sent home through the school. Vision Examinations All children enrolling in school for the first time or entering kindergarten shall have an eye exam. Forms will be sent home through the school. Although not required, yearly vision exams for all students in grades 4 – 8 are recommended to catch changes in your child’s vision. Report cards may be held if the student is not in compliance with the Health Requirements. MEDICINE

If children require medicine, parents are required to come to school to dispense it themselves or to make other arrangements. In the event that medication needs to be administered in school the medical information and emergency notification form must be completed prior to administration. The school or school personnel will not maintain, supervise the taking of, or administer medication without the completion of the entire form. Children cannot medicate themselves (with the exception of inhalers or other asthmatic devices). If medication is found on a child, it will be turned over to the school Principal for appropriate disposition. It will not be returned to the student.

CONTAGIOUS DISEASES A note from the doctor is required for re-admission to school if a child is absent due to conjunctivitis (pink eye) or an unexplained rash.

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HEAD LICE Those students who become infested with head lice are to be excluded from school. Parents are advised to seek treatment for their child/children through their family physician or pharmacist. The student may return to school when the parent/guardian presents a box label or note from the physician indicating that the child/children have been treated. Students are to be rechecked by the administration for head lice before re-admission to the classroom. The administration also reserves the right to check students suspected of having head lice in school. If head lice is detected, parents will be notified and the child will be sent home for treatment.

Head lice can be transmitted directly through close contact from a person who is infected or indirectly transmitted through contact with an object that has been contaminated with the lice (hairbrushes, combs, shared clothing, hats, pillows, or towels.) Parents are advised to check other family members, and to disinfect combs and brushes with medicated shampoo. Disinfect contaminated clothing and bedding by machine washing articles in HOT water and detergent or by having items dry-cleaned. Thoroughly vacuum rugs, upholstered furniture, mattresses or other articles that cannot be laundered or dry-cleaned. School families will be notified when a case of head lice occurs in their child’s classroom.

HOMEWORK Homework is assigned for the purpose of remediation, review, reinforcement or enrichment of material presented in class. The teachers will work together as much as possible to balance the workload. Parental involvement is considered vital. Parents are encouraged to:

1. Listen to readings and share what was learned. 2. Practice spelling and definitions. 3. Drill facts. 4. Help research. 5. Encourage and direct. 6. Never just pass out answers or allow homework to be shared over the phone or over the

Internet with classmates. Remember, homework may consist of writing, study, reading, reciting or sharing what was learned in class. The AVERAGE AMOUNT of homework per grade should be: Primary Grades (1-2-3) 15 minutes to 45 minutes Intermediate Grades (4-5-6) 45 minutes to 1&1/2 hours Junior High Grades (7-8) 1 hour to 2 hours Parents should ask to see the student's work often -- homework and work done in class. If there is no written work, the student should spend some time studying or reading. All homework is expected to be done neatly, on time and in class when due. Consequences for late work will be communicated to the parents by the child’s individual teachers. VACATION HOMEWORK K-8

Work is not required to be given to a student prior to going on a vacation during the school year. When the student returns, missed assignments will be given and graded upon completion at the teacher's earliest convenience. If the work is completed after the grading period is over, the work may not count in that trimester’s grading period. Also see Absences under the Attendance Policy.

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LOST AND FOUND ARTICLES

All personal property, which has been plainly marked, will be returned to the owner. Unmarked items will be placed in the lost and found locker near the library. After thirty days, all unclaimed items will be given to charity.

LUNCH IT IS THE STUDENTS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THEIR LUNCHES AT SCHOOL EACH SCHOOL MORNING. Starting August 24th, if lunches are forgotten by a student, an FSP lunch will be provided (if available). Students will be asked to reimburse the lunch program for any lunch provided. Prompt payment for extra lunches is necessary for a student to be offered this privilege in the future. The LUNCH PROGRAM will be available starting on August 24, 2015. Students will be able to buy lunches one month at a time (the order form is sent home one month prior). The student is not required to buy a lunch every school day and pays for only those days they choose to order on the monthly order form. A student will be able to purchase only milk with the lunch program. Low-fat white milk or low-fat chocolate milk will be available through pre-order with the lunch program.

LUNCHROOM BEHAVIOR

The lunchroom is always supervised by ONE teacher and parental volunteers. If the student needs to go to the bathroom permission must be obtained from the teacher. The lunch and recess periods should be a pleasant time for all. This can be achieved only by proper manners and courteous behavior. Students are to conduct themselves at lunch as they would at meals at home or in a restaurant. The students must abide by the regulations for conduct and must obey the person supervising at all times. LUNCHROOM PROCEDURES:

1. Students come down to the lunchroom in an orderly and quiet way and go to their assigned tables.

2. Courteous behavior is expected in lines. There is to be no pushing, shoving, moving ahead of others, etc.

3. Students are to talk quietly. No banging, yelling, screaming or other loud noises are permitted. 4. Students are to eat neatly. No throwing of any objects no matter how small the object or

short the distance will be tolerated. All garbage and spills must be cleaned before being dismissed.

Tables and floor are to be left clean. 5. Permission to go to the bathroom and/or to the classroom must be given by the teacher. 6. All food is to be consumed at tables. 7. The students will line up quietly and in an orderly way to return to the classrooms. 8. Students will respect the authority of all lunchroom personnel. 9. The microwave may not be used by the students.

Disobedience and disrespect are serious matters, and will be dealt with accordingly. Continued disrespectful behavior will result in assigned seating for individual students and/or the whole classroom.

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MORNING TRAFFIC PATTERN On School Mornings - Traffic Pattern for Drop Off Please see diagram on inside front cover of handbook. (1) A barricade on the corner of Nashville and 54th will have signage that reads "Do Not Enter - Eastbound Only until 8:15". (2) People driving westbound on 54th will need to turn right onto Nashville and drive north to enter the drop off zone at the gym entrance. After using the current drop off zone, proceed through the parking lot to exit at 54th Street eastbound. A barricade at the south end of the church lot will have signage that reads, "Left turn only." (3) Cars coming eastbound on 54th street may turn left onto Natoma and follow the barricades going into the parking lot via the entrance between the house and the school to the new drop off zone. These cars will drop off and use the south exit going left on 54th St.

(4) The Natoma barricades will be angled to create safe walking space for our students who are used to being safe on the street. There can be NO SELF-CREATED PARKING in the lot between the church and school. We need the space in the parking lot to make the drop-off work. If you want to park, you must use a designated parking spot. Parking is located along 53rd and 54th streets and the north-south side streets. We need the space to make the drop-off work. (5) Natoma will be blocked at 53rd as usual

OFFICE SERVICE

Parents will be notified whenever their child is injured or ill while at school. It is recommended that students be covered by insurance. Incoming telephone messages cannot be received and delivered to students before the end of the school day unless it is an emergency. Phone calls home are permitted for emergencies only. Emergencies such as forgotten glasses, forgotten lunches or changes in after-school schedule are permissible. Articles cannot be delivered to students in the classroom without interrupting an entire class. It is important that students remember to bring needed articles with them when they come to school in the morning. Also please encourage your students to be responsible in bringing home all materials needed for homework/project completion.

ORGANIZATIONS

School Advisory Board: The St. Daniel the Prophet School Advisory Board is made up of a number of elected members, who along with the Pastor and Principal are responsible for:

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- Developing local policies. - Reviewing the annual school budget and determining sources of funding. - Collaborating with the Pastor, who hires the Principal to administer the school. - Public relations for the school. - Representing the constituency. - Participating in the development of long-range school plans.

All regular meetings are open to the Parish and attendance is encouraged. Anyone requesting to add or comment on meeting agenda items should contact the School Board, through the school, for the procedures.

Parents’ Club: All families having children in St. Daniel the Prophet School are expected to belong to the Parents' Club. This club is directed by a volunteer board of parents (minimum six). An election will be held if necessary when there are more volunteers than positions available. The club sponsors fund raisers to provide scholarships for graduates, obtain equipment, learning materials and events throughout the year for the students.

Band Parents: The purpose of the Band Parents' Club is to raise funds for the school band.

Sports Board: The Sports Board consists of one person representing each sport. The Sports Board, along with the Athletic Director, oversees the sports program sponsored by St. Daniel the Prophet Parish. They coordinate the sports program and direct fund raising activities which support the sports program.

PUBLIC SCANDAL INVOLVING STUDENTS Catholic school students are responsible to the school staff for maintaining exemplary behavior in school, at school-sponsored activities, and while going to and from school. In addition, student conduct in or out of school that reflects negatively on St. Daniel the Prophet Church or School may be subject to disciplinary action, particularly when the names of the school, its teachers, or students are impacted by the behavior in or out of school. School personnel have a responsibility and a right to inform parents/guardians when their child’s behavior is inappropriate, disrespectful, or harmful to themselves or to others. TECHNOLOGY USE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL Parents/Guardians are primarily responsible for the student’s appropriate and ethical use of technology outside of school. However, the inappropriate use of technology outside of school may subject the students to disciplinary actions. Inappropriate use of technology may include, but is not limited to harassment of others, use of school name, remarks directed to or about teachers and staff, offensive communications including videos/photographs and threats made via e-mail, text messaging or Internet communication sites (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.).

RECESS Grades K-8 go outside for recess unless it is 25 degrees or below, the wind chill factor is 25 degrees or below, it is snowing or raining. The recess schedule will be communicated by the homeroom teacher. Please dress children appropriately for the weather. Some recess play equipment will be provided by the school. Any student bringing playground equipment must have it approved by the teachers. Soft surfaced footballs, or lightweight wiffle balls would be an example of permissible equipment. The principal has the final approval on all equipment.

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A funeral in the church during recess time may result in indoor recess or rescheduling of recess time on that day.

REPORTING TO PARENTS St. Daniel uses the trimester system for grade reporting. At the end of each trimester, student evaluations will be issued. An explanation of the marking system may be found on the evaluation report. When the marks on your child’s report are low, an early conference with the teacher is suggested. This way, parents and teachers can work together to develop a plan to ensure the future success of the student. Grading System The grading scale in effect matches the Archdiocese Power School scale: PERCENT SCORE LETTER GRADE HONORS POINTS 99 - 100 A+ 9 95 - 98 A 8 93 - 94 A- 7 91 - 92 B+ 6 87 - 90 B 5 85 - 86 B- 4 83 - 84 C+ 3 79 - 82 C 2 77 - 78 C- 1 75 - 76 D+ 71 - 74 D 69 - 70 D- 68 - 0 U Honor Roll will be given every trimester to those students who are eligible in grades 5-8.

To be eligible for Honor Roll: All grades must be C - or better, including Special classes No checks in Content areas or Personal and Social Growth, including Special classes High Honors 7.00 - 9.00 average Honors 5.00 - 6.99 average Special classes (gym, music, and computers) are not included in the grade point average for Honor Roll eligibility. Spanish grades will be used in the grade point average for 7th and 8th grade students only.

The communication with parents concerning student progress will be by the following means:

1. Parent-Teacher Conference (these may be initiated by the school or the home as often as deemed necessary). If a parent wants a conference with a teacher, please email the teacher, call the school office (773-586-1225) or send a note with the child. Parents MUST check in at the office before going to a teacher's room.

2. Power School web site – an on-line program for Grades 1 – 8 that posts graded assignments

and current averages on-line for parents to access via the web site. Access codes for each child

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are provided to the parents by the school. Parents are expected to review this site frequently for updates on their child’s progress and are encouraged to contact the teacher with any concerns. Teachers are to update minimally every two weeks.

3. Trimester Evaluation Reports. A report card will be sent home after each trimester.

4. Progress Reports - All parents will receive a Progress Report mid-trimester for each marking

period. Please sign this Report under the Teacher's Signature and return to school.

5. Any paper sent home to be signed by the parent is an indication of poor or failing work. Homework, test papers, or folders requiring a parent's signature, indicate your child's progress and can take the place of a Progress Report if these items are sent home on a consistent basis.

RETENTION

A blanket policy will not fit all individual situations for promotion and retention; however, insofar as it is possible, the following guide shall be in effect:

Promotion rather than retention is the objective to seek; however, automatic promotion of all pupils is not always justified.

Possible retention cases should be studied with a view toward making the best possible decision for the child. Each case should be decided on its own merits.

In consideration of a child’s retention or promotion, the items which should be studied, not necessarily in order of their importance, are:

A. chronological age B. academic achievement C. mental capacity D. social adjustment E. emotional stability

F. physical development G. work habits H. requirements of the next grade

I. frequent and/or prolonged absence

4. Automatic retention because of failure to reach certain academic standards without regard to all factors listed above can seldom be justified.

Students may be PLACED instead of PROMOTED to the next grade level. Students who are PLACED will be on academic probation for the next school year to ensure they can meet academic requirements for that grade level.

A student will be retained if, after several documented meetings during the course of the year regarding the student's attitude and academic progress, the teachers and the school administration feel that retention is warranted. If retention is indicated and parental concurrence is not obtained, then the school administration can recommend, for the benefit of the student, removal from St. Daniel the Prophet School. If a child receives unsatisfactory grades (U) for two consecutive trimesters in an academic area, Summer School or Tutoring by a qualified instructor is recommended. Graduating students will not receive their diploma if a “U” grade is obtained in the second or third trimester for TWO OR MORE subjects. (Upon completion of a required course of study the student will receive a diploma.)

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SUMMER SCHOOL Recommendations must be returned to the classroom teacher. If a parent declines to send their child to the St. Daniel summer school program, and seeks other options, this must be noted on the recommendation form. Evidence of summer school work done outside of St. Daniel the Prophet School should be presented at the start of the new school year and will be placed in the child’s file.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR VOLUNTEERS In order to be a volunteer at St. Daniel the Prophet School, the following list of requirements must be met:

Archdiocese of Chicago Application for Employment or Volunteer Service

Criminal Background Screening

Safe Environment Training

Code of Conduct

Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) Also see Chaperone Requirements under FIELD TRIP policy. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact the school office for the appropriate forms.

SAFETY

Any student who is annoyed by an adult on the way to school should notify the teacher immediately. The teacher will contact the office. All students should leave other people's property alone. Students should report any losses to their teachers immediately. The following rules of safety are to be the guidelines for all students:

1. Treat classmates with respect - this means no fighting, pushing or shoving. 2. Cross only at corners - no Jaywalking. Archer Avenue is to be crossed only at the lights on

Nashville Avenue. Students must WALK bicycles across Archer Avenue. 3. Walk bikes on the playground. 4. Walk, never run in the halls or on the stairs. 5. Go directly home - do not loiter on the playground or return to the school building after

dismissal. 6. Never throw snowballs or slide on the ice. 7. Respect the property of others by staying off the grass. 8. Never accept a ride with a stranger. 9. Never go home with a friend without informing your parent/guardian. 9. No skateboards or are permitted on the School/Parish grounds.

Natoma Avenue will be blocked between 53rd and 54th Streets from 7:30 A.M. - 8:15 A.M., and from thirty minutes before dismissal until 15 minutes after dismissal. NO CARS WILL BE ALLOWED PAST THE HORSES. Students should not bring valuables to school or have them in their desks or lockers.

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No student is to bring the following items into the school or have them on the playground. Also see DISCIPLINE POLICY. Knives (toy or real) of any kind

Guns or bullets or any type of weapon (or any facsimile) Matches Cigarettes or tobacco products Alcoholic beverages or narcotics Gum and candy Hard balls and bats Skateboards Headsets

Hand held games Laser pointer E-Readers Cell phones may be brought to school but not used in the school at any time. Cell phones must be off and stored in a student’s backpack during school hours. Unauthorized cell phone use by a student, including text messaging, photo imaging, video recording, and voice recording, will result in the immediate confiscation of the phone and detention. The phone will then only be released to the student’s parent/guardian after a conference reviewing the rules on cell phone usage on school property.

SCHOLARSHIPS All eighth grade students are eligible for a high school scholarship. The following organizations* provide funds for scholarships. (The number of scholarships may be amended due to availability of funds) HOLY NAME SOCIETY* WOMEN’S CLUB* PARENTS’ CLUB* *These organizations fund the awards through their membership fees and sponsored activities. The availability of funds may change the number of scholarships awarded for a particular year. In order for a student to be considered for any scholarship, parents must become members in ALL THREE organizations for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade. This means that dues must be paid to all three organizations for the duration of minimally the three years leading up to and including Grade 8. Membership issues for single parent families will be evaluated on a case by case basis. Only ONE scholarship will be awarded per student. The following information will help you understand how your child can become eligible for one of these awards. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: 1. All interested students must submit an essay. This essay will serve as a scholarship application. The

essay should explain why the students feels he or she should receive a scholarship, what their time and service at St. Daniel has meant to them and what role the participating organizations have in the life of the parish. The scholarship committee will evaluate the essays. All essays must be accompanied by a teacher recommendation form.

2. The student MUST attend a Catholic High School upon graduation. 3. All students will be expected to be interviewed by the Scholarship Committee. 4. All students are expected to perform service to the parish and/or school during 8th grade.

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The Scholarship Committee consists of one member from each organization and the Principal, who coordinates meetings and interviews. SCHOLARSHIP CRITERIA: All scholarships will be based on a combination of grade point average, essay/with teacher recommendation, interview, and continuing service to parish and/or school. Essays and interviews will be ranked from 1-5; five being the highest and one being the lowest. Grade point averages can range from 0 to 9. Service ranking is based on a minimum of 10 hours during the 8th grade year. Grade point average, essay points, interview points and service points will be added and divided by four. Please note that the grade point average can affect the outcome to a greater extent since it is almost twice the value of the other categories. a. Grade point average will be used from the first through the third marking period and averaged. b. Essays will be read by each representative of the following organizations: Parent’s Club, Holy Name

and Women’s Club. Each representative will rank the essay and the three rankings will be averaged. c. Interviews will be done by only one organizational representative. (Ratings of 1- 5) d. Evidence of continuing service to the parish and/or school in the 8th grade year. e. All four categories will be added and averaged to determine the distribution of scholarships. Extra-curricular activities, community involvement (including parish, neighborhood, etc.), and knowledge of what activities the organizations are involved with will be considered when rating the essay and interview. Conduct both inside and outside the school will be considered for the overall decision. Monetary scholarships will be given as follows:

Top Overall Student Top Female Student Top Male Student Additional scholarships will be given to the next ranked students with one scholarship used for Citizenship. One Service scholarship will be granted to a student who may not have one of the higher grade point averages but demonstrates a willingness to be of service to the parish and/or school and demonstrates the Catholic identity the student has gained from his/her experience at St. Daniel the Prophet School. The decisions of the Scholarship Committee are final. We hope this will clarify the structure of the scholarship program and assist everyone in the process of applying for a scholarship. Any inquiries should be directed to the principal who will then submit it to the scholarship committee. There are a few smaller scholarships and awards available, each having their own criteria. This information is shared with the 8th graders in March.

SCHOOL BUDGET/PARISH CONTRIBUTIONS

The St. Daniel the Prophet School Board, in dialogue with principal, develops an annual operating budget in the spring of each year. Because the total cost of educating each child exceeds the tuition and

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fees collected, the parish subsidizes the school. It is for this reason, that all parishioners with children enrolled in St. Daniel the Prophet School are also expected to contribute to the overall support of the parish, in addition to meeting their obligations in a timely manner for their children’s tuition and fees.

SCHOOL SECURITY PARENTS AND VISITORS must ring the doorbell at the main entrance to be admitted into the school. All visitors and parents must sign in and out at the school office. Visitors to the school are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and to notify the office as to the nature of their visit to the school. Unruly adults will be asked to leave the school building. If the unruly adult refuses, the police department will be notified for their removal. Also see VISITOR POLICY.

SCHOOL VISITATION RIGHTS ACT The School Visitation Rights Act (effective July, 1993) permits employed parents and guardians who are unable to meet with educators because of a work conflict the right to an allotment of time during the school year to attend necessary education or behavioral conferences at the school their children attend. “School” refers to any public or primary or secondary school or educational facility located in Illinois or a state which shares a common boundary with Illinois. “Visitation” refers to a scheduled meeting between educators and parents to discuss learning and behavior problems pertaining to the student.

Each employee shall be entitled to a total of 8 hours of school visitation rights within the normal school year of the school at which the employee’s child attends (in increments of 1 to 4 hours). The employee shall provide the employer with a written request for school visitation rights at least 7 days in advance of the time the employee is required to utilize the visitation right; in emergency situations, no more than 24 hours notice shall be required. In addition, an employer is not required to grant visitation rights if more than 5% of its work force or 5 employees, whichever is more, request visitation rights at the same time. “Non-exempt” employees under the federal Labor Standard Act (e.g. secretaries and maintenance personnel) shall not be required to make up the time taken, but if such employee does not make up the time taken, such employee shall not be compensated for the time taken. “Exempt” employees (e.g. teachers) under the federal Fair Labor Standard Act are not compensated for hourly work (and have, therefore, unreduced compensation requirements). “Exempt” employees (teachers) may, however be required by an employer (principal) to make up the leave hours within the same pay period. The school administrator shall provide the parent or guardian documentation of the school visitation which shall include the exact time and date the visitation occurred and ended. This act applies to all eligible employees who have been employed by an employer for at least six months. The implications of this Act have as much to do with parents coming into the school as it does with the school employees whose children attend another school.

SEARCHES OF SCHOOL PROPERTY All property of the school, including student desks and lockers, as well as contents, may be opened, searched or inspected at any time without notice. School personnel have an unrestricted right to search

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this property as well as any containers, book bags, purses, or articles of clothing that are left unattended on the school campus or parking lot. The search of a student’s person or of any item carried by the student is permissible when there is any suspicion that the student may be carrying any item prohibited by law or by school policy. Also see DISCIPLINE POLICY.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Sexual harassment by one employee of another, by an employee of a student, by a student of an employee, or by one student of another is unacceptable conduct. Employees or students who engage in any type of sexual harassment will be subject to appropriate discipline, including suspension, termination, or expulsion. Also See DISCIPLINE POLICY and BULLYING POLICY. Retaliation in any form against an employee or student who exercises his or her right to make a complaint under this policy is strictly prohibited, and will itself be cause for appropriate disciplinary action. Any employee or student who knowingly makes false charges against an employee or a student in an attempt to demean, harass, abuse, or embarrass that individual shall be subject to the sanctions for misconduct set forth above. The school will determine the facts regarding all allegations of sexual harassment in as prompt and confidential a manner as possible and will take appropriate corrective action when warranted. Sexual harassment is defined as words or behavior that:

- is directed at a person because of his or her sex; - is unwanted and unwelcome; - causes the person to feel uncomfortable or offended:

Students should report any incidents of sexual harassment directly to a teacher or school administrator. Any persons, including students, presumed guilty of sexual harassment will be reported to DCFS.

SMOKE-FREE BUILDING No smoking is allowed on parish grounds. No smoking is allowed at any time in the school building or within 15 feet of the building when it is occupied by students. This is the law.

SPECIAL EDUCATION St. Daniel the Prophet School is limited in the type of special services that can be offered to students with special learning needs. However, the Office of Catholic Schools has a Director of Inclusive Education who works with principals of the Catholic schools to find ways to assist students who are identified through the CPS process as having a significant learning issue. Please inquire with the principal regarding any special education needs your child may have.

SPORTS

St. Daniel the Prophet School, through the institution of a Sports Board, will offer extra-curricular sports activities. Students participating in these extracurricular activities must abide by the eligibility requirements regarding behavior and effort in school work as set forth in the athletic handbook and the Extracurricular Activity Code of Conduct. In addition, students participating in school-related sports

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activities must have parents' written permission. Medical insurance coverage is the responsibility of the parents (mandatory for all participants). Students who go home sick during the day or students who are absent that day are not permitted to return for practice, games, or club activities.

The principal has the authority to bench any player whose academic performance or behavior is not within school guidelines. Various sports activities are offered to students in Kindergarten through eighth grade. Sports offered (depending on coaching staff) may include: GIRLS BOYS Co-educational Softball (Fast Pitch) Football (Tackle) Soccer Volleyball Baseball Golf Basketball Basketball Bowling

Cheerleading Volleyball

STANDARDIZED TESTING PROGRAM All Archdiocesan Schools must administer the ACT/Aspire Standardized Assessment in the spring of each school year to students in grades 3-8. Test results are distributed to parents as soon as they become available. Test scores are filed in each child’s cumulative folder.

STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE The school does not provide automatic student accident insurance. Contact the school office if direction is needed in seeking insurance for a student.

STUDENT RECORDS ACCESS TO STUDENT RECORDS By law, all parents/guardians and “eligible students”(former students over the age of 18 years) have the right to inspect and review a student’s permanent Educational Record. This may be done by supplying the school office with a written request to inspect records: the office will set a date (within 10 school days) and time when the records will be made available. A parent/guardian or “eligible student” may only challenge letter or numerical grades on grounds that the grades have been inaccurately recorded. Grades may not be challenged due to a disagreement with the teacher’s marking procedures. Any such request must be in writing: the Principal shall respond to the request within (10) school days. PRIVACY OF STUDENT RECORDS St. Daniel the Prophet School will not disclose anything from a student’s Education Records except:

1. by prior written consent of the parent/guardian or “eligible student” 2. As Directory information (parents wishing to restrict disclosure must notify the principal in

writing at the time of registration) 3. by court order or lawfully issued subpoena

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4. under certain limited circumstances, at the discretion of the principal: i.e., to the parent, guardian or student; to teachers providing educational services to the child; to other educational agencies providing services to the child; to pastors, associate pastors, counselors and other school support personnel when it is necessary to serve the student or the student’s family; to the Archdiocesan Office of Education; and to another principal when the child is seeking enrollment elsewhere.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE (Also see DISCIPLINE POLICY) The possession, use, delivery, transfer, or sale of tobacco, alcohol, drug paraphernalia, illicit substances, chemicals or any substance designed to look like or represented as such by students, on school premises or at school-sanctioned events, is strictly prohibited. The principal, with appropriate consultation, shall develop local policies and procedures regarding student substance abuse, and use of alcohol. The approach to substance abuse shall focus on education, treatment and counseling but not necessarily exclude disciplinary measures. SCHOOL PROCEDURES

Notify parent/guardian and suspend student during the school investigation.

Conference with principal, parent/guardian, student, pastor and other appropriate persons as determined by the principal.

Notify police as directed by law.

If the violation is founded, professional evaluation and, if necessary, treatment shall be provided by the parent/guardian.

Based on results of the certified clinical evaluation, the status of the student for continued attendance at the school will be determined by the principal. Options include but are not limited to continued suspension and/or expulsion.

Appropriate confidentiality will be maintained. Mitigating circumstances such as first offense, age, seriousness of offense, prior conduct, cooperation of parent/guardian, attitude of student, and initial success of rehabilitative measures may warrant differences in procedures for the principal.

TEACHER REQUESTS

Requests for teachers for the upcoming school year WILL NOT BE HONORED.

TECHNOLOGY A technology use policy will be sent home with students in order for them to use the in-school computers. Also see the TECHNOLOGY USE OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL policy listed in the DISCIPLINE POLICY and under PUBLIC SCANDAL INVOLVING STUDENTS.

THREATS (Also see DISCIPLINE POLICY, BULLYING POLICY, and PUBLIC SCANDAL)

ALL threats made by a student to the school or to another student will be dealt with by the Principal on a case-by-case basis dependent upon the grade level of the student and the severity of the threat. A threat is defined as any action either verbal or physical indicating that harm may come to the school or another student, including threats made via e-mail, text messaging or Internet communication sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) The police will be notified in some cases (dependent on the severity of the threat or if a weapon is used to threaten a student, the school or a member of the staff of the school)

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after consultation with the Pastor and the Office of Catholic Schools. Disciplinary actions could include but are not limited to suspension or expulsion. In all cases, parents will be asked to attend a conference with the Principal.

TUITION SCHEDULE FOR THE 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR

FEES Books and Supplies

Kindergarten and Grades 1-8: $ 50 registration fee per student (will be applied to the Book Fee) $285 book and supply fee per student Pre-school: $ 50 registration fee per student $110 book and supply fee per student Payment of these fees is due in two installments: $50 per student at pre-registration, and the balance per student (Kdg. to Grade 8 $235, Pre-School $110) is due at final registration on August 5, 2015.

Mandatory Fundraising - $150 per family due at registration August 5, 2015 Gym Fee: $30 per family due at registration August 5, 2015 Parents Club Dues - $25 per family due at registration August 5, 2015 No child (children) may attend school until these fees are paid in full. TUITION Grades K - 8: Parishioner Rate* Non-Parishioner Rate

1 child in grades K-8: $3,725 (10 months @ $372.50) $5,225 (10 months @ $522.50) 2 children in grades K-8: $5,475 (10 months @ $547.50) $6,975 (10 months @ $697.50) 3 + children in grades K-8: $7,050 (10 months @ $705.00) $8,550 (10 months @ $855.00) Pre-school 3 Yr Old - Half Day $1,200 (10 months @ $120.00) $2,700 (10 months @ $270.00) 4 Yr Old - Half Day $2,150 (10 months @ $215.00) $3,650 (10 months @ $365.00) 4 Yr Old - Full Day $3,725 (10 months @ $372.50) $5,225 (10 months @ $522.50) *To qualify for Parishioner rate, a parishioner is defined as a family who is registered in the parish evidenced by the family’s Church envelope being turned in to the school office. The parishioner must turn in their offering following the guidelines below using their Parish collection envelopes. Existing families are expected to contribute a minimum of $8.00 per week for 52 weeks, or $416 by December 31st to St. Daniel's Church using the Parish Collection Envelopes. The first $416.00 of church contributions is not tax deductible according to IRS guidelines. Contributions will be monitored by Tuition Collections and statements will be distributed through school. Contributions must total at least $416 by December 31, 2015. **If contributions are not current by that time, the family will be switched to "Non-Parishioner” rate from February through May, 2016. New and transfer families are expected to contribute half of that, or $ 208, by December 31, 2015. Exiting families are expected to contribute the additional $208 from January 1, 2016 to May 15, 2016 for the current school year.

When disputing Church contribution totals only cancelled checks, money orders, or bank drafts will be acceptable proof of totals.

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No child will be readmitted as a student for the following year if any previous fees, tuition, contributions, or late charges have not been paid in full before final registration. (August 5, 2015) Tuition Will Be Paid

Monthly by the last school day of each month for 10 months starting August 5, 2015, with the exception of December – due December 18, 2015 and May – due May 16, 2016.

Late/NSF Fees A late fee of $30 will be assessed for payments not received in the school office by the above dates. Checks returned NSF will be assessed a fee of $30.

Refunds Tuition will be refunded on a prorated basis based on the dates of student enrollment (see details below). Fees are non-refundable.

Non-Payment Exclusion Policy

TUITION NON-PAYMENT EXCLUSION POLICY

All Catholic Schools depend on tuition being paid in a timely fashion in order to meet their bills. The sacrifices made by our families that enable us to continue offering the finest Catholic Education to our students.

Monthly tuition exclusion dates will be enforced to ensure 100% tuition collection by the end of the year.

Families will be notified on the dates below if they have fallen one month or more behind in tuition.

The dates of Tuition Exclusion listed below are dates that affected students WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL.

If students come to school, they will sit at the office with nothing to do. Parents will be called to retrieve them.

Under no circumstances will families be allowed to re-enroll for the next school year with unpaid debt.

No one will be allowed to register for the next school year unless they are completely paid up with tuition.

Anyone who falls behind once they are registered will have their name pulled from that list.

No 8th

grader will have their high school folder sent to their high school of choice if there is tuition owed.

At graduation, students whose families are not paid up will not be allowed to walk at graduation or attend any of the graduation events, and the diploma will be held.

Families that fall in arrears at the end of the year will face their children being excluded from end of the year activities, including picnics and field trips. Report cards will be withheld. The Power School Parent Portal will be shut down for that family, denying them access to grades.

If a family is more than a month behind on tuition on the following days, their children will be excluded from participating in school beginning with the next school days. There will be no exceptions made. In order to reinstate their child back into school, a family must be completely caught up with tuition.

Last day to pay before Tuition Exclusion Date of Tuition Exclusion

September 14, 2015 September 15, 2015*

October 14. 2015 October 15, 2015

November 12, 2015 November 16, 2015

December 14, 2015 December 15, 2015

January 14, 2016 January 15, 2016

February 11, 2016 February 16, 2016

March 14, 2016 March 15, 2016

April 14, 2016 April 15, 2016

May 13, 2016 May 16, 2016

June 6, 2016 June 7, 2016**

* For NSFs from Final Registration ** Final payment for tuition is due in May All school work missed while under financial suspension must be completed.

Tuition payments can only be made at the school office. Tuition payments will not be accepted at the Parish Center or Rectory. The first tuition payment is due, in full, at registration on August 5, 2015.

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Final report card and graduation diplomas will not be issued unless all tuition and fees are paid.

TUITION AND FEE REQUIREMENTS FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

1. Students transferring into the school: a. Tuition Families transferring into the school after commencement of the school

year, should pay one-tenth of the tuition rate payable for each remaining month of the school year (September through June). If transferring into the school on or before the 15th of the month, that month shall cost a full prorating amount, i.e. one-tenth.

b. Fees All transferring students will be charged the full Registration fee ($50 per student and the full Fundraising fee ($150 per family).

The remaining Book and Supply fee and Gym fee should be charged on a prorating basis, i.e. one-tenth per month remaining in the school year, and should be collected in advance.

2. Students transferring out of the school or graduating:

a. Refunds Refunds of tuition should be made only if requested, and to the extent requested, according to the following guidelines:

Tuition Families (tuition only) who request a refund will receive a refund for tuition if the transfer is effective on or before the 15th of that month which has been prepaid; any full months which might have been prepaid would be refunded in full.

Fees Fees paid are not refundable.

b. Collection

Tuition Any partial months shall be considered full months if the transfer is effective after the 15th of that month. Each month of school attended shall be charged at one-tenth of the annual tuition rates.

Fees Generally there will be no fees due, since all fees are due in advance; late charges would be the only exception, and these are considered due in full. Any other fees, which might be due, should be collected in full or prorated based on the basis of the fee, as circumstances dictate.

Before any transcripts or other records are sent to the new school, any fees or money due should be paid in full by the family transferring out or graduating. Items owed by graduates will be due by May 15th of the current school year.

VISITORS All visitors must use the main door of the school. All visitors must sign in and out and wear a visitor or volunteer sticker. All doors are kept locked for security of the building. We have installed an Electronic Door Release Intercom System between the front door and the office, and a camera on the entrance door. Visitors must observe the concealed carry policy found in the first section of the handbook. Parents wishing to see a teacher should e-mail the teacher or call the office to make an appointment with the teacher. At no time should parents or other visitors go directly to a classroom to see a teacher without first obtaining a visitor or volunteer pass at the office. No teacher will see a parent without a visitor/volunteer pass.

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WEAPONS See DISCIPLINE and SAFETY POLICIES

WITHDRAWALS Parents are asked to consult with the Principal before withdrawing a student for whatever reason. Records will be sent directly to the new school, but first it is necessary for the parent/guardian to complete a form authorizing the release of information.