ECM Parent Handbook : simplebooklet.com

Asbestos Notification............................................................................................................................................. 4Accreditation.......................................................................................................................................................... 4Attendance.............................................................................................................................................................4Admission Requirements....................................................................................................................................... 4Admissions/Delinquency Policy............................................................................................................................. 4Assessments-Preschool........................................................................................................................................ 8Before/After School Care Programs...................................................................................................................... 8Birthdays & Parties................................................................................................................................................ 8Biting Policy........................................................................................................................................................... 8Catholic Identity..................................................................................................................................................... 9Communication...................................................................................................................................................... 9Diapering Procedures............................................................................................................................................ 9Discipline..............................................................................................................................................................10Emergency Drills..................................................................................................................................................10Entering/Leaving School Morning Drop Off/Afternoon Pick Up........................................................................... 10Enrollment............................................................................................................................................................ 11Faith In Action Activities....................................................................................................................................... 11Handwashing Procedures.................................................................................................................................... 11Health Services.................................................................................................................................................... 11Infant Procedures.................................................................................................................................................14Infant Sleep Position Policy................................................................................................................................. 15Lunch Program.................................................................................................................................................... 16Late Pick Up.........................................................................................................................................................17Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students.............................................................................................. 17Non-Custodial Parents.........................................................................................................................................17Parent Expectations, Responsibilities & Communications...................................................................................17Parent/Faculty Organization (PFO)......................................................................................................................18Pesticide Notification............................................................................................................................................19Photo Release..................................................................................................................................................... 19Religious Education............................................................................................................................................. 19School Commission............................................................................................................................................. 19School Day-School Year Preschool..................................................................................................................... 19School Jurisdiction............................................................................................................................................... 19Snow (Make-Up) Days.........................................................................................................................................20Study Trips...........................................................................................................................................................20Support Service Policy.........................................................................................................................................20Travel/Transport to Main Building........................................................................................................................ 21Tobacco Policy.....................................................................................................................................................21Uniform/Material...................................................................................................................................................21Visitors................................................................................................................................................................. 21Weather Closings & Delays................................................................................................................................. 21Wellness Policy....................................................................................................................................................22Withdrawal & Transfer......................................................................................................................................... 22APPENDIX IMission Policy of Archdiocese of Indianapolis..................................................................................................... 253

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Asbestos NotificationFollowing the guidelines of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA): SaintsFrancis & Clare of Assisi School has complied with the procedures required in our report. To thebest of our knowledge, no asbestos containing building materials was specified as a buildingmaterial in any construction document for the building; therefore, our building is certified asasbestos-free.AccreditationSaints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School is fully accredited by the state of Indiana andCognia. The Early Childhood Ministry is registered through the State of Indiana Family and SocialServices Administration as an Unlicensed Registered Child Care Ministry.Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School is dedicated to the success of all students.AttendanceIn the event that a child is unable to attend school, parents are to phone the attendance line (317)215-2827 or email jhill@ss-fc.org by 9:00 a.m. to report the absence. You may call during the nightand leave a message on our school’s attendance line.Medical appointments: When your child must leave the ECM early for an appointment, please senda note to the school that morning. The teacher can then have the child ready for the appointmentwhen the parent arrives.Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi School Ministry and the Early Childhood Ministry may not release achild at any time of the day, unless escorted by a parent/guardian. In the event that a parent isunable to pick up the child for early release, authorization from a parent must be provided to theschool in order to release the child to another adult. Such adults may need to show pictureidentification prior to the child being released.Admissions RequirementsAdmission to Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM is based on the following guidelines:1. Applicants for the Infant Program are 6 weeks- 12 months old. Advancement into thetoddler program will be at the teacher recommendation and parent agreement after a formalassessment is completed.2. Applicants for the Toddler Program are 12-36 months old. Advancement into the preschoolprogram will be at the start of the new school year, usually August.3. Applicants for the preschool program are fully potty trained and three (3) years old on orbefore August 1st.4. Applicants for Kindergarten must be five (5) years old on or before August 1st.5. The Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM strives to accommodate children with physical,emotional, social, or learning challenges. However, families must fully disclose the nature andknown extent of such challenges at the time of registration. The Saints Francis & Clare of AssisiECM has limited resources to meet certain challenges and may recommend alternatives that maybetter serve the needs of some children.Admissions/Delinquency Policy1. Purpose. It is the goal of the Saints Francis & Clare School of Assisi Catholic School to offer aCatholic education to any student who desires to attend. Because of the growth of the SchoolMinistry since its inception in 2005, this Admission Policy has been established in the event4

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that requests for admission exceed the capacity of the School Ministry in a particular gradelevel or levels. Mindful that the School Ministry is supported, financially and otherwise, by theparishioners of Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Parish, priority for admission and continuedenrollment in the School Ministry will be given to children of Stewardship Families of SaintsFrancis & Clare of Assisi Parish. The School Commission and the Pastor have approved thisadmission policy. Once recommended by the School Commission and ratified by the Pastor,revision of this policy shall supersede any prior admission policy of the School Ministry.2. Class Size. The School Ministry currently limits its class size as follows:a. Infants: 6 weeks- 12 months old- total of 8 per class- 2 staff- 4:1 teacher/child ratiob. Toddler Francis: children will be 12-24 months old- total of 12 per class- 3 staff- 4:1teacher/child ratioc. Toddler 2: children will be 24-36 months old- 18 per class- 3 staff- 6:1 teacher/childratiod. Preschool: ages 3/4/5: 20 per class- 2 staff- 10:1 teacher/child ratio3. Accommodation of Students with Special Needs. The School Ministry strives toaccommodate students with physical, emotional, social, or learning challenges; however,families must fully disclose the nature and known extent of such challenges at the time ofregistration. The School Ministry has limited resources to meet certain challenges and mayrecommend educational alternatives that may better serve the needs of some students.4. Definitions.a. Returning Family: A family is considered a Returning Family if the family has a studentcurrently enrolled at Saints Francis & Clare School of Assisi Catholic School (Infantthrough Eighth Grade) and who has met the responsibility of paying school tuitioncharges for the current year in full and on time as prescribed by the School Ministry. Inaddition, the re-enrolling student(s) must have a satisfactory disciplinary record(according to the standards established by the School Ministry).b. New Family: A family is considered a New Family if the family does not have a studentcurrently enrolled in the School Ministry.c. Stewardship Family: A family is considered a Stewardship Family if the family is aregistered family with the parish and meets the criteria for Stewardship membership inSaints Francis & Clare of Assisi Church as defined by the Board of Consulters inconjunction with the Pastor. Because true stewardship involves the giving of time,talent, and treasure for the overall good of our parish community, Stewardshipmembership is defined as follows:(i) Sharing in Eucharist with the parish community through attendance at weekendMass;(ii) Sharing Time and Talent with the parish community by committing to a certainamount of service hours a year for the overall good of the parish;(iii) Sharing Treasure through the Sunday collection as a measure of giving back tothe Lord for the blessings we have received.The Pastor will have the final decision as to whether a family’s stewardship obligations are current.d. Active Non-Parishioner Family. A family is considered an Active Non-ParishionerFamily if the family is registered in another Catholic parish or church and provides aletter from the Pastor of the family’s church indicating that the family is in good standingwith the church.5

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5. School Registration Process.a. Returning Families. Returning Families must complete the online registration andsubmit the enrollment fee by the last day of the current family re-enrollment period inorder to ensure priority placement.b. New Families. New Families must complete the online registration and submit theenrollment fee by the last day of the end of the new family enrollment period.6. Enrollment Prioritization. When requests for admission exceed the capacity of the SchoolMinistry, the order of enrollment will be determined by the following prioritization until eachapplicable classroom is filled:a. Priority One. You are an SSFC employee enrolling a student.b. Priority Two. You are a Returning Family and a Stewardship Family re-enrolling anexisting student in infants or higher.c. Priority Three. You are a Returning Family re-enrolling an existing student in infants orhigher.d. Priority Four. You are a Returning Family and a Stewardship Family enrolling a siblingof a child presently attending the School Ministry.e. Priority Five. You are a Returning Family enrolling a sibling of a child presentlyattending the School Ministry.f. Priority Six. You are a New Family and a Stewardship Family enrolling a child orchildren for the first time in infants or higher.g. Priority Seven. You are an Active Non-Parishioner Family enrolling a child or childrenfor the first time in infants or higher.h. Priority Eight. You are a New Family enrolling a child or children for the first time ininfants or higher.i. Priority Nine. You are enrolling a child who is receiving a state voucher or IQEscholarship for the upcoming school year who does not meet the criteria in PrioritiesOne through Five.The School Commission shall determine the priority classification of a family and recommendadmission status for all families who submit complete online registration by the above deadlines. Incases where prospective students have identical ranking based upon the priority and there areinsufficient openings in a particular grade to accommodate those families, the determining factor willbe the date the family joined Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Parish for Stewardship Families, ifapplicable. If not, the priority will be determined by lottery. This lottery, if needed, would take placeon the first Monday after the new family enrollment period ends. This lottery, if needed, would takeplace during a public meeting to be announced. In the event a particular grade is filled from theapplicants who submitted timely and complete online registration, all remaining prospectivestudents will be placed on a waiting list in order of the priority established under this policy.Any online registration that is not complete or not submitted by the above deadlines is notconsidered according to the priority established under this policy but is considered on a first come,first-served basis as of the date of submission of the complete online registration. If there are morecomplete online registrations submitted on a particular date than there are openings in a particulargrade, the remaining openings will be determined by lottery.Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School reserves the right to un-enroll a family if at the endof the current school year, has a delinquent balance. This balance includes, but not limited totuition, enrichment, cafeteria, or CYO fees.6

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7. Delinquency PolicyThe success of our Catholic school hinges upon the commitment of families to make Catholiceducation a financial priority, be involved in their child’s education, and make their tuition and feespayment(s) on a timely basis.The school relies upon tuition and fee payments to provide an excellent spiritual and educationalprogram operating on a balanced budget. Therefore, when tuition and fee payments becomedelinquent, it can quickly become a serious matter.The school understands that unexpected situations can and do arise and the school strives to workwith families. If unforeseen financial circumstances arise, families are responsible for contacting theschool’s Admissions Officer, Monica Pavey mpavey@ss-fc.org 317-215-2826. as soon as possibleto review the financial hardship and seek a mutually agreeable alternative tuition payment plan.When payments are not made in accordance with the tuition agreement, the following steps willtake place:Tuition Structure:● All tuition payments are set up through Blackbaud Tuition Management and will be billed andcollected through Blackbaud Tuition Management.● Tuition payments are due at a predetermined deadline by the parent through their BlackbaudTuition Management account. Blackbaud Tuition Management will charge a non-refundable,late fee and failed ACH fees for any late payments or missed payments. These fees willcontinue to accrue until the late fees are paid.60 days past due:● When an account becomes 60 days past due under the established tuition agreement, thefinancially responsible party will receive written notification by email and letter requesting thattuition be brought current or that they contact the school Admissions Officer,admissions@ss-fc.org to create an alternative tuition payment plan.● It is the responsibility of the family and/or financially responsible party to contact the schoolAdmissions Officer, admissions@ss-fc.org to bring the account up to date or to create analternative tuition payment plan with the school. The admissions office telephone number is(317)215-2826.90 days past due:● When an account becomes 90 days past due, the school’s Admissions Officer will issue thefinancially responsible party a written notice by certified letter. The notice will reiterate theterms of the financial commitment and request immediate attention to the matter.● Report cards, progress reports, and student records will be held.● In addition to this notification, families(s) will not be permitted to register for the followingacademic year until the balance is paid in full or an alternative plan has been approved.● Any family leaving the school with an unpaid balance will be subject to their account beingturned over to a collection agency.Exclusion Policy:● Non-payment of a prior year’s tuition will result in non-admission for the following schoolyear.7

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● Student(s) will be dismissed at the end of the academic year for non-payment of financialobligations when the financially responsible party has failed to demonstrate sufficient goodfaith in attempting to meet these obligations.● Students will be allowed to complete all academic work in progress before terminatingenrollment for non-payment of tuition and/or fees.● During the school year students will not be allowed to make payments for/or participate inbefore and/or after school care.● Until all financial obligations are met, eighth graders will not be eligible to receive anyscholarship monies awarded through the school-sponsored scholarship awards.Assessments - PreschoolFormative Assessments occur throughout the process of learning, providing students with feedbackon how they are doing and what the next learning step is.Two times a year, preschool students are assessed. Parents will receive their child’s finalassessment at the end of the school year.Before/After School Care ProgramsOur Enrichment Programs provide a safe, structured environment and are open to children ingrades Preschool through 8th grade.Morning Care. Program hours are from 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. daily in accordance with the schoolcalendar. All morning care will be in the cafeteria of the main building, opening at 7:00a.m..Afternoon Care. Program hours are from 3:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. daily in accordance with the schoolcalendar.ALL STUDENTS, IN GRADES PS-8, WILL BE PICKED UP AT THE ECM BUILDING FROMAFTERCARE. K-8 STUDENTS WILL BE WALKED TO THE ECM BUILDING WHEN STAFFCALL FOR THEM.Birthdays and PartiesCelebrations are welcomed at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School. If your child wishesto share his/her birthday with classmates, simply notify the classroom teacher so that theappropriate arrangements may be made. Appropriate arrangements include reading your child’sfavorite story to the class, distributing pencils, prayer cards, or appropriate non-food items. For thesafety of our students, our parish school discourages distribution of snacks, treats or food tocelebrate students’ birthdays, as stated by our Wellness Policy.In the event that additional parties are to be held outside of school time, common courtesy dictatesthat invitations be distributed via mail or off school property unless the entire class is invited.Students may not distribute invitations at school for outside parties unless everyone is invited.Biting PolicyHere at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School Early Childhood Ministry, we understandthat biting can, unfortunately, be part of the day care setting. Biting is an unfortunate behavior sometoddlers use because of teething, frustration or other reasons. Biting can be harmful to otherchildren and to staff. This biting policy has been created with these perspectives in mind.The safety of all children and staff is most important to us, and our goal is to help identify what iscausing the biting behavior and resolve the issue/s. If the issue cannot be resolved, this policy8

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serves to protect the children and staff who are being bit. If a biting incident occurs, the parent ofthe child biting and the parent of the child who was bitten will be notified. Names of the children arenot shared with the other parents.When Biting Does OccurStaff members are to keep the children safe and help a child who bites learn different, more fittingbehavior.For the Child Who was Bitten:1. First aid is given to the bite area. It is cleaned with soap and water. If the skin is broken, thebite is covered with a bandage.2. Parents are alerted through Tadpoles.3. The incident will be logged in the child’s school file.For the Child Who Bit:1. The teacher will firmly tell the child, “NO BITE.”2. The child will be removed from the situation.3. The parents are alerted through Tadpoles.4. The incident will be logged in the child’s school file.When Biting Continues:1. The child will be shadowed one on one by a staff member to help avoid any biting incidents.2. The child will be observed by the classroom staff to help determine what is causing the child tobite (teething, communication, frustration, etc.) Administration may also observe the child if thestaff is unable to determine the cause.3. The child will be given positive attention for positive behavior.Catholic IdentityChildren will enjoy a formal introduction to the Catholic Faith during their ECM experience. Everymorning, children will participate in morning prayer.On some occasions, children may attend school-wide liturgy. Your child’s teacher will advise whenyour child will be attending. We welcome parent involvement in the introduction of the preschoolinto the liturgy.CommunicationSaints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM offer many forms of communication. Each infant and toddlerparent will receive daily communication from your child’s teacher via Tadpoles.Every Friday, each family will receive our weekly Wolf Report that lists all activities in our school andparish.Please take a moment to read our community bulletin boards in the ECM vestibule.Diapering ProceduresA diaper-changing procedure is in place, posted and followed for all diaper changes.● Caregivers ensure the child’s safety by gently placing the child on the changing table,always keeping a hand on the child and never leaving a child alone on the table.● Sanitation and hygiene procedures are followed and posted for diapering and toileting.● Cleaning and sanitizing diaper-changing surfaces take place after each change.9

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● Disposing of soiled (cloth) diapers and underwear in a plastic lined bag for parents to takehome.● School personnel and child should practice hand washing procedures after diapering andtoileting● Disposable gloves are to be worn during diaper changing procedures and while helpingthose who are toilet training.DisciplineAt Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM, we believe that discipline is a lifelong journey, not atechnique. We will be applying the concepts of Conscious Discipline by Becky Bailey that helppromote positive relationships. This is a school-wide philosophy that will help make the transitionfrom each program seamless.Emergency DrillsFire, tornado, and other emergency drills are required exercises as precautions to inclementweather or emergency situations. Drills will be practiced throughout the school year. To promotesafety, childrenare to move quietly and orderly to designated areas as directed by their teachers. Any person in thebuilding during the time of a drill is required to participate in the drill.It is imperative that these procedures are followed for the safety of our children. Children willadhere to these procedures to ensure safety.Should the ECM require evacuation, the children will be evacuated to a nearby location. Each staffmember responsible for a group of children will carry emergency contact information with him/her tothe site. Parents will be contacted and advised of the off-site location.Entering/Leaving School- Morning Drop Off/Afternoon Pick UpMorning Drop Off● The Olive Branch Road entrance will be an entrance only between 7:30–8:00 a.m.● All traffic will exit past the Early Childhood Ministry building onto Goldenfield Drive exit.● All traffic will exit via to Goldenfield Drive exit.● Children can exit cars in the drop off area zone. Approximately the length of the drive at theSaints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM.● If you are parking to escort your child into the building, you must go through the drop off lineto get to this area. Once past Gubbio, turn right and park in the parking area to the south.After dropping your child, please be mindful of the traffic flow and know that the drop off linehas the right of way via to the Goldenfield Drive exit.● All traffic will exit via to the Goldenfield Drive exit.Preschool Afternoon ProcedurePreschool students are dismissed at 3:00 p.m. Preschool parents are asked to line up in front ofthe ECM in two lines if only picking up a preschool child. Teachers have a designated spot for eachclass, and parents are asked to pick up from that teacher’s area. Once all students have beenreleased to their parents, the line will exit. Parents with older siblings will be released to the pick upline for the school dismissal at 3:15 p.m. Parents with only preschool students will exit the parkinglot.10

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EnrollmentRegistration is an important process for the school that enables us to determine requirements forthe following school year. Therefore the following steps must be taken:1. Parents of students previously enrolled at Saints Francis & Clare Saints Francis & Clareof Assisi Catholic School are to enroll for the following year on a specified date via anonline registration form.2. Parents of transfer students must fill out the appropriate online forms and may meet withthe principal before enrollment may ensue.3. Incoming new students will be registered following the current family enrollment periodwith the online registration form.Faith In Action ActivitiesSeveral outreach and Faith in Action activities occur in our parish and school. Our goal in providingsuch activities is to teach the children the value of service, just as Jesus provided and modeled.Please encourage your child to participate in the various activities, emphasizing our call asChristians to serve one another.Handwashing Procedure● Proper handwashing practices are in place for school personnel and children upon arrival atschool, after any restroom visit, before each meal, after coming inside from outdoor play,after handling pets and/or bodily fluids and after any activity that involves contact withothers.● Proper handwashing practices are in place for school personnel and children.● Disposable gloves are used by school personnel when in contact with vomit, urine, stool,blood, or any bodily fluids.Health ServicesRequired FormsThe following are the health forms due for the current school year. Indiana code and/or SaintsFrancis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School requires that all of these forms be on file in theschool office prior to the first day of school.● Birth Certificate● Child Immunization Health Record● Baptismal Record (if applicable) If a child was baptized at SSFC Church, the record is on fileand not needed.● Information Form● Parents Notice● Authorization SignaturesAs needed forms:● PERMISSION FOR PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION Any student that requires prescriptionmedication during school day● PERMISSION FOR NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION All students that requirenon-prescription medication during the school year.● ACTION PLANS AND CARD Any students with any condition (allergy, asthma, etc.) thatrequires/may require medication or treatment during the school day.It is recommended that each child have an annual medical physical, dental check-up, as well as aregular eye exam conducted by a professional.11

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Medication Policy● No medication shall be administered to a student without the written and dated consent ofthe student’s parent/guardian. The consent of the parent/guardian shall be valid only for theperiod specified on the consent form and in no case longer than the current school year.● Only a nurse, another employee, or substitute nurse who will be designated by the principalwill administer any oral or topical medication.● Only a nurse, substitute nurses or the student’s parents may interpret blood sugars andcalculate or administer insulin dosages. Exceptions to this are made only on an individualbasis and only with the full cooperation of the student’s physician.● Any unused medication which is unclaimed by the parent will be destroyed by schoolpersonnel when a prescription or non-prescription medication is no longer to beadministered or at the end of the school year.● The school must be notified if a student is taking any medication or if there is any change inthe medications the student has been prescribed. This information is vital in emergencysituations.● Parents may come to the school office to give their child the needed medication if they donot want the staff to administer it. Please inform the office beforehand.Non-Prescription Medication· All medication must be brought to the school in its original container with the student’sname printed on the label and within the current expiration date. Expired medicine will not beaccepted or administered.· All medication will be administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If anamount is needed that is not age/weight appropriate (i.e. not a safe dose as indicated on thelabel), a doctor’s order is required.· Parents may come to the school office to give their child the needed medication. Pleaseinform the office beforehand.Prescription Medication· All prescription medication to be administered to a student must be accompanied by aphysician’s order and signed by the student’s parents/guardians.· All medication must be brought to the school nurse in the pharmacy bottle that is labeledwith student name, date, exp. date, medication, dose, and frequency to be given. Expiredmedication will not be accepted or administered.If the medication is to be terminated, the written order of the parents is required and will be kepton file. If the medication is to be changed, the written order of the physician and of the parentsis required and will be kept on file.Transportation of MedicationIn accordance with IC 20-8.1-7-22, medication that is possessed by a school for administrationduring school hours for a student in grades infant through grade 8 may be released and signed outonly to the student’s parents/guardians, or an individual who is:(A) At least 18 years of age and(B) Designated in writing by the student’s parent to receive the medication.In addition to the above guidelines set forth for the release of medications, all medication bothprescription and non-prescription must be transported and signed into the nurse’s office by a parentor guardian, or an adult appointed by the parent or guardian.12

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Student Medical Information Email ConsentUpon signing the Parent/Student Handbook, you the parents/guardians, agree to the following: Igive Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School staff permission to send my child’s medicalinformation to me through electronic mail (email) or text as a valid, simple convenient mechanismfor communication and can aid in the healthcare delivery process. The email used will be providedby parents on registration/emergency forms. The types of information that can be communicated viaemail or text to the parents include, but are not limited to, health care plan updates, medicationclarifications or updates, answers to parent medical questions, and an update or status reportconcerning a child’s medical condition. Parents will be called using all numbers listed on theEmergency Health Sheet during an emergency or urgent care situation. If phone contact fails, thenemail could be used in an attempt to contact parents.Transmitting student information by email has a number of risks that are to be considered includingemail can be circulated, forwarded, or stored. Email senders can type in the wrong email address.Email can be intercepted, altered, forwarded or used without authorization through their systems.Email can introduce viruses into the computer system. Email can be used as evidence in court.Security measures are taken at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School through a securedserver and regular security updates to prevent viruses and/or interception of electroniccommunications. Staff/parent emails would only be shared with staff members on a “ need to know”basis as student medical information would be kept confidential.ImmunizationsWhen a student enrolls in school, the student's parent/guardian must provide proof that the studenthas been immunized. The parent/guardian must provide the school with complete immunizationrecords prior to the beginning of the school year. (Reference is made to Indiana Code 20-8.1-7.)Any student who is not fully immunized must have a medical or religious exemption form on filecompleted annually. Parents must also sign an acknowledgment of exclusion should an outbreakoccur.Immunization State Registry PermissionThe Indiana State Department of Health maintains an immunization registry entitled Children andHoosiers Immunization Registry Program (CHIRP). CHIRP allows all health care providers withinthe state of Indiana to enter immunization data as a method of electronic documentation. CHIRPensures that the most up-to-date record of immunizations is available to all health care providers.The Indiana Department of Education mandated that all schools within the state of Indiana utilizeCHIRP to document annual immunization reports. Schools are required to submit theseimmunization reports to maintain the school’s accreditation. Parents/guardians within our dioceseare being notified of this change in immunization reporting, and your permission is requested tosubmit the immunization status of your child in this new format.Upon signing the Parent/Student Handbook, you the parents/guardians, agree to the following:I give Saints Francis & Clare school staff, permission to release the following informationconcerning my child to the Indiana State Department of Health’s Children and HoosiersImmunization Registry Program (CHIRP):Child and parent’s name, address, phone number, immunization dates, date of birth, information asrequired by the Indiana Department of Health listed on the child’s immunization record.I understand that the information in the registry may be used to verify my child’s immunizationstatus or that an immunization is due according to recommended immunization schedules.I understand that my child’s information may be available to the immunization data registry ofanother state, a healthcare provider or a provider’s designee, a local health department, anelementary from the Indiana State Department of Health.13

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IllnessThe Indiana Department of Health policy states that children may be excluded from school for thefollowing reasons:● A temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher- the temperature should be below this levelfor 24 hours (without aid of medication) before returning to school.● Conjunctivitis (pink eye)- if considered contagious● Impetigo- until treatment has begun● Scabies- until treated● Vomiting or Diarrhea- with or without fever● Ringworm- until treatment has begun● Undiagnosed rash- if fever is present● Chicken pox- until all vesicles have scabbed● A positive culture for Streptococcal throat infection, until has been on antibiotics for 24 hours.● Head lice- until treatment is startedIf a child is sent home during the school day, he/she will not be permitted to return to school thatsame day, nor may they participate in extracurricular events that day or evening. If the parent orguardian cannot be contacted and there is serious injury or illness requiring the exclusion of thechild, the school will send the child home with the person whom the parents have indicatedpreviously in writing; or the school will secure emergency medical services to transport the child tothe hospital.The school office must be informed of children who have special health problems that may requirespecial attention when an injury or illness occurs (allergies, diabetes, epilepsy, hemophilia).InjuryIn the event of a serious accident during the school hours, the school will attempt to notify theparents before medical care is given. The child will be transported by ambulance, if necessary, tothe hospital indicated on the child’s emergency card. If such an accident was to occur while on astudy trip, the child will be transported to the nearest medical facility. At any time a child must betransported to a hospital via ambulance, a staff member will accompany him/her. Additionally, theschool will attempt to contact parents via phone in the event of injury to the head (bumps, hits, falls,etc.) and/or if a child faints at school.Infant ProceduresTeachers and staff must remove shoes or use shoe covers before entering the infant room. If theinfant has a sibling, please pick your infant up prior to getting the sibling. This helps with dirt anddebris being brought into the room and children climbing and handling the infant toys.Policy on Breastfeeding and Proper Handling and Storage of Breast MilkThe school supports mothers by providing proper handling and storage of breast milk by followingsafe preparation and storage techniques to maintain the highest quality of expressed milk and thehealth of the baby.● Breast milk is placed in a clean, leakage-free and sanitized container that can be kept andfrozen in a clean and sanitized storage provided by the school.● All containers of breast milk are identified with a label that will not come off in water orhandling and have the date and time of collection and child’s name.● The container(s) is immediately stored in the refrigerator or freezer upon arrival.● Any expressed milk will be discarded if it presents a threat to the infant.● An atmosphere is provided that welcomes breastfeeding mothers by making breastfeedingresources and facilities available to mothers and coordinating feeding times with the mother'sschedule.14

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Policy and Procedures on Infant Food Preparation and StorageFood provided to children is prepared and presented in a safe and hygienic environment incompliance with applicable provisions of governmental or health agencies.● Infant bottles must be pre-made and labeled with the child’s first name and last initial, content(formula or breast milk), date and time made. (Food, cereal, or medication added to bottlesare not allowed.)● Bottles will be warmed using a bottle warmer, no infant foods or bottles will be warmed usinga microwave oven.● Any formula or breast milk that has been warmed and not consumed will be discarded after 1hour● Infants that are eating cereal, baby food, or would like to bring snacks (gerber puffs, teethingbiscuits, etc) please bring in unopened packages or jars that you would like us to feed yourinfant for lunch or snacks and labeled with the child's name and date. Any homemade foodbrought in must be labeled in a container with ingredients listed with the child's name.● Infants that are younger than 12 months of age are not provided cow’s milk and only wholemilk is provided to children between the ages of 12-24 months.Infant Sleep Position PolicyProviding infants with a safe environment in which to grow and learn is of extreme importance to us.Therefore, our child care facility has implemented policies and procedures to create a safe sleepenvironment for infants. We follow the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics(AAP) and the Consumer Safety Commission for safe sleep environments to reduce the risk ofsudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). SIDS is “the sudden death of an infant under 1 year of agewhich remains unexplained after a thorough case investigation, including performance of acomplete autopsy, examination of the death scene, and review of the clinical history.”Procedure and Practices, including responsible person(s):● Infants less than 12 months of age shall be placed on their backs on a firm tight-fittingmattress for sleep in a crib.● Waterbeds, sofas, soft mattresses, pillows, and other soft surfaces shall be prohibited asinfant sleeping surfaces.● All pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys, and other soft products shall beremoved from the crib.● Blankets are not used in the crib.● The infant’s head shall have no covering during sleep.● Unless the child has a note from a physician specifying otherwise, infants shall be placed in asupine (back) position for sleeping to lower the risks of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome(SIDS).● When infants can easily turn over from the supine to prone position, they shall be put down tosleep on their back, but allowed to adopt whatever position they prefer for sleep.● Unless a doctor specifies the need for a positioning device that restricts movement within thechild’s crib, such devices shall not be used.● There is no smoking allowed in the child care setting.● Infants will not share a crib with other children.● Infants will remain lightly clothed and comfortable while sleeping.● Supervised “tummy time” will be observed while the infant is awake.● At the time of application, families of infants will be informed of the program's sleep positionrules and given a copy of the policy.● All staff will receive training on safe sleep practices before caring for infants and annually.15

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Lunch ProgramPreschoolSaints Francis and Clare of Assisi School Ministry provides lunch and breakfast in accordance withthe National School Lunch and Breakfast programs. Preschool students provide their own snacksand have the option to purchase lunch daily. A student may also bring lunch and purchase milkseparately. Students have several choices for lunch. The hot lunch menu is posted on the website.Lunch counts are taken daily in the morning. Students may bring their own lunch and drink. Theschool does not provide microwaves or refrigeration.An online lunch payment account may be set-up prior to the start of each school year for purchasesin addition to the free meal offered. Parents may add money to their child’s account anytime. Oncethe child goes through the lunch line, the account is deducted the appropriate charge for the day’spurchase. Any child that has a negative balance exceeding $10 will not be allowed to purchaseadditional food items.If you choose not to use the online system to purchase lunch, you may send in a check or cash inan envelope for your child. Please have your child give it to his/her teacher during lunch count inthe morning. Checks should be made out to Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi School. One checkmay be written for multiple siblings. Please mark each envelope with the following information:Student’s name, grade, and teacher.If your child has a food allergy, a diet prescription from your doctor must be provided to the schooland cafeteria. The cafeteria manager tracks and accommodates these special needs once adoctor’s form is provided from your doctor’s office.Please understand that students will not be able to trade lunch with another student or share foodfor sanitation and nutritional reasons. We also want to ensure students are eating the lunch thatparents intended. Lastly, we ask parents who pack lunches for students not to pack sodas for yourchild’s lunch; such drinks will be replaced with a more appropriate substitute for school. Thesedrinks become disruptive and lack nutritional valueToddler Snacks and LunchToddler children will be served a hot lunch from our cafeteria. Monthly menus will be posted on theECM bulletin board and emailed from your teacher. Please inform your teacher if your child has anyallergies or special diet needs. Meal prayers and table manners are taught and reinforcedthroughout the year.All toddler children will have a morning and two afternoon snacks. Snacks and lunch are includedin the cost of tuition for toddlers. Breakfast is available to toddler children that arrive before 7:30a.m.Procedure for Student Lunch/Meal AccountsThe National School Lunch Program (NSLP) requires school food authorities to establish writtenadministrative guidelines and procedures for meal charges. Saints Francis and Clare School willadhere to the following meal charge procedure.● All cafeteria purchases are to be prepaid before meal service begins.● Students may put money on accounts by bringing a check or money directly to the cafémanager, school office or depositing in My School Bucks.● Elementary PS-8: Students can give their payment to their teacher. Payments can also begiven to the cashier in the lunch line.16

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● The food service manager or other school personnel will coordinate communications with theparent(s)/guardian(s) to resolve the matter of unpaid charges.● If food services staff suspects that a student may be abusing this policy, written notice will beprovided to the parent(s)/guardian(s) that if he/she continues to abuse this policy, the privilegeof charging meals will be refused.● Students who graduate or withdraw from the corporation and have $5.00 or more left in theirlunch/meal food service account will be notified by mail by food services and given the optionto transfer the funds to another student or to receive a refund. If no response is received within5 days the student’s lunch/meal account will close and the funds will no longer be available.Unclaimed remaining balances will be transferred to the General Fund.● Any family having negative balances at the start of a new school year, will not receive theiropening packets until the balance is resolved. Students that withdraw with a negative balancewill not have their records forwarded to other schools until the balance is resolved.Late Pick UpInfant, toddler, and year round preschool students that are not picked up by 6:00 p.m. will becharged $1.00 per minute, per child, until they are picked up. This will be enforced and chargesadded to your Finalsite Tuition account.Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to StudentsAll schools operated by schools and parishes under the guidance of the Roman CatholicArchdiocese of Indianapolis admit students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all therights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at theschool. The schools do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin inadministration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, andathletic and other school-administered programs.Non-Custodial ParentsOccasionally non-custodial parents or other relatives request permission to take a child from schoolor obtain academic information. The legal guardian must provide Saints Francis & Clare of AssisiCatholic School written permission before such information will be revealed. A copy of the legalcustody arrangements must be on file at school. If the school has not been given the legal formsrequired, the school will assume each parent has equal custodial rights.Parents Expectations, Responsibilities and CommunicationsA child’s best hope of reaching his/her potential is when parents and educators work as partners forsuccess. Below is a list of expectations of all school parents.As parents are the primary educators of their children . . .• Families will attend Sunday church services and be active in our faith as an example for theirchildren.• Families will be involved in school and parish events as well as service opportunities in thecommunity.Families will stay informed of school and church events through The Wolf Report, teachernewsletters, and the parish bulletin.• Families will provide the school with all medical, dental, psychological, and other pertinentinformation teachers need to help their children function successfully both academically andsocially.• Families agree to support Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School through prayer,17

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positive relationships, and the giving of their time, talent, and treasure. They will pay theirtuition in accordance with timelines established by the school.• Families will do their best to plan medical appointments and family vacations around theschool calendar in order to avoid missing any instruction.• Families will avoid gossip and be supportive of the school, teachers, and principal in front oftheir children and parish community.• Families will contact their child’s teacher to schedule a conference as soon as we feel aproblem exists. They will withhold judgment until speaking with the teacher, whom they willalways contact first before the principal.• Families will regularly review school‐provided devices to ensure appropriate and safeinteractions with others.• Families agree that any communication with their child during the school day will always gothrough the school office.We value meaningful partnerships with parents and commit to open communication andcooperative interaction with our families.How to contact teachers:1. You may phone the school office and leave a message for any staff member, or you may optto leave a voicemail for any staff member.2. Parents may email the teacher at his/her school email address.3. Parents may not disrupt instructional time by going to the classroom unannounced. Instead,phone the teacher to arrange an appropriate meeting time.When volunteering at school:1. Any parent or volunteer working with children must have Safe Parish Training, abackground check, and it must be current.2. All visitors to the school, including parents, must sign in at the school office. This is asafety precaution so that we can identify visitors and so we get accurate counts in theevent of an emergency.3. While visiting the school, all visitors will wear a badge.4. Before leaving the school, please sign out in the school office and return your badge.To resolve an issue or concern:1. Schedule an appointment with the teacher or staff member with whom you need to speak.2. If this session does not result in mutual agreement, parents may request an appointmentwith the principal. If appropriate, both the parents and the teacher will be present todiscuss the concern.3. If no resolution is made at this session, the parents may request a meeting with the pastor,whose decision is binding.Parent/Faculty OrganizationMembership in the PFO is open to all parents and teachers at Saints Francis & Clare School. ThePFO supports the mission of Catholic education in many different ways through volunteerism andfundraising. The service provided is social and supportive in nature. Board meetings are conductedand various social events are held throughout the year and are published in the school Wolf Report.18

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Pesticide NotificationAt least 48 hours prior to a pesticide application at a school, the school corporation must provideplanned pesticide application details to parents, guardians, and staff members requesting to benotified. Parents, guardians and staff must be registered with the school to receive such advancenotice.Photo ReleaseWe reserve the right to use the photographs and likeness of our children engaged in schoolactivities for the marketing of our school and parish unless otherwise advised. Advisement must bewritten and submitted to the school and parish with child name, grade and signature ofparent/guardian.Religious EducationOur Catholic faith is an integral part of our curriculum. Religion classes are taught daily and childrenin grades kindergarten-8th also attend Mass weekly. Parents are always welcomed to join the childMass celebrations. We view these Masses as “teaching Masses,” and require children to sit withtheir homeroom. Full participation (singing, responding and paying attention) is expected of allchildren.Because parents are the primary teacher of their children, traditional prayers, conversation withGod, and Christian behavior should be modeled and encouraged at home. Sacramentalpreparations are also provided through the school and parish. children receive the sacraments ofFirst Reconciliation and First Holy Communion during their second grade year.School CommissionThe School Commission provides advice to the pastor and principal regarding policy andprocedures of the school. Meetings are conducted monthly. To facilitate open discussion anddeliberation of matters under consideration, commission meetings are not open forums. Thecommission does however acknowledge the right of non-members to address commissionmembers.School Day (Preschool - School Year)Our school day runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The general day-to-day schedule is as follows:7:00 a.m. Doors open for morning care7:30 a.m. Bell rings and children may enter classrooms8:00 a.m. Instruction begins; children should be in their seats ready for class.12:00 p.m. Half day students are dismissed3:00 p.m. Children are dismissed6:00 p.m. After care endsThe infants and toddler programs run from 7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m, Monday through Friday.School JurisdictionSaints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School reserves the right to search anything brought on toschool property.Should Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School administration become aware of behaviors19

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that endanger a student’s own physical or emotional health, safety or reputation of him/herself orothers when the student is not directly under the jurisdiction of the school, the parents will benotified. If there is knowledge of such behavior, not directly under the jurisdiction of the school, buthaving a negative impact on the operation and/or reputation of the school, Saints Francis & Clare ofAssisi Catholic School reserves the right to take appropriate action.Snow (Make -Up) Days - School Year Preschool ProgramSnow make-up days are noted on the school calendar. Snow make-up days are built into thecalendar to be used as make-up days. The decision to utilize a snow day as a regular “school” dayor a “no school” day will be made at least one week prior to the scheduled snow day. Please donot schedule snow days as vacation days.The infant and toddler programs do not participate in “snow days.” Unless deemed unsafe to travel,the Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM will be open Monday-Friday with the exceptions of theholidays/days off as advised at the start of each “school” year.Study TripsStudy Trips are wonderful opportunities for learning to occur outside the boundaries of our buildingand property. Study trips are encouraged as long as they are educational in nature and approved bythe principal. Teachers have the responsibility of communicating the details to parents, who in turn,must provide permission for children to attend. Children who do not have the written consent of aparent on the school permission slip will not be released from the building.Additionally, study trips may be denied to children who do not display the expected appropriatebehavior regularly. The teacher and principal will make such decisions.Parent drivers must have a current valid driver’s license and proof of automotive insurance. A copymust be given to the school office, which will be kept on file for the current school year.Chaperones are frequently required and welcome for study trips. During study trips the childrenrequire the full attention of the chaperone; therefore, siblings may not attend. No exceptions arepermitted.Support Service PolicyChild support services are in place at Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi Catholic School to supportthe success of every child. Once a concern surfaces, either from a parent or teacher, an individualassessment will begin and include the school support staff and parents. If services are required,then an intervention plan is developed, which outlines services to be implemented and defines eachperson’s responsibility.If the initial strategies and interventions do not yield the intended results, it may be necessary toseek additional outside assessments. Should the school staff arrive at this decision, suchassessments will be recommended to the parents. The following steps are expected by the schooland foster a cooperative working relationship to better meet the child’s needs:1. All testing/assessment reports are shared with the school in their entirety.2. Once the information is shared and reviewed, a conference will be held with the parentsand necessary school staff (which may include home school staff) to amend the child’seducation plan. This plan will include goals, strategies and necessary resources to addressthe areas of concern.20

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3. A determination will be made as to the school’s ability to provide the necessary resources.If it is determined that the child is in need of a different learning environment in order to besuccessful, the school staff in conjunction with the parents will facilitate appropriateacademic placement. Please note that the following are considered when seekingappropriate placement for the child:a. The child’s academic progressb. The child’s positive interactions with peersc. The child’s ability to perform within the expectations of the school communityd. The parent’s cooperation/willingness to act within the policies of the school,including the implementation of the support services plan.4. Follow-up conferences and re-evaluations will be held throughout the year to assessprogress and the effectiveness of the child plan.Travel/Transport to Main BuildingChildren at the ECM may travel to the main school building for use of the school facilities, such asthe church, gym, cafeteria, playground, classrooms and office area. Children will be accompaniedby appropriate staff when transported to the main school building.Tobacco PolicyTobacco products are strictly prohibited in the school or on school grounds by parents and students.Authorities will be contacted if any person under the age of 18 is found in possession of tobacco ortobacco products.Uniform/MaterialChildren are required to wear play clothing for the day. Sneakers are preferred. Some school daysmay be special occasions for a specific attire. Please read the weekly newsletter to stay informedof uniform changes. We also ask parents to supply extra outfits for your child to have at school incase of spills or accidents.Full day children will be asked to provide a blanket for rest time The blanket will go home everyweek. Please wash and return all items the following week.VisitorsVisitors and volunteers must show a valid ID to enter the ECM building. Only visitors and volunteersdeemed essential will be allowed to enter the ECM building during open hours.Weather Closing and Delays - School Year Preschool OnlyThe decision to close or delay school will typically be made prior to 6:00 a.m. by the schoolprincipal. Criteria for closing and delays will be based on road and weather conditions as well asany facility failures (heat, water, etc.) We will communicate such decisions through an automatedemail, and text message alert system. Parents will receive information on subscribing to the textnotification system in the fall. It is the parent’s responsibility to subscribe to text notifications everyyear.In the event of a 2-hour delay, the school doors open at 9:30 am and classes begin at 9:50am. Students may not arrive at school before 9:30 am, as no supervision is available.21

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For those families who live in less traveled or rural areas, please exercise your best judgment as towhether or not you can make it to school safely during times of inclement weather. Please let theschool know if this delay or absence is weather related.We will communicate such decisions through the phone messenger alert system and an email fromthe school principal. When school closes, the SSFC School building is closed. Staff does not reportto the building.The ECM building will make every effort to remain open and on schedule during inclement weather.However, in the case of extremely dangerous conditions or states of emergency, it may becomenecessary to close. Closings of the ECM will be emailed.Wellness PolicySaints Francis & Clare of Assisi Early Childhood Ministry Wellness Policy promotes good nutrition,health and overall well-being for our students, in accordance with the WIC Reauthorization Act of2004. A comprehensive copy of the Wellness Plan may be viewed on the Saints Francis & Clare ofAssisi website at https://www.ss-fc.org/parents/lunch#wellnesspolicyWithdrawal and TransferIf you plan to withdraw from Saints Francis & Clare of Assisi ECM, please notify the office as soonas possible. A thirty day written notice is encouraged.Switching of scheduled days is not allowed. Additional days may be offered if enrollment allows.These days may not be available based on current enrollment at the time of request. Requests willbe considered if space and staff are available to meet the needs of additional children. You will becharged the daily rate for that program through Finalsite Tuition.22

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ARCHDIOCESAN “MISSION” POLICYPolicy StatementThe language below is to be shared with families when enrolling to ensure that they understand thebenefits of Catholic education and formation and to encourage all to embrace the mission. Thelanguage is to be placed in the Parent/Student Handbook and a signature of each parent/guardian isrequired, acknowledging that they have read and understand what it means to be a part of a Catholicschool.1. The primary purpose of a Catholic school education is to form students in the values ofJesus Christ and the teaching of the Catholic Church.2. Catholic schools are distinctive religious education institutions operated as ministries ofthe Catholic Church; they are not private schools but are administered and supportedby the sponsoring parish(es), the archdiocese, or a religious community.3. Attending a Catholic school is a privilege and a choice, not a right. As such, wewelcome you as a member of our school family who is committed to the mission of ourCatholic school. We are grateful that you, as the first teacher of your child, choose thisCatholic school!4. While academic excellence and involvement in extracurricular activity (i.e., sports,clubs, etc.) are important, fidelity to the Catholic identity of the school is a fundamentalpriority. We strive to integrate our faith into all aspects of our school culture andcurriculum.5. The school and its administration have the responsibility to ensure that Catholic valuesand moral integrity permeate every facet of the school’s life and activity. Such isreflected in our policies, practices, and protocols.6. In all questions involving faith, morals, faith teaching, and Church law, the finaldetermination of admission in our Catholic schools rests with the Archdiocesan bishop.As a parent/guardian desiring to enroll my child in a Catholic school, I pledge support for the Catholicidentity and mission of this school and by enrolling my child, I commit myself to uphold all theprinciples and policies that govern a Catholic school. In turn, I understand that we are now part of aCatholic school family that will do all they can to help in the formation and education of my child.25

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