We at St. Elizabeth Elementary School are a Catholic school committed to assisting parents in their primary right and responsibility to form and educate their children into mature witnesses of Christ. Under the guidance of the principal, the faculty strives to integrate Catholic values and beliefs throughout all academic and social areas. As a school community, we aid the students in making their Christian commitment through liturgical celebrations, community services, daily prayer, and courses in Catholic doctrine. By instilling discipline, good order, and fostering self-control, we encourage respect for God, self, fellow man, and for government. Teacher example and the various teacher, student, and peer interactions foster a sensitivity and mutual respect for the needs of others.

Through their unique talents and gifts, the teachers lead the students spiritually and educationally. By faculty example at liturgical celebrations, prayer, and their relationships with each other, students are reminded that St. Elizabeth's exists primarily to focus upon God and our relationships with Him. Intellectually, we at St. Elizabeth's attempt to develop aptitudes and interests necessary in establishing a solid academic training. These will equip the students for success in school and in life. Through an assortment of instructional materials, we offer a carefully planned curriculum that allows for individual differences. Opportunities are provided for students to develop an awareness and appreciation of varied cultural backgrounds.

We serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade regardless of race, creed, or ethnic background. We endeavor to guide our children in the many facets of growth and development. Through encouragement, academic, and co-curricular activities, we aid the students in recognizing their potential and individual talents as well as help each child develop a sense of self-worth. We urge students to begin to consider career choices in keeping with their interests and abilities. In addition, pride in personal cleanliness, neatness of attire, and physical fitness are stressed. Our school community advocates good health through a physical and health education program, health services, and athletic activities.

In all of these efforts, our school is guided by the words of Vatican Council II in the Declaration on Christian Education:

"No less than other schools does the Catholic school pursue cultural goals and the human formation of a youth. But its proper function is to create for the school community a special atmosphere animated by the Gospel spirit of freedom and charity, to help youth grow according to the new creatures they were made through Baptism as they develop their own personalities, and finally, to order the whole human culture to the news of salvation so that the knowledge the students gradually acquire of the world, life, and man is illuminated by faith."

GOALS

A. To aid the student to make his Christian commitment by providing liturgical celebrations, community services, daily prayer, and courses in religion.
B. To instill discipline for establishing good order and fostering self-control which encourages respect for God, for self, for government, and for fellow man.

A. To develop aptitudes and interests necessary in establishing a solid academic training which would equip the student for success in subsequent education.
B. To provide a carefully planned curriculum that provides for individual differences and uses a variety of instructional materials.

A. To aid the student in recognizing his/her potential and individual talents.
B. To instill in each child a sense of self-worth through a variety of academic and co-curricular activities.
C. To prepare students to begin to consider a career choice in keeping with their interests and abilities through student-teacher relations, field trips, and guest speakers.

A. To foster a sensitivity, awareness, and mutual respect for the needs of others through teacher example and teacher-student and peer interactions.
B. To prepare students to be responsible, mature members of their home, school, and civic communities.

A. To develop awareness and appreciation of varied cultural backgrounds.
B. To cultivate an understanding and interest in literature, dramatics, art, music, journalism, and social endeavors.

A. To stimulate pride in personal cleanliness, neatness of attire, and physical fitness.
B. To maintain good health through a physical and health education program, health services, and athletic activities.

St. Elizabeth Elementary School, a kindergarten through eighth grade co-educational Roman Catholic institution of the Diocese of Wilmington, was founded in 1908 and rooted in the Benedictine tradition of Ora Et Labora (Prayer and Work) and PAX (Peace). The Elementary School provides a diverse but family oriented caring environment, and serves several parishes in the diocese. The School is committed to educating the mind, the body, and the spirit. Our mission calls us to proclaim the Gospel message, to instill leadership, to promote dedication to service, and to inspire a passion for peace and justice in today's youth who will become the parishioners and citizens of tomorrow.

ADMINISTRATION

ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Here is what to do "IF":

YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:  Call your child's teacher and she/he will help you in every way possible. (Please do NOT call the teacher at home.)

YOU WANT TO CONFER WITH A TEACHER:  Send a note to the teacher or call the school to arrange a conference.

A STUDENT BECOMES ILL AT SCHOOL:  A student who becomes ill during school hours is taken to the nurse's office. If it becomes necessary to send your child home because of illness, you will be notified and required to provide transportation home. An authorized adult must sign out students. Students are not permitted to call parents directly.

YOU WANT HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS:  Homework assignments are prepared for any child who is ill or our of school by a homework partner (Grades 5-8) or an aide (Grades K-4) each day your child is absent. Homework needs to be picked up in the student's homeroom between 2:55 and 3:30 PM.

A PUPIL IS ABSENT:  Please advise the school by phone the morning of your child's absence. When the child is ready to return to classes, a written note stating the date of the absence and reason for the absence is a must. Students will not be permitted to return to class unless the above is submitted. Please make arrangements to pick up assignments each day your child is absent.

LUNCH OR OTHER SCHOOL ARTICLES LEFT AT HOME:  Deliver them to the SCHOOL OFFICE. (DO NOT disturb classes, please.) The office will ensure that your child receives the delivered items.

YOUR CHILD LOSES SOMETHING:  The lost and found department is located in the school hall near the first and second grades. Students who have left things in the cafeteria or lost things throughout the school should check the department for the article. Articles not claimed within a four-week period are considered the property of the school and will be sent to the Catholic Welfare or given to needy students. All sweaters, sweats, lunch boxes, etc., should be labeled with your child's name.

YOU CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER:  Please advise the Principal immediately, by either calling the secretary or sending in the new address in writing.

YOUR CHILD IS TRANSFERING TO ANOTHER SCHOOL:  Please inform the Principal's office as soon as possible. Your child's new school will request your child's records.

PHONE CALLS AND MESSAGES:  IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, messages can be given to your child through the school secretary. Please call the school before 1:30 pm if you wish the message delivered. Cell phones may not be used by students during the school day. If a parent insists that a child have a cell phone, the cell phone must remain off and stay in the student's book bag until the child is released from school. If a cell phone is used or sounds during the school day, it will be confiscated.

SCHEDULES

Students may arrive at school at 7:00 AM, but no earlier. Between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, students report to the gym but will be charged a minimal fee for morning extended care. From 7:30 until 7:45 AM,students should report to the GYM for supervision but will not be charged a fee. After 7:45 AM, students may report directly to their homerooms.

All students who require transportation are to be picked up no later than 3:15 PM, or be enrolled in the Extended Care Program. The school will not be held responsible for injuries occurring after this time.

At no time may a student leave the school grounds without permission of school personnel once the student has arrived at school until dismissal.

During the last week of each month, pupils will receive a monthly school calendar, which is prepared by the Principal. Even though it is our policy to adhere to the diocesan calendar, minor revisions are sometimes necessary. Students will receive these revisions in written form. Please be sure to keep memoranda available for reference throughout the month.

Early dismissals are announced in advance. To avoid confusion parents must make necessary travel arrangements.

NON-CUSTODIAL PARENT

St. Elizabeth Elementary School abides by the provisions set forth by the Buckley Amendment; namely, parents do not cease to be parents when they no longer have custody of their children.

Unless a court order is on file in the school office to the contrary, non-custodial parents will be provided access to academic records and other school-related information. If there is a court order specifying limitations on the non-custodial parent, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.

REPORT CARDS

The Diocesan Schools Office has specified the marking system used in the school. For Grades 4-8, Interim Reports are sent home at the mid-point of each trimester. Report cards are distributed three times a year, once every twelve weeks. Each twelve weeks your child receives a composite mark for the work performed during that period of time. It is the responsibility of the individual teacher to instruct, test, grade, and evaluate the work of the students. It is likewise, the responsibility of each parent to be interested in the educational welfare of his/her child by keeping a diligent and constant check on his/her progress, praising it or admonishing where it is lacking. To this extent, parents should be seeing all tests and written work even without the teacher requiring the parental signature.

Marking System

Effort and Conduct Grades are as follows: Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory, Improvement Needed, and Unsatisfactory

Achievement Comments are as follows: P- Demonstrates Proficiency, G- Very Good Progress, S- Satisfactory, I- Improvement Needed, and N- Not Yet Determined

Effort and Conduct Grades are as follows: Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory, Improvement Needed, and Unsatisfactory

Grades 1 and 2

Achievement Comments are as follows: P- Demonstrates Proficiency, G- Very Good Progress, S- Satisfactory, I- Improvement Needed, N- Not Yet Demonstrating, and NA- Not Assessed At Time

Effort and Conduct Grades are as follows: Outstanding, Good, Satisfactory, Improvement Needed, and Unsatisfactory

Kindergarten

Progress Grade Scale: P- Demonstrates Proficiency, S- Satisfactory, N- Not Yet Demonstrating, NA- Not Assessed At This Time, /- presented, x- mastered.

HONOR ROLL FOR GRADES 6, 7, and 8

Highest Honors    4.0 (All A's)
First Honors    3.5-3.99 (Mostly A's and some B's)
Second Honors    3.0-3.49 (A's and B's)

To qualify for the above honors, students must earn A's and B's in all of their subjects. In addition, any serious misbehavior or pattern of misbehavior will bar a student from the honor roll, regardless of his/her grades.

Principal's Award for Academic Effort
This is awarded to students who do not meet the above criteria but who consistently strive for academic excellence in their studies. The teachers will determine this.

Principal's Award for Academic Improvement
This is awarded to students who show a remarkable academic improvement from one year to the next or from one quarter to the next. The teachers will determine this.

SUMMER SCHOOL

Summer school will be required or considered in the following cases: 1. Students who fail a major subject for the entire academic year must attend summer school. 2. Summer school may also be required if a student earns a D or F for two trimesters, and the teacher believes that the student will need summer school to meet success in the next grade level. 3. Students who have been absent for twenty days may be required to attend summer school for major subjects instead of being retained

RETENTION

Students failing three or more subjects for the academic year will be retained. Retention is also possible for a student receiving a final cumulative index of 1.5 or lower. (See Academic Probation.) Absence of twenty (20) days a year could also be a determinant for retention.

ACADEMIC PROBATION

A student is given Academic Probation when his cumulative index of 2.0 or less. Less than an overall "C" average is not meeting mastery. A cumulative index is produced by taking the earned points for all of the classes and averaging them together. The grades are weighted as follows: A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, E=0. Two consecutive probations or two in one school year will result in summer school, failure, dismissal and/or educational testing as decided by a Probation Committee. This would apply to students having a yearly average of 2.0 or less.

The probation committee will consist of the principal, guidance counselor, administrative assistant, and two teachers who instruct the students concerned.

ABSENCE POLICIES

Establishing a good attendance record is essential for maximum academic progress. When a student is not able to attend school due to illness a parent/guardian must:

1. Call the school office by 8:30 AM.
2. Arrange to pick-up homework assignments in the student's homeroom between 2:40 and 3:15 PM.
3. Provide a written absentee note noting the date and reason for absence when the student returns to school.

Any student frequently absent throughout the school year may be considered for repetition of the grade. When a student is absent for 10 days, parents will be contacted. A doctor's note is required for all absences beginning with 15 days.

Medical appointments during school hours are discouraged. However, a written note from a parent is necessary. If a child is leaving early for an appointment, the child must be signed out at the office. It is not necessary to sign the child back in upon return but the child is to report to the office. If a child arrives late to school due to an appointment, he or she must also report to the office.

If a student is absent for a school day or dismisses early due to illness, he/she may not participate in any school sponsored, extra-curricular activities that day including practices. Students violating this policy will lose eligibility for that activity.

VACATION

Vacations scheduled on school days are discouraged and are taken at the academic risk of the student. However, when a vacation is scheduled:

1. Parents are to contact the office in advance.
2. Students are to inform all of their teachers in advance.
3. Students should take their books and estimate the work that will be missed.
4. Students will check with each teacher upon return for missing work.

No work will be given to students in advance.

TARDINESS

Arriving in homeroom on time is a courtesy expected of all students. Parents must make arrangements to follow the time schedule. Homeroom begins promptly at 8:15 AM. Any student arriving past the bell will report to the office for a late slip. Students greatly enjoy arriving earlier in order to unpack at leisure and socialize with friends. Students arriving late create an unacceptable disruption to the teacher and other students.

Any student who is absent for half of the morning or afternoon will be marked as absent for that morning or afternoon. Half-day absences will be added up for attendance.

DISCIPLINE CODE

Respect for the Dignity of All
St. Elizabeth Elementary School is committed to creating a safe school environment grounded in the Gospel values of love and peace. As part of a Catholic Christian community, every member of St. Elizabeth Elementary School is expected to respect the dignity of all, remembering that all are made "in the image and likeness of God." Students are taught cooperative conflict resolution skills to assist them in this endeavor. The skills of communication, listening, problem solving, mediation, and negotiation are vital to a peace-centered school.

Discipline Guidelines When a student does not respect the dignity of all, consequences are necessary. Possible consequences may include, but are not limited to, school detentions, suspension, and expulsion.

Detentions
School detentions may be issued for inappropriate classroom behavior, dishonesty, and foul language. Detentions are held once a week where students spend their entire lunch/recess period in a designated classroom. A student must pack a lunch for detention.

Suspensions
A school suspension may be issued for blatant disrespect, physical injury to another student, leaving the school premises or assigned area without permission, or other violations judged by the Disciplinary Board to warrant suspension.

Expulsions
Expulsions may be necessary for possession and/or use of drugs or alcohol, possession and/or use of a dangerous weapon or article, violations of the Disciplinary Board's probation terms, or other violations judged by the Disciplinary Board to warrant expulsion.

The consequences and reasons for the consequences listed above are not all inclusive. They are examples only. The Principal is the final recourse in all-disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at her discretion.

Disciplinary Board
St. Elizabeth Elementary School has a Disciplinary Board composed of the Principal, Assistant Principal, and two faculty representatives. The Disciplinary Board meets with students and parents as needed to resolve serious behavioral issues.

Disciplinary Probation
The Disciplinary Board may place students on Disciplinary Probation. In order for a student to remain at St. Elizabeth Elementary School, both students and parents must meet recommendations of the Board.

Violence
As a peace-centered school, violence, whether threatened or acted, is never an acceptable response to a problem. St. Elizabeth Elementary School will take seriously all violence and threats of violence. All incidents involving these issues will be handled in an age-appropriate, responsive manner. Students are expected to report violence, threatened or acted, to a faculty member on the day that it occurs. Students may also be subject to disciplinary consequences for encouraging violence.
Parents are expected to support St. Elizabeth Elementary School's efforts to be a peace-centered school.

Harassment
As a school committed to respecting the dignity of all, behavior which degrades any individual is forbidden. This includes sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can be defined as behavior, containing sexual suggestions that are offensive to a reasonable person. All allegations of sexual harassment will be taken seriously and promptly investigated following the guidelines of the Diocese of Wilmington (found on pp. 22-33). Confidentiality of both the alleged victim and the alleged perpetrator will be maintained.

Conduct Outside of School
The student is a St. Elizabeth Elementary School student at all times. A student who engages in conduct, whether inside or outside the school, that is detrimental to the reputation of the school, may be disciplined by school officials.

Confidentiality
All discipline matters are handled with strict confidentiality. Sometimes parents may think that a student was not disciplined for an offense because parents do not know about it. This is a sign of confidentiality, not inaction.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

Kindergarten
The uniform for Kindergarten boys and girls will be a maroon sweat suit with St. Elizabeth insignia purchased from Rush Uniform. White or black sneakers are acceptable.The gym uniform purchased from Rush Uniform will be worn for gym and as the school uniform in September, May and June.

Girls
Gr. 1-5: Plaid jumper or gray slacks purchased from Rush Uniform. If the students wear the gray slacks, they can wear either the maroon three-button shirt with the St. Elizabeth insignia (available from Rush) or a white turtleneck/white three button shirt with the maroon sweater vest or maroon sweater. If the white turtleneck/white three button shirt is worn, the maroon vest or maroon sweater is required.
Gr. 6-8: Girls must wear gray slacks or a plaid culotte (optional) purchased from Rush Uniform. A belt must be worn with the slacks. They can either wear the maroon three button shirt with the St.Elizabeth insignia (available from Rush) or a white turtleneck/white three button shirt with the maroon sweater vest or maroon sweater. (The maroon sweater vest or maroon sweater are available from Rush). Shirts must be tucked in.

Jewelry
No jewelry is permitted other than one ring, medal, thin chain, or wristwatch. Small post and hoop earrings (no larger than the diameter of a dime) may be worn.
Hair
Hair is to be well-groomed and away from the eyes. Hair accessories should be unobtrusive. The hair must be a natural color. Make-up of any kind is prohibited including on Tag days. Students should not bring make-up to school.

Boys
Solid gray slacks purchased from Rush Uniform. Belts are always required. Slacks are to be worn at the waist. They can wear either the maroon shirt with the St. Elizabeth insignia (available from Rush) or a white turtleneck/white three button shirt with the maroon sweater vest. Shirts must be tucked in.

Boys and Girls
Girls and boys in Grades 1 through 8 must wear a lace-up, polished black dress shoe. The maximum height for the heel is 1-1/2 inches. Clogs, sneakers, sandals, platform shoes, boot or boot-like footwear are not acceptable. Only dark, solid colored socks, anklets or tights are permitted for girls. Boys must wear dark, colored socks.

Gym Uniforms
Gym uniforms must be purchased from Rush Uniform. Shorts and tops must be size appropriate. Sneakers may be either white or black. Students may wear their gym uniforms to school on their gym day.

In the winter months, students must wear full-length sweatpants and sweatshirts in maroon or gray only. These may be purchased from the St. Elizabeth Athletic Association, Rush Uniform or wherever you choose.If there is unusually hot winter weather, the students may wear just the official gym shorts, shirts, socks, and sneakers.

Summer Uniforms
All students in Grades K-8 are required to wear the gym shorts and a white or maroon three-button shirt in September, May and June. White or black sneakers should be worn with the summer uniform.

Tag/Nut Pass Days
Throughout the school year special days are set aside for non-regulation attire. In addition, students may earn "NUT (no uniform today) Day" passes, which may be used when the students choose unless restricted by the Administration.
Appropriate wear consists of:

BOYS may wear shrts, shorts, pants, or jeans that are in good condition. Shirts must have sleeves.

GIRLS should wear modest clothes suitable for St. Elizabeth Elementary School. No make-up is acceptable. Some clothes are never acceptable at school. They are:

Pants No skin-tight, low-cut waists, sheer fabrics, short shorts, or ragged hems.

Tops No low necklines, bra style tops, bare backs, tube tops, see-through fabrics, exposed torsos, "belly" shirts, "baby" tees. Shirts must have sleeves.

Skirts No shorter than two inches above the knee, skin tight, slit above the knee, spandex, low cut waists, or ragged hems.

Dresses No exposed torsos or slits above the knees.

Both Boys and Girls Clothes should be in good condition. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted, Shirts should have sleeves. Shoes must be closed in the back and have a sensible heel. On Tag days when t-shorts are permitted, no obscene, profane, or derogatory message, or depiction of violence, drugs, alcohol, or occult are permitted.

The following must be purchased at Rush Uniform: gray slacks, plaid culottes, maroon three button shirts with the St. Elizabeth insignia, maroon vests, maroon sweat suits with the school insignia and gym shorts and shirts with the school insignia. Rush Uniform is located at:

101 West Harrison Ave.
Wilmington Manor
New Castle, De.
302-328-5444

TECHNOLOGY AND ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY

St. Elizabeth provides students with some of the most advanced technology available: a fully equipped computer lab (with Internet capability), CD-ROM equipped computers in each classroom and library (with Internet capability), laser disc capability for science, TV/VCR's in each classroom, etc. Students are encouraged to use the technology under the auspices of faculty/administration. It is a violation of school policies to use technology for any non-educational use. Altering or reformatting menus, attempting to access mail systems, non-educational use, unauthorized use, tampering with or destroying equipment, etc., will not be tolerated and will be subject to severe disciplinary action including dismissal. The Acceptable Use Policy for technology will be reviewed and signed by parents and students. It is of the up-most importance that parents carefully read the Acceptable Use Policy before signing it and returning it to the school.

Use of St. Elizabeth's computer resources is a privilege, not a right. All policy violations will be dealt with immediately and will be referred to the Disciplinary Board. Upon investigation and/or conferences with the appropriate parties (student, parents, etc.), the Board will determine the appropriate consequence (detention, suspension, dismissal, etc.)

St. Elizabeth Elementary makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, for the services it is providing. St. Elizabeth Elementary School will not be responsible for any damages suffered by users or any obligations or relationships entered into via E-mail or the Internet. The use of information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own risk. A sophisticated filtering system has been installed by the school and will be updated on a continuous basis. St. Elizabeth Elementary School denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through its services.

PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

Parents are invited to become active participant in the Athletic Association, Home and School Association, and Junior Youth Group. Interested parents may contact the school office at the start of the school year for contact information for each group.

• Parents are also invited to assist in the following capacities:
• Homeroom Parent - Contact the individual homeroom teacher for details.
• Cafeteria/Recess Supervision - Contact the school office for details.
• Substitute Teacher - Contact the Assistant Principal for details.
• Guest Lecturer/Presenter - Contact the appropriate teacher for details.
• Homeroom Volunteer - Contact the individual teacher for details.
• Development - Contact the Development Director for details
• Technology - Contact the Development Director for details.
• Field Trip Chaperones - Contact the teacher arranging the trip for details.

USE OF STUDENT INFORMATION/PICTURES

The school reserves the right to use student names and pictures in publications, press releases and on the school's web site. Any parent who does not wish his or her child's name or picture to be used must notify the principal in writing at the start of the school year.

BOOKS AND FEES

Book bills and fees are distributed at the start of the school year with the due dates noted. These fees are not included in tuition. Hardback books are rented from the school. These books must be covered and are to be kept in good condition. Lost or damaged books will be billed to the parent.

SCHOOL PROPERTY

Any type of damage or destruction to school property will not be tolerated. The parent will be billed for any damage and appropriate disciplinary measures will ensue as determined by the Principal and/or Disciplinary Board.

INVITATIONS

If a child wishes to distribute invitations to a party in school, he/she may do so only if every child in the class is invited. Otherwise, other arrangements must be made for distribution.

Classroom birthday parties are not permissible. However, a child may bring a small treat (one per classmate) to share during snack time.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

Parents are asked to label all the children's personal possessions (book bags, lunch containers, uniforms, etc…) so that lost items are readily identifiable. Items found will be placed in the Lost and Found area across from the Assistant Principal's office. The area will be cleaned periodically with unclaimed items donated to charity.

The following items are not permitted in school:

• Skateboards and bicycles
• Electronic games (including all handheld games and CD players) - Students benefit from personal conversation and social interaction.

HOMEWORK

Homework is designed to reinforce teaching and assist with skill mastery and is an important facet of our educational process developing responsibility, initiative, and self-discipline. Parents are expected to check homework for completeness, accuracy, and neatness.

In order to foster good study habits, parents should establish and enforce a study routine that minimizes evening socializing on school nights. Test dates are announced well in advance. Students should plan a personal study schedule so as not to leave studying until the last moment.

The amount of homework will be assigned keeping in mind the students' need for rest, relaxation, and family activities.

The following is a general guideline for daily minimum assignments (not including long-term projects or tests):

Homework will not be assigned as a form of punishment.

RECESS

When weather permits, students will have outdoor recess. Students should arrive at school expecting outdoor recess and have weather appropriate clothing such as warm jackets, hats, gloves, and the like. During recess, students are expected to:

• Remain in the designated area
• Be respectful and obedient of all personnel
• Include all students in games and activities
• Be respectful of all students' possessions and bodies
• Report any problems immediately to the supervisory personnel
• Line up in an orderly fashion at the end of recess

When recess is held indoors, all students are to be seated and orderly. They are to follow the activity directions given by their homeroom teacher. Students are not permitted to leave any designated area without the permission of the supervisor on duty.

CAFETERIA

Students are permitted to bring lunch or order from the cafeteria. Lunch menus are given to every student and prepared by the cafeteria staff. Students who forget to bring a lunch will receive a voucher from the school office for the purchase of soup or peanut butter and jelly sandwich and either milk or juice. The money is to be repaid to the office the next day. Parents may also drop off forgotten lunches or money to the main office by 11:00 AM. Students are not to come to the office asking for change from big bills. Change will be received in the cafeteria. No student is permitted to borrow money from cafeteria staff or supervisory personnel. In the cafeteria, students are expected to:

• Remain seated while eating
• Walk without pushing
• Be respectful and obedient to all personnel
• Use correct manners suitable for a dining area
• Clean their eating area, depositing trash in the containers provided
• Speak quietly
• Not interfere with other students and their lunches
• Sit in their assigned areas
• Complete all food and drink before exiting the cafeteria
• Stay seated until dismissed
• Line up in an orderly fashion when dismissed

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra-curricular activities are available for student participation. These activities may vary from year to year but may include sports teams under the supervision of the Athletic Association, Declamation League, Student Leadership Group, Choir, The Viking View (student newspaper), Grade 8 Diocesan It's Academic Team, and Math and Science Olympiad Team.

For information regarding athletics, you may visit their website . You may also contact the school office for the names and numbers of the officers of the Atheltic Association who are willing to be of assistance to students and parents.

The faculty for academic or disciplinary reasons may request limitations on extracurricular activities. Eligibility is decided on an individual basis. Parents will be notified if a student does not meet eligibility requirements. The status of ineligible students will be reviewed at the completion of each marking period. Ineligible students may not attend any practices or participate in games/meets until eligibility is restored.

The same standards of academic and behavior performance will be in effect for all extra-curricular activities.

If a student is absent for any part of a school day, the student is ineligible to participate in any practice, game, or meet that day. Any student violating this rule will automatically lose eligibility for the remainder of the season.

PARENT SERVICE REQUIREMENTS

In addition to joining the Home and School Association, one parent/guardian per family is required to provide two hours of service twice a year at two parish events. These events are the Christmas Bazaar (November) and the Spring Festival (April - May).

Parents are expected to support the school's fundraisers to help defray tuition costs.

Supporting parish activities, participating in parish life (in particular the celebration of the Eucharist on Sunday) and financial support of the parish are required to maintain enrollment status of parishioner in St. Elizabeth Elementary School. The contribution is currently at least $10.00 each week.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

Parents are always welcomed and encouraged to speak with teachers at other than the appointed periods during conference time. However, so that no one is inconvenienced, appointments be made a day or so ahead. This may be done either by writing a note or calling the elementary school office.

STUDENT INSURANCE

Every child must be covered by the policy of the parents or guardians. Students' participation in CYM sports has a special policy for their coverage. All must participate when playing a sport.

TRAFFIC AND SAFETY

Standing or parked cars in unauthorized areas on school property are a hazard to the safety of students. We ask the cooperation of parents and visitors in helping us to keep these areas and other approaches to school property clear at all times.

We request your fullest cooperation in each of the following:

1. Do not stop at the cross walks; it is AGAINST the law.
2. Parents using cars to transport children must pick them up on Banning Street or the corners of Clayton and Cedar or Rodney and Cedar. We do understand that it takes a minute or two more to go around the block, but the life you save may be YOUR CHILD'S. Parents may pick up their children in front of the church. There is teacher supervision there until 3:00 PM each day.
3. Instruct your child to always walk to the corners that have the crossing guards. Jaywalking is always dangerous, but especially in inclement weather. This should be done even when parents are with the children.
4. Please obey all traffic lights and signs and give your fullest cooperation to the Crossing Guards.
5. The parking lot next to church is not to be used as a pick-up or drop-off point for students.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

Order of Admittance:

1. Brothers and sisters of children of parishioners already in the school and in good standing.
2. Oldest child of parishioners entering school for the first time at Kindergarten level.
3. Oldest child from other parishes entering school for the first time at Kindergarten level.
4. Brothers and sisters of other children already in the school and in good standing.
5. Catholic students transferring from another Catholic School.
6. Other Catholics transferring from non-Catholic schools.
7. Non-Catholic students transferring from non-Catholic schools or entering school for the first time at Kindergarten level.

The number of students accepted shall be limited to:

1. A class size of 33, an overflow to 35 shall be permitted in special classes.
2. Academically capable as determined by previous school records or screening tests, e.g., individual educational evaluation test or demonstrated ability as measured by a standardized readiness test.
3. Age as set by state or local school district regulations.

St. Elizabeth Elementary School respects the dignity of all. St. Elizabeth Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, age, or disability if, with reasonable accomodation on the part of the school, the disabled person could be accomodated.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are scheduled for the academic enrichment of the students. Field trips are a privilege; no student has an absolute right to a field trip.

School personnel maintain the right to exclude a student from a field trip for disciplinary reasons. Students excluded from participation must attend school that day and will be supervised by another staff member. If the student does not attend school that day, a doctor's note will be required upon return.

Permission forms stating the date and location of the trip as well as a liability release are distributed for each trip. No student may attend a field trip without returning the official signed form. No notes or phone calls are accepted. Students choosing not to attend the trip are required to attend school that day and will be supervised by another staff member. If the student does not attend school that day, a doctor's note will be required upon return.

Students who receive medications in the course of the day will be required to return a signed parent/guardian permission form to dispense medication. This form will be sent home with the students. Again, verbal permission will not be accepted.

Individual teachers planning trips will provide additional information including chaperone opportunities. For more trip details, contact the staff member in charge of the trip.

MAY PROCESSION

All students in Grades 2 - 8 who are parishioners of St. Elizabeth Church are required to participate in the annual May Procession. This is part of the faith committment made by parishioners with children in school. To be excused from participation in the May Procession, a student must submit a request in writing to the Principal stating the reason for the absence. Requests must be submitted no later than one week in advance. Excuses are not granted for participation in sports events.

COMMUNICATION

In keeping with the school philosophy to assist parents in their primary right and responsibility to form and educate their children into mature witnesses of Christ, the staff and administration encourage communication whenever questions and concerns arise. Questions and concerns for a specific staff member are to be addressed first with the staff member before enlisting the aid of the Principal or Assistant Principal. The school Guidance Counselor and Nurse are available for your assistance as well as members of the Home and School Association Executive Board who are available to assist with information regarding activities and opportunities for involvement. Officers are introduced at the first Home and School meeting in September and parents have the opportunity to meet individual staff members following the general meeting.

To contact a staff or administration member, call the school office and leave a message or send in a note with your child. The staff member will make every effort to return the call within twenty-four hours of receipt of the message. At no time should a staff member be called at home unless requested by the staff member.

At the mid-point of the first two marking periods, formal conference times by appointment only are available for all interested parents. The teacher upon request will arrange dates and times. It is expected that parents and guardians keep scheduled appointments. In addition to conference dates, parents may contact any staff member and request a time to meet at any point in the school year.

All visitors to the school in the course of the school day are to report directly to the main office for assistance.

Monthly calendars are distributed to every student at the end of each month for the upcoming month. Please expect to receive the calendar from your child and note the special events for the month.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Teachers will keep confidential information entrusted to them by the students so long as no one's life, health, or safety is at stake. In these situations, parents and guardians will be promptly notified of teacher concerns. Confidential information shared between parent and teacher will be shared only with the school personnel in need of the information to best serve the needs of the child.

Educational evaluations, which may be part of a child's school file, are confidential and available only to the personnel entrusted with your child's education and well being in school. The school strongly recommends including educational evaluations in the student file to guide teachers in how best to assist the individual child. Special accommodations listed in the testing report will not be offered without a valid testing report on file.

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM

Counselors are available to assist students, parents, teachers, staff, and administrators. The guidance program is based on the development needs of all students. Spiritual, intellectual, social, physical, and emotional issues are addressed.

The fundamental goals of the counseling program are the following:

• To help each student understand and accept him/herself.
• To help students to become more aware of alternatives and effective problems solving and decision making skills.
• To aid in the development of increased maturity, greater self-direction and the assumption of responsibility.

A counselor provides professional assistance to help the students attain academic success by assisting them to become independent learners. Academic responsibility is taught, encouraged, and reinforced in a partnership between school and home.

Through the guidance program students also learn to cope with personal situations/problems, improve relationships with others and focus on career/school/life choices.

School guidance counseling may be short term, voluntary or involuntary, and confidential. The student, his/her parent, teachers, administrators or other appropriate school staff can make referrals.

If serious concerns exist, parents will be promptly notified whenever the concerns arise.

HEALTH SERVICES

To promote and maintain a state of good health for our school children, the following guidelines are recommended:

1. All students entering Kindergarten, first, fourth, and seventh grades as well as all transfer students, are required to submit a current physical form completed by the student's physician.
2. Revised immunization regulations for children entering or transferring to our school for the first time are as follows:
   • 4 - 5 doses of DTaP, DTP, or TD vaccine (unless 4th dose was given after the fourth birthday)
   • 4 doses of IPV or OPV for Polio (unless 3rd dose was given after the fourth birthday)
   • 2 doses of measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine (first dose after the age of twelve months, second dose after the fourth birthday)
   • 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
   • PPD skin test within the last 5 yrs (tine tests will not be accepted)
3. Students must also show documentation of having received the Varicella vaccine or of having had the actual disease (chicken pox).
4. Any prescription medications must be in the original bottle labeled with the child's name, date, dosage and time to be given. Prescription medications can no longer be sent to school with the child. These medications must be brought into school by the parent or responsible adult and given to the nurse or main office for dispensing. Over-the-counter medications must also be in the original container along with a note from the parent stating when, how much and to whom to give the medication . The medication will not be given if these guidelines are not adhered to!
5. Asthma is one condition that may give no warning; therefore, Delaware school regulations now allow students to carry their inhalers with them. If the child is young and not to be trusted with self-administration, the inhaler can be left at the nurse's office.
6. Children with food, nut or bee allergies should also provide an epi-pen to the nurse for emergency administration.
7. If your child has a fever, a sore throat that has lasted more than 3 days, severe cold or flu symptoms, untreated pink eye, history of vomiting the night before or that morning, or any suspicious rash, please do not send him/her to school, since these signs and symptoms could indicate an infectious illness. The student should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school after an illness.
8. To maintain your child's good health, the school strongly recommends that all children be given a nutritious breakfast for the growth and maintenance of a healthy body and alert mind.
9. It is imperative that the school is notified of any revised information such as change of address and home/work/cell phone numbers. In addition, parents are encouraged to make the staff and nurse aware of any illness, disability, allergies, family deaths, or divorce, etc. the child may be experiencing. Knowing of such problems or illnesses and any instructions or precautions suggested by your doctor are very important for the school nurse and/or teachers in treating or recognizing anything unusual that may occur during school hours.

USE OF SCHOOL GROUNDS

Restrictions
The school building opens for students at 7:30 each morning. No student in K - 8 may arrive before that time. At dismissal, students are to be picked up promptly. Any student not picked up within 20 minutes of dismissal will be sent to the Extended Care area. Fees for both Before Care and After Care programs will be imposed for any student sent to the area. The school is not responsible for any student arriving prior to 7:30 AM or not picked up by 3:00 PM who does not report to the Extended Care Program.

After the school day begins, all entrance doors are locked. Visitors are required to ring the bell at the main door located on Cedar Street. Upon admittance to the building, report to the main office located on the first floor, first door on the right. Do not go directly to any classroom or any other area of the building.

All students are required to dismiss at the location given to them by their homeroom teacher unless reporting to another teacher or picking up schoolwork for an absent student. All students in all grades are to arrange in the first week in the school year a meeting place outside for friends and relatives. Older students are to meet younger siblings promptly. Parents picking up their children are asked to clearly explain to the children where you will meet them. Students are not permitted at the soda and snack machines in the lower level after dismissal unless enrolled in the Extended Care program or meeting with a teacher. In both cases, appropriate personnel will give permission for use.

At no time may a student leave the school grounds without permission of school personnel once the student has arrived at school until dismissal. Students who are ill or dismissing early will only be released to an adult who will report to the main office to sign the student out and accompany the student when leaving.

Students in the school building or surrounding premises for an extra-curricular activity must be under the direct supervision of an adult moderator. No group may meet without an adult present. Adult moderators must remain present until all students are picked up at the completion of the activity session.

The Extended Care Program is open whenever school is in session. If school is closed for vacation (holidays and summer) or because of snow or other emergencies, the program is also closed. If the school closes early due to poor weather, the Extended Care Program closes one and one-half hours after the snow closing time.

For more information, contact the school office and the Program Director will provide additional detail.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS

In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies, which necessitate the closing of school, information will be released to the following radio stations:

If the closing occurs in the morning before the start of school, please do not call the school office but stay tuned to the radio.

A web site capable of E-mail notification of parents and other interested parties of school closing, delays, and early dismissals due to inclement weather or other emergencies has been established by the State of Delaware. The Diocese of Wilmington will report to this site. The web site is located at http://aosta.state.de.us/schoolclosings.

When you enter the site, click on ENTER. You may also register for E-mail notification.

DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY 4001

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Wilmington in accordance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, will not tolerate acts of harassment of its employees or students on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion or disability. All employees and students are responsible for ensuring that all schools are free from all forms of harassment.

Harassment Defined - Harassment is unwelcome verbal or physical conduct directed at an individual because of age, race, color, national origin, sex, religion or disability, which unreasonably disrupts or interferes with that individual's work or school activities, or which creates an intimidating, offensive or hostile environment.

Sexual Harassment - Sexual harassment is a type of harassment which refers to unwelcome conduct based on an individual's gender or which is of a sexual nature. This includes unwelcome sexual attention, sexual advances, and requests for sexual favors. It also includes unwelcome verbal, visual or physical conduct directed at an individual because of gender.

Examples of sexual harassment include conditioning employment actions or student grades upon the grants of sexual favors or submission to sexual conduct; unwanted and unnecessary physical contact; offensive remarks, including unwelcome comments about appearance, obscene jokes or other inappropriate use of sexually explicit or offensive language; and the display of sexually suggestive pictures or objects. The above examples do not constitute all types of conduct, which could violate this policy.

Persons Covered - This policy applies to all male and female students, employees, and volunteers.

• Complaint - Any employee, volunteer, or student who believes that he or she has been subjected to harassment, as described in Policy 4001, has a responsibility to report the harassment as soon as possible to the Principal, or an Assistant Principal. All employees, volunteers, and students are responsible for ensuring that all schools are free from all forms of harassment.
• Investigation - The administrator will promptly and thoroughly investigate the complaint of harassment and document the complaint. All information will be kept as confidential as possible and will be disseminated on a "need to know" basis only. As soon as possible after the completion of the investigation, the administrator will advise the employee, volunteer, or student who brought the harassment complaint of the findings and conclusions of the investigation.
• Action - Any employee, volunteer, or student who is determined, as a result of a proper investigation, to have engaged in harassment in violation of Policy 4001 will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment in the case of an employee, or suspension or dismissal in the case of a volunteer or student. In cases requiring disciplinary action, the administrator will consult with the pastor and the Superintendent of Schools before any disciplinary action is taken in the matter.
• Retaliation Prohibited - Retaliation in any form against an employee, volunteer, or student who exercises his or her right to make a good faith complaint of harassment under Policy 4001 is strictly prohibited. Any employee, volunteer, or student who retaliate against another employee, volunteer, or student for making a complaint of harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include up to termination of employment in the case of an employee or suspension or dismissal from school in the case of a volunteer or student.

RIGHT TO AMEND HANDBOOK

The Principal retains the right to amend the handbook whenever necessary. Parents will be given prompt notification of any changes as they occur.

PARENT/GUARDIAN AND STUDENTS' AGREEMENT

1. I will see that my child attends school daily.
2. I will see that my child's homework is completed on time; I will eliminate distractions-
   Examples: television, video games, computer games.)
3. I will respond to school staff communications, i.e. conferences, telephone calls or letters, within two days.
4. I will promote respect for teachers and other adults
5. I will see that my child is properly prepared for school (well-rested, fed, clothed, clean and has all health needs met) and is ready to learn.

We have read this handbook and agree to be governed by the policies important to the education and orderly operation of Saint Elizabeth's to achieve its goals and standards.