Our Lady of the Mountains School - Paintsville at 405 Third Street, Paintsville, KY 41240 US - Parent-Student Handbook
| Parent-Student Handbook |
What greater work is there than training the mind and forming the habits of the young?” St. John Chrysostom Dear Parents and Students, Welcome to Our Lady of the Mountains School! In choosing OLM, you have demonstrated a commitment to the values and philosophy of a Catholic education. Our Lady of the Mountains School, located in the former John C. C. Mayo Mansion, is a Pre-K through 8th grade Catholic Elementary and Middle School under the Diocese of Lexington’s Catholic Schools Office. The curriculum stresses academic achievement within a Christian community where the child feels that he/she is loved and respected by his/her peers as well as the teacher. United with each other in meaningful liturgy, prayer, and service, the students can further come to an understanding of the Christian life. At Our Lady of the Mountains, we are attempting to "teach as Jesus did." The Diocesan curriculum guidelines, consistent with the Commonwealth of Kentucky guidelines, are followed for the teaching of all secular subject areas. The curriculum is marked by current content and fresh approaches to methodology. There is emphasis on principles rather than fact, on learning through problem solving rather than by precept. We strive to offer a program that makes use of many sources of reading materials, a wide variety of audio-visual and technology tools, and a multi-text approach to the content areas. The faculty and staff look forward to working with you to promote academic excellence and spiritual development in the context of the teachings of the Catholic Church. Together let us pray that God, who has begun this good work in us, may carry it through to completion. God bless you, Catherine Cybriwsky Principal MISSION and PHILOSOPHY STATEMENTS Guided by the Holy Spirit, we witness to Christ’s saving love as disciples and missionaries in the fifty counties of our mission Diocese. As a Eucharistic people, we celebrate the sacraments, promote justice in word and deed, minister to the spiritual and material needs of all and evangelize by living and sharing the Word of God and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Our Lady of the Mountains is a fully accredited Catholic school that welcomes and embraces children of all races and ethnic origins, economic situations, and religious denominations. Its primary purpose is to provide a quality education in a Christian environment. Our Lady of the Mountains school recognizes that parents are the primary educators of children. Therefore, parental support in both educational and school related activities is essential to foster spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical growth in our students. Children will learn to celebrate their strengths and acknowledge their limitations so they may become productive, confident, and ethical members of the global community. Students learn Christian values through daily prayer, discipline, and the compassion and sensitivity shown by the faculty and staff. They prepare to live according to these principles, conscious of the needs of other people. John Caldwell Calhoun Mayo was born in Pike County, Kentucky in 1864. His family moved to Johnson County when he was five years old. He later attended Kentucky Wesleyan College to become a teacher. While there, he took an interest in geology and mineralogy. Upon returning home, he taught in Van Lear, KY and spent his spare time traveling around the county buying land. He then sold this land to outside investors and developing coal companies. By 1905 he was successful enough to build the Mayo Mansion (at the present location of 405 Third Street, Paintsville KY). He had originally planned on building a twenty-room house, but then decided to build a mansion to rival the mansions he saw in the Bluegrass area of Kentucky. The design of the Mayo Mansion is Classic Revival and it contains forty rooms. Construction of the mansion began in 1905 and was completed in December 1912; costs were in excess of $250,000. The building of the mansion was not an easy task. The ground was swampy and needed to be filled in. The sandstone for the foundation and cornerstones was mined and shaped at Mayo’s father’s farm across Paint Creek. A manually operated overhead tram that was three-fourths mile long and reached a height of thirty feet transported the stones. The massive stone columns, each in three separate pieces, were hauled through Paint Creek (when it was dry) on timber sleds pulled by ten yoke of oxen. Italian stonemasons from the Cincinnati area completed all of the masonry work. Paintsville had no electricity at that time, so the original plans called for using carbide gas for light in the mansion. Toward completion, it became evident that Paintsville would be getting electrical service and the house was then electrically wired. Running water was provided by pumping water from a well to a cistern and then into the house as needed. Rainwater was channeled from the gutters into the cistern as well. John C. C. Mayo died in May 1914. Distraught, his wife Alice moved to Florida. In 1916 she remarried and moved to Ashland, KY in 1917. She donated the estate to the Sandy Valley Seminary and it was then renamed the John C. C. Mayo College. The college closed in 1936 due to financial difficulties and the property was back in the hands of Alice Fetters. She then sold the house and property to E. J. Evans, a friend and employee of John Mayo. Mr. Evans leased the mansion and other buildings. In 1938, Paintsville bought the Mayo College property and the Kentucky General Assembly created and opened the Mayo Vocational School. In 1945, Mr. Evans sold the mansion and grounds to the Most Reverend William T. Mulloy, Roman Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Covington, KY and his successors in office. Under the guidance of the Sisters of Divine Providence from Melbourne, Kentucky, Our Lady of the Mountains school was opened in October 1945. It is currently under the auspices of the Catholic Diocese of Lexington. Our Lady of the Mountains School is accredited through the Kentucky Non-Public Schools Commission, Inc. Our Lady of the Mountains School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or athletic and other school-administered programs. As openings become available, the following priorities will be used to accept students to Our Lady of the Mountains School: 1. Members of St. Michael Parish 2. Siblings of currently enrolled students 3. Members of other parishes and non-Catholic students Children entering Kindergarten must be five (5) years of age by October 1st. Students will be conditionally accepted into Kindergarten with full acceptance contingent on displayed Kindergarten readiness. At the time of registration, all new students seeking admission to Our Lady of the Mountains may be evaluated on the basis of current standardized test scores and report cards. Requirements include: *Health Records (medical, vision and dental exams) *Birth Certificate (original) *Copy of Social Security Card *Baptismal Certificate (Catholic applicants only) *Report Cards (Grades 1-8) *Standardized Test Results (Grades 1-8) *Record of IEP, if applicable *Attendance at VIRTUS Training by at least one parent/guardian Students applying for Admission in Grades 1-8 must present a copy of the current report card and standardized test results. These will be reviewed to determine whether the program at Our Lady of the Mountains School will meet the educational needs of the students. An interview with the student is part of the admission process. Testing in some academic areas may be held for new incoming students in Grades 3-8. All new students will be given a trial period in which to prove himself/herself both socially and academically. If during this trial period there are any problems, a student may be asked to withdraw his/her attendance at Our Lady of the Mountains School. Financial Obligations Plan I (includes service hours) Number of children Service Hours Tuition Rate 1 *40 $ 3,500.00 2 *50 $ 5,250.00 3 or more *60 $ 7,000.00 Prior to registration for the following year, or transfer of academic records to another school, tuition payments must be paid in full an service hours must be completed. Withdrawal Policy A RETURN FEE OF $25.00 WILL BE ASSESSED TO YOUR ACCOUNT FOR ANY RETURNED TUITION PAYMENT. PLEASE ADDRESS ALL TUITION QUESTIONS TO THE SCHOOL at 789-3661. We, at Our Lady of the Mountains School, consider it a privilege to work with parents in the education of children because we believe parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, it is your right and your duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life…physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Your choice of Our Lady of the Mountains School involves a commitment and exhibits a concern for helping your child to recognize God as the greatest good in his/her life. Good example is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God, with each other, and with the community will affect the way your child relates to God and others. Ideals taught in school are not well rooted in the child unless these are nurtured by the example of good Christian morality and by an honest personal relationship with God in your family life. Once you have chosen to enter into a partnership with us at Our Lady of the Mountains School, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment. During these formative years (Pre-K to 8), your child needs constant support from both parents and faculty in order to develop his/her moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical endowment. Neither parents nor teachers can afford to doubt the sincerity of the efforts of each other in the quest of challenging, yet nourishing, each student to reach his/her potential. To divide authority between school and home or within the home will only teach disrespect of all authority. If there is an incident at school, you as parents must make investigation of the complete story your first step. Evidence of mutual respect between parents and teachers will model good mature behavior and relationships. Students are naturally eager to grow and learn. However, sometimes in the process of maturation new interests may cause them to lose focus. As this natural process occurs, the student needs both understanding and discipline. At times, your child may perceive discipline as restrictive. However, it is boundaries and limits which provide a young person with both guidance and security. It is essential that each child assume responsibility for the grades he/she has earned and accountability for homework, long-term assignments, major tests, service projects, and all other assignments. This responsibility also extends to times of absence. Together, let us begin this year with a commitment to partnership as we support one another in helping your child to become the best person he/she is capable of becoming. As partners in the educational process at Our Lady of the Mountains School, we ask parents: · Gets to bed at a reasonable time on school nights; · Arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day; · Is dressed according to the school dress code; · Completes assignments on time; and · Has ordered or packed a nutritional lunch every day. 2. To actively participate in school activities such as Parent-Teacher Conferences and completed required service hours 3. To see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student 4. To notify the school with a written note when the student has been absent or tardy 7. To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health 8. To complete and return to school any requested information promptly 9. To read school notes and newsletters and to show interest in the student’s total education 10. To support the religious and educational goals of the school 11. To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school 12. To treat teachers with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems. Parent Organization Our Lady of the Mountains Parent-Teacher Organization works to support and enhance the educational ministry of the school. Fund-raising, parent education, and building community are goals of this organization. General Information School Hours School begins at 7:55AM and concludes at 3:10 PM. Students not in their homeroom at 7:55 AM are considered tardy. At Our Lady of the Mountains School, we work in partnership with parents to enable each child to develop as an independent learner. The school doors are opened for students at 7:30 AM. No child should ever be left in the school parking lot prior to the unlocking of the doors. Students arriving between 7:30 and 7:45 will go to the Library (grades K-8) or the Preschool Classroom until they are dismissed to their classrooms at 7:45 AM. Dismissal time is 3:10 PM. Please check the school calendar and weekly newsletter for early dismissal dates. Parents are to make arrangements for their child(ren) to arrive at school on time and be picked up at dismissal time. Excessive tardies and early withdrawals have a direct impact on a student’s academic evaluation and promotion to the next grade and may warrant time served in detention. Three (3) tardies or three (3) early withdrawals will count as one-half day absence. Students with more than nine days of absence face the possibility of retention for the upcoming school year. Three (3) unexcused tardies or three (3) unexcused early withdrawals will result in detention on the next scheduled “Bonus Time”. Students not picked up by 3:15 will be sent to the Library to await their ride. Families that are habitually late picking up their child(ren) may be required to work additional service hours. If circumstances arise that warrant late pick-up, it is the parents’ responsibility to make every attempt to notify the school so that the child(ren) can be informed of the parent’s whereabouts and alternative arrangements can be made. Paintsville Elementary School provides an After School Care Program for its students and students at OLM. Information concerning this program is available in the school office. The school office is open on all school days from 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM. School Visitors School visitors (volunteers, parents, etc.) must come to the main office. For safety and security reasons, each person is required to sign in at the office when he/she enters the building for any reason. Visitors and/or volunteers are to sign out at the time of departure. Food deliveries can only be made by family members and/or recognized caregivers. Delivery of lunches from local vendors is not permissible. Anyone that brings a lunch to a child after school has started must bring the lunch to the school office. Attendance Absences When a student is absent from school, a parent should call the office by 9:00 AM each day of the absence. If the office does not receive a call, a parent will be contacted. This policy is for the protection of the Our Lady of the Mountains School students. A written statement giving reasons for the absence or tardiness must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return. Should absence for any reason other than illness seem imperative, parents are requested to consult with the Principal and present a written reason for the absence. The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate the need to interrupt a child’s learning process. Teachers are not required to provide missed assignments for these absences. No assignments will be given in anticipation of the vacation. Students who are absent due to illness have one day for each day of absence to make up the missed assignments, quizzes or tests. For example, a student who was absent three days would be given three school days to complete the missed work. When a student is absent for three or more days due to illness, a parent may call the school office before 9:30 AM to arrange for homework assignments. Homework assignments may be picked up at the school office between 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM. For short absences (less than three days), students should request the missed assignments from their teacher when they return to school. Arrangements for regular classroom tests missed because of an absence are to be made with the individual teachers. These tests must be taken within one week of the original test date. Excessive absence, including tardies, can be cause for a student to be retained in the current grade for another year. Absence During the School Day Students needing medical appointments during school hours require a written note by the parent. Parents are required to sign out their child. If the child returns to school during the same school day, he/she must be signed back into school in the office. Students who are away from school for an appointment for 3 ½ hours or more will be counted as absent for ½ a day. Three (3) early withdrawals are considered a one-half day absence. Academic Information Curriculum The Diocesan curriculum guidelines, consistent with the State of Kentucky, are followed for the teaching of all secular subject areas. Our Lady of the Mountains School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects: Religion, Language Arts (Reading, English, Spelling, Vocabulary, Composition, Library Skills, and Appreciation of Literature), Mathematics, Science, Social Studies (History, Geography, Economics, Kentucky History, and Current Events), Physical Education/Health, Spanish (Vocabulary, Common expressions, Grammar, Conversation, and Culture), Art, Music, Handwriting, and Computer Literacy (Word Processing, Data Base, Spread Sheets, Web Design, and Integration with Curricular Subjects). Grading Scale A = 93 – 100 B = 86 – 92 C = 77 – 84 D = 70 – 76 F = 69 or below Report Cards/Progress Reports Report Cards are important tools for communication. Report Cards will be given four (4) times during the academic school year or about every nine (9) weeks. Progress Reports will be given mid-way between each nine-week grading period for any child who has below a “C” average, or has displayed a significant change in their performance. Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences Two Parent-Teacher Conferences are held each year. Student participation is at the discretion of parents and teacher. Conference schedules are prepared and issued by the school office well in advance of the scheduled date. Parents requiring additional conferences during the school year may make arrangements with the individual teachers. Progress reports are issued quarterly. Student Records Our Lady of the Mountains School adheres to the Buckley Amendment (Family Education Rights and Privacy) regarding access to student records. Students requesting records/transcripts/recommendations must make a five school-day request to the School Office. All forms should be submitted to the Our Lady of the Mountains School Office for distribution. Completed forms will be sent via the U.S. Mail. Special handling will require that the parents pay postal fees. No records will be sent to transferring schools of students whose financial commitment is in arrears or whose service hours are not complete. Testing The Terra Nova Test of Basic Skills is given in Grades 3-8. Grades K-2 are assessed using the Fox in the Box (CTB McGraw-Hill). The ACRE is given for Religion assessment. Promotion Policy and Retention Policy Advancement to the next grade in Our Lady of the Mountains School is based on a student’s daily performance, test results, recommendations of teachers, and the student’s ability to complete work successfully on a more advanced level. Promotion to the next grade depends on successful completion of all subject areas. The Administration may recommend the repetition of a grade, tutoring, or summer school classes as requirement for promotion when, after conferences with teachers and parents, it is believed that such action will better prepare the student academically or emotionally for the next grade. Homework Formal home study is assigned to help students become self-reliant and self directed. Assignments are designed to reinforce daily lessons, to supplement and enrich class work, and to prepare for certain lessons through various experiences. Since each student has different capabilities and interests, it would be difficult to denote the specific amount of time to be spent on an assignment. If a problem arises, the teacher should be contacted. Homework may be assigned to students Monday through Thursday. Homework will not be assigned to students on Friday evening. As a general rule, no major tests will be given, or major projects will be due on Mondays. Library The school has a well-equipped library. Students are encouraged to use the library for curricular enrichment and pleasure reading. The following rules are to be observed: 1. Borrowed books are to be returned on time and in good condition. 2. A fine of one canned good per day is required for overdue books. The student must pay for books that are damaged or lost before any other materials may be checked out. Students who have lost or damaged books do not receive quarterly report cards until their account is cleared. Field Trips 1. Field trips are designed to correlate with teaching units and to achieve curricular goals. 2. All grades do not always have the same number of field trips. 3. Field trips are permissible for all grades when advanced planning, location, and the experience insure a successful learning opportunity. 4. Individual teachers, in consultation with the Administration, reserve the right to restrict or deny student participation on any field trip due to, but not limited to, poor academic performance and/or poor conduct. 5. A written official permission slip, signed by the parent, is required before a child will be permitted to attend a field trip activity. Verbal permission cannot be accepted. 6. A telephone call will not be accepted in lieu of the proper field trip permission slip. 7. Parents may refuse to permit their child from participating in a field trip by stating so on the proper form. 8. Students who are participating in the field trip must ride to and from the field trip with their class. Students not in the designated cars may not participate in the field trip and will be counted absent for the day. 9. All monies collected for the field trip are non-refundable. 10. Cell phones are not allowed on field trips unless otherwise directed by the teacher and/or administration. Sacramental Program The sacramental life of the children of the Catholic tradition is an important component of the religion program at Our Lady of the Mountains School. In accordance with the diocesan guidelines, candidates for First Eucharist will receive the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Eucharist. Parents are required to be active partners in the preparation of their children for these sacraments. The sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist are only conferred to students baptized in the Roman Catholic tradition. Lunch Program Our Lady of the Mountains School offers a hot lunch program daily. Meals are prepared in the Paintsville Elementary Cafeteria. A menu for the following week will come home on Thursday. Menus plus payment should be returned to school the next day. Local restaurants will not be allowed to deliver lunches for students. Students may choose to bring their lunch each day. Students should not bring glass bottles, soft drinks or excessive amounts of candy/junk food. Students are expected to use the same manners required in the classroom during lunch. Courtesy toward other students and cooperation with lunch monitors are in order at all times. Uniforms and Dress Code Our school uniform consists of navy blue pants, skirts, jumpers or walking shorts (no contrasting stitching, cargo-style, and/or logos) with bright red or white shirts with a collar and navy-blue, bright red or white sweatshirts or cardigans. No hooded sweatshirts are allowed. Turtleneck sweaters are allowed in red and white. Shorts should not be shorter than right above the knee. School socks and tights must be navy or white and visible above the shoe. Grades seven and eight are allowed to wear khaki pants, skirts, jumpers, or walking shorts and navy polo shirts in addition to the above mentioned uniform. All students must be in uniform every day. There will be out-of-uniform days, which will be announced during the course of the school year. If there is a time when the prescribed uniform cannot, for some legitimate reason be worn, a note from the parent/guardian must be written to the principal. Students who are out of uniform without this excuse will be sent to the office and the parent will be called to bring the proper clothing. Sturdy shoes are required at all times. No sandals, no open-back shoes, no heels over 2 inches (measured from the back exterior of the shoe) are permitted. All students – hair should be neat with bangs above the eyebrows. “Scrunchies”, hair clips, rubber bands, etc. must be in the hair, not worn on wrists. Extreme hair coloring and bleaching is not permitted. Make up, other cosmetics and jewelry should not present a distraction. Decisions on this subject are made on an individual basis by the principal. Watches with a beeping device should be disconnected during the school day. The uniform should be clean and neat, with all buttons attached and hem intact. Shirttails must be tucked in while a student is on campus. Students repeatedly violating the uniform policy will be denied participation in the next out-of-uniform day or will serve a detention. Students may wear: *Jeans without tears, rips, or holes *Shorts (no shorter than three inches above the knee) *Skirts (no shorter than three inches above the knee) *Skirts *Shirts and/or sweatshirts *Jogging suits *Dresses *Slacks Students may not wear: *Flip-flop or any other type of sandals *Hats *No open back shoes *Tank tops *Shirts and/or sweatshirts with inappropriate writing *Tennis shoes that convert to roller skates Good Rule: If you think you shouldn’t wear it, you shouldn’t. ALL UNIFORM REGULATIONS AND GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO THE DISCRETION OF THE PRINCIPAL Medication If a child must take any medication in school, which is prescribed by a doctor, that medication must be sent to the school secretary accompanied by a request to dispense said medication, signed by the parent. This request must include the dates and times the medication has to be given to the student. Medication must be in the container received from the pharmacy and must have on its label the following information: a. Child’s name b. Name of doctor prescribing the child’s medication c. Frequency d. Dose e. Date If parents want their child to receive non-prescription medication they must sign a clipboard on the secretary’s office. All non-prescription medication (cough drops, lip balm, etc.) should be taken to the school secretary with the following information attached: Child’s name, frequency, dose, and date. Gifts Students should not exchange or receive individual gifts at school. This gesture only creates hurt feelings among other students. Invitations for slumber parties or birthday parties should be sent to the homes of students via the U.S. Mail unless an invitation is being given to every student in the entire grade. Parties Students are permitted three class parties a year: Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Halloween. Room parents may assist the classroom teacher with these three parties. We request that birthday treats be already prepared into individual servings. Birthday Observances Students in Grades Pre-K through Grade 8 may come to school dressed out-of-uniform on their birthday or half-birthday. In addition, birthday treats may be brought to school for students in Grades Pre-K through Grade 2 only. No birthday celebrations are to be held during the school day. Conduct In accordance with the stated philosophy of the school, which emphasizes deep respect for the human dignity and uniqueness of every individual, each student will be considerate of the rights of others in all interactions. All students are expected to cooperate with the spirit and policies of the school, which are designed to foster mature development and personal responsibility. This requires courtesy in all personal relationships, promptness in fulfilling obligations, concern for the environment, and many other factors, which the students’ sense of appropriateness will indicate to them. The Principal reserves the right to determine the appropriateness of an action if any doubt arises. Items such as, but not limited to, questionable books and pictures, white-out, knives, guns, matches, cigarettes, radios, toys, pagers, cell phones, laser lights, palm pilots, CDs, iPods or other mp3 players, or anything that will detract from a learning situation are not allowed at school at any time. The school Administration, in accordance with state laws, will determine the appropriate disciplinary measures to be taken concerning the presence of these items in the school. Items taken away from students will be returned to the parent(s)/guardian(s) on the last day of the school year. Cheating Cheating of any type will not be tolerated. Students who choose to cheat face a failing grade, detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. Detention Detention may be issued for a breach of classroom and/or school rules. Parents are provided with a Detention Form with written notification of the detention. The day, date, and time of the detention are at the discretion of the Principal who monitors the detention. Detention takes precedence over appointments, practices, lessons, ballgames, etc. Suspension Students who are given an in-school suspension will be required to report to school each day and work with a substitute teacher paid for ($75.00) by the suspended student’s parents. Students who receive an out-of-school suspension will not be allowed on campus during the time of their suspension. Students must complete all class work and tests from the days of suspension but failing grades will be recorded for this work. Expulsion Expulsion is an extremely serious matter. Students who pose a threat to themselves or to others may be expelled from Our Lady of the Mountains School. Students who have been expelled will not be allowed to return to the school without prior permission from the Principal. Returning to School After Dismissal Students are not permitted to return to the school building after the 3:00 PM dismissal unless accompanied by a teacher. School Safety/Harassment or Bullying Our Lady of the Mountains School provides a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously, in jest, or online) face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. Harassment of any type is not tolerated. The Principal investigates all complaints of harassment. Students involved in harassing behavior face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion. Drugs and Alcohol Students who possess drugs and/or alcohol at school (or at any school function) face suspension and/or expulsion. Title IX Our Lady of the Mountains School adheres to the tenets of Title IX: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” Child Abuse Laws Our Lady of the Mountains School abides by the Child Abuse laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This law mandates that all cases of suspected abuse and/or neglect be reported to Child Protective Services. Volunteers All individuals who volunteer in the school must complete the Virtus training (child sexual harassment) and may be asked to complete the Diocesan mandated background check. Home-School Communication In order to insure that all communication from school reaches home in a timely manner, Our Lady of the Mountains School uses a Thursday packet system. All correspondence is sent home on Thursdays and some of it should be returned the following day. Your child is responsible for bringing the packet home. You, as a parent, are responsible for reading through the content, signing the appropriate forms and returning them with your child the next morning. Official school-wide communications are generally sent with the youngest or only child. School Property The parent of a child who carelessly destroys or damages any furniture, equipment, buildings, or anyone’s personal property will be obligated to pay the full amount of repairs and labor or replacement. No writing in textbooks is permitted. The student will pay a fine or replacement fee for damaged or lost texts before any final reports, transcripts, or diplomas are presented. Transfer of Students The parent in writing should make notice of withdrawal of a student to the Principal in advance of the withdrawal date. This enables the school to prepare necessary information and settle accounts. No student records will be forwarded to another school until Business Office accounts have been settled. (See previous section on Student Records for transcript information.) Office Records Parents/Guardians are requested to notify the School Office in writing of any change of address, home telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, business phone numbers, e-mail addresses and/or phone numbers of emergency contacts. This will guarantee that office records are accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Telephone Permission to use the telephone must be obtained from the school secretary. Students must submit a note from their teacher. The office phone is a business phone and students are permitted to use it only in case of an emergency. The telephone in a teacher’s office is for the use of the teacher only. Forgotten homework, athletic equipment, etc. do not constitute emergencies. Arrangements for after-school visits with friends should be made at home. Parents wishing to speak with a teacher should leave a message with the secretary. Student Directory Within the first month of the school year, each family receives a Student Directory listing students’ and parents’ names, addresses, home telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. The Student Directory should be used to acquaint parents with the names of their children(s) classmates and parents. These directories should not be used or sold for other purposes. Emergency Drills State Law requires that fire drills be held monthly. During the fire drills, students should follow these regulations: 1. Rise in silence when the alarm sounds; 2. Close windows and doors; 3. Walk to the assigned place briskly, in single file at all times, and in silence; 4. Stand in a column, facing away from the building; 5. Return to building when signal is given. Tornado drills are held periodically. The procedures are: 1. Rise in silence when the alarm sounds; 2. Walk briskly to the assigned place in single file; 3. Sit, face wall, and put hands over head; 4. Return to classroom when signal is given. Earthquake drills are also held periodically. The procedures are: 1. Duck under desk in silence when alarm sounds 2. Return to seat when signal is given Crisis Plan Our Lady of the Mountains School has implemented a “crisis plan” in case of a lockdown emergency. All teachers and staff are aware of the procedure to follow to keep your children safe. In the event of such an emergency, circumstances permitting, the building will be evacuated and students will be moved to one of two secure designated locations: 1. The auditorium of Mayo Vocational School 2. Johnson County Public Library 3. Undercroft at Mayo Methodist Church Weather Emergencies If it should be necessary to close the school because of weather conditions, an announcement will be made over local television and radio stations. Special Health Concerns Policy (asthma/diabetes/allergies) Our Lady of the Mountains School recognizes that special health concerns affect many school children. We encourage children with asthma, diabetes and severe allergies to achieve their potential in all aspects of school life by having a clear policy that is understood by school staff and pupils. Supply teachers and new staff are also made aware of the policy. For asthma patients immediate access to reliever inhalers is vital. Children are encouraged to carry their reliever inhaler as soon as the parent, doctor or nurse and class teacher agree they are mature enough. Parents are asked to ensure that the school is provided with a labeled spare reliever inhaler. All inhalers must be labeled with the child's name by the parent. Diabetes patients also need to bring in the well labeled emergency medication that may be needed. The same holds good for any other serious health concern that requires emergency medication (EpiPen for peanut/bee allergies). Any of these emergency medications needs to come with clear instructions from the student’s doctor how/when/where to use these. Students who bring peanut butter or items containing peanuts will eat those items in a special section, preventing contamination to those students with peanut allergies. Record Keeping All teachers, aides and substitutes will be educated about the risk of food allergies. A parent or guardian of a student with food allergies is responsible for providing all food for his/her own child. Snacks will be kept in a separate snack box or chest provided by the parent or guardian. Tables will be washed with soap and water following any food related events held in the classroom. Sharing or trading food in the class will be prohibited. Proper hand cleaning techniques will be taught and encouraged before and after the handling/consumption of food. Right to Amend Our Lady of the Mountains School reserves the right to amend this Handbook. Notice of amendments will be sent to parents via the Thursday packet.
Mission Statement of the Diocese of Lexington
St. Michael Parish Mission Statement
We, the Roman Catholics of St. Michael Parish, bring a diversity of heritage and occupations to Johnson County.
We strive to serve our community, sharing our faith and talents with all God’s people, especially the poor, the un-churched, the lonely, and those needing God’s helping hand.Mission Statement of Our Lady of the Mountains School
Our Lady of the Mountains School exists to provide a diverse ethnic, religious and socio-economic community with an exceptional Catholic education, in a family-centered, loving, and disciplined environment. Quality instruction, mutual respect, and the recognition of the unique potential of each student provide the foundation for an education directed toward active Christian participation in today’s world.
Philosophy Statement of Our Lady of the Mountains School
HISTORY
Admission Information
Nondiscriminatory Policy
TUITION SCHEDULE: SCHOOL YEAR: 2009-2010
Parent’s Role in Education
Parents As Partners
5. To notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers
6. To meet all financial obligations to the school
At the beginning of each school year, or when a child joins Our Lady of the Mountains School, parents are asked to submit a child’s medical record. From this information the school keeps a register which is available to all school staff. If medication changes in between times, parents are asked to inform the school immediately.
Classrooms
Teachers must be familiar with the Emergency Action Plan of students in their classes and respond to emergencies as per the emergency protocol documented in the Emergency Action Plan. In the event of a suspected allergic reaction (where there is no known allergic history), the emergency medical services will be called immediately. Information will be kept about students’ food allergies in the classroom and in the substitute emergency folder, accessible by teachers, substitutes or other responsible adults.