St. Sebastian School at 307 Siebert Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-2819 US - Parent-Student Handbook

EMERGENCIES

Emergency Cards

At the beginning of each school year, parents are required to complete a Student Emergency Card. It is imperative that the school be able to reach you to inform you of illness or an emergency situation. It is also important to list the names of others who can be contacted should you be unavailable. Please keep the card updated by notifying the office.

Emergency Closings and Delays

If inclement weather or some other emergency requires that the school be delayed or closed, this information will be announced on KDKA, WPXI, and WTAE. A telephone call and/or email will be placed to the home through the One Call Now system. Parents also have the option of registering on line with the stations for the information. Due to the number of public districts represented in our school, it is important that you listen for an announcement that identifies Saint Sebastian School – North Hills. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OR RECTORY FOR THIS INFORMATION.

In the event of a two-hour delay, specifically named St. Sebastian School, students riding school buses follow the 2 hour delay bus schedule from their public school district. Morning kindergarten and pre-school will operate on a modified schedule for the day.

If the announced delay does not specifically mention Saint Sebastian School, but does name one of the public districts that service our school, only those children should follow the announcement. Children who ride the buses of other districts who are not delayed or who or are driven should arrive at the normal time. PLEASE NOTE: Because our attendance registers are legal indicators of a child's presence at the times we are in session, children who arrive late or are absent because of busing when school is in session will be marked as Excused Tardy or Excused Absence.

Emergency Dismissals

In the event that we would be required to dismiss school early, that information will be announced on the same stations noted above. Saint Sebastian School will follow the information given by parents on the EMERGENCY CARDS completed at the beginning of each school year. However, because phone service may be interrupted in the school, some emergency situations may not allow for this option. Children will be dismissed as parents are notified and transportation is arranged.


EXTENDED CARE

Saint Sebastian School offers before school and after school programs for parents who need child care. Morning extended day is available from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. for a fee and afternoon extended days are available from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for a fee. This service is available on a daily, weekly or yearly basis. Parents should contact the school office for the fee schedule and contact person if they plan to use the service. There will be no extended day services when school is delayed due to weather.

FIELD TRIPS

Every class is permitted field trips during the year according to circumstances determined by the administration and faculty. Each student must have a signed permission slip before he/she is permitted to participate. Transportation, in accordance with diocesan directives, is provided by bus, and a fee is charged to cover costs. No 8th grade students may participate in the end-of-year field trip unless tuition is paid in full. Students represent the school while on a field trip and therefore are expected to behave and observe the school’s rules.

FUNDRAISING

The Diocesan policy for funding elementary Catholic schools calls for each school to have fundraising activities. School parents are expected to participate in these fundraising activities to the best of their ability through monetary donations, purchases and/or volunteer work.

HOMEWORK

A reasonable amount of homework, according to grade level, is of great educational value and so is assigned every day. Assignments are not always written. Study and memory work are frequently assigned. Homework is assigned on a regular basis to:

• enrich school experiences
• provide practice and review
• develop good study habits
• teach responsibility, and
• foster originality.

Parents can assist students with home assignments in the following ways:

1. Provide a quiet spot away from the television, telephone, or other distracting elements;
2. Check to see what was accomplished during the designated study time regarding completeness, neatness, and correctness;
3. Be willing to listen to reading, spelling, and math facts and to explain procedures, but never do the assignment;
4. Consult the teacher if the child uses the excuse "no homework" too often.

If for some reason the child cannot complete an assignment, the parent should inform the teacher by written note stating the reason. Arrangements should be made as soon as possible to make up incomplete assignments. The Diocese recommends the following time schedule for home study:

Primary (levels 1-3) 20 minutes
Intermediate (levels 4-5) 40 minutes
Upper Elementary (levels 6-8) 1 – 1-1/2 hours

At the discretion of the teacher, homework is not generally assigned on weekends. In case of a student's absence, requests for homework should be made before 11:00 a.m.


LIBRARY

The school library is open from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Students in grades K-5 have regular library periods. Students in grade 6-8 use the library basically for research as directed by the teachers. In grades 1-3 books are checked out for one week. In grades 4-6 books are checked out for two weeks. A fine is charged for overdue books. Lost or damaged books must be paid for.

LOST AND FOUND

If your child is missing an article, the lost and found box is located in the office annex. Quarterly, items not claimed are donated to the St. Vincent de Paul Clothing box.

PARTIES

The PTG sponsors parties during the school year at Halloween, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day. A snack and a treat are provided. “Treat bags” are discouraged. No other instructional time should be used for parties without the principal's permission. Birthday treats should be distributed during lunch or recess. A note should be sent to the homeroom teacher the day before the treat will be sent to school.

PARTY INVITATIONS

Please do not send party invitations to school to be distributed for your child's birthday. This may cause hurt feelings among the students who are not invited. The only exception to this is if every boy or every girl or all students in your child's room are invited.

RIGHTS OF NON-CUSTODIAL PARENTS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act gives full rights to each parent, unless the school has been provided with evidence that there is a court order, States' statute or legally binding document relating to such matters as divorce, separation or custody that specifically revokes these rights. Such an order is to be on file in the school and those persons responsible for the child(ren) are to be informed of the circumstances. Every effort is made to keep the non-custodial parent appraised of the progress of the child(ren) through reports, report cards and parent/teacher conferences.

TEXTBOOKS

Saint Sebastian School participates in Pennsylvania's Act 195/90 whereby the state purchases textbooks and instructional materials of non-religious items. A parent form with permission to have their child use these books is kept on file in the school office. All books are to be covered at all times. Students are responsible for the condition of the books given to them at the beginning of the year. Students will be required to pay for the book if it is damaged or lost. Books taken to and from school are to be placed in a book bag/backpack.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Students provide their own school supplies but are expected to comply with individual teacher Students in grades 2-8 are expected to purchase their assignment book from the school.

TESTING

Standardized tests, textbook tests, teacher-made tests are administered to students throughout the year. These assessments require students to synthesize information, apply what they have learned and demonstrate their understanding of what has been taught.

Achievement Tests: Students in grades 2-8 are administered a standardized test to measure progress from one year to another. A component of the standardized testing program is an aptitude test that helps to define the ability of a student in relationship to the results of the standardized test. If a child should be absent due to illness, every attempt will be made to enable the child to make-up the tests. However, since the tests must be mailed on the last scheduled test day, make-up testing often necessitates taking more tests daily than is ideal. To prevent this, we ask that you do not schedule trips or appointments during the time of standardized testing.

Performance Assessment: Each child in grade K-8 participates in a Performance Assessment. This task allows students to respond to open-ended questions and to demonstrate their ability to use higher order thinking skills.

Teacher-made: Tests that are constructed by teachers which measure, evaluate and determine what students have learned.

Textbook Tests: Tests that accompany textbooks adopted for use with students in a particular area and are administered at the conclusion of a chapter and/or unit.

TRANSPORTATION

It is important that we know the ordinary means by which each child arrives and departs daily. A note is to be sent when a change is necessary. For reasons of safety and insurance, each child is to ride his/her assigned bus. Due to the transportation insurance policies students are not permitted to ride on a bus that is not within their public school district of residence.

Bus

Busing is provided for students by the local school districts. The student transportation policies and procedures of the local educational agencies responsible for busing students are applicable to all students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Students are expected to maintain appropriate behavior while in route on the bus. Every bus follows the guidelines that are within our own discipline code. Students are expected to remain in their seats at all times. This insures their safety and the safety of others. If improper conduct occurs, the driver prepares a report, which is sent home to alert the parents to the problem. If the bus driver/company recommends that a student be removed from the bus, the principal will support it. This will result in the student losing bus privileges. The student’s parent will then be responsible to make other arrangements for transportation.


The following bus rules are to be obeyed:

1. Remain seated at all times until the correct stop has been reached. If the driver has assigned seats, these seat assignments are to be honored
2. Keep head, hands and feet inside the bus.
3. In vehicles where seat belts are available, use them properly.
4. Students are not permitted to ride a bus other than the one to which you have been assigned or ask the driver to let you off at another stop. Only the Department of Transportation can authorize such changes.
5. Observe the same conduct as in the classroom. Quiet talking is permitted. Loud talking, etc. may distract the driver, prevent students from hearing instructions, or prevent the driver from hearing signals from emergency vehicles.

Morning Drop-Off

Students arriving at school before 8:15AM MUST enter the building through the cafeteria and report to morning extended care. The cul de sac in front of the building is for drop off only. For the safety of the children please do not park in this area unless there is a parking space open. If a space is not available and you would like to walk your child into the building you must park in one of the upper lots.

Car/Walkers

At dismissal students walking and riding cars are dismissed shortly before the bus riders. Students who are picked up by cars are taken to the top parking lot by the playground for pick up. For the safety of all children please do not park in the cul de sac in front of the school during this time. Students must be picked up in the upper lot only. The cul de sac will be for bus dismissal only.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Assemblies

Assemblies are held for children throughout the school year. The assemblies are planned in conjunction with the principal, faculty, and the PTG with a focus on education.

Altar Servers

Students in grades 6-8 have the privilege of serving on the altar. Students who choose this privilege are expected to fulfill assigned responsibilities and be on time. Servers are expected to be in the sacristy 15 minutes before the Liturgical service.

Sports

Saint Sebastian School offers the following sports programs: football grades 4-8, spring and fall soccer (mixed teams) grades 4-8, cheerleading-grades 4-8, cross-country grades 4-8, and basketball grades 4-8. Students are expected to observe the school rules and the rules listed in the Athletic Association Handbook/By-Laws. (This is given to each family upon registration for a sports program.)

Band

Band instruction is available for a fee for interested students from grades 4-8. The Diocesan Program dictates the monthly fee annually. The instruments are rented with the option to buy. Small group lessons are provided one period a week and practice is held once a week. The periods are rotated so the same classes are not missed too often. However, it remains the responsibility of the student to make up missed work. A meeting is held at the beginning of each school year to provide more information for interested parents.

Student Council

Student Council consists of students from grades 6-8. To be selected, those students who desire to be on student council write an essay and receive the endorsement of four teachers. The students then prepare a speech, which is presented to the students of their own grade levels. Finally, elections are held in individual grades and representatives chosen. At the first meeting of the new council, four officers are chosen: President, Vice-president, Secretary, and Treasurer. The officers are given the charge of planning and running the meetings, with the help of the faculty advisors

CURRICULUM

Saint Sebastian School offers a strong traditional curriculum. In addition to meeting all the requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the curriculum gives special attention to the integration of Gospel values.

Curriculum Guidelines for all subject areas are utilized by the Catholic elementary schools and provided through the Department for Catholic Schools. The guidelines endeavor to give continuity to the teaching/learning process, and are geared to meet the individual needs of students and to guide the teaching/learning process.

All textbooks have been selected from the list of recommended texts devised by the Curriculum Directors of the diocese. They are approved because the philosophy is consistent with the Catholic philosophy of education, the subject matter aligns with the Pennsylvania State Standards and because there is sequential, consistent development of material.

Catechetics

A formal catechetical program is taught daily. The Diocesan Catechetical Curriculum Guidelines, "Growing in God's Covenant" contains a balance of doctrinal content, scriptural understanding, faith formation, prayer and worship experiences. A variety of materials and resources are used to foster both spiritual growth and moral development.

Computer

The computer curriculum in the primary grades develops familiarity with functional uses of the computer through the use of programmed software. In the upper grades, skills such as word processing, database, composition and entry, use of spreadsheets, and Power Point presentations are emphasized.

Fine Arts

Instruction in the Fine Arts contributes to the development of the whole person; promotes individual expression; allows experimentation with diverse materials and elements; enables exploration and appreciation of the works of other students and major artists; develops an awareness and sensitivity toward the environment and finally promotes a deeper understanding of heritage and culture.

The Fine Arts curriculum provides a holistic approach to education, which incorporates many aspects of the core curriculum and can be integrated into the total educational experience.


Physical Education

A quality Physical Education program recognizes the value of teaching students to stay physically active and develop skills needed for present and future leisure. To achieve this goal, Saint Sebastian
School incorporates the Department for Catholic Schools Curriculum, "Fit for Life" into the program. This program assists students to identify their strengths, to build on their strengths, and to achieve personal goals.

The physical education curriculum strives to establish healthy, active students so that each child can develop to his or her full potential. Students learn to respect the rights of others and to follow rules through games and to be physically active. Learning to constructively channel energies helps the student to develop a good self-image. The skills, habits and attitudes developed within the program provide opportunities for greater success in the students' lives.

Language Arts

Saint Sebastian School uses the Elementary Language Arts Curriculum from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This program enables each student to be introduced to language as a viable form of communication, as an invaluable skill, and as an art to be enjoyed.
English classes center on improving writing, grammar and speaking, as well as expanding vocabulary and improving spelling.

Students in grades K-5 center on an integrated approach to Language Arts developing the necessary skills essential for success including phonetic skills of the student. Students in grades 6-8 learn an appreciation of literature through a sampling of short stories and novels written by skillful authors. The goal is to expose students to a wide range of literary genres to facilitate well-rounded literary comprehension and appreciation of the various genres of literature.

Library

The school library exists primarily to support and enrich the curriculum. It is a service and a teaching agency as well as a place of purposeful learning.

The librarian and classroom teacher are partners in the instructional process. They plan and implement these activities so that the goals of both the content area and the library program are achieved.

Mathematics

The mathematics curriculum is designed to help students meet the mathematical needs of the present and future, to provide practice in logical reasoning, and to develop the ability to find patterns and recognize structure in mathematics. Basic facts are taught in the lower grades and must be memorized. Concepts are taught sequentially. In primary grades, students are introduced to many ideas that are foundational to an understanding of algebra. Algebraic topics are taught in the intermediate grades and a full year of algebra is taught in the eighth grade.

Science

The science curriculum is specifically designed to develop a student's understanding of science in human experience and the individual's role in the community and in society. Examples of scientific phenomena are explained and demonstrated. Students learn to understand and use the scientific method to organize ways to solve problems, and to seek the answers to the wonders of God's world. Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students study the basics of earth science, life science and physical science with hands on participation in a science lab. Students in the sixth grade conduct unit science projects and the 7th and 8th grade students take part in Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.

Social Studies

The Social Studies curriculum begins with an introduction to community helpers. It progresses to the study of family and friends, and later encompasses a more in-depth study of the community. Beginning in fourth grade, the curriculum focuses on the study of the United States land regions and Pennsylvania history. At the fifth grade level, United States history and a study of the United States geographical regions is covered. Sixth grade students study the Ancient World and World Geography with an emphasis on the countries of the Eastern Hemisphere. Seventh grade studies United States history to the Reconstruction and eighth grade studies United States history beginning with the Reconstruction to the modern day. Map and geography skills are taught at all levels. Values such as social justice, peace, cooperation between states and governments' opposition to the "isms" such as racism, sexism, and materialism are integrated in the Social Studies program.

World Language

Language students learn the sounds and syntax of the language. Students are also introduced to culture. A variety of materials and methods are used for instruction.

Students in grades K through 5 receive instruction in Spanish for a minimum of 40 minutes a week. Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 receive a minimum of 80 minutes of instruction per week. Choices for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 are Spanish or French. Students are working toward proficiency in listening, speaking, reading and writing of the language. Most students qualify for year two of the language in high school.

Enrichment Program

Participation in this program is based on recommendation of teachers, standardized test scores, classroom work and ability to work independently. Parents may also request admission to this program by submitting a letter to the principal. The enrichment program consists of an independent project developed by the students and approved by a teacher (mentor) and the principal.

AUXILIARY SERVICES

The following services are offered through the Intermediate Unit:

Remedial Reading and Math

The program is designed to provide additional assistance to students who are not demonstrating grade level proficiency in reading and/or math. Funding for these services comes through the local intermediate unit. Referrals for the program are based on teacher referrals, standardized test results, and parent approval. Alternate strategies are planned for students in accordance with individual instructional goals and in support of the classroom curriculum to help students develop mastery of basic skills.

ACT 89 SERVICES

Intermediate Unit personnel work with and provide support to students in remedial math and reading. These teachers, in collaboration with the classroom teacher, identify educational needs and design educational interventions and strategies to help a child succeed.

Speech/Language

Speech and language services are also provided through Act 89 funding. This is a special service offered to students to enhance communication skills which directly impact social and academic interactions.

Counseling

A certified counselor provides individual and small group counseling sessions to children in grades K-8. Children are referred by parents, principal, teacher and through self-referral. Individual counseling requires parent permission.


Student Assistance Program

The Student Assistance Program (E-SAP) is mandated in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by Act 211 of 1990. It is a comprehensive program of prevention, intervention, and support for students in grades K-12. The members of the Team are the principal and faculty members of the school who have received special training through Approved Agencies.

The program exists in order to promote the growth and development of the child. The team members work with students who are experiencing behavior difficulties which impact their social, emotional, and educational progress.

Referrals for the program are made by faculty and/or parents. Once a referral has been received by the Team, classroom teachers are asked to complete a form which helps identify the behaviors. The Team then makes informed assumptions as to what is needed to help the student, conveys this information to classroom teachers, parents/guardians and evaluates the results. If necessary, after consultation with parents, appropriate referrals are made to outside agencies.

Team members must maintain all information regarding students and their families under safeguard of privacy and confidentiality. Access is limited to those who have a legitimate educational interest.


COMMUNICATIONS


A packet of school information will be sent home the last Thursday of each month in a FAMILY ENVELOPE with the youngest child in every family. Parents are asked to initial this envelope and return it to school the next day. Any information or fliers, etc. that a parent may want to distribute must be approved by the principal. Parents may return any necessary forms in the envelope.

The deadline for submitting articles and information to the Family Envelope is the third Monday of the month. A monthly calendar and monthly hot lunch menu are also included in the envelope.
These two items should be saved for quick daily reference.

The "School News" section of the Saint Sebastian’s Sunday bulletin also contains information for parents. There is also a School Bulletin Board in the Gathering space of the church.

Any questions concerning your child should be directed to the teacher. All teachers have a school E-mail address or call Office 1 and the teacher will be notified to contact you. Positive communication between teacher and parent is vital to our total educational program. Parents are asked not to call teachers at their homes.

Parents are informed of the student's progress and other school information as follows:

 E-mail & “On line Grade Book”
 Quarterly report cards
 Parent/student/teacher conferences
 Conferences on request
 Conduct referrals
 School Newsletter
 Parent Teacher Guild meetings


DISCIPLINE


Expectations – BEHAVIORAL CODE

As a matter of safety, students are expected to behave in the following manner:

Before school
1. to arrive after 8:15 except to attend the extended care program
2. to gather in the designated area
3. to engage in quiet conversation
4. to be attentive to the starting bell

In school
1. to walk quietly through the halls
2. to use proper language at all times
3. to follow the dress code for school days and dress up/down days
4. to respect school property and the property of other students
5. to have a note from their parent/guardian if they change their mode of school transportation


In the classroom
1. to follow the classroom rules of each teacher
2. to be responsible for submitting homework on time and making up assignments missed within a reasonable amount of time
3. to have a respectful attitude toward teachers and one another
4. to be responsible for appropriate supplies
5. to be honest in all communications
6. to use computers and school equipment appropriately
7. not to chew gum
1. not to remain in or enter a classroom at any time without a teacher or designated adult
present

During recess
1. not to re-enter the building unless for an emergency
2. to display good sportsmanship and exercise self control
3. to play in assigned areas only
4. to stay on school grounds at all times (This includes not retrieving a ball that has gone off school grounds.) To obey the directives of playground monitors, courteously and promptly.
5. stop playing at the first bell and walk quietly to their designated line when the second bell rings

During lunch
1. to remain seated until finished eating and the "recess" bell rings
2. to clean up, pick up all papers, scraps of food, etc., and dispose of them properly
3. to obey playground supervisors at all times

After school
1. to follow dismissal procedures
2. to walk to assigned place to wait until bus or car ride arrives
3. not to run or play games on the school grounds
4. to leave the school grounds immediately
5. to sign in at the extended care program if not picked up by 3:10

At athletic events and assemblies
1. to practice good sportsmanship as spectators and participants
2. to show respect towards coaches, referees, and visiting teams
3. to maintain an appropriate silence during special performances

Outside school
1. to behave responsibly off school property
(If the principal is made aware of misconduct off school property of a child recognized to be a student, parents may be contacted; however, it is important to note that the school is not responsible for students actions that occur off school property.)
Principals will forward disciplinary notices given by public school bus drivers to parents to support the disciplinary report of the bus driver.

Consequences


Please be aware that any disrespect, destructive act, or inappropriate behavior will be dealt with accordingly. If an individual student does not meet his/her personal responsibility for good conduct, the school may discipline the student.

The severity or repetitive nature of non-compliance to the above expectations will determine the appropriate consequences. To remediate unacceptable behavior, the following actions may be taken:

1. Teacher/student conference to develop a plan for remediation
2. Notification to parents
3. Administrative referral
4. Referral to the E-SAP Team
5. School service required
6. Loss of recess
7. Detention
8. Denial of participation in all school related activities including sports
9. School probation, or
10. Suspension.

The following behaviors will result in immediate administrative referrals and may result in referrals to law enforcement or other government agencies:
• Violations of weapons policy
• Violations of the drug/alcohol policy
• Any purposeful action that results in bodily harm to another

At the beginning of the school term a Discipline policy will be issued to each student. Parents are expected to review it and the Behavioral Code with their children and returned the signed acknowledgment to school.

Please see Appendix A for the Code of Student Conduct.

BULLYING

Bullying is inconsistent with the teachings of our Catholic faith. Being a Catholic educational institution, Saint Sebastian School does not tolerate bullying in any form. Allegations of bullying are investigated thoroughly. Saint Sebastian School strives to provide a safe environment for all students.

Bullying shall be defined as any intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act or series of acts directed at another student or students:

1. That is severe, persistent or pervasive
2. That has the effect of doing any of the following

• Substantially interfering with the student’s education
• Creating a threatening environment; or
• Substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school

Bully includes but is not limited to:

1. Physically harming another student
2. Damaging, extorting or taking a student’s personal property
3. Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm
4. Placing a student in emotional unrest by spreading rumors, manipulating social relationships or environment, engaging in social exclusion, extortion, intimidation, or ridicule.
5. Cyber-bullying: forms of verbal or psychological bullying may also occur in the Internet through e-mail, instant messaging, or personal web sites.
6. Creating an intimidating or hostile environment that substantially interferes with a student’s educational opportunities..
7. Creating verbal statements or written remarks that are taunting, malicious, threatening or sexual.

Retaliation against another student for reporting bullying or for assisting or testifying in the investigation or hearing may be subject to consequences as defined in the Code of Student Conduct.

Please see Appendix B for Bullying Policy.

DRESS CODE

The school maintains the right to establish a uniform dress code for its students. It is recognized that proper school attire and good grooming are conducive to a student's educational and social development. This Dress Code was developed:

1. to promote a Christian atmosphere
2. to free children for academic concentration
3. to de-emphasize competition among children regarding clothing
4. to allow more economical dress for school, and
5. provide some choice to accommodate individual differences.

This Dress Code is required of all students in all grades, first - eighth grade. This policy is intended to maintain a standard of dress that is neat, economical, modest and attractive.

2006 – 2007 Uniform Dress Code

Girls:

1. Navy & Plaid kick pleat shirts
2. Navy & Plaid “shift-style’ Jumpers
3. Navy & Plaid ‘flat front panel skorts’
*All skirts & jumpers must be knee length
*Navy bike shorts are permitted under skirts and jumpers
4. White, navy, red polo shirts or turtlenecks
5. White or oxford shirts
6. Embroidered white, red, or navy V neck sweaters or fleece pullovers
7. Plain white, red, or navy socks that cover the ankles
8. Black, brown, or navy dress shoes (loafers, oxfords, mary jane style shoes)
*Shoes with heels higher than 1 ½ inches, clogs, sandals or open-toed shoes are not permitted for the safety of the student during recess.

Boys:

1. Navy or khaki pants or shorts
2. White, navy, or red polo shirts or turtlenecks
3. White or light blue solid color dress shirts
4. Embroidered white, red, or navy V neck sweaters or fleece pullovers
5. Black, brown, or navy belt
*Shirts must be tucked in at all times
6. Plain white, red, or navy socks that cover the ankles
7. Black, brown, or navy dress shoes
8. Facial hair: beard, mustache, long sideburns are not permitted

**Shorts may not be worn between October 31 and May 1.

JEWLERY/ACCESSORIES

Girls:

1. Stud style earrings are permitted. Hoop or wire earrings must be less that one inch in
diameter and/or length.
2. Make-up is permitted for students in grade 7 and 8 only and must be modest and natural in color. Eye shadow and eye liner are not permitted.
3. Clear lip gloss for students in grades 7 and 8 only is permitted.
4. Clear or natural tone nail polish only is permitted
5. Visible tattoos are not permitted
6. Hair color is to be natural.

Boys:

1. Earrings are not permitted.
2. Visible tattoos are not permitted.
3. Hair color is to be natural.


MASS DAYS:

Girls: Boys:

1. Skirts or jumpers 1. Pants
2. White or oxford shirt 2. White or oxford shirt
3. Solid navy ‘girl tie’ 3. Tie


IT IS THE REPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS TO ASSURE THAT THEIR CHILDREN ARE DRESSED ACCORDING TO THE UNIFORM CODE.
WHEN A STUDENT IS OUT OF CONFORMITY WITH THE CODE, THE PARENT WILL BE CALLED TO BRING THE PROPER CLOTHING TO THE SCHOOL. IF THE PARENT CANNOT BRING THE CLOTHING, THE SCHOOL WILL ISSUE THE PROPER ATTIRE TO THE STUDENT FROM A GENERAL SUPPLY.


The uniform vendor used and recommended by the school is SCHOOLBELLES located on McKnight Road.



Guideline for "Internet Use Policy" Implementation and Practice
Saint Sebastian School

This guideline is established to ensure understanding and application of School Internet Use Policy. Saint Sebastian School reserves the right to amend these guidelines at any time. It is understood that the administration of Saint Sebastian School will inform parents/guardians of any changes made in these Guidelines via the school's monthly newsletter. Students' parents and/or guardians are required to review these guidelines with their child(ren) and complete and return the attached parent/guardian consent form.

This guideline includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

1. Information and news from a wide variety of sources and research institutions
2. Public domain and shareware software of all types
3. Discussion groups
4. Access to any educational institutions and libraries.

Etiquette

1. Be polite when sending written messages to others
2. Appropriate language is expected in all messages
3. Anything pertaining to illegal activity is expressly forbidden
4. Do not reveal access information, personal or otherwise
5. Do not disrupt others' use of the internet access
6. All users should remember that deleted materials can be retrieved.

The following actions, which are not inclusive, are considered unacceptable actions by the administration of Saint Sebastian School:

1. Placing unlawful information on the Internet
2. Using the Internet for non-school related activities
3. Sending messages that are likely to result in loss of the recipients work or systems
4. Using the Internet for commercial purposes
5. Using the Internet for political lobbying that does not support the expressed philosophy and tenets of the Catholic Church
6. Sending or receiving copyrighted material without permission.
7. Plagiarism
8. Using Internet access to send or retrieve pornographic material, inappropriate file text, files dangerous to the integrity of the system, violent or threatening material or messages
9. Circumventing security measures on school or remote computers or networks
10. Vandalism
11. Falsifying one's identity.

Individual Student Internet Use Contract


Parents/Guardians:

Be advised that your child(ren) will not be permitted to access Saint Sebastian School's Internet access until this agreement is signed, dated, and returned.

Student(s) Agreement:

I have read the Saint Sebastian’s School Policy on Internet Access and the guidelines established from that policy. I understand fully and agree to abide by the policy statement and the guideline statements expressed or implied.

Each child in the household who attends Saint Sebastian School, grades 2-8, must sign this agreement.


Student Signature:

Student Signature:

Student Signature :

Student Signature:

Parent/Guardian Agreement:

I have read the Saint Sebastian School Internet Access Policy and the guidelines established from that policy. I understand fully the information that is contained therein. I agree to not hold school administration and faculty responsible for materials my child(ren) acquires as a result of inappropriate Internet use.

I accept full financial responsibility if and when my child(ren) access the Internet without an account on equipment provided on the school site.

Parent/Guardian Signature:



Date:

Return this document to Saint Sebastian School via your oldest child's homeroom teacher.


PARENT ORGANIZATIONS

Athletic Association:

All sport programs are the responsibility of the Pastor/Principal. The Athletic Association Board is accountable to the Pastor/Principal. Coaches are selected by the Board and approved by Pastor/Principal and serve on a volunteer basis. The Diocesan Guidelines for Elementary Catholic Schools Sports programs guides the policies. Parent interest and willingness to serve on the Board are vital to the continued success of the program.

Parent/Teacher Guild

The P. T. G., as an advisory body, is intended to provide opportunities for parents to fulfill their God given role as educators and to give mutual support through collaboration with the school. Part of their many objectives is to maximize financial resources through fund raising and volunteer services to the school.


School Advisory Council

S. A. C. shares in the educational mission of the parish by acting as a consulting and advisory body to the pastor and principal. It provides a forum for open productive communications. It offers advice on school goals and objectives, policies, public relations and marketing, finances, and facilities.


Tuition Advisory Board

This board meets with the Parish Business Manager, Financial Advisor, and members of the Parish Council to study & review the finances of the school. Tuition rates are set accordingly.

Supplies/Textbooks

The supplies needed by the students vary at each grade level and are determined by the needs of the subject. Teachers will inform students of specifics during the first week of school.

Telephone

No child is permitted to use the telephone, including cell phones, except for emergencies with permission from the principal and/or Office One personnel. Forgotten homework, books, lunch, gym clothes or changes in afternoon plans are not sufficient cause to call home. In all cases, the office will make the phone call home.


Cell Phone Use

It is recognized that some students are in need of a cell phone to contact parents/guardians when attending after school activities. Requests for your child to have a cell phone must be made in writing to the main office stating the reason for the request and the dates that one will be in your child’s possession.

All cell phones MUST be kept in the student’s book bag and TURNED OFF at all times during the hours of 8:00AM and 3:30PM.

Violations of this policy will result in the confiscation of the cell phone with a request that the parent/guardian be responsible for making arrangements to regain possession.


Transfers

When a student transfers to another school, parents should notify the school office as soon as possible. Academic records will not be forwarded until all financial obligations to the school have been met.

Tuition

Parents who register a student in the school enter into a contractual obligation with the school. The school uses TMS – Tuition Management System for collection of payment. Contracts are due by March 31 with payments beginning immediately.
Parents are reminded that the operational budget of the school is dependent on timely fulfillment of this obligation. Parents whose tuition is in arrears will receive a notice indicating the past due amount. Registration for the next school year, final grades, and transfers of academic records will not be processed if there is an outstanding balance.

Scholarship Monies

Scholarship monies are available for eligible families. The Private School Aid Service (PSAS) application is used. These applications are assessed by an independent evaluator. This one application is used for Scholastic Opportunities Scholarships, Bishop's Education Fund and must be filed by March 15th. Application forms are available in the school's office.

Angel Fund

The Parish also provides scholarship money through the Angel Fund. To be eligible for this fund, parents must apply for the Scholastic Opportunities and the Bishop’s Education Fund and be current in their tuition payments. (April, May and June payments must met.) Application for this aid is made in July by contacting the Parish Business Office.


Volunteers

The help of volunteers is always in the school and at school-sponsored events. Please consider using some of your time and talent to help enhance our quality programs. The possibilities are endless. At Saint Sebastian School parents play an integral role in the education of their children through the Parent Teacher Guild, School Advisory Committee, Tuition Advisory Board, Development Committee and Marketing Committee, athletics, fund-raising activities, homeroom parents, playground/lunchroom monitors and field trip chaperones. This partnership is invaluable to the success of our school.

In accordance with diocesan safety and security policies all volunteers must have on file record of the following:

• Verification of attendance of Protecting God’s Children session
• Signed acknowledgement of Pastoral Code of Conduct
• Registration with the Diocese of Pittsburgh Data Base
• Child Abuse Clearance Form
• Signed acknowledgement of Receipt Reporting of Child Abuse and the Child Protective Laws of Pennsylvania
• Fingerprint Clearance