Information

PART I: SCHOOL HISTORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND MISSION

St. James Catholic School

Statement of Philosophy

The St. James Community values development of the Catholic faith as the way to help children make appropriate moral and spiritual decisions throughout life. We believe that all people are created by God to be regarded with dignity and respect. These core values are best developed through modeling the values of our faith. Children are made in God's image and we value their unique needs and learning styles. We believe effective learning is achieved through a variety of experiences in a safe environment. We believe Catholic education is the combined responsibility of family, school, church and the community.

St. James Catholic School

Mission Statement

St. James Catholic School, as an extension of the Church, exists to develop the full potential of all students and prepare them for their God-ordained purpose in the mission of Christ.

Goals

· To fulfill the spiritual, academic, physical, social and emotional needs of each child.
· To prepare students to lead lives consistent with the Catholic faith.
· To provide an academic foundation for achieving success in future educational pursuits.
· To develop the knowledge, skills and virtues necessary to succeed in and contribute to the parish, neighborhood and world community in the name of Christ.
· To enrich the quality of each child's life in the present and the future, in preparation for all eternity.

PART II: RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

CORE PROGRAM

The Religious Education Program of our school develops in each student an attitude of prayer, respect for the sanctity of all life, and awareness of the presence of God in our world. The program fosters the knowledge and appreciation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the richness of Catholic teachings and traditions. The primary objective of the Religious Education Program is to bring the child closer to Jesus Christ through traditional and spontaneous prayer experiences, modeled attitudes and behaviors supportive of Church teaching and belief, daily religious instruction classes, Eucharistic liturgies and paraliturgical services. The Religious Education Program focuses on moral decision making and the consequences of choices made both in this world and the next. Peace and justice issues, mission awareness and Christian/community service projects are an extension of the Religious Education Program.

Religion class is a part of the daily schedule in preschool through eighth grade. In addition, Catholic teaching is integrated throughout the curriculum and in all human interactions within the school. The pastor makes classroom visits to teach particular topics and to prepare students for liturgical events. Religious instruction seeks to develop in students a world view from a Catholic perspective.

SACRAMENTAL PROGRAM

Preparation for the reception of the sacraments is the primary responsibility of the parents in cooperation with the parish Director of Religious Education. Students in grade two receive information and insights about the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. The parents, the parish Director of Religious Education and the pastor of the family’s home parish determine the reception of these Sacraments.

In the Diocese of Duluth, the Sacrament of Confirmation is received when students are in either the tenth, eleventh or twelfth grade.

LITURGIES AND PRAYER

Our school exists to transmit the values, principles, teaching and traditions of the Catholic Church. Therefore, all students in our school are required to participate actively in all religious activities and services.

Students are made aware of the Liturgical Seasons and Feasts in the Catholic Church, especially Advent and Lent. Our Religion Committee assists with seasonal and spiritual themes.

A school Mass, which is planned by students and teachers working with the parish priest, is celebrated each week. Paraliturgies are planned and celebrated both in the class and the school level. Parents are encouraged to attend and participate in all school religious celebrations.

Students participate in daily prayer, including but not limited to morning prayer, prayer before meals and prayer at the end of the day. Students are required to learn and recite basic prayers of the Catholic faith. The religion curriculum delineates the specific prayers to be introduced and practiced at each grade level.

PART III: EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

CURRICULUM

Each area of our school’s educational program is in a continual process of being integrated with the values, principles, teachings, and traditions of the Catholic Church. Following is the educational program by grade level.

PRESCHOOL

Religion Awareness Health

Learning About Self Science/Math Readiness

Reading Readiness Fine/Gross Motor Skills

Art/Music/Physical Education Social Skills

Library

KINDERGARTEN

Religion Spanish Vocabulary

Mass participation Physical Education

Reading Library

Mathematics Science

Art Social Studies

Music Dramatic Play

Handwriting Technology

GRADES 1-3

Religion Handwriting

Reading Mathematics

Phonics Social Studies

Language Arts Science

Spelling Library

Art Physical Education

Music Technology

Spanish Vocabulary

GRADES 4-5

Religion Handwriting

Reading Social Studies

Mathematics Science

Language Arts Library

Spelling Physical Education

Art Technology

Music Spanish Vocabulary

GRADES 6-8

Religion History and Geography

Literature Science

English (writing, grammar, speech) Library

Mathematics Physical Education

Art Technology

Music Life Skills (Home Ec & Shop)

Spanish I and II

The curriculum has been developed through the guidelines of the Diocese of Duluth and meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of the State of Minnesota. The textbooks and other learning materials are chosen to meet school and diocesan educational goals. Updating and evaluation of the curriculum are done annually by the principal and faculty.

Grouping based on the needs of individual students is implemented in several curricular areas. The school incorporates enrichment activities and remedial aid within these groups. Remedial instruction in reading, language and math is provided by a Title I teacher. Throughout the core curriculum, emphasis is placed on faith integration, creative thinking, writing and speaking proficiency, problem solving and communication skill development.

Band instrument instruction is available for students in grades 3-8, and piano lessons are available for students in all grades. Other enhancement opportunities are evaluated and offered when available and appropriate.

TESTING

St. James Catholic School uses the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills to help determine levels of achievement, aptitudes and academic problem areas. Testing is done in the spring of each year in grades 3-6, and parents with children in these grades receive the test results (upon request) before the end of the school year. The Minnesota Basic Skills Tests (Graduation Rule) are administered to students in grade eight. Students in grade seven participate in a practice test for the Basic Skills Tests. The faculty analyzes test results to help structure the curriculum and instruction to better meet student needs.

If a student needs additional professional testing for academic needs or perceived emotional/behavioral problems, he/she is recommended to the public school district for evaluation. Teachers and the principal complete the necessary forms and attend the Special Education team conferences in order to best evaluate and place the student.

WORK HABITS

Written assignments must be neat, legible, complete and turned in on time.

Parents must replace notebooks, folders and other supplies when worn out or depleted.

Students must pay attention in class and ask questions when more understanding or clarification is needed. Homework is important for the reinforcement of skills, for developing good study habits, and a sense of responsibility. Students are required to complete homework.

* Requirements for homework are determined by the teachers and communicated to parents through letters and parent meetings.

HOMEWORK

PRIMARY GRADES (K-2)

No more than 30 minutes should be spent on homework each day. Occasionally, long-term projects are assigned to reinforce various skills. All students in the primary grades are expected to read at home daily.

Details concerning homework routine for each grade level are presented to parents during parent orientation night, during conferences and through weekly newsletters.

Homework is specific work assigned to be completed at home. Daily classroom work that is not completed in school is not considered “homework,” even though it is to be completed at home.

INTERMEDIATE GRADES (3,4,5)

The average time spent on homework each night should not exceed one hour. This may involve reading, writing, workbooks, projects, etc. Any weekend homework will be at the discretion of the individual teacher.

Homework is an integral part of the learning process in our school; therefore, there are instructional consequences for not completing homework as directed. This may include marking work as incomplete and sending it home for completion and parent signature, or referral to the principal to report missing work. Habitually incomplete homework will affect a student’s grades.

Parents are encouraged to check for completion of work, although the primary responsibility for completing work is the child’s.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES (6, 7, 8)

The average time spent on homework each night should not exceed 1 ½ hours. Students in the middle school grades can expect to receive homework in all subject areas, though not all on the same day. In addition to daily assignments, students will be required to complete several long-term projects throughout the year (research paper, science fair project, etc.).

Parent(s) are encouraged to check for completion of work, although the primary responsibility for completing work is the child’s. Middle school students are required to have an assignment notebook that is used daily.

MAKE-UP WORK

In case of absence, make-up work is the responsibility of the child and his/her parent(s). The child should report to the teacher(s) when returning to school for make-up work.

Parent(s) may call the school and request that the teachers prepare missed work. Assignments can be picked up after school.

ACADEMIC PROGRESS

Throughout the school year, progress is evaluated on an on-going basis through class work, teacher observation, subject area testing, and standardized test scores. Communication with parent(s) is on-going throughout the school year by means of weekly newsletters, progress reports, conduct referrals, daily classroom work, mid-term reports for grades 3-8, phone calls and conferences.

Our teachers keep all parent(s) informed of progress, achievements and problems. If problems occur, the parent(s) is/are notified and become part of the solution.

REPORT CARDS/CONFERENCES

Student report cards are distributed 3 times each year. Parent/teacher conferences are scheduled twice during the school year. Parent(s) are required to attend regular conferences and any other conference requested by a teacher or the principal. Parent(s) may request a conference with teachers or the principal at other times. Parent(s) or legal guardian(s) are allowed to review the child’s complete record in the presence of the principal upon proper notification.

GRADING PROCEDURE

The grading procedure varies from grade to grade and will be carefully explained to parent(s) at orientation night by each classroom teacher. The following letter grade scale is used in grades 3-8.

A 93-100% C 77-84% F 69% and below

B 85-92% D 70-76%

PROMOTION

Promotion from one grade to another is determined by academic progress in meeting stated learner outcomes, maturity level, and attendance.

Any inquires from a parent or student challenging a grade or non-promotion will be referred to the teacher involved. The teacher will then keep the principal informed of this matter.

RETENTION

Any student who fails two or more major academic subjects for the year will be retained in the same grade for the following year. The major subjects are as follows:

Grades 1-3: Reading, Mathematics and Language Arts

Grades 4-8: Reading, Mathematics, Language Arts, Social Studies and Science

Religion is also a major subject at each grade level. Faith formation, however, has both subjective (personal) and objective (knowledge) dimensions. It has not been included in the list of major subjects relating to retention because faith formation should not be examined solely from this objective perspective. This in no way, however, lessens the importance placed by the school on the teaching of specific Faith/Church related content.

If a child is consistently absent or tardy, the administration has the right to consider retention for the following school year.

RETENTION PROCEDURES

To retain a student in the same grade for the next academic year, the following procedure is observed:

By January 15: The teacher notifies the principal that the student is at risk of being retained.

By February 1: In writing, the principal notifies the parents/guardian that the student is at risk of being retained. The principal meets with the parents/guardian for discussion. Parents/guardian signs a statement acknowledging they have been informed of the possibility of retention.

By April 15: Another meeting is held between principal, teacher and parent(s)/guardian(s) who sign a second statement acknowledging they have received second notice of retention possibility.

After April 15: After notification in writing that the student will be retained in the same grade, the parent(s)/guardian(s) are provided the opportunity to review the decision process with the principal and classroom teacher.

All written communication regarding retention is maintained in the student’s confidential file.

GRADUATION

Before any student may participate in graduation activities, all required work and testing must be completed. Tuition must be paid in full. Promotion will not be granted until the above requirements are met. It is the responsibility of the eighth grade teachers to arrange and prepare for the end of the year trip, the graduation exercises, and the Mass. Parent(s) will be contacted and informed of activities.

Before any student may participate in the eighth grade class trip, all required work and testing must be completed.

An Awards Assembly is held each spring to recognize special achievements for students in grades K-8.

COMPUTERS/TECHNOLOGY

The purpose of the computer program is to familiarize students with the range of uses this technology offers to students. Computer familiarity begins in preschool and is continued through each grade. Computers are used for academic projects and student publishing. Keyboarding, word processing and multi-media skills are developed at each grade level. Students also have access to computer assisted instructional materials. Students have the opportunity to use Internet for research and communication purposes. All Internet use is strictly supervised by teachers and adult classroom aides. Students, parents and staff are required to sign an Acceptable Use Policy (see APPENDIX A) regarding computer use, especially for Internet and email purposes. Computers are used by students in both the computer lab and classroom settings.

The school Technology Committee, which consists of parents and a staff representative, oversees the acquisition, maintenance and proper use of technology equipment in the building. The Technology Committee reports to the Home & School Association.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Spanish vocabulary development is offered in grades K through 5. Formal Spanish language instruction is offered for grades 6 through 8. This instruction includes the study of customs, geography and life style of other cultures.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION PROGRAM

Students in all grades receive instruction about the sanctity of life and the need to take care of the life that God has given us. Part of this instruction is teaching students about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse, the proper use of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, negative peer pressure, how to say no and mean it, self-esteem, and wellness. These topics are presented to students in religion and science/health classes and through the DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) Program in the 5^th grade.

LIBRARY/MEDIA

All students have regularly scheduled visits to the school library, and most grades visit the public library. Classes are oriented in the use of learning media. Students in the upper grades use the school library and computer lab for research projects with guidance from their classroom teachers.

MUSIC

All students participate in music activities in the classroom or other school settings as part of the standard curriculum. A Music Specialist provides formal music instruction and liturgical preparation. Music is an integral part of weekly liturgies. Annual Christmas and Spring concerts provide an opportunity for students to perform for an audience.

BAND AND PIANO LESSONS

Band instrument instruction is available for students in grades 3-8, and piano lessons are available for students in all grades. These private lessons are provided during the school day at a reasonable cost to parents.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

This program is part of the education process to develop the whole child. The program allows the child to accept his/her abilities as they exercise and participate in a wide variety of team and individual physical activities. (The school does not sponsor any school teams that compete against other schools). Each child is required to take part in physical education. If, for a medical reason, your child cannot participate, please be certain to make the school aware of this by a written note. When a student is excused from physical education class, he/she must be engaged in supervised and meaningful activity during this time.

GUIDANCE

The principal and the teachers counsel and strive to meet the needs of students in a positive, affirming, caring and Christian manner. A Guidance Counselor is provided through the local school district for students in the middle school (6-8). If a student needs the attention of a specialist, referrals are made through the public school district and/or outside agencies.

FIELD TRIPS

If a student’s class is planning a field trip, a permission slip will be sent home. A parent is required to sign this if the student is to leave school grounds. The permission slip must be returned to the teacher before the student is permitted to take the trip. If for some extraordinary reason a student does not attend this educational experience with the class, the student is still required to come to school for the full day, provided supervision is available, and the teacher will provide work to be done.

TITLE I

This federally funded remedial program is available on-site at St. James School. A Title I teacher provides remedial instruction in math, reading and language to qualified students in grades K-8. If you feel your child may qualify for this service, contact his/her classroom teacher.

FEDERAL FUNDING

St. James School participates in the government Federal Funding Grant Program. According to the school’s enrollment, federal funds are allocated for specific instructional purposes. St. James School receives Grant Aid in the following areas:

1. Per Pupil Aid: Textbooks & Instructional Materials

2. Title I: Reading and Math Remedial Instruction

3. Title II: Eisenhower Professional Development Funds (Teacher Training)

4. Title VI: Innovative Programs

5. Safe and Drug-Free Schools

6. Free and Reduced Lunch Program

PART IV: SCHOOL POLICIES

ADMISSION POLICIES

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of Duluth, in compliance with Gospel values and the teaching mission of the Church, extend an invitation of admission to students regardless of their race, color, national and ethnic origin, gender, status with regard to public assistance, or disability. A disability, either temporary or permanent, is not a disqualification of admission provided that with reasonable accommodation the school can meet the needs of the student. Each school determines its suitability for meeting the extraordinary needs of students prior to formal admission of students with extraordinary needs.

The schools in the diocese have the right to give admission preference to students that are members of the supporting parish(es). Students that are not members of the supporting parish(es) are welcome to submit applications for admission, with the understanding that Catholic schools form part of the teaching mission of the Catholic Church. This mission involves the active transmission of the values, principles, teachings and traditions of Catholicism.

Admission to a Catholic school is contingent upon having met all financial obligations at a previous school.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION

1. To enter the pre-school program, the child must be 4 years old by September 1.

2. To enter the Kindergarten program, the child must be 5 years old by September 1. Early admission to Kindergarten is rarely granted, and only if the child meets the Early Entrance Guidelines followed by the local school district.

3. At the time of registration, parents must present the following:

· The child’s baptismal certificate (if Catholic)

· The child’s immunization record

· The child’s latest report card and standardized test scores

· Completed registration form, including signed policy agreement

· Required fees (non-refundable)

· The school may request two letters of recommendation (grades 2-8)

TRANSFER STUDENT PROBATION

All incoming transfer students are given a 2-month probation period. If the student fails to comply with the school philosophy/core values, code of behavior, or academic expectations, the parents will be asked to withdraw their child from the school. This will occur at a formal conference with the parents after directed help from the teacher(s), parent(s) and principal. It is a privilege to attend a Catholic school, but the school’s adherence to specific standards and values may not create the school setting compatible with some students.

WITHDRAWALS

Whenever a pupil is transferring to another school the following steps must be followed:

· Notify the school office in writing or in person.

· Complete an exit form (survey)

· Return all textbooks, library books, equipment, etc., belonging to the school.

· Pay all outstanding debts (tuition payments, library fines, etc.).

Records will be forwarded directly to the next school after our school office has received a written request from that school.

COMPLAINT PROCESS

Effective problem resolution is a major element of a positive and growth-oriented school environment. If problems arise for students or for parents in the school setting, the following procedures are established to aid in successful resolution:

· Most problems involving students and their parents occur in the classroom. Thus, the first step in problem resolution is a scheduled dialogue/conference with the classroom teacher(s). If an informal dialogue is held with a student or parent, the teacher need only make a notation that this event occurred. If the situation is serious enough to warrant a formal conference with parents, a written record of the conference must be created. This written record should state the reasons for the conference and also state the plan for resolution. A written record of progress, alteration of the plan, and/or additional scheduled dialogues and conferences should all be included with the original statement of complaint.

· If informal dialogues or formal conferences have not successfully resolved the problem, the principal needs to be involved. Principal involvement requires a scheduled appointment and evidence (the written record from all related conferences) of good faith efforts to resolve the problem at the classroom level. As educational leader of the school, the principal will use school/diocesan policy and the core values of the school community as the guides for problem resolution. A written record of student/parent/teacher/principal conferences needs to be added to what has already been documented.

· If the complainant is not satisfied with the resolution recommended by the principal, the complainant may request a hearing from the pastor. The pastor need grant this hearing only if evidence exists that school personnel have not acted in good faith or in the best interests of the child, family or school. If the pastor grants a hearing, a written record of the hearing must accompany all previous documentation. The pastor’s decision is final. The only exception to this is a violation of law or a situation that endangers the child or the school. If a legal or dangerous situation exists, the Director of Schools of the Diocese of Duluth may be contacted.

Working in conjunction with all parties involved, a resolution will be effected according to stated policy and gospel values. It is important for everyone in the school community to remember that all school personnel are bound by a strict ethical and legal code of confidentiality. Student problems will only be discussed with the parents and teachers of the student.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

If the principal, or one officially designated by the principal, has information that a student has in his/her possession items that are harmful or constitute a criminal offense in the State of Minnesota, the principal or the designee reserves the right to search the student’s personal possessions on the school premises in the presence of a third party (another adult). Every effort will be made to maintain as much respect and dignity for the person as the situation allows.

TUITION POLICY

· Tuition, registration, instr