Field Trips

Field trips are of an educational purpose since their value can be an integral part of the school’s instructional program by broadening the children’s educational experiences.

Only students who return the signed permission form, bring payment, and have maintained a behavioral record evident of a child representing St. Elizabeth School, may attend.

Students should be dressed in the school uniform (not physical education uniform) unless otherwise stated.

Only parents and guardians, who have been fingerprinted and have completed the compulsory Protecting God’s Children Program (VIRTUS training) may chaperone a field trip. More information can be found in the section Child Protection/Safety in this Handbook.

Final Examinations

Eighth Grade Final Examinations:

The eighth grade final examinations are cumulative examinations covering material presented during the second semester of the year. Study sheets will be posted to Edline prior to the examinations and a minimum of three days of review will take place prior to examinations.

Each final examination is averaged with the fourth quarter grade and is weighted 15% of the fourth quarter average in the following subject areas: English, mathematics, social studies, religion, science, French and Spanish.

Sixth and Seventh Grade Examinations:

The sixth and seventh grade final examinations are cumulative examinations covering material presented during the second semester of the year. Study sheets will be distributed to the students prior to the examinations and a minimum of three days of review will take place prior to the examinations.

Each final examination is averaged with the fourth quarter grade and is weighted 15% of the fourth quarter average in the following subject areas: English, mathematics, social studies, religion, science, French and Spanish.

Fire and Emergency Drills

Regular fire and emergency drills are held throughout the year. Any person in the school during the drill must participate along with students, teachers, and members of the staff. Students are instructed to maintain proper conduct during the drills, which is silence, single-file lines and any other instructions given by the teacher. Inappropriate behavior will result in disciplinary action (see Student Code of Conduct). All regulations during the drill are in accordance with policies and procedures set forth by the Montgomery County Fire and Police Departments.

Fundraising Requirement (FAMILY)

St. Elizabeth School has various fundraising projects throughout the year.  It is necessary that every family support these projects throughout the year. The required fundraising support is $165.00 per year.  The fundraising requirement can be fulfilled by making a monetary contribution to the school in the amount of $165.00.  Certain fundraisers or opportunities to donate to the school are not included in one’s fundraising requirement.  Donations to the Wish List and Annual Fund, for example, do not apply toward one’s fundraising requirement.

Fundraising Opportunities Are:

§  Sally Foster Sales (wrapping paper) - 50% of a families total sales counts toward the $165.00

§  Joe Corbi's Pizza Sales – 50% of a families total sales count towards the $165.00

§  Tuition Raffle - 50% of total ticket sales counts toward the $165.00

§  Gala - 50% of donations, sponsorship, raffle ticket purchases and live or silent auction purchases   

§  Gala - 100% of cash donations

§  Cash donations - 100% of cash donations

Families who do not meet the required fundraising commitment will be billed for the balance at the end of the school year. Report cards, standardized testing results, transfer information, etc. will not be completed until all balances are paid in full.

Grading System

The achievement mark (final average) for each quarter is based upon the demonstration of mastery of material covered in class throughout the marking period, such as:

1.   class work;

2.   homework;

3.   quizzes;

4.   tests;

5.   unit tests;

6.   comprehensive examinations;

7.   projects.

Symbols indicating the level of mastery of readiness skills are reported on the Kindergarten report card.

“E” (Excellent), “G” (Good), “S” (Satisfactory), “I” (Needs Improvement), and “U” (Unsatisfactory) are used on the first through third grade report cards.

“A” (93% - 100%), “B” (85% - 92%), “C” (77% - 84%), “D” (70% - 76%) and “F” (below 70%) are used on fourth through eighth grade report cards.

Report cards are sent to parents and guardians via the child. Envelopes must be returned to the child’s teacher once it is signed in the appropriate place by the parent or guardian.

Graduation

The following are guidelines for awarding an elementary diploma from St. Elizabeth Catholic School:

·       The student shows a genuine love of God and others;

·       The student has passed all academic subject areas;

·       The student’s ability and performance on standardized testing is evidenced;

·       The student as observed has consistently applied him/herself to schoolwork.

A graduation fee  is assessed to meet the expenses of the following materials:

·        diplomas and covers;

·        eighth grade dinner

·        eighth grade school T-shirt;

·        flowers;

·        teacher gifts;

·        awards;  

·        transcripts;

·        recommendations;

·        postage to the high schools; and

·        eighth-grade gift to the school.

Grandparents’/Special Friend’s day

All grandparents or special friends of students in grades one through five spend the morning with their grandchildren after enjoying light refreshments and a short talk by the principal. Grandparents then visit their grandchild(ren)’s homeroom(s) where teachers and staff members have creative, family-centered activities for the grandparents and grandchild to prepare for a post-Grandparents’ Day display either outside or inside the homeroom teacher’s classroom. 

Health Program Records

Each student has a Confidential Health File located in the Nurse’s Office. This file contains the child’s Immunization Record and Health Inventory. These forms are required for each child by the Archdiocese of Washington and the State of Maryland Department of Health.

Confidential orders written by the child’s physician for the dispensing of medications are also kept in the Nurse’s Office. This form must be signed by a physician and be kept on file in order for him or her to be able to receive medication at school.

Health Room Sick Child Policy

If your child is sick, it is most appropriate to keep him/her home from school. A child who is sick will not be able to perform well in school and is likely to spread the illness to other children and staff. Please make arrangements for childcare ahead of time so you will not be caught without a place for your child to stay if she or he is ill.

Our school policy states that you should not send your child to school if she/he has any of the following symptoms:

1.        Fever in the past 24 hours;

2.        Vomiting in the past 24 hours;

3.        Diarrhea in the past 24 hours;

4.        Chills;

5.        Sore throat;

6.        Strep Throat (must have been taking an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school)

7.        Bad cold, with a very runny nose or bad cough, especially if it has kept the child awake at night.

8.        Head lice - unless the child has been treated according to the nurse’s or doctor’s instruction. Children must be nit-free and cleared by the school nurse to resume classes.

If your child becomes ill at school and the school nurse feel the child is too sick to benefit from school or is contagious to other children, the parent or guardian will be called to come and take the child home from school. Please be sure that arrangements can be made to transport your child home from school and that child care is available in cases of illness.

If your daytime or emergency phone numbers change during the year, please notify your child’s teacher and the school nurse immediately.

These guidelines are meant to serve the best interests of all the children in our school.

HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION PROCESS

(Catholic High Schools of the Archdiocese of Washington)

Each September, in the All Purpose Room of St. Elizabeth School, the administration and the members of the eighth grade team, present a thorough overview of the Catholic high school acceptance process to parents and guardians of seventh or eighth grade children. The application process is examined so that all parents, guardians, and seventh and eighth grade students have the information required to successfully apply to a Catholic high school within the Archdiocese of Washington.

St. Elizabeth School will provide the following information to two schools of the student’s choice:

1.      Final averages from the seventh grade;

2.      First quarter averages from the eighth grade;

3.      Seventh grade Terra Nova Test results;

4.      Principal’s Recommendation;

5.      Teacher Evaluations;

6.      Attendance Records;

7.      Archdiocesan Fee.

Parents and guardians will be charged an administrative fee of $25.00 per school (for record transfers) if they choose to apply to more than two high schools.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

The St. Elizabeth School Home and School Association provides an effective channel of communication between parents and guardians and teachers for the benefit of the students and the whole parish and school community.  The main purposes of the Home and School Association are:

§  to create a mutual support and understanding between the home and school, and thus help to bring about a total learning environment for the students;

§  to provide a means for keeping parents and guardians informed of school activities, programs, etc.;

§  to assist in meeting its Association’s financial obligations;

§  to provide parent and guardian educational programs.

Homework

Homework is an important and integral part of learning. It is work assigned to be accomplished outside of class by the student and is a shared responsibility of the student, parent/guardian, and the teacher. The purpose of homework is to help students:

·     reinforce, review, and extend facts, skills, and concepts presented in class;

·     develop self-reliance, responsibility, and independence;

·     develop study habits and learning strategies;

·     explore various media;

·     complete work begun in class; and

·     develop an interest and appreciation for lifelong learning.

The time allotments for homework (written and study) are as follows:

Grades 1 and 2 up to thirty (30) minutes

Grades 3 and 4 up to sixty (60) minutes

Grades 5 and 6 up to ninety (90) minutes

Grades 7 and 8 up to one-hundred-twenty (120) minutes

Each student must purchase the school-issued assignment book that will be used to record daily homework assignments.

Teachers will explain the school’s Homework Policy to parents and guardians at the Back to School Night held in September.

Parents and guardians are expected to review (not complete) their children’s homework assignments and to sign the assignment book after the work has been completed.

It is the responsibility of each student, with teacher and parent guidance, to know what homework has to be completed, and to complete all written and study assignments.

The assignment of homework on weekends and holidays is left to the discretion of the teacher.

Students in grades four through eight must have all test papers signed.  This is a homework assignment and is counted as a grade for the particular marking period. A child must return the signed test to his or her teacher the day after it is received; this will be recorded as a 100% homework grade.  A child returning a signed test his or her teacher after the first day will receive a homework grade for that particular assignment of zero (0%).

Independent Reading and Book Reports

Students are required to read each evening, and it the responsibility of the parent or guardian and the teacher to develop and assist the child with this endeavor. Book reports are assigned to the children each month.

JEWELRY, HAIR, AND MAKE-UP

·         Make-up and/or ornate hair accessories may not be worn to school.

·         Nail polish is not permitted. Girls wearing nail polish will be sent to the nurse’s office where they will remove it. The fee for using nail polish remover is $1.00.

·         Girls may wear one small post earring in each lobe. Children wearing improper or additional jewelry to school will be asked to remove it and will receive a Uniform Violation. This jewelry will be housed in the principal’s office and may be picked up by the child’s parent or guardian.

·         Boys are not permitted to wear earrings.

·         Boys and girls may wear a watch, one bracelet (including “Awareness” bracelets), and one ring. A necklace (no string or rubber chokers) may be worn only if a crucifix, cross, or religious medal is attached.

·         Hair must be kept neat and out of the face. Faddish or trendy hairstyles, including hair coloring or highlighting, are not permitted. Boys’ hair must not be over one inch high, touch the collar of the shirt, or hang below the top of the eyebrow.

·         Belts must be worn every day (young men).

·         One button may be opened at the neck and collar and sleeve buttons must be fastened (junior high school young ladies, only).

·         All buttons, including the top and sleeve must be buttoned (junior high school young men, only).

·         Skirts must be no shorter than one-inch above the knee. Long skirts will be made available for girls who come to school in a shorter skirt and there will be a rental fee of $5.00 per day.

Late Fee

A $25.00 late fee is assessed to a family’s tuition or Extended Care account each quarter if the balance is not paid in full by the statement due date. Report cards, standardized testing, and transfer information will not be sent or completed until all accounts and fees are paid in full.

Medication

No medication, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, Tums, etc., will be administered by the nurse without the completion of the Authorization to Administer Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medication form by the parent or guardian and physician.

All medication must be delivered to the school nurse by the parent or guardian, or, under special circumstances, an adult designated by the parent or guardian.

All prescription medications must be provided in the original container with the original pharmacist label attached. All over-the-counter medication must be provided in the original, sealed container. No other medications will be administered. A physician’s samples must be appropriately labeled by the physician.

Children are not permitted to have any medications in their possession while on the grounds of St. Elizabeth School – this includes inhalers. Any incident where a student is carrying medication on her or his person will be reported to the principal. The medication will be confiscated, and the parent or guardian will be notified. It is illegal for a child to bring medication into school.

Midterm Examinations (Students in grades 6-8)

The midterm examinations are cumulative examinations covering material presented during the first semester of school for students in grades six through eight. Study sheets will be distributed to the students prior to the examinations. A minimum of three days of review will take place prior to the examinations.

Each midterm examination is averaged with the third quarter grade and is weighted 15% of the third quarter average in the following subject areas: English, mathematics, social studies, religion, science, French and Spanish.

Music Program (Archdiocese of Washington Instrumental)

The Archdiocesan Instrumental Music Program is made available for a fee to students in grades 4 through 8. Children enrolled in the Program must attend all of the scheduled lessons and scheduled concerts. The administration of St. Elizabeth School strictly supports the structures and policies set forth by the Archdiocesan Instrumental Music Program.   Information is sent home at the beginning of the year.

Non-Catholics, Guidelines for the Education of

Parents and guardians must be aware of the intentional Catholic witness of our school. St. Elizabeth School as a Catholic school within the Archdiocese of Washington has as its primary mission the formation of children in the Catholic faith.

All children will participate in the total academic life of our school, including religious education. According to the norms of our Church, it is expected that non-Catholics participate as fully as they can in the liturgical and prayer life of the school.  Non-Catholic children are required to attend school Masses and other liturgical celebrations.

Notebooks, color coding, and Headings

Students in grades three through eight are required to have a notebook for certain subjects.

Teachers will teach children the proper organization of a notebook:

·     placement of the date, page number, and title of the assignment;

·     attention to margins;

·     focus on legible handwriting;

·     care and maintenance of.

Spiral notebooks are not permitted.

Students in grades K – 2 write in manuscript form, while students in grades 3 (second semester) – 8 write in cursive form.

Pencil is to be used by students in grades Kindergarten through 4, and pen in grades 5 – 8. All mathematics assignments must be done in pencil throughout the grade levels.

“White out” or any correction fluid or correction pens are not permitted. “Scratch-outs” are not acceptable. If an error is made, children must place one line through the error and write the correct word/answer adjacent to it. For children in grades 3 – 8, a one-point deduction is made for every “scratch-out.”

Loose-leaf paper is used for all written work that is collected by the teacher. Loose-leaf paper must be removed properly from the three-ringed binder, not torn from it. Students turning in assignments on torn or spiral notebook paper will be asked to resubmit it.

All papers that require a heading must use the following format:

Color Coding:  St. Elizabeth uses a color coding system for notebooks.  The colors are as follows:

Social Studies - BLUE

English – YELLOW

Reading – ORANGE

Spelling – PINK

Science – GREEN

Math – WHITE

Religion - RED

Foreign Language - PURPLE

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Just as parents and guardians look to the school to provide the facilities and the trained personnel which are essential to their child’s proper development, so the school looks to parents and guardians to assume active responsibilities which cannot be delegated to others.

No school can be wholly effective in teaching virtues and religion, honesty, respect for authority, consideration for the rights and property of others, and standards of personal morality and integrity unless these principles have been established, upheld, and valued in the home. If parents/guardians cooperate with the school, instill respect for the integrity of its administration, teachers, and staff, and actively support their authority in the home, this is likely to be reflected in the positive attitudes of their children.

Parents and guardians are asked to take an active role in their child’s education by:

·               promoting Catholic teachings and making it possible for their children to attend Sunday Mass each week;

·               assisting their child in his or her academic and moral development by carefully reviewing class work, test results, progress reports, and report cards; supervising home study; and reinforcing school policies;

·               recognizing their child’s talents and interests so they may be developed in cooperation with the classroom teachers;

·               interacting in a respectful manner when speaking with or about the administration, teachers, and staff of the school;

·               insisting on their child’s regular school attendance and punctuality and complying with attendance rules and procedures;

·               providing proper supervision at home, and not tolerating harassment, inappropriate or violent behavior, or viewing of such in videos, movies, song lyrics, and on the Internet (see “Personal Safety in School”);

·               teaching their child respect for law, for authority, for the rights of others, and for public and private property; this includes showing respect for the work of others by not tolerating cheating under any circumstance;

·               arranging for a time and place for their child to complete homework assignments;

·               working with the school in a cooperative effort to carry out recommendations made in the best interest of their child, including those related to educational evaluations and counseling;

·               explaining and reviewing periodically the school Code of Conduct with their child;

·               seeing that the dress code, including the physical education uniform, is followed, and insisting that children dress according to our shared Christian values;

·               making all tuition and fee payments on time and participating in fundraising activities;

·               attending Parent-Teacher Conferences;

·               attending workshops sponsored by the Home and School Association.

The education of a student is a partnership between the parents and the school. Just as the parent has the right to withdraw a child if desired, the school administration reserves the right to require withdrawal of a student if the administration determines that the partnership is irretrievably broken.

Physical Education (uniform policy)

All students are required to wear a St. Elizabeth School physical education uniform and athletic shoe. A clean, laundered physical education uniform is to be worn. The uniform may not be oversized or too tight. It should not display excessive wear. All parts of the school uniform must be labeled with the child’s name and grade; however, this is the responsibility of the parent, not the teacher.

Students in grades Kindergarten – 5 will wear their physical education uniforms to school on the day(s) of their physical education classes. Students in grades 6 – 8 will come to school dressed in the school uniform and change into their physical education uniform at the beginning of class and out of their physical education uniform at the end of class.

Students not complying with the physical education uniform policy will receive a grade reduction on their report cards as well as a Uniform Violation. Only students presenting a doctor’s note physical education teacher are to be excused from physical education class.

Information about the specific uniform may be found in the section Uniform in this Handbook.

Picnic (Opening of School)

The Opening of School Picnic, sponsored by the Home and School Association is held each September on the grounds of St. Elizabeth School. This is an event held to bring the school community together at the very beginning of the academic year while offering an informal venue for meeting the teachers and members of the staff.

Prayer Life

Prayer is an integral part of our Catholic faith experience and is therefore a primary component of activity in our schools. Daily school-wide prayer begins the school day. All classes begin with a prayer.

A list of prayers recited on a regular basis at school may be found on the school’s website by “clicking,” “Prayer Life.”

Progress Reports

The reporting system of the Archdiocese of Washington is divided into four quarters. Progress reports for students in grades 1 – 8 are not sent to parents and guardians since the progress of each student is updated weekly on Edline by the subject teachers.  In order to remain aware of each child’s progress or lack thereof, the principal reviews the progress of every student as well as student work on a regular basis throughout each quarter.

Promotion/Retention Policy

The following table indicates the specific failures by grade level that might result in retention at that grade level: 

The student has failed to achieve satisfactory scores on a standardized test in reading, mathematics, and English/Language Arts.

The following table indicates the cut-off levels for failure, keeping in mind the above criteria, as well:

The student has not demonstrated acceptable effort toward achieving academic success. The following types of behavior might indicate unacceptable effort:

·     failure to complete school and homework assignments and school projects;

·     pervasive inattention to classroom instruction;

·     lack of preparedness for school assignments.

Recess and Lunchtime

Children in grades kindergarten through 8 have a lunch and recess period every day. While eating and lunch playing outside, children are encouraged to broaden their friendships by including children outside of their close circle of friends. As Catholic-Christians, inclusiveness and acceptance are at the core of the Jesus’ teachings. Parents and guardians are strongly encouraged to speak with their children about the value of friendship and the importance of making others feel that they, too, have gifts to share.

Students are instructed in the basic rules of safety and sportsmanship, which parents and guardians are asked to reinforce frequently at home. Students must obey these rules at all times, especially during recess periods and physical education classes.

Students who consistently engage in unsatisfactory behavior during lunchtime will not be permitted to eat lunch and/or engage in recess at school. Parents or guardians will be asked to make other arrangements. Students who choose to engage in negative behavior at lunchtime may not be offered re-registration for the following school year.

It is extremely important that students regard recess volunteers as school staff and show them courtesy and respect at all times.

Report Cards

Report cards are distributed two times per year for students in the Kindergarten and four times a year for students in grades 1 through 8. There are three different report cards: one for Kindergarten students; one for students in grades 1 – 3, and another for students in grades 4 – 8.

The first report card is distributed prior to the Parent/Guardian Conferences in November (for students, grades 1 – 8).  Kindergarten teachers will have conferences with parents/ guardians, but will not distribute a formal report card.

Report Card Distribution

Report cards will be withheld if financial obligations have not been met and fees are outstanding.

Report cards may not be given before the date listed on the school calendar. In the event that a student will leave school prior to the date of report card distribution, the parent or guardian may give the teacher a self-addressed stamped envelope and the report card can be mailed on the given day.

Re-registration/Withdrawal

At the time of re-registration for the upcoming school year, all school families will be charged a per child nonrefundable re-registration fee. 

If you wish to withdraw your child, written notice should be provided to the school by March 15^th.  If the school is not notified by this date, you will be responsible for the first quarter’s tuition for the following school year. 

Returned Check Fee

A fee of $40.00 will be assessed to a family’s account balance if a check should be returned from the bank.

Safety Patrols (Student)

This program provides the opportunity for leadership and responsibility to students in grade 8 under the direction of the vice-principal. 8^th grade children will assist in monitoring the parking lot and class lines during the opening and dismissal of school. Parents and guardians must remember that the safety of our children is of primary importance. School Safety Patrols endeavor to make our school the safest and securest it can be. Parents and guardians are asked to be respectful and polite to our children who serve the school in this capacity.

school store (see SUPPLIES AND SCHOOL STORE)

Security

Children are not to enter the school building without direct supervision of his or her parents or guardians or a teacher. A child in a portable classroom needing to report to the Office, use the restroom, etc., is sent with a classmate of the same gender.

Parents, guardians, and visitors must report to the receptionist to sign-in and complete a Visitor’s Badge.

School doors remain locked. Please ring the buzzer for entrance into the school. Doors remain locked after school. Parents/Guardians picking up from daycare should report to the back of the building and ring the buzzer for entrance in the daycare. The teacher in charge will dismiss children staying after for a scheduled activity at the front of the school. Parents and guardians should wait in front of the school for their child(ren).

Services (Academic)

Teachers provide an after school tutorial session each week for children enrolled in their class(es).

Special Educational Services

St. Elizabeth School is blessed to have a professional teacher and an assistant employed to assist students with learning differences or who require special academic services. In order for a student to receive these services s/he must comply with the procedure set forth by St. Elizabeth School which requires a full battery of testing, i.e. psychological, emotional, academic, etc. by a qualified professional or agency.

Standardized Testing

Terra Nova Testing :  Students in Grades 2 through 8 will take the Archdiocesan approved Terra Nova Test in the spring of the school year. Parents and guardians receive copies of their children's test results. These tests offer additional information regarding the child's academic progress and can be reviewed in conjunction with regular teacher evaluations. It is important that students avoid absence and tardiness during the testing times. Make-up testing must be administered by a teacher without distraction; therefore, students will be allowed to make up missed tests only if time permits.

The 7^th grade tests are particularly important, as they are included in the records submitted for admission to Catholic high school.

High School Placement Test (HSPT):   A High School Placement Test will be administered to 8^th  grade children during the first semester. The results of this test will be sent to the high schools to which the students have applied.

Early Prevention of School Failure (EPSF):  All incoming Kindergarten and new first grade students in the Archdiocese of Washington are required to participate in this assessment program. This testing assesses students on a wide variety of developmental skills to identify strengths and weaknesses and to make recommendations for interventions if needed.

Student Council

This organization offers students the opportunity to plan, design, and implement a variety of activities and special programs for the student body. Executive Board Members and Homeroom Representatives also participate in discussions regarding school policies and student programs. Students in grade 7 are elected each spring to serve as the Executive Board for the following school year. Homeroom Representatives are elected at the start of the school year. Council meetings are held once a month after school and homeroom reports of those meetings are given on the Monday following the meeting. Special committee meetings are held as needed.

Student Responsibilities

Students attend St. Elizabeth School in order to develop their God-given talents and capabilities to their fullest potential. To accomplish this, students are asked to:

·     do their best work at all times;

·     treat all members of the school community (i.e. priests, administrators, teachers, staff, parents, visitors, etc.) with respect. This includes respecting the work of others by not defacing it or taking from it;

·     obey all school rules and regulations, including those forbidding the use of drugs, alcohol, cigarette smoking, or violent behavior;

·     develop personal standards of conduct that reflect Christian morals and behavior, and refrain from the use of inappropriate or vulgar language, verbal threats, bullying, and sexual behavior (including touching, gestures, writing, and dress);

·     speak in a well-modulated tone of voice;

·     observe the school dress code, including standards on out-of-uniform (Tag) days.

·     help care for the school property and keep the school free from damage and defacement.

Supplies and school store

A list of mandatory school supplies for which parents and guardians are responsible for purchasing will be posted on the school website by July 15^th, of each school year. Some items can only be purchased at St. Elizabeth School (i.e., assignment pad, primary tablets) and will be available at the School Store.

Students can purchase school supplies from 8:05 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. in the School Store on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Novelty erasers, pencils and pens, St. Elizabeth School materials, etc. are sold at the School Store in addition to the every-day school supply needs.

Tag Day

Several times throughout the year, the school will sponsor a “Tag Day,” otherwise known as an out-of-uniform day. The cost per student “tag” is $1.00. This is not a mandatory program.

Teachers will keep track of which students who have paid for the “Tag,” and two days after the Tag Day, the list must be sent to the Office indicating who did not pay for the “Tag” but dressed out of uniform. This amount will be added to the family’s tuition bill and must be paid before any records may be sent home or transfer information sent.

Students must dress appropriately and modestly on Tag Days. Students wearing shirts bearing inappropriate, vulgar, or tawdry logos or images, wearing mini-skirts, short-shorts (no more than two inches above the knee), tank tops, mid-drifts, spaghetti strap tops, heels, and/or tight or over-sized clothing will be asked by the principal to phone a parent or guardian so that other, more appropriate clothing may be brought to school for the child to wear for the day.

Other reminders: pants must be waist-high (undergarments should not be visible), no backless sandals, or heels, as they are not suitable for school wear, especially in a Catholic school.  Please ensure that your child dresses appropriately for school.

It is important that students demonstrate through their words, deeds, and appearance a commitment to fostering our Christ-centered environment, thus all students are expected to dress modestly.

Tardy Entrances to School

When a student is tardy, he/she are required to obtain a late slip from the Attendance Clerk before going to his/her classrooms. Parents and guardians must walk students into school who arrive after 8:15 a.m. If a parent or guardian chooses not to escort their child in, the child will remain outside the Office until the parent or guardian returns to school to follow the proper procedures. The administration realizes that traffic can often be a problem in the morning. Families need to take this into account when planning their departure time from home. Student tardiness is disruptive and unfair to the student entering the classroom late as well as to the class in session. Consistently late arrivals will result in a parent/guardian-principal conference scheduled at the principal’s convenience.

Teacher Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Catholic schoolteacher is to promote the goals of the Catholic school and to assist students in the formation of their Catholic Faith. As a highly skilled professional, the teacher works in close collaboration with the department chair, vice-principal and principal to fulfill in the most effective manner the various responsibilities that are necessary throughout the school day.

In addition to contact with colleagues and all other educational professionals within the school setting, teachers must work collaboratively with all persons in the Catholic school and parish community.

Telephone Use

Children are not permitted to use the telephone unless there is an emergency. Parents and guardians are asked not to bring forgotten assignments, books, physical education uniforms, etc. to school for their child. Students are to be responsible for their belongings and know their schedules.

Textbooks

Hardbound textbooks are the property of St. Elizabeth Catholic School; therefore, all books must be covered. Book covers are provided by the school. Fines will be charged to students abusing their textbooks and for textbooks found without covers. Students should not accumulate papers in their books as it ruins the spine of the books. Workbooks should remain neat and without graffiti. Writing of any kind is defacement of the book. The student's name and grade should be written in each book, so if misplaced it can be returned to the owner.  Students will be assessed a fee for any damage to rental books as well as books and other personal objects misplaced within the building. Students coming to school with uncovered books will also be assessed a fee per book.

Tuition and Fees

The first quarter tuition payment for the school year is due in May and the second quarter is due in August for the school year starting in September. All tuition payments are nonrefundable. Students will not be permitted to start school unless the first and second quarter tuition is paid in full.

Student report cards, results of standardized testing, or transfer information will not be sent or completed until all accounts and fees are paid in full.

As a new quarter begins, students will not be permitted to continue to attend school if the tuition and/or Extended School Program account(s) are not paid in full. This policy will be strictly enforced.

St. Elizabeth School reserves the right to cancel the (re)registration of any student whose family fails to satisfactorily meet its tuition or fee obligation. A late fee of $25.00 per month will be charged to any account not paid by the statement due date.

Uniform  Policy

It is the policy of St. Elizabeth School to have all students wears a uniform.  The purpose of the uniform is to identify students as members of the St. Elizabeth School community and to promote an appropriate, non-distracting learning environment. As such, the uniform is to be worn with pride and is to be worn correctly.  To do anything less diminishes the school and the values and goals the school embraces.

St. Elizabeth School students are to be dressed in the prescribed school uniform at all times. School uniform items can be purchased through Flynn & O’Hara, located at Twinbrook Shopping Center, 2208B Viers Mill Road, Rockville, Maryland.  Phone: 301-838-8958. Website: www.flynnohara.com.

Please refer to Jewelry, Hair, and Make-up section of this Handbook for important information regarding children’s appearances.

Expectations and Consequences

A child dressed in the proper school uniform shows a sense of pride in his or her school and him or herself. Flynn & O’Hara Uniforms provides the students of St. Elizabeth School with the ONLY acceptable uniform. Departures from standards in trousers, shirt/blouse color or style, or sweater design will not be permitted. In order to ensure fairness for every child, adherence to the uniform will be strictly enforced. It continues to be unfair to children and their families who support the school in every way possible to have other children and families take advantages of certain aspects of school life; in particular, the uniform. Violations from the school’s set uniform requirements will result in a Uniform Violation. A third violation for the same offense will result in a Disciplinary Action Report citing defiance as the infraction.

Uniform

All students in Grades Kindergarten through five wear their gym uniform to school on gym days. The children stay in the gym uniform all day. Children in grades six through eight bring their gym uniform to school and change for gym class. Gym uniforms should be clean and neat.

Uniform Excuse

A note from the parent or guardian will excuse a child for that day from the uniform requirements. The uniform inconsistencies should be corrected immediately. Full compliance with the Uniform Code is expected from each child and his or her family. A child continually presenting a note of excuse for an improper uniform demonstrates the parents and guardians lack of regard and respect for the policies set forth by St. Elizabeth Catholic School. The principal will not tolerate a student coming to school without the appropriate uniform. Students will be sent home by the principal for being out of the traditional school uniform for an extended period of time.

Boys – Grades K-5

Uniform – May be worn on any school day throughout the year.

§  Pants – navy blue trousers;

§  Shirt – white knit, short or long sleeves, with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Belt – black or brown, leather-type;

§  Socks – white or navy blue, crew length;

§  Shoes – black or brown, leather-type, low-cut tie shoes.

The below items may be worn in addition to the school uniform:

§  Sweater – navy blue V-neck long sleeve pullover;

§  Sweatshirt - navy blue or gray with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Fleece – navy blue with St. Elizabeth School logo.

Optional Summer Uniform (Boy’s K-5) – may be worn during the first and last marking periods of the school year in place of the regular uniform.

§  Pants – navy blue shorts, walking length;

§  Shirt – white knit short sleeve, with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Belt – black or brown, leather-type;

§  Socks – white, crew length;

§  Shoes – black or brown, leather-type, low-cut tie shoes.

Scout uniforms may be worn to school on the day of the student’s Scout meeting.

Boys – Grades 6-8

Uniform - May be worn on any school day throughout the year.

§  Pants – khaki trousers

§  Shirt – white or light blue, Oxford style with button-down collar, long or short sleeve

§  Tie – Maroon, navy, and khaki regimental stripe

§  Belt – black or brown, leather-type

§  Socks – white or navy blue, crew length

§  Shoes – black or brown, leather-type, low-cut tie shoes.

The below items may be worn in addition to the school uniform

§  Sweater – navy blue V-neck long sleeve pullover

§  Sweatshirt - navy blue or gray with St. Elizabeth School logo

§  Fleece – navy blue with St. Elizabeth School logo

Optional Summer Uniform (Boys 6-8) – may be worn during the first and last marking periods of school instead of the regular uniform.

§  A white knit, three-button golf–type short sleeve shirt, with St. Elizabeth School logo.

§  The khaki trousers are to be worn all year.

Girls – Grades K-5

Uniform - may be worn on any school day throughout the year.

§  Dress – plaid jumper;

§  Blouse – white with peter-pan style rounded collar, short or long sleeves;

§  Socks – navy blue or white, crew or knee length; or navy opaque tights;

§  Shoes – black/navy and white saddle style for students in grades kindergarten through four;  Students in grade five may wear a low-heeled black or brown leather-type tie shoe.

The below items may be worn in addition to the school uniform:

§  Sweater – navy blue, round neck, long sleeve cardigan;

§  Sweatshirt - navy blue or gray with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Fleece – navy blue with St. Elizabeth School logo.

Optional Summer Uniform (Girls K-5) – may be worn during the first and last marking periods of the school year in place of the regular uniform.

§  Pants – navy blue walking shorts;

§  Skort-navy blue

§  Shirt – white knit short sleeve with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Belt – black or brown, leather-type;

§  Socks – navy blue or white, crew or knee length; 

§  Shoes – black/navy and white saddle style for students in grades kindergarten through four..  Students in grade five may wear a low-heeled black or brown leather-type tie shoe.

Optional Winter Uniform – may be worn during the second and third marking periods of school in place of the regular uniform.

§  Pants – navy trousers;.

§  Blouse – white, Oxford-style, button down collar, or white turtleneck Vest-Prescott red sweater vest;

§  Belt – black or brown, leather-type;

§  Socks – white crew or navy blue length or knee length; 

§  Shoes – black/navy and white saddle style for students in grades kindergarten through four.  Students in grade five may wear a low-heeled black or brown leather-type tie shoe.

 Scout uniforms may be worn to school on the day of the student’s scout meeting.

Girls – Grades 6-8

Uniform – may be worn any school day throughout the year.

§  Skirt - plaid (no shorter than one inch above the knee);

§  Blouse - white with Oxford style button-down collar, short or long sleeves;

§  Vest - Prescott red sweater vest;

§  Socks - white crew length or Prescott red, navy blue knee length; or navy opaque tights;

§  Shoes – Low-cut brown or black leather-type lace-up tie shoes;  (boat shoes, i.e., Sperry Topsides or Docksides, are allowed)

The below items may be worn in addition to the school uniform:

§  Sweater – navy blue V-neck long sleeve pullover;

§  Sweatshirt - navy blue or gray with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Fleece – navy blue with St. Elizabeth School logo.

Summer Uniform  (Girls’ 6-8) -may only be worn during the first and last marking periods of the school year.

§  Skirt – plaid (no shorter than one inch above the knee) ;

§  Shirt - white knit short sleeve with St. Elizabeth School logo;

§  Socks - white crew length, or navy knee length

§  Shoes – low-cut brown or black leather-type lace-up, tie shoes (boat shoes, i.e., Sperry Topsides or Docksides, are allowed)

Attention Parents and Guardians: Girls' skirt lengths must be no shorter than 1 inch above the knee. If

a child comes to school in a short skirt or during the day rolls the waist to shorten the skirt a Disciplinary Action Report will be issued.  At this age, some girls need to be reminded about modest dress.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORMS, BOYS AND GRILS

Students in grades K – 5 are to come to school dressed in their physical education uniform on physical education days.

The physical education uniform is to be worn only during physical education classes for grades 6-8

§  Shorts – navy blue with St. Elizabeth logo (from Flynn & O’Hara);

§  Shirt – gray with St. Elizabeth logo;

§  Socks – white, crew length;

§  Shoes – sneakers, rubber-soled.

Physical Education Uniform (by season):

§  Summer – Gray St. Elizabeth T-shirt with St. Elizabeth School logo and navy blue mesh shorts with St. Elizabeth School logo.

§  Winter –  Students in grades K – 5 may wear the St. Elizabeth sweatshirt and sweatpants over their physical education uniform on days that they have physical education classes.

Visitors

Due to the administration’s concern for student safety, all parents, guardians, family members, and visitors must sign-in at the receptionist’s desk and complete a visitor’s badge.

Because this is an institution of learning, visitors are not permitted to gather in areas within the school or linger within the building. There must be an overriding respect for teachers and students at these critical learning hours of the day.

Parents and guardians picking up for after school activities are asked to wait in the front of school. Teachers will escort children to the lobby for pickup. Parents and guardians picking up for Extended Care are asked to report to the back of the building and ring the back buzzer for Extended Care entry.

Volunteer Hours 

Each family with a child enrolled at St. Elizabeth School is required to volunteer a minimum of 15 hours per school year.  As a part of the volunteer hours’ requirement, each St. Elizabeth School family will be required to cover THREE RECESS HOURS PER YEAR.  These recess hours will be INCLUDED in (not in addition to) the 15-hour annual volunteer commitment. 

Mandatory Recess Hours

§  Each St. Elizabeth family will be responsible for three hours of recess duty each year regardless of weather. (Indoor recess requires adult volunteer monitors).

§  This requirement can be fulfilled by ANY adult family member who has completed the compulsory background check and attended VIRTUS through the Archdiocese of Washington.  Mothers, fathers, adult siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents are all welcome and can help the family to reach the three hour goal.

§  A family will be charged $30 per hour for each missed hour.  Families will be asked to locate substitutes when plans change and should notify the recess coordinator of these changes at least 24-hours in advance of the scheduled volunteer time - unless an emergency arises.    

§  A master recess calendar will be available to view at the front desk and on the school’s website.

§  Families sign-up by submitting a schedule request form found on the school’s website or at the front desk at the beginning of the school year.  Families who do not submit the form will be assigned recess duty on three days of greatest need.  

§  Families will be scheduled for 90-minute days, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

§  All Mandatory Recess hours MUST be recorded in the volunteer log books located at the receptionist’s desk.

§  Kindergarten parents who have just one child at St. Elizabeth are exempt from this requirement during the K year.

Volunteer Hours (those other than recess)

In addition to the 3 mandatory recess volunteer hours, parents and guardians are obliged to complete an additional 12 volunteer hours.

All Volunteer Hours can be recorded in the volunteer log books at the receptionist’s desk or by sending an e-mail to volunteering@stelizabethschoolmd.org.  Please note that committee chairs or the school will not report hours on your behalf.  Parents and guardians are responsible for recording all volunteer hours.

Only, hours up to the required 15 are recorded by the Volunteer Hours Chairperson in the main system.  All hours after that are not tracked, but certainly appreciated!  Excess hours are not carried over to the next school year or applied to the fundraising requirement.

Any of the hours not fulfilled by the deadline (Field Day is the last day to fulfill hours for the current school year) will be billed at $10.00 per hour at the end of the year.  Any unfulfilled Mandatory Recess hours will be billed at $30.00 per hour.

Some examples of ways you can volunteer:  hot lunch duty, recess duty, scouts, coaching, room parent, at-homework for a teacher, school board, class parties, Christmas tree sales, Scholastic Book Fair, Santa’s Workshop, chaperoning a field trip or dance, golf and the gala event, bingo, picnic, career day, Catholic schools week . . . and there are many more.  If you are unsure, just ask.

Please refer to the section Child Protection/Safety for guidelines parents, guardians, and family members must follow in order to volunteer at St. Elizabeth School.

In order for a family to receive report cards, results of standardized testing, or have information forwarded to other schools, all accounts must be paid in full.

Website (The School)

To access the St. Elizabeth Catholic School website, use www.stelizabethschoolmd.org. Each week the Thursday Folder Section of the website is updated with pertinent information. Please click on the Email sign up on the bottom of the home page and sign up to receive notices of when the website is updated as well as other communications.

WITHDRAWAL (see ENROLLMENT)