REGISTRATION • TUITION & FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS

ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES:
Admissions • Class Placement • Attendance • Transfers
Lunch/Milk Program • Food Service Program
Arrival & Dismissal • Latchkey Program

GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES:
Student Custody and Guardianship • Records (Access/Transfer) • School Visitors
Communication • Bigs & Littles • Telephone Use
Inclement Weather/School Closings • Release of Directory Information
Field Trips & Overnight Trips • Graduation Requirements/Ceremonies
Parent Organizations • Fund Raising

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES & BEHAVIOR:
Code of Conduct • Weapons • Substance Abuse • Gangs • Discipline
Suspension • Expulsion • Student Regulations and Procedures
Student and School Property • Dress Code • Inappropriate Materials

HEALTH & SAFETY:
Safety • Building Entrance & Exit • Child Protection • Asbestos
Safety Procedures • Student Health & Safety • Accidents & First Aid
Illness • Medication • Chronic Medical Conditions
Infectious/Communicable Diseases • Sexual Harassment & Violence

REGISTRATION
St. Joseph School will present registration packets for the 2008-2009 school year during our Catholic Schools Week Family Night and Open House (Thursday, January 31, 2008). People who live in this area have great choices for quality education. For those who are looking for a smaller, loving, and Catholic environment, St. Joseph School is perfect for them. If you or someone you know would like information about the school, we will gladly mail an information packet. For details, please contact the School Office (330.274.2268 or schooloffice@stjosephmantua.com)

At the time of registration, students must return these forms:

• Application for New and/or Returning Students
• Tuition Agreement Form (one per family)
• Parent-Parish Commitment Covenant (one per family)
• Registration Fee (refer to schedule below)

Students are not registered at St. Joseph School until the administration has reviewed all of these forms & registration fee is received.

Click here for a definition of "Active Parishioner".

Registration Fee: 2008-2009
(one fee per family)

For New Families:
$100.00 Non-refundable Fee applied to the 2008-2009 Tuition
$50.00 Non-refundable one-time Processing Fee

For Returning Families:
Before April 15, 2008: $100.00 Non-refundable Fee applied to the 2008-2009 tuition IF the 2007-2008 tuition is paid in full by the due date as stated on your Tuition Agreement Form and the Application Packet is complete.

After April 15, 2008, and before May 1, 2008: $300.00 Non-refundable Fee with $100.00 applied to the 2008-2009 tuition IF the 2007-2008 Tuition is paid in full by the due date as stated on your Tuition Agreement Form and the Application Packet is complete.

After May 1, 2008, and before May 15, 2008: $400.00 Non-refundable Fee with $100.00 applied to the 2008-2009 tuition IF the 2007-2008 Tuition is paid in full by the due date as stated on your Tuition Agreement Form and the Application Packet is complete.

After May 15, 2008: $500.00 Non-refundable Fee with $100.00 applied to the 2008-2009 tuition IF the 2007-2008 Tuition is paid in full by the due date as stated on your Tuition Agreement Form and the Application Packet is complete.

$500.00 Discount: $500.00 is deducted from a returning family's tuition who is instrumental in bringing a new family (with a student in grades 1-8 only) to St. Joseph School. The amount will be deducted after 90 days of attendance at SJS (tuition must be current).

Payment Plans 2008-2009

Note #1: When the 15th of the month falls on the weekend, the payment is due on the following Monday.
Note #2: A late charge of $35 is assessed each month if the tuition is not paid by the due date.

T.R.I.P. Program: 2008-2009
(one per family)

Each family is required to choose one of the following plans:

Option #1: Purchase $3,000 worth of TRIP Cards between summer 2008 and May 2009. This initial rebate will be applied to the school tuition budget. All TRIP purchases after the $3,000 rebate will be applied directly to your own child/ren's tuition.

Option #2: Add an additional $200 to your tuition. (If you choose to use TRIP throughout the year, the rebate can be applied directly to your child/ren's tuition.)

Tuition Aid & Tuition Reduction Programs
The Diocese of Youngstown offers a Tuition Assistance Program (school office has application forms). Application Process & Requirements:

a) All families seeking tuition assistance from the Youngstown Diocesan Catholic School Scholarship Fund must submit an official application from (available in English and Spanish) along with a processing fee payable to the private scholarship/financial aid processing service designated by the school.

b) To become eligible for receiving funds from this program, students must attend or be accepted by a Catholic School of the Diocese of Youngstown.

c) The deadline for submitting applications to the scholarship/assistance service is determined annually. Applications received after the stated due date will be considered for tuition assistance if funds are available.

d) The funds from the Program will be paid directly to the school that the qualifying student attends. Schools will credit the tuition accounts for those families who have been approved to receive aid for that school year.

Our Home & School Association provides two ways to reduce tuition expenses for St. Joseph School families, Schoolpop (formerly known as OneCause Tuition CreditingTM & School Fundraising Program) (tuition crediting through online shopping) and T.R.I.P. (Tuition Reduction Incentive Program with gift cards and certificates for local businesses).

Other Financial Obligations
Along with a supply list for the next year, each student is charged a classroom fee. This covers the cost of things like "Weekly Reader", Religion pamphlet, Science pamphlet, paper, small classroom supplies used for projects, etc. This fee is payable during the first week of school. All of this information is mailed home in the last report card in June.

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ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Admissions

Diocesan Initial Admission Requirements
Students who desire an educational experience founded on the Catholic philosophy of education and who fulfill the age, health, academic and behavioral requirements are eligible for admission to the school.

The school sets registration procedures and admission policies. The availability of space and the order of preference for admission is determined by the school according to the following general criteria:

Registrants for school will be accepted in the following order:

a) Students of registered participating parishioners whose parish(es) provide the elementary school;

b) Students of parishioners whose parish does not provide a Catholic elementary school will be accepted in the nearest Catholic school; and

c) Non-parishioner students on a space available basis, after a conference regarding the reason for registration in a Catholic school is held with the parents by the pastor and principal.

Catholic elementary students should attend either their own parish school or, if their parish has no school, the Catholic school which is nearest their home or the Catholic school that could best provide individual needs.

Age for Admission to Kindergarten
Children who reach the age of five years by September 30 may be admitted to a kindergarten program.

Admission is contingent upon receipt of the following:

1. Completion of the application form
2. Presentation of an original birth certificate
3. Baptismal certificate for Catholic students
4. Proof of adequate immunization as required by the Ohio Revised Code
5. Completion of Emergency Authorization Form
6. Proof of custody for students not living with either or both natural parents
7. Social Security number (if U.S. citizen)

Additional Requirements for Admission to Grades 1-8

1. Educational and health records from previous school
2. If previously enrolled at a Catholic school in the Diocese of Youngstown, proof of having satisfied tuition obligations at the student's former Diocesan school prior to being enrolled at the new school.

General Conditions of Admissions
In certain cases, students may be admitted on a probationary basis subject to the student successfully completing one or more subsequent interim evaluations. Students with academic or other needs (i.e., behavioral), which cannot be reasonably addressed by the school may be denied admission.

School application forms may request disability-related information. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) does not prohibit a school from asking questions about a student's disabilities provided that the information does not discriminate (automatically prohibits a student from applying).

Foreign Students
The Diocese of Youngstown endeavors to remain certified by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service to admit F-1 Non-Immigrant students. The school, therefore, adheres to the following policies for enrolling non-U.S. persons.

Since January 30, 2003 all schools in the United States wishing to enroll Nonimmigrant F-1 students by the use if an I-20 form have been required to register in the Student Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Information on whether or not a school has been chosen to register with SEVIS and is qualified to enroll an F-1 student is available through the particular school office.

Also required of the incoming student is:

a) I-20 form (if applicable)
b) Diocesan Emergency Care Form
c) State Immunization Form
d) Local Admissions Forms
e) VISA

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Class Placement
The principal/administration and faculty reserve the right to place students in a class which is consistent with the results of the student's prior academic records and any admission testing.

Attendance - Diocesan Policy for Attendance Requirements

In order to achieve the goals and objectives of the curriculum, regular attendance by the student is mandatory.

The school (K-8) is normally in session not less than 178 student attendance days per academic year or the length of time as required by the Ohio Department of Education and the Office of Catholic Schools.

• Once a student is enrolled in the school, the principal/administration and teachers will insist on regular attendance. Neither the Diocese, the Office of Catholic School, nor any of its employees are, however, responsible for ensuring actual attendance. This is the responsibility of the student's parent(s)/guardian(s).

Absence/Tardiness/Leaving School
In order to ensure continuous progress in school, regular attendance and habits of punctuality are essential. The school defines proper procedures as;

1. The parent(s) should phone the school giving the reason and the approximate length of absence.
2. A written excuse, explaining the reason for absence, signed and dated by the parent, must be presented upon a student's return to school.
3. Persistent absences may cause serious academic problems (including but not limited to course failure.) The administration or the class teacher will normally review the matter with parent(s) before a decision is made by the administration. Persistent absences may also result in the student being subject to appropriate disciplinary action.
4. Except in cases of emergency as determined by the principal/administration and/or a faculty member (as applicable or necessary), a student may only

   (a) be released from school with the prior written authorization of the student's parent, or
   (b) leave the school grounds with the prior authorization from the
   principal/administration

Tardiness
The tardy student will normally be subject to appropriate disciplinary action by the school administration or by the class teacher.

Absences for Other Reasons
When parents wish to take their student out of school for several days for personal and/or medical reasons, the parents should discuss the student's progress with the teacher. When the student returns, make up work will be given and time limits set. The responsibility for such make up work belongs to the parent(s) and student.

Attendance/Reporting Procedures
Regular and punctual attendance is necessary for all students to develop a sense of responsibility as well as be here for all the different educational experiences. Doctor appointments, etc., should be scheduled outside of school hours.
When a student is absent, a parent must call the school office by 9:30 a.m. and give the child's name, grade and the reason for the absence (Our school secretary will contact you if we do not hear form you by 10:00 a.m. We will first try your home and then your work until a contact has been made or noted as unsuccessful). A note about your child's absence should be sent with your child upon his/her return to school.
Late arrivals must report to the office for a tardy note (tardy 9:00 a.m.).
Early dismissals must be requested in writing by the parent via your child prior to the dismissal. When the child is being picked up, a parent/guardian must sign the student out in the office.
Any student missing or tardy on a significant number of days will be required to attend a conference with parent(s), teacher(s), and principal.
Family vacations should always be scheduled during non-school times. When this is not possible: 1.) Parent writes a note to the child/ren's teacher and school office requesting the approval of the principal; 2.) School work is made up when the students return (students may choose to work on long-range assignments or consecutive and routine assignments while on vacation); 3.) Teacher(s) give student(s) reasonable amounts of make-up time to complete work from absence time.
St. Joseph School believes that students miss a significant part of their educational process during prolonged absences, no matter what the reason for the absence. We strongly discourage vacations or any kind of appointments during IOWA, Cognitive, competencies and Proficiency Testing in October and March.

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Transferring to Another School
The school must be notified in writing by the parent(s) of a student regarding a decision to transfer a student to another school, including the last day the student will attend classes at school. All school owned material such as textbooks and library books must be returned to school and all fees paid before leaving. Scholastic information will be sent to the new school upon a "Release of Student Records" from the new school. All fees and tuition MUST BE PAID prior to the release of the student's records. In addition, students transferring or withdrawing are required to complete an Exit Form (available through the school office).

Lunch/Milk Program
Rules for acceptance and participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Programs are the same for all students without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin. Any person who believes he or she has been discriminated against in any USDA related activity should write to the Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, DC, 20250.

FOOD SERVICE PROGRAM
Information regarding our Food Service Program is sent home of all registered students in August. Applications for free and reduced meals are available to everyone.
All adult lunches for faculty, staff and adult family/visitors will be $4.00. Breakfast and snack items will remain at ala carte prices. (Student prices remain the same: $1.25 for breakfast and $2.00 for lunch. Milk is $0.40 and juice is $0.40.) Charging food and drink will no longer be an option. Payment Options:

a.) Prepayment with cash or a check into a child's account. A statement will continue to be sent home each month (no price break for prepayment for remainder of school year).
b.) Cash at point of sale.
c.) Free & Reduced Price Meals are not charged. However, if a child orders extra food or wants a snack, there must be money in that child's account or payment is made in cash.
d.) Kindergarten Juice Program can be prepaid or paid daily.
e.) Snacks can be purchased with cash or from a pre-paid account.

Note: If a child forgets/losses his/her lunch money and there is no money in the account, we will serve the child lunch. A bill will be sent home that day and payment is due the next school day. A $50.00 cap will be placed on all accounts for each month. If the account exceeds $50.00, the students need to pay cash or bring a packed lunch. All meals may be prepaid or paid in cash daily. June lunches may be prepaid or cash only.

St. Joe's Food Service can also provide ice cream treats, cupcakes, etc., for a child's in school class birthday or other special occasion party. Please call the Food Service Supervisor (330.274.2268) for more information and to make the arrangements.

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Arrival and Dismissal
Students who attend the Latchkey Program are supervised from 7:00 - 8:40 AM. All other students may not arrive earlier than 8:30 AM. They may wait in the hallway in front of the church doors until 8:40 AM when the teachers begin supervision in the classrooms.

Dismissal for car riders is 3:20 p.m. Buses are called at 3:22. Students who are riding the bus remain in their classroom under the teacher's supervision until the bus is called. If a student misses the bus for any reason, the teacher will call parent. If the student is unable to be picked up within a reasonable amount of time, the student will go to Latchkey at the parent's expense.

Students who are car riders meet their parent(s) or designated driver in the main hall of the school. (No one is permitted to wait for the students by the classrooms). In order for a student to leave via a car, a written note must be sent to the teacher, which will be forwarded to the school office. If the note is forgotten and/or a change of schedule arises during the day, a parent may call the school by 2:30 p.m. and the child's name will be announced on the P.A. as a car rider. If a student says he/she is a car rider and/or Latchkey person and we have no note or phone call, the student will be sent home on the bus. It is a parental responsibility to inform the school in writing about your child's means of transportation.

All adults who are picking up the children in a car must park the car in a space in the lot. No one is permitted to stop or park in front of the building at any time for pick up or drop off.

LATCHKEY PROGRAM
Latchkey is available both before (7:00-8:40 a.m.) and after school (3:20-6:00 p.m.).This service will also be available on early dismissal days at 2:00 p.m. Registration forms are included in the first home packet in August and school emergency medical forms are copied and filed with Latchkey registration form for use in case of emergency.
The program includes playtime (outdoor, weather permitting), quite time, and opportunities for homework, reading, some TV, games, projects, and afternoon snack in Hughes Hall. No medication will be given in Latchkey. Breakfast is available at 8:30 a.m. for those who choose to purchase it in Hughes Hall.
Requirements: Child must be a registered student at St. Joseph School. The program is geared toward children in Kindergarten through grade 4. Children may attend daily and/or as needed. If your child attends regularly, please notify the teacher in writing at the beginning of the year. If your child attends sporadically, please notify the teacher in writing weekly or each day your child is to go to Latchkey. If we do not have a note, your child will be sent home on the bus. Names of the children going to Latchkey will not be announced at the end of the day. Children who are continually disruptive or uncooperative with the supervisor will not be permitted to continue in Latchkey.
Signing In / Out: Each morning, your child is to be signed in by the parent and after school, the parent is to sign out before taking the child home. A child will not be released to anyone other than the parent(s) unless other arrangements have been made.
Fees: Mornings - $3.00 per session; Afternoon: - $5.00 per session
All fees must be paid monthly in order for your child to attend Latchkey. (Report cards will be held for unpaid balances). A cap of $150.00 is placed on all Latchkey accounts per month. If the account exceeds $150.00, parents may send cash until the account is current. Extended Fee: Afternoon Latchkey ends at 6:00 p.m. For every 10 minutes past 6:00 p.m., families will be charged a $5.00 extended fee (2-10 minutes=$5.00, 11-20 minutes=$10.00, etc.). All checks payable to: St. Joseph Latchkey.

All payments for tuition, food service, latchkey and classroom fees must stay current. Report cards will be held for outstanding school bills. The school reserves the right to withhold records of transferring students until all payments are complete (Diocesan Policy).

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GENERAL SCHOOL POLICIES

Student Custody and Guardianship
At the time of school entry or at any other time where a change in custody status/arrangements occurs, it is the responsibility of the parent(s) to provide the principal/administration with a certified copy of the legal document for any student for which there is a legal custody agreement or for any student not residing with his/her parent(s).

Access to Records
Parents have a right (unless prohibited by the courts in a custody agreement) to the timely inspection of the educational records of their child during school hours. The school shall respond to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the records.
If the education records of a student contain information on more than one student, the parents are limited to the specific information about their child only.
The School administration may elect to provide at cost photocopies of a student's educational records to parents, but documentation is stamped "unofficial."

Transfer of Records
Records are released to another school only when the parents provide a written request for such records, or when those individuals to whom the custodial parent has given written permission, have requested the child's records to be released. Only copies of student records may be released. Parents may not hand-carry records to another school, except under extraordinary circumstances. If this occurs, the records are to placed in a sealed envelope and marked "hand carried."

As a general rule, each school, at the discretion of its principal, shall have the right not to certify the student's graduation or provide transcripts of the student's academic record to third parties such as other schools or to issue a Certificate of Diploma to the student if there has been a breach of a material condition of the contract (i.e., failure to meet financial obligations.) However health records and testing results which have been obtained through state or federally-funded programs will be forwarded.

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School Visitors
All persons other than school staff and currently registered students must first report to the school office immediately upon entering school grounds.

School Communication
The principal of SJS uses two main forms of communication:

Family Packet: Each month a Family Packet full of wonderful information that will help your family plan ahead will be e-mailed to families (with the exception of possibly first and last of the school year). If families do not have e-mail, hard copies are available from the school office. The contents of these packets will included, but is not limited to: Letter from Principal, Calendar for the coming month, Menu for the coming month, TRIP Information, Home & School Happenings newsletter, lots of other good news.

One Call Now (formerly known as ParentBroadcast Service): In addition to our monthly family packet, a weekly system to help with school/family communication is used at St. Joseph's. One Call Now is a telephone and email messaging service will be used each week via school families' phones to inform them of the happenings of the coming week. It also is be used to notify everyone about school closings and/or any other emergency information. St. Joseph School makes one phone call, records a voice message and, in their own words, sends it to your primary phone number (and any additional contacts you call in to the hotline). With the convenience of ParentBroadcast, the school can quickly contact all families, in a matter of minutes, with urgent and non-urgent news. We use the service for school closings, early dismissals due to bad weather, etc., crisis situation at school, cancellations, rescheduled activities and to send general purpose reminders. Families should expect a message each Sunday evening to your home phone number. This school-to-family notification system is another way to keep families informed of all events and news that affect and influence the safety and academic achievement of our students. (Please Note: We will continue to use Channels 3, 5 and 8 on TV, as well as some radio stations for school closings. If Crestwood is closed, St. Joseph's is closed).

The Principal or his/her designee must approve all materials prepared by parents for release to the Parish or school community.

Parent/Student Handbook: Another tool to help with communication about SJS is revised annually. Families are asked to review it together, sign the "Acknowledgment Form", and return it to the school office by the designated deadline.

Phone Calls: Most phone calls are returned after school or in the evening.

Bigs & Littles
SJS has a wonderful tradition of support and love for each other by connection between grade level students. Throughout the year the classes share time, projects and other activities. Grade 5>Grade K, Grade 6>Grade 1, Grade 7>Grade 2, Grade 8>Grade 3, Grade 4 is responsible for Kindergarten screening in the Spring and the facilitation of various Big/Little activities throughout the year.

Telephone use/Messages for students/E-mail
All phone calls to and from students are made in the office. Students are not permitted to bring cell phones to school. If a student has an after-school activity off school property, and parents want their child to have their cell phone for that activity, students must keep their phone in the school office (turned off) during the day and get it before they leave the school. Students may not e-mail anyone form school, unless it is part of a school project.

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Inclement Weather/School Closings
There are a minimum of 178 student attendance days. Within these 178 days, Ohio law provides for five calamity days (inclement weather or non-weather related emergencies), which a school does not need to make up. A school must make up any days over these five days. The school has built into its calendar three possible make up days to be used if the school exceeds its five calamity days.
On any day in which classes are canceled due to severe weather conditions, all other school related activities (school sponsored social events, meetings, extracurricular activities, or athletic events/practices held on or away from school property) shall likewise be canceled on that day and evening. Exception is if the host team is in session.

St. Joseph School uses three means of communication when school is canceled because of the weather or other related emergencies: Parent Broadcast - a message about the closing will come via your home phone; Television - Channels 3, 5 and 8 usually carry all closings at the bottom of the screen; Radio - Stations WNIR 100 FM, WAKR 1590 AM are used. We follow the Crestwood School system.

Release of Directory Information
In compliance with FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), this school considers the following to be FERPA Directory Information: student's name; student's parent(s), guardian(s) name(s), addresses, phone numbers; dates of attendance; honors; organizations and teams to which a student belongs; and pictures taken of the student participating in school activities. This directory information may be released without prior consent of the holder of FERPA rights. Nonetheless, the school will withhold such information upon written request of the parents, except where other state or federal law may require disclosure to legitimate authorities.

Schools are required to use the Waiver/Right to Object form when students are participating in videotaping, audio recording, school pictures, other photography, or Internet. Any student or parental publications are subject to review and approval of the school administration prior to publication.

Families of St. Joseph School are required to complete a Photo/Media Consent Form to designate whether permission is given or not to photograph, video tape, and/or electronically transfer any pictures of their children during the school year.

Field Trips
Field trips are privileges planned by teachers and approved by the school administration with educational purposes as the primary objective and in light of financial considerations. Students may be denied participation if they fail to meet academic or behavior requirements.
Field trips are considered an extension of the school day and the code of conduct will apply
A student must give to the sponsoring teacher a permission form signed by a student's parent(s) prior to a student participating in each activity.
If a private passenger vehicle must be used, the principal must approve of this. The following conditions apply for volunteer drivers:

A) The driver must be 21 years of age or older.
B) The driver must have a valid, non-probationary driver's license and no physical disability that may impair the ability to drive safely.
C) The vehicle must have a valid registration.
D) The vehicle must be insured for a minimum limit of $100,00 per person/$300,000 per occurrence. The vehicles owner's insurance must be primary. The diocesan insurance is secondary. The driver must provide a copy of proof of insurance, which should be kept on file. (The insurance follows the car.)
E) No driver should take more children than the number of seat belts in a car.
F) Each driver should be given directions to the site and rules and procedures for student behavior in cars.
G) Each driver must follow the schedule and not deviate from it. (i.e., taking a side trip to an ice cream stand or fast food restaurant.)
The driver needs to complete the Volunteer Driver Information supplied to the driver by the principal.

Parents/guardians are to be furnished with details written information about the field trip, and must be given the opportunity to "opt out" their children from the field trip.
It should also be understood, in light of world conditions and specifically threats of terrorism against Americans, it may be necessary or cancel school sponsored trips due to world and national developments at any time.
Children not enrolled in the school may not attend field trips. This prohibition includes children of parents who drive on the field trips.

A Field Trip Release Form and an optional Food Service Form will be sent home via the students at least two weeks prior to the trip. The Release Form and fee must be returned to the student's teacher at least two days prior to the trip. No student will be permitted to go on a field trip without a signed official release form. Verbal permission over the phone is legally not acceptable. The teacher responsible for the field trip will also have a copy of the emergency medical form with her/him at all times during the field trip. If car drivers are going to provide transportation, each driver must present his/her driver's license and proof of insurance to the office to be copied. Each driver must also complete the Volunteer Driver Information Form and return it to the teacher in charge. A copy of the parent's BCI report must be on file in the office.

Overnight Trips
The 5th grade class spends several days at Camp Christopher in Bath, Ohio enhancing their curriculum, learning teamwork and sportsmanship, and having fun in the great outdoors. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will have a spring field trip to help enhance curriculum. Students will be involved in fund raisers to help defray the cost. Alternating Schedule plan (SJS reserves the right to change as deemed necessary): 2005 - 2 nights, 3 days, 2006 - Day trip; 2007 - 1 night, 2 days.

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Graduation Requirements/Ceremonies
The school does not guarantee the award of a degree or any certificate of satisfactory completion of any course of study to students. In order to qualify for graduation and/or award of a degree, students must satisfactorily complete (by attaining a passing grade) all courses for credit in the school's academic program, satisfy their financial obligations, and comply with all school regulations and policies.
The principal shall have the right not to certify the student's graduation or provide transcripts of the student's academic record to third parties such as other schools, or to issue a Certificate of Diploma to the student, if there has been a breach of material condition of the contract (i.e., failure to meet financial obligations.)
Graduation ceremonies should be characterized by dignity and due consideration for practical and economic realities. Seventh grade class hosts the reception.

Parent Organizations
Parent teacher (and/or home and school) organizations are sponsored by the School to promote a cooperative effort at meeting certain needs of the student body. The parent organization is subject in all respects to the control of the school, and all parent organization activities and all materials prepared by parents must be submitted to the principal/administration for approval prior to implementation and/or distribution.

The parent organization should strive:

1. To serve in an advisory capacity to support the principal/administration;
2. To provide a means by which parents can respectfully articulate their values and expectations regarding the school so that these can be examined and addressed by the principal/administration;
3. To support and promote quality Catholic education at the school;
4. To encourage Catholic values of family life;
5. To share with teachers the values that parents are attempting to develop with their children at home;
6. To acquaint parents with up-to-date information concerning current developments in educational initiatives as they may affect the School so that they can be in a better position to promote the legitimate rights of their children;
7. To unify parents in an effort to raise funds each year for the school.

Our Home & School Association is the official school parent organization designated to support the school as well as provide opportunities for Home and School communication. The parents of all students attending St. Joseph School are members of the Home & School Association. To learn more about it, please click here.

Fund Raising
Any program of fundraising at the school must have the approval of the principal/administration. Fundraising activities should be organized and executed so that the school program is not interrupted. Students may participate in and cooperate with worthy collections and fundraising projects conducted by the school or parish. For more information, please visit the Home & School Association page, Food Service page, and School News page.

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STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES & BEHAVIOR

Code of Conduct
In all areas of learning, discipline must be considered in the development of the whole person. The Code of Conduct is based on the Gospel message of Jesus. Growth in self-discipline, a responsibility for Catholic morals, values, and a loving respect for the rights of all persons is encouraged and nourished by the Code of Conduct. To achieve these ends, parents, faculty and students work together to create a catholic school environment. These basic components include:

• Teachers have the right to teach. No student will stop the teacher from teaching.
• Students have the right to learn. No student will stop another student from
  learning.

The school observes this Code of Conduct because it is built on fundamental Catholic school teachings. The role of the principal/administration, staff and faculty is to work with the students and parents to assist the students in developing a strong Christian attitude toward life.

Weapons
Unless otherwise authorized by law, pursuant to the Ohio revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person's control, convey or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto these premises. ORC SEC. 2923.1212. A valid concealed carry permit does not authorize the licensee to carry a weapon onto these premises.

A. A "weapon" is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed. Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that an individual intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a weapon. Weapons include, but are not limited to, any pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, or knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length. Facsimiles of weapons used in a threatening fashion are subject to this policy. Dangerous objects include, but are not limited to, clubs, nunchakus, brass knuckles, knives, butterfly knives, stun guns, and billy clubs.

B. Possession included bringing a weapon onto school property, to school sponsored events either on or off school property, storing a weapon in one's locker or other area of the school property, or having a weapon on one's person.

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Substance Abuse
The school makes every effort to make students aware of the dangers and consequences of the unlawful use of substances.

1. For purposes of definition the Office of Catholic Schools defines drugs as the improper use of legal drugs/substances (to include tobacco and steroids) and/or the use of illegal drugs/substances. Students who unlawfully use, consume, possess, or distribute drugs, or who use, consume, posses or distribute alcohol, and/or possess or threaten to use any weapon (e.g., knife) or firearm (to include firecrackers and/or any explosive device that would bring potential harm to people and/or property) on school property or at school activities or near school property with access to students attending the school or against any member of the school community are subject to appropriate disciplinary action (including but not limited to expulsion). The school may require a professional assessment to determine the appropriate program of rehabilitation, if one is needed.

2. The use or sale of drugs on or within one thousand feet of school property is unlawful under Ohio State law and is in violation of school policies. If a student is suspected to have violated this policy or is discovered with the unlawful use, sale or possession of drugs or alcohol on or near school property or at school sponsored events, the student will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. In the event school officials believe that a student is under the influence of an illegal substance, the parents will be notified. School officials reserve the right to require that the student be taken for drug testing within 24 hours and that the results of the testing be shared with the appropriate school officials. If however, a violation of the law has occurred, the proper law enforcement agencies will be contacted.

Gangs
Gangs and gang related activity is prohibited. A gang is defined as any non-school sponsored group, usually secret and/or exclusive in membership, whose purpose or practices include unlawful and anti-social behavior or any action that threatens the welfare of others.

Discipline
Because it is impossible to foresee all problems, which arise, this handbook empowers the faculty and administration to take disciplinary action for any behavior (within or outside of the school community), which violates the spirit, philosophy and code of conduct of the school, even though not specified.
In justice to the other students, circumstances may dictate that a student be removed temporarily or permanently from the particular school setting.

Use of Disciplinary Action
In cases where a student is continually disruptive of others or in the case of a single serious disciplinary infraction, the teacher will appraise the principal/administration of the situation. They will assist in the development of a course of action to be taken to correct the situation. Corporal punishment is prohibited.

Student who lack self-discipline or who violate the rights of others can expect disciplinary action. Each offense will be dealt with on an individual basis according to the age of the student, the nature of the infraction, and the severity of the case. Repeated infractions can result in more serious consequences, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion, but there is no requirement for progressive discipline.

Disciplinary Measures
The following are some approved disciplinary measures:

1. Conference with student and/or parent
2. Appropriate verbal reprimand
3. Temporary removal from the classroom (e.g., time-out room) or isolation from the group with supervision
4. Loss of privileges
5. Supervised after-school detention
6. Referral to office
7. Disciplinary contract

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Suspension
Serious or repeated misconduct may lead to suspension from class or school. It is the authority of the local building administrator to suspend a student from class or school. The diocesan school shall not suspend a student for more than five (5) consecutive days. If the suspension is for an offense which can only be addressed through counseling in substance abuse or anger control or requires the assistance of an outside agency, the suspension may be a duration to allow such counseling to occur.

Suspendable Offenses are:

a) A serious offense involving the use of violence, force, threat, coercion or other conduct which violates the safety of others. Police should be informed of these incidents.
b) Use/possession of a weapon. Police must be informed.
c) Vandalism, destruction or theft of school property.
d) First offense involving possession, use or being under the influence of drugs, alcohol or other chemical substances (counseling may be required where necessary).
e) Repeated disregard for school rules and regulations.
f) Other offenses serious enough to warrant a student's removal from school

Expulsion
Expulsion is the most serious disciplinary action taken by diocesan schools and may be used for serious disciplinary infractions, when public behavior affects school morale, safety and/or when the student remains incorrigible. Only the Superintendent of Schools may expel a student. In diocesan schools, expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from the school community. When a student has been expelled, official school records and withdrawal papers will so indicate that.
Unless directed otherwise by the Superintendent of Diocesan Schools, no principal shall admit to his or her school a student who has been expelled from another Diocesan or public school.

Student Regulations and Procedures
Privacy of individual students must be balanced against the need to protect the health, welfare and safety of other members of the school community.

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Student and School Property

Searches
The principal/administration or his/her designee has the right to protect the health, welfare, and safety of school patrons against drugs, weapons, unauthorized publications, and other contraband materials. Search of a student's person and/or personal property on school property (e.g. automobiles, etc.) or at school activities may be conducted by the school principal/administration or other designated officials. It is only necessary that a search be reasonable and related to the school rights in these regards. The failure of a student to voluntarily submit to a search shall be presumptive evidence of the existence of contraband and grounds for appropriate disciplinary action.

School Lockers and Desks
Lockers and desks are school property and are subject to searches by school authorities to protect the safety of all. A student to whom a locker or desk has been assigned has
vis-à-vis other student exclusive use of the locker or desk but has no proprietary rights versus the school.

Care of School Property
Students are to care for school property in a respectful manner. Students who deface or damage school property or the property of others will make financial restitution. If library books are not returned, students will be assessed an amount equal to the value of the book or its replacement, whichever is greater, as determined by the principal/administration.

Lost and Found
Items are routinely displayed on the school step railing, on a table in the hallway or are made available in the school office. Items not claimed at the end of each grading period will be disposed of or donated to charity.

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Dress Code
We continue to help students dress in a simple, yet attractive uniform. Our purpose is to eliminate the competitive element that clothes seem to have, so children can concentrate on their education.

This is the Dress Code for the 2008-2009 school year:

Hair (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Natural color (no tints, highlights, coloring, fads, etc.).
• Style must be appropriate for school.
• Length for boys: cannot touch shirt collar.
• All: cannot be below eyebrows.

Socks/Tights (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Gr. K: any color.
• Grs. 1-8: Solid navy or white, anklets, knee-highs, tights or Peds.
• (Socks are required at all times).

Shoes (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Backless anything is never permitted at SJS by students.
• Tennis shoes: solid black, white, blue or a combination of of these colors (no dark- soled shoes or no shoes with wheels).
• Sandals may be worn with socks during Aug., Sept., May, June (Exception: dress-up uniform days).

Jewelry/Make-up (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Jewelry is to be at a minimum. No more than one necklace, bracelet,ring, earrings (no hoops) may be worn. (Boys may not wear earrings at school.
• Skin must be completely natural (No glitter, sprays, tanning, tattoos. etc.).

Sweaters & Sweatshirts (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Solid navy or white v-necked, crew, cardigan, vest sweaters.
• SJS Spirit Wear or solid navy sweatshirts (only SJS hoodies are permitted).
• Solid navy or white blouse, shirt or turtle neck must be worn under all sweaters and sweatshirts.

Blouse/Shirt (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Solid white or navy blue with lay-down collar & front buttons.
• Gr. K: Comfortable play clothes appropriate for school.

Jumper/Skirt/Pants (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Girls > Grades 1-4: Plaid uniform jumper (solid navy shorts may be worn underneath).
• Girls > Grades 5-8: Plaid uniform skirt (solid navy shorts may be worn underneath).
• Girls and Boys > Both may also choose to wear solid navy blue dress pants. If the pants have belt loops, then a belt is required (solid navy or black). (Not permitted: extra pockets, flares, extended length in crotch, stirrups, labels of any kind, decorations, corduroy, spandex, flannels, etc.). Exception: Dress-up Uniform Days.
• Walking Shorts/Capris/Three-quarter length Pants/Skorts > Both boys and girls may choose to wear solid navy walking shorts (must be no shorter than three fingers above the middle of the student's knees) during the months of Aug., Sept., May, and June, weather permitting. Girls may choose to wear solid navy capris or skorts and boys may choose solid navy three-quarter length pants (note "not permitted" above).

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Gym Uniform (Girls and boys, grades K-8):

• Students wear their gym clothes to, from, and during school on gym days.
• Fall and Spring Months: Navy blue T-shirt and navy blue shorts from Graphic Disclosure, Inc., tennnis shoes and socks (both shirt and shorts must have student's first name printed on both), no jewelry except for stud earrings for girls
• Winter Months: Solid navy blue sweatpants and sweatshirt, school tennis shoes and socks or SJS Spirit Wear sweatshirt and pants.

All Church Days:
All students dress in "Dress-Up Uniforms". Grade K dresses in dress-up clothes.

Girls

• Grades 1-4: Plaid uniform jumper.
• Grades 5-8: Plaid uniform skirt.
• Blouse: Solid white or navy, sort or long sleeves with collar.
• Gr. K: any color dress, skirt, jumper.

Boys

• Navy blue dress pants (belt loops = belt)
• solid white or navy dress shirt with button down collar, short or long sleeves
• Solid navy or white dress tie
• Gr. K: any color long pants, dress shirt and dress tie.

Shoes: Solid black or navy dress shoes are recommended.

Socks: Solid navy or white tights, anklets, knee highs; Girls: panty hose, natural or navy.

Jewelry: Must follow daily dress code.

Notes:

• The final decisions regarding all uniform questions/concerns is made by the principal.
• SJS has a uniform closet that is available to all SJS families free of charge (please return out-grown or unused uniforms).
• Students will play outside as long as it is at least 20 degrees (if they are not well enough to participate in recess, they should be kept at home). Snow pants, boots, gloves, hats or headbands, and a neck scarf are highly recommended for each student (older students do not need to wear snow pants, but must wear the other listed outside clothing).
• All clothing worn at school must be appropriate. They may not contain questionable or double-meaning pictures, slogans, sayings, etc.

Uniform Contact Information:

Inappropriate Materials
Students are not permitted to possess the following items on school property or at school functions:

Knives, guns, weapons or any harmful objects

Any kinds of drugs, explosives

All electronic games

Cell phones. All calls are received and sent through the office

Pokemon card, etc.

Any non-appropriate reading materials

Gum

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HEALTH & SAFETY

Safety
Every effort is made to keep St. Joseph School a safe and comfortable place in which to work, study, teach, play and celebrate. Safety measures continue to be upgraded and monitored. A "Crisis Management Plan" was completed in 2004 and is reviewed annually.

Entrance & Exit to the School Building(s)
Entrance to the school building is via the main doors (south) only. All persons entering the building are required to stop at the office and sign in their name and time. A clip-on name badge must be worn so it is visible to everyone, including the students, while they are in the building. Before leaving, each person must mark their time of departure on the sheet and return their name-clip to the basket.

Child Protection
Every person is expected to treat all children with respect, love and care. Therefore, all persons who come in contact with any children at St. Joseph School and/or Property must attend a Child Protection Class and complete an electronic fingerprinting.

Asbestos
Our AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) inspections and management plans are in compliance with the United States Environmental Protection Agency Checklist, and have been found acceptable by the Ohio Department of Health. The required six-month re-inspections are being conducted and all appropriate actions are being taken. Our most recent state inspection was 3/3/2005.

Safety Procedures
SJS students, faculty and staff practice all required drill and procedures throughout the school year. These include, but are not limited to, fire and tornado drills from various places throughout the building, lock-down drill, evacuation of the school building, and all other drills required by our "Crisis Management Plan".

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Student Health & Safety
Parents and guardians have the primary responsibility for the health and well being of their children. School health services supplement, rather than substitute, for parental care and concern for the health of the students.

Accidents and First Aid
The parents of an injured student will be notified of the accident/injury by the principal/administration or the principal/administration's designee as soon as reasonably possible, taking into consideration such factors as the apparent severity of the accident/injury and the priority of providing assistance to the student.

If an incident results in a medical condition or injury which can be reasonably known to the appropriate supervisory faculty/staff member and/or the principal, the school and/or its staff are authorized to render reasonable basic first aid if such direct medical assistance would, in the opinion of the school, serve to minimize the severity of the injured person's condition. As an example, staff should initially resort to using only ice, band aid, soap and water when treating cuts and/or scrapes to avoid any possible known or unknown allergic reactions to salves or creams. In addition, staff may secure professional diagnosis and/or treatment if such action, in the opinion of the school, appears to be reasonably warranted. In the latter situation, the school shall be expressly held harmless from any costs or expenses associated with the professional diagnosis and/or treatment provided (included but not limited to the cost of transportation), such costs or expenses being the responsibility of the injured party or, if a student, the student's parents.

If it is necessary for the student to be taken to a doctor or hospital for emergency treatment, the parents should be informed as quickly as possible. Either a parent, a staff member or those listed on the EMAF (Emergency Information Card) is to accompany the child to the doctor or hospital. The Emergency Medical Authorization Form should be taken with student.

Illness
The school makes accommodations for students who become sick at school by removing them from the rest of the student population until the parent or authorized person can take the student home. Students with fevers or communicable diseases will be sent home to reduce the risk of infection to the student body.

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Administering Prescribed Medication To Students
When a student is required to take prescription or nonprescription medication during school hours, the following procedures for dispensing medication will apply:

A. Authorization to Administer Medication

1. The physician must sign a form granting the school permission to administer prescription or nonprescription medication.

a. Forms will be supplied by the school
b. The medication and signed permission form shall be brought to the school by the parent.
c. The physician's signature must be on the original medication permission.

2. In special cases (to be determined by the school nurse, principal or designee), the signed permission form may stipulate that a student is to be allowed to self-administer medication in the presence of the school nurse, the principal or designee.

3. Request forms must be submitted each school year for all medication.

B. Transportation of Medication To and Form School

1. The parent assumes the responsibility of getting medication (prescription or nonprescription) to the school and furnishing the school with an adequate supply of medication. At no time shall a student of any age be permitted to carry medication to school unless authorized in writing by the parent and/or physician.

2. A supply of medication, in its original container, should be delivered on the day on which it is to be given.

a. Unused medication will be returned ONLY to a parent or unless authorized, in writing by the parent or to another individual authorized in writing by the parent.
b. It is the responsibility of the parent to claim any unused medication within one week after the school year ends or within one week after the medication is no longer needed. Any unclaimed medication will be destroyed.
c. Empty containers may be returned home with students.

3. If any of the information stated on the permission form (FORM Med-1) changes the parent agrees to immediately furnish to the school a revised statement signed by the physician who prescribed the medicine.

C. Labels on Medication

1. Prescribed medication containers shall have the affixed label as it was prescribed by the physician and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Medicine not in the original container will not be dispensed. Medication must be clearly labeled and accompanied by the following information:

On prescription bottle:
· Full name of the student;
· Name of the medication;
· Dosage and time intervals for administration; and
· Name of the physician (required for prescription drugs only)

On the permission form:
· Possible side effects, any severe reactions; and
· Any special instructions for administering the drug such as storage or sterile conditions.

2. Nonprescription medication should also be in the original container and be accompanied by the completed permission form with the necessary details for storage and administration.

3. The parent is responsible for notifying the school, in writing, if there is to be any change in dosage or time of administration or if the administration of medication is to be terminated.

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Chronic Medical Conditions of Students
The parent of any student on a continuing regimen for a non-episodic condition shall inform the school principal/administration and name in writing the student's supervising physician. If necessary, and with parental written consent, there may be occasions when the school needs to communicate with the physician regarding possible effects on the pupil's behavior at school and special emergency procedures.

Infectious/Communicable Diseases
The protection and welfare of each individual student is of importance in the school of the Diocese of Youngstown. In an effort to enhance protection of students:

1. All students must be immunized and/or tested according to the current Ohio Board of Health requirements found in the Ohio Health Guidelines (or modified schedule as approved by the student's physician or local Public Heal