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Vision Statement of Curriculum

We, the educators of St. Mary's Central Catholic School, hold forth this vision of a curriculum of excellence for all of our students. We have a vision of curriculum that is…

  1. Meaningful: The curriculum emphasizes the active construction of meaning so that all students find purpose.
  1. Technological: The curriculum uses technology as one delivery system, examines the influence of technology on students’ lives, and gives students the skills they need to use technology to accomplish their own purposes.
  1. Socially Responsible: The curriculum develops in students a sense of social responsibility so they become aware of their obligations and duties not only as Catholics in the Catholic community, but also as citizens in a democracy who are especially sensitive to the needs of the poor and the aged.
  1. Multicultural: The curriculum reflects and is responsible to the cultural diversity of this community, state and nation so that students may develop a sense of pride in their own heritage and a respect for others.
  1. Reflective: The curriculum fosters in students the skills and attitudes of reflection so they are able to think critically, creatively, and affirmatively.
  1. Holistic: The curriculum gives appropriate emphasis to all the significant aspects of growth and all types of human intelligence.
  1. Global: The curriculum develops in students an awareness of global interdependence in all aspects of life with a primary emphasis on God as the Alpha and the Omega.
  1. Open-Ended: The curriculum is open-ended in two ways: It is open to revision and continued refinement. It provides open access to all students with high expectations for all in order to avoid tracking any student into a curriculum that does not maximize that student's ability to reach his/her potential.
  1. Outcomes Based: The curriculum focuses on outcomes so that students may develop the critical skills and acquire the knowledge they need for effective lifelong learning as full functioning citizens in a changing society.
  1. Catholic: The entire curriculum is built upon the teachings of Jesus as presented by the Universal Catholic Church with an emphasis on God's role in every area of the curriculum and every part of life in order to empower our students with the knowledge they will need to make the best possible decisions in all areas of life.

Goals Consistent with the Vision of St. Mary's Central Catholic School

Our curriculum will stress the following goals for our students in pursuit of our noble Vision. As a community of educators, we will promote the following in our everyday interactions with the students of St. Mary's Central Catholic School.

Develop Creative thinking and expression

POLICIES

  1. ACCREDITATION:

St. Mary's Central Catholic School is fully accredited by the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department through a process completed April 1987. The third cycle of accreditation was completed in March 2004.

  1. ADMISSION:

  1. INDOOR AIR QUALITY:

An indoor air quality investigation was performed at the school in March of 2007 to establish the indoor environmental conditions and help us improve the indoor air quality in our school. Our school will follow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines to improve our indoor air quality by preventing as many problems as possible and quickly responding to any problems that may arise.

  1. ATTENDANCE/ABSENCE/TARDINESS:

Regular and punctual attendance at school is expected and required. Students will meet in the Church at 7:45 a.m. St. Mary's Central Catholic School is not responsible for students left on campus earlier than 7:30 a.m. Students should not be dropped off in front of the church after 8:00 a.m. After 8:00 a.m., students should enter the school through the front office and obtain a tardy slip. The value of regular attendance cannot be overemphasized. Regular attendance is essential to maximize academic achievement. When a student is absent, the parent or guardian must call the school office at 337-6052 between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. to explain the child's absence. Absences for the following reasons are excused:

  1. UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

  1. CAFETERIA/LUNCH:

  1. CLASSROOM VISITATIONS:

All visitors, including parents, must report to the school office before visiting anywhere in the building. PARENTS AND VISITORS MUST OBTAIN A PASS FROM THE OFFICE BEFORE GOING TO ANY CLASSROOM FOR ANY REASON. Parents delivering items to children must enter through the front door and may leave the items at the front desk. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment to visit with their child's teacher. Instructional time is precious and is guarded.

  1. COMMUNICATION:

Good communication between home and school is very important at SMCCS. Each Wednesday a communication envelope containing pertinent information will be sent home with every child. A newsletter from the principal (containing upcoming events) will be sent with the oldest child of each family. Please impress upon your child the importance of bringing home all school correspondence. Sign and date the communication envelope after removing and reading the contents. The envelope is to be returned to the homeroom teacher.

  1. CUMULATIVE RECORDS

Student cumulative records are kept in the school office from the date of entrance until the date of withdrawal and/or upon completion of the sixth grade. The cumulative record contains the pupil's final averages, standardized test scores, and attendance. When a student withdraws, a copy of the cumulative record is sent to the receiving school upon written request from the receiving school.

  1. CURRICULUM

The curriculum at St. Mary's Central Catholic School follows the guidelines established by the State of Texas Catholic Conference Education Department and the Diocese of El Paso. Basic to the curriculum is the study of Catholic religion, language arts (English, reading, spelling, written and oral communication), mathematics, science, social studies, computer education, fine arts, and physical education. The automated library is open five days a week from 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Students have access to the library daily.

Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities. This participation encourages the development of character, talents and responsibilities. Participation in after-school sports depends on satisfactory academic progress. Specifically, this means passing grades in all core subject areas and satisfactory conduct. The coach will request an eligibility report.

  1. DISCIPLINE/SUSPENSION

An important aim of Catholic education is the Christian development of the whole person. Learning to get along with others and respecting others is important. Students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not interfere with the rights, privileges and safety of others. Students are encouraged to develop good habits, such as courtesy, respect, kindness, helpfulness, cooperation and responsibility, as well as good study habits. Classroom teachers send home the basic classroom rules at the beginning of the school year.

The following steps are advised if a problem arises:

Suspension:

Suspension is a serious matter. Students are liable for suspension for the following reasons:

  1. DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE

The administration and staff of St. Mary's Central Catholic School are responsible for enforcing this policy: No student shall possess, use, transmit, attempt to use, or be under the influence of any of the following substances on the school premises during any school term or off-school at a school-sponsored activity, function, or event:

  1. CELL PHONES AND ANY ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are not permitted to have cell phones or any electronic devices in their possession during the school day.

  1. DISMISSAL

The dismissal bell rings at 3:20. Students wait in the classroom from 3:20 -3:30 for parents. After 3:40, ALL remaining students will be escorted by their teacher to the After School room and will be signed in for After School care. Parents can park on the street or in the parking lot at dismissal time.

Parents MUST pick students up at their classroom. Students may not wait outside for parents.

  1. DRESS CODE/UNIFORM/PERSONAL APPEARANCE

  1. EMPLOYMENT

St. Mary's Central Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin or sex on its employment policies.

  1. AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM – Must be prepaid.

An After School Program is available from 3:30 - 5:30 on regular school days. The schedule includes supervised study and supervised recreation activities. Parents must go into the classroom to sign out their child. Payment for after school care should be made by the month. Cost per child is available in the school office. Students not picked up by 3:30 will be signed in for the After School Program. A late fee of $5 will be applied if students are picked up after 5:30.

  1. FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are related to the curriculum and serve to enhance learning. Parents will be notified in advance of all field trips. Students must have a signed permission form to participate in field trips. Uniforms will be worn on all field trips. Parents will be notified of any exceptions. Parents, who help transport students, must provide proof of appropriate insurance, attend an ethics workshops, do a background check, and provide any other information as required by the Diocese.

  1. FIRE DRILL/DISASTER DRILL

Fire drills and disaster drills are conducted for the purpose of practicing in the event of an emergency. Students will be instructed in the manner of responding
to the drill quickly and quietly. Each classroom has a fire drill route. In the event of severe weather, students will be directed to move to a safe area previously determined. School will be closed down during this time. Please, NO PICK-UPS.

  1. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE OF THE DIOCESE OF SAN ANGELO

School personnel will strive to ensure that children/youth model behavior that maintains a safe environment for themselves and others (children, youth, adults) and witnesses in word and deed their discipleship in Jesus Christ. (Adapted from NFCYM Policy for Protecting Youth People). An important component of Safe Environment Training for Children/Youth is Prevention Training that fosters a sense of safety, sensitivity and responsibility in peer relations between children and youth. Christian behavior is integrated throughout the curricula of the Catholic School/Religious Education Program. Parents and students are to be made aware of expected behavior at the beginning of the year and integrated throughout. This will be accomplished through the use of the Diocesan Guidelines for Student Behavior and the Diocesan Safe Environment Program.

In accord with the call to be peaceful followers of Christ, and with the state law, the Diocese will not tolerate any type of bullying or intimidation. Bullying and intimidation include engaging in written, electronic, or verbal expressions or conduct that has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in fear of harm to one’s self or property severe enough to create an intimidation, threatening or abusive educational environment for a student. Catholic Schools, Religious Education and other youth programs are to have specific rules to deal with youth misbehavior.

In the event of a serious incident between minors (one that sexually, physically, verbally, or psychologically harms another) who are supervised by Church personnel, an incident Report needs to be completed, after first going through the proper levels of authority, and submitted to the appropriate level of authority that will deal with the incident. Some examples of serious incidents might include but not be limited to: inappropriate sexual touching, physical violence causing injury that requires professional medical care or hospitalization, or situations requiring a response from law enforcement officials. When necessary, incidents will be reported to the proper Diocesan authority.

Steps to take in reporting serious incidents among children/youth regarding:

Reporting Procedure Sequence

Parents of children and youth involved in serious incidents should always be informed of the incident and pending actions.

Catholic Schools

  1. HEALTH POLICIES/CHILD ABUSE

St. Mary's Central Catholic School follows the Texas Health Department rules of immunization. The school reserves the right to delay admission of a student until the immunization requirements are met.

Parents must sign a request for medication to be administered by authorized school personnel. Only medication prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist and dispensed by a registered pharmacist will be administered during school hours. Medication is administered only if parents have signed a request for medication to be administered. All medication is kept in a locked cabinet in the school office. Medication must be in the original container with the following information:

OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATION IS NOT ADMINISTERED AT SCHOOL, with the exception of cough drops (no red ones) and clear Chap Stick. These two items will be given to the teacher at the beginning of the day and will be administered when necessary.

  1. HOME AND SCHOOL

Home and School meetings are held monthly during the school year. The purpose of the organization is to promote the spiritual, educational, and physical welfare of the students at St. Mary’s Central Catholic School. It is also the aim of the organization to bring into closer relationship the home and school. All parents are encouraged to attend the meetings and actively support the efforts of this organization.

  1. HOMEWORK

The regular assignment of homework serves as a reinforcement of skills that the students learn in class. It is an integral element of the teaching/learning
process. Homework must be completed on time. . Students who miss class/homework because of illness will have a reasonable margin of time to complete the work. HOMEWORK NOT COMPLETED ON TIME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Students will receive a zero for homework not turned in on time Guidelines are:

  1. HONOR ROLL

At the end of each quarter, Honor Roll students will be recognized. A student must have an average of 94 or above in each core subject (religion, language arts [English, reading, spelling, written and oral communication], social studies, science, and math) and must maintain "Satisfactory" in conduct in all subjects including co-curricular (such as elective courses) for the High Honor Roll. An average of 90 to 93 must be maintained in the same areas to be on the A Honor Roll with a “satisfactory” in conduct in all subjects. An 80 and above, with at least one 90 or above is necessary to obtain the A/B Honor Roll with a “satisfactory” in conduct in all subjects.

  1. INSURANCE

Accident insurance covering injuries that may occur during the school year is available through the school office. Insurance must be paid at the beginning of the school year. Insurance is optional, except for those students who choose to participate in after-school sports. Written proof of insurance, other than school insurance, is acceptable.

  1. LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS

Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds without the expressed permission of the principal. Violation of this can result in suspension.

  1. LIBRARY

Encourage children to make good use of both the school library and the public library. The school library is open daily. Each class has a minimum of one library period weekly. Students are expected to respect library books and materials. Fines are assessed for overdue or damaged books. Etiquette policy for the use of Internet will be established by the Diocese of El Paso.

  1. LITURGIES

Parents are encouraged to celebrate with students and participate as music ministers and ministers of Communion at the weekly liturgies planned by students and teachers. Check the weekly newsletter for liturgy times and dates. Occasionally the liturgy schedule will change due to Holy Days of Obligation falling on a different day or the availability of the priests.

  1. LOST ARTICLES

Parents MUST mark all clothing with their child’s name. Children are asked weekly to search diligently for articles they have lost. Articles (in the lost and found box) not claimed after one month will be donated to Catholic Charities.

  1. MONEY SENT TO SCHOOL

Any money sent to the school must be sent in an envelope. Mark the envelope with the child's name, amount of money sent and the purpose for the money.

  1. NON-DISCRIMINATORY STATEMENT

St. Mary's Central Catholic School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin or sex in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, and other school administered programs.

  1. PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES

A parent/teacher conference must be scheduled at the end of the first quarter to discuss the first report card. Parents may request a conference at any time by contacting the office for an appointment. Teachers may also request additional conferences.

  1. PARTIES

Christmas, Valentine's Day and End of Year parties are the three school recognized and organized parties via room parents and the homeroom
teacher. Room parents work closely with the home-room teachers in planning these events. PLEASE NOTIFY OFFICE PERSONNEL AT LEAST ONE WEEK PRIOR TO THE PARTY. When sending treats to school, please do NOT send chewing gum. Gum is prohibited at school as it is a major task to clean from furniture, carpets, etc.

  1. PERSONAL BELONGINGS

All students’ personal belongings, including books and clothing, must be clearly marked with the student’s name so that the items can be readily returned if lost. Textbooks are to be covered at all times. Damaged or lost textbooks must be replaced. The replacement cost of a textbook includes shipping and handling.

  1. PLAYGROUND

To insure the safety of students at all times at the play areas, students are expected to:

  1. PROMOTION OF SIXTH GRADE

Diplomas are presented to the sixth graders at a Mass celebrated at the end of the school year at St. Mary's Church. A celebration follows for relatives and friends of the sixth grade students.

All fees, including tuition, library, cafeteria, and after school care, must be paid in order to receive a diploma.

  1. PROMOTION POLICY

Social promotions are not granted in the Diocese of San Angelo. Students are promoted to the next grade level based on their academic achievement. Following are the guidelines for promotion:

  1. RELIGION

Fundamental to the curriculum at St. Mary's Central Catholic School is the study and practice of religion. Religion is an academic subject to be learned and a principle to be integrated into all subjects. The Catholic faith permeates the entire program by integrating religious truths and values into the education and everyday life of the students.

The “Family Life Program” is incorporated into the religion curriculum. The school supports the role of the parents as primary educators of the child. The program assists parents in their instruction and understanding of sexuality as a gift from God. All students participate in the religion program. Faith, Family and Friends, a Catholic Elementary School Guidance Program, was implemented in 1998.

  1. REPORT CARDS, PROGRESS REPORTS, GRADING SCALE

Report cards are issued at the end of each quarter (approximately nine weeks) of school. At the end of the fifth week of each quarter, students in grades 1st through 6th receive a progress report indicating satisfactory or unsatisfactory status in each subject.

  1. ROOM PARENTS

Each class will have a room parent(s) who is(are) responsible for coordinating activities with the teacher. Room parents organize parents in each homeroom to assist at the Home and School functions, classroom activities and field trips. Room parents confer with the teacher before planning any activity.

  1. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION AND HOLY EUCHARIST

  1. SCHOOL BOARD

St. Mary's Central Catholic School Board is an advisory body that sets and supervises the overall policies for the operation of the school in accordance with the Texas Catholic Conference Education Department and the Diocese of San Angelo. The board works in conjunction with the Pastor, Principal, Diocesan School Commission and the Home and School President. Board members represent the five parishes in Odessa. Monthly meetings are open to all parents and guardians of St. Mary's Central Catholic School. However, Executive Sessions are closed meetings. Non-board members who wish to be heard must submit a request in writing stating the item to be addressed. The request to speak must be submitted to and approved by both the president of the board and the principal 10 days prior to the scheduled meeting.

  1. SCHOOL CALENDAR

The Catholic schools in the Diocese of El Paso have a minimum of 180 instructional days. A calendar with early dismissal dates and holidays for the year is sent to parents in the summer. A monthly calendar is sent to parents to update events as needed.

  1. SPORTS PROGRAM

St. Mary's Central Catholic School participates in an after-school sports program for boys and girls’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, and track for all students grades 1-6. Students participating in after-school sports must have the following on file in the office at the beginning of the school year:

Students must maintain passing grades and satisfactory conduct to participate in after-school sports. Ineligibility occurs when a student receives a failing grade or unsatisfactory grade in conduct on the progress report or report card. The student will have an eligibility form (provided by the P.E. coach) for the teacher to fill out each week and return to the sports coach. The student remains ineligible until the next grading period. Students pay a fee per sports and are responsible for the athletic uniform issued. Students enrolled in the after-school sports program participate equally for the good of each child. Volunteer coaches sign in at the school office and must do a criminal background check and attend an Ethics workshop before assisting in basketball, volleyball or track.

  1. TELEPHONE CALLS AT SCHOOL

  1. TUITION/FEES REGISTRATION

  1. RETURNED CHECK/LATE FEES

A $25.00 fee is charged on each returned check, regardless of the reason.

  1. VISITORS

All visitors, including parents, former students, and friends of staff, must report to the school office before visiting any classroom. Items for students are to be left in the office, not in the classroom. Please state this policy to those who may bring items to your children.

  1. VOLUNTEERS

St. Mary's Central Catholic School always welcomes volunteer assistance from parents in the following areas:

If you are available to help, please contact the Principal with the days and times you are available.

  1. STUDENT RETREATS AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

All student retreats or events will be organized by the religion director, principal, and classroom teacher (or any combination of the three) at least one month in advance of the date the retreat or event will take place. Any retreat that is not organized by these individuals will not take place on campus during school time, or be funded in whole or in part by monies designated to the class by the school. Parents are welcome to provide input or suggest possible events; however, such suggestions or input will not be fully considered if not presented at least one month in advance of the event.

  1. SNACKS IN THE CLASSROOM

Manual of School Policies
Implementation of Policy 2450-2
Diocese of San Angelo

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS AND PARENTS

There shall be a “Resolution and Appeals Procedure” for grievances of Students and Parents.

PREAMBLE

In keeping with the principles inherent in the faith community that characterizes relationships of the parish and the administration of the Catholic schools, and with the further aim of insuring a just resolution of problems which occasionally arise during the operation and administration of those schools, a procedure for handling grievances has been established and approved by the Diocesan Bishop. This procedure provides an orderly and just means for resolving serious differences which may arise during the administration and operation of that faith community.

“Grievance” as applied herein, is defined as a Student’s and Parent’s formal claim of misapplication or misinterpretation of enforcement of discipline, of established policies and/or regulations at the local level.

Purpose: The purpose of the grievance procedure is to secure, at the first possible administrative level, equitable resolution of the grievance.

PROCEDURE

INFORMAL. Before allowing differences to become
formalized into grievances, every effort should be made
to resolve local level disputes within ten (10) working days by means of a free and open discussion between the grievant, staff member and the principal. This dis- cussion should be pursued with a view to reconciliation and resolution as befits those Leaders who minister in the name of Christ in the Catholic community. If the matter cannot be resolved by dialogue, a third party, mutually acceptable to the principal, grievant and the staff member may be asked to sit in on the discussion. Without exception, informal attempts must be made to resolve the issue before the formal procedure is initiated.

FORMAL. If the informal attempts at resolving differences are unsuccessful, the formal grievance and appeals procedures outlined below are to be followed. The proceedings are kept appropriately confidential. The term “days” shall mean working days throughout the conduct of the proceedings. A formal grievance shall not be accepted if it is filed or appealed out of the required sequence of levels. Student grievances shall be filed by their Parents or Guardians; at the hearing both student and parents or guardians will be present. A grievance may be withdrawn at any level. Once withdrawn, a grievance cannot be reopened. The Principal shall inform the Superintendent of Schools immediately whenever a formal grievance procedure has been initiated or withdrawn. Every effort should be made to avoid any bias in this communication. (If the grievance is against the Principal and the grievant has exhausted the informal procedures, then the grievant may proceed to formal level two.

LEVEL ONE – APPEAL TO SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

The grievant shall present the grievance, in writing, to the school principal within five (5) working days following the completion of the informal grievance resolution process. The written grievance must state clearly that it is a grievance, describe the event on which the grievance is based and any informal attempts that may have been made to resolve it, have a suggested remedy, be signed by the grievant and carry the effective date on which it is presented to the principal. Within ten (10) working days following the receipt of the written statement of grievance, the principal will arrange a meeting between the staff member, the grievant, required parties, and him/herself. Within five (5) working days following the meeting, the principal will provide the grievant with a written decision of the grievance.

LEVEL TWO – APPEAL TO PASTOR

Should the grievant wish to appeal this decision, he/she must file the written appeal of the decision with the pastor. The pastor will seek consultation from another pastor, school board member and an educator. Within five (5) working days, the pastor will provide the grievant with his written decision on the grievance appeal. The decision of the pastor is final.

Approved 1995; Updated 2009