Academy of Our Lady    180 Rodney Street   Glen Rock, NJ  07452   (201) 445-0622

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ACADEMIC POLICIES

            The Archdiocesan School Office establishes all curriculum policies and procedures.  All textbooks used will follow the guidelines set up by the Office of Education of the Archdiocese of Newark.  In Grades 5 through 8 the major curriculum areas:  math, language arts, social studies and science are taught in a departmental program. Reading/literature and religion are taught by the homeroom teacher.  Grades Kindergarten through 4 are taught in a self-contained program or a modified departmental program.

            All students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are scheduled for one computer, library, music and physical education class per week.  Students in Grades 1 through 8 have one art class per week.  In Grades 4 to 8, students have Spanish classes.  Listening, comprehension, creative writing, critical thinking, oral expression and handwriting skills are emphasized in all areas. 

Students are expected to do their very best in their studies. In order to succeed they need to plan to learn and learn to plan. Students should be prepared for their day with the necessary supplies and assignments.

ADMISSIONS

      The following requirements concern registration:

Each student is required to have a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal certificate (for Catholic students), record of required immunizations, and a recent medical, physical examination and school transfer form (when needed) for admission to Academy of Our Lady.

Children entering the Pre-Kindergarten Program must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before October 1 in order to be admitted to the program of the same age.

Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 on or before October 1 in order to be admitted to the school.

Students entering First Grade must be 6 on or before October 1 in order to be admitted to the school.

A child transferring from another school will not be accepted without an official transcript from the previous school.  Health records for each incoming student are required.

New students enrolling in grades 5 - 8 require a student and parent interview with the principal and assistant principal as well as a review of previous school records.

New students entering grades 6 – 8, and their parents must sign a Provisional Acceptance Contract.

AFFILIATIONS

            Academy of Our Lady is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark System of Schools. Academy of Our Lady is a member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). Academy of Our Lady is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA).

AFTER CA RE

            The After Care Program begins the first full week of school under the direction of Ms. Barbara Romeo.  The hours available are 2:45 to 5:30 P.M.  Students are served a snack.  Students may bring a change of clothes.  A homework period is provided.  Registration forms and rates are in the business office.  A late fee will be charged for students remaining after 5:30 P.M.

AMENDMENTS TO THE HANDBOOK

          This handbook is subject to change at anytime when determined to be necessary by the school administrator.  If changes are made to the Handbook, parents and guardians will be promptly notified.

ARRIVAL  

            Students arrive by 8:08 a.m. for the entry bell. Drivers are asked to follow the traffic plan and to keep designated drive through lanes open.  If you plan to park, please use the designated parking area.   If not parking, stop and discharge safely then continue moving carefully.  Be mindful that traffic may back up, posing a traffic hazard.  Rodney Street front door entrance is for the school buses only.  Cars are not allowed to drop off at the front door or park in the front spaces.  Please remind your child/children to move with caution to their assigned areas. Parents (1-8) are not permitted to accompany children to the classroom.  Students arriving before 8:00 a.m. are required to report to Before Care and be billed accordingly.  In the interest of safety, students may not be dropped off and be left unsupervised.

ATTENDANCE

            Regular attendance is absolutely essential to academic success.  When a child will be absent for any reason, the parent or guardian is asked to call the school nurse by 8:45 A.M., 201-444-3890, to report the absence.  If no call has been received by 9:00 A.M. the School Nurse will attempt to verify the absence.

            When a student returns she/he must have a note stating the date of and reason for the student’s absence signed by a parent or guardian. This is mandatory on the day the child returns to school.

            A doctor’s note is required for any prolonged absence of five or more days.  In the event of prolonged absence (two weeks or more) students are required to take part in a home tutoring program. This must be arranged by the parents through the school office and Bergen County Special Services.

            Excessive absence may result in poor academic performance that could lead to possible retention or withdrawal from school.

            A student who is absent from school because of illness, unexcused absence or disciplinary action, will not be permitted to take part in extracurricular or athletic activities that afternoon or evening. Four hours of school constitutes the minimum for considering a student present.  Dental and doctor appointments should be made at a time that will not interfere with class time.

            A student who deliberately avoids coming to school, contrary to the wishes of his/her parent/guardian, is considered truant.  Habitual truancy must be reported to the Attendance Officer of the child’s district of residence.  A student who is chronically truant will be subject to discipline.

            Time off for family vacations is considered as unexcused absence.  Teachers are not expected to prepare assignments for students who take vacation during school time.  Students are expected to make up missed work/tests upon return, within the teacher’s expectations.

            The School’s responsibility for supervision of students begins at 8 A.M. and ends at 2:45 P.M. For students enrolled in each extended care program, the School’s responsibility for supervision begins at 7AM and ends at 5:30 PM.

AUXILIARY SERVICES

            The State of New Jersey and the Federal Government offer programs that foster development of basic skills.  The programs offered are:

Compensatory Education – provides instruction for students requiring basic skills development in areas of math and/or reading and writing.

Supplemental Education – affords instruction to students requiring remedial help in areas of math and/or reading.

Speech Correction/Improvement Programs – offered to all students requiring assistance.

In all cases, parents/guardians are advised of any recommendations for a student’s participation. Parental permission is always secured prior to admission into any of these programs.

BEFORE CARE

            The Before Care Program will begin on the first day of school at 7:00 A.M.  It will be held in the library under the care of Mrs. Lautermilch or designee.  Arrangements and payment ($4 per day) can be made as needed.  Checks should be made payable to Academy of Our Lady.

BICYCLE TRANSPORTATION

            Students in grades 4 through 8 may ride bicycles to school provided the principal has approved a permission note from the parent, and the following rules are observed:

·    Helmets must be worn properly.

·        All bicycles are to be locked in the bicycle rack

·        The School does not assume any responsibility for the loss or damage to any bicycle.

BUS TRANSPORTATION

            Applications for bus transportation are distributed and filed with registration/re-registration.  Busing is provided by individual public school districts and is subject to their regulations.  Only those students entitled to ride may do so.  If a student is not going home on the bus, a note must be sent to school indicating the alternate transportation arrangements.  Buses will discharge and pick up students at the Rodney Street entrance.           

BUS TRANSPORTATION (Continued)

            For safety, bus riders are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner.  A bus contract on behavior must be signed by the student

and parent at the beginning of each school year.  Any student who

disobeys will be reprimanded, parents will be notified and riding privileges may be suspended.

CARE OF SCHOOL PROPERTY

            Students will respect the property of others, the school and the church.  Parents whose students damage school or church property will be responsible for the replacement or maintenance cost.  Parents of students damaging another student’s property must also pay for all damages.  The principal, assistant principal, and the involved parents will settle such incidents.

            All textbooks and workbooks are to be covered, kept clean, free of doodling and carried in a book bag/backpack.  No “White Out” will be carried to school by students or used to draw on books/trappers or book bags.

CELL PHONES

            No student is permitted to have a cell phone during school hours or activities.  Students may use the office phone for emergencies at school.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS, PHONE OR LEGAL GUARDIANSHIP

Please inform Academy of Our Lady promptly if there is any change in the home address, home or parents’ work telephone numbers or custody of a student.  If there is a court order specifying the rights and responsibilities of individual parents, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.

The custodial parent may wish to supply the principal with the “custody section” of the divorce decree if it contains information which may be useful to the school in fulfilling its obligations.

CHILDREN BRINGING MONEY TO SCHOOL

            Money that is sent to school should be placed in a sealed envelope and identified with: 1.) Name,  2.) Class,  3.) Purpose, and  4.) Total Amount Enclosed.  CASH should not be carried to and from school.

CLUBS

            A variety of offerings will be offered each year dependent on a volunteer moderator who has attended Protecting God’s Children workshop and sufficient interest.  Clubs meet weekly or monthly.  Please see the sign up sheet at the beginning of the school year.

CONFERENCES

            Open communication is essential for good rapport between school and home.  Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled three times during the year.  The first formal conference in November is mandatory for all parents/guardians. If additional conferences are desired, they can be arranged by sending a note to the teacher or principal or by calling the main office and leaving a message.

            For the sake of good order of the school, parents may not approach teachers before class, during the school day, or at dismissal without arranging an appointment.  Teachers will communicate with parents of a student by phone, letter or at a scheduled appointment.  Teachers may not schedule an appointment at times that would conflict with teaching or supervisory duties.

            When conferences are planned both the parent and the staff member should be aware of the purpose of the meeting so that everyone concerned may be appropriately prepared.

COURT ORDERS

            Parents are requested to provide a copy of all custodial court orders to the principal.

DISCIPLINE

A spirit of Christ-like charity, respect for authority, and mutual cooperation are essential elements of the learning environment at Academy of Our Lady.  Students are expected to act with courtesy and respect toward one another and toward all members of the staff.  They must take seriously their obligation to develop lifetime habits of self-control and concern for the well-being of others.  Home and school will work together to help students to learn and live the qualities of responsible behavior and the elements of good citizenship.

A student who chooses to disrupt the good order of the school or

to violate a policy or regulation will have to accept the consequences of those irresponsible choices.  Appropriate discipline is within the discretion of the Principal.

Accountability for uncooperative, disruptive or unsafe behavior may take any of the following forms:  misconduct referrals or warnings; punishment assignments; denial of privileges; detention; in school suspension; out of school suspension; or expulsion.

Harassment is any sort of continuing behavior that is annoying, including inappropriate Internet communication.  It can be words, gestures and actions, which tend to annoy, alarm, and abuse (verbally) another person.  A person commits a petty misdemeanor if, with purpose to harass another, he or she:  (1) makes a telephone call without purpose of legitimate communication or (2) insults, taunts or challenges another in a manner likely to promote a disorderly response; or (3) makes repeated communications anonymously or at extremely inconvenient hours, or in offensive coarse language; or (4) subjects another to an offensive touching; or (5) engages in any other course of alarming conduct serving no legitimate purpose of the actor.

Harassment occurs then, when one person makes repeated verbal written or physical contact with another person who does not want these contacts.  Bullying is a particular type of harassment that generally involves some force, whether overt or subtle.  Exclusion is widely considered to be a form of bullying, even though there may be no apparent contact.  By ignoring or excluding an individual from participation in some group activity, the bully demonstrates his or her force of power.

Actions that violate the law, threaten or cause harm to other students or staff members, disrupt or impede the welfare and progress of the school community, or bring discredit to the school will not be tolerated.  Such actions or other severe violations of school rules may result in immediate expulsion.  If a student persists in violating basic obligations of courtesy, consideration, respect, cooperation or safety, a principal/parent/student conference will be scheduled.  All subsequent discipline, counseling, consultation and corrective action plans will be viewed as positive Home-School efforts to help the student improve behavior.  If  these cooperative efforts of parents and school staff prove ineffective, the student will be subject to expulsion or may be denied re-admittance to the school.  Parents should be aware that some harassment might of legal consequences.

The Discipline Code for each class will be revised yearly, presented at Back to School Night and signed by both parents and students.

DISMISSAL

Dismissal is at 2:45 P.M.  Any change in the dismissal routine should be written in a note to the teacher, especially when some one else will pick up the child.  Please describe the person in the letter.  The school will permit only the custodial parent, or her/his designee, to pick up the child during or at the end of the school day.  The non-custodial parent will not be permitted to remove the child from school during or at the end of the school day, unless there is one-time telephone authorization, signed authorization (letter or fax), which may be acceptable.  All students being picked up by car will be dismissed from the primary doors and 7/8 grade doors.   Do not enter the dismissal doors of the school from 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, only enter at the front doors.  Bus riders and walkers/bike riders will be dismissed from the Rodney Street entrance.  Due to the bus schedule, cars cannot enter the Rodney Street parking area.

            Students not picked up by 2:55 P.M. will be taken to the Business Office.  If you will be late, please call ahead.  Students not picked up by 3:15 PM will be taken to the After Care program and billed accordingly.

DRESS CODE

            Clearly label all articles of clothing with your child’s name.

            All students in grades 1 through 8 are required to wear a uniform at all times during school hours.  Uniforms are purchased at CO-ED UNIFORM CO., Route 4, 100 Broadway, Elmwood Park (201)796-4220(or Used Uniform Closet at school).  NO S.C.I.S. LOGOS ON ANY ITEM.

Parents will be notified of infractions with a form letter.  After three infractions a detention will occur and a conference will be requested.

Class trip attire will be designated by the classroom teacher according to the nature of the trip.  At all times students are to be neat and clean appropriately reflecting Christian values.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS / DELAYED OPENINGS

·    When school is closed due to inclement weather, the Phone Chain will be used. The principal will contact the head class mother who, in turn, contacts class mothers.  The class mothers will notify the homes personally.  Please turn off your answering machine in advance when weather forecasts predict a storm to anticipate this call.  In the extreme case when there is no electric power communication may be difficult.

·    If the weather should become threatening during school hours, the office will begin contacting parents via the phone chain.

·   In the event of a  delayed opening, school will begin at 10:00 AM.  There is no Before Care program on delayed opening days.

·   If a state of emergency is declared, closing all public schools, this will also include our school.

EXAMS

            Seventh and eighth grade students are required to take formal midterms at the end of the second quarter and final exams at the end of the fourth quarter.  Absence during exams requires a doctor’s note to be considered for a make-up exam.

FAMILY ENVELOPE

                   Each Wednesday, the youngest/only child will bring home a blue envelope.  Flyers must be in the Faculty Room by 5 PM on Tuesday and be approved by the principal.  Please look for it, read all items and return it empty the next day.

FEDERAL LAW

The school’s Asbestos Management Plan is on file in the School Office, as required by the Federal Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHEPA).  Upon request, this document is available for examination.

FIELD TRIPS

            Field trips are for educational enrichment.  Participation in field trips is a privilege.   No student may participate unless a signed parent/guardian permission slip for the specific event is submitted to the school. Only assigned chaperones may accompany classes on their field trips. Parents may not follow along on class trips.  The permission slip is provided by the school. All accompanying volunteers must have completed “Protecting God’s Children” training, criminal background screening and conduct code acknowledgement forms.

FIRE DRILLS

            New Jersey law requires fire drills periodically throughout the school year. The purpose of these drills is to evacuate the building as quickly as possible in an orderly manner using the nearest accessible exit. Regulations are posted in each classroom throughout the school building.  Silence is enforced during the drill.

GRADING, HONORS AND AWARDS

                   Archdiocesan Academic Standards

            The Academic Honor Roll is awarded to students in grades 5 through 8.  The requirements are:

The Attitude Honor Roll is awarded to students in grades 3 to 8.  Grade level classroom teachers determine an acceptable level of conduct, effort and responsibility.

HEALTH/MEDICAL

Immunizations - According to the New Jersey State Department of Health, no child may be admitted into school without proper verification of the following immunizations:

Physical examinations are required for all students entering Academy of Our Lady for the first time.  Physical exams are further required for all students entering Kindergarten, Fourth and Seventh Grades by September 1.

Health screenings are conducted during the school year for height, weight, blood pressure, vision and hearing.  Additionally grades 5-8 receive scoliosis screening.  For this screening gym attire is worn.  A bathing suit under the uniform is suggested for females.  Parents will be notified of the date for scoliosis screening.

Administration of medication - Academy of Our Lady strongly discourages the administration of either prescription or non-prescription medication in school or on field trips.  However, if it is absolutely essential that a student receive medication while under school supervision, the following procedures apply:

·        A parent/guardian should come to the school and personally administer the medication.

·        If this arrangement is not possible, the School Nurse or Principal (or his/her designee) may administer the medication under the following conditions:

o       The medication must be given to the School Nurse or Principal by the parent/guardian;

o       The medication must be in the original pharmacy-labeled container; and

o       The parent/guardian and the student’s physician must complete and sign an “Authorization to Administer Medication in School” form.  This form is available from the Nurse or by clicking on the “Nurse” button on

§         www.academyofourlady.org

      Students will be permitted to self-administer medication only for life-threatening illnesses or conditions.  The parent/guardian must schedule a conference with the School Nurse to discuss in detail the need for the medication.  The parent/guardian and the student’s physician must complete and sign an “Authorization for Self-Administration of Mediction in School” form.  This form is available from the Nurse or by clicking on the “Nurse” button on www.academyofourlady.org.

Over the counter medication – requires written permission from doctor and parent.  This is the state law and includes aspirin, Tylenol, Advil, etc.  If a child requires these, have the doctor complete the Form for Administration of Medication in School.  The form is available from the Nurse or by clicking on the Nurse button on www.academyofourlady.org.

HOMEWORK

          Homework is an important aspect of the learning process.  It is essential to understand that it is neither a reward nor a punishment.  Homework is assigned to supplement and reinforce class work as well as to develop certain skills.  Parents can help their child greatly by assisting them in arranging a definite, supervised homework area and  study period.  Parent’s signature on assignments will be required per teacher request. 

Written work is not the only type of homework; oral assignments, reading, projects, studying and viewing educational programs

may also be given.  Written work should always be neat.  Each child must realize that homework is his/her own responsibility.  Failure to do homework will result in denial of recess and detention.  A parent conference and after school detention will be required for any student neglecting homework three times.

            All students are required to write down their homework assignments.  School issued assignment pads are required in grades 4-8.  Refer to the following for suggested minimum amount of time to be dedicated to homework:

            Grades K – 2:              15 - 30 minutes

            Grades 3 – 4:               45 minutes - 1 hour

            Grades 5 – 6:               1 - 1 ½  hours

            Grades 7 – 8:               1 ½ - 2 hours

INDIVIDUAL EARLY DISMISSAL

            The school will permit only the custodial parent, to pick up a student during the school day.  If your child is to be picked up at a time earlier than the usual dismissal time, please send a note in advance to indicate this to the principal.  The parent/adult must sign out the child in the Early Dismissal Book indicating time and reason, before leaving school.

INTERNET

            Parents are expected to supervise children’s activities on the Internet and sign the Technology agreement for each child at the beginning of the school year.

KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

            Academy of Our Lady has a full-day session (8:10 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.) with an optional half-day session (8:1 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.).  The children will be dismissed in the parking lot.  Parents are encouraged to keep an open line of communication with the teacher regarding who will be picking up your child if there is any change as well as particular needs.