St. Joseph Catholic Academy Handbook

Message from the Principal

Dear St. Joseph Families,

Helping our students develop positive self esteem and learn to love God, family and neighbor is part of our ministry. Also, one of our primary responsibilities is to create a safe and effective learning environment. The best way to accomplish these goals is through a cooperative effort between the school and home.

Enrollment at St. Joseph Catholic Academy presupposes that students and parents/guardians agree to abide by school, system-wide, and diocesan policies. The purpose of a handbook is to acquaint you with the policies and procedures that are pertinent to the accomplishment of our mission while creating a safe, healthy learning environment. Although a handbook is not all-inclusive, it is our hope that by providing you with this important information, we will be able to serve you efficiently and effectively.

The handbook, which you will find posted on our website and available upon request from the school office, is updated as needed. We ask that you read and familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures stated therein.

It is our hope and prayer that you will have a positive experience as part of the St. Joseph Catholic Academy family. God bless you for your support and prayers as we work together to bring your children closer to God while we learn, live, and grow together. We look forward to working with you in a positive, mutually respectful manner providing support for each other as we work toward our common goal, the success of your child.

Yours in Christ,

Mrs. Marilyn Batson,
Principal

MISSION AND PHILOSPHY

PHILOSOPHY

St. Joseph Catholic Academy is part of the teaching ministry of the Roman Catholic Church. Built on the four pillars of Catholic Education (Catholic Identity, Academic Excellence, Accessibility, and, Affordability) our goal is: to prepare each student to proclaim the Good News, to translate it to action, and to transform oneself and society with God’s help (To Teach as Jesus Did, pg. 29, #105). We integrate religious truth and values with life.

We strive to create a Christian educational environment conductive to spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and aesthetic growth of each student committed to the care of St. Joseph Catholic Academy “Prime responsibility for creating this unique Christian school climate rests with the teachers, as individuals and as a community (The Religious Dimension of Education in a Catholic School, pg. 13, #26). As an educational community, our intent is to enable our students, through a challenging curriculum, to reach their full potential as Christian individuals.”

MISSION STATEMENT

St. Joseph Catholic Academy is dedicated to excellence in education and to the spiritual development of youth within the framework of the gospel and in the tradition of the Catholic Church.

School Mottos: Peace is our Mission, Christ is our Model.
Every child is a gift from God and has been given a gift to share.

ACCREDITATION

SSt. Joseph Catholic Academy is accredited through the Missouri Chapter of the National Federation of Non-public School State Accrediting Association. This association is comprised of non-public schools in the states of Missouri, Minnesota, Michigan, Arkansas, and Georgia, and is recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Missouri State Board of Education, and the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. St. Joseph completed a self-study process in 2008-2009. Schools are re-accredited on an annual basis.

ADMISSION/REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

In recognition of the important role the parish has in fostering the full development of our youth, our admissions procedures require that our Catholic parents obtain written approval of their Pastor to complete the registration process.

Policy: Age of Admission

“A child is to be three (3) years of age prior to Aug. 1 to be eligible for admission to preschool and five (5) years of age prior to Aug. 1 to be eligible for admission to Kindergarten.
The following must be presented at registration:
(1). Baptismal Certificate (if student is Catholic).
(2). Birth Certificate
(3). Social Security Number
(4). Current Immunization Record “

Policy: Priority for Admission

“Priority for admission into St. Joseph Catholic Academy programs will be given to active Catholic families who are registered in their parish.”

Policy: Transfer Students

“All transfer students will be admitted on a probationary basis. Transfer student policy guidelines include the following:
1. The Transfer Student form will be completed prior to registration
2. The administrator, coordinator of special services, guidance counselor and other appropriate personnel may contact the former school(s) regarding the student’s educational history. Only students who are in good standing at their prior school will be considered for enrollment.
3. The administrator will conduct an interview with parents and student.
4. The administrator makes the decision regarding enrollment.
5. Transfer students will be admitted on a probationary status for 90 attendance days starting with the first day of attendance. Anytime during the probationary period the administrator may:
A. Remove the probationary status of the student,
B. Extend the probationary status of the student,
C. Dismiss the student from school.”

ARRIVAL – DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

INSTRUCTION BEGINS AT 8:15 a.m. - DISMISSAL IS AT 3:15 p.m.

Students who arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. report to the school cafeteria. At 8:00 a.m. students are dismissed to their classrooms. Students who arrive at school between 8:00 and 8:15 a.m. should report directly to classrooms and wait for teacher before entering.
Regular dismissal time is 3:15 p.m. for all students. Please make arrangements to have children picked up by no later than 3:30 (or 1:30 on early dismissal Fridays). Children not picked up by 3:30 will be taken into the building. Parents must come into the building to pick them up. This extra supervision places an undue burden on teachers. Paid After-School-Care is available.

EARLY DISMISSAL FOR TEACHER'S MEETINGS:

The faculty meets on a regular basis for in-service and to discuss items which affect the entire school. Meetings are held on the 1st Friday of each month; classes will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. Please make prior arrangements for pick up.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURE

The safety of the students is the top priority when dropping off and picking up students. Students should not be loaded or unloaded on the street.

Guidelines:
• Pull vehicle as far forward in the loading zone as possible before stopping.
• All children enter and exit vehicles on the passenger side.
• If parking, child must be walked to and from the school.
• Children will be dismissed through the exit on the north side of the building.
• In order to provide a quiet learning environment and prevent congestion we request that parents wait outside the building rather than in school hallways for dismissal.

DISMISSAL DURING THE SCHOOL DAY:

Students may not be released to anyone other than a parent or guardian unless the school has been otherwise notified. Parents are required to report to the office and sign their child out before taking them from school during the school day; school personnel will call your child to the office in order to minimize the interruption of the learning process. Any child who has need for early dismissal should bring a note from a parent/guardian explaining the need for early dismissal; likewise, any child who will be leaving school with someone other than a parent should have a note of explanation to be given to the classroom teacher at the beginning of the school day. When unexpected circumstances arise, a call to the office will suffice. Students who return to school should check into the office upon returning.

WINTER RELATED – SCHOOL CLOSING

St Joseph Academy closings will be announced on the radio and television. If Springfield Catholic Schools close, we will close also. We do not usually close early during the day because of weather, but parents/guardians can pick up their children early if they are concerned about transportation safety.

ATTENDANCE

Regular school attendance and punctuality is a condition of enrollment at St. Joseph Catholic Academy. All healthy children are expected to be at school for the full school day. Missouri State Law requires 174 days of school. More than 5 day’s unexcused absence in a quarter can be considered neglect, according to the Division of Family Services, and can be reported as such to the Division of Family Services.

Parents are discouraged from taking students out of school except for family emergencies. Doctor/dentist appointments will be considered an excused tardy if the child returns to the school with a note. If calling before school hours a message can be left on the answering machine.

Students arriving after 8:15 are to report to the school office for a tardy slip. Students who are gone from the school for less than 1 ½ hours anytime during the day will be counted as tardy. Students gone from school 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours anytime during the day will be counted as ½ day absent. Please note: Students who arrive after 10:00 a.m. or leave before 1:30 p.m. will be counted as ½ day absent. Students gone from school or on the sick bed for more than 3 ½ hours of the day are counted as a full day absent. When a child is absent from school, a written excuse signed by the parent or guardian is required when the child returns to school and must contain the DATE OF ABSENCE and REASON FOR ABSENCE.

When a child is absent, tardy, or released from school early, he/she is responsible for work assigned and the student should ask teachers about make-up work. Parents are encouraged to pick up their child’s schoolwork when their child is ill.

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS/SNACKS

Please consult with your child’s teacher about how birthday treats are handled in the classroom. We ask that families do not send balloons, flowers, etc. to school, as it is disruptive to the learning environment. To prevent hurt feelings we request that parents refrain from handing out invitations for a party unless the ENTIRE CLASS or EVERY BOY or EVERY GIRL in the class is being invited.

SNACKS
Preschool and Kindergarten parents will be asked to provide snacks for the class. Older children who need a snack at recess may eat it in designated areas. Parents are asked to send nutritional snacks to school. For safety, glass containers are not permitted. Parents should discuss with the teacher any plans to provide snacks for their class before the date. For health reasons, snacks that are brought in must be purchased from a store or bakery and come in the original container.

CAFETERIA

St. Joseph Catholic Academy offers federally subsidized breakfast and hot lunch programs. All students are required to eat lunch (either purchased or brought from home). Menus are published monthly and sent home in family mailbag or available on the website. Except in case of emergency please do not send/bring “fast food” lunches. Soft drinks are strongly discouraged – glass containers are prohibited. We strongly encourage all families to fill out paperwork for free or reduced lunches/breakfasts regardless of desire to participate. All information is held in the strictest confidence and participation in this process helps to raise revenues in the cafeteria and maximizes our eligibility for federal grants to support supplemental academic programs. Application forms are available in the school’s office.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Please send all lunch/breakfast money to school in a sealed envelope with your child’s NAME, GRADE, and the AMOUNT OF MONEY enclosed written on the front of the envelope. When paying for more than one child with one envelope please make sure that all children’s names and grades are on the front of the envelope.

COMMUNICATION

Communication and cooperation between the home and the school is an important ingredient in any school program. The teachers strive to make parents aware of student progress and classroom activities primarily through their students’ backpacks and the website. We recommend that parents check backpacks on a daily basis so that important information will not be missed. Frequent e-mail communications are sent to all families who submit e-mail addresses.

WEEKLY MAILBAGS

General notices, and news from the parish, school system, or local organizations are sent Thursday of each school week in a family mailbag. Parents should empty the mailbag and return it the next school day. Every family will be provided with one mailbag a year, replacement mailbags cost $.50 each.

CONFERENCES

When concerns arise, parents are invited to communicate with the classroom teacher who is most closely involved with the situation and can most likely help or answer questions. Teachers can be contacted through the school office and an appropriate time to meet will be arranged. A REQUIRED Parent-Teacher conference is scheduled for all students following the end of the first quarter. Additional conferences can be arranged at other times during the school year. The principal is also available for conferences. Parents are requested to call ahead for an appointment.

HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

All parents are considered members of the Home & School. St. Joseph Home & School Association is a means to develop mutual understanding between parents and the school staff and to assist parents in achieving their mission with the school as co-educators of their children. The Home & School meetings, which are held as needed throughout the school year, provide parents and staff with opportunities to meet and discuss ways to work together for benefit of the entire school community.

CURRICULUM

ACADEMIC COMPETITONS

Because we recognize the diversity and excellence found in our students, we encourage student participation in appropriate competitions that are offered locally, statewide, and nationwide. Academic Competitions include: Duke University Talent Identification Program (TIP); Duke University recognizes students in Grade 7 who have scored at the 95th percentile or higher on certain sections of the ITBS. These students are invited to take the SAT or ACT college entrance exam. They also qualify to participate in higher learning programs. Students also have the opportunity to compete in the Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair, MathCounts, Missouri Council of Mathematics Teachers Math Competitions, Regional Language Arts Fair, Right to Life Contest, Springfield Art Museum Art Show, as well as variety of writing/essay, and poster contests. The school year culminates with the St Joseph Academy Educational Fair in which every student, PreK – 8th grade, prepares and presents a project in the subject area of his/her choice.

SUBJECTS TAUGHT & GRADING SCALE

The curriculum places emphasis on the development of knowledge, skills, and understanding appropriate to its student body in accordance with its stated goals, purposes, and objectives.

St. Joseph Catholic Academy curriculum includes:

Religion – Service Learning, Math, Reading/Phonics, Grammar/Spelling
Social Studies, Science, Spanish, Family Life
Christian Family Life, Technology, Art, Vocal Music/Band
Environmental Studies, Social Justice, Health, Physical Education

Grading Scale Grades 2– 8
A94-100C77-83
A-93C-76
B+92D+75
B86-91D71-74
B-85D-70
C+84Fbelow 70


Grading Scale Kindergarten - 1
EExcellent
S+High End of Satisfactory
SSatisfactory
S-Low end of Satisfactory
PProgressing but not yet satisfactory
UNo progress demonstrated toward skill

HOMEWORK

Lessons taught during the day need to be reinforced with written work and study. Assignments are based upon work, which has been taught during the day, and should usually be able to be completed independently by the student. If the assigned work takes more than an ordinary amount of time, please consult the teacher. Ordinarily, Primary Grades (1-3) will have 15 – 30 minutes of homework, Intermediate Grades (4-6) might have 30 –45 minutes; Grades 7-8 will have 45 – 75 minutes of work. This could be study or written work.

Students who do not turn in daily homework assignments each morning will be placed in “Time After for School Kids” (T.A.S.K.) from 3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. There will be a teacher on duty in the T.A.S.K. room to assist the students. Parents will be notified of their child’s attendance in the day’s T.A.S.K. session by phone as soon as TASK is assigned. While parents are waiting for TASK students we ask them to pull to the middle of the parking lot to wait or come into the building to pick students up. A student who needs extra help in any area of study may attend T.A.S.K. for extra help.

Teachers are not expected to provide homework assignments in advance for students who will be gone for reasons other than illness, family emergency, or school activities. Students are responsible for obtaining and completing assignments when they return to school after being absent. Parents are to call the school by 9:00 a.m. if they want to pick up a student’s homework. Homework may be picked up at the school office.

STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

POLICY

St Joseph Catholic Academy attempts to address the learning needs of all students within the parameters of the school’s human and financial resources. Students are considered for enrollment when educational resources and programming are available which can address their specific needs and allow them to be successful.
St Joseph Catholic Academy provides for a normal range of learning differences, but does not provide direct special education instruction. St Joseph serves students whose instructional program requires minimal modifications.

LIBRARY

Our library is stocked with an array of books appropriate for respective grade levels. The books may be read at school or checked out. The student is responsible for the book and will be expected to pay for damage or loss.

REPORT CARDS

Reports cards are issued four (4) times a year, about once every nine weeks. Make-up work is required to be finished by the end of the quarter. A mid-quarter report will be sent to the parents notifying them of the child’s progress. On-line access to student grade books is provided to parents who request it.

STANDARDIZED TESTING

Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) standardized achievement test is given annually in the fall to each student in grades 2 – 8 according to Diocesan Guidelines. Scores will be given to the parents. ACRE Test of Religion is given to Grades 5th and 8th.

TITLE I PROGRAM

Services from the Federal Government through Title I are offered to students who qualify. Parents are notified if their child qualifies for this program.

DISCIPLINE

The philosophy of discipline of St. Joseph Catholic Academy is based on the life and teachings of Jesus. These principles are the foundation for Christian learning. St. Joseph Catholic Academy will strive to provide an education in a safe, disruption free environment where each person is valued as an individual. Students are to exhibit respect for all individuals. Students at St. Joseph Catholic Academy are expected to act in a way that reflects the strong Christian values that have been taught by their parents as well as reflecting the philosophy of the school. Students who engage in conduct, whether inside or outside the school, that is detrimental to the reputation of the school, may be disciplined by school officials. Clearly established rules of conduct for the classroom and school building help students to know and understand what is expected of them while they are under our care and supervision.

When occasions arise in which students do not reflect those high values, teachers will handle those situations appropriately and will communicate with the parents regarding the conduct. If necessary, the principal will become involved to the extent that the teacher and/or parents believe it will be helpful or the administration feels it is necessary.

Students, coaches, parents and participants in or at any extra-curricular event will demonstrate behavior that reflects the strong Christian values of Catholic education. Extra-curricular events include academic and sporting events. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Anyone, child or adult, displaying unsportsmanlike behavior will be asked to leave the event.

Diocesan guidelines are established that direct the administration in serious cases where suspension or expulsion might be considered. Removal of student privileges or service work might be a consequence. Cooperation, communication, and a positive approach to the relationship between home and school will always be the key to happy and successful student life.

Diocesan Policy #5500

"Discipline is not a form of punishment. Its purposes are:

  1. To help each student become more responsible to him or herself and to others.
  2. To educate and assist students in developing self-control.
  3. To promote classroom situations conducive to learning.
  4. To create a harmonious school and classroom atmosphere.

Discipline is attained when students in a classroom and school cooperatively work with principal, teachers and companions toward the attainment of the class and school objectives."

Diocesan Policy #5600

"Every effort should be made to avoid suspending a student from school. The principal can suspend a student from school for a justifiable reason, but in so doing judges this to be a course of action that will be preventive and corrective. If, however, a suspension is warranted, parents are to be personally notified of the suspension of their child and also be notified by mail by the principal. Possible causes for suspension include but are not limited to:

  • Open defiance of school authority
  • Striking a teacher or other school personnel
  • Possession or consumption of an alcoholic beverage at school or a school-related function
  • Possession or use of a controlled substance at school or a school related function
  • Possession or use of a weapon or anything that would threaten the welfare of anyone present in the school or at a school related function (immediate suspension)
  • Any verbal threat, or physical threat of violence"

During the period of suspension, suspended students may not participate in nor attend any school related practices, activities or events, including all sports, without the written permission of the school administrator.

GUM

Gum is not to be chewed on the premises during the school day.

SEARCH AND SEIZURE

St. Joseph Parish and the school are co-tenants. Administration has the authority to inspect all school or personal property. Items considered a hazard or a nuisance in the school or on the playground are subject to immediate confiscation and disciplinary action may be taken.

HARRASSMENT

Harassment of any nature is unchristian and is in direct opposition to the spirit and mission of St. Joseph Catholic Academy. Disciplinary action will be taken.

TOBACCO USE

St. Joseph Catholic Academy is a smoke/tobacco free building. The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited in any part of the building.

“The principal is the final recourse in all disciplinary situations and may waive any disciplinary rule for just cause at his or her discretion.”

DRESS CODE AND UNIFORM

Students in grades K through 8 are required to wear approved school uniforms.
Guidelines:
• Necklaces and bracelets (except for a cross or religious medal on a light weight chain or cord), are not allowed, nor are ankle bracelets, and rings. For safety reasons, hoop earrings are not allowed. Girls may wear one pair of stud earrings.
• Make-up, nail polish, tattoos, and body piercings are not allowed.
• Hair: distracting styles, artificial coloring, streaking, or hair jewelry that distract are not allowed
Any issue related to the cleanliness or neatness of the uniform, hairstyles, or general appearance of the students, not specifically addressed in the school dress code, can be judged appropriate or inappropriate by administration. If administration determines that a student is not in uniform, that their appearance is distracting to the educational process or diminishes the reputation of the school; the administration will request that the student make modifications.

Out-of-uniform days are observed throughout the school year. On these days students are expected to be in modest and appropriate attire. Students are not to wear clothing that is torn or has holes in it, tank or spaghetti-strapped tops, clothing with inappropriate logos, tops that reveal the wearer’s midriff when arms are extended upward, biker shorts, athletic shorts, leggings, or shorts shorter than their fingertips extended at their side, knee length is preferred.

Parents accept responsibility for their children’s dress at school. If students are dressed inappropriately, parents will be contacted to bring proper clothing for their child to wear. Vendors have been chosen to comply with this dress code.

All students should wear athletic shoes to school on the days that they have a P.E. class. Other footwear inhibits the ability to safely participate in physical activities; therefore, students without proper footwear will not be allowed to participate in P.E. activities and will receive a zero (0) for the day. (Note: PLEASE, at all times, no black or red soled shoes that leave scuff marks!) For safety reasons, flip-flops or other open backed shoes are not permitted.

Preschool Dress Code

Students should be dressed modestly and appropriately for the weather. (Please, no shoes that leave black scuff marks). On P.E. days children are required to wear tennis shoes. Sandals, boots, and dress shoes inhibit ability to safely participate in physical activities.

FIELD TRIPS

Field trips are privileges. Students may be denied participation if they fail to meet academic and/or behavior requirements. All volunteer drivers for field trips must be 21 years old and have a Volunteer Driver Form on file with the school office. No student will be allowed to go on a field trip without signed Field Trip Permission from a parent/guardian, or adult designee of parent/guardian.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

ASBESTOS

St. Joseph Catholic Academy families should be informed that there is asbestos present in our building. It is non-friable and in its present condition presents no hazard. St. Joseph Catholic Academy is in compliance with AHERA regulations. An asbestos management plan has been developed and is on file in the school office. The plan is available for inspection upon request and by appointment. A periodic surveillance report is filed.

CHILD PROTECTION AND CUSTODY

St. Joseph Catholic Academy abides by the Child Protection and Reformation Act (RSMO 210) that requires school personnel having reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional capacity might be abused or neglected to report to the Missouri Department of Family Services.

St. Joseph Catholic Academy abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the right of non-custodial parent with access to academic records and other school information regarding his or her child. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information give, it is the custodial parent's responsibility to provide the school with a court-certified copy of the court order.

COMMUNICABLE DISEASE/ILLNESS

Since children are in close proximity to each other in a classroom, illnesses can spread rapidly. If a child is running a temperature, has a rash, has inflamed eyes, or has been sent home from school for these symptoms, please do not send the child back to school until he/she is healthy. “If the child is fever-free upon arising WITHOUT THE USE OF FEVER-REDUCING MEDICINES he/she may return to school.” “Please be sensitive to the health of the rest of the student body and staff when assessing whether or not your child is in the best condition to return to school even if he/she is fever-free.”

DIOCESAN SAFE ENVIRONMENT (VIRTUS)

The Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau is committed to the protection of children and youth. We believe strongly in our moral obligation to provide them with a caring environment in which their faith can flourish. In a continuing effort to keeping our children safe, the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau has adopted the Virtus© safe environment program.
All Academy employees (and volunteers who have regular contact with children) must undergo safe environment training (Virtus© “Protecting God’s Children for Adults”). In compliance with Diocesan policy, all paid staff and regular volunteers in our school are required to undergo a “Criminal Background Check” and complete a “Sexual Misconduct Policy of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau” form prior to working in our school. St. Joseph Catholic Academy teaches one student awareness class (TEACHING TOUCHING SAFETY©) each fall and one each spring.

EMERGENCY DRILLS

In order to prepare the children for an emergency, fire, storm, and lockdown drills will be conducted at various times during the year.

EMERGENCY FORMS

An Emergency Form is required to be kept on file for each child. It is important that all requested information be given for school use in case of an emergency. Parents are responsible for keeping this information current. In the event of an accident or a sudden illness, parents/guardians will be notified as soon as possible using contact information provided by parents/guardians on Emergency Form.

IMMUNIZATIONS

All students must comply with the health requirements determined by the Missouri and United States Department of Health with regard to school immunization. The school nurse consultant will coordinate efforts to keep and update student health records. The administration has the authority to see that all students are in compliance with the health department laws and regulations and will determine if action should be taken in cases of non-compliance. The nurse consultant is available for advice related to health issues and can be contacted through the school office.

MEDICATIONS

Student medications must be brought to the school office by parent/guardian in original packaging. All medications will be kept in a locked, safe area to be administered by a designated person as per label directions. An authorization form must accompany all medications and must have medication name, dose, and parent/guardian signature. In compliance with policy, non-prescription medications will require the parental authorization form or a written permission from the child's doctor.

RECESS/BREAK PERIODS

All students are expected to take part in activities outdoors unless weather is bad or the student has been asked to stay inside by a teacher. Students should come properly dressed for outdoor play.

SCHOOL INSURANCE

School insurance for injury or accident is available for families to purchase through the Schumacher Student Insurance. Insurance is also available through MC+ for Kids for families who qualify for Free/Reduced Lunches. Additional information is available at: http://www.dhss.mo.gov/HealthyChildren/MC+.html

PHONE POLICY

Except for emergencies, teachers and students will not be interrupted during class to use the office phone.

CELL PHONES & ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Students are prohibited from using and/or having cell phones or other electronic communication devices turned on during the school day, unless otherwise directed by a teacher, administrator, coach or other authorized adult. This includes the lunch periods and passing periods, as well as on school sponsored trips. “Using” refers to not only the making and receiving of calls, but also refers to using the electronic communication devices for any other purpose.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Students are expected to handle school property/equipment including textbooks with care. A protective cover is to be kept on textbooks at all times. Students and/or parents will be held financially responsible for misuse, damage, or loss of school property/equipment. Students may not use school equipment without proper adult supervision. St. Joseph administration and teachers reserve the right to inspect desks, storage units, backpacks, gym bags, or any items that students bring to school.

SPORTS

St. Joseph Academy students are eligible to participate in Springfield Catholic Schools’ organized athletic programs. At the elementary level these programs consist of cheerleading, basketball, cross country, and track for 7th and 8th graders. The program is governed by Missouri State High School Athletic Association (MSHSAA) guidelines. Each student shall maintain a C average, with no more than one F, during each grading period. Any student, who fails more than one subject, shall be ineligible the following semester. He or she may not participate in practice or in games.

TECHNOLOGY

COMPUTER USAGE
The use of computers at St. Joseph Catholic Academy is a privilege and carries with it, the responsibility for appropriate use. Students who do not comply with usage rules may lose their usage privileges. All students/parents in Grades Kg - 8 must sign a technology usage agreement form before the student will be allowed to use the computers at St. Joseph Catholic Academy. Completed forms are kept on file for and are in effect for the duration of the student’s enrollment at St Joseph.

VISITORS

Visitors are welcome at St. Joseph Catholic Academy. However, as a safety precaution, all parents/visitors are asked to check in at the school office before proceeding anywhere else in the building. To protect our students surveillance cameras are in operation at all times and during the school day doors are locked. To avoid unnecessary classroom interruptions, parents who bring forgotten items or who need to leave a communication for a student/teacher should leave them in the school’s office to be delivered to classrooms by school personnel.

WORSHIP/PRAYER

Our faith is as the core of our school day. Students, faculty, and staff participate in daily prayer and are given opportunities for regular Mass attendance, the Sacrament of Reconciliation (during Lent and Advent), special prayer services, Stations of the Cross, devotion to the rosary, and special seasonal practices.

Students in grades K through 8 attend an all school mass every Friday. Individual classes may attend additional Mass throughout the week. Unless otherwise noted all Mass times are 8:30 a.m. Your presence is always welcome at school masses.

Reception of Communion at school masses: While we welcome our non-Catholic students and families at our celebration of the Mass, Catholic Church Guidelines do not allow permission for non-Catholics to receive Holy Communion. Non-Catholic students come forward with their class with their arms crossed over their chests and receive a special blessing instead of Communion. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ's prayer for us "that they may all be one" (John 17: 21).

Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (Canon 844 s 4). Member of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches.(Canon 844 s 3).

Enrollment at St Joseph Catholic Academy presupposes that students and families agree to abide by the policies and guidelines contained in this handbook. Violation of handbook guidelines is grounds for disciplinary action including possible dismissal from St Joseph Catholic Academy.
St. Joseph Catholic Academy administration has final recourse and reserves the right to amend this handbook.

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