Purpose of Handbook
This handbook exists to foster the efficient operation of St. Mary's Elementary School
(the “School”). To meet this objective, the principal is given the ability to exercise
discretion and take actions other than those specified in the handbook. St. Mary’s
Elementary School is operated in full accord with the teachings of the Roman Catholic
Church (the “Church”), subject first and foremost and at all times to the Church’s moral,
ethical, canonical, and religious precepts as interpreted by the parish pastor, subject to the
Diocesan Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre (the “Diocesan
Bishop”) and applied by the school administration. The Diocesan Bishop is the final
arbiter of the interpretation and application of such precepts to all aspects of school life.
These precepts shall be the guiding principles upon which the entire life of the school
shall be understood. This handbook is subject to change at any time when determined
necessary by the school administration. If changes are made to the handbook,
parents/guardians will be notified promptly. 
Telephone Numbers
Main Office   516-627-0184
School Fax  516-627-3795
Tuition Office Mrs. Yannaco Ext. 1164 516-627-7794
Development Office  516-627-4605
Extended Day Program  516-754-3279
High School Main Office  516-627-2711
Website www.stmary11030.org

Absences
When a student is unable to attend school, a parent must call the school office between
8:00 and 9:30 a.m. to report the child's absence. The parent is asked to give the student's
name, teacher's name, and reason for absence. A call must be made each day the student
is absent. New York State requires that a note be sent by the parent upon the child's
return to school stating the date and cause of the absence. If a child is sick for three or
more days, please call the office to request work. If a child is sick for fewer than three
days, please contact a classmate for assignments or check the teachers’ websites. If a
student is going on vacation, work must be obtained from a classmate. 
Admissions
St. Mary's Elementary School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed,
national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission
policies, scholarships and awards, athletic and other school-administered programs.
By November 30th of the upcoming school year, nursery school students must be three
years old, pre-kindergarten children must be four years old, kindergarten children must be
five years old, and first grade students must be six years old. Ages must be verified by a
birth certificate; immunization records must be complete. A physical examination is
required when a student enters school for the first time.
Transfer students must provide copies of their academic records. A screening or
placement test is usually administered to transfer students.

After School Activities
A variety of after-school programs is available for the students each trimester including
athletic clinics and extra-curricular activities. Information and permission slips will be
sent home so that students may register. Parents are responsible for transportation.
A late bus is available for students living in the Manhasset School District. A student who
has been absent from school may not participate in or attend any afterschool activities
including sports practices, games, and concerts unless approved by the principal.
Participation in after school activities is a privilege and regular school rules apply.

Assessment Cards
Assessment cards are distributed at parent-teacher conferences or mailed home at the end
of each trimester. The purpose of assessment cards is to provide information to the
parents concerning achievement, effort, conduct, and work and study habits. Parents of
students in grades 1-8 have online access to their children’s grades through Gradebook
(https://drvcpowerschool.org). Parents are assigned a user name and password for each
child. Teachers update these grades frequently so that parents can be informed about their
child’s progress. Parent-teacher conferences are held following the receipt of the report
cards. Conferences provide the opportunity for parents and teachers to share the child's
educational growth, experiences, attitude, weaknesses and strengths.
Students in middle school (grades 6 through 8) are eligible to make the Honor Roll, and
furthermore, the Principal’s List. These honorable distinctions are meant to acknowledge
those students who have spent the trimester focusing hard on their studies and academic
achievement. Please see the criteria for both the Honor Roll and the Principal’s List
below:
Honor Roll:
- 4 or a 5 in all subjects which meet at least three times per week
- At least a 3 in all other special subjects
- An ‘S’ or an ‘E’ for effort and conduct grades in all classes
- No detention served during the marking period
Principal’s List:
- 4 or a 5 in all subjects which meet at least three times per week
- At least a 3 on all other special subjects
- An ‘S’ or an ‘E’ for effort and conduct grades in all classes
- No detention served during the marking period
- 5 in at least three subjects which meet at least three times per week

Athletics (see www.stmary11030.org After School/Athletics for the full policy)
The Athletic Program serves as an extension of the school’s mission to educate
holistically. Participation in the Athletics Program is considered a privilege through
which individual students are granted the opportunity to flourish beyond the classroom.
while representing St. Mary’s. This aspect of the program is its central goal and is made
possible in part by dedicated players, parents, faculty, and staff.
The Athletics Program is a competitive one which requires commitment to both games
and practices. While sportsmanship and camaraderie are a priority, students may be cut
from teams if a coach deems lack of ability or maturity a safety risk.

Attendance (see www.stmary11030.org Students/Attendance Policy)
There is a high correlation between academic success and school attendance. Prompt,
regular attendance has a marked influence on scholastic achievement. Parents are
encouraged to schedule vacation days in accordance with the school calendar.
It is the student's responsibility to make up assignments, projects and tests missed during
any absence. If a child is sick for three or more days, please call the office to request
work. If a child is sick for fewer than three days, please contact a classmate for
assignments. If a student is going on vacation, work must be obtained from a classmate or
on the teachers’ websites. It is not the teacher's responsibility to prepare assignments for
students who are on extended vacation. All work must be completed upon return.
If a student is absent for a state test, trimester or final exam, the student may be required
to bring in a doctor's note upon return to school. Trimester and final exams cannot be
made up for illegal absences.

Band/Violin
Students in grades 1-8 have the option of taking musical instrument lessons during the
regular school day. It is the responsibility of the student to complete missed class work.

Birthdays
Students may bring treats to share with their homeroom or grade in order to celebrate
their birthdays (or ½ birthdays if their birthday falls during the summer vacation).
No toys, goody bags, frozen treats, or drinks should be brought in to school as birthday
treats. Please notify the homeroom teacher of birthday celebrations about a week in
advance so that the teacher can allow room in the daily schedule as well as give
information regarding food allergies in the grade. Invitations to birthday parties may not
be distributed in school UNLESS all of the boys or all of the girls are invited.

Bookstore
The bookstore is stocked with various school supplies, including the PE uniform, and is
open each morning before classes begin. Parent volunteers staff the bookstore.
Bus Conduct
Students are to remain seated with seatbelts fastened, facing the front when the bus is in
motion. Heads and arms should not hang out the windows. All litter should be removed
when disembarking and nothing should ever be thrown out of the window.
Students residing in the Manhasset School District may ride a different bus within the
school district provided a parent sends two notes to school: one for the bus driver which
must be signed at the main office, and one for the school files. Students from other
districts may not switch buses as the bus companies are not insured for students who do
not reside in their school district. Abuse of bus privileges may result in the denial of
transportation by the company or by the school. St. Mary’s Elementary School has the
right to discipline students who abuse bus privileges.

Calendar
Calendar updates will be available on the school website. The website calendar will
supercede information previously published on the annual calendar.
Cancellation of School
In the event of inclement weather or other emergencies parents will be contacted by
School Messenger (the mass communication system) on their home phones, cell phones
and e-mail addresses. For any emergency during school time, a message will be sent
through School Messenger to all telephones numbers and e-mail addresses listed. If the
weather is inclement during the school day, please check telephone messages and e-mail.

Custody Issues
Unless or until documentation is presented otherwise, both parents have the same rights
with regard to their child. Upon notification as to custodial issues, parents must provide
any and all court documentation regarding custody. The documents should be provided to
the principal for appropriate forwarding and review.

Dismissal Procedures
For the safety of the children, each student is assigned a specific place to be at dismissal
depending on his/her mode of transportation. Students may not arbitrarily leave with a
different teacher or on a different line. Any change to a student’s regular dismissal plan
must be communicated to the Main Office with a note from the parent. If a student is
going home with another parent, a note from both parents must be sent to the office that
morning. Dismissal changes attempted after 1:30 pm may not be seen by the main office
in which case the child will travel home under normal dismissal procedures.

Early Dismissal
If a student must leave school before dismissal, he/she must bring a note from a parent to
the Main Office by 8:30 a.m, or the parent must email the Main Office. Included in this request should be the student's name and grade, the reason for the early dismissal, the name of the person who will pick up the student, and the time of the early dismissal. The person who comes for the student should sign out the student in the Main Office. Students who are sent home sick by the school nurse must be signed out in a similar fashion.

Electronic Equipment
Cell phones, gameboys, MP3 players, Apple watches or other wearable technology and any other electronic devices are not permitted for use during the school day unless students are given permission by the supervising teacher.
Device/phone policy:

• 1st offense:  (loss of device/phone) for one day, parent pick up, letter sent home, immediate conduct referral and detention 

• 2nd offense :(loss of device/phone) for one day, parent pick up, immediate conduct referral and (2) detentions 

• 3rd offense:  (loss of device/phone) for one day, parent pick up, immediate conduct referral, (2) detentions, and loss of recess for (2) days

Middle school students must sign and review with
parent to conform to the stipulations in the Chromebook Caretaker agreement upon
receipt of the device. No student may use a personal devices to access the internet.
Students in grades N-5 may NOT have a cell phone in school. Middle School students
may have a cell phone, but the following criteria must be observed:
-The cell phone must remain off during school hours 7:40-2:30, including field trips.
- Parents may not call or text their children and students may not call or text their
parents while on school premises. All communication between parents and students
during the school day must be done using the Main Office telephone.
- After school (e.g. dances, activities) the student must still receive the permission of
the supervising teacher to use the cell phone.
Under reasonable suspicion of cyberbullying or other inappropriate social media use, cell
phones may be searched. Desks and lockers/cubbies are subject to random searches.

Emergency Drills
Fire drills, lockdown drills, and bus drills are conducted throughout the school year.
Escape routes are posted inside the door of each classroom.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
In the event that St. Mary's Elementary School must be evacuated for any reason, the
following evacuation plan will be put into effect. Students will be evacuated from the
elementary school facilities to St. Mary’s Church (upstairs or downstairs). If the decision
is made to send students home, parents/guardians will be contacted through School
Messenger. Parents/ guardians will be asked to meet their children in the northwest
corner of Macy's parking lot. The lot is located on Northern Boulevard west of the school
near the intersection of Community Drive. Faculty members will escort students from the
gymnasium to Macy's parking lot and remain with the students until they are picked up
by their parents/guardians.

Extended Day Program
This after school service is offered only to St. Mary's students from Pre-K through 8th
grade. The program includes a snack, time for homework and study, arts and crafts,
games and recreation, as well as free play and additional activities. Extended day
program starts the first day of school immediately after dismissal, and ends the final day
of school at 6:00pm. The fee is $10 per hour. Failure to keep up with bills may result in a
child barred from the program.

Failures
If a student fails a course for the year, the course must be retaken and passed in summer
school. If the course is not available in summer school, a certified teacher must tutor the
child for thirty hours. In August, St. Mary's will give a make-up exam to all students who
were tutored. That exam must be passed or the student cannot return to St. Mary's.
Students who fail two or more subjects in June may be asked to leave St. Mary's. An
eighth grade student who fails any subject for the year must pass the course in an
approved program before being granted a diploma.

Field Trips
Two field trips per class to educational points of interest are scheduled by teachers in
consultation with the principal during the school year. These trips are designed to
supplement aspects of the classroom curriculum. Field trips are privileges afforded to
students; no student has an absolute right to a field trip. Students may be denied
participation if they fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements. Parents will
receive notices of trips in advance; permission slips and a fee to cover transportation and
facility use will be required. The class parent works with teacher to equitably determine
volunteers for each field trip.

Graduation
Public graduation is a privilege earned by the successful completion of every course
taken in 8th grade, and acceptable student behavior. For serious reasons - academic
failure, infractions of school and attendance policies - the administration reserves the
right to withhold public graduation from any student. Eighth grade students who fail a
subject for the year may also not be permitted to attend the graduation dance, Class
Night, and any other events held during graduation week.

History
The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary arrived in Manhasset from
Scranton, Pennsylvania on February 1, 1926 to staff the newly built elementary school of
St. Mary's Parish. Over the years, the school grew and service was extended beyond
Manhasset to educate children from several school districts in Nassau County as well as
children from the nearby areas of Queens County. Today, many dedicated lay teachers
continue to provide an excellent academic, religious and values-based education.

Homework
Homework is an integral part of the school curriculum. Its purpose is two-fold: to
reinforce concepts and skills taught during the school day, and to encourage the development of self-discipline. While homework is the responsibility of the student, parents can assist by providing a quiet place for their child to work, and by checking assignments.
Parents should establish certain hours of the afternoon or evening when assignments can
be completed without distractions. Parents can also help students get started by reading
directions together or discussing a writing assignment, but should avoid becoming too
involved. Students need to learn to work independently, to develop initiative, and, at
times, to work through the material slowly. Homework consists of written work and/or
study time. There is never a day when a student can accurately report, "I have no
homework" or "I did it all in school." If a student comes home using those phrases, that
student should read for at least 30 minutes. Neatness and accuracy are expected, and
students must follow the teacher’s submission and formatting requirements.

Illness and Injury
Any student who has an accident in school, on the school grounds, or while engaging in
any school sponsored activity, must immediately notify the teacher in charge, the
principal or the nurse. In case of illness or injury, a student will be cared for
temporarily by the school nurse or a member of the school staff. School personnel will
render first aid treatment only. If emergency medical treatment is necessary, the parents
will be contacted. If the parents are not available, the student will be taken to the
emergency room at the hospital. An incident report will be completed.

Immunizations
The New York State Department of Education requires that all children be immunized
against diphtheria, poliomyelitis, measles, German measles and mumps and the Hepatitis
B series. All immunizations must be up to date. New students must present written
documentation of immunization before they may be admitted to class. Families who seek
religious exemption must follow every appropriate step stipulated by the Diocesan
Bishop. Students who already have religious exemption in place need not re-apply.

Insurance
School insurance is mandated by the Diocese of Rockville Centre. This insurance is
compulsory for each student in the School and supplements the family's insurance policy.

Internet Use
A student may not use the Internet or contact a web site using the school computers
without first submitting a signed AUP. The Acceptable Use Policy will be reviewed
by the computer teacher in September. The parent AUP appears at the end of this
handbook. Students may NOT access the internet using their own devices. 

Library & Learning Media Center
Grades K-5 have a scheduled library time each week. The library is supervised by the
teachers and volunteers. Students are assisted with the selection of books and also with
research projects. Reference books, and other research tools are available for the
students' use. There is a fine for overdue books and lost or damaged materials.

Lost and Found
Money, jewelry or other articles of value found in the school or on the school grounds
should be turned in to the Main Office. Items of clothing and all other articles found on
school premises will be displayed on shelves by the Northern Boulevard door. The
school does not assume responsibility for lost items.

Lunch
Food and drink items are available in the school cafeteria for grades Kindergarten
through 8. Monthly menus are posted on the school website. Lunch bags should have
the child's name on the outside of the bag. No glass bottles are permitted. Students
with allergies are directed to sit at designated tables in the cafeteria. Friends without
allergies who wish to join them must not have any food items that will cause an
allergic reaction. In order to expedite the cafeteria check-out process, parents are
asked to create an account on the service website.

Mandated Reporting
In accordance with NYS law, all teachers, school personnel, and volunteers supervising
children are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters are required to report suspected
child abuse or maltreatment when in their professional capacity, they are presented with
reasonable cause to suspect child abuse or maltreatment. If you suspect something, log it
and report the incident to the Principal. If the Principal is not available, please contact
the Nurse. If you prefer, you can call Child Protective Services directly. You may wish to
visit the NYS Office of Children and Family Services website at ocfs.ny.gov website for
additional information. Students must be advised that confidentiality may not be
maintained if the matter involves health, life or safety. In which event, staff must report
appropriately. Confidential information of the Department of Education must never be
transmitted or forwarded to outside individuals or companies not authorized to receive
that information. Reasonable care must be taken regarding discussion or disclosure of
confidential and sensitive information in non-secure situations, such as messages left on
voice message systems, public telephone conversations, and conversations in open areas.

Nurse
The school nurse's office is located near the Main Office and is open throughout the
school day. The nurse is responsible for the maintenance of health records, routine health
checks, parent contact concerning health problems, care of minor injuries, assisting in
health teaching, and vision, hearing and scoliosis screening. Parents should contact the
nurse if a child is absent from school due to a communicable disease. When a student has
recovered from a communicable disease, he/she must bring a release slip to the school
nurse.
If it is absolutely essential that a student receive medication while under school
supervision, the parent may:
- Come to the school and personally administer the medication, or
- Have a doctor complete and sign an Authorization to Administer Medication
Form. The nurse will then administer the medication provided that the medication
is in the original pharmacy-labeled container.

Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)
All parents of children enrolled in the school are de-facto members of the PTO. The
purpose of the PTO is two-fold: community-building as well as fundraising. Meetings
are held throughout the year. The PTO Executive Committee meets additionally. A PTO
family membership fee and student activity fee are billed through the tuition plan.

Parent Volunteers
Parent volunteers are one of St. Mary's most valuable resources. Parents are encouraged
to help in the classroom, library, playground, lunchroom, extra-curricular activities, and
on field trips. Parents may contact the PTO to volunteer to share their talent and time
with our students. Parent volunteers must sign in at the Main Office during school
hours. All volunteers must complete the Virtus course and submit a background check
before working with the students in any capacity including being a field trip chaperone.

Parish Sacrament Policy
Preparation for First Penance, First Communion and Confirmation will come under the
direction of the Parish Religious Education Office. Instruction for the students will take
place during the school day in the regular classroom setting. Parent meetings and presacrament activities will be coordinated with the Parish Faith Formation program.

Photo Release
As a parent/guardian, I hereby consent that any still or motion picture film or video
images taken of my child during the normal course of his/her activities related to
St. Mary's may be used by St. Mary's in whatever way St. Mary's deems it necessary for
its communications, publicity, and advertising which may include but is not limited to
print media, television, St. Mary's website and St. Mary’s advertising. I hereby consent
that such photographs and films shall become the property of St. Mary's. St. Mary's
shall have the right to duplicate, reproduce and make multiple uses of such photographs
and films as it deems necessary for its communications, public relations, publicity, and
advertising, free and clear of any claim whatsoever on my part as parent/ guardian.

Recess
Rules regarding recess are read aloud and posted in each homeroom.

Religious Education and Liturgies
As part of its universal mission to serve all students, the non-Catholic student is
welcome at St. Mary's School. Parents, however, are expected to understand and agree
that the school exists to educate in the framework of Catholic values. All students,
therefore, must participate in religion classes and in the liturgical services scheduled
throughout the school year. Students take an active part in the planning of liturgical
and para-liturgical services. Spiritual life is an integral part of the education of each St.
Mary's student; it is the unifying principle that nourishes and enriches our curriculum.

School Hours
-Nursery 9:00 - 12:00 pm Monday through Friday
- Pre-Kindergarten 8:45 - 1:45 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Kindergarten-8th grade 8:00 - 2:25 p.m. Monday through Friday

Speech Therapist
A speech therapist is available through Manhasset School District. New students
and students referred by their teachers may be evaluated by the speech therapist.
Sessions are scheduled for students experiencing difficulties in the area of speech or
language development. Parents may contact the speech therapist for consultation.

Student Records
The school maintains a cumulative record for each student which includes academic
achievement, grade level, attendance, standardized test scores and medical history.
Student records are confidential and may not be released without written parental
consent. However, a parent or legal guardian has the right to examine his/her child's file
and may arrange to do so by contacting the principal.

Summer Assignments
Students going into grades 1-8 are responsible for completing summer assignments
in reading and mathematics. These tasks must be completed according to the
directions on the website: www.stmary11030.org. Students who transfer into St.
Mary's during the summer are also obligated to complete the summer assignments.

Tardiness
Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes
loss of instructional time. Any student who arrives at school after 8:00 a.m. is considered
tardy. Students who are late may receive a demerit. (Students arriving on late buses will
not, of course, be penalized).

Textbooks
Textbooks are loaned to the students by BOCES or their school district. Textbooks must
be covered and carried to and from classes and school in a book bag. If a book is lost or
damaged it must be replaced by the student. For safety reasons book bags/backpacks with
wheels are not permitted in the school buildings and on school grounds.

Tuition Policy
Tuition and fees are due and payable at the time and in the manner required by the
payment plan selected by the parents at registration. Depending upon the amount unpaid
and the length of time such amount is outstanding, a parent's failure to pay tuition in a
timely manner may result in the student being asked to withdraw from the school. Lesser
sanctions which may be imposed include: a student being denied admission to classes,
denied permission to take examinations, denied participation in co-curricular and
extracurricular events and activities, withholding of grades and records including being
denied copies of immediate and final transcripts needed for transferring or admission for
further study, and not being permitted to graduate or receive a diploma.

Uniform
The school uniform is to be worn from the first day of school in September until the final day of school in June (unless otherwise directed by the principal on unusually hot days).
Dress Code for Girls
-Girls in grades K-5 must wear a knee-length jumper, white blouse and school tie.
-Girls in grades 6-8 must wear a uniform skirt, white blouse, tie and navy blazer. Skirts cannot be rolled or shortened in any way. The skirt cannot be any shorter than four inches from the floor when a girl is kneeling (please allow room for growth).
-Solid navy knee socks or navy tights must be worn each day.
-No makeup is permitted. One small earring in each ear lobe is acceptable. No other body rings permitted. No dyed or shaved heads.
Dress Code for Boys
-Boys in grades K-5 must wear neat, navy trousers, a white shirt and a school tie.
-Boys in grades 6-8 must wear gray dress trousers, a white shirt, a school tie and navy blazer. Pants must be worn at the waist.
-No earrings, body rings and/or facial hair are permitted.
-Hair must be neat and appropriate (no dyed or shaved heads, no tails or carvings, length of hair should not go past the ear).
For Boys and Girls: Hair should be neatly worn. No hair coloring (other than naturally occurring colors) are allowed. Hair should be at an appropriate length.
Winter Option
-Navy sweater of fleece with the St. Mary logo may be worn in place of blazers. 
Black, brown, or navy leather tie shoes, loafers, bucks, or docksiders are the only shoes permitted. Heels may be no more than 1" in height. Soles must be flat. Sneaker-like shoes, boots, clogs, sandals and "heelies" are not permitted.
Physical Education Class Uniforms
The PE uniform consists of navy blue shorts, sweatpants and sweatshirts, and gray shirts with the St. Mary's logo. Students are to wear the gym uniform to school on PE class days. The St. Mary's Elementary School gym uniform is the only acceptable attire for PE class. Proper sneakers and athletic socks must accompany the uniform. Visible undergarments including compression shorts and brightly colored undershirts are not permitted to be worn unless the student has a doctor’s note. Students who are out of uniform will receive demerits.
Dress-Down Days
Any time students are given permission by the principal to "dress-down," the following rules are in effect:
-No spaghetti straps, bare midriffs, or visible undergarments
-No inappropriately worded apparel or apparel that depicts ideas contrary to the teachings of the Catholic Church
-No flip flops or backless shoes.
-Boys shorts or pants must be worn at the waist.
Cleanliness and neatness in dress are expected. Students who do not observe the uniform code will be dismissed from class and may not return until parents bring the uniform. Administration reserves the right to have any child change into clothing if their dress down clothes are deemed inappropriate for school.

Visitors
All visitors/parents/volunteers must sign in at the Main Office upon entering the school
building. While parents are welcome and encouraged to visit, especially to volunteer for
library, lunch duty, etc., they are asked not to interrupt classes. To encourage student
responsibility, parents will not be permitted to deliver "forgotten" items. The only
exceptions will be eyeglasses and lunch.

Student Technology Use and Behavior Policy
The School has established Internet access for its students. Access has been established
for limited educational purposes only. By agreeing to this policy the student(s) and the
parents/guardians of the student fully agree to the following:
THERE IS NO RIGHT TO PRIVACY when using the school's technology resources.
Administration, faculty, and other authorized persons have the right to review any and all
material saved, transmitted, accessed, or momentarily in use by the student in accord with
the policy set by the school's administration. The school’s right to review is extended to
any use by the student’s parents and/or legal guardian of the school’s computer resources
in accord with the school’s policy for review of student records and/or work.
There is NO ABSOLUTE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF SPEECH when using the
school's technology resources, which is viewed by the administration as a limited
educational forum; and student behavior is expected to conform to values consistent with
the Catholic faith both inside and outside the school setting.
All access to the school's technology resources will be permitted only under the
supervision of a member of the school staff. The student agrees that all information
transmitted through the use of the school's technology resources (e-mail, web page
publication, or other Internet postings) will be sent or received only under the direct,
immediate supervision of a member of the school's staff and with the explicit permission
of that staff member. The student agrees to stop using any and all of the school's
technology resources whenever requested to do so by a member of staff or other
authorized person.

The student agrees never to transmit via the school’s technology or personal technology
resources the personal information (name, age, gender, address, phone number, e-mail
address and the like) of himself or herself as well as that of any other person. The student
agrees never to arrange for a meeting with any person at any time using the Internet.
Furthermore, the student agrees to notify a staff member immediately if he/she is asked
for personal information, views inappropriate materials, or in any other way feels
violated, harassed, uncomfortable, or accosted through the school's technology resources.

The student agrees never to access, transmit, or retransmit material which promotes
violence or advocates destruction of property, including, but not limited to, access to
information concerning the manufacture of destructive devices, such as explosives,
fireworks, smoke bombs, incendiary devices, and the like.

The student agrees never to access, transmit, or retransmit any information containing
sexually oriented material, which means any pictures or writings that are intended to
stimulate erotic feelings by the description or portrayal of sexual activity or nude human
form.

The student agrees never to use the school's technology resources for commercial
purposes. The student will never buy nor sell anything using the school's technology
resources. The school's system will never be used for political lobbying, although it may
be used to communicate with elected representatives to express opinions on political
issues.

The student agrees never to tamper with any software and/or hardware including software
or hardware that guard the school's network from unmanaged Internet use. The student
agrees never to tamper with any security system that protects the school's technology
resources. The student agrees to use only the software and/or hardware permitted by a
member of staff for express educational purposes. The student agrees never to use the
school's technology resources to gain unauthorized access to another technology network
(hacking). The student agrees never to participate in illegal activity using the technology
resources. The school will cooperate fully with local, state, or federal officials in any
investigation related to any illegal activities conducted through the school's resources.
The student agrees never to transmit (download or upload)) any computer file,
application, or other computer resource to or from the school's technology network. This
includes the unauthorized installation of software from a CD-ROM, flash drive, or other
media.

The student agrees never to use inappropriate, obscene, profane, rude, inflammatory,
threatening, or disrespectful language. The student agrees never to post false information
or engage in personal, prejudicial, or discriminatory attacks. Student behavior is
expected to conform to values consistent with the Catholic faith. The student agrees never
to harass another person by use of any technology resources. Harassment is defined as
any action that distresses or annoys another person. The student agrees to stop
immediately any and all behavior that is construed by another as unwelcome.
The student agrees never to use any of the school's technology resources to plagiarize.
Plagiarism is defined as taking the idea or writing of others and presenting them as one's
own. The student agrees to respect the right of intellectual property of other people and to
respect all copyright laws. The student agrees that if he or she is unsure whether
copyright law is being respected, he or she will bring this question immediately to the
attention of a staff member.

The school will not be held responsible for the actions of a student who is in violation of
any of the terms of this policy. This responsibility is extended to, but not limited to: loss
of data or interruptions of service, the accuracy or quality of information obtained
through the school's system, or any financial obligations arising through the unauthorized
use of the school's technology resources.

A student found in violation of this policy will be subject to discipline including, but not
limited to, temporary removal from the school's system, permanent removal from the
system, or other appropriate disciplinary action in accord with the rules and regulations of
the school, including suspension or expulsion, and /or legal action.
Social Networking - Student behavior is expected to conform to values consistent with
the Catholic faith, both inside and outside the school setting, relating to the use of and
participation in social networking as well as the School’s technology resources. Any
technology use or use of social networking sites to display any wording or images of any
student engaged in any activity which, in the sole discretion of the school administration,
is inappropriate, crude, vulgar, or a violation of values consistent with the Catholic faith,
or is illegal in any respect, will be subject to disciplinary action, including, without
limitation, suspension, expulsion and/or legal action.

Any technology use by any student which includes viewing or distributing any images,
wording, messages or material which are, in the sole discretion of the school
administration, obscene, harassing, racist, inflammatory, malicious, fraudulent or libelous
will be subject to disciplinary action, including, without limitation, suspension, expulsion
and/or legal action. This may include inappropriate use outside of the school building.

Discipline Policy
Discipline provides the modeling, rules, limits and moral framework within which the
individual develops his or her sense of adjustment to society. School discipline can play a
key role in character education. Older students must learn that things are not always black
and white, and that sometimes the good of society must be considered before the interests
of any single individual. Younger students must learn that when you are living in a group,
it is not always possible to get your own way. All students must learn to understand how
other people feel when they are treated unjustly. Students need to be taught that they must abide by the rules if they want to receive the benefits that society has to offer. Without order, safety, and a sense of security and civility, teaching and learning will not flourish. St. Mary's Elementary School Discipline Policy is inextricably tied to its behavior
curriculum. Character development encompasses much more than teaching children to
obey rules and avoid wrongdoing. A major emphasis should always be on nurturing
goodness and the contributions that a virtuous life can make to personal happiness and
spiritual fulfillment. The roots of positive discipline lie in the way people think about
themselves and others and the way they treat each other every day.
In an effort to achieve the good order and respect that is consistent with the values of St.
Mary's Elementary School, the following must be emphasized:
- All human beings, because they are sons or daughters of God, share a common
covenant with Jesus Christ and are deserving of total respect and kindness.
- Students are expected to be prompt at all times during the school day: homeroom,
changing of classes, lunch, recess, closing prayers and bus lines.
- Students may not leave school property without permission.
- Students are required to wear the full uniform as outlined in the uniform code.
- Students are expected to follow the specific directions given for dismissal.
St. Mary’s Elementary School administration reserves the right to take disciplinary action
at its discretion. Disciplinary action includes but is not limited to loss of privileges,
detention, suspension (in-school and out-of-school) and expulsion. Disciplinary action
may be taken for the following, but not limited for:
- Disrespect for any member of the faculty, staff, parent volunteer, etc. (i.e. answering
in a rude manner, obscene gestures, cursing, etc.).
- The possession, sale or use of weapons, alcohol, drug paraphernalia (including vape
pens), drugs or any other controlled substance before, during or after school, on
school grounds, buses, or at school sponsored activities.
- Smoking (including vaping) on or adjacent to school grounds and buses.
- Assault or fighting on school grounds, on buses, or on school trips.
- Cheating, stealing, lying.
- Deliberate destruction of school property or the property of other students.
- Disruptive behavior during class, thereby causing a lesson to be interrupted.
- Inappropriate behavior during recess.
- Tardiness to school or to class (students who take the bus are not considered tardy if
the bus is late; students driven to school by parents are considered tardy even if the
parent was at fault - engine trouble, alarm didn't go off, flat tire, etc.).
- Violations of the uniform policy, athletics policy, or computer acceptable use policy.
- Chewing gum within the school building or on the school grounds.
- Food or beverage outside the cafeteria.
- Uncovered books or desk/personal property unkempt.
- Unprepared for class (missing notebook, textbook, paper, pen, homework etc.).
- Selling items of any kind to other students.
Certain expectations of student behavior have been listed above and are emphasized by
each teacher from the first day of school. Certain consequences (interventions) have been
attached to each of the transgressions listed above:
- Possession, sale, or use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes)
or weapons, assault, fighting, disrespect, stealing, lying and vandalism are all causes
for immediate suspension and possible expulsion. In lieu of or in addition to
suspension, certain privileges may be revoked (participation in field trips, etc.).
- Students who cheat or plagiarize will receive a zero on the test, quiz, homework or
class work. (Plagiarism is defined as taking the writing of others and representing it
as one's own. This includes copying information from the internet.)
- Destruction of school or another's property, pushing/shoving in halls or classrooms,
rude/discourteous/disruptive behavior, disrespect, inappropriate behavior at recess,
etc. may result in a conduct referral being sent home which equals one detention.
- Uniform violations, chewing gum, food outside the cafeteria, abuse of another's
property, uncovered books, unprepared for class, unkempt personal property,
vulgarity, tardiness, etc. may result in a demerit being sent home.
Detentions will be served after school by all students who have received one conduct
referral or three demerits. It is the student’s responsibility to have the slips signed by a
parent and return them to the Main Office. Detention will be held on Tuesdays from 2:25-
3:45. Parents are responsible for the child's transportation. Lack of transportation,
doctor's appointments, babysitting, etc. will not excuse a student from serving detention.
Only students in grades 4-8 can be assigned detention. Students who receive excessive
demerits and serve frequent detentions may lose privileges (e.g. participation in field
trips, dress-down days, etc.). In-school suspension may also be a consequence.
Bullying is defined as the repeated and targeted actions of one student against another
with intent to cause harm or emotional distress. This goes directly against St. Mary’s
expectations of its students to treat one another with respect and kindness. St. Mary’s
reserves the right to identify student actions as bullying – both in school and outside of
school - and discuss incidents with the students involved. Further disciplinary action
(including, but not limited to, loss of privileges, detention, suspension, or expulsion) may
occur.
Disciplinary actions will only be effective if the school has the wholehearted cooperation
of the parents. The parents' attitude and respect for school authority and the parents'
appreciation for the efforts of the school will be reflected in the attitude of the students.
Parents cannot rely on the school alone to build character. Nor should the school expect
parents to be solely responsible for character development. We must work together so
that virtuous behavior becomes second nature to our children.