SMCS Cougars - Handbook

From the time the students enter the building in the morning until they are dismissed in the afternoon, the school is responsible for them. Parents are always welcome in the building and we value them as partners in the educational process. Once students have become adjusted after the first week of school, we encourage students to enter the building and the classroom on his/her own accord to assist in the educational process of gaining independence and developing responsibility and confidence.

TThe best progress for your child demands a close line of communication and understanding between the parent and the teacher. This can be realized best through individual parent-teacher conferences that may be initiated by either parent or teacher. It is best if the conference is set up by appointment. This may be done by calling the school office, by sending the teacher a note, or by indicating your desire on the progress report. We will be sending additional information on conference days as we approach those scheduled times. School will be in session for a half day on conference days.

All students are required to have a physical education period weekly. If there is some reason why a student should not participate in the P.E. program, the parents should make this known to the teacher in a written statement.

P.E. ATTIRE FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES K-8

· In order to allow for maximum instructional time, the P.E. uniform will serve as the school uniform for the day.

· The same rules apply to the P.E. uniform as the school uniform in regard to being clean, in good repair, and a proper fit.

· Students are to wear a solid red, white, or navy uniform shirt. The shirt must be a polo shirt with a collar. Polo shirts must be worn underneath sweatshirts during the winter months.

· During the first and fourth quarters, students are required to wear a uniform short as described in the school uniform code. These are comfortable and are conducive to the level of activity that will be experienced in the P.E. class.

· During the second and third quarters, students are required to wear the knit sweat pant customized for Saint Mary’s Catholic School. There will be no exceptions. The pants are navy with cougar paws on the right leg. These pants can be purchased at a minimal cost from the Home and School Association and will be available to purchase/order in August.

· Tennis shoes with a rubber sole are required. Soles should be purchased that will not mark the floor – black soles are discouraged (high-heel or slip-on tennis shoes are not acceptable). TENNIS SHOES MUST FASTEN WITH A “TRADITIONALLY” TIED SHOESTRING OR VELCRO.

· Please make sure your child is dressed appropriately on his/her P.E. day.

· No jewelry is permitted to be worn during P.E. class.

It has been the custom for school pictures to be taken by a professional studio each fall. Purchase of school pictures is optional. Retakes will also be taken during the school year. Students will also have an opportunity to take an informal portrait in the spring with props of his/her choice.

A student is promoted to the next grade when he/she has completed the requirements successfully on his/her own without any accommodations in the classroom setting.

A student is assigned to a grade when he/she has worked to the best of his/her ability, but has not progressed independently at an acceptable level free of accommodations.

If a teacher perceives advantages in retaining a student for a legitimate reason, he/she may discuss these reasons with the principal and the parents to attempt to arrive at a mutual agreement. A form of this process will be kept in the student's permanent record file.