Dear Parents,

      This Parent-Student Handbook has been compiled to assist you in becoming familiar with the policies and procedures of Saint Ephrem School. It is our desire to offer a sense of stability to our students and to offer them a guideline for the development of those qualities of character that you, in choosing a Catholic education, have indicated are important.

      The Catholic educational institution emphasizes:

      It is these three qualities that we, at Saint Ephrem School hope to instill in each child entrusted to our care. With your support and the dedication of our faculty, we strive to develop the human and spiritual qualities that lead to the development of intelligent, inquisitive, compassionate, community-minded, Christ-like human beings; leaders of the next generation.

      The following guidelines are meant to assist the home and school in providing a learning environment commensurate with the goals we have established for our children. We thank you for your support of and adherence to them.

      It is our policy that a child who has reached his sixth birthday by August 31 will be eligible for first grade. All children admitted to first grade must take a Readiness Test, which is administered at Saint Ephrem on an appointed day.

      Registration of pupils entering first grade in September will take place during Catholic Schools Week. The date is published in the weekly Church Bulletin. At the time of registration, parents must present a Baptismal Certificate, (this includes children baptized at Saint Ephrem Church), child's original birth certificate, Social Security Number, and a record of immunization shots. A family must be registered in the parish as active, supporting members. There is a non-refundable registration fee.

      When a family moves out of the parish, it is necessary to notify the pastor and the principal. If the move is made during the school year, and you wish your child to remain in Saint Ephrem School for the remainder of the school year, you must inform the pastor and receive his permission. CHANGES OF ADDRESS OR PHONE NUMBER WITHIN THE PARISH MUST BE REPORTED TO THE RECTORY AND THE SCHOOL AS SOON AS THE CHANGE TAKES PLACE.

      The school day begins with a bell at 8:15. Class work is scheduled to begin after Morning Prayer at 8:20. Dismissal is at 2:40 p.m.

      A child is late if he is not in the school by the time the bell is rung at 8:15. If a child is late because of a school bus delay, he is excused. If a child is late repeatedly, the principal will confer with the parents in an effort to correct the irregularity. Any time a child is late, he must report to the front office with a note explaining the reason for the lateness. A late slip, which must be presented to the teacher for admittance into the class, will be given to the child.

      The loss of school time can interfere greatly with a child's progress. Regular attendance is the responsibility of the parents who must see that the child is sent to school every day unless the child is ill. A child who is absent is required to bring in an absentee form upon returning to school. These forms are given to the students in September. If you run out of forms during the year, please notify the teacher for more. If a child is absent BEYOND A THREE-DAY PERIOD, parents should notify the school office. A doctor's certificate is necessary for a child returning from a prolonged absence. THE PARENTS OF SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS MUST CALL EACH TIME THE STUDENT IS ABSENT. THESE CALLS SHOULD BE MADE TO SCHOOL BEFORE 9:00 a.m.

      Students may not leave school early for any reason without the permission of the principal. A WRITTEN NOTE, STATING THE REASON FOR THE REQUESTED EARLY DISMISSAL, MUST BE PRESENTED TO THE TEACHER WHO WILL FORWARD IT TO THE PRINCIPAL FOR APPROVAL. THE PARENT OR THE PERSON SENT TO PICK UP THE CHILD MUST SIGN THE CHILD OUT IN THE FRONT OFFICE. IF THE PARENT WILL NOT BE THE PERSON PICKING UP THE CHILD, PLEASE INCLUDE THE NAME OF THE PERSON WHO WILL BE PICKING UP THE CHILD IN YOUR WRITTEN NOTE TO THE SCHOOL. Leaving school early is discouraged except for emergencies.

      Unless there is an emergency, doctor and dentist appointments should be made outside school hours. In case of emergency appointments, the student should bring a note signed by the parent or guardian stating the reason and time of the appointment as well as the time the child is to be picked up. The note should be shown to the classroom teacher first, and then forwarded to the principal who will sign the note if permission is given. The parent or guardian will report to the front office to sign out the child.

      VACATIONS TAKEN DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR ARE DISCOURAGED. If, because of family obligations, a student takes a vacation during school time, that student is responsible to get all missed assignments the day he RETURNS. The student will then have three school days to complete all written work. NO TEACHER IS RESPONSIBLE TO ASSIGN WORK BEFORE THE REST OF THE CLASS RECEIVES THE ASSIGNMENT OR IS TAUGHT THE WORK. Teachers cannot be expected to reteach the material a student missed while on vacation. Parents must take this responsibility. Students must present a note from parents to the principal at least one week in advance of the vacation. If a family vacation occurs at the end of the school year, all assignments and tests must be completed at the teacher's convenience before the vacation.

      "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" This day is considered an absence. A visit to work during a day off would be less disruptive

      Students eat in the cafeteria. White and chocolate milk, orange drink, and iced tea are sold monthly to any student who wishes to purchase any of these. Students may not bring to lunch ANYTHING in a glass container, nor are they permitted to bring soda of any kind to lunch. All cafeteria regulations must be respected and the children must show the same obedience to the Lunch Monitors as they show to their teachers.

      When the school has early dismissal days, students will be dismissed at 11:30 with bus transportation. Parents will be notified when these days are scheduled.

      There will also be early dismissal on the following days: (bus transportation will also be provided.)

      Beginning of Thanksgiving Holidays
      Beginning of Christmas Holidays
      The last week of the school year

      The telephone is used to transact business, only. No student or teacher may be called to the phone during school hours except in case of emergency. If a teacher is called, she may return the call at lunch or after school. Lunch hour calls are for emergency only. Students are not permitted to use the phone except in an emergency. Forgotten articles of any kind: books, homework gym clothes, etc. are NOT considered emergencies.

      Parents who bring in forgotten articles are asked to leave them on the table outside the front office. Name and room of child should be written on articles. Children know to come to this area to look for something they have forgotten.

      Bus transportation is provided by Bensalem Township. We encourage use of the buses. Parents who MUST drive children to school should not have children here before 7:50 a.m. Children must be dropped off at the side entrance and parent need not accompany children into school. If you MUST pick up your child after school, please park on the side parking lot, ONLY. You should leave the property by the driveway behind the school and the convent side. Please, drive SLOWLY to avoid hitting children who may be boarding the bus or who may be walking across to the houses in Hidden Valley. Should you need to contact the Bus Company for any reason, the number is 244-2764. Children should not be taken out of the bus line--if it is an emergency please see teacher in charge of that bus. If there is a change of transportation, the school must be notified in writing in the morning.

      Communication Envelopes are sent home every week on Monday or Tuesday if there is no school on Monday. The envelope should be emptied, signed, and returned to school the next day. It is important that parents read all of the contents of the envelope. Signing the envelope indicates that you have read the contents.

      In the event of an emergency closing, it is impossible to contact the individual parent, therefore, please instruct your children as to where they are to go should such an emergency closing take place. Closure of school for snow days is authorized by the school district in conjunction with the Bus Company.

      Should the weather prohibit the opening of school, this will be announced on radio station 1490 or on Channel-13 on the TV. Our school emergency number is 7 5 8 - BENSALEM TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT.

      Parents are reminded NOT TO CALL THE RECTORY OR CONVENT. The Bensalem School District makes the entire closure plan. If the school is closed for any other reason besides weather, the information will be announced in the same manner as a snow closing.

      If a chain call is started: It is important for you to give us accurate emergency numbers. Any change in these numbers during the school year should be sent immediately to the front office

      The complete uniform must be worn every day, beginning with the first day of school. The uniform is a sign of attendance at Saint Ephrem School. To wear it is a directive, to wear it in pride is an incentive, and should bring distinction to the student body, and dignity to all. The school requirements are:

      Winter Uniforms are worn from November 1st to April 30th.

Winter Uniform

      Uniforms are to be obtained from the Rose School Uniform Company, 2132 Moreland Road, Willow Grove, Pa. 659-4822, or Flynn and O'Hara Uniforms, 10905 Dutton Road, Philadelphia, PA 637-4600.

      Summer Uniforms are worn from the beginning of the school year (in September) to October 31st. Then they are worn again from May 1st to the end of the school year.

Summer Uniform

Gym Uniform

      The major thrust of the physical education program of the Archdiocesan of Philadelphia is the teaching of self-respect, respect for others, and a greater appreciation for God-given abilities. All students are encouraged to perform to the best of their abilities in a spirit of cooperation.

      In keeping with the philosophy of Catholic Schools, the following gym dress code has been established at Saint Ephrem School. The purposes of the dress code are to maintain safety for the children and to avoid competition for the best dressed gym student.

1. Sneakers must be worn. No slip on shoes.
        Velcro - must be able to close.
        Tie - must be laced completely and tied at the top.
2. White socks MUST BE ANKLE HIGH.
3. St. Ephrem T-shirt
4. St. Ephrem navy blue shorts
5. St. Ephrem sweatsuits are worn during the winter months. Gym Uniforms are worn to school on the appointed day for Physical Education.
6. Jewelry is NOT to be worn to gym class.

PLEASE NOTE:
      ALL GYM UNIFORMS MUST BE PURCHASED AT ROSE UNIFORMS, INC. Just as all children on a sport team are expected to wear the team uniform, all students at St. Ephrem School must wear the school gym uniform.

      Any child not participating in class will be given an assignment to be completed during class. Health is taught during the P.E. Class. Health grade is determined by completed assignments handed in on time. Two U's on a report for Health or Phys. Ed. during the school year will result in the child's not participating in Spirit Day

      Hair must be neatly groomed. No excessively long (to the collar) or shaved hair styles for boys are acceptable. Boys' hair may not be spiked, totally shaved, nor have designs cut into it. Hair should not touch the collar and should be tapered (no mushrooms). Girls' hair may not be worn high on the top or have excessive hair spray in it. NARROW headbands or small bows may be worn. WIDE headbands are not permitted. Headbands must be worn on the hair, not the forehead. NO HAIR DYE OR RINSE MAY BE USED BY THE CHILDREN. Hair should not be in the student's eyes.

      Nametags, badges representing service in the school, or a religious medal, if the child wishes, are the only articles to be pinned to the uniform.

      No key chains or key rings should be worn as ornamentation. If a house key is worn on a chain around the neck, it must be tucked inside the shirt. Also, key chains/key rings are not to be used as decoration on schoolbags.

      No make-up of any kind may be worn to school. This includes eye glitter and lip gloss.

      Nail polish may not be worn to school. Fake nails and other ornamentation are also unacceptable.

      Student nametags are to be worn at all times as part of the school uniform. Nametags may not be defaced in any manner. Letters and numbers may not be colored in or edges may not be rounded. Doing so will result in the purchase of a new nametag.

      Gum is not permitted on the school premises. This includes the school buses.

      It is very important that the First Aid Card be filled out completely. This information helps us give your child the best possible care in case of illness or emergency. It is important that we have at least two contacts, other than parents, in case of an emergency.

      Medication - If a child must receive medication while in school, the following rules MUST be followed:

      If your child has any special health problems, contact the school nurse. If these problems necessitate restriction or exclusion from any class or activity this must be verified by a note from the doctor and signed by him.

      There are times when you're not sure just when it is necessary to keep your child home from school. If in doubt, use the following list of symptoms as a guide:

1. Fever
2. Chills
3. Running or inflamed eyes
4. Communicable disease
5. Abdominal pain
6. Vomiting and/or diarrhea
7. Sore throat
8. Severe headache

      A child should remain at home at least twenty-four hours after temperature has returned to normal, or vomiting has ceased.

      The school nurse may not diagnose. Please do not send your child to school if he/she is ill or injured - Call Your Doctor.

      Homework refers to an assignment made by a teacher that will positively reinforce a concept presented in class and includes both written and study assignments. Ample time should be allowed for the completion of out-of-class research assignments or projects.

      The Diocesan Office has set a standard of minimum time allotment for both written and study assignments.

      When a student is absent, parents must call the school by 11:00a.m. to request homework. Homework maybe picked up at 2:30.

      Reports are distributed four times a year in November, January, March or early April and June. Parents are to sign the report card and the insert and return them to school the next day. A child's BEHAVIOR AND EFFORT marks affect his school grades, and should be noted by the parent. The purpose of the report card is to inform parents of the achievement of the child, and to provide guidance for their child's growth and development.

      Please be sure to ask for a conference with the teacher if you have any questions concerning your child's progress. There is space provided on the back of the report card to indicate your interest in a conference.

      The criteria for Second Honors is: an average of 88-93 in every subject and an S or above in all the categories on the left side of the report card.

      The criteria for First Honors is: an average of 94-99 in every subject and an S or above in all the categories on the left side of the report card.

      The diocesan testing program is offered to our students each year. Grades 4, 6, and 8 are tested in the in the fall; grade 2 is tested in the spring.

      All students are covered automatically through the Archdiocese for accidents while in school and going directly to and from school. Accident claim forms are supplied by the principal upon request.

      Students are asked to take care of, and respect, all property, which includes our parish property. The same principle must operate concerning textbooks and library books. Many textbooks are provided by the state and we are responsible for these books for a period of six years. It is important that students take proper care of their books. Hard back texts must be covered throughout the year. (Please do not place contact paper directly on a hard back textbook.) Books MUST be carried to and from school in a school bag. Defacing books, loss of books, or improper handling, will result in the child's paying for the books.

      We have a well-organized Parent-Aide program for the lunch period. We welcome all who take part in this worthy cause. If you are not contacted in September to volunteer for library, please feel free to call the school to volunteer. We would be at a loss without the selfless giving of so many of our parents and grandparents.

      Curriculum may be defined as every facet of a child's school life. We must follow diocesan wide curriculum guidelines for every subject area. It is our desire to provide your children with the religious, academic, and social skills that will carry them through life. A primary reason for our existence is the spiritual and religious development of our young people. Religion is taught every day, and there are many opportunities throughout the year for children to practice their faith in a life-giving way. The sacraments of Penance and Holy Eucharist are received in third grade; Confirmation, is received in sixth grade.

      Parents should encourage children to:

      Order is essential to the effective management of any school. Just as it is the responsibility of the school to help the child to develop his ability to read, it is also the responsibility of the school to develop rational self-control. The purposes of discipline are clear to us:

      While we are dedicated to building up the child with a positive approach, we realize that it is our duty to continue the training begun by parents by expecting our students to develop a self-discipline that will benefit them throughout life. We strive to develop the attitudes of Christ in our students, that they may grow as His loving followers. Because of our human weaknesses, we need guidelines. The following guidelines will help you to know the infractions we consider serious as well as the courses of action we may need to take to encourage growth. Please make yourself aware of these, discuss them with your children, and then keep them for future reference.

1. Disrespect toward:

a. Faculty

b. Staff

c. Aides

d. Students

2. Truancy

3. Destruction of school property

4. School yard:

a. Fighting

b. Destruction of others' clothing or property by pulling or pushing

c. Continuous disregard for general school yard rules

5. Disregard for cafeteria rules

6. Continuous and/or serious misconduct:

a. On the bus

b. In church

c. During fire drills

7. Use of bad language

8. Continuous infraction of dress code: (school and gym)

      In school suspension for prolonged academic defiance will be handled on an individual basis. Proof of academic defiance will be verified by the teacher.

      PLEASE NOTE: (ALL SUSPENSIONS WILL BE IN-SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS. DAILY CLASS WORK WILL BE COMPLETED WHILE STUDENT IS ISOLATED FROM THE CLASS.)

FIRST SERIOUS OFFENSE

- detention
 

THREE DETENTIONS IN ONE SEMESTER:
(September to January) or (January to June)

- in school suspension. Parental contact.
 

FOURTH DETENTION

- intervention of Pastor, second suspension, parent meeting.
 

FIFTH DETENTION

- dismissal from school.
 

IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION FOR:

Serious physical harm inflicted on another
 

IMMEDIATE EXPULSION FOR:

Drug/alcohol possession and transmission or use - POLICE NOTIFICATION

Possession of weapons - POLICE NOTIFICATION

      The safety patrol is under the direction of a teacher and the seventh grade students. The safeties are asked to promote safety and good behavior on the buses, but are not in charge of the buses. This responsibility lies with the bus driver. Safeties are instructed to report repeated bus misconduct to the teacher moderator.

      The permanent Student Council is elected from qualified eighth grade students at the beginning of the eighth grade year. Quarterly representatives are elected from grades five through eight. The council operates with the leadership of a moderator and is seen as a supportive group of leaders who help the school in any way deemed acceptable to the moderator and the staff.

      All copybooks and theme tablets must be purchased at the school. These, and most other supplies needed by the children, are sold during the first week of school as well as every Tuesday and Wednesday morning before school, during the school year.

      Visitors to the school and Aides must report to the front office and sign in.