Queen of Peace Catholic Academy

QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC ACADEMY

PARENT HANDBOOK

PHILOSOPHY

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is an educational community of Gainesville, Florida in which principal, teachers, staff, families, clergy and parishioners work together to provide students with a spiritual, academic, psychological and social foundation. The academy places focus on teaching and living the Gospel and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Equally, it gives emphasis to personal and communal spirituality, the fostering of strong community and a commitment to those in need.

In a loving and supportive environment, Queen of Peace Catholic Academy strives toward superior academic excellence where the needs of the child are enveloped in developmentally appropriate practices.

We affirm parents as the primary educators of their children. As members of the Catholic Faith Community of Gainesville, we share in that role and offer cooperation and assistance in preparing our students to be the future leaders of the Church and the world.

GOALS

Develop a lived faith through experiences in liturgy, sacraments, personal prayer, and service.
Provide a foundation for learning the basic skills in a Christ-centered environment.
Provide an environment where each student can discover his or her own gifts and abilities and use them for self-growth, as well as to help others.
Provide an atmosphere where ideas can be expressed, respected, and challenged appropriately while recognizing the differences in learning styles.
Provide opportunities for exploration, discovery, investigation, and learning through age-appropriate activities and materials.
Provide enrichment through the study of other languages, and through an appreciation of the fine arts.

ADMISSION

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy, a school of the Diocese of St. Augustine, admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. There is no discrimination on the basis of race, color, national, or ethnic origin in administration of educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators Manual, #700.2)

Order of Acceptance

The order of acceptance will be:

Children of families of Queen of Peace who are participating in the Stewardship Way of Life of time, talent and tithe.

Those families with children already attending Queen of Peace Academy.
Those families registering for the first time.

Children of families from other Catholic parishes participating in the Stewardship Way of Life in their respective parishes.

Those families with children already attending Queen of Peace Academy.
Those families registering for the first time.

Children of families who are members of Queen of Peace but are not participating in the Stewardship Way of Life.

Those families with children already attending Queen of Peace Academy.
Those families registering for the first time.

Children of families from other Catholic parishes not participating in the Stewardship Way of Life.

Those families with children already attending Queen of Peace Academy.
Those families registering for the first time.

All others

Those families with children already attending Queen of Peace Academy.
Those families registering for the first time.

Approved by QPA Advisory Board, November 20, 2002; Revised January 8, 2004

Admission Requirements

Children entering Prekindergarten, Kindergarten or First Grade must be four/five/six respectively by September 1st of the school year in which they are enrolling. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators Manual #700.04). Birth and Baptismal Certificates and immunization records are to be presented at the time of registration. A physical examination is required when a student enters school for the first time. All school age children must be completely toilet trained.

Fees

A registration fee of $175 per child is required at the time of registration. Book and supply fees (payable by June 15th of the upcoming school year) are $375 per child. All fees are non-refundable.

Financial Information

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy exists to provide a Catholic environment by which parents are supported in their primary duty to educate their children in faith, morals and the traditions of the Catholic Church. Queen of Peace Catholic Community financially commits itself to the Catholic Education of its children as one of the primary ministries of the Community.

Tuition is paid according to the tuition payment contract submitted to FACTS Tuition Management. This contract is signed as part of the registration process. Tuition is non-refundable.

All fees and tuition must be kept current; a family with outstanding amounts will be asked to leave the Academy. At the end of the school year, report cards will be held.

Extended Day

Extended Day is available in the morning from 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM and after school until 6:00 PM for students enrolled in Queen of Peace Catholic Academy. Information and policies regarding this program are available through the school office.

Health Regulations

The state of Florida requires that a current record of immunization be on file in the school office. Children are to be immunized against diphtheria, tetanus, polio, measles, rubella and other communicable diseases as determined by the Health Department. Immunizations are to be documented on FORM 680, the Florida Certification of Immunization (blue form). A health exam within one year prior to admission by a physician is also required. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators Manual #500.8)

Whenever a child has a communicable disease, the school office should be notified so that health records may be updated. With certain illnesses, a definite period of absence from school is required. Since cases vary, the family doctor should be consulted to determine if the child is ready to return to school.

If a child is on medication, it is requested that the parent administer the medicine before and after school hours. Only in extreme cases may medication be administered at school. In addition to a written request from the parent the following is required:

Written orders from a physician or dentist must accompany all medication to be administered, including “over the counter” drugs.
The physician permission form is dated and medication is identified, along with dosage, time of day to be given, anticipated duration of treatment and side effects.
The original prescription container must accompany all medication. The container, one for home and one for school, should be requested from the pharmacist.
All medicine will be kept in a locked cabinet in the school office.
A record of all medications dispensed in the school will be kept in the health file.
Parent consent forms may be obtained in the school office.

Emergency Information

At the beginning of each school year, an information sheet and School Emergency Medical Form will be sent home. Parents are to complete the forms and return them promptly. It is extremely important that the school is made aware of a student’s health problems, particularly allergies (bees, ants, certain foods, etc.). Updating the office with change of address and telephone number is very important for your child’s safety. It is necessary that the school office know where to reach the parent, al all times, whether at work or at home.

In the event that a child becomes ill at school, parents will be contacted. In case of an accident or emergency, the school will proceed according to the parent instructions on the School Emergency Medical Form.

Uniform

See uniform code.

STRUCTURE

Accreditation

Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is under the auspices of the Office of Educational Services of the Diocese of St. Augustine and the Florida Catholic Conference. It is a member of the National Catholic Education Association and the Florida Association of Academic Non-Public Schools. In the Fall, 2007, the Academy received its accreditation from the Florida Catholic Conference.

After School Enrichment

During the 2008 – 2009 school year, enrichment opportunities will be provided for interested students. A fee may be required. Students may join various clubs. Specific details about these clubs are available through the parent steward chairing the particular club. (See Stewardship pamphlet.)

Early Childhood Program

The Early Childhood Program (PreKindergarten, Kindergarten, Grades One and Two) emphasizes the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual development of the young child in a nurturing environment. Utilizing developmentally appropriate practices, the child is supported and enriched in all areas of growth.

The Early Childhood program is child-centered focusing on developing the whole child through Christian values. Opportunities are provided for the child to experience the joy of leaning, and to discover, investigate, and explore through age-appropriate activities.

Middle Childhood

The Middle Childhood Program (Grades Three, Four and Five) will continue to emphasize the spiritual, physical, emotional, and intellectual development of the young child in a supportive environment. The students will experience a more structured setting with both informal and formal learning in an atmosphere that evokes trust and encouragement, movement, reflection, listening and productive learning.

Middle School

The Middle School Program (Grades Six, Seven and Eight) supports a very critical period in the lives of young people. The change from childhood to adolescence is a tremendously important time of life. It is, also, a very difficult time. Children from ages 10 – 15 endure more changes than they will for the rest of their lives. They are changing physically, sexually, mentally, socially, emotionally; in every way possible.* The Academy will provide an adequate amount of structure, challenge and support to assist students through this time, while continuing the emphasis on a superior academic and spiritual education.
*A Simplified Explanation for Parents and Teachers by Paul S. George, 2001

Conduct

The Academy strives to teach and foster self-discipline in a positive environment. Students are affirmed and encouraged with challenging direction. It is expected that they demonstrate increasing maturity as they develop respect for themselves and others.
The purpose of school rules is to create a Christian atmosphere and attitude of consideration and respect for others. All regulations of our school are formulated toward this end and are, therefore, either directly or indirectly related to attaining this goal. Discipline is as fundamental to Catholic education as it is to the Christian way of life.

In order to achieve this goal, the students, parents, teachers and administration must work together to maintain a positive educational environment in the academic and behavioral areas. All students are expected to understand and comply with basic school rules and regulations. The disciplinary policies of Queen of Peace Catholic Academy are based on principles that recognize the dignity and worth of every student and teacher. The objective of these principles is student growth in abilities, attitudes, and habits.

Discipline at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy will be directed toward developing the traits which are necessary to cope with real life situations; developing good relationships with others; becoming productive individuals; recognizing when personal actions are interfering with the rights of others; recognizing individual rights within the limits of society; and participating fully in the life of a Christian community.

Our school considers a student’s registration a contract among parents, students and faculty that the rules of the school will be observed. Attending Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is a privilege, not a right.

I. Responsibilities of Members of the School Community

A. An environment that permits an orderly and efficient operation of our school must be provided. The responsibility for development and maintenance of this environment falls to the combined effort of students, parents, teachers, staff and administration.

B. The students have a responsibility to:

1. attend school regularly and arrive on time;
2. conduct themselves properly at school, or at any school function on or off school premises;
3. be prepared with completed homework and any other necessary materials when they attend classes;
4. consistently put forth their best effort in all homework and study assignments;
5. show respect toward all those in authority;
6. respect the rights and property of fellow students;
7. exercise proper care when using school property;
8. follow all classroom rules set forth by the teacher;
9. come to school appropriately dressed according to the Uniform Code;
10. abide by the school policies governing use of computers and the Internet.

C. The parents have a responsibility to:
1. set the example of Christian faith, especially by seeing that the child attends Mass or church services weekly;
2. oversee their child’s responsibility to study and complete homework assignments;
3. follow up on the student’s disciplinary action;
4. care for the student’s health and personal cleanliness;
5. make sure their child observes the school uniform code;
6. send their child to school when school is in session and to see that he/she arrives on time;
7. keep at home students who are ill and arrange to have all class work completed;
8. cooperate with school personnel in solving student-related problems;
9. provide a home atmosphere conducive to learning and the development of good study habits;
10. meet the financial obligations they have accepted by sending their child to Queen of Peace Catholic Academy.

D. The administration and classroom teachers have a responsibility to:
1. strive to help each child reach his/her academic, spiritual, and behavioral potential;
2. provide a healthy atmosphere for learning and teaching;
3. encourage the development of self-discipline in each child;
4. consistently enforce the disciplinary code which has been adopted by the school;
5. seek conferences with parents to resolve behavioral problems before they become a serious matter;
6. encourage students to participate in classroom and extracurricular activities;
7. participate in formulation of rules and procedures in the school;

II. General Expectations

Students will:
1. cooperate with school authorities by honoring all regulations and recommendations established for the effectiveness of the school;
2. be honest, courteous and exhibit good moral conduct;
3. use correct grammar and appropriate language at all times;
4. behave in an appropriate manner at all times (walking in the halls, quiet voices);
5. keep the grounds and building free of paper and other debris;
6. not push, trip, fight or wrestle at school;
7. be responsible for damages or destruction of school or personal property;
8. exercise care on the playground and play in a responsible way;
9. obtain permission from the administration before leaving school;
10. not bring radios, tape recorders, tapes, compact discs and players, Gameboys, computer game discs, pagers and cellular phones*, other electronic equipment, toys, or live animals to school without specific permission from the administration. (These items are a distraction in the classroom and at After Care. Additionally, Queen of Peace Catholic Academy does not accept financial responsibility for these items.).

*If cellular phones are brought to school, they must remain turned off and in the student’s backpack.

B. Teachers, staff, and parents must insure that students understand completely all school regulations.

C. At minimum, conduct grades will be affected as a result of not complying with school and classroom regulations.

PreK – Third Grade
Students in Prekindergarten – Grade 3 will be consistently encouraged to follow the rules of the Academy through the use of the “RESPECT” method. Those who fail to respond will be issued demerits which will affect their conduct grade.

Students may be given a demerit at the teacher’s discretion for consistent inappropriate conduct, disrespect, poor work or not following the rules of the school. Demerits are to be signed by a parent.

Privileges

Students whose conduct, work, respect is consistent with school rules may attend all school-sponsored events. In addition, other privileges may be given, i.e. no homework, spirit day participation, etc.

Consequences of Demerits

1st demerit                   Student receives demerit slip identifying rule violation.

2nd demerit                  Same as above

3rd demerit Student will have lunch detention

4th demerit After-school “work” detention issued to student

5th demerit Student meets with Assistant Principal (Student is ineligible for any award)

6th demerit 1 day in-school suspension

7th demerit Conference will take place between the Assistant Principal, Teacher, Student and Parents

Consequences will be imposed based on the number of Demerits issued to a student during a marking period.

Serious offenses may accrue multiple demerits. They include the following:

Bullying (verbally or physically), fighting, lying, verbal harassment, cheating, vandalism, defiant actions or speech, littering school property, disrupting class, using profane or inappropriate language or gestures

In more serious cases where weapons or illegal substances are involved, police will be notified immediately and the student will be subject to suspension or possible expulsion by the principal.

Fourth - Eighth Grades

Each week, every child in our school begins the week with an “A” in conduct. It is the choices that the child makes which determine the grade that is received and sent home to the parent(s) on Friday. Conduct grade cuts are issued for infractions that disregard the rules of conduct for all students. Conduct reports are sent home each Friday. They are to be signed by a parent/guardian and returned to school with the child on Monday. It is an important responsibility of every student to return the signed form on Monday.

I. Offenses Warranting Disciplinary Action

A. The following offenses are considered to be extremely serious in nature and therefore may result in suspension pending expulsion:

1. When illegal use and/or possession of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and/or firearms (handguns or weapons), or misrepresentation of any substance as an illegal drug occurs on school property OR at a school or church-sponsored event, the student(s) involved will be turned over to the local authorities and placed on suspension pending expulsion.

In cases involving drugs or alcohol, the student must be assessed by an approved institution for substance testing and to determine the presence of substance abuse. If it is recommended by such institution that treatment is necessary, it must be sought before the student may be considered for return to school. The results of the assessment must be provided to the school.

The Discipline Board (as defined in Section III) and the administration will review the results and communicate with the parent/guardian(s) of the student and student for the purpose of determining continued enrollment.

Should continued enrollment be allowed, conditions under which the student will be permitted to remain will be set by the Discipline Board and the administration.

Because of the seriousness of the problem related to illegal possession/use of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and firearms (handguns and weapons), or misrepresentation of any substance as an illegal drug, and the fact that students at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy represent the school at all times, the application of this policy may not be limited to the normal school day or extracurricular activities of the school, but may be extended to include the enrollment period of the student regardless of the geographical location, circumstance, or time of illegal use/possession.

2. damage or destruction of school or church property;
3. leaving the school grounds without permission from the administration;
4. bringing to school any implement that could cause danger to the student or other students;
5. fighting;
6. stealing;
7. any other incident deemed to be serious in nature by the administration.

B. The following offenses are considered to be immoral and are subject to appropriate disciplinary action which could lead to suspension and/or expulsion:
1. being disrespectful by word or action to teachers, students, or anyone associated with Queen of Peace Catholic Academy in church, at school, or at anytime or event;
2. profanity or verbal abuse;
3. cheating, lying, or dishonesty;
4. injuring another person or behaving in such a manner that might cause injury to another person.

C. The following offenses are considered to be inappropriate to the learning environment and still deemed to be subject to appropriate disciplinary action which could lead to suspension and/or expulsion because they demonstrate disregard for classroom and school rules:
1. failure to return required forms with parent/guardian signature on time;
2. repeated failure to complete homework assignments on time;
3. not following the school dress code;
4. gum chewing in school, on school grounds, or church;
5. misbehaving and/or talking during fire or tornado drills;
6. writing an/or passing notes.

D. Recognizing that it is impossible to list all types of misconduct, any comparable or repeated offenses will be resolved in the same manner as above.

II. Consequences of Inappropriate Behavior

A. Minor violations of the Code of Conduct will be resolved by an adult in charge and may include a detention. Detentions are served Monday through Friday, from 3:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Disciplinary action will coincide with the discipline plan in effect in each individual classroom, which will include lowering the weekly conduct grade.

B. When a student’s behavior violates the Code of Conduct as outlined in Section III, the student may be assigned a detention, an in-school suspension, an out-of-school suspension, and/or appear before the Discipline Board.

C. Students serving a suspension must complete all class work; no credit will be given to those students serving on out-of-school suspension.

D. Any student receiving a “D” or “F” on his/her weekly conduct record more than two times or serving three detentions in a quarter must appear before the Discipline Board.

E. Any student serving a detention, suspension, or appearing before the Discipline Board may not participate in any Queen of Peace Catholic Academy after-school, extra-curricular activities (including, but not limited to sports practices or games and socials) on the day(s) the detention or suspension is being served, or appearance before the Discipline Board.

III. Discipline Board
A. The Board will be composed of three teachers approved by the administration.

B. The following procedure will be observed:
1. Board members will investigate the misconduct.
2. The Board will meet to determine appropriate action
3. If deemed necessary by the board and administration, the student will appear before the board.
4. The student will explain his/her actions.
5. Board members will deliberate and reach a consensus.
6. The student and parents will be notified in writing of the Discipline Board’s action.

NOTE: All actions taken are subject to approval by the Principal. The Principal is the final authority in all matters of discipline.

C. The following action may be taken:

1. First Appearance: Discipline Board will assign a consequence for the first offense that could include school restitution, suspension, or expulsion.

2. Second Appearance: Two day in-school suspension; student must complete all class work, but will receive not credit.

3. Third Appearance: Three day out-of-school suspension; no credit will be given for class work missed as a result of the suspension. A discipline contract will be written for each individual. Student may also face expulsion.

4. Fourth Appearance: Expulsion is the final exclusion of a student from Queen of Peace Catholic Academy depending on the gravity of the circumstances, or for cumulative or habitual acts, which are contrary to the school’s Code of Conduct. Should the attitude of the student deteriorate to the point where other students’ opportunities are jeopardized, that student may be denied the privilege of continuing at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy. The Discipline Board and administration will determine the student’s possible re-enrollment.

5. In some cases of serious misconduct, certain recommendations may be made before a student re-enters Queen of Peace Catholic Academy. (These stipulations might include professional counseling or private tutoring and must be met before a student is granted re-admission.)

6. A student may serve only two in-school suspensions in a school year. A third offense will result in expulsion.

7. A full report of all cases referred to the Discipline Board will be retained in the principal’s office.

8. While on suspension, the student will not be allowed to participate in any school or parish extra-curricular activities, excluding service commitments.

9. If a student, along with the parents//guardians, wishes to appeal the decision of the Discipline Board, the appeal process will automatically be referred to the principal for review.

The Student Conduct Code provides a guide for this developing maturity on all levels and the consequences for non-compliance. It is important that parents, students and faculty work together for the good of the child. The final authority in the interpretation of facts of any given school behavior situation is the principal.

Curriculum

The curriculum is in compliance with the requirements set by the Office of Educational Services in the Diocese of St. Augustine and the Standards for Accreditation by the Florida Catholic Conference. Support materials, including textbooks, resources and software are reviewed periodically for their effectiveness.

The following subjects are included in the school curriculum:
Faith Formation, Language Ares (reading, writing, speaking, listening, spelling), Mathematics, Social Studies, Music, Art, Physical Education, Spanish, German (Grade Three only), Chinese, Technology Skills, Information Literacy.

Faith Formation

The Academy collaborates with parents in the faith formation of the children. Sunday Mass attendance, prayer, attitudes of respect, and proper moral values begin and continue to be nurtured in the home. While at school, students engage in daily prayer and other religious experiences in addition to the formal Faith Formation classes. Students learn about human needs, justice, mercy and peace. They are given opportunities to respond to the needs of others with love and a sense of justice.

Field Trips

Throughout the school year, students are offered the privilege of an educational experience away from the school. These field trips are arranged at the discretion of the teacher(s). Parents are required to sign a permission slip in order for a student to participate. Parents who accompany students on field trips must have been fingerprinted and taken the course, “Protecting God’s Children”. The school reserves the right to exclude from these events a student whose conduct does not reflect acceptable school behavior.

Internet – Acceptable Use

All internet usage will be through teacher directed lessons. At the beginning of the school year, the policy for use will be signed by parent and child. Neglect to sign the policy will result in non-use. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Curriculum Policy Manual) Users may not post on personal Internet (ex. Myspace.com) sites to which they have access away from school grounds, any pictures or inappropriate text comments that reflect a negative image of the school or school personnel, other students, races, and/or ethnicities.

Parties

A student’s birthday may be celebrated with cupcakes or cake at lunch time. Prior notification to the child’s teacher is required. If your child is having a birthday party outside of school, invitations may be sent home at school ONLY if the entire class has been invited.

Policy Regarding Child Abuse

According to law, the Academy is required to report any suspected case of abuse or neglect. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators Manual 500.10)

Student Services

Resource Program – The Academy attempts to help all children reach their full potential. The services of the STAR (Student- Teacher Additional Resource) Program and the Child Study Team are utilized to assist the faculty in making simple accommodations for students with disabilities who are able to manage in a mainstream setting. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators Manual 700.7)

All new students are screened prior to the beginning of the school year to determine needs. A signed permission slip is required for a student to receive additional assistance from the Resource teacher.

Guidance Program
The mission statement for the Guidance Program is: The developmental guidance program at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy encourages the learning of all students by supporting each individual’s academic, social, spiritual and emotional growth in partnership with parents, teachers and school staff.

The guidance program at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy is guided by the mission statement (above) and is organized through individual, small group and large group (classroom) activities. The school counselor is assisted by a small advisory group comprised of parents, teachers and school staff to make decisions about the direction of the program, priorities and future needs.

Students and/or parents may request a consultation or meeting with the school counselor at any time through email, via telephone, or in person. The school counselor is someone specially trained to help students at school and with their personal life. Some examples of topics for counseling are: friendship issues, decision making, anger control, family issues, grief and loss, academics, and stress.

Special Recognition

Special recognition is given for students for scholastic achievement and responsible behavior for the following:
Principal’s Award given for no absences or tardies in a quarter (Grades PreK – 8 are eligible). Students receiving a Demerit for tardies are ineligible.

Star Student Award given to students (Grades Pre-K – 3) for displaying Christian values, achievement or improvement. This award is given weekly.

Super Saint Award given for good citizenship to students (Grades 4 – 8). This award is given monthly. Students receiving a Demerit are ineligible.

High Honors given to students with all A’s and VG in conduct (Grades 4 – 8).

Honors given to students with A’s, B’s and VG or S in conduct (Grades 4 – 8).

Stewardship

As individual members, we embrace God’s plan for us as stewards of all God has entrusted to our care: the poor, the lonely, the children, the elderly, the lost faithful, and the physical world around us. Hence, Stewardship is our personal response to God through the offering of our time, talent, and our treasure for the gifts with which we are blessed. We dedicate ourselves to sharing the Good News to all we meet and to proclaiming Jesus Christ as our loving Redeemer.

As a ministry of the Church, Queen of Peace Catholic Academy embraces this message and encourages its students and families to understand that Stewardship is not giving to a need, but giving out of our need to give. Stewardship is the heart of true discipleship because it leads us to give in the measure that God has entrusted to us as is Jesus’ teaching in the parable of talents (Matt. 25:29). This overall vision of Stewardship permeates throughout the school in its academics, religious education classes, and programs which encourage good citizenship and social outreach to the community at large. Children are encouraged to use their stewardship envelopes at church in order to detail their sharing of the time (what they did to grow in their spiritual journey), their talent (areas of service for that week) and treasure (such as giving 10% of their allowance or birthday money).

Threats and Violence

All threats of violence that are verified will be taken seriously. A threat is an expression of intent to cause physical or mental harm regardless of whether the person communicating the threat has the present ability to carry out the threat and regardless of whether the threat is conditional or future. Threatening behavior consisting of words or deeds that are intended to intimidate anyone in the school community is strictly forbidden. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 300.36).

If a student makes a threat, the principal, at his/her discretion may suspend/expel the student from school. If suspended, the student may be required to receive psychological assessment and counseling, and, if required the student may return only if he/she presents a written recommendation to that effect from the psychologist/psychiatrist and the administration is willing to have the student return to school. A reinstatement conference would take place with the parent and student. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 800.8)

Parents will be notified if there is an incident of physical violence, including hitting, biting, etc, and the child may be sent home or incur an in school suspension.

COMMUNICATIONS

Assessment and Progress Reports

In assessing students’ daily performance, various data is collected, which will include portfolios with writing samples (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 400.2), teacher observation and participation.

Report Cards are issued three times a year for Kindergarten and four times a year for Grades One – Eight. The children in Prekindergarten receive a Developmental Checklist in January and at the end of the school year.

Parents for Grades 4 – 8 may review student grades at any time using Edline.

Homework and Studying

Homework is an integral part of the learning experience. Its purpose is to reinforce material taught in school, deepen knowledge of a subject and develop initiative, independent thinking, and personal responsibility. Parents are encouraged to provide the teacher with their email address so that communication can flow as frequently as possible. It is recommended that parents are involved in the school life of their child and encourage a positive attitude toward school work and homework.

Beginning in Grade One, students will be assigned homework each school night at the teacher’s discretion. This may be a written assignment or reading and/or study.

At the Prekindergarten and Kindergarten levels, it is recommended that children be “read to” every night.

Homework which is requested due to absences will be available within a twenty-four hour period. Since the Academy discourages unexcused absences, teachers will not be responsible for make-up work. Work missed for an excused absence must be turned in within a two day period of arrival back to school.

Parent Meetings

Parent Meetings are held two times during the school year. Other parent information opportunities are offered throughout the year. The purpose of these gatherings is for enrichment in areas which would have impact on the child. At least one parent is expected to attend each meeting.

Parent – Child – School Safety

All diocesan employees and volunteers who work with children will be fingerprinted. . (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 300.34). In addition, all volunteers are required to attend the Protecting God’s Children class. Both the fingerprinting and the class need to occur before participation in any volunteer activity or accompanying students on a field trip.

Parent Teacher Conferences

Mandatory Conferences are scheduled after the second marking period; time is allotted after the third marking period for parents who express the need. At other times during the school year, conferences may be requested by either the parents or the teacher. These conferences will generally be held outside of school hours. Be aware that a conference can not be held during the morning drop off times.

Weekly Update

A weekly update is e-mailed to the parents each Friday. It is also posted on the Academy website (www.qopacademy.org). For those who do not have this capability a copy is sent home. Parents are requested to read the material and respond accordingly.

Back to School Night and Classroom Visitation

Back to School Night is held within the first month of the school year to acquaint the parents with the plans and procedures for the upcoming year. This is a mandatory meeting.

A parent wishing to observe a class at some other time may request to do so through the school office. Parents are asked not to go to the classroom without office approval.

ATTENDANCE

Arrival and Dismissal

Prekindergarten – Grade 5                              Grades 6 – 8
Morning Drop-off 7:45 AM – 8:00 AM              Morning Drop-off 7:45 AM – 8:00 AM
Classes Begin       8:00 AM                            Classes Begin             8:00 AM
Regular School Day 8:00 AM – 2:48 PM            Regular School Day 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Early Dismissal Day 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM          Early Dismissal Day 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM

Morning supervision of students, PreK – Grade 8, is provided beginning at 7:45 AM. Students may not be dropped off before that time. In order that classes begin on time and that a quiet atmosphere is generated, doors will be closed at 8:00AM.

Traffic Pattern

Parents are requested to follow the patterns outlined on the enclosed graphic for drop off in the morning. Afternoon dismissal for PreK – Grade 5 will take place from the church area. This pattern is described as well on the enclosed sheet. Dismissal for Grades 6 – 8 will take place at the Academy following the same procedure as for the morning.

Attendance and Tardiness

Punctuality and regular attendance are absolute necessities for real progress in school. Excessive absenteeism is a contributing factor to a child’s academic difficulties. Only serious illness or family emergency (excused absence) should cause a student to be absent. Parents who choose to take the child out of school for other reasons (unexcused absence) should consider the possible consequences to the child’s progress. The final decision, however, is the responsibility of the parent. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 500.13)

We strongly discourage parents from removing students from school for vacations. It is our practice at Queen of Peace Catholic Academy to publish our yearly calendar in advance so that all are aware of the days in which school is in session. The learning environment created in each classroom cannot be "captured" in workbook pages or other make-up work. Students need to be in attendance unless they are ill. Please contact the principal prior to making vacation plans during the school year.

The following attendance regulations are to be observed:
- If a student is to be absent, the school office must be notified before 8:45 AM. If no message is received, the parent will be contacted. This is done to ensure the safety of the child.
- Upon returning to school the child must present a dated, signed note to the teacher confirming the reason for absence. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 600.5)
- A student who leaves school early for a reason other than illness must have a written request from the parent, and the permission of the principal. If someone other than a parent is picking up the child, this must also be stated in the request. The person picking up the child should report to the school office. Doctor or dental appointments should be made after school hours if at all possible.
- A student in PreK – Grade 5 arriving after 8:00 AM will be marked tardy; a student in Grades 6 – 8 arriving after 8:00 AM will be marked tardy.
- Excessive tardies (4) will result in a detention or silent lunch, at the teacher’s discretion.
- Work missed due to tardiness is the sole responsibility of the student.
- A student arriving after 11:30 AM or leaving before 12:30 PM is marked absent for a half a day.

Weather Announcements and Emergency Closings

The Academy follows Alachua County Public School directives for school closings due to weather conditions or unusual circumstances. There may be exceptions, however, where the pastor and principal will have to make a decision regardless of the County. (Diocese of St. Augustine, Administrators’ Manual 900.2)