ST. PlUS X ELEMENTARY
SCHOOL
37 EAST EMERSON STREET
CHULA VIST A, CA 91911
Phone -(619) 422-2015 Fax
-(619) 422-0048
A Catholic School of the Diocese of San Diego, CA
- Member of the National Catholic Education Association
- Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
and the Western Catholic Education Association
OFFICE HOURS 7:30 AM - 3:45 PM
Appointments
-Due to the normal/busy and hectic schedule of teachers and administrators, appointments
are necessary if you wish to conference. Please do not just
"drop in" as adequate time cannot be given to you. Please, always make
an appointment first. Appointments with the principal and or teachers may be
arranged by calling the school secretary.
The
Diocesan Administration Handbook establishes the policy parameters within which
this school operates. A copy of this handbook is always available in the school
office. Copies may be purchased from the Diocesan Superintendent's Office.
Policy numbers in this school handbook refer to the Diocesan Administrative
Handbook.
The
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego,. mindful of their mission to be
witnesses to the love of Christ for all,. admit students of any race,. color,.
and natural and / or ethnic origin to all the rights,. privileges, programs and
activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. The
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego do not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, and national and/ or ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the
administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and
athletic and other school-administered programs.
Likewise,
the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego do not discriminate against any
applicant for employment on the basis of sex, age, disability , race, color and
national and / or ethnic origin. ( California Catholic Conference, March 1994;
revised January 1997) .
The
principal of St. Pius X School reserves the right to change, and/ or update this
handbook. Parents and students will be notified of any changes. This handbook is
based upon and subject to the diocesan School Policy Handbook.
ST. PIUS X SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Students
at St. Pius X School learn in a Christ-centered educational environment. Their
education and formation is student-centered to encompass spiritual, academic,
psychological, social, cultural and physical growth. This is the top priority of
the administration, faculty, staff, and parents/ guardians.
Students
with their various cultural backgrounds learn to know, love, and serve God and
to see themselves and others as special persons created in God 's image, loved
and cherished by God, and therefore, to view themselves as unique individuals of
great dignity and worth.
Our
students develop a desire for prayer, reflection, and reverence for all
creation, and they take advantage of provided opportunities to share the Good
News, to build Christian community and to be of service to others.
St.
Pius X students learn to bear witness to Christ and to His values through their
interactions with others. Students at St. Pius X School learn that God loves
everyone and that a loving response to God leads to a more fu1filling life.
Students
work to achieve mastery in basic skills. They do so using a variety of materials
and techniques which honor different learning styles and multiple intelligences
to develop effective skills in creative and critical thinking, in
decision-making , in problem solving, and in making moral choices. Students
build on their learning to prepare themselves for higher education and their
future roles as Catholic/Christian members of an ever-changing world, under the
direction of teachers and staff in cooperation with parents.
Mindful
of the lifelong learning process, our students become life learners who
integrate Christian truths and values into their daily lives, as they work for
justice and peace as vibrant members of family, Church, school, and society .
The
administration, faculty, and staff at St. Pius X School, in partnership with the
parents who are the primary educators of their children, are committed to
assisting students in developing their full potential.
ST. PIUS X SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
The
mission of St. Pius X School is to provide a Christ centered educational
environment which is student focused. We strive to provide a quality education
that allows each student to:
- Have a deeper relationship with God
- Improve academic achievement .develop physically
- Grow socially
- Mature emotionally
At
St. Pius X School, we work with our students so that they become life learners
who integrate Catholic truths and values into their daily lives, while becoming
vibrant members of family, Church, school and society.
SCHOOL HISTORY
St.
Pius X School has operated in St. Pius X Parish since 1960. Through June 30,
1986 our school was staffed by the Sisters of Saint Clare and lay teachers.
Beginning with school year 86-87, the entire school staff has been comprised of
laywomen and laymen.
St.
Pius X School operates under the policies of the Diocese of San Diego and is
governed by St. Pius X School Board. It provides Catholic education for children
in grades K-8.
ADMINISTRATION
Pastor: Rev. James Rafferty
Senior Priest: Rev. Donald R. Kulleck
Principal: Mrs. Eileen Hanson Associate Pastor: Rev. Robert Irwin
FACULTY AND STAFF
Kindergarten: Mrs. Jennifer Graf
Grade 1: Mrs. Gail Ivary
Grade 2: Mrs. Mary Dohman
Grade 3: Mrs. Zena Lujan
Grade 4: Mrs. Kathleen Patacsil
Grade 5: Mrs. Gretel Ramos/ Ms. Brenda Randol
Grade 6: Mrs. Guadalupe Vecchitto
Grade 7: Mrs. Marion Montgomery
Grade 8: Mrs. Kayte Russell
Assistant-Principal: Ms. Brenda Randol
Computer: Ms. Brenda Randol
Physical Education: Mr. Patrick Gonzalez
Music: Mrs. Jennifer Rodriguez
Art: Mrs. Kathleen Patacsil
Instructional Aide: Mrs. Mary Duffy
Classroom Aides K-8: Ms. Ermelinda Rivera, Mrs. Ann Cortes Ms. Maria DiMase,
Mrs. Vitha, Ms. Florence, Mrs. Connie Limon, Ms. Cindy Dantzler
Librarian: Mrs. Jennifer Nunnink
Secretary: Mrs. Kathleen Espinoza
Health Aide/Clerical Aide: Mrs. Clare McGrath
Accountant: Mrs. Lynda Wood
Maintenance: Mr. Bert LeMieux
Extended Day Program Coordinator: Mr. Patrick Gonzalez
After School Sports Coordinator: Mr. Patrick Gonzalez
Yard Supervisors: Mrs. Kim Vitha, Ms. Ermelinda Rivera, Ms. Holly Desbien,
Ms. Florence Miller, Mrs. Ann Cortes,Ms. Cindy Dantzler, Mrs. Limon
ST. PlUS X SCHOOL BOARD
(2205.2)
The
general purpose of this Board is to support and implement the philosophy of St.
Pius X School, whose aim is to integrate the teaching of gospel values with the
curriculum, and then to create an environment where Christian community can be
experienced through liturgy, Sacraments and social action.
The
proper role of this Board is advisory in policy formulation, school planning and
development, and program review, not administration. The policies formulated by
this Board m~st be consistent with and supportive of the policies of the Bishop
and Diocesan Board. No policy of this Board shall become binding without the
approval of the Pastor, unless formally appealed to the Diocesan Board.
Meetings
are usually held on the third Tuesday of each month arid are open to the public
unless an executive session is called. Time and specific dates are always listed
ahead of time in the school Highlights. Parents wishing to address the school
board must contact the president a week before the meeting and ask to be put on
the agenda. A written form, available in the office, must be submitted with the
request to speak.
Complaints
about a person or a personality are not handled by the school board, or by any
board connected to the school. These concerns should be discussed privately with
the person involved, and with the principal, if necessary. All such issues are
handled privately with the utmost concern for one's reputation.
The
general purpose of this board is to investigate ways which will insure future
financial security for St. Pius X School. This board is comprised of the
principal, parents, and parishioners. The St. Pius X Development Board is always
looking for individuals who would like to become active members. For more
information please contact the school office.
ST. PlUS X PTG (1210.11)
The
purpose of this organization shall be:
1.
To promote a broader appreciation of the ideals of Catholic education.
2.
To enlist the spiritual, educational and social resources of home and school in
providing the best Catholic education possible.
3.
To function as a forum of exchange for parents and teachers and an informal
advisory group to the school administrators.
4.
To provide an effective organization for school fund raising efforts.
5.
To foster the integration of families into the life of the parish community.
MEMBERSHIP:
All teachers, parents and guardians of children presently attending St. Pius X
School are eligible for active membership. All meetings are open to any member
of 5t. Pius X Parish.
Meetings
are held throughout the year -October, December, February and April. The
specific dates, time and location are always listed ahead of time in the Parish
bulletin and school Highlights.
Annual dues are payable at the beginning of each school year. The fee is $25.00 per family and are collected at registration.
Supervision
is provided from 7:45 a.m. unti13:00 p.m. on full days and from 7:45 a.m. until
12:30 p.m. on minimum days.
Children arriving before supervision must report to Extended Day Care.
Non
emergency absences (such. as vacations) are not encouraged during school time.
Students
will have no more than 2 weeks after their return to complete missed work and
tests.
MINIMUM
DAY HOURS (6113): 8:00 AM -12:15 PM
Minimum
days, holidays, Professional In-Service and vacation schedules are noted on the
official school calendar. Changes would occur in the event of emergencies only.
All
cars picking up students after school need to follow the traffic pattern. The
traffic pattern runs for fifteen minutes after school dismissal. After that
students may be picked up at the Day Care. In the morning the traffic pattern
begins at 7:45 -8:00 AM .
NON-DISCRIMINATION
POLICY (5010.1-2, 51110)
The
Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego, mindful of their mission to be
witnesses to the love of Christ for all, admit students of any race, color, and
natural and / or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and
activities
generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. The Catholic
Schools in the Diocese of San Diego do not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, and national and/ or ethnic origin, age, sex or disability in the
administration of educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and
athletic and other school-administered programs.
Likewise,
the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of San Diego do not discriminate against any
applicant for employment on the basis of sex, age, disability , race, color and
national and / or ethnic origin. ( California Catholic Conference, March 1994;
revised January 1997 )
PRE-ADMISSION
INTERVIEW (5111.2)
Prior
to a final decision regarding the admittance of a student to the school, the
principal may interview the parents or guardians of the perspective student for
the purpose of:
- exploring the goals and motives of the parents or guardians in making
application to a Catholic school .clarifying mutual expectations, and
- eliciting and/ or confirming those attitudes and value commitments that
are essential preconditions for the success of the school's total program of Christian education and formation
KINDERGARTEN
ADMISSION (5112)
A
child who is five years of age by September 1, and who is developmentally ready,
may be admitted into Kindergarten.
Developmental
readiness will be determined by the school. St. Pius X School will use a
standardized screening process which is approved by the Superintendent's office.
This assessment will be administered by a qualified tester appointed by St. Pius
X School. The results of this assessment will be the basis used
- to determine developmental readiness and
- to determine acceptance into St. Pius X School Kindergarten program, if a child meets the above stated age requirement
- students must be able to attend to their own bodily needs
Students
seeking admission to grades K-8 will be tested to determine the level of their
basic skills, and to ascertain at which grade level they would be most
successful. Incoming students will be placed at the grade level judged by St.
Pius X School to be the best grade level for that particular student. Students
will be admitted as space allows. To be considered for admission to St.
Pius X school families must agree to accept all school and parish policies.
No
child may be admitted as a student unless he/she has been immunized against
diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles. Hepatitis immunizations are required for
7th grade admission.
HEALTH
SCREENING EXAMINATION (5142)
California
Law requires specific health screening procedures for all children entering
school for the first time. Perspective kindergarten, first grade and all
transfer students shall be notified of this obligation at the time of
registration. .
The
school shall make every effort to arrange vision and hearing screening for
students in grades kindergarten, three, five and eight. Scoliosis screening is
required for all seventh grade students.
ATTENDANCE (5113)
Tardiness
should be the exception not the rule. It is very important for students to be on
time for school in order to fonn good habits of responsibility. Parents/
guardians should play an integral part in insisting their child/ children are
not late for the 8:00 AM bell.
A
child who is late twice in one week shall be assigned the up-coming
detention. Any student who is absent from school without a valid excuse more
than three days or who is tardy in excess of 30 minutes each of four days or
more in one school year, is a truant and can be reported to the
attendance review board of the local public school district for action. (5113.1)
The
exception to this shall be for students detained at the border. These situations
will be handled on an individual basis by the principal.
A
student who has been absent is required to present a written excuse stating the
reason for his/her absence and signed by a parent/ guardian. If a child is going
to be absent, a parent/ guardian should call the school office before 9:00 AM
that day. When the child returns to class a note must be presented to the
homeroom teacher. .
If
students are absent 10 days a quarter they may lose credit for classes.
Excessive absences may require home schooling or summer school. Remember family
vacations count as being absent.
VACATIONS
DURING SCHOOL TIME
Family
vacations during school time are highly discouraged. Vacations should be taken
outside of classroom times. If a vacation cannot be postponed, the following
procedures are to be followed:
- Principal approval must be obtained at least one week prior to a
vacation of more than two days.
- The child's teacher must be notified immediately after principal
approval is given.
- Parents must also notify the school office.
Please
Note: Teachers cannot do advanced
lesson plans for vacations. Students need to check with their teacher, upon
returning, to see if they need to make up tests or assignments. Students will
have no more than 2 weeks after their return to complete missed work and tests.
ILLNESS
AND INJURY (5141.2)
Should
a student be injured or become ill during school hours, the parent/ guardian
will be contacted. No student shall be permitted to go home unless this contact
is made.
If
a parent or guardian cannot be reached and the illness is serious enough to
require medical attention, the principal or her appointee, shall consult the
student's emergency care authorization form and arrange for the treatment
authorized.
If
a child is absent more than 10 days in a quarter, grades may be withheld until
work is completed and/ or home schooling may be recommended. Students will have
no more than 2 weeks after their return to complete missed work and tests.
DOCTOR/DENTAL
APPOINTMENTS (5141)
Parents
or guardians should make every effort to schedule doctor / dental appointments
after school hours. If a child must be dismissed for such an appointment, a
parent/ guardian must sign the student out. A note must be received from the
doctor/dentist upon the child's return.
VISITATION OF STUDENTS DURING
SCHOOL HOURS (5116,1250)
All
persons entering St. Pius X School shall go first to the school office to obtain
the proper authorization to visit the school. Items that need to go to the
classroom must be dropped off at the office, including lunches.
Parents
or guardians must confer with teachers before or after school hours or at other
appointed times so as not to interrupt class instruction. Teachers and
principals are available by appointment.
Observation
of classrooms may be arranged with prior approval by the principal and teacher.
Requests must be made in advance of the visit and must not last longer than an
hour so as not to disrupt the class.
No
person, agency or organization shall contact an individual student during the
school day without permission from the Principal or Assistant Principal.
MEDICATIONS (5141.1)
Medications
shall not be furnished to students by the school. No medication of ANY KIND
shall be administered by school personnel. If a child needs medication, he/ she
must turn the medication into the school office immediately upon his/her
arrival. This includes all types of medication including aspirin, etc. It must
be accompanied by a note stating clearly the instructions of time and dosage. At
the appropriate time, the child shall return to the office and take the
medication himself/herself in the presence of school personnel.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (5142)
Students
shall participate regularly in fire and disaster drills. Proper procedures for
evacuation shall be explained to the students. ORDERLY
AND SILENT COMPLIANCE IS MANDATORY.
INSURANCE (5143)
All
students in Catholic parochial schools participate in the Diocesan student
accident insurance program. This insurance provides benefits for students
injured at school, on the playgrounds while participating in athletic contests
and while directly going or coming from a school related activity. All claims
must be filed by the parent or guardian. The school's only responsibility is to
give the form to the child. This is a secondary coverage.
The
fee for student accident insurance is included in the student fees which are
part of the tuition.
STUDENT RECORDS (5125.1)
Parents
shall be responsible for providing the school with an accurate, complete and
signed Emergency Care Information card for EACH CHILD they have registered at
St. Pius X School. Parents will be provided with official Diocesan Emergency
Care cards for this purpose.
ACCESS
TO STUDENT RECORDS (5125.2C)
The
student's parents or legal guardians have the right to inspect all of their
child/children's records in the presence of the principal or her delegate.
However, behavioral records, e.g.. counselor reports, shall be inspected in the
presence of the person qualified to interpret them. The school has forty-five
(45) days to comply with requests to inspect student records; it will make every
reasonable effort to comply with facilitation of the request.
St.
Pius X School voluntarily complies with the provisions of the Buckly Amendment.
Non Custodial parents will be given access to unofficial copies of student
records and staff will be available to discuss the student's records, unless a
court order providing otherwise is filed with the school. It would be
appropriate that divorced parents file a notarized copy of the custody section
of the divorce decree with the school to help protect the rights of everyone in
the family. This will also save time when non-custodial parents ask to see their
child's records.
If
one parent does not want the other parent to receive the school's communication
materials the school must have a court order on file from the one parent stating
this request.
RELEASE
OF DIRECTORY INFORMATION (5125.4)
Directory
information includes: student's name, address, telephone listing, date and place
of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports events,
dates of attendance, and names of schools previously attended.
Parents
will be provided a form to give permission or deny permission for the release of
the above mentioned information.
RELEASE
OF STUDENT RECORDS TO SCHOOLS OR PARENTS (5125,5C)
Official
transcripts will be mailed to the receiving school or delivered by a school
official. They will NEVER be given to parents or students for delivery to
the school. A parent/ guardian signature is required for release of such
records.
ACADEMIC
PROGRAM (6120)
The school curriculum at 5t. Pius X encompasses all the learning experiences (cognitive, affective, spiritual and psycho-motor) planned and directed under the leadership of the principal and to be compatible with Diocesan and school policy.
RELIGION
PROGRAM (6140,6141-6141.2)
The
educational mission of the church and the reasonable expectations of parents
require that the Catholic school be distinguished by an atmosphere and a formal
program which relates religious beliefs and practice with the normal development
and education of children. Regular religious instruction shall be an, integral
part of the educational program for all students at St. Pius X School at all
grade levels.
Student
progress in acquiring an intellectual grasp of the Religion course material,
will be tested, evaluated, graded and reported according to the same procedures
established by the school for other subjects in the curriculum.
Regular
planned liturgical and paraliturgical experiences shall be carefully integrated
into the school program of St. Pius x.
Catechesis
for First Eucharist and First Reconciliation shall be given in Grade 2.
FAMILY
LIFE PROGRAM (6146)
St.
Pius X shall inform parents of the general character of the school's Family Life
program. A parent/ guardian may review the textbooks at any time by sending a
written request to the classroom teacher.
All
students are required to participate in all aspects of the school's Family Life
program with the exception of those segments which deal with genitally explicit
topics.
For
students in grades 5-8, a parent/guardian consent shall be obtained for the
child's total participation in the program. Parents wishing to remove their
child from genitally explicit topics can return the permission form stating
their wishes.
Absent
written parent/ guardian instruction shall allow the school to presume to have
authorization of the individual parent/ guardian to include their child/
children in all aspects of the program.
PHYSICAL
EDUCATION PROGRAM(6145)
The
physical education program shall emphasize the development of life skills and
positive personal attitudes. It shall be balanced and proportioned to the needs
and abilities of all students.
Every
student is required to participate regularly in his/her P.E. class. A doctor's
note shall be an accepted excuse for non participation.
The
school P .E. uniform or the uniform walking shorts are the only accepted apparel
to be worn during the P .E. class. Failure to comply with the uniform policy may
result in the denial of a student's participation in school privileges, such as
field trips. Three infractions may be grounds for such a denial. .
HOMEWORK (6154)
Homework,
designed to meet the needs of students has an essential place in the educational
program. It is very important that homework be completed on a daily basis or as
directed by the teacher. Chronic failure to complete and submit homework, will
be reflected in the academic grade as well as responsible behavior.
The
primary goal of homework is:
- to reinforce concepts and skills that have been presented in class;
- to foster the student's creativity and discipline through enrichment
projects or research;
- to train the student to work independently and to accept responsibility
for completing a task.
The
guidelines for daily homework time allotments are:
Grade
1
time will vary
Grade
2
30 minutes
Grade
3
45 minutes
Grade
4
1 hour
Grade
5
1 hour and a half
Grade
6
1 hour and a half plus reading time
Grade
7
2 hours plus reading time
Grade 8