2007/2008 Parent/Student Handbook - pdf

Contracts
Visitation Catholic School has contracted with you for the education of your children for the current school year. These contracts or tuition agreements are renewable annually. Unless you are otherwise notified, you can expect to receive the renewal contract sometime in March.

If students do not perform well academically or if their social and/or emotional development is a concern, the enrollment agreement may be held until appropriate action has been taken or until it becomes clear what the best situation for the child will be.

Delinquent tuition is also a cause for withholding the enrollment agreement.

Learning Climate
Visitation Catholic School supports a policy of total education for its students with the Catholic religion as its center and foundation. As a Catholic school, we are committed to the formation of Christian values as well as academic excellence. This commitment challenges students and parents to participate in the formation of a positive and moral learning environment. Throughout the year, students will organize and participate in various liturgical events and activities. Parents are also welcome to attend liturgical celebrations. Service to others is another goal for each student and community service activities are promoted at every grade level.

Homework
Homework is assigned daily in Grades 1 through 8. Long-range projects and assignments may be given from time to time as well. The purpose of homework is to reinforce and expand upon lessons taught in the classroom. In addition, it is designed to help develop responsibility, organizational skills and good study habits.

The amount of homework given nightly varies from grade to grade but general guidelines are as follows:

Written assignments, while comprising the bulk of homework, are not the only criteria for nightly study and it is important to help students remember the following:

• Reading is essential to academic progress and helps achievement in all subjects. Students should be sure to do some extra reading each day;

• Review is important. Older students should review class notes as part of the homework assignment. Doing so on a regular basis decreases "test anxiety;"

• Planning ahead for long-range assignments is integral to the homework process. Organizing tasks in advance, or one at a time, keeps a student from feeling overwhelmed as the due date for the project draws closer.

Parents are asked to help with homework in the following ways:

1. see that a regular study time is set aside;
2. provide a space that is conducive to study and free of distractions (no TV, phone etc.);
3. check to see that assignments are completed and neatly done;
4. aid your children in budgeting their time between extracurricular activities and school assignments. Do not allow them to become overtired or "stretched too thin;"
5. be reasonable in your expectations of your child. The fast-track pace of life today has its effect on all of us and children feel the stresses associated with that reality as well as adults do;
6. in case of absence contact the school office by 9 a.m. to request your childâs homework assignments. It is the studentâs responsibility to inquire about making up work missed during absences.

With few exceptions, homework assignments are not given on weekends or during vacation periods. Teachers may suggest that such times be used for review, work on long-range projects or general reading, but they will allow extra time on either end to facilitate student performance and allow for family vacation plans.

Grading

Progress Reports
Formal progress reports will be issued for all students halfway through each grading period.  These are intended to outline progress, lack of progress, or any other potential problem area.  Interaction between parents and teachers is an on-going process and encouraged whenever there is concern.

Parent Conferences
There are three reporting periods during the school year, one at the end of each trimester.  In October, parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for all students.  In the spring a conference may be requested by either a parent or teacher. 

Academic Probation
While the school recognizes that each student has varying interests and abilities, it is our expectation that all students accepted into the program will successfully complete it. Any student in grade 4-8 whose trimester grade point average falls below 1.67 (C-) is therefore placed on academic probation for the following trimester. Probation generally means that a student may not engage in extra-curricular activities (sports, dances, yearbook, etc.) nor run for or remain on Student Council until the probation has been lifted. This procedure is not meant to be punitive but to assist students in improving studies. Outside tutoring or other support services may also be recommended or required during this time. Students will remain on probation until the next report card is issued.

Promotion and Graduation Requirements

• Students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 are expected to make satisfactory progress in their studies and be promoted to the next grade each year. In some instances, a student's social or academic development may make tutoring or repetition of a grade necessary.

• Every student in Grades 4 - 7 must complete what their teachers determine to be a satisfactory level of class work and homework. Year-end failure in any two academic subjects can be reason for dismissal. The school can require tutoring or summer school before the student is issued an enrollment agreement for the next grade.

No student may re-enroll or graduate until all financial obligations to the school have been met.