NOTRE DAME SCHOOL

OF DE PERE

A Green Bay Area Catholic Education

(GRACE) school

PARENT HANDBOOK

2016 – 2017

A PROUD TRADITION OF SHARED FAITH AND EDUCATION

August 2016 Dear Parents, Thank you for entrusting your child’s education to us at Notre Dame School. It is a responsibility that the staff and I take seriously as part of our calling as Catholic Educators. One of the many unique aspects of Notre Dame School is that the students and staff pick a theme for the school year. It is something that all of us refer to frequently as we attempt to apply it in our everyday school life. Our theme for the 2016-2017 school year is:

C.I.A. Christians in Action

Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and

in truth – 1 John 3:18 May God bless you and your child(ren) as we begin our adventure that is called the 2016-2017 school year. James A. (Jim) Clark, Principal

MISSION

Notre Dame School of De Pere develops young minds

into future leaders of the Catholic Faith and the community.

PHILOSOPHY

We strive in our education process to provide for the growth and uniqueness of each student. The school’s focus is to educate the whole person by developing each student’s Catholic Faith with emphasis on respect, personal responsibility and service to God. Our vision provides for a positive and safe learning atmosphere conducive to academic achievement and individual growth. The student is challenged to grow in the spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical, emotional and social dimensions of life. The education and ongoing values learned at Notre Dame are not just for today but for a lifetime. The ultimate measure of success lies in our student’s understanding of and dependence on Jesus as teacher, friend and Lord. The Notre Dame Community is committed to nurturing in students a healthy self-confidence that allows them to contribute significantly to the common good.

A PARENT/STUDENT/TEACHER CONTRACT

As a parent/guardian, I will: • Show respect and support for my child, the teachers, and the school • Support the school’s discipline policy • Provide a quiet, well-lit place for study and supervise homework • Attend parent-teacher conferences • Talk with my child each day about his or her school activities • Monitor my child’s TV viewing • Assist with at least one school or classroom activity • Read with my child for at least 10 minutes each day and let my child see me read • Follow the appropriate chain of command when communicating with the school

As a student, I will:

• Always try to do my best work • Be kind and helpful to my classmates • Show respect for myself, my school, and other people • Obey classroom, school, and bus rules • Show respect for property by not stealing or vandalizing • Come to school prepared with my homework and my supplies • Believe that I can and will learn • Spend at least 15 minutes each day studying or reading at home • Talk with my parents each day about my school activities

As a teacher, I will:

• Show respect for each child and for his or her family • Make efficient use of learning time • Provide a safe and comfortable environment that’s conducive to learning • Help each child grow to his or her fullest potential • Provide meaningful and appropriate homework activities • Provide necessary assistance to parents so they can help with assignments • Enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently • Supply students and parents with clear evaluations of progress and achievement • Use special activities in the classroom to make learning enjoyable • Demonstrate professional behavior and a positive attitude • Communicate with parents in an appropriate manner through parent meetings,

phone calls and technology such as PowerSchool, Web-pages and email

DIRECTORY 2016 -2017

Elementary Building: 100 S. Huron Street Phone: 337-1103 Middle Building: 221 S. Wisconsin Street Phone: 337-1115 St. Francis Parish: 220 S. Michigan Street Phone: 336-1813 St. Mary Parish: Office: PO Box 70 Phone: 337-2330 School Web Page Address: www.notredameofdepere.com

DAILY SCHEDULE

School Hours: Elementary : 8:00 AM – 2:55 PM Middle: 7:55 AM – 3:00 PM Office Hours:

Elementary and Middle School: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM

SITE ADVISORY COUNCIL Julie Appel Jessie Beauchamp Stacy Blahnik Tricia Blomquist John Connelly Alisa Conway

Marianne Gerrits Rev. Richard Getchel Jenny Kukiela April Malo Sarah Schwarten Missy Short

Marv Wall Matthew Wegmann * Jim Clark (non-voting member) * Lois Schumacher (non-voting member

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB

Athletic Director: Lynn Wolfram

Phone: 920-660-7603 E-mail: lwolfram00@yahoo.com Co - Chair: Pam Gallagher 632-7122 & Jessie Lawton 964-2750 Vice-Chair: Tricia Blomquist 347-0234 Secretary: Joelle Zuengler 338-0407

FACULTY & STAFF 2016-2017

ELEMENTARY SITE MIDDLE SITE Principal Mr. Jim Clark Admin. Asst. Mrs. Jenny Lamers Pre-K Ms. Sara VanEperen Pre-K Ms. Kendra Kuehl Pre-K Aide Mrs. Julie Byrne Pre-K Aide Ms. Carole Pisani Kindergarten Mrs. Paula Anne Hoeppner Kindergarten Mrs. Ashleigh Gilson K-Aide Ms. Lisa Shoemaker 1st Grade Mrs. Jacky Cramer 1st Grade Mrs. Ronni Ledvina 1st Grade Aide Mrs. Margie Matzke 2nd Grade Ms. Carrie Korinek 2nd Grade Ms. Sara Murphy 3rd Grade Mrs. Julie Kohl 3rd Grade Mrs. Jean Healy 4th Grade Miss Christina Allan 4th Grade Mrs. Amy Muenster 5th Grade Ms. Jenna Jossart 5th Grade Ms. Cindy Kabat Art Mrs. Virginia Janssen Campus Minist. Mr. Dustin Katona Computer Mrs. Jody Laehn Cafeteria Mrs. Beth Simonet Mrs. Peggy Manning Librarian Mrs. Ellen Meverden Maintenance Mr. John Steckart Music Miss Melissa Freeman P.E./Health Mrs. Patti Pagel Spanish Srta. Ana Turba Sup. Consultant Mrs. Sarah Patterson

Principal Mr. Jim Clark Admin. Asst. Mrs. Susan Nance Athletic Dir. Mrs. Lynn Wolfram Art Ms. Virginia Janssen Bookkeeping Mrs. Tracy Glover Campus Minist. Miss Valerie Oswalt Lang. Arts Ms. Katie Summers Librarian Mrs. Ellen Meverden Maintenance Mr. Patrick Ferron Math Ms. Emily Norppa Music/Band Miss Melissa Freeman P.E./Health Mrs. Patti Pagel Religion Middle School Teachers Science Mr. Kevin Schwarten Social Studies Mr. Pete Brauer Spanish Srta. Ana Turba Sup. Consultant Mrs. Sarah Patterson

HOME & SCHOOL

Co -President: Jenny Kukiela …………… 632-7808 Co-President: Melanie Reince …………. 321-6939 Treasurer: Becky Lamers …….......... 915-8342 Spirituality: Open ……………………….. Mentoring New Families: Rachel Enright ……….... 360- 2643

For contact information for staff members please refer to our website.

www.notredameofdepere.com

Date Event AUGUST

Tues. Aug 23 GRACE Teacher In-Service Mon. Aug 29 Kindergarten Screening Appointments Mon. Aug 29 K Parent Orientation Meeting (6 pm) Mon. Aug 29 6th Grade Orientation ( 1:30-3:30pm) at the MS Tues. Aug 30 Staff Group Photo at MS (at 9:00 am) In-Service to follow Tues. Aug 30 Meet Teachers/Drop Off Supplies (4-6 pm) Tues. Aug 30 Cook out at the Elementary School for all families (4-6) Wed. Aug 31 Pre-K Parent Orientation (5pm)

SEPTEMBER Thurs. Sep 1 First Day of School Mon. Sep 5 No School – Labor Day Fri. Sep 9 Middle School Pictures (Staff 7:30 am) Sat. Sep 10 ND Family Golf Classic

Tues. Sep 13 Elementary School Pictures (Staff 7:30) Wed-Fri. Sep 14-Oct 2 MAPS Testing

Tues. Sep 27 Diocesan Catholic Schools Mass Fri. Sep 30 11:30 Early Release/Staff in Service

OCTOBER Wed. Oct 5 Grandparents Day Fri. Oct 7 ES & MS Picture Re-Take Day at ES (9:00)

Mon.-Wed. Oct 10-12 8th Grade Camp U-Nah-Li-Ya TBA Ambassador Visit - NDA (8th Grade)

Mon.-Fri. Oct. 3-7 School Book Fair Fri. Oct 21 Fall Fest

Tues. Oct 25 Parent/Teacher Conferences (Eve) Thurs. Oct 27 11:30 Early Release; P/T Conferences

Fri. Oct 28 NO SCHOOL – Conference Trade Off NOVEMBER

Fri. Nov 4 The Key Event with OLOL Tues. Nov 8 Election Bake Sale Fri. Nov 11 Veterans Day am assembly/11:30 Early Release/Staff In - Service

TBA at NDA Shadow Day (8th Grade) Wed. Nov 23 11:30 Early Release/End of 1st Trimester

Thurs-Fri. Nov 24-25 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break DECEMBER

Fri. Dec 2 Report Cards Sent Home

Thurs. Dec 15 Christmas Concert/Art Exhibit (MS Gym - 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm) Grades K-5

Fri. Dec 23 11:30 Early Release/ Last day of classes before Christmas Mon-Mon. Dec 24–Jan 2 NO SCHOOL - Christmas Break

NOTRE DAME OF DE PERE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Date Event

JANUARY

Tues. Jan 3 Classes Resume Tues.-Fri Jan 3-27 MAPS Testing

Fri. Jan 20 NO SCHOOL - GRACE/NDA In-Service Sun. Jan 29 Catholic Schools Week Showcase

Sun-Sat. Jan 29 – Feb 4 Catholic Schools Week TBA Registration NDA – 2016 Freshman

FEBRUARY Fri. Feb 10 NO SCHOOL – Staff In - Service Sat. Feb 18 NDA Triton Fest

TBA Island Adventure

MARCH Wed. Mar 1 Ash Wednesday Fri. Mar 3 11:30 Early Release/End of 2nd Trimester

Sat. Mar 4 Solo & Ensemble (Middle School and gym location)

Wed. Mar 8 Donuts for Dads (7-8 am) Mass to Follow Thurs. Mar 9 Report Cards Sent Home Thurs. Mar 9 Optional P/T Conferences (Eve) Fri. Mar 10 NO SCHOOL –Optional Conferences in the Morning

Mon-Fri. Mar 13 – 17 NO SCHOOL - Spring Break APRIL

Wed. Apr 12 Muffins for Mom (7-8) Mass to Follow Fri. Apr 14 NO SCHOOL – Good Friday

Mon. Apr 17 NO SCHOOL – Easter Monday Tues. Apr 18 Classes resume

Mon.-Fri Apr 10-28 MAPS Testing MAY

Mon-Fri. May 1-5 Teacher Appreciation Week Fri. May 5 11:30 Early Release/Staff In-Service

Wed. May 10 May Crowning

Thurs. May 11 MS Spring Concert/Band Concert/ Art Exhibit (MS Gym - 1:00 pm and 6:30 pm)

Wed-Fri. May 24-26 8th Grade Final Exams Fri. May 26 Last Day for 8th Grade

Mon. May 29 NO SCHOOL – Memorial Day Tues. May 30 8th Grade Graduation Practice @ St. Francis Tues. May 30 8th Grade Report Cards Distributed at Graduation Practice Tues. May 30 Graduation Mass at St. Francis Xavier Wed. May 31 Kindergarten Graduation (ES Gym – 2:00 pm)

JUNE Tues. June 6 Last Student Day – Early Release at 10:30 Tues. June 6 End of 3rd Trimester - Report Cards Sent Home with Students Wed. June 7 Teacher’s Last Day

AREAS OF INTEREST ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: The lack of academic integrity (eg. cheating and plagiarism) is considered to be a behavioral offense. The consequences for any action(s) that violate academic integrity will be addressed in the following manner(s):

• The student will retake the assignment or test according to the teacher. This could be the exact assignment or test taken after school or a different assessment that demonstrates student knowledge.

• If the lack of academic integrity is part of a project, the student will redo the project.

• The teacher will arrange with the parent (s) and child a meeting as to the offense and how the teacher will address the lack of academic integrity.

• The student will receive two demerits for demonstrating a lack of academic integrity.

• It is up to the teacher to determine what is done to replace the assignment, project or other activity the student was cheating on.

Best teaching practice states that a lack of academic integrity should not compromise a child’s grades such as taking points off or giving a zero grade. Deducting points does not determine a child’s understanding of the material. Middle School Grade Check(s) During the Trimester:

• The principal will set three times during the trimester for grade checks on all middle school students. The purpose of this grade is to monitor the success of all middle school students.

• If a student falls below a 2.0 GPA or has a failing grade at the time of grade inspection, the student will remain after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:55-3:30 pm. for study hall. The student will remain in that study hall until his/her grades are at the minimum acceptable level.

• The purpose of grade inspections is to make the student accountable for his/her academic progress. At the same time it allows parents and teachers to provide academic support for the student. Failure to achieve minimum grade standards is an academic, not behavioral matter.

ADMINISTRATION: The immediate direction of the school and its administration is under control of the Principal, who is employed by GRACE. The Parish Administrator of St. Francis, and St. Mary’s Pastor are the co-spiritual leaders. The Site Advisory Council is made up of members from each parish and is advisory to the Principal. Site Advisory Council meetings are held each month at the middle school and are open to all.

ADMISSION: All registrations must online through the GRACE website. You will be able to register wherever there is Internet access. Each enrolled family must execute a tuition agreement. The following fees have been approved by GRACE for the 2016-2017 school year:

In GRACE System tuition is $2,600.00 for one child, 2 or more $2,500.00 Out of GRACE Schools tuition is $4,600.00 for one child, 2 or more $4,500.00

A non-refundable registration fee of is required with each child’s registration. Any family having more than one child in a GRACE school will need to pay only one of the registration fees at the time of registration. ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL: The entrance bell at the elementary building rings at 8:00 A.M. The middle school building entrance bell rings at 7:55 A.M. Students should not arrive at school more than 15 minutes before the entrance bell, as there are no supervisors on duty before then. Students arriving too early will be required to remain outdoors, even in inclement weather. Dismissal at the Elementary School is at 2:55 PM Dismissal at the Middle School is at 3:00 PM ATHLETICS: The following after-school athletic activities are offered at Notre Dame: Cross Country (Fall): Girls & Boys /Grades 5, 6, 7, 8

Soccer (Fall): Girls & Boys/Grades 5 & 6 Girls & Boys/Grades 7 & 8 Tackle Football (Fall): Boys/Grades 6, 7 & 8 Volleyball (Fall): Girls/Grades 5, 6, 7 & 8 Basketball (Winter): Girls/Grades 5, 6, 7, 8

Boys/Grades 5, 6, 7, 8 Girls & Boys/Grades 3 & 4

Track (Spring): Girls & Boys/Grades 6, 7 & 8 Tennis (Spring): Girls & Boys/Grades 6, 7 & 8

A concussion agreement form must be signed by a parent and athlete and returned to the Athletic director before a student is allowed to participate in practice or competition. An athletic fee is charged to each student athlete for each sport they participate in. Athletic information can be obtained on the school website. Please see the Athletic Policy at the end of this Handbook.

ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB: All parents of Notre Dame children are considered members of the Athletic Booster Club (ABC). The ABC’s objectives are to support our children through the offering of athletic programs that have individual, physical and team building skills; follow the values and principles of the ND School Philosophy; aid the growth of our young athletes through overall spiritual, intellectual, moral, physical, emotional and social dimensions of life; assist the Athletic Director in planning and providing athletic recreation programs and events; and to provide funding for athletic programs, events related to athletics and the physical education program at Notre Dame. Refer to the school website for athletic information. ABSENCE POLICY: If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, you must report him/her absent. This can be done via phone call to either campus or through the email system by 8:15 am the morning of the illness. When parents call, they must give the administrative the nature of the absence (illness or other reason). If a parent does not notify the office of the absence the same day, that absence will be marked as unexcused.

Excused Absences Include: 1. Illness or injury of the student 2. Student attendance at a medical, optometric, dental or other health appointment 3. Exclusion from school due to strep throat, lack of immunization, or other immediate contagious illness 4. Departure during the day for health, appointment or other related reasons approved by the school 5. Anticipated vacations with proper notice

Unexcused Absences include: 1. Anticipated absences that the school is not notified of within 72 hours. 2. Failure to report student in for daily absence within 24 hours of the absence. 3. No transportation. 4. Student overslept. 5. Others as determined by the principal

If a student is absent more than 10 days during the school year, a written notice will be sent to the parent indicating that this has occurred. A parent principal conference may be called if the number of absences exceeds ten during the school year.

Tardiness Promptness is an important life skill as it emphasizes responsibility on the part of the student. If a student arrives after the morning bell, he/she is marked tardy. Said student must be signed in by the parent in the school office. If a student reports tardy without parent notification three times in a trimester, he/she may serve detention during recess or after school.

AFTER HOURS PROGRAM: The hours for the After Hours program are from 3 pm. - 5:30 pm. The time for the After Hours Program is different than in previous years. Parents whose students participate in the After Hours Program are subject in paying the following fees:

• $11 per day for 3 or more days during the week • $13 per day for 1-2 per days per week • $16 walk ins

A parent will be charged $16 if his/her child remains in the After Hours Program longer than fifteen minutes. Parents are expected to pay their fees in a timely manner. Failure to do so may result in denial of the service until the fee is paid. The school is in need of parent requests for the days After School Care will be used by the fifteenth of the month before the service is provided. This facilitates the provision of snacks and planning of space for the students who use the program. The students are supervised by the After Hours Coordinator in conjunction with other workers. Students are expected to follow appropriate rules of behavior in the After Hours Program. The school reserves the right to call parents and ask them to pick up his/her child if inappropriate behavior is of a repeated nature. ALERGIES: All students with diagnosed food or other severe allergies will report it to the school and have an Emergency Care Plan on file at Notre Dame School. The Emergency Care Plan will be updated annually or when necessary. Emergency Care Plans will be distributed to all teachers, aides, Administrative Assistants, Cafeteria and Maintenance Staff and Recess/After Hour Workers.

• All parents of students with food or other severe allergies will meet with the student’s teachers and/or Principal prior to the start of the school year to discuss the Emergency Care Plan, medications and medication locations and any curriculum modifications.

• Parents of food allergic children will keep a box of safe snacks at school, stored by the student’s teacher in the classroom.

• All snacks brought into a classroom or provided by a teacher must be peanut and tree nut free. No exceptions!

• Parents of food allergic children should contact the Food Service Director with any questions on the hot lunch program.

• Special subject teachers, support staff and coaches will be aware of students with allergies and plan accordingly. No allergens are allowed in any classroom activities.

• Parents of food allergic children who go on field trips must keep their cold lunch boxes separate from other cold lunch boxes/bags. Parent of food allergic children will be allowed to act as a chaperone on field trips.

• Student allergy information will be included in substitute teacher plans as well as the Staff Handbook. The substitute teacher must be made aware in the substitute teacher folder the names of students who have food allergies and their Emergency Action Plan.

• If a parent does not submit an Individual Emergency Plan and a student shows

signs of anaphylaxis Notre Dame of De Pere will follow the school’s Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis plan.

• All staff members will receive in-service training about the signs of Anaphylaxis and their management. Specific training regarding the use of epinephrine auto injectors will also be included. This training will be reviewed annually. Students with allergies will sit at separate tables in the lunchroom.

• Students identified with allergies can have one friend sit with them at the table. This student cannot have any food items that indicate possible reactions as a result of allergies. Bullying is not allowed and the ND Bullying Policy will be implemented should a situation arise.

• Notre Dame of De Pere will maintain on site epinephrine auto injectors for use in the event of an allergy anaphylaxis emergency. Stock epinephrine will be kept in the office, in a tamper resistant box in the cafeteria and in a travel kit for field trips.

• If outlined in the Emergency Care Plan, students are allowed to self carry auto injectors and will be provided a designated storage area in each classroom and other areas deemed necessary to have such an injector.

• Notre Dame School of De Pere recognizes that allergen avoidance is critical to the health of students diagnosed with food allergy Anaphylaxis. Notre Dame School is committed to:

1. Increasing awareness of food allergies and decreasing the potential of a severe life threatening situation.

2. A campus wide no sharing rule 3. Good hygiene that includes washing hands with soap and water before

after eating. 4. Allergen free lunch tables 5. A two day notice from teachers to parents of food allergic children when

there is a plan to serve food in the classroom. Food served in the classroom needs to be safe for consumption by all students when special activities take place. It is preferable that such treats be served after lunch is served to comply with USDA/DPI Lunch Program Regulations.

6. Students should have a “safe spot” where snacks and injection devices can be placed in a classroom.

7. The promotion of nonfood based incentives for rewards.

• There is a useful website for all parents to educate themselves on food safety. www.snacksafely.com. This website contains a listing of schools to use so other parents can go to the list and find snacks that their children can eat in the presence of peanut, tree nut and egg allergy students. Therefore, the foods are not allergy free but free from peanuts, tree nuts and eggs. If a parent wishes to find out about snacks that are recommended to consume in the presence of children with peanut, tree nut, and egg allergies they should refer to the website snacksafely.com This plan will be reviewed each year with the collaboration of School Advisory Council and the Educational Staff of Notre Dame School of De Pere.

BAND: Students in grades 4-8 have the opportunity to receive lessons on either a band instrument or guitar. Lessons that are done independently of the school such as piano lessons will be conducted before and after school or during study halls. BICYCLES: Students who ride bicycles to school must park them at designated places at school. Each bicycle must also be locked. If a student damages another student’s bicycle, that student assumes responsibility for any repairs to the bicycle that is damaged. Skateboards and scooters are not to be brought to school at any time. BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS All birthday invitations/thank you notes/etc should be distributed via EMAIL or SNAIL MAIL rather than through school. Parents have access to the ONLINE DIRECTORY - they have all the information necessary to reach out to guests for any celebration or event. It is time consuming, distracting, and ultimately hurtful to the students in the class. BULLYING POLICY: Notre Dame School strives to provide a safe, secure and respectful learning environment for all students in school buildings, on school grounds, and school buses and at school sponsored activities. Bullying has a harmful social, physical, psychological and academic impact on bullies, victims and bystanders. Notre Dame School consistently and vigorously addresses bullying so that there is no disruption to the learning environment and learning process. Bullying is deliberate or intentional behavior using words or actions, intended to cause fear, intimidation or harm. Bullying may be repeated behavior and involves an imbalance of power. The behavior may be motivated by an actual or perceived distinguishing characteristic, such as, but not limited to: age; national origin; race; ethnicity; religion; gender; physical attributes; physical or mental ability or disability; and social, economic, or family status. Bullying behavior can be:

• Physical (e.g. assault, hitting or punching, kicking, theft, threatening behavior) • Verbal (e.g. threatening or intimidating language, teasing or name calling, racist

remarks) • Indirect (e.g. spreading cruel rumors, intimidation through gestures, social

exclusion and sending insulting messages or pictures by mobile phone or using the internet also known as cyber bullying)

Bullying behavior is prohibited in all schools, buildings, property and educational environments, including any property or vehicle owned, leased, or used by the school district. This includes public transportation regularly used by students to go to and from school. Educational environments, include, but are not limited to, every activity under school supervision. All school staff members who observe or become aware of acts of bullying are required to report these acts to Mr. Clark. Any other person, including a student who is either a victim of the bullying or any other concerned individual is encouraged to report the conduct to a classroom teacher, Mr. Clark, or their parents. Parents and teachers report any bullying conduct to Mr. Clark.

Reports of bullying may be made verbally or in writing and may be made confidentially. All such reports, whether verbal or in writing, will be taken seriously and a clear account of the incident is to be documented. A written record of the report, including all details, will be made by the recipient of the report. People on staff have the responsibility to report such incidents to Mr. Clark. There shall be no retaliation against individuals making such reports. Individuals engaging in retaliatory behavior will be subject to disciplinary action as stated in the Notre Dame Parent Handbook. Mr. Clark will, within one school day, interview the person(s) who are the victim of the bullying and collect whatever information is necessary to determine the facts and the seriousness of the report. Parents and/or guardians of each pupil involved in the bullying will be notified prior to the conclusion of the investigation. Notre Dame School will maintain the confidentiality of the report and any related pupil records to the extent required by law. Bullying/Harassment Forms are available from all teachers, school offices and at the end of this handbook. Sanctions and Supports: If it is determined that students participated in bullying behavior or retaliated against anyone due to the reporting of the bullying behavior, the school may take disciplinary action in the following manner:

• First Incident - Parent and Student Conference with Principal • Second Incident - Parent/Student Conference with two demerits per the Notre

Dame Behavior Code • Subsequent Incidents - Possible suspension, expulsion or referral to legal

authorities All sanctions and supports are aligned with the standards of the Green Bay Diocese and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Disclosure and Public Reporting: The Notre Dame Bullying Policy will be published in the Notre Dame School Parent Handbook. It will also be distributed to the GRACE System Office. The school office will provide a copy of the policy to anyone who requests it. Records will be maintained on the number and types of reports made, and sanctions imposed for incidents found to be in violation of the bullying policy. BUSING: Children living within the DePere District are eligible for busing. Specific questions on busing can be answered by calling Lamers Bus Line at 336-5264. Students who act inappropriately on the bus will be held accountable under the Notre Dame Behavior Code under the term General Disobedience. CANCELLATION OF SCHOOL: De Pere public school officials will make an announcement over the radio should bad weather necessitate the closing of school. This announcement includes Notre Dame School. Notre Dame of De Pere follows the East De Pere School District in the event of school closings. Watch any of the major TV stations for news or school closings for snow emergencies, etc. Radio stations carrying the message are WDUZ, WGEE, WIXX, and WNFL.

If school is dismissed early, every effort will be made to communicate to your child if a parent will pick him/her up. Parents may call the school to pick up their child if school is called off early. No teacher will leave school on an early dismissal day until every child is accounted for. Parents should use discretion when there is severe weather. Please look at the Excused Absence Section in the Parent Handbook. CELL PHONES: Elementary school students are not allowed to bring cell phones to school. Middle school students may bring cell phones provided they are brought to the office and deposited into the provided bin. Students who keep their cell phones in any other spot will be subject to the Notre Dame Behavior Code, and parents will be called to pick up the cell phone. CONFERENCES: Parent-teacher conferences are held in the middle of the first trimester. The principal, teachers, or parents may request a conference any time one is deemed necessary. Please do not wait until a major issue occurs with your child before contacting the teacher or administrator. Optional conferences are held in the middle of the 2nd semester. DISCIPLINE POLICY GRADES 3-8: The Student Conduct Code of Notre Dame School is the expectation that all students will behave in a manner that reflects appropriate behavior spiritually, academically and emotionally according to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Student Code of Conduct is rooted in the Great Commandment, in which Jesus instructs that we must love each other as we love ourselves. Expectations of any student relative to conduct are also rooted in:

1. Proper choices students make in decisions, words and actions. 2. Allowing students to learn in an environment that maximizes such learning. 3. Allowing teachers to teach in an environment that provides for teaching

effectiveness. 4. An environment of success for all students. 5. It is the student, not the teacher who determines what positive behaviors or

consequences are issued.

Notre Dame School follows the concept of Progressive Discipline. The definition of Progressive Discipline is that initial consequences include conversation with the student that proceeds to minor consequences that the teacher determines. Behavior that goes beyond what is viewed as minor consequences, increase in severity as based upon student choice, and/or repeated inappropriate choices by students. The consequences that are levied at this level are part of a demerit system. Demerits can be issued for the following infractions (not an exclusive list):

1. Repeated disruptions of class after constructive means of discipline are levied. 2. Profanity. 3. Inappropriate comments to a teacher that are disrespectful.

4. Inappropriate lunchroom behavior that includes walking to and from the middle

school. 5. Inappropriate behavior on the playground. 6. Being tardy to class without approval of the teacher on three occasions during the

trimester. 7. Misbehavior on any school sponsored events. 8. Being tardy to school at the beginning without a parent that comes in and signs

the student for school.

Detention is served Tuesdays or Thursdays depending upon the day the demerit is issued. The student will send the demerit home for the parent to be signed. The teacher who issues the demerit will either call or email the parent that same day. The student will serve detention from 3:00-3:30 pm. During that time the student will assist maintenance in cleaning rooms or other janitorial tasks. The time served will not count toward the middle school service requirement. Consequences for student who makes inappropriate choices for repeated behavior:

• 3 demerits - Detention served plus meeting with the principal. • 4 demerits - Detention served plus ineligibility of extracurricular activities for two

weeks. • 6 demerits - one day in school suspension • 7 demerits - two day in school suspension • 8 demerits - two day out of school suspension

A student can be suspended immediately if any incident causes bodily harm to another student. Consequences beyond 8 demerits or other severe inappropriate behavior will be determined by the principal in conjunction with the President of the GRACE System per Diocesan Policy. Students who serve out of school suspension will not be penalized academically for any work that is missed. The student will have three days to make up any work missed during the out of school suspension. Again, the purpose of Progressive Discipline has as it basis poor choices on the part of the student. At the same time it is up to the teacher to work with the student before he/she receives a demerit. It is the responsibility of the teacher to implement strategies before a demerit is issued. Parents have the opportunity to speak with a teacher when a demerit is issued. The Principal will not rescind any demerit unless it is determined that it is not issued in the proper procedural manner. Primary grades (K-2) will communicate with parents their expectations for behavior and conduct. Parents are asked to read the Notre Dame Anti Bullying Procedure as there are different consequences for bullying and harassment. The Principal reserves the right to add or delete consequences as he sees fit.

Further disciplinary actions: Notre Dame School of De Pere complies with the policies of the Diocese of Green Bay pertaining to major disciplinary actions. DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR GRADES K-2: Students will uphold school and classroom rules and expectations. If expectations are not met, the following consequences will occur:

• Student will be given a verbal warning and discuss/review expectations with the teacher.

• Students will be given 3-5 minutes of “think time” as an opportunity to reflect on behavior(s) in order to focus on other options and more positive choices. This may take place during recess or at another time during the day that works best for the student(s) and teacher.

• Students will dray/write a note to bring home and share with parents explaining the behavioral choices make and what choices are more acceptable and appropriate.

• If behavior does not improve, a meeting with the principal and/or parent(s) will take place.

Teachers may use concepts of Love and Logic as an immediate method with student management and behavior. Love and Logic focuses on student input as to either natural or logical consequences for inappropriate behavior. EMERGENCY INFORMATION: An emergency form for each child is required and is kept in the office. It should list persons to call when a child becomes ill at school. Please also include any important medical information about your child(ren) as well as the name of the family doctor to be called in case of emergency. Parents/guardians are also required to inform the school office of any changes to this information throughout the school year. EXTRA CURRICULAR ELIGIBILITY: Extra Curricular Activities at Notre Dame is considered an extension of the educational process the children receive during the school year. It is a privilege for a student to participate in extracurricular activities. Students who participate in extracurricular activities must achieve the following minimum criteria to be eligible for them:

• Minimum of 2.0 (C average) in all academic subjects. • No failing grades in any subject • Appropriate conduct as interpreted by Notre Dame Principal

Extracurricular eligibility grade checks will take place three times during each trimester. Parents and students will receive a week’s notice as to the timing of the grade check through the weekly Parent Newsletter. If a student is ineligible for an extracurricular activity, he/she may attend practices, but cannot participate in any games, or matches for two weeks. The Principal will assess the eligible student’s progress during that two week span. The student may rejoin the activity is satisfactory progress has been made. If a student has not made satisfactory progress, he/she will sit out another two week period.

It is stressed that the above criteria are minimum standards. Notre Dame School expects that a student makes a choice as to whether or not he/she meets or exceeds these standards to participate in extracurricular activities. Consequences for eligibility are determined by inappropriate behavior as stated in the Parent Handbook. Students who receive a GPA under 2.0 will remain after school to work on missing work. Remaining after school for poor academics comes before participating in any extracurricular activities FAMILY CHANGE OF INFORMATION: If there is a family address change during the school year, the parent/guardian shall notify the school of the new address and other contact communication. Parents who have custody arrangements for their child must inform the school as to any special arrangements for information and communication that the school will provide. Please also keep the information on the GRACE enrollment site current as we use these lists for information as well and only you are able to update it. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AS TO STUDENT RECORDS: Parents of students at Notre Dame School have the right to look at their child’s records that are held in the school office. The purpose of this procedure is to allow parents to see information on their child in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. (FERPA) Records that are normally covered under FERPA include academic records, behavioral reports, special education referrals and reports, and health records. Written permission is required to be given if a child’s records are to be transferred to another school. Parents ask for this request from the school in which the child will be transferring. Exceptions to this rule are for eighth grade students who will transfer to local high schools such as De Pere and Notre Dame Academy. Information that would be considered directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can be disclosed to school related organizations without a parent’s consent. Examples of directory information or release, include the following: student name address telephone/email listing school pictures and yearbook date and place of birth grade level Parents do have the right to deny the school to use information with a written note or paper indicating that such material may not be used. This documentation should be provided in a timely manner to either the Administrative Assistant at the middle or elementary school. Questions on release or viewing of records should be directed to the School Principal. FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT: Parents have certain rights regarding his/her child’s educational records. These rights are listed below and are not a completely comprehensive list:

• The right to inspect and review his/her child’s educational records maintained by the school. A parent who wishes to review records must submit a written statement to the Principal to review records.

• The right to seek amendment of such record that may be alleged to be inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights.

In the event of a student transfer, the parent of the child must sign a statement with the child’s next school to have his/her child’s records released so transfer of records can be done in as timely a fashion as possible. Student records of graduating eighth graders will

automatically sent to either Notre Dame Academy or De Pere Public Schools unless a written request is made for a child’s records to be transferred to another school FIELD TRIPS: Field trips are a means to extend the student learning experience outside of the classroom. They provide a great reinforcement to the regular classroom curriculum. All field trips have an educational focus. There will be times when parents are asked to chaperone on field trips. All chaperones must have VIRTUS training. This is a requirement of all the schools in the Green Bay Diocese. Students who fail to turn in a written permission slip by the date listed on the individual Field Trip Permission Form may possibly not be allowed to go the field trip and will remain in school. This will be determined by the principal in collaboration with the teachers on a case by case basis. Parents may write a note or email the school if a permission slip is lost. Oral communication does not constitute permission for a child to go on a field trip. FOOD SERVICE: Notre Dame of De Pere participates will be having Konop Food Service supplying lunches. Free and Reduced applications can be submitted at any point throughout the school year. The 2016-2017 hot lunch prices are $3.25 per lunch (includes milk), $0.50 per milk. Monthly menus are posted on the school website. Adult Price per lunch is $3.90 Each child has a hot lunch account through PowerSchool. Parents add money to this account throughout the year which is then deducted for meals or milk. Balances can be checked by logging into your child’s PowerSchool account and looking at the PowerLunch balance. You can also sign up through PowerSchool to get email reminders sent to you when your child/children's lunch accounts are low. Payments can be made using the Notre Dame hot lunch single use envelopes available in both offices. All checks should be made payable to GRACE/Notre Dame of De Pere. FUND RAISING: This year each grade will be assigned two events where they will be requested to help work on the day of the event. Each event Chairperson will help coordinate with the grades to explain the areas where help is needed and provide a sign-up form.

Fundraising Committee: Alisa Conway, Debbie Ruggles, Kim Connelly, Stacy Blahnik

Third Source Funding Requirements:

For the 2016-2017 school year, Notre Dame of De Pere is required to raise $129,400 through third source funding to meet our GRACE financial commitment. The money raised to meet this requirement will be sent to GRACE to cover the operating costs for our school and other GRACE wide expenses. Once that commitment level is met, any additional money raised is used to benefit our school based on the priorities that Notre Dame of De Pere sets each school year.

Fundraising/Volunteer Event Categories: In order to provide school families with a better understanding of how our Fundraising/Volunteer Events are organized, below is a list of three event categories.

• Third Source Funding: Money raised from these events will be used to meet our Third Source Funding goal set by GRACE. Additional monies earned above and beyond this goal are used to benefit the school based on the priorities that Notre Dame of De Pere sets each year. • Athletics: Money raised from these events will be used to support the Athletics Department at Notre Dame of De Pere. • Home and School: The money raised from these events will be used to support the needs of the Notre Dame Home and School Committee.

GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE: Every parent and staff member at Notre Dame of De Pere School has the welfare of the child in mind. There are times where there are questions or concerns raised about an aspect of a child’s school life. When this occurs, the proper communication takes place in the following manner:

• If the concern requires a discussion with a teacher, the teacher is to be contacted.

• If the concern is not resolved, a conference can be requested with the principal and the teacher.

• If the concern is still not resolved, a conference can be requested with the principal alone.

• If there is still a concern, Mrs. Kim Desotell, the GRACE President is to be contacted.

It is most constructive to wait 24 hours before a conference is requested. Remember that every adult at Notre Dame School wants the best for each child. HEALTH: State law requires all students to be immunized against certain diseases. Immunization records are kept in the school offices and must be updated when necessary. These requirements may be waived for religious, personal, or medical reasons with a proper signature on a waiver form. Parents MUST complete a consent form for any child who needs to take prescription medication or over-the-counter medications during the school day. A physician’s signature is required for prescription medications. All medications must be kept in the offices in the prescribed container. School personnel may NOT dispense medication that is not in either a prescription bottle or in the original over-the-counter container. HOMEROOM PLACEMENT: Parents may request a homeroom teacher for the next school year. There must be educational criteria for that request. The classroom teachers will make homeroom determinations with Mr. Clark’s input. All requests for homeroom must be made one week before the end of the school year. Homerooms are established at the beginning of school, no changes will be made during the school year.

HOMEWORK: Homework is an extension of lessons learned during classroom instruction. Homework is not meant to be punitive, repetitive, or given for the sake of giving homework. Homework must be beneficial, helpful and of good quality. Teachers perform what is called Formative Assessment. This is, at times homework given for practice. Not every piece of homework is graded. The purpose of homework is to determine student understanding. The recommended guide for homework each evening is as follows:

• Pre-K - 2nd Grade: 20 minutes per evening • 3rd - 5th Grade: 30-60 minutes per evening • 6th – 8th Grade: 1-2 hours per evening

If a child consistently has more than this amount of homework each evening, the teacher should be contacted immediately. Each teacher should have a criterion to work that is assigned to a student. HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION: All parents of Notre Dame Students are considered members of the school organization. Home and School fosters a sense of community between our homes, school and communities through our events and sub committees Many opportunities are offered through Home and School for parents to become actively involved in their child’s education at Notre Dame. Special family activities are planned each year that give parents opportunities to have fun with other families. Please refer to the events calendar in the parent handbook for specific dates and information. HONOR ROLL: Students in grades 6-8 who meet the proper educational criteria each trimester is eligible for the ND Honor Roll. Criteria are as follows:

• A= 3.5-4.0 • B= 3.0-3.49

Minus and plus on grades are ignored when Honor Rolls are tabulated. There will be an Improvement Honor Roll at the end of each trimester to recognize special efforts. The criteria for this Honor Roll will be to have two improved letter grades as well as no grades going down. The honor Roll is a way to recognize academic success not only for academic excellence but for academic improvement. Eighth graders will be recognized at the end of the year for academic excellence and improvement through the Presidential Academic Excellence and Improvement Awards as sponsored by the United States Department of Education. IMPAIRED/HANDICAP ACCESS: Notre Dame School wishes to meet the needs of all students. If it is possible for Notre Dame School to accommodate any needs of a physical nature that may affect the learning, the parent is to contact the school. The school will accommodate that child’s physical needs to the best of his or her ability.

LIBRARY: Notre Dame School is equipped with excellent Libraries/Media Centers in both buildings. Weekly library periods are scheduled for all classes in grades Pre K-5. The librarian makes other times available to both classes and individual students when requested. The librarian teaches library skills to all classes and schedules story times for the younger children. Volunteers are involved in assisting the librarian and students. LOST AND FOUND: Areas are kept in each school for items that are found. Children should check them when they lose an item. Parents/guardians are also asked to check the boxes/table when they visit the school. All items not claimed at the end of each semester are given to charity. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen items. MOVIE VIEWING PROCEDURE: Parents and Guardians will receive one week written notice if a movie is rated PG for elementary students and pg- 13 for middle school students. Such notice, in the form of a letter will include the title of the movie, a brief account of the movie, the rating of the movie, and a rationale for showing the movie from an educational standpoint. Rating guidelines for showing a movie in class: G- no signed permission slip is necessary PG- A signed parental permission slip is required for students under the age of 13. PG- 13- A signed permission slip is required for any student who sees this movie. If a movie like this is shown, it is to be only for seventh and eighth graders. If a teacher desires to show a PG movie in elementary school and a PG-13 in middle school, the principal must consent before a permission slip is sent out to the parents. NON DISCRIMINATION NOTICE: Notre Dame School attempts to comply with all federal and state rules and regulations. Notre Dame School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or disability. This is also applicable to all students who wish to participate in education programs and/or extracurricular school activities. ODYSSEY: Is an online portal with activities directly tied into NWEA and MAP testing. It is a computer program used both for remediation and enrichment. Students are given an individual seat based on teacher recommendation and MAP scores. This program can be utilized at home or during school hours. Notre Dame currently has 36 seats. This program can be used year round. If a student is not using it regularly he or she may be asked to give up the seat so that another individual may use it. PARENT COMMUNICATION: It is the responsibility of each family of Notre Dame School to read weekly information contained on the website. The site is updated weekly with timely information that includes upcoming school events, the Principal Newsletter, and changes in school procedure/policy. A parent may request a hard copy of weekly communication (this procedure is strongly discouraged) for a $50 fee. Teachers also update their webpage on a weekly basis.

PARENT VISITS TO CLASSROOMS: Parents are welcome to visit their child’s class at anytime during the day. The school does need a one day notice before the visit. Parent involvement and support is greatly appreciated at Notre Dame. PARKING PROCEDURE: Elementary School Parents who drop off their children at the elementary campus before school in the morning should drive his/her vehicle as far as possible at the corner of S. Huron and Charles St. If there is overflow, parents should park on George St. to drop off their child. Parents may also drop off their preschool or kindergarten student on Superior and Charles St. It is strongly encouraged that the same procedure be followed for students to be picked up at the end of the school day. Parents should not park at places such as Great Harvest Bakery to pick up his/her child. Middle School Parents should drop off his/her child in the parking lot near the parish. Parents may also drop off his/her child off on Lewis.

PICTURES: School pictures are taken annually in fall. Purchase of them is optional. A Memory Book/Yearbook is also published annually for K–8. Each family wanting Memory Books MUST order and pay for the number of copies requested. Only a limited number of extra books are ordered. Memory Book order forms will be sent home, generally in the winter. PLAYGROUND/RECESS: Elementary classes have a 15-minute supervised recess during the morning on days when they do not have physical education. All grades have a supervised noon recess after lunch. (There is no longer a playground fee. GRACE has implemented a $75 one time annual fee which is included in your payment plan.) Failure to follow rules of good behavior will result in loss of playground privileges for a definite period. Starting with the first snowfall, children grades K-5 are required to wear snow pants, boots, hat, and mittens whenever snow is on the ground. Middle school students should dress appropriately for the weather. Students will be kept indoors if it rains or the temperature or wind chill is below zero. Established playground rules and the behavioral code will be enforced during recess. POLICIES: Notre Dame of De Pere adheres to all policies established by GRACE and the Diocese of Green Bay POWERSCHOOL: Power School is the main web based communication device that tracks the progress of a student. Teachers are expected to update Power School at least once every two weeks. If a parent discovers that this procedure is not being followed, he/she must contact the Principal immediately. The school recommends that parents check Power School weekly to track the progress of his/her child. If there is a discrepancy in a grade, parents should contact the teacher immediately.

RELEASE OF STUDENT PHOTOS, INFORMATION & DIRECTORY DATA: The educational interests of students require the collection, retention, and use of information about individual students and groups of students. At the same time, a student’s right of privacy under Federal and State law mandates careful custodianship and limitations on access to student records. Notre Dame School of De Pere has designated the information below as directory data. Unless a parent/guardian denies permission in writing, this may appear in news releases and may be released to the public under the open records law: Student name Grade level Age Diplomas, honors and awards received Participation in school sponsored activities and sports Photographs To deny the release of some or all of the items listed above, a parent must submit a written request to the principal by September 16, 2016 (or within two weeks after a student begins after the start of the school year). RELIGION: Instruction in religion is incorporated daily across the curriculum in all grades. The pastor will give guidance to the programs. All children participate in weekly Mass. Opportunities for students to receive the sacrament of reconciliation will occur during Advent and Lent. Second grade students prepare to receive the sacraments of reconciliation and first communion during the year. Both parishes and the school provide preparation for these sacraments. Respect for life and the teachings of the Catholic Church on morality are stressed and taught. REPORT CARDS: Progress reports are given each trimester. Grades are based on test scores, assignments (including homework), and daily class participation. Students in grades 6-8 can check their progress via the PowerSchool link on our school website. Please do NOT discard passwords as they will remain the same each year your child attends Notre Dame of De Pere. Students must have their user name and password to access this information. Should a conference with a specific teacher be necessary at any time, parents are to call the school office to set up an appointment. This handbook includes further information regarding the ways student progress is reported to parents in addition to Progress Reports. SCHOOL SAFETY/SECURITY: The safety and security of each child at Notre Dame School is of utmost importance. Drills such as fire and tornado drills are conducted monthly. There will be one intruder lockdown drill during the school year. Parents will be informed during the school year about the Intruder Drill. Teachers will instruct all students as to procedures that accompany such drills. Each campus has a system that allows people to enter into the school by means of a buzzer that is pressed outside the door. The Administrative Assistant of each campus checks on the person who asks to enter the school. The person who requests to enter

may also be asked for the reason he/she is coming into the building. Please be patient, often times the duties of the Administrative Assistants take them away from their desks. If any situation arises on the grounds of Notre Dame School that is seen to compromise the safety of the students and staff, an immediate call will be placed to the De Pere Police Department. It is important for each parent and child to know that each child and staff member of Notre Dame School has the right to feel safe and protected at all times. The school has the right to check any materials that belong to the school. The school does not have the right to check contents inside a jacket or backpack unless a teacher requests the student do so in his/her presence. Inspections of the sort may be done by any staff member. The principal also reserves the right to contact the De Pere Police Department should an incident require their involvement. The school will contact the parent(s) immediately if this takes place. SCRIP: Scrip is a gift card program... a painless fundraiser. You purchase gift cards online (or through the $crip office) and earn 1% for Notre Dame, with the remaining percentage going toward your $crip commitment. Currently, the $crip commitment is $250 for Pre K (3-day) thru 8 (and Pre K (2-day) commitment is $125). There is no commitment due for $crip if your child(ren) are in the Pre-K 2-day ½ day program. If you do not purchase enough gift cards during the school year to generate $250 in proceeds, you will be responsible for the difference between what your purchases generate and $250. After your commitment is met, the dollars are credited to your tuition account. You could save hundreds of dollars on tuition! The percentage for each retailer varies and ranges from 1% to 24%. The average is 5%. You will receive a $crip statement every other month showing you the amount you earned. Tuition credit is applied in January and June. Please check the Notre Dame of DePere website for more detailed information, hours, scrip sign up and much more. Should you have any questions regarding SCRIP please notify the SCRIP office at nddpscrip@gmail.com SECURITY: For the safety of our students, doors at both sites will be locked during the school day. Visitors may access the buildings by ringing the doorbell at the playground entrance at the Elementary site and the parking lot entrance at the Middle site. You will then be buzzed in from the office. Once buzzed in, each visitor MUST report to the office and sign themselves in and get a visitor pass. The school offices are very busy and we will make every effort to attend to the doors as quickly as possible; however, we ask for your patience in this effort to protect our students. SERVICE HOURS: All two-parent families K-8 are expected to fulfill 24 school volunteer hours. Single parent families K-8 are expected to fulfill 12 school volunteer hours. There will be no commitment necessary for Pre-K families. It is required that half of the service hours (12 hours for two parent families, 6 hours for single parent families) be dedicated to fundraising activities. Any event that raises funds for the school (ie. SCRIP, Key Club, Magazine Sale, Golf Outing, Winter Carnival) will qualify for this portion of your commitment. The remainder of the family service hours can be fulfilled

through a large variety of activities such as volunteering in the classroom, library, playground, serving in the cafeteria, etc. As in the past, the family service hours for the 2016 – 2017 school year must be completed by April 30, 2017. Hours worked after April 30, 2017 will count towards and may be recorded for the 2017 - 2018 school year. After April 30, 2017 all family services hours reported will be recorded and any unfulfilled hours will then be assessed at a rate of $12.50. Families may choose to buy out of their service hours. The charge for Two parent families is $300 and $150 for single parent families. Please note: School families can provide in-kind services to the school in replace of service hours at the principal’s discretion. Please contact the principal if interested. SOCIAL MEDIA: Unfortunately there are times when social media abuse and/or cyber bullying occurs. Normally this happens outside of school. Nonetheless, abuse of technology can be alarming to any parent of a child. After consultation with the De Pere Police Department, technology abuses regarding matters outside school will result in the following action(s):

• The Matter is brought before the principal • Principal will contact the offended party and will give options of contacting the

party who instigated the abuse or call the police department • If a second issue takes place and is brought before the school, Mr. Clark himself

will contact the De Pere Police Department Abuse of technology and social media is to be addressed by the appropriate authorities, which is the De Pere Police Department. TARDINESS PROCEDURE: It is important that students are on time for each class. They benefit a great deal if they are on time at the beginning of each school day as well as for each class during the school day. This is the rationale that a tardy procedure is implemented. It is meant to be for the benefit of each and every student while at the same time stressing a sense of accountability that is important for each child’s future education. The procedure is also used to insure the safety of each child at Notre Dame School.

The following occurrences are considered as excused reasons for school tardiness: • Illness • Medical, dental or any health appointments • Accident or family emergency • Severe weather or weather related emergencies • Breakdown of school transportation • School bus arriving late • Funeral • Car trouble The following occurrences are considered as unexcused reasons for school tardiness: • Failure to come in to sign a student as being tardy for school. • Missing the bus or other transportation

• Parents or students running late • Dropping off a sibling at another school • Coming from an event that is not school related • Arriving at school late because of an event the night before Consequences for unexcused absences during a trimester • Three unexcused tardiness for school- an email will be sent from the school

office as well as a demerit and informing the parent or guardian that the absence is unexcused.

TEACHER DAILY HOURS: All teachers at Notre Dame School report to school at 7:30 am and remain until 3:30 pm. Teachers are permitted to leave at 3:15 pm on Fridays. Most of the teachers supervise and tutor students, supervise after school activities or work in classrooms. Faculty/Grade meetings are normally held each Wednesday after school. TESTING: The purpose of standardized testing is meant to assess student progress. Notre Dame School uses the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) and ACRE (Assessment of Catholic Religious Education) to assess student progress. Students in K-8 grade take MAP tests while students in grades 5 and 8 take the ACRE tests. Standardized testing is but one way to assess student progress. Other means to measure progress include items such as report card grades, formative assessment and observations by teachers, parent/teacher conferences, homework, and others. There will be a data retreat for parents in the fall in which proper information is provided to understand MAP tests. TEXTBOOKS/LIBRARY BOOKS: All textbooks are the property of the school. Students will receive fines for books that are lost, misplaced or damaged beyond normal wear. The School determines the amount of the fine based upon the age of the book and replacement value. UNIFORMS: Please refer to the Uniform Policy at the end of the handbook. VIRTUS/ BACKGROUND CHECKS: It is a mandate of the United Council of Catholic Bishops that all volunteers for school events receive VIRTUS training and instruction before participation as chaperones, helpers and other support roles in the school. There are VIRTUS sessions that volunteers can participate in during the school year. Parents can receive information on VIRTUS sessions through the diocesan website as well as information contained in parent newsletters and parish bulletins.

To register for a VIRTUS® session go to: virtusonline.org View and print all currently scheduled VIRTUS® workshop dates

BACKGROUND CHECKS

All priests, deacons, other ministers, and employees (who may or may not have contact with children, young people and individuals at risk) and adult volunteers who have contact with children, young people and individuals at risk

as part of their volunteer duties are required to complete an online application form in which they:

1. Provide the Diocese with professional/personal references 2. Complete, sign and date the appropriate declaration form 3. Authorize a criminal background check and receive a satisfactory report 4. You will find more information regarding background checks and a link

to begin the process on the Green Bay Diocese website: http://www.gbdioc.org/protectingourchildren/background-checks.html

VISITORS: Parents are welcome to visit the school. It is important to make an appointment ahead of time. All visitors must enter with permission from the office. You must report directly to the office to pick up a visitor pass before you will be allowed to continue through the building. Entrance for the Elementary building is by the playground and at the Middle building by the parking lot in back of the school. If your child forgets something and you bring it to school, it must be brought to the school office. WELLNESS POLICY: Notre Dame of De Pere promotes healthy schools by supporting wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of the total learning environment. The school supports a healthy environment where children learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices. By facilitating learning through the support and promotion of good nutrition and physical activity, schools contribute to the basic health status of children. Improved health optimizes student performance potential and ensures that no child is left behind. Physical Activity: Notre Dame of De Pere School has a tradition of excellence in its offerings of interscholastic athletic opportunities. The School recognizes the value of regular physical activity and provides:

• ND Athletic Program • Education based approach in physical education classes which promotes physical

fitness and wellness • Community activities involving physical activity by offering and promoting

community programs such as the Bellin Run. • Recess time daily • Additional extracurricular activities as deemed appropriate by administration. • Play 60/ Hoops for Heart • Compliance with Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards in its physical

education programs.

Nutrition Standards: In recognition of the effect that nutrition has on the ability to concentrate and perform academically, Notre Dame of De Pere will limit its offerings of foods and beverages before and during the school day, which could impair classroom performance. Notre Dame of De Pere strongly encourages the sale or distribution of nutrient dense foods, which are those that provide students with calories rich in the nutrient content needed to be healthy. In an effort to support the consumption of nutrient dense foods in the

school setting, Notre Dame of De Pere has adopted the following Nutrition Standards governing the sale of food, beverages and candy on the school grounds in compliance with the Federal Nutrition Standards.

General Standard for Competitive Foods during the school day: • Snack items must be < or equal to 200 calories per item • Snack items must contain < or equal 230 mg sodium per item • Beverages must be caffeine-free • Acceptable food items must have < or equal 35% of weight from total sugar

served. • Must meet all of the proposed competitive food nutrient standards • Acceptable grain items must include 50% or more whole grains by weight or have

whole grains as the first ingredient. • Any given food item for sale prior to the start of the school day and throughout

the instructional day will have no more than 35% of its total calories derived from fat, have no more than 10% of its total calories derived from saturated fat and be trans-fat free.

Beverages: • The vending and non-vending sale of soda or artificially sweetened drinks will not

be permitted on the school grounds both prior to the start of the school day and throughout the instructional day, but will be permitted at those special school events that begin after the conclusion of the instructional day.

• The vending sale of beverages, other than soda, with less than 100% fruit juice may begin at the conclusion of the instructional day.

• Milk (low-fat, unflavored; or nonfat flavored and unflavored); water and 100% fruit juices may be sold on school grounds both prior to and throughout the instructional day.

Candy: • Non-vending sales of candy will be permitted at the conclusion of the

instructional day. • Up to two fundraiser exemptions per student organization per year are allowed

per the Wisconsin Fundraiser Exemption Policy. • Candy is defined as any item that has sugar (including brown sugar, corn

sweetener, corn syrup, fructose, glucose (dextrose), high- fructose corn syrup, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, molasses, raw sugar, table sugar (sucrose), syrup) listed as one of the first two ingredients.

Nutrition Procedures:

School Nutrition Program: • The hot lunch program will continue to follow the U.S Government’s Nutrition

Standards. Lunchroom Climate: • A lunchroom environment that provides students with a relaxed, enjoyable

climate should be developed. • It is encouraged that the lunchroom environment be a place where students have:

o Adequate space to eat and pleasant surroundings

o Adequate time for meals (the School Food Service Association

recommends at least 20 minutes for lunch from the time they are seated) o Convenient access to hand washing facilities before meals

• No fast food or soda is allowed to be brought into the lunch room.

Classroom Climate: • Students are encouraged to adopt healthy eating habits in the classroom.

Building nutrition knowledge and skills help make appropriate choices. • Drinking fountains are accessible at both school buildings and students are

encouraged to bring water bottles to school. • Parents should view special treats (i.e. holidays and birthdays) with respect to

good nutrition in choice and portion. • Treats and birthday snacks should be served after the lunch hour, preferably at

the end of the day. • In grades where children have a mid- morning snack, the snack should be served

at least 1.5 hours before the lunch period. • All food allergies will be addressed and monitored within each classroom for

appropriate food choices for all children. Fundraising: All fundraising projects are encouraged to follow the U.S. Government Smart Snacks Standards Teacher-to-Student Incentive: Strong consideration should be given to nonfood items as part of any teacher-to-student incentive programs (extra recess time, dress down days etc.). Should teachers feel compelled to utilize food items as an incentive, they are encouraged to adhere to the U.S Government Nutritional Standards.

Student Nutrition Education: Notre Dame of De Pere is committed to the development of comprehensive curriculum approach to nutrition and physical activity in preschool through 8th grade. All instructional staff will be encouraged to integrate wellness themes into daily lessons when appropriate. Notre Dame of De Pere policy reinforces education to help students practice these themes in a supportive school environment.

Parent Education: • Nutrition education will be provided to parents beginning at the elementary level.

The goal will be to continue to educate parents throughout the elementary/middle school years.

• Nutrition and physical activity may be provided in the form of handouts, posting on the Notre Dame of De Pere website, or presentation that focus on nutritional value and healthy lifestyles.

• Parents are encouraged to pack healthy bag lunches, healthy snacks, and healthy special classroom treats.

• Teachers are encouraged to share healthy ideas/tips with parents.

Policy Implementation:

The building administrators shall have the operational responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of the Notre Dame of De Pere Wellness Policy. The Wellness Committee membership includes the School Food Service Director, physical education teacher, School Administrator, parent representatives and has input from student representatives. The Committee will serve as a resource to the school sites and will help to monitor and make revisions as necessary.

WISCONSIN CENTER FOR ACADEMICALLY TALENTED YOUTH (WCATY): Is a learning community for 5th-8th grade students that have been identified by GRACE as higher achieving students in the areas of language arts, reading and math. These students have an opportunity to participate in an online course where they will be led by a certified teacher to utilize higher level thinking skills as they converse and learn with each other. An introductory course (4 weeks) is offered in the fall. Courses are offered again in the fall, winter and spring. Each is 9 weeks in length. This opportunity is offered by invitation only. WITHDRAWALS/TRANSFERS: Parents who make the decision to withdraw their child(ren) from Notre Dame School should contact one of the school offices at least one week in advance so the school can process the transfer of records.

NOTRE DAME OF DE PERE

Uniform Policy/Dress Code Policy 2016-2017

The students of Notre Dame of De Pere have the honor of wearing a uniform to school. The uniform is an outward sign to the community that signifies how highly valued education is to the parents and students of our school. Uniforms can help students feel more connected and increase academic focus. Students should wear the uniform with pride and respect. Modesty should be reflected in all clothing choices. Note: Students out of dress code will call their parents for a change of clothes. If a parent cannot provide appropriate clothes, the student will receive dress code compliant clothing from the school office/uniform closet. Effective June 2011, custom plaid jumpers and skirts and custom navy skirts are no longer available from the local uniform store. Existing custom-made jumpers and skirts may continue to be worn as part of the uniform. Additional jumper and skirt options have been made available through Land’s End as detailed below. Trousers and Pants (K-8):

• Uniform Style • Navy or tan color • Straight or tapered leg, no flared leg styles • Gabardine, corduroy or cotton twill • No extra pockets or zippers, no cargo pants, no Capri or cropped pants • No tight-fitting pants

Skorts/Split Skirts(K-8): • White plaid side-pleat skort. When worn must be touching the knee.

(Available at www.landsend.com. Style number 231588-AL0, 231589-AL5, 231590-AL8, 403724-AL5, 231586-AL1, 231587-AL6)

Jumper (K-5): • White Plaid jumper. When worn must be touching the knee.

(Available through catalog and www.landsend.com. Style number 065010-AL7, 065011-AL1, 065009-AL4)

Skirts (6-8): • Plaid and navy box pleat skirts. When worn must be touching the knee.

(Available through catalog and www.landsend.com. Skirts come in three different lengths*; Above the knee: 395700-AL2; Top of the knee: 407089-BP7, 419923-BP7, 473437-BQ8(Plaid), 473436-BQ3 (Plaid), 473438-BQ2 (Plaid); Below the knee: 430801-BQ1, 430802-BQ6, 430803BQ0)

*It is to the advantage of the purchaser to select the longest length possible so it will last through the middle school years and the growth spurts that take place. When worn, skirts must be touching the knee. Shorts (K-8):

• Navy or tan • Cotton twill • No extra pockets or zippers, no cargo-style shorts • Walking short length (touching the knee) • Capri-length shorts/pants: permitted only when shorts are allowed • May be worn April 15 – October 15

Shirts & Blouses (K-8):

• Solid plain white/navy/red • Polos/turtlenecks/dress shirts/blouses • Shirts must have collars • Short or long-sleeved • No lace, company logos, sleeveless, low-cut, or tank top styles • Shirts must be tucked in during the school day • Optional: Shirts with embroidered Notre Dame School are acceptable and can be

purchased through Land’s End • Optional: Notre Dame team jerseys may be worn on game days, tucked in to

proper uniform bottoms • Optional: Scouting uniform tops may be worn on meeting days, tucked in to

proper uniform bottoms Sweaters (K-8):

• Solid white/navy/red • Crew neck, v-neck, cardigan or vest • Waist Length • No baggy or over-sized styles, no hooded style sweaters, no company logos, etc. • Uniform shirt must be worn with sweaters

Note: Uniform pants and shirts can be purchased at local stores and through Land’s End Catalog or online at www.landsend.com. Sign up online for email updates and special offers/discounts on uniform purchases. When ordering from Land’s End, please use the Notre Dame preferred school code #9000-5448-7 so the school can earn cash back rewards for uniform purchases. Sweatshirts (K-8):

• Notre Dame logo fleece and/or sweatshirt will be available for purchase through the school office and is acceptable to wear during the school day

• Uniform shirt must be worn underneath uniform fleece/sweatshirt Shoes (K-8):

• Must be closed-toe and closed-heel shoe • Gym/deck/flats/dress shoes are acceptable, but those with laces must be tied • No sandals, flip-flops, clogs, high heels, Wheelies or Crocs styles • All students must have tennis shoes available (must be non-marking soles) at

school for use in the gym • Boots are not allowed to be worn during the school day (no UGG or fashion

boots) Socks (K-8):

• Socks must be worn at all times and should be visible above the shoes • Style may be crew socks, knee socks, or footless/footed tights • No contrasting socks or socks of a different color are to be worn. • Girls may wear footless tights/leggings if no skin shows between footless tights

and uniform socks Hair (K-8):

• Boys – no longer than collar length or extreme styles • Girls – no extreme styles • No fad haircuts or color-treated styles

Miscellaneous:

• Simple earrings are acceptable (no dangling or hoops) • Natural and lightly applied make-up is acceptable for students in grades 6-8 • Simple and natural colors of nail polish are acceptable for girls in grades K-8 • Uniforms must be kept neat and clean • Skirts and split skirts are not allowed to be rolled at the waist to alter the length

Non-Uniform Day Dress Code: Non-uniform days and school sponsored events will continue to reflect the value of modesty and to reflect a positive learning environment.

• Tank tops, strapless or spaghetti-strapped tank tops and low-cut shirts may not be worn

• No undergarments should be seen • Writing and graphics on all clothing should reflect positive images • Shorts, dresses and skirts must touch the knee • Yoga or tight-fitting knit pants cannot be worn • Shoes must be closed-toe and closed-heel • Boots of any kind may not be worn during the school day • Gym/deck/flats/dress shoes are acceptable, but those with laces must be tied • No sandals, flip-flops, clogs, high heels, Wheelies or Crocs styles

Graduation Dress Code: In compliance with school policy, girls must wear knee-length (or longer) skirts or dresses. Shoulders must be covered. Necklines must be appropriate. Boys must wear a collared dress shirt, dress pants, a tie, and dress shoes. A suit coat is optional. Graduation gowns (which will be provided) will be worn during the Mass. All staff will enforce the policies above. In the event of a uniform violation the following procedure will be enforced: Students who are not in uniform or dress code will call parents for clothes that comply with the Uniform/Dress Code. If the school cannot contact a parent, the school may provide the student with clothes to wear that are in line with the Notre Dame Uniform/Dress Code.

REVISIONS OF PARENT HANDBOOK

The administration of Notre Dame School with the advice of the Site Advisory Council (SAC) retains the right to revise the Parent Handbook as it sees fit. Parents will receive notices of these changes through the weekly newsletters or by constant contact.