ABSENCES
Regular and punctual attendance is important for student achievement.   Children are expected to be present each day that school is in session.

When your child is absent from school, a call should be made to the school office by 8:30 a.m. and each day your child is out of school.  A written excuse stating the reason for an absence and signed by the parent or guardian is required when a child returns to school after an absence.  A doctor must verify extended absences due to illness or injury.

In cases of truancy, the principal will work in conjunction with the Pupil Services Department of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD).

Valid excuses for absences are:

1. Illness.

2. Death or critical illness in immediate family.

3. Necessary medical attention.  Such appointments should not be scheduled during school unless every effort to avoid such scheduling has been exhausted.  Parent is required to meet the student in the office.

4. A request in writing, in advance of the absence if possible, to the principal.  The principal’s decision in this matter is final.

Examples of invalid reasons for absences:
Shopping trips, baby-sitting, absence of a brother or sister, truancy, oversleeping, missing a bus, and/or vacations (Refer to vacations on page 28 of the Handbook).

Assignments for schoolwork missed during any period of absence must be completed.  It is the teacher's prerogative to establish classroom policy concerning this matter.

BREAKFAST / LUNCH PROGRAM
St. Vincent de Paul School participates in the School Hot Breakfast and Lunch Program through the Diocese of Cleveland.  The Federal Government subsidizes the cost of meals and specifies the amount to be charged.  Information about the program is sent home at the beginning of the school year.  Families approved for free and reduced lunches are notified of their status.  Parents may apply at any time during the school year.  

Students will eat in the Cafeteria supervised by our Lunch Monitors.  Students in grades K-4 will have lunch together and students in grades 5-8 will eat lunch with one another.  Lunches brought in a brown bag or lunch box should be marked plainly with child's name and room number.  Milk is sold to those who bring their own lunch.

Following expectations and respect for the Lunch Monitors is the primary condition for being permitted to have lunch at school.  Students, who do not follow the lunch rules, are disrespectful to Lunch Monitors, and/or repeatedly cause problems may not be allowed to have lunch with their peers.  Lunch and recess rules will be strictly enforced, with appropriate consequences given to students who do not comply with the expectations.
 

CURRICULUM / GRADE REPORTING

DISCIPLINE
St. Vincent de Paul School believes that school discipline should be firm and fair.  The goal of discipline is to provide students with the means to achieve Christian self-discipline.  Students are taught the morals and values of Christian conduct and are expected to make choices with respect for the needs and rights of others.  Students are expected to take responsibility for their own actions.
 
All students will follow the rules and regulations of the school while on school grounds, on the way to and from school and immediately before and after school hours.  In addition, St. Vincent de Paul students are expected to conduct themselves appropriately at all times so as not to dishonor or embarrass St. Vincent de Paul School and Parish.  Any behavior, which negatively affects or impacts on the school or is connected to the school in any way, is prohibited.  St. Vincent de Paul School reserves the right to apply its discipline provisions whether or not the action happened on or off the campus where the misconduct is serious or where there is a connection between the misconduct and the school.

In order to help students achieve these goals, a uniform discipline plan will be used throughout the school and will be adjusted to match individual classroom needs and grade levels.

The student expectations that follow are examples and not meant to be an all-inclusive list.  These general expectations apply to all facets of school life and are meant as guidelines for our St. Vincent de Paul students.  It is important for students and parents to be familiar with page 13 of the Handbook entitled “Serious Infractions.”  Any infractions that fall into this category may require immediate intervention by a staff member or the principal.
 

DRESS CODE
Girls in Grades 1-8: 

 
Boys in Grades 1-8:

MOVING / TRANSFERS
If you change your place of residence, you must send your new address and telephone number, in writing, immediately to the school office and your child’s homeroom teacher.  If you are transferring to another school, contact the school office as soon as possible.

Students who withdraw from St. Vincent de Paul School for any reason must have all financial obligations met before any records are sent to the new school.  (Appropriate forms will be provided when these conditions are fulfilled.)  A copy of the Permanent Record Card and the health record is sent to the receiving school after the parent has signed the release form.

When students are withdrawn or expelled from school, pre-paid tuition is the only fee that will be returned.  Registration fees are non-refundable.  Students who are withdrawn from our school may not be re-admitted except in cases of moving out of the city or state and then returning to the area.
 

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES
Thanks to State and Federal Programs offered through Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), some of the programs below would not be possible.

Library:  A Librarian and volunteers staff our library.  Each class is scheduled for a library period at least once a week.  The library is available for individual research during the school day with teacher's permission. 

Nurse:  Through Auxiliary Services, a nurse is available one day every other week for our students.  She maintains health records, does routine screening, administers first aid, and consults with parents. 

Psychologist:  Through Auxiliary Services, a school psychologist is available one day a week.  Educational and psychological testing and diagnosis are available at no cost to parents.  For more information, please contact the teacher, principal, or psychologist. 

Speech Therapy:  Through Auxiliary Services, a Speech and Language Pathologist is available for students diagnosed with a speech handicap one day a week. 

Remedial Teacher:  Through Auxiliary Services, a Remedial Teacher is available for eligible students in grades K-7 for reading and/or math remediation during the week. 

Title I:  Through Auxiliary Services, a Basic Skills Teacher is available for eligible students in grades K-7 for reading and/or math remediation during the week.
 

TUITION POLICY
Your Pastor and Principal have the responsibility of implementing the policy written below.  Once again, St. Vincent de Paul School and Parish appreciate you choosing our school for your child’s elementary education.
 

A tuition statement is sent home the end of each month.  Payment should be made and returned in the tuition envelope and returned no later than the 15th day of that month.  The school depends on the faithful adherence to this policy so we may meet our monthly financial obligations.

St. Vincent de Paul families not up-to-date with tuition payments may be asked to keep their children at home until tuition is current.                                                 

We expect parents to be faithful to their contract and pay on time.  A late fee of $15.00 may be added on an individual basis.  In addition, a fee of $25.00 will be charged for returned checks.