Philosophy
Holy Angels School is a vital part of the Holy Angels Parish community.  We recognize parents and guardians as the primary educators. Parents, students and teachers collaborate to model respect, compassion and responsibility through a curriculum that incorporates Catholic truths and values. We are committed to the development of the whole child, spiritually and academically.

Mission  Statement
As the community of Holy Angels, we challenge students of diverse backgrounds and abilities to strive for academic excellence through a quality curriculum that embodies Catholic values and traditions. Working together with parents, guardians and students, we aim to instill the skills necessary to prepare our youth for the challenges of the future.

Vision  of  Commitment

REFRAIN:  A vision of commitment, to the spirit, mind and soul; a school built on compassion Holy Angels, Holy Angels, onward we do go.

1. Holy Angels, we bear your name, a school with a giving heart;  a friend and helper of the poor, “gift” forever to impart. (refrain)

2. To meet the needs of one another, and challenges of each day; as citizens of tomorrow, our learning grows along the way. (refrain)
   

ABSENCES

• Call the school office before 9:00 am on the first day of your child’s absence.  The school telephone is connected to an answering machine so messages may be left at any time prior to 9:00 am.  When calling, please give your child’s name, grade and reason for the absence.
• California State Law requires all absences be explained with a written note to the teacher on the day your child returns to school.
• If a child is absent from school, he/she may not participate in or attend extra-curricular activities (games, plays or parties) until he/she returns to school.
• Inform the school when your child has a contagious illness so the school may inform other parents of possible exposure.

EXTENDED ABSENCES
A parent does not have the right to amend the school calendar by taking their child on vacation on school days. Being absent for extended vacations does not lessen the student’s academic responsibility nor does it involve special academic consideration.  A student may be provided with assignments before leaving for such a vacation (at the discretion of the teacher) and will be required to make up all missed work, including tests, when he/she returns.  Excessive absences may affect a student’s grades or no grades may be given that quarter.  Excessive absences may also affect promotion.  The teacher must be given written notification prior to the absence.  Parents will be asked to sign a form indicating that they understand these expectations.  Tutoring may be required when the student returns to school.

ADMISSION
Registration for all grades begins January 1st each year.  All applicants are tested individually. Children must be five years old before November 1st and be attending a licensed pre-school to be eligible for testing for kindergarten.  A small fee is charged for testing.  Applicants for grades 1 through 8 must bring a copy of  the latest report card at the time of testing.  Applicants for grades 3-8 must also bring the latest standardized testing results.  Students who pass the test but are not accepted because of the limited class size are placed on a waiting list.

Holy Angels School accepts children of all races, colors and national or ethnic origin, providing we have a vacancy for them.


ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
The possession, sale or use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs or any other controlled substance, or weapons of any kind, on the school campus, on field trips or at any school functions, is strictly forbidden.  Violation of this rule will be cause for immediate expulsion and the incident will be reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency.

Prohibition of Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying/Cyber Bullying

“Harassment, intimidation or bully/cyber bullying” means any intentional written, or physical act, when the intentional written, or physical act:

• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or
• Has the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• Is severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating or threatening educational environment; or
• Has the effect of substantially disrupting the orderly operation of the school.

Harassment, intimidation or bullying/cyber bullying can take many forms including: slurs, rumors, jokes, innuendo’s, demeaning comments, drawing cartoons, pranks, gestures, physical attacks, threats, or other written, oral or physical actions. “Intentional acts” refers to the individual’s choice to engage in the act rather than the ultimate impact of the action(s).

At Holy Angels School, we are committed to providing a safe and caring school where every student(person) has the right to feel physically and emotionally safe to learn and succeed while they are at school and community. Because of this belief, we will do everything possible, both as individuals and as a school community, to create and preserve that environment through proactive anti-bullying education, zero tolerance for bullying behaviors along with well-defined and effective consequences for violations. Accordingly, we have a “zero-tolerance” policy against bullying/cyber bullying, meaning that bullying/cyber bullying of any sort is deemed unacceptable in our school community.

Bullying/Cyber bullying is any single incident or pattern of behavior directed at another person that results in that person feeling intimidated or harassed, or results in the physical or emotional injury of the person. According to the California Department of Education (1997) by definition, bullying “may take place in a variety of hostile acts that are carried out repeatedly over time. The acts involve a real or perceived imbalance of power, with the more powerful child or group attacking those who are less powerful.”

Any student, who believes they have been bullied, or who has seen another student being bullied, should report the problem immediately to a teacher or other adult on campus. Furthermore, any Holy Angels employee or parent who witnesses a bullying incident should report it to the campus principle or counselor.

Examples of Bullying and Cyberbully are thoroughly described on the website.

Report/Response Procedures for Bullying/Cyber Bullying

• All types of bullying incidents should be reported immediately to a school staff.
• Staff members will record all reported bullying incidents and may share them with the principal.
• Parents of both victim and perpetrator may be informed and summoned to the school for a meeting about the problem.
• In severe instance, local police may be contacted.
• The bullying behavior or threats will be investigated quickly and fully, with both victim and perpetrator informed that the behavior will/must stop immediately.
• The bullying perpetrator may meet with the school counselor, a designated staff member and (if they are willing to cooperate) his/her parents to understand the seriousness of his/her actions (to include placing themselves in the victim’s shoes to appreciate the undesirable effects of the behavior), and to learn appropriate means of changing behavior.
• The bully may be asked to genuinely apologize to the victim and/or, if the victim prefers, will sign a letter promising to avoid all future contact with the victim.
• There may be a range of punitive response up to suspension for the perpetrator.
• After the incident has been thoroughly investigated and dealt with, faculty and counselors will monitor both students (including regular “check-ins”) to ensure that bullying does not resume or reoccur.

FACTORS FOR DETERMINING CONSEQUENCES

• Age, development, and maturity levels of the parties involved
• Degree of harm
• Surrounding circumstances
• Nature and severity of the behavior(s)
• Incidences of past or continuing pattern(s) of behavior
• Relationship between the parties involved
• Context in which the alleged incident(s) occurred

For any violation of the Anti-bullying policy, the following consequences will be applied in sequential order as each violation occurs. The school principle may apply more than one disciplinary action, OR skip a step, depending on the severity and nature of the violation.
Note: It is possible to have more than one step one for a student depending on the nature and severity of the behavior. However, one student SHOULD NOT have many step ones.

Step 1: Awareness, Intervention, Warning, and Redirection
Step 2: Meeting with Teacher/Principal/Counselor
Step 3: Formal meeting with parents, Counseling, Level 1 Consequence.
Step 4: Level 2 Consequence
Step 5: Suspension
Step 6: Expulsion
*Descriptions of the each disciplinary action is detailed on the website.

Bullying is never justified and is not excusable as “kids being kids,” “just teasing” or any other rationalization.

APPOINTMENTS
Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours.  However, when this is not possible, students will be excused for these special appointments.  A note explaining the absence must accompany the student on or before the appointment.  A parent, or parent-designated person, must come to the school office to pick up the student.  No student will be allowed to leave before checking out in the office.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Parents delivering or picking up students at school may do so at the Reiner Street entrance, but are encouraged to use the main lot on San Pedro Road.  In the morning, drivers may use the two designated spots adjacent to grade 3 to drop off students only, but may not park there for an extended time.  For pick-up, drivers enter the schoolyard through the gate on Reiner Street and park in marked parking areas behind the basketball courts. Students may not leave the classroom until someone has come to the classroom to physically check them out.  Students may not leave the schoolyard on their own.  Parents wishing to park in the church lot off San Pedro Road may do so but also need to physically check their child out of the classroom. Students may not meet their car in the parking lot on their own.  Safety tickets will be issued to those not following the parking rules.

Playground supervision is available from 7:30 am to 8:15 am and from 3:00 pm to 3:15 pm.  Students arriving before 7:30 am and those staying after 3:15 pm must go to Extended Day Care for supervision. Before school care is held in the Science Lab.

ASSEMBLIES
Assemblies are planned periodically by the school administration and the Student Council.  A variety of age-appropriate topics are offered during the school year.  Student attendance is a privilege and special attention to manners and good citizenship is expected of all students.  Students not adhering to the rules will not be allowed to attend.           

ATHLETICS
Holy Angels offers a variety of sports to girls and boys in grades three to eight through Daly City Park and Recreation and CYO. Programs vary by grade level. The program is aimed at promoting the emotional growth of our students by maintaining a competitive sports program which stresses fundamentals and sportsmanship, individual effort and teamwork, participation and competition.  Students must maintain a C average in core subjects in order to participate.
Sign-ups are taken before the sport season begins. Fees are set by the league and must be paid before the season begins.  Equipment is provided by the school.

AWARDS
Students receive special recognition at the school through a variety of award programs.  These awards are intended to promote and recognize Christian action, academic skills and achievement, athletic achievement and various aspects of good citizenship.  Teachers and parents are encouraged to promote these awards as an incentive towards special effort and achievement by the students.

Student of the Month awards are presented at the monthly school Mass.  These awards, for all grade levels, are given solely on the basis of Christian attitude and generosity.  Students receive certificates and have their picture taken with family members, the principal and teacher.  This photo is displayed on the bulletin board outside third grade for the next month.

Honor Roll Guidelines

Principal's Award:
4.0 in each core subject
No C- or NP in any subject
1 or 2 in conduct and effort

Honor Award:
3.5 and above cumulative GPA in core subjects
No D's or F's or NP in any subject
1 or 2 in conduct and effort

Angel Award:
Academic improvement
Outstanding citizenship
Service to our community
Extraordinary acts of Christian behavior

Principal's Awards and Honor Awards are for students in grades 3 to 8 and include core subjects only. Awards will be given quarterly.

Angel Awards are for students in grades K to 8. Awards will be given quarterly.

At an awards assembly, held at the end of each school year, Christian attitude, conduct, service and academic awards are given to students in grades 1-7.  Scholarships are given at the graduation exercises to graduates who will be attending Catholic high school.  These scholarships are based on IOWA test scores, overall grade point average, attitude, effort and cooperation, conduct, school spirit and participation.


BICYCLES
The school assumes no responsibility for bicycles brought to school.  Bicycles are to be walked on campus, parked and locked in the bicycle rack near third grade.

CALENDAR
Parents receive a copy of the school calendar at the beginning of each school year.  It is important to review this calendar from time to time, as it contains important information regarding holidays, minimum days, report card periods and conference dates.
If calendar dates need to be revised, parents will be notified in writing in advance of the change.  Please share the calendar with those responsible for picking up your child/children.

CELL PHONES
Students may not have cell phones in the classroom.  Cell phones are to be left in the school office before school begins and may be collected from the office at the end of the school day.  Phones found in the classroom will be confiscated and not returned until the last day of school. School phones are available for student use when necessary. Unless a student is going home alone, a cell phone is not deemed necessary.  Parents are asked to refrain from sending a cell phone to school with their child/children.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR TELEPHONE NUMBER
Please notify the school in writing immediately when there is a change in your address, home or work telephone number, or the name or phone number of those listed on your child’s emergency card.  It is most imperative that we have a way of reaching you in case of an emergency.  Please be sure those listed as emergency contacts know they have been listed and are able to pick up your child.  We are only able to release your child to those you have listed on the emergency card.

CHEATING
Cheating is a serious compromise of a student’s integrity and will not be tolerated.  If cheating is discovered, the student’s work will be confiscated, a failing grade will automatically be recorded for the work and parents will be called for a conference.  A second offense will result in suspension from school.


CLASS SCHEDULES
All Grades
Regular Class Day: 8:15 am to 3:00 pm

Faculty Meeting Day: 8:15 am to 1:45 pm
(usually 1st Monday of the month)

Minimum Class Day: 8:15 am to 12:30 pm
(usually 3rd Monday of the month)

Lunch: 11:55 am to 12:10 pm
:
Lunch Recess: 12:10 pm to 12:40 pm

A student is considered late if he/she is not in the classroom by 8:20 am.  Students arriving after 8:20 am are to check in at the office.

CLASSROOM SUPPLIES
Students are responsible for having and maintaining their own school supplies and should come to school each day prepared for class.  A supply list of necessary items for the coming school year is given to the students at the end of the previous school year.  Care of all school textbooks and equipment is the responsibility of each student.  Books, equipment or school property damaged or lost during the year will be charged to the student responsible.

ARCHDIOCESAN CODE OF CONDUCT
The students’ interest in receiving a quality, morally based education can be served if students, parents and school officials work together.  Normally, differences between these individuals can be resolved.  In some rare instances, however, the school may find it necessary, at its discretion, to require parents/guardians to withdraw their child.

It shall be an express condition of enrollment that the student behave in a manner, both on and off campus, that is consistent with the Christian principles of the school as determined by the school at its discretion.  These principles include, but are not limited to, any policies, principles or procedures set forth in any student/parent handbook of the school.

It shall be an express condition of enrollment that the parents/guardians of a student shall also conform themselves to standards of conduct that are consistent with the Christian principles of the school, as determined by the school in its discretion.  These principles include, but are not limited to any policies, principles or procedures set forth in any student/parent handbook of the school.

These Christian principles further include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Parents/guardians are expected to work courteously and cooperatively with the school to assist the student in meeting the academic, moral and behavioral expectations of the school.
• Students and parents/guardians may respectfully express their concerns about the school operation and its personnel.  However, they may not do so in a manner that is discourteous, scandalous, rumor driven, disruptive, threatening, hostile or divisive.
• These expectations for students and parents/guardians include, but are not limited to, all school-sponsored programs and events (e.g. extended care, athletics, field trips, etc.).

The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, which actions fall short of meeting the Christian principles of the school.  Failure to follow these principles will normally result in a verbal or written warning to the student and/or parent/guardian and normally will first result in disciplinary action short of a requirement to withdraw from the school (e.g. suspension of student or suspension of parent/guardian’s privilege to come on the campus grounds and/or participate in parish/school activities, volunteer work, etc.).

The school reserves the right to determine, in its discretion, when conduct is of such a severe nature as to warrant immediate action without a warning and/or without an intermediate step short of withdrawal.

HOLY ANGELS SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT
Desirable behavior requires the efforts of everyone.  Students, parents and teachers should be aware of and consistently enforce the school rules.  The following rules are maintained to develop self-control and Christian responsibility in children.
                                               

• Students will not interfere with the learning of others.
• Students will obey and respect all adults who are entrusted     with their care.
• Students will respect and not hurt others physically or verbally.
• Fighting or rough play will not be allowed.
• Students will not leave the school grounds without permission.
• Students will not enter the classrooms before school unless they have the permission of the teacher.
• Students will conduct themselves reverently and properly in church.
• Students will respect all school property (books, buildings, furniture, balls, etc.)
• Vulgar language will not be allowed.
• Students are not to play or loiter in the restrooms.
• Rocks, sticks, etc. will not be thrown at any time.
• Gum will not be permitted in the buildings or on school grounds.
• Students will not lie, cheat, steal or allow others to do so.

A copy of the school rules is sent home at the beginning of each school year.  Parents are to go over this code with their children and both student and parent must sign this document, agreeing to the terms stipulated in this code.  This document must be returned to school as a copy is kept in the student’s permanent record file.  Parents should keep a copy of the code of conduct to review occasionally with the student.

COMMUNICATIONS
Schedules, memos and letters from the school may be sent home with your child.  Please impress upon your child the importance of delivering these to you promptly as they always provide school information of which you should be aware.  If asked to sign and return any notice, please do so as soon as possible.

CONFERENCES
Official Parent-teacher conferences take place once a year and coincide with the end of the first report card period and receipt of the results of the IOWA tests given each fall.  Each family will be scheduled for a specific time period.  Since this is an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to meet and discuss the child’s academic progress, please make every effort to keep the appointment.  Special conference forms will be sent home to you.  Should you wish to meet with the teacher at other times during the year, please contact the school office or the teacher for an appointment.

CONTACTING TEACHERS
Holy Angels School welcomes the interest and involvement of parents in the concern of promoting the spiritual, academic and moral growth and development of their children. Should you wish to contact a teacher, please call the school office at 650-755-0220 to arrange for an appointment or leave a message.  All faculty members will be at school from 7:45 am until 3:30 pm.  Please make conferences for before or after school hours, not during classroom hours.  If there is a problem, please contact the teacher before calling the principal.

COUNSELING
Upon the recommendation of the parent, teacher or principal, counseling services may be required.  Holy Angels offers a
counseling service for a small fee.  If your child is in need of counseling, a parent permission form will be sent home.  Please sign this form and return it to the office as soon as possible.  You will be contacted should more extensive service or evaluation procedures be necessary or advisable.  The counselor is available for parent conferences as well.

DISCIPLINE
Attendance in school should be regarded as a privilege, one which may be denied because of poor attendance, unsatisfactory conduct or excessively poor scholastic record.

School personnel will handle any problems that may arise.  Every child is each teacher’s responsibility.  Children are not to take care of problems by themselves.  If some difficulty should arise, the students are to report the incident to their classroom teacher.  If the teacher is unable to make changes for satisfactory behavior, the principal is notified of the problem.  If behavior persists, there are four main steps that will be followed by the school:

Step 1: Parents will be notified for their information and for their influence towards correcting the problem.

Step 2: Parents, teacher and student will meet to discuss improvement, and time limits for improvement will be set.

Step 3: Students may be sent home until a parent-teacher-principal-student conference can be held and an                                agreement has been reached.

Step 4: If general bad conduct persists, the student will not be invited to return to the school the following year, or may                    be expelled at that time.

Teachers will send home a disciplinary referral slip, which must be signed and returned promptly.  These slips will be kept in the student’s permanent record file.  Misbehavior of a more serious nature will result in suspension from school.  Repeated serious misbehavior will result in expulsion from school.

NOTE:  Monetary reimbursement will be required in the event of damage of any kind to school property or the property of other students.


DRESS CODE
Students are expected to be clean and neat in their personal grooming, observing standards of modesty, moderation and good taste.

Boys:
Hair style should be neat and trim and may not be below the shirt collar.  Razor cuts, wedge cuts, 2-step cuts, tails or dyeing are not permitted.  Shirts are to be tucked in and uniform pants are to be the correct size and worn properly. Facial hair is not allowed.

Girls:
Jewelry and accessories should be modest.  For safety reasons, hoop and dangling earrings may not be worn.  Make-up, colored lip gloss and colored nail polish are not permitted.  Hair styling should be modest, age appropriate and may not be dyed.

The administration reserves the right to make individual determination affecting dress code policy.

Uniform requirements are listed in this handbook under UNIFORM.  All students are to be in complete uniform every day unless other instructions are given ahead of time.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Each child MUST have an emergency card with CURRENT INFORMATION (parent(s) work number(s) and emergency contact people) on file in the school office.  Make sure that the people specified as emergency contacts know they have been listed as such AND are available during the day to pick up your child.

Fire drills are conducted regularly.  Duck and cover earthquake procedures are also practiced on a regular basis.

In case of a natural disaster, all students will be kept at school, under supervision, until a parent or parent-designated person arrives.  Students must be signed out before being allowed to leave school premises.  ONLY THOSE LISTED AS YOUR EMERGENCY CONTACTS WILL BE ALLOWED TO TAKE YOUR CHILD.

EXTENDED CARE
Extended Care operates from 7:00 to 7:30 am and again from 3:15 to 6:00 pm for grades K through 8. A fee of $6 per minute is charged after 6 pm. Extended care is open on all school days with the exception of the first and last day of school, the day before Thanksgiving, the last school day before Christmas vacation, Holy Thursday and graduation day.  Extended care also observes the same holiday schedule as the school.  Hourly or monthly fee schedules are available.  Billing is done at the end of each month.  Any student on school premises after 3:15 pm is automatically signed in to Extended Care.  Before school care is held in the Science Lab.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Holy Angels is pleased to offer a variety of extracurricular activities.  A variety of athletic activities are offered throughout the year through Daly City Park and Recreation and CYO. Choir is offered for students in grades three through eight after an audition process.  Band is offered to students in grades five through eight. Liturgy in Motion is open to students in grades five through eight.

FAMILY ENVELOPE
Once a month, usually on the last Wednesday of the month (except in December and June), an envelope goes home to each family through the oldest child in school.  This envelope contains newsletters, announcements, forms, meeting dates and other school related information.  It is imperative that you read the enclosures carefully as you are responsible for the information they contain.  Please sign and return the empty envelope with your child the following day.  Special family envelopes may be sent home when deemed necessary.


FIELD TRIPS
Age-appropriate educational field trips within our area and to nearby points of interest are scheduled by classroom teachers throughout the year.  These trips are designed to supplement
different aspects of the classroom curriculum and to introduce students to the resources of the community.  Parents will receive notice of field trips in advance and will be asked to sign a field trip permission form indicating approval of the student’s participation.  No student may participate without a signed permission form.  If you withhold permission for your child to accompany the class, your child must still attend school that day.

Sometimes a small fee may be required from each student to pay the cost of transportation or to use the facility.  Parents are encouraged to attend field trips with their child and to act as a driver and/or chaperone.                             

All drivers must have a copy of their driver’s license and vehicle liability insurance on file in the school office.  Diocesan liability insurance is secondary to liability insurance provided by the car owner.  Siblings may not attend field trips with parents who act as drivers and/or chaperones.

FIELD TRIP DRESS CODE
Girls should wear modest dresses or dress slacks and blouses.  Boys should wear dress slacks and sport shirts.  T-shirts and non-uniform tennis shoes may not be worn, unless written notice is given to do so.  Make-up and nail polish may not be worn.  Student conduct and dress should be appropriate to represent the high standards of our school.  Any changes to this dress code will be sent home in writing prior to the field trip.

FREE DRESS CODE
On days designated for free dress, unless you are sent a written notice stating otherwise, the following rules apply: leggings, shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, halter tops, low cut dresses or blouses may not be worn.  Students are allowed to wear: clean jeans in good condition, dress slacks and shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses. Skirts or dresses must be knee length.  Non-uniform tennis shoes may not be worn unless students are told otherwise.  Baseball-style hats, caps or hoods may not be worn.  Any changes to this free dress code will be sent home in writing prior to the event.


FUND RAISING
About 20% of the school’s operating budget comes from fund raising activities. All parents are required to actively participate in our one major event each year, the Spring Celebration. Students are also expected to participate in the Walk/Jog-a-thon and Candy Sale. Other fund raising events held during the year are strictly voluntary (i.e. Gift Wrap, Cookie Dough, Hot Lunch, Snack Sale, Book Fair, Valentine Dance). Points are earned for participation in some but not all events.

                                               
GRADUATION ACTIVITIES
Activities include a picnic and dance held prior to graduation.  Students whose tuition and fees have been paid in full may participate.
Graduation for eighth graders is held one week prior to the end of the school year.   A Baccalaureate Mass in the morning and Graduation Ceremony in the afternoon are held in Holy Angels Church.  Scholarships and special awards are given during these exercises,

HARASSMENT POLICY
In 1992 the Archbishop of San Francisco promulgated a comprehensive set of policies and procedures covering all forms of unlawful harassment, with particular emphasis on sexual misconduct in the workplace and in ministerial relationships, as well as highlighting the unique respect and responsibility which is owed by adults to children.  In 1996 a supplement to that policy was added specifically focusing on student to student harassment.  The policy serves as a tangible witness to the Catholic commitment to live, love and respect as Jesus did.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco affirms the Christian dignity of every student.  It is the policy of the Archdiocese to provide an educational environment in which all students are treated with respect.  Harassment is unacceptable conduct that is severe, pervasive and deliberate.  Harassment occurs when an individual is subjected to treatment in a school environment which is hostile, offensive or intimidating because of the individual’s race, creed, color, national origin, physical ability or gender.  Harassment of any student by any other student is prohibited and will not be tolerated.

A charge of harassment shall not, in and of itself, create the presumption of wrongdoing.  However, substantiated acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action up to, and including expulsion.  Students found to have filed knowingly false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary action up to, and including expulsion.  Depending on the nature and extent of the charge, if reasonable suspicion of misconduct is determined, the alleged harasser may be sent home pending conclusion of the investigation by the school.     

A complete copy of the Comprehensive Policy Against Harassment, including the detailed policies on child abuse and student to student harassment, is available in the principal’s office.

HEALTH
Children who become ill during school hours will be sent home as soon as possible.  Please keep emergency information current so we can reach you quickly.  Please do not send your child to school sick, as it endangers other children.  We cannot take responsibility for a sick child and are not permitted to administer medication of any kind without written instructions from you and your doctor.  In case of illness or injury, a child will be cared for temporarily by the school staff.  School personnel will give first aid treatment only.  If emergency medical treatment is necessary, parents will be contacted.  In case of a serious medical emergency 911 will be called.

State law requires that every child who is admitted to school must have written evidence of a medical exam and up-to-date vaccinations.  These are kept in the school office and maintained by a parent volunteer with medical experience.  If you receive a notice from this parent volunteer regarding immunizations, please cooperate and provide the necessary information.  If immunizations and exams are not current, you will be told to keep your child at home until this information is complete.  Holy Angels School complies with all State of California health requirements pertaining to immunizations.

HOMEWORK
Homework is a means of finding out how well the child has comprehended the day’s lessons.  The student seeking to develop himself or herself will see homework as a challenge, not a drudgery.  All students are expected to complete their homework assignments on time.  If a child is unable to complete an assignment because of an emergency situation or illness, he/she must have a written notice from the parent stating the reason for not having the assignment completed on time, and when it will be completed.

Each grade level has different steps to be followed concerning missed assignments each report card period.  The Homework Policy for your child’s grade level is sent home at the beginning of each school year.  This form is to be signed by both parent and student and returned to the teacher.  Parents are asked to keep a copy for future reference.

Homework for each grade level is posted on the school’s web site on a daily basis.

Holy Angels School follows Archdiocesan guidelines for the amount of homework given.  Special note: Classroom assignments not completed that day may also be given for homework and are in addition to the regular time allotment.

ARCHDIOCESAN HOMEWORK TIME ALLOTMENTS
                        Grades 1 & 2               20 minutes
                        Grades 3 & 4               30-45 minutes
                        Grades 5 & 6               45-60 minutes
                        Grades 7 & 8               60-90 minutes

HOMEWORK POLICIES
Grades 1 & 2
1. Student given a warning
2. Student given a lower grade in effort on the report card
3. Note is sent home
4. Parent-teacher conference needed

Grades 3 & 4
1. Student given a warning
2. Student will serve a 15 minute detention
3. Student will serve a 30 minute detention
4. Parent-teacher conference needed and the effort grade
    lowered on the report card

Grade 5
1. Student given a warning
2. Student will serve a 15 minute detention
3. Student will serve a 30 minute detention
4. Parent-teacher conference needed and effort grade is
    lowered one grade point on the report card
5. Principal-parent conference needed

Grades 6, 7 & 8
A formal junior high policy covering classroom behavior, homework, assessment and absences has been adopted for this age level. Students and parents receive a copy on the first day of school. A page containing the signature of the student and one parent needs to be returned the second day of school. Teachers will go over the new policies with the students to familiarize them with the additions to previous requirements.

INSURANCE
Students are covered by insurance through the Archdiocese of San Francisco for all activities before, during and after school, providing they are school sponsored and supervised activities.


KINDERGARTEN
Children entering kindergarten are required to be five years old before November 1st  of the school year they are enrolling, and be attending a licensed pre-school.  Registration takes place beginning January 1.  All applicants are tested individually before being accepted.  A written evaluation by the pre-school teacher is part of the acceptance procedure.  Holy Angels has an academic kindergarten program and not all applicants are ready for this type of environment.   Parents who need more information concerning readiness and learning expectations are asked to contact the kindergarten teacher.

LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS
Students are not allowed to leave the school grounds for any reason without the knowledge and permission of their teacher.  Permission to leave the school grounds will only be granted upon the written or verbal request of the student’s parent or guardian and the student must be accompanied by an adult.

Students may be given permission by the supervising teacher to retrieve a ball from the other side of the fence.  Neighborhood stores are off limits during school hours.  After school hours, students may not leave school grounds to patronize neighborhood stores and then return to school premises to attend practices or extended care.

LIBRARY
The library is open on a regularly scheduled basis for grades K-8 and is supervised by the librarian.  Classes also use the library as a group for special projects.  Books may be checked out for a period of time but must be returned when due.  Overdue books will incur a fine and lost or damaged books must be replaced.

LITTER POLICY
Student Council/Ecology representatives give tickets for littering during all recesses as well as before and after school.  At the end of the month, student court is held to determine the student’s fine.  Fines must be paid within five days of the court appearance (see Student Court for a list of fines).

The Ecology representative also announces which grades are responsible for playground clean-up each week. Each class is responsible for cleaning the area in front of their classroom.

LOITERING
Students are to leave the school grounds promptly after school or activities are dismissed.  Students remaining 15 minutes after dismissal must go to Extended Care.  The school grounds are private property.  Those not affiliated with the school will be asked to leave the premises.   Visitors need to register in the main office. 

LOST AND FOUND
All items found on the school grounds, regardless of the value, are placed in the lost and found compartment in the main office.  Students may claim them at any time.  Money, jewelry or other items of value may be claimed after proper identification is made.

LUNCH
A committee of volunteer parents distribute a special lunch for sale five days a week.  A menu and price list is sent home on a monthly basis. Participation in this program is strictly voluntary.
Food is purchased from local vendors.

Students not wishing to participate in this program are to bring their own lunch to school.  Parents are asked to provide nutritious, well-balanced lunches.  PARENTS MAY NOT BRING OR SEND FAST-FOOD LUNCHES TO SCHOOL.        Students are given 15 minutes to eat lunch before noon recess and eat lunch in the classroom with supervision by teacher.

Forgotten lunches:  If a student forgets a lunch, classmates will share their lunches.  Parents are not allowed to bring any fast food lunch to school or the classroom. If a parent finds a forgotten lunch, they may bring the lunch to the office - not to the classroom - for delivery.  Parents are asked not to disturb classes at any time.

MASS
Students from each grade prepare liturgies for the student body masses, usually held at 8:45 am during the school year.  Most are held on the first Monday of the month. Parents will be notified of special masses as they occur, and are encouraged to come and celebrate with us.  Each grade sponsors a Family Mass during the school year, usually on the first Sunday of the month at 4:30 pm.  Masses are coordinated by the classroom teacher and the HAPAC representatives.  A small reception follows the Family Mass.

1. Medication must be in the original container, with the
    prescription label containing child’s name, doctor’s name,
    drug identity and dosage instructions.
2. A note, dated and signed by the doctor and parent, must
    accompany the medication.
3. Medication must be kept in the school office and be given by
     school personnel.

This information concerns cough drops as well as prescription and non-prescription medication.

Students who may need an inhaler during school hours are required to keep it in the office at all times. Parents are asked to check expiration dates periodically.

*A directive from the Department of Education for the Archdiocese of San Francisco forbids school personnel from giving any medication without a signed note from the parent and doctor.


MONEY
When sending money to school for any purpose, please place the correct amount in an envelope and label as follows:

            child’s full name                     grade
            amount enclosed                   purpose money is sent for

Tuition payment or Extended Care payment should be sent in the special envelopes sent home for that purpose.

OFF-LIMIT AREAS
Our school is maintained and operated for the benefit of our students.  However, common sense and safety considerations dictate the designation of a few off-limit areas where students are not allowed. 

These areas include: furnace rooms, storage areas, faculty lounge, trash dumpster, planted area around Mary’s statue, janitor’s room, the convent back yard and all fences and gates..  Girls’ and boys’ bathrooms are open during recess time.  Students may not play in or around the bathrooms. The arcade area outside the main office is not a play area.  There is to be no running or bouncing of balls in this area.

PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
The council was established to:

• Provide a school parent group for the purpose of on-going communication between the principal and school parents
• Act as an advisory board to the principal on school development and other school-related matters
• Reach out and get to know the parents in their grade level
• Actively support the monthly Family Mass and any fund raising activities of the school
• Encourage school parents to volunteer their talents and areas of expertise so they can serve on the various committees created by the advisory council
• Act as a communication bridge between the principal, teachers and parents.

The group consists of at least two sets of parents from each grade.  Representatives are selected by the principal.  One parent is selected to serve as chairperson of the council for a year and another to act as secretary.  A core group of parents from each
grade may also be added to assist the Parent Advisory Council in dispensing information to all families.  Parents are encouraged to contact their parent representatives if they have a question or concern.  The council meets the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm in the science building.  Visitors are always welcome.  Minutes of the meeting are distributed to all families via the school web site.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS
Holy Angels School considers parent volunteers as a very special resource.  Sign-up sheets for on-going activities, i.e. yard supervision, hot lunch and room parent, are sent home each year. Sign-up sheets for special events during the year are sent home prior to the event.

The Archdiocese of San Francisco requires all parents who volunteer to work at school, in any capacity, to complete a Volunteer form requesting background information.  These
are kept on file with the Archdiocese.  Parents not wishing to complete the form may not participate in any school-sponsored activity involving children (yard supervision, hot lunch, class parties, field trips). Parents having regular contact with children, i.e. coaches, must have fingerprint clearance.

PARTIES
Classes will be responsible for their own parties during the year.  Room parents are usually in charge of these events, under the direction of the classroom teacher.  A small fee may be collected at the beginning of the school year to cover the expenses of these parties.  It is strongly recommended that birthday celebrations be held on one day of the month for all those celebrating birthdays that month so as not to disturb regular class time.

PETS
With the exception of the annual Blessing of the Animals event, parents are reminded that animals are not to be brought on school premises at any time. This is for the safety of both the students and animals.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Students in grades 1 through 8 receive 1 hour of instruction per week.  Kindergarteners receive 75 minutes of instruction per week.  Students are taught age-level appropriate sports and games by qualified personnel.  All students must wear P.E. sweat clothes on P.E. days and are encouraged to wear tennis shoes for their P.E. class.

PLAYGROUND  SUPERVISION
School personnel supervise the playground during the morning, noon and afternoon recesses.  Parent volunteers are used to help supervise during the noon recess.  12:10 pm to 12:40 pm.  Parents are to be given the same respect and cooperation the students give the school personnel.  A school counselor is also available during the noon recess to oversee student interaction and to provide conflict resolution when needed.

POINT SYSTEM
A point system is used to earn credits for a lower tuition rate for the following school year.  Points are earned from March 1 to February 28 each year, with credit earned for the year beginning the following September.  At this time 40 points are needed for two-parent returning families and 25 points for single parent and new families.  Families who do not complete their points are assessed the higher tuition rate the following year.

Various activities and fund raising projects earn different point values.  An explanation of the Point System and the various point values is given to each family when they enroll in school.  Extra copies may be obtained from the school office.  The principal has the final say in assessing different point values.

PROGRESS REPORTS
Progress reports are sent home to parents half-way through each report card period. Reports for K, 1 and 2 are in paper form and are sent home to parents. Report for grades 3-8 are available online.These reports give parents and students an indication of how well the student is progressing in school and which areas need improving before the end of the report card period.  Progress reports are to be signed and returned to the teacher.  A parent-teacher conference may be necessary at this time and a time will be set by the teacher.


PROMOTION
All students fulfilling the requirements of their grade level are promoted.  It may be a requirement or strong recommendation that the student attend summer school in order to be promoted.  All students in the special needs pull-out program are required to attend summer school.  A student with excessive
absences may also be required to attend summer school.  Students who attend a summer program outside of Holy Angels School will need to submit an evaluation of the program when they return to school in the fall.

REPORT CARDS
Report cards are issued four times a year at about nine week intervals.  The first report card is given to parents at the time of parent-teacher conferences.  Please carefully review your child’s progress and contact the school if you have any questions regarding grades.  Parents are encouraged to check grades on a regular basis between report card periods.

Holy Angels School uses the grading code issued by the Archdiocese of San Francisco for use in all Catholic elementary schools in the diocese.

Primary Marking Code: K and Grades 1 and 2
E = Exceeds standard
M = Meets standard
W = Working toward standard
N = Not at grade level standard
No Mark - Standard not addressed during marking period                  

Academic Marking Code: Grades 3-8
A    96 - 100                B-   84 - 86                  D+   67 - 69
A-   93 - 95                  C+   81 - 83                 D     63 - 66
B+   91 - 92                 C     74 - 80                 D-    60 - 62
B     87 - 90                 C-    70 - 73                 F      59 – below

Co-Curricular Subjects for all grades:
P = Participates
NP = Does not participate

1 = Exceeds expectations
2 = Meets expectations
3 = Improvement needed
4 = Unsatisfactory

SCHOOL COLORS AND MASCOT
            School colors:             green and white
            School mascot:           angel

A letter from Archbishop George Niederauer:

June 2008

In June of 2002, I joined with my brother bishops from throughout the US in signing the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young people, “Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal”. We reaffirmed our commitment in June of 2006. In this charter, we have pledged to do everything possible to ensure that the children and youth in our parish and school communities will be safe from sexual predators. I again reaffirm my personal commitment to that pledge.

Our Archdiocese has developed policies and practices that apply to the important work with children and youth done by clergy, staff and volunteers because these people are the face of the Church. These policies and practices are designed to ensure the safety of the young people in our care, and apply to all adults whose duties include ongoing contact with minors. These adults, whether staff or volunteers, are required to go through background evaluation (done by fingerprinting or by background checks) and must complete a comprehensive online training program “Recognize, Report and Prevent child Abuse”, found on the Law Room website at www.shieldthevolnerable.org.

Beginning in the school year 2008-2009, I have promulgated new programs for children and teens in our Catholic Schools and in our parish Religious Education programs.

• Talking About Touching          Preschool through third grade
• Kids Safety (online)                 Fourth through eighth grade
• Teen Safety (online)                 Ninth through twelfth grade

We affirm parents as the first educators of their children. All of the above programs have opportunities for parent involvement. In addition, other methods of training parents to work with their children are being considered for the school year 2008-2009. 
We encourage parents to attend the workshops for “Talking about Touching” as soon as they are scheduled, and to take the online training with their children or at a separate time.

May God bless all of you in your role as parents, educators and concerned adults working with our children and youth.

Most Reverend George Niederauer
Archbishop of San Francisco

STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Holy Angels School has a very active and effective Student Council, which sponsors special activities in the areas of academics, sports and fund raising during the school year.  Only students of good academic standing and conduct may participate as members.  Student Council officers are elected at the end of the school year from students in grades 6 and 7.  Voting is done by students in grades 3 through 7.  Two class representatives from grades 1 through 8 are elected in the fall by their class to serve on the council. Installation takes at the first school mass in the fall.

                                               
TARDINESS
The school bell rings at 8:15 am each morning.  Students are tardy (late) if they are not in the classroom at 8:20 am.  Students arriving late need to check in at the school office.  When tardiness becomes a common occurrence, the teacher will require a parent conference.
                                               
TECHNOLOGY
Holy Angels is very proud of the technology program in place for students at all grade levels.  All students have computer class every week, using our iBook mobile lab.  Classroom teachers work with the technology coordinator to provide lessons using technology as well as teaching students how to use the Internet for research.  All Internet use is supervised and the computers have safeguards as mandated by the Archdiocese of San Francisco. The use of closed circuit television allows the principal to speak to all students at the same time.  Morning prayer and pledge are also done through this medium.  All classrooms have Internet access and are connected to each other and the administration through the use of a server.

Teachers have the technology to use multi-media presentations in the classroom. Parents and students have access to the school web page (holyangelscolma.com) as well as a personal log in and password to SchoolSpeak to check homework assignments and grades, as well as keep current with school news.  Parents may contact school personnel through the use of SchoolSpeak or email at holyangls@aol.com. All parents with an email address on file are sent an electronic newsletter each Thursday via eNews Network.

As our students become more technology oriented, the use of social networking has created a venue for cyberbullying and the misuse of Internet material. With this in mind, all students and parents are given a copy of the Holy Angels Acceptable Use Policy each fall. A signature by the parent and student is required before the student has access to computer class. Violation of any of the rules stated in the policy will result in suspension and/or expulsion, as we consider the use of the computer to be a privilege to be used properly. A complete copy of the Acceptable Use Policy may be found on our website.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS
            school office              650-755-0220
            convent                     650-755-2712
            rectory                       650-755-0478
            school fax                 650-755-0258
            extended care           650-255-2257 (3:15-6:00 only)

The school telephone is for the use of the school personnel only.  Students may use the telephone in case of an emergency, accident or illness, and only with the teacher’s permission.  Students may not use the telephone to call for lunches, school uniforms, homework or books, to make after-school plans or to remind parents of early dismissal times.
                                               
Students will not be excused from class to speak with you on the telephone unless it is an emergency.  If you have a message for your child, please leave it with the school secretary and the message will be delivered.  If you wish to make an appointment with a teacher, please contact the office and the teacher will return your call.

Telephone numbers and addresses of students are not given out to other students or parents without the knowledge of the principal.

                                               
TESTING
Standardized academic achievement tests (IOWA.) are given at the beginning of the school year for grades 2 through 8.  These are not I.Q. tests.  The results of the tests are discussed with parents at the time of parent-teacher conferences in the fall and are used by the classroom teacher to help your child achieve his/her full potential.

Holy Angels is also able to provide testing for Specific Language Difficulties.  Testing is done at the recommendation of the classroom teacher after consultation with parents.  Special pull-out classes are available if testing shows this would be beneficial.  Holy Angels personnel also cooperate with the local public school districts in seeking special testing for other learning problems. State law requires schools to provide specific services for students who have been tested and have an active I.E.P.

TUITION
There are three tuition rates in effect at Holy Angels School:

1. a participation rate (for families who complete their point requirement)
2. a non-participation (for families who do not complete their point requirement)
3. a new family rate

Tuition rates are based on the school budget created each spring.  The amount shown on your registration information is in effect for the next school year. A 3% discount is given to families who pay the full year tuition before the first day of school. Families sign a tuition contract each year at the time of registration. This contract outlines payment guidelines and consequences.

Tuition is collected through the Facts Tuition Management System. Families not electing to pay the full year at one time are
enrolled in the Facts program, with monthly tuition payments deducted from either a checking or savings account on the 5th or the 20th of each month from August through May.

Families not able to enroll in the FACTS System will pay the school directly each month from September through June. Tuition is due on the 1st and delinquent after the 15th. A $2.00 per day late fee will be charged after the 16th until tuition is paid. Families more than one month behind in payments will be required to meet with the principal to discuss payment options.

All tuition and fees must be cleared before the last day of the school year. The Department of Catholic Schools guidelines state that students with outstanding balances cannot begin a new school year.
 

UNIFORMS
*All uniforms for grades 1-8 are to be purchased from Simply Uniform Company.

Girls:  Grades 1-6
White short-sleeve blouse with Peter Pan collar, bib-top 4 button green plaid jumper with all-around pleats (knee length), green orlon V-neck pullover sweater, green modesty shorts (to be worn under jumpers at all times), white or green socks or tights and standard tie or buckle PRIMARILY black, brown or white tennis or dress shoes.  Sole and heel may not be more than 1” high. NO OPEN TOE SHOES ARE ALLOWED.  Shoes may not have lights, wheels or make noise. In cold weather rubber soled boots without heels in black, brown or white may be worn. Grey corduroy pants and white turtleneck shirts are optional.  Pants are not to be worn on Mass days.

Girls:    Grades  7 & 8
White short sleeved middy blouse with front buttons and green tie, plaid 2-pleat shirt (knee length) green orlon V-neck pullover sweater, green modesty shorts (to be worn under skirt at all times) white or green socks or tights and standard tie or buckle PRIMARILY black, brown or white tennis or dress shoes. Sole and heel may not be more than 1” high. NO OPEN TOE SHOES ARE ALLOWED. Shoes may not have lights, wheels or make noise. In cold weather rubber soled boots without heels in black, brown or white may be worn. Grey corduroy pants and white turtleneck shirts are optional. Pants are not to be worn on Mass days.

*No colored or printed t-shirts may be worn under shirts or blouses.  Plain white undershirts or white turtlenecks are allowed.   No cowl, crew or mock turtlenecks may be worn.
                                   
Boys:    Grades 1-6
White jersey knit shirt (tucked in), grey twill uniform pants (proper size and worn correctly), green orlon V-neck pullover sweater, white crew socks, PRIMARILY black, white or brown tennis or dress shoes. SHOES MAY NOT HAVE LIGHTS, WHEELS OR MAKE NOISE. White turtleneck shirts are optional.

Boys:     Grades 7 & 8
White jersey knit shirt (tucked in), grey corduroy uniform pants (proper size and worn correctly), green orlon V-neck pullover sweater, white crew socks, PRIMARILY black, white or brown tennis or dress shoes. SHOES MAY NOT HAVE LIGHTS, WHEELS OR MAKE NOISE. White turtleneck shirts are optional.

*No colored or printed t-shirts may be worn under shirts or blouses.  Plain white undershirts or white turtlenecks are allowed.   No cowl, crew or mock turtlenecks may be worn.

Kindergarten Uniform
Girls:
White blouse, navy skirt, jumper or pants, navy sweater, PRIMARILY black, brown or white tennis or dress shoes, white or blue knee socks, fold-down ankle socks or tights

Boys:
White polo shirt, navy pants (not jeans), navy sweater, PRIMARILY black, brown or white tennis or dress shoes.

*Kindergarten uniforms do not need to be purchased from Simply Uniforms.

P.E. Uniform
Green sweat tops and pants with the Holy Angels logo are to be worn by all students on P.E. days.  These are purchased from
Simply Uniforms. Students are encouraged to wear tennis shoes on these days.

Jackets
ONLY plain jackets or sweatshirts may be worn to school.  Jackets and sweatshirts may not be worn inside the classroom. No team jackets, caps or parkas are allowed.

*Parents are asked to write the child’s name on the label of all sweater and jackets as well as on any lunchbox or backpack brought to school.

No toys or games (electronic or otherwise), pagers, cell phones, lasers, trading/collectible type cards or athletic equipment are to be brought to school. These items will be taken from the student and kept in the principal’s office until the last day of the school year.  Students bringing weapons of any kind to school will face automatic expulsion.

WEBSITE
Please check us out on the web at www.holyangelscolma.com.

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