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School Board
School Board 2010 -2011 | St. Mary School Board Mission Statement
St. Mary School Board, as disciples of Jesus Christ, collaborates with the pastor and school principal to plan, advise, and promote an environment of faith, education, and moral values for the children of St. Mary School. We accomplish our mission through strategic planning, evaluating and developing policies, offering financial advice, and promoting the benefits of Catholic education.
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School Boad Members 2010-2011 |
PRINCIPAL – Judy Rozgo
PRESIDENT – Meg McCabe
VICE PRESIDENT - Greg Harper
SECRETARY - Mary Schelinski
LEGISLATIVE ACTION - Bill Skedd
PTC – Melissa Vallone
ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION – Judy Hess
ALUMNI – Alana McGovern
MARKETING - Molly Murphy
FINANCE – Colin Noone
MEMBERS AT LARGE:
Carter Caul
Christine Hussey
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St. Mary School Board Policies | Reviewed and Approved by School Board January 5, 2010
Admission
1.1 Non Discrimination For Students
Schools operated under the auspices of the Diocese of Joliet admit students of any race, color, sex, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally available to students at the schools. The names of the elementary and secondary schools can be found in the Official Catholic Director, published annually. (D.P. 5110)
1.2 Non Discrimination For Faculty and Staff
As an equal opportunity employer the Diocese of Joliet allows for no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or physical disability.
1.3 Enrollment
The number of students in the respective class should not exceed the following:
• Kindergarten 25 students/ classroom
• Grades 1-8 30 students/classroom if 2 classes/grade level
36 students / classroom if 1 class/grade level
1.4 Criteria for Acceptance
1. Members of families whose children already attend St. Mary School have priority for Kindergarten and open spaces in other grades until May 1.
2. Length of registration in St. Mary Parish
3. Prior attendance in Catholic Schools
4. Evidence of practice of one’s religion; e.g. attendance at Sunday mass
5. Involvement in and financial support of parish; e.g. use of envelopes
6. Willingness to support the school through tuition
7. Enthusiasm for and commitment to Catholic education
8. Ability of St. Mary School to meet child’s needs
1.5 Waiting List
When there is a waiting list for acceptance into St. Mary School, the priority will be such that:
• Parishioners who are contributing members of record will be accepted first
• Registered parishioners will be considered second
• Catholics outside the parish third
• Non-Catholics fourth
However, families with children already attending St. Mary School will, in all cases, receive priority. Special consideration will be given to families whose children are transferring from another Catholic School.
1.6 Probation of Transfer Students
All transfer students are placed on a nine (9) week probationary period.
1.7 Withdrawal
If a student withdraws from school, the Principal should be notified. All records, academic and health, are sent to the new school upon request by the Principal of that school. However, if financial obligations have not been met, the official academic records will be withheld.
Ancillary Organizations
2.1 The Athletic Association
The Athletic Association is a school organization responsible for managing the extracurricular and interscholastic athletic programs for the school. The Association is accountable to the School Board and is subject to the Principal as regulated by the Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office.
Extracurricular athletic programs should emphasize:
• Increasing the self esteem of each and every participant
• Teaching good sportsmanship
• Building a positive, competitive attitude and school spirit
• Teaching the fundamental skills of each sport
• Having fun in a disciplined environment
The Athletic Association supervises and coaches the extracurricular athletic events within the guidelines of the St. Mary Athletic Association Handbook. The Handbook will be reviewed with the coaches, athletic director and school administrators at a preseason meeting. It will also be communicated to the parents and student athletes each school year. Copies of the handbook are available on St Mary School Website. On an annual basis the Principal and School Board should review the Handbook for ongoing applicability and compliance with Diocesan policy and Catholic Schools Office regulation. Problem resolution for disputes regarding policies should be handled in accordance with the procedures within the St. Mary Athletic Association Handbook.
In addition, the School Board affirms the policy that for serious and/or constant violations of school policies or academic standards, the Principal may, after consultation with teacher(s), suspend students from participation in extracurricular activities.
2.2 Band
The Band at St. Mary School is an independent organization and non-funded by the parish. The Principal offers a service contract to the director and regulates his/her activities in the school. The director contracts with the parents for his/her fee for instruction and other materials associated with band membership.
2.3 Parent Teacher Council (P.T.C.)
The purpose of this organization is to promote the welfare of children in the home, school, parish, and community. It will assist the school in educational aspects, supervision in school activities, and financial activities. The Parent Teacher Council is accountable to the School Board.
2.4 Organizational Building Responsibility
Any organization, either independent or affiliated with the parish, that uses school grounds and/or students during the school day, is directly under the jurisdiction of the Principal. If there is a problem with any of these organizations, the complaint must be taken to the Principal for action.
2.5 Fees For Organizations
Any St. Mary School organization that feels it must charge students a fee for cost reimbursement, security deposit, or other fees, shall be approved by the Principal. Parents shall be given written notice of all fees prior to student participation in any school-related activity.
Board Approval
3.1 Budget
The St. Mary School Board will approve the annual budget after the Principal and the parish business manager have prepared it. After approval of the budget by the Parish Council, the School Board shall be the sole bearer of the responsibility to see that the programs authorized by the budget are carried out to the fullest extent.
3.2 School Calendar
The School Board shall approve the school calendar submitted by the Principal within the guidelines set up by the Diocesan School Board and the State of Illinois for attendance for students.
Bus
4.1 Bus Transportation
Public school buses provide transportation for students who reside in the Mokena School District #159. Students from St. Mary School must be in compliance with the rules and regulations that are set by Mokena School District #159.
Discipline
5.1 Academic and Behavior
In discipline cases the following procedures should be followed before the case is brought to the attention of the School Board:
• Notification by the teacher either verbal or written to the parents that a problem does exist. Notifications in writing must be factual and non-judgmental, including length of time of problem and steps taken to correct the problem.
• The teacher(s), parent(s), and student should meet together to discuss the problem and possible remedies.
• If the remedies suggested by the meeting of the above three are ineffective, the aforementioned three will meet with the Principal to discuss other avenues for solutions of the problem.
• If after all of the above steps have been taken and a solution has not been reached that is mutually agreeable to all of the parties involved, the pastor may act on the matter.
• Involvement of the School Board in such matters occurs if it involves a matter of policy development or revision.
5.2 Suspension
The Principal may, at his/her discretion, suspend and reinstate pupils. A student may be suspended 1-5 days for serious misconduct, including but not limited to:
• Fighting or provocation of fights
• Threats of any kind, including verbal or written threats (Refer to St. Mary School “Guidelines Pertaining to Actual or Perceived Threats of Danger”)
• Theft or defacement of property
• Disruption of class which interferes with student learning
• Cheating or falsification of school records
5.3 Expulsion
The reasons justifying expulsion from St. Mary School should be as serious as they are rare. Expulsion is the termination of the student’s right to attend St. Mary School. It is invoked in extreme cases where all other available means of help have been exhausted and for the same offenses for which suspension may be warranted. Diocesan policies regarding expulsion will be followed.
Serious offenses that may warrant expulsion include, but are not limited to the following:
• Physical or moral well being of the student body is endangered.
• Chronic disobedience or disrespect toward faculty members, administration, or adult supervisors.
• Chronic violation of school rules.
• Possession, use, or sale of drugs, tobacco products, alcohol, weapons, or any dangerous article on school property, including the school building, playground, or busses.
• Any conduct that may constitute to be gang related such as hand signal, written signal, suggestive language, etc. during school sponsored events or activities whether on or off school premises.
Dress Code
There is definite relationship between dress and attitude. Students who take pride in their appearance take pride in their behavior. A good attitude and good behavior are prerequisites for successful learning.
6.1 For All Students
• On “Casual Clothes Day” students may wear jeans, sweats, T-shirts, etc., that are clean, neat, modest and with no words or designs contrary to our Christian values. Shorts need to be finger length.
• If for some reason a uniform is not available on a particular day, a parent note is required. Such a situation should not become habitual.
• Students violation the dress code will lose their “Casual Clothes Day” privilege
• Make-up and nail polish are not permitted. One simple religious necklace may be worn on non-gym days. One pair of simple non-dangling earrings may be worn on lower earlobe only. No earrings are allowed for boys. An exception to the jewelry policy is that medical notification bracelets or necklaces may be worn at all times.
• Shoes should be black, brown, navy, or white. No heels or flip flops.
• Students must have only natural hair color that is neat and clean. Hair may not have shaved designs. No highlighting allowed.
• Boy’s hair must be above the eyebrows and the top of the ears. Hair must be tapered across the back of the head, from the top of the head to the neck, and along the neck. Hair may not extend below the top of the collar. Boys’ hair must not be bushy, hooked behind the ears, unkempt or have long spikes. Student must have hair cut for the next day or minor will be issued.
• Girls’ hair must not be bushy, unkempt or have spikes. It may not have multiple lines, braids, or tails. Girls may not wear excessive beads or headbands with scarves.
BIRTHDAYS
• Students are invited to dress up on their birthdays. If a birthday is on a weekend, choose Monday or Friday. Students with summer birthdays may dress up on their half birthday
No distracting hairstyles including, but not limited to, artificial coloring, highlighting, etc.
Girls Uniform: Grade K – 4
• Plaid jumper with white blouse with collar (long or short sleeve)
• Navy blue or white socks or tights (socks must be crew, above the ankle bone or knee socks)
• Shoes must fasten securely (no sandals, backless or large soled shoes allowed) No Heeley’s (wheels on shoes) allowed.
• Girls are encouraged to wear shorts under their skirts
Options: Navy Uniform School sweatshirt
Navy blue school cardigan sweater
First day of school until September 30th and May 1st until end of year
• Navy blue dress shorts (Plain, free of decoration)
• No cargo shorts
• Belts required if shorts have belt loops.
• Belts must be navy blue, black or brown.
• White polo shirt with logo – shirts must be tucked into shorts
October 1st until April 30th
• Navy blue dress slacks – No cargo pants
• Belts required if pants have belt loops. Belts must be navy blue, black or brown.
• White polo shirt with logo- shirts must be tucked into shorts
Girls Uniform: Grades 5-8
• Plaid skirt or skort
• White blouse with collar - only plain white cami/t-shirt may be worn beneath shirt
• White polo shirt with logo – shirts must be tucked into skirts
• Girls shirts should be loose fitted- no under garments should be visible
• Navy blue or white socks or tights (socks must be crew, above the ankle bone or knee socks
• Shoes must fasted securely (no sandals, backless or large soled shoes allowed) No Heeley’s (wheels on shoes) allowed
Options: Navy Uniform School sweatshirt
Navy blue school cardigan sweater
First day of school until September 30th and May 1st until end of year
• Navy blue dress shorts (Plain, free of decoration)
• No cargo shorts
• Belts required if shorts have belt loops.
• Belts must be navy blue, black or brown.
• White polo shirt with logo – shirts must be tucked into shorts
October 1st until April 30th
• Navy blue dress slacks – No cargo pants
• Belts required if pants have belt loops. Belts must be navy blue, black or brown.
• White polo shirt with logo- shirts must be tucked into shorts
Boys Uniform: Grades K – 8
• Light blue polo shirt with logo (long or short sleeved) Shirts must be tucked into pants
• Navy blue dress pants
• Belts required if pants have belt loops. Belts must be navy blue, black or brown
• No cargo pants
• No undergarments should be visible
• Navy blue or white socks (socks must cover ankles, crew socks or hither
• Shoes must fasten securely (No boots or shoes that will mark up the floor; no sandals, backless or large soled shoes allowed) No Heeley’s (wheels on shoes) allowed
• Hair should not touch the collar of the shirt, no artificial coloring, no highlighting, tails or shaved designs, hair should be trimmed over the ears
Options: School Sweatshirt
Navy blue cardigan sweater
Only a white short sleeve T-shirt may be worn under uniform shirt
First day of school until September 30th and May 1st until end of year
Navy blue dress shorts – free of decoration
No cargo shorts
Belts required if shorts have belt loops. Belts must be navy blue, black or brown
6.2 Gym Uniforms
The required gym uniform for both boys and girls is a St. Mary logo T-shirt or sweatshirt, royal blue St. Mary logo long shorts or sweatpants, socks, and gym shoes.
Health
7.1 Physical Examination and Inoculations
Physical examinations as prescribed by the Department of Public Health are required of all students immediately prior to or upon entrance to Kindergarten and the 6th grade or entrance into any grade if the student has not previously been examined. The compliance forms are due no later than the first day of school. Failure to comply with the School Code in this matter will cause the Principal to exclude the students from attendance after October 1st.
7.2 AIDS and Communicable/Infectious Diseases
The Joliet Diocesan policy on AIDS is the policy for all Catholic schools in the diocese. Guidelines from the state/local health department should be followed with all other communicable/infectious diseases (D.P. 5415).
Tuition and Fees
8.1 Selling by Students
Any organization asking the students to sell items for the purpose of fund raising must seek School Board approval before any material is distributed. (D.P. 1340). ( We wanted to change this to read that the approval is from the Principal who will then notify the School Board, but we are unsure if this is allowed because it is written as part of a Diocesan Policy)
8.2 Tuition
Tuition rates for St. Mary School shall be set by the Principal, approved by the School Board, and confirmed by the Parish Finance Council. The rates will reflect a graduated scale for parishioner, and non-parishioner.
If tuition payments are unable to be met as specified in the Tuition Agreement, the party must contact the Principal and/or pastor for permission to delay payment. When such permission is granted, it applies only to the current school year.
Registration for the next school year is not finalized until tuition for the current year is paid in full.
If a student withdraws from the school, no official academic records are forwarded to the new school until payment is made in full (D.P. 3210).
Electronics
9.1 Electronic Devices
Cell phones and all other electronic devices are not permitted in the school during regular school hours, including bus transportation.
9.2 Internet Usage
As part of its educational curriculum, St. Mary School provides students with access to the Internet. Students are expected to adhere to and respect their use of the Internet at school. Prior to Internet access, students and their parents are required to sign a copy of the “St. Mary Internet Use Agreement” and return to the school office. (Reference Joliet Diocese handbook, appendix 6E).
Fundraising
Policy Rationale: The Joliet Diocese mandates that every elementary school must generate at least 10% of the school’s annual operating budget through fundraising. In order to fulfill this obligation, it shall be the responsibility of the School Board and Parish Finance Council to consult and advise the Parish Pastor and School Principal on the development and coordination of a plan to meet these financial goals.
10.1 Fundraising Policy
A fundraising fee is already added to our tuition price. The School Board will have the responsibility for overseeing any major fundraising activities each year.
Any expenses incurred or asset purchases required to maintain the fundraising project will be deducted from any income derived from the project.
Final approval for the fundraising plan must be obtained from the Parish Pastor, School Principal, and the School Board.
Proper accounting principles will be utilized to account for all fundraising monies raised and/or spent.
Results of fundraising should be published at the end of the activity.
Any fundraising promotional material, including brochures, booklets, letters, and poster boards must be approved by and coordinated through the school board.
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School Board Constitution | ST. MARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL BOARD CONSTITUTION
Approved by St. Mary School Board on April 27, 2010
ARTICLE I: NAME
This organization shall be known as St. Mary Parish Board of Education, hereinafter referred to as St. Mary School Board.
ARTICLE II: PURPOSE
The purpose of the St. Mary School Board is to act in a consultative capacity to the Principal of St. Mary School. The St. Mary School Board, along with pastor approval, will formulate and adopt policy for all aspects of the formal educational program of the school, promote the implementation of said policies, and ensure that all local policies are in accord with the intent and spirit of the policies established for the school system by the Joliet Diocesan Board of Education.
ARTICLE III: MISSION
St. Mary School, a ministry of St. Mary Parish, is a Catholic elementary school which is called to carry out the mission that Jesus began, by living our faith through serving God and one another. We provide a nurturing environment where faith, education, and moral values are promoted and reinforced. Through cooperation and partnership with each family, we prepare our children for the future with spiritual and academic excellence that cultivates their belief in Jesus Christ.
ARTICLE IV: MEMBERSHIP
Section A. Number and Composition. Members of the School Board shall consist of the Pastor (ex-officio), the Principal (ex-officio), seven or nine lay persons, and three organization representatives from the P.T.C, Athletic and Alumni Associations.
Section B. Eligibility. To be eligible for discernment to the School Board, candidates must possess the following qualifications:
1. Be at least 21 years old and Catholic
2. Be a member of St. Mary Parish or a parent/guardian of a child attending the school
3. Willing and able to attend monthly School Board meetings
4. Willing and able to work on School Board committees, as needed
5. May not be a salaried employee of the parish, nor a spouse, nor an immediate family member of an employee of St. Mary Parish.
Section C. Term. Each member shall serve a term of three years. Upon expiration of a term, the retiring member shall not be eligible for the Board until two (2) years have
elapsed. If a retiring member had been discerned to fill a vacancy, she/he may be eligible to be discerned for a full term when the “vacancy term” was less than two (2) years.
Section D. Vacancies. A vacancy on the School Board may occur when a member resigns or when any member of the Board, other than ex-officio member, ceases to be a member by being absent from two meetings of the School Board annually which have not been excused by the president. When a vacancy occurs for any reason, it shall be filled by an individual who has been discerned, or by a nomination(s) provided by the Discernment Committee and discerned by the Pastor, Principal, and School Board members. (Note: the natural expiration of a term is not considered a “vacancy.”)
Section E. Selection. Candidates for discernment to the School Board will be sought by the School Board Discernment Committee through appropriate notice in the Parish’s Sunday Bulletin, school communication, and recommendations from School Board members during the month of February.
Section F. Discernment Process. A discernment process will be used to seat new School Board members, following the guidelines established by the Pastoral Council. The discernment process is open to all interested and eligible parishioners and school parents, provides an opportunity for members of the School Board to meet the candidates, and calls upon The Holy Spirit to help members discern.
The discernment process will be implemented as follows:
1. Letters are sent to recommended individuals inviting them to consider application for the School Board.
2. An open invitation is sent to all school families and parishioners via the parish bulletin and Thursday home packet. (February)
3. Interested candidates are provided an application and questions for reflection. (February)
4. Applicants for the board attend an initial discernment meeting in March to meet the current board, respond to questions, and understand the functions and commitment of the board.
5. Applicants attend the April board meeting as visitors.
6. A second discernment meeting in April allows for continued reflection and discernment of candidates.
7. The voting members of the school board discern and determine which candidates will be invited to join the May School Board meeting.
8. New members of the board begin their term in June following the discernment process.
ARTICLE V: OFFICERS
The officers of the School Board shall consist of the President, Vice-President, and Secretary, all of whom shall be discerned annually by the Board membership at the May meeting. All officers are discerned by the Board. The term of office will be one year with a maximum of two years for President and three years for Secretary. The Vice President term shall be a minimum of two years as they will serve as the Parish Council Representative for the School Board during this time.
ARTICLE VI: DUTIES OF OFFICERS
Section A. President. The President shall preside at all regular and special meetings of the Board; appoint all committees unless otherwise specified by the Board; execute on behalf of the Board all written instruments except as otherwise directed by the Board and, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of President and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him/her by the Board.
Section B. Vice President. The Vice President shall be an aide to the President, and in case of the absence or disability of the President, shall protempore assume and perform the duties of the President. The Vice President also serves as the School Board Liaison to the Pastoral Council and attends monthly Pastoral Council meetings.
Section C. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Board, be they open or closed and submit a copy of the minutes within a reasonable time to the principal for editing and mailing. The secretary, in general, will perform all duties incident to the office of the Secretary of the Board and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the President. In the absence of the President or Vice President, the Secretary shall chair the meetings of the Board. In the Secretary’s absence, the President shall ask for a volunteer to record minutes at the meeting.
ARTICLE VII: MEMBERS
Section A. Individual Members. Board members have authority only when acting as a Board officially in session. The Board shall not be bound by any statement or action on the part of any individual member of the Board except when such statement or action is in pursuance of specific instruction of the Board.
Section B. Representatives. The Parent Teacher Council (PTC), Athletic Association, and Alumni Association shall each have a representative serve as a member of the School Board. Representatives have authority only when acting as a Board officially in session. The Board shall not be bound by any statement or action on the part of any individual member of the Board except when such statement or action is in pursuance of specific instruction of the Board.
ARTICLE VIII: COMMITTEES
Section A. Standing Committees. The standing committees for the St. Mary School Board shall be: Marketing/Publicity, Open House, Vocations, Fundraising, and Legislation. These committees shall have at least one member of the School Board, but may include individuals outside of the Board. The committees shall report to the School Board during monthly meetings as necessary.
Section B. Temporary Committees. The Board may, by resolution, provide for such other committees as it deems advisable and may discontinue the same at its discretion. Each committee shall perform duties as assigned to it by the Board and report back to the board at predetermined intervals. In the absence of other direction, the President shall appoint all committees.
ARTICLE IX: MEETINGS
Section A. Regular and Special Meetings. The School Board shall meet regularly on the first Tuesday of the month. Special meetings of the Board may be called by the President as needed or by a majority of the voting members. If time permits, notice of special meetings shall be given twenty-four (24) hours in advance stating the nature of the meeting, the time and the place. Because of the consultative nature of the Board, no meeting will be held without the Pastor and/or Principal in attendance.
Section B. Open Meetings. Meetings of the School Board shall be open. The Board reserves the right to declare Executive Sessions. Only ex-officio and voting members, which include all School Board members, may attend an Executive Session. Decisions made in Executive Session must be presented at open meetings before becoming effective.
Section C. Visitors. The right of non-members to address the Board shall be limited to those whose petition has been approved by the Principal or Board President for inclusion on the agenda. Requests should be made in writing at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled meeting.
Section D. Records. A written record of all acts of the School Board maintained by the Secretary shall be maintained in the School office.
ARTICLE X: QUORUM
A majority of the voting members of the School Board is necessary for the transaction of any business. A simple majority of those present and voting shall carry a motion, decision, and/or election unless otherwise specified in the constitution.
ARTICLE XI: ADOPTION/AMENDMENT OF POLICY
Section A. Adoption of Policy. Any proposed policy of the Board must be submitted in writing and read at a regular meeting of the Board. It must lie over until the next regular meeting. A two-thirds vote of the Board is necessary prior to the recommendation of the policy to the pastor.
Section B. Amendment. This constitution may be amended by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of total membership, subject to the provisions of Article XI above.
ARTICLE XII: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
All policies developed and defined by the School Board and this constitution as established or amended shall be consistent with the policies and directives of the Joliet Diocesan Board of Education.
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School Board Meeting Dates | SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATES
2010 – 2011
September 7
October 5
November 2
December 7
January 4
February 8
March 1
April 5
May 3
June 1
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