TABLE OF CONTENTS

SS. Peter and Paul School Mission

Principal’s Letter

School Faculty and Staff

Important Phone Numbers

Saints Peter and Paul School Philosophy

Parents Role in Education

Parents as Partners

School Calendar

SAINTS PETER & PAUL SCHOOL

MISSION STATEMENT

The SS. Peter and Paul School family, past and present, serves students from Pre-K through grade 8.

S Strengthens Catholic teaching through prayer and community service

S Supports students’ academic, spiritual and emotional needs

P Promotes a safe and positive learning environment to an increasingly diverse population

P Provides opportunities for family involvement in children’s academic and social life

PRINCIPAL’S WELCOME

Dear Parents and Students,

Welcome to SS. Peter and Paul school year 2007/2008. We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable summer and are ready to come back and work together.

I will be ringing the morning bell at 8:45 a.m., therefore all non-bussed children need to be in the school yard by then. Teachers will be on duty by 8:30 am. Dismissal will not begin until 3:05 pm. and starts with the lower grade.

The enclosed booklet is the set of guidelines that we will be following throughout the year. They are issued so that every child has an opportunity to learn in a safe and loving environment. Some incidents may occur which are not covered in the handbook; the principal will then make a decision. Please be sure to carefully read over the uniform requirements, we always seem to have a few misunderstandings. Please contact the office about any possible questions.

Parents and students are required to read and sign the last page of this handbook.

May God bless you and guide us to another successful school year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Curry

Principal

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

Pastor Msgr. James Coleman

Principal Mrs. Janet C. Curry

FACULTY AND STAFF

Pre-School Mrs. Diane Giuditta

Pre-School Aide/Art Mrs. Dori Quilter

Kindergarten Mrs. Mary Anne McGrath

Kindergarten Aide Mrs. Mary Mirto

Grade 1 Mrs. Karen Taschereau

Grade 2 TBA

Grade 3 Mrs. Barbara LaChance

Grade 4 Mrs. Joyce Orso

Grade 5 TBA

Grade 6 TBA

Grade 7 Mrs. Paula Ogurick

Grade 8 /Computers Mr. James Gambardella

Reading/Religion Ms. Darlene Craft

Gym Teacher Mr. Paul Boncek

Resource Room Mrs. Kim Albini

Speech/Hearing Therapist Mrs. Pam Coburn

Title I Teacher Mrs. Kathy Mendyka

School Secretary Mrs. Gerilynn Reilly

School Nurse Mrs. Ann Sullivan

Custodian Mr. James Benjamin

Librarian Mrs. Teri Conway

Lunch Coordinator Mrs. Kelli Vitarelli

Lunch Aide Mrs. Kay Mancinone

Lunch Aide Mrs. Dori Quilter

Director : Before/After School Mrs. Eileen Trainor

After School Aide Mrs. Mona Guirguis

After School Aide Mrs. Kay Mancinone

After School Aide Miss Maryn Ogurick

Director : Development TBA

Director : Religious Education Mrs. Fran Walsh

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

School Office 755-0881

Nurse 755-7761

Rectory 756-7919

Pre-K Classroom 753-3704

Before/After School Program 753-3704

Religious Education Office 753-4242

SAINTS PETER AND PAUL SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

We, the Saints Peter and Paul Parish family, adhere to the belief that all children are created in the image and likeness of God and that each child is truly a special friend of Jesus. Saints Peter and Paul School dedicates itself to providing an environment in which every child may grow spiritually and intellectually. We strive to reach this in numerous ways. Through our curriculum, we select and provide current educational material that reflects our religious beliefs. The atmosphere at Saints Peter and Paul School is family oriented, recognizing the importance of community and religious life. Based on our beliefs, extra curricular activities are provided giving opportunities for both student and parent involvement. Every child has the right to grow in a safe and secure educational setting where a respect for all God’s creatures is paramount.

It is our belief that all children that enter Saints Peter and Paul School have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Students need to develop strong work habits in order to be life-long learners. In order to address our student’s needs, we adopt the following goals and objectives:

· To develop a strong moral foundation through Catholic education that will prepare students to make decisions based on the messages of both Saints Peter and Paul and Gospel values

· To involve students, faculty, clergy and family to become active participants in the learning process

· To incorporate the community and parish resources to enhance the total school program

· To develop strong work habits so students are encouraged to be life-long learners

· To encourage teachers to strive for professional growth and to share ideas and talents to further enhance the child’s educational experience

· To recognize that children have different learning styles that need to be addressed in order for a successful educational experience

· To prepare our students for the technological world that they will be entering

Parent’s Role in Education

We, S.S. Peter and Paul School, consider it a privilege to work with parents in the education of children because we believe parents are the primary educators of their children. Therefore, it is your right and your duty to become the primary role models for the development of your child’s life---physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and psychologically. Your choice of S.S. Peter and Paul School involves a commitment and exhibits a concern for helping your child to recognize God as the greatest good in his/her life.

Good example is the strongest teacher. Your personal relationship with God, with each other, and with the Church community will affect the way your child relates to God and others. Ideals taught in school are not well rooted in the child unless these are nurtured by the example of good Catholic/Christian morality and by an honest personal relationship with God in your family life.

Once you have chosen to enter into a partnership with us at S.S. Peter and Paul School, we trust you will be loyal to this commitment. During these formative years (Pre-K to 8), your child needs constant support from both parents and faculty in order to develop his/her moral, intellectual, social, cultural, and physical endowment. Neither parents nor teachers can afford to doubt the sincerity of the efforts of their educational partner in the quest of challenging, yet nourishing, the student to reach his/her potential. It is vital that both parents and teachers remember that allowing oneself to be caught between the student and the other partner will never have positive results. To divide authority between school and home or within the home will only teach disrespect of all authority. If there is an incident at school, you as parents must make investigation of the complete story your first step. Evidence of mutual respect between parents and teachers will model good mature behavior and relationships.

Students are naturally eager to grow and learn. However, sometimes in the process of maturation new interests may cause them to lose focus. As this natural process occurs, the student needs both understanding and discipline. At times, your child may perceive discipline as restrictive. However, it is boundaries and limits that provide a young person with both guidance and security.

It is essential that a child takes responsibility for grades he/she has earned and be accountable for homework, long-term assignments, major tests, service projects, and all other assignments. This responsibility also extends to times of absence.

Together, let us begin this year with a commitment to partnership as we support one another in helping your child to become the best person he/she is capable of becoming.

Parents As Partners

As partners in the educational process at S.S. Peter and Paul School we ask parents:

To set rules, times, and limits so that your child:

· Gets to bed early on school nights;

· Arrives at school on time and is picked up on time at the end of the day;

· Is dressed according to the school dress code;

· Completes assignments on time; and

· Has ordered lunch or has a nutritional sack lunch every day.

To actively participate in school activities such as Home and School

To see that the student pays for any damage to school books or property due to carelessness or neglect on the part of the student;

To notify the school with a phone call when the student will be absent or tardy and a written note when the student returns to school;

To notify the school office of any changes of address or important phone numbers;

To meet all financial obligations to the school;

To inform the school of any special situation regarding the student’s well-being, safety, and health;

To complete and return to school any requested information promptly;

To read school notes, newsletters & website & to show interest in the student’s total education;

To support the religious and educational goals of the school;

To support and cooperate with the discipline policy of the school;

To treat teachers and staff with respect and courtesy in discussing student problems.

8/21 FORMS DAY IN GYM 6:00-8:00

8/21 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

8/29 1ST DAY OF SCHOOL - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

9/3 NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY

9/6 H&S MEETING -OPEN HOUSE 7:00

9/11 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

9/12 SCHOOL PICTURES

9/18 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

9/21 NO SCHOOL - IN SERVICE

9/23 HOPES DINNER

10/2 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

10/3 PROGRESS REPORTS GO HOME

10/5 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSALL 12:30

10/8 NO SCHOOL - COLUMBUS DAY

10/9 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

10/16 NO SCHOOL -CATHOLIC EDUCATORS CONF.

10/18 H&S MEETING - TEACHER OPEN HOUSE

11/2 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

1ST MARKING PERIOD ENDS

11/5 SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING 7:00

11/6 NO SCHOOL - IN SERVICE

11/12 NO SCHOOL -VETERANS DAY

11/13 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

11/20 PARENT CONFERENCES-REPORT CARDS 6:00-7:30

11/21 EARLY DISMISSAL-PARENT CONFERENCES 12:30

11/22& 23 NO SCHOOL-THANKSGIVING RECESS

12/4 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

12/7 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

12/12 PROGRESS REPORTS DISTRIBUTED

12/13 H&S MEETING TBA

12/21 EARLY DISMISSAL TBA

12-24-1/1 NO SCHOOL - CHRISTMAS VACATION

1/8 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

2ND MARKING PERIOD ENDS

1/10 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

1/21 NO SCHOOL - MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

1/20 PRE-K OPEN HOUSE 9:30-10:45

1/22 REPORT CARDS DISTRIBUTED

1/27-2/2 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK

2/1 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

2/5 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

2/6 8TH GRADE GRADUATION PHOTOS

2/11 NO SCHOOL - INSERVICE

2/12 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

2/18 NO SCHOOL - PRESIDENT'S DAY

3/4 SCHOOL BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING 7:00

3/7 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

3/13 H&S MEETING 7:00

3/20 HOLY THURSDAY - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

3/21 NO SCHOOL - GOOD FRIDAY

3/26 SCIENCE FAIR

3/28 SNOW DATE -SCIENCE FAIR

4/1 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

4/4 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

3RD MARKING PERIOD ENDS

4/8 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING 7:00

4/14-4/18 NO SCHOOL - SPRING RECESS

5/2 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

5/6 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

SPRING SCHOOL PHOTOS

5/7 PROGRESS REPORTS DISTRIBUTED

5/22 H&S MEETING 7:00

5/26 NO SCHOOL- MEMORIAL DAY

6/3 SCHOOL BOARD MEETING 7:00

6/6 FACULTY MEETING - EARLY DISMISSAL 12:30

6/11 LAST DAY OF SCHOOL-WEATHER PENDING

GENERAL GUIDELINES

TOPIC PAGE

ABSENCES…………………………………………………………………… 1

ACADEMIC INFORMATION………………………………………………. 1

ACCREDITATION…………………………………………………………… 2

ADMISSION POLICY………………………………………………………. 2

ASSIGNMENTS…………………………………………………………….. 3

ATTENDANCE………………………………………………………………. 3

AUDIOVISUAL MATERIALS………………………………………………. 3

BACKPACKS………………………………………………………………… 3

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM…………………………………. 3

BIRTHDAYS…………………………………………………………………. 3

BOOKS………………………………………………………………………. 4

BULLYING…………………………………………………………………… 4

BUS CONDUCT……………………………………………………………. 4

CALDEDAR………………………………………………………………….. 4

CAR RIDERS IN THE MORNING………………………………………… 4

CELL PHONES……………………………………………………………… 4

CONFERENCES……………………………………………………………. 4

CONFIDENTIAL CORRESPONDANCE…………………………………. 4

CONTRACTS……………………………………………………………….. 4

COUNSELING………………………………………………………………. 5

CRISIS PLAN……………………………………………………………….. 5

CUSTODY…………………………………………………………………… 5

DAILY ROUTINE……………………………………………………………. 5

DETENTION………………………………………………………………… 5

DETENTION ABUSE……………………………………………………….. 5

DETENTION PENALTY……………………………………………………. 5

DISCIPLINE………………………………………………………………….. 6

DISMISSAL……………………………………………………………………..7

EARLY DISMISSAL………………………………………………………….. 7

ELECTRONIC DEVICES…………………………………………………... 7

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS………………………………………………… 7

EMERGENCY AND FIRE DRILLS………………………………………... 7

EXCUSED ABSENCES……………………………………………………. 7

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES………………………………………. 7

FIELD TRIPS………………………………………………………………… 8

FINANCIAL OBLIGATION……………………………………………………8

GIFTS………………………………………………………………………… 8

GUM CHEWING…………………………………………………………….. 8

GYM CLASS AND UNIFORMS…………………………………………… 8

HALLWAYS…………………………………………………………………… 8

HARASSMENT………………………………………………………………. 8

HAZING………………………………………………………………………. 8

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION……………………………………….. 9

HOMEWORK………………………………………………………………… 10

HONOR ROLL………………………………………………………………. 10

INFORMATION………………………………………………………………. 10

IN-SERVICES……………………………………………………………….. 10

INSURANCES………………………………………………………………. 10

INVITATIONS………………………………………………………………… 10

KITCHEN…………………………………………………………………….. 10

LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL………………………………………………… 10

LIBRARY…………………………………………………………………….. 11

LUNCH……………………………………………………………………….. 11

LUNCH PERIOD SAFETY RULES………………………………………… 11

NURSE AND HEALTH AIDE……………………………………………….. 11

PERFECT ATTENDANCE………………………………………………….. 11

PHONE……………………………………………………………………….. 12

PROGRESS REPORTS……………………………………………………. 12

PROTOCOL AND PROCEDURES……………………………………….. 12

RAINBOWS…………………………………………………………………… 12

RECESS………………………………………………………………………. 12

RECORDS…………………………………………………………………….. 12

REPORT CARDS…………………………………………………………….. 12

RESPECT FOR TEACHERS……………………………………………….. 12

SAFETY………………………………………………………………………... 12

SCHOOL BOARD…………………………………………………………….. 13

SPORTS PROGRAM…………………………………………………………13

STANDARDIZED TEST………………………………………………………13

STUDENT RECORDS………………………………………………………..13

STUDENT SERVICE………………………………………………………….13

TARDY…………………………………………………………………………. 13

TECHNOLOGY/INTERNET…………………………………………………14

TESTING……………………………………………………………………… 14

TUITION……………………………………………………………………… 14

UNIFORM REGULATIONS………………………………………………… 14

UNIFORM REGULATIONS CONT…………………………………………15

UNIFORM REGULATIONS CONT…………………………………………16

VIOLENCE…………………………………………………………………….. 16

GENERAL GUIDELINES

ABSENCES: When a student is absent from school, a parent should call the office by 10:00 am. each day of absence. If the office does not receive a call, a parent will be contacted. This policy is for the protection of our students. A written note giving a reason for the absence must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return. Parents are requested to consult with the principal and present a written reason for any absence that seems imperative other than illness. The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times. Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility. Students who are absent due to illness have one day to make up missed assignments, quizzes or tests, unless special arrangements have been made with the subject teacher. Teachers are not required to give make up tests or assignments for absences due to vacations. No assignment will be given in anticipation of the vacation. Arrangements for regular classroom tests missed because of an absence are made with the individual teachers. These tests must be taken within one week of the original test date. Excessive absences (18) days, or the equivalent including tardiness can be cause for a student to be retained in their current grade for another year. Any child who leaves school before 11:30 will be marked absent. A responsible person must sign out any student, who leaves the building. Three early withdrawals are considered a half-day absence.

ACADEMIC INFORMATION:

Curriculum

The Diocesan curriculum guidelines, consistent with the State of Connecticut guidelines, are followed for the teaching of all secular subject areas.

S.S. Peter and Paul School offers students opportunities for growth in the following major subjects:

Religion

Catholic doctrine and tradition, Bible study, Social Justice, Stewardship, preparation for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation, and Eucharist.

Liturgical services are held for special observances for the entire school community. Students may attend the Saturday evening parish Mass on a rotating basis.

Language Arts

Reading, English, Spelling, Vocabulary, Composition, Library Skills, and Appreciation of Literature.

Mathematics

Mathematics Skills, Pre-Algebra, and Algebra I.

Students in Grade 8 Algebra will be asked to take the Algebra Competency Placement Test in June for the area high schools.

Physical Education

Physical fitness programs are appropriate for each grade.