St. Francis-St. Stephen School Philosophy

St. Francis de Sales - St. Stephen’s School is dedicated to a philosophy of building a Catholic educational community among students, teachers and parents. We strongly encourage each student to nurture his talents and virtues in imitation of Jesus Christ. The school community is dedicated to helping child and family look back to Baptism as an initiation into a faith community and ahead to Confirmation as the means of developing and responding to a call to love and serve God, neighbor and self.

As a faith community we cultivate in our students a sense of appreciation and respect for life and the world around us. They learn:

• that all is a creation of God.

• a full understanding and love for self. The child is helped to grow intellectually, morally, emotionally and physically, resulting in becoming all that the child is capable of being.

• a firm foundation in all subjects - with greater emphasis on reading, mathematics and language arts.
• an ability to reach out to individuals in the community and try to understand the contrasts, the variety, the diversity among people in this community and to other communities of the world.
• how to live in peace with friends and neighbors in the Spirit of the Gospel.

Therefore, we strive to develop a faith community which will make our students’ faith more "living, conscious and active."

" The benefits of home and school partnership are so evident that all parents should be made aware of their duty to be full partners with the school. Today’s Catholic school is more than a means for safeguarding faith and virtue; it is a center in which parents and teachers, guided by the Holy Spirit, collaborate in giving a complete education."

STATEMENT OF GOALS

1. Our school will be a safe place where children, teachers and families feel comfortable.
2. Our school will be a place for which we all will be responsible.
3. All those involved in our school will make a commitment to build a Christian community that honors diversity, finds strength in collaborative actions, and shares the triumphs and sorrows of each of its members.
4. In this community of learners, all members are seen as citizens with the right, obligation and responsibility to participate in ways that will promote the common good.
5. All members of the community must feel that they and their actions are important and valued.
6. All will see themselves as significant members of this community that makes their individuality possible.
7. Such membership will encourage students, teachers, and parents to value and nurture themselves and their faith community.

FINANCES

TUITION

Tuition covers only part of the cost of educating a child at St. Francis - St. Stephen School. The approximate cost per student is $4,000 per year. The tuition scale as indicated below does not begin to completely cover the cost.

Parishioner                   Non-Parishioner

1 child = $2,180                1 child = $ 3,740

2 children = 3,250              2 children = 4,810

3 children = 3,860              3 children = 5,240

4 or more children = 4,350   4 or more children = 6,000

PreSchool: 4 yr. old three day = $1200 

               4 yr. old five day = $1550

REGISTRATION FEESThis fee is paid each year at re-registration time. The fee is $30 per child with a cap of $90 per family. This fee is non-refundable and not deductible from any tuition payment. Until the registration fee is paid, a child is not formally registered at St. Francis-St. Stephen’s.

FUNDRAISING

All families are expected to participate in the fundraising projects for St. Francis St. Stephen’s. Each family is expected to raise at least $500 through our fund-raisers. Those not wishing to participate, may make a $400 cash donation prior to July 1 of each school year. PreK parents in the 3 day program are asked to raise $300 in fundraising or make a $200 contribution.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Automatic financial assistance is given to families having children at both DeSales High School and St. Francis-St. Stephen’s School. Tuition Assistance for others is available to our students through the Diocese of Rochester and Local Tuition Assistance Funds. Those requesting financial assistance must supply the school with the proper forms and documents prior to April 23 each year. Those receiving financial assistance will be expected to work one night a month at the BINGO games.

WITHDRAWALS

When a student withdraws from the school, whether at the request of the parent or St. Francis-St.Stephen’s, the parents financial responsibility is as shown on the chart below. Attendance for any part of a month (even one day) is considered the same as the entire month.

% of bill due Date of Withdrawal     %of bill due Date of Withdrawal

10% July 1 - July 31                          60%  Dec. 1 - Dec. 31

20% Aug. 1 - Aug. 31                       70% Jan. 1 - Jan. 31

30% Sept. 1 - Sept. 30                     80% Feb. 1 - Feb. 28

40% Oct. 1 - Oct. 31                        90% Mar. 1 - Mar. 31

50% Nov. 1 - Nov. 30                       100% Apr. 1 - Apr. 30

When a student withdraws we send his/her records only to the receiving school (when requested by them), not the parent.

ACADEMICS

BELL SCHEDULE (Elementary)             BELL SCHEDULE (Secondary)

8:00 School Opens                             7:55 Homeroom

11:00 Dismissal PreSchool Classes         8:00 First period begins

11:15 Lunch Grade Kdg.                     11:50 Lunch periods begin

11:15 Lunch Grades 1,2,3,4,5              12:20 Lunch periods end

2:00 School Dismisses (Walkers)            2:00 School Dismisses

2:00 School Dismisses (Bus students)     3:00 Second bus run available

CURRICULUM

St. Francis- St. Stephen School follows the curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Rochester and the NYS Education Department.

GRADING

Below is the official grading scale of the Diocese of Rochester and St. Francis-St.Stephen School:

Kindergarten - Grades 2                                

Report cards are based on a system of rubrics from 1 (academic improvement needed)to 4 (outstanding academic achievement.)

Grades 3 -8

A = 95 - 100 %          

B+= 90 - 94%

B = 85 - 89%

C+= 80 - 84%

C = 75 - 79%

D = 70 - 74%

F = below 70 for Gr.3-6

F = below 65% for Gr.7-8

HOMEWORK

All classes Grades 1-8 are assigned homework most nights. Satisfactory completion of those assignments is considered in determining a student’s grades. The homework policy of St. Francis-St. Stephen is based on the following Diocesan Guidelines:

Grades 1,2       15 minutes                      Grade 6           30-50 minutes

Grade 3           20-25 minutes                 Grades 7,8        60-90 minutes

Grades 4,5       30-45 minutes

Parents will be notified of student’s progress in this area.

ACADEMIC HONOR ROLL POLICY

Honor Roll is an achievement worthy of praise. Only students in Grade 6-8 are listed for High Honors, Honor or Academic Merit. Both academic grades and character development are considered when placing students on Honor Roll. The following is the Diocesan Honor Roll Policy:

High Honors: 93% to 100% average in Core Subjects No grade below 85% in any subject.

Honors: 85% to 92% average in Core Subjects No grade below 85%in any subject.

Core Subject Areas include: Math, Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts (An average of reading and writing), Religion, Spanish, and Humanities.

TESTING

Standardized Tests are administered in the fall.

Grades 2-8 Terra Nova Grades             3,5,7 InView (Cognitive Abilities)

Results will be sent to parents as soon as they are made available to us.

Semester Exams are administered in January and June and are required in only subject areas not covered by NYS Testing. These exams are based on the NYS regent’s exams within Diocesan standards and are given in Grades 3-8. Parents may request a review of their child’s exams at the end of each semester.

DIPLOMA/CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE POLICY

Criteria for Diploma: Average of at least 65% in all major subject areas

Criteria for Certificate of Attendance: If a student has worked to ability but not obtained a passing average. (Below 65%)

Conferences will occur to apprise parents of the possibility of Certificate of Attendance.

PLACEMENT OF STUDENTS

Retention: Students failing two or more of the major subject areas.

Grade 7-8 below 65%                         Grade 1-6 below 70%

Conferences will be held to apprise parents of the possibility of retention.

Transfer: Students failing one of the major subject areas.

(Grade 7-8 below 65%)                      (Grade 1-6 below 70%)

Students failing more than one major subject area may be transferred if in conference both parent and teacher deem retention unsuitable.

Promotion: Students receiving passing grades in all major subject areas.

(Grade 7-8 above 65%)                     (Grade 1-6 above 70%)

ACADEMIC PROBATION/SUSPENSION

Academic growth, spiritual growth and character development are the cornerstones of Catholic Education. While extracurricular activities and sports programs are important, none of these will be placed first over the academic and spiritual development of our students. The policy regarding suspension from sports teams and/or academic probation is as follows:

Academic Deficiencies:

Two D’s or grades of below 75% in a major subject area.  

One F or grade below 65% in a major subject area.

General Information: The first suspension period is for two weeks. A student may not return to the activity involved until all the teachers concerned sign a form that improvement has been made. The second suspension is for three weeks. All of the same criteria apply to a second suspension. A third suspension is permanent. There is no reprieve. The report card will be considered notification of the initial suspension each marking period. The administration may suspend a student at any time for serious or continued infractions of school rules.

ATTENDANCE

Elementary

Absence: Parents are asked to call the office prior to 8:30 a.m.( PreK - 5) and 7:55 a.m. (6-8). If no call is received, the school nurse will call home between 9:00 and 9:30 a.m. When a student is absent he/she must bring in a note from home, explaining the reason, and give it to his/her teacher.

For excused absences students will have one school day make-up day for each day absent. For unexcused extended absences, parents must contact the student’s teacher for make-up work. (No work will be given prior to the extended absence.)

Arriving Late: Students arriving late should report to the Pupil Services Office. A note explaining the tardiness should be turned in to the child’s teacher.

Leaving Early: Students leaving early must check out at the Pupil Services Office, signing out the time and reason for the dismissal. Students in grades PreK - 5 must be picked up at the office by an authorized adult. Those in Grades 6-8 may wait outside for transportation.

Chronic Absenteeism: Students missing more than 15 days or those who are chronically absence on certain weekdays may be ineligible for promotion to the next grade level.          

Excused Absences:

Sickness/Injury          Medical Appointments                                        Court Appearances     Death of a Relative                                           Unusual circumstances as determined by the principal

Unexused Absences:

Hair Appointments      Shopping                                                     Family Business         Community Events                         Trips/Vacations         Out-of-Town Guests

Snow Closing/Emergency Dismissal

Should a need arise for an emergency dismissal, we will notify the WGVA and WNYR radio stations. Buses will be requested for all bus pupils. Please be sure your child has an emergency policy on file and that it is updated whenever plans must be changed. Dismissals of this kind happen quickly and individual phone calls by students are not possible.

In case of snow closing (or delay in school opening) the radio stations WNYR and WGVA will be notified. Information can also be found on Rnews Channel 14 or Rochester Channels 8 and 10. Pre-school will not open if Grades K-8 are delayed.

REMEMBER: St. Francis-St. Stephen opens and closes with the GENEVA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, not DeSales High.

DISCIPLINE

The philosophy of our school aims to motivate children to develop a responsible attitude toward discipline, self-control and behavior. Students are expected to comply with the school policies and directives and to treat staff members and each other with dignity, respect and courtesy. Disciplinary measures may be used for students who do not comply with the expected behavior in the classroom and areas which affect the interaction with others. When rules are consistently broken, in or after school detention may be used or special activities may be withheld. In some cases students will be referred to the Principal. Parents will be notified when the rules are consistently broken.

Care of Property and Materials

• Students are responsible for the care of school property and materials. Books must be covered and kept in good condition during the year. Students are responsible for defaced and/or lost books.
• Respect for school property (desks, lavatories, equipment, etc.) is expected of all students attending our school. Students deliberately destroying property will be disciplined at the discretion of administration. It is important that children learn to value the many material goods available to them.

Dress Code

The school maintains a dress code so that students accept responsibility of good grooming. It is important that parents help their children have a pride about their appearance. It is expected that all students (Gr. 1-8) will be properly attired each day. This will be enforced. All uniforms are to be purchased through Flynn & O'Hara at 800-441-4122 or www.flynnohara.com

Boys:         Uniform navy blue dress pants

Girls:         Uniform navy blue jumper (1-5)

White or Navy Blue Polo Shirt with School Logo

Red/Navy Blue Sweatshirt with School Logo

Solid color white socks

Shirts are to be tucked in preferably with a belt.

No open back shoes            No make-up or unnatural hair dyes are allowed.

No dangling earrings            No more than two rings per hand.

No head bandanas              No more than two bracelets. 

Gym Uniforms: Navy Blue Sweatpants

                     White or Navy Blue Polo Shirt with School Logo

                      Sneakers

Shorts: Uniform mesh shorts may be worn throughout June and Sept.

All uniforms must be ordered through Flynn & O'Hara.

Children who do not comply with the dress code will be kept from class until the proper attire is provided by parents.

Drug and Alcohol Abuse

A. Any student in St. Francis-St. Stephen School who is selling, giving, or dealing drugs or alcohol to other students in school or at a school-sponsored event will be liable to expulsion immediately. A conference will be held with the student, parents or guardian, and the principal. At the conference, all participants will be afforded an opportunity to present all the pertinent facts (documented) and evidence in an open manner and to be heard by others. Students and parents have a right to know the basis of the school decision.

The General Education office will be notified of this expulsion.

B. Any student in St. Francis-St. Stephen School who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol in school or at a school sponsored event will be suspended and his/her parents or guardian notified immediately. After a conference among principal, parents or guardian and student will be arranged. In addition to counseling, the student will be on probation for 12 school weeks. Probation will involve no participation in group activities such as field trips, group performances, dances and parties sponsored by the school. Also if the student is a member of the student council, basketball teams, cheerleading squad or any school sponsored team, he/she will be removed for the 12-week period. A second serious offense involving drugs or alcohol in any form will result in expulsion.

C. Any student in St. Francis-St. Stephen School who is detected using drugs or alcohol in school or at any school-sponsored event will be suspended and his/her parents or guardian notified immediately. After a conference with parents or guardian and student, in addition to counseling, the principal will assign a suitable punishment which will include an eight-week probation. The penalties involved in probation will be those listed in B.

D. Any student in St. Francis-St. Stephen School who is in possession of drugs or alcohol in school or at any school-sponsored event will be suspended by the principal. Parents or guardian will be notified and a conference arranged among student, parents or guardian and principal. In addition to counseling, an eight-week probation will be issued. The penalties involved during probation will be those listed under B

E. Any student in St. Francis-St. Stephen’s School who has drug or alcohol paraphernalia in his/her possession in school or at a school sponsored event will be assigned a suitable punishment by the principal. Parents or guardians will be notified of the incident and the disciplinary action. The disciplinary action will involve no participation in activities as stated in B for four weeks. If the offense occurs at the end of the year, and we are short the full four weeks, those students will not participate in school sponsored end of the year gatherings and grade eight students will not participate in the graduation ceremony.

In a situation in which counseling is required and recommended, the principal, after consultation, has the right to determine the counselor and the terms of the counseling. The General Education Office will maintain a file of counseling agencies in the diocese for those who wish to use them.

Harassment Policy

The following elements must exist for behavior to be considered harassment: behavior as undesirable and offensive. It is any unwanted attention either verbal or nonverbal that may hurt, humiliate or embarrass someone.

.

1. The behavior must be unwelcome (not solicited or invited) and the victim must consider the

1. The offensive behavior must be severe or pervasive to alter the climate of the relationship. A

1. The intention of someone does not mitigate the seriousness of the behavior. In a Catholic

Acts of harassment committed by students shall constitute disorderly conduct and insubordination in violation of the rules of St. Francis-St. Stephen School. In any situation of this kind, the principal is the person responsible for imposing the appropriate discipline.

Consideration to the discipline that is administered will be based on the following criteria:

*the age of the student *the seriousness of the situation *the duration of the offending behavior

Internet Access

St. Francis-St. Stephen School is now offering Internet Access for student use. The following is the acceptable use policy:

1. The school Internet system has been established for a limited educational purpose. The "educational purpose" includes classroom activities, student reports and limited high-quality self-discovery activities. It is not a public access service, public forum, commercial use or political lobbying.
1. Students will have access to Internet information through the library under direct adult supervision.
2. Students may not post personal contact information about themselves or others. Personal contact information includes your address, telephone, school address, work address, etc. No meeting may be set up through the school Internet.
3. Students will promptly disclose to teachers or other school employees any messages

   received that are inappropriate or uncomfortable.

4. Students will not attempt to gain access to unauthorized systems, or disrupt the school system.
5. Students will not use inappropriate language, engage in personal, prejudicial or discriminatory attacks, nor any form of harassment.
6. Permission from teachers or administration must be secured before downloading any information.
7. Students may not plagiarize works found on the Internet, and must respect the rights of copyright owners.

Should any of the above rules be broken, students may lose their right to use the Internet.

Lunch/Recess

All students (K-5) will have one half hour for lunch and recess each day. Students are expected to know the proper table etiquette and use it each day during their lunch periods.

Lunch Room:

• Students will sit with classmates at assigned tables.
• Students may talk quietly while eating.
• Students will remained seated during the lunch period, leaving seats only with the permission of the lunch monitor.
• Insubordination with lunchroom monitors will result in loss of recess time. Parent conference will be called should disrespect or misbehavior continue.

• For playground recess, all classes must be accompanied by a classroom teacher.

Administration of Medication:

New York State Law does not allow school personnel to administer internal medication to students except under circumstances where a medication must be taken at a specific time during school hours. This usually applies to medication for long term use such as seizures, hyperactive conditions, etc. Other medications prescribed three times daily, etc. for short times can be given at home. Prescription medications which must be given during school hours must be brought by parent, guardian, or responsible adult and left in school for duration of time to be given. Administration of Medication Form must completed by Physician and Parent (This form is available in pediatrician’s offices or may be obtained at school office.) Medication must be in original prescription bottle. Please do not send pills in lunch boxes, bottles of cough syrup, etc. to school with children.

Immunization:

The Diocese of Rochester and Public Health Law 2164 requires that all school children be adequately immunized against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria and Polio and Hepatitis. The are no exceptions to Immunization requirements.

Child Abuse

Any member of the school faculty who suspects that a pupil has been abused or maltreated has been instructed to notify the principal and school nurse immediately. Title 6 Article VI of the Social Service Law will be followed. The Child Abuse and Maltreatment Reporting Center’s toll free number is 1-800-342-3720.

GENERAL INFORMATION

School Admission:

Children entering St. Francis-St. Stephen School should be five years of age on or before December 1, of the entering year for Kindergarten. All Kindergarten children are screened and tested before they are accepted. If for any reason the school deems it necessary to delay entrance into Kindergarten, parents will be notified.

Students entering in Grades 1-6 will follow the following procedure:

1. Request for entrance.
1. Interview with Administration

3. Copies of records from present school.

Students transferring in will be accepted only if St. Francis-St. Stephen can accommodate their educational needs, and there is room at the grade requested. The following guidelines will be used where population becomes an issue:

1. Families with students already registered

2. Families of faculty and staff

3. Practicing parishioners of St. Francis or St.Stephen Parish

4. Non-parishioners

Transfer Procedures:

Upon receiving a formal request from the educational institution to which the student is transferring, the following records will be forwarded:

1. Academic Achievement                                                                

2. Grade Placement

3. Attendance

4. Health Records

Non-Discrimination To Students

The elementary and secondary schools of the Diocese of Rochester admit students of any sex, race, color, nationality and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, nationality and ethnic origin in administration of their education policies, scholarship and loan programs and athletic and other school administered programs.

Sacramental Programs:

Since St. Francis-St. Stephen is a consolidated school system, and the Diocesan General Education Office has mandated that students of Catholic Schools and Religious Education Programs prepare for the sacraments through their parish sacramental programs, all students who wish to receive any sacrament this year should contact the Religious Education center of the Roman Catholic Community of Geneva.

Religious Education Offices are located on Exchange Street next to St. Francis de Sales Church.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

The following are offered as extra-curricular activities at St. Francis-St. Stephen School:

Boys’ Basketball (Gr. 5-8)            Modified Baseball (7-8)

Girls’ Basketball (Gr. 5-8)             Modified Softball (7-8)

Girls’Cheerleading (Gr. 5-8)           Modified Soccer (7-8)

Student Council (Gr. 6-8)             Cross Country (7-8)

Yearbook Staff (Gr. 6-8)              Choir (3-8)

Brownies LaCrosse (Boys/Girls) (7-8)

Bowling (Gr.7-8)                         Band (3-8)

Transportation:

Parents are responsible for requesting bus transportation directly from their own public school districts.

Students must observe the rules of the transportation department. In the event that directives are not followed, disciplinary action will be taken which may include suspension of bus riding privileges.

Bus Evacuation Drills are held three times a year for all students. These are scheduled by the public school district.

Fire Drills:

Twelve Fire Drills a year are mandated by the State of New York. The Geneva Fire Department is present for at least one of these drills. All fire exits are posted in each of the classrooms, and students are made of aware of those directions throughout the school year. All students are expected to exit the building as quickly and as quietly as possible. Should a child not be with his/her class at the time of the drill, the child should exit the building by the nearest exit and report immediately to the first teacher available.

Emergency Dismissal

All students will have on file an emergency dismissal plan. This plan provides for the unexpected close of St. Francis-St. Stephen School due to weather or other unforeseen problems. Parents are asked the following: *Your child is familiar with the emergency dismissal plan established for him/her.

Educational Rights and Privacy Act

A request form for parents to examine records will be available at the school office. The school must be notified twenty-four hours prior to the request such records are confidential and may not be released or made available to persons other than parents or students (over 18) without the written consent of such parents and students. The school principal or his/her authorized delegate must be present at the time these records are viewed to help interpret whenever necessary.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled during both the first and second semesters. Parents are asked to sign up for a convenient time during the school’s Open House in the Fall.We encourage parents to make every effort to keep scheduled appointments as this time with your child’s teacher can be invaluable. While these formal conferences are scheduled twice a year we encourage parents to call the school office or teachers (during school hours) for conferences whenever concerns arise. However, please do not expect unscheduled conferences when dropping off or picking up students.

Telephone Use:

The office telephones may be used by students only in the case of an emergency or with the supervision of a teacher. Students will not be allowed to call for items forgotten at home i.e. homework, books, gym equipment, permission slips, etc.

Field Trips

Students will not be allowed to participate in any school or class field trips without the written consent of their parents or guardians. Only the Diocesan permission slip will be accepted.