Pastor Rev. Stephen Donahue

Principal Sister Joanita Koors, OSF

Secretary Mrs. Mary Bott

Teachers:

Kindergarten Miss Kristina Schwendenmann

First Grade Mrs. Bethany Fewell

Second Grade Mrs. Jan Megel

Third Grade Mrs. Sandi Kirchner

Fourth Grade Mrs. Paula Ertel

Fifth Grade Ms. Penny Sullivan

Sixth Grade Mrs. Rebecca Stone

Seventh/Eighth Grade Mrs. Lisa Vogel

Mrs. Michelle Gasper

Computer Mrs. Felicia Vogel

Music Mrs. Becky Grelle

Physical Education Mrs. Jenny Herr

Mrs. Michelle Gasper

Classroom Assistants Ms. Jeanie Treadway

Mrs. Peg Scroggins

Mrs. Karen Geswein

Mrs. Jenny Herr

Mrs. Jean Zohrlaut

Librarian Mrs. Teresa Genda

Nurse Mrs. Taryn Broadus

Maintenance Mr. Sam Wagner

Custodian Mrs. Malinda Bott

Extended Care Mrs. Lisa Siener

Speech Mrs. Patty Ward

Algebra I Mrs. Tricia Losey

Athletic Director Mr. Paul (Ham) Wernke

Mrs. Brenda Campbell Mr. Adam Megel

Mr. Eric Woods Mrs. Anne McLeod

Mrs. Sonnie Simmons Mrs. Deb Itell

Mr. Mike Garlitch Mrs. Melissa Harsh

Mr. Keith Rogers Mrs. Ann Henry

Mrs. Leslee Brown

St. Mary's School Commission is responsible for establishing policies for the school.

We, the students and staff of St. Mary’s School, are committed to strengthening our relationship with Jesus Christ. As we seek to achieve academic excellence, we strive to see each other as precious gifts and valued, respected members of our learning environment.

All students and staff will increase their respect for people and property throughout the school.

All students will demonstrate growth in reading comprehension skills across the curriculum.

The clergy, school commission and school will work collaboratively to increase St. Mary’s School enrollment through both retention of current students and recruitment of new students.

 

 

Every child is a precious gift of God, created with unique gifts, talents, and learning abilities.

Every child has a right to learn in a safe and positive school environment.

Each individual child is a valued member of the learning community and treated with respect and dignity.

Children grow in their relationship with God through daily prayer, sacraments, religious instruction, and examples of others.

Children learn Christian morals, values, and good citizenship on a daily basis.

Learning occurs best when the individual is actively involved in the process, both in terms of choice and participation.

There must be strong relationship built on trust and open communication between families, schools, and community.

Students will be motivated to learn and behave when the curriculum is engaging and challenging.

Student discipline should focus on learning procedures and expectations.

Staff collaboration ensures that instruction focuses on students’ needs. Learning together in an inclusive school community maximizes the likelihood of accepting and valuing differences and recognizing common needs of all individuals.

 

 

 

The following are the Archdiocesan Board of Education Policies concerning admission to Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of Indianapolis:

The Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis welcome students who wish to apply for admission, regardless of race, sex, or national origin. The local board establishes policies for admission of Catholic students.

Catholic Schools have not been, nor shall they become, havens for those wishing to avoid social problems confronting them in the public sector. Students who are not of the Catholic faith will be expected to assume their portion of the financial responsibility for their education through tuition, since they do not participate in the contributory subsidy from Catholic parishes (Policies 5210, 5410).

We hereby certify that the above policies of the Archdiocesan Board of Education have been and are being complied with by St. Mary’s School, 209 Washington Street, North Vernon, IN 47265.

Furthermore, we certify that this school has completed self-evaluation of compliance with Title IX of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Amendments of 1972. The school is in full compliance with Title IX.

St. Mary’s School strives to work with learners of diverse abilities and skills. However, St. Mary’s School may not be able to meet the needs of every student who applies for admission. St. Mary’s School may ask for and review all academic, psychometric, and medical records of students who wish to attend to make a determination if St. Mary’s School is the best placement for the student.

If there are further questions in the matter, please contact the school by telephone at (812) 346-3445.

St. Mary’s School will participate in sports to whatever extent we have the supervision and resources. The emphasis of the program will be on participation.

Students must have current physical forms on file in the school office before participating in practices or games. Students must have a passing grade average in each subject in order to participate in game events. Grades will be checked at mid-term and end of quarter. If requirements (grades) are not passing, students may not participate in SMS sports until grades are 70% or above.

Seventh and eighth graders participating in sports at the Jennings County Middle School will follow the JCMS eligibility guidelines; but adhere to the SMS grading scale.

Morning Session Lunch Afternoon Session

8:00 – 8:25 Student Arrival Time 11:00 – Gr. 7-8 11:25 – 3:00 (gr. 8)

8:15 – Classes Begin (grades 7/8) 11:05 – Gr. K-2 11:25 – 2:45 (gr. 7)

8:25 – Classes Begin (grades K-6) 11:10 – Gr. 3-6 11:55 – 2:45 (K-6)

ARRIVAL: All car students should arrive at school between 8:00 and 8:15 AM. Car riders should be dropped off by the curb in front of school. Kindergarten students arriving after 8:00 should be dropped off near the Parish Center. DO NOT allow students to cross the street. Those who must arrive before 8:00 because of bus transportation or parent work schedule, should go directly to designated area in school. Students arriving in the classroom after 8:25 AM will be marked tardy.

DISMISSAL: Bus Dismissal is 2:45 PM. As soon as the busses have left Washington Street, the car riders will be dismissed. Drivers for car riders should remain in their cars and park along curb on south side (curb nearest school) of Washington Street in front of school. Car riders will be dismissed according to cars parked along curb. As cars leave, other cars move forward to receive children. (See diagram in Appendix of Handbook).

For those children who bring their lunches from home, milk may be purchased for 35 cents a day or $1.75 per week.

Parents and other visitors, please report to the school office. All school time must be devoted to instructional purposes. No one may interrupt classes, nor may teachers and students be called from their classroom, except for urgent reasons. If you wish to give your child something he/she has forgotten, bring it to the office. We will take it to the classroom at a time when it will not interrupt instruction.

As educators, we recognize and appreciate the deep and abiding interest that each of you has in the education of your child(ren). Your cooperation and interest are our greatest strengths as a school. However, since education is a human endeavor, there are bound to be disagreements. When you disagree with a grade, a punishment, or the way a particular problem was handled, first contact the teacher involved, then the principal if the matter cannot be resolved.

Please recognize that your attitude toward the school will be reflected in the attitude of your children. Just as we would never negatively discuss you in the presence of your children, we expect the same courtesy and respect from you. In the event of a disagreement, contact the teacher involved when your child(ren) is(are) not around. Never call the other students to "check out" a teacher's story. Such action not only undermines your child's attitude toward the teacher, but also that of other students.

ST. MARY'S SCHOOL

ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RULES AS OUR ALL SCHOOL RULES.

The following is a brief summary of what is not allowed in our school: Violations of these rules are not tolerated.

Drugs, alcohol, pills, tobacco products

Guns, knives, explosives or any type of weapon (toy or real)

Engaging in any activity forbidden by state law

CONSEQUENCES:

School suspension or expulsion

Other forms of misconduct not tolerated in St. Mary School include:

Cheating

Stealing, violence

Obscene language

Threats, harassment, intimidation of any kind, bullying, put downs

Interfering with the orderly operation of school

Tampering with school or other individual's property

No gum allowed on school grounds.

CONSEQUENCES:

After school detention (1 hour)

In school suspension (credit for work)

Saturday detention

One day suspension (no credit for work)

Three days suspension (no credit for work)

Expulsion

Shirts may not promote violence, drugs, vulgarity, derogatory; or be undershirts worn as shirts, etc. Midriff, halter/cut-off shirts (or other shirts that expose person’s midsection when arm is raised) are not appropriate. Garments with spaghetti straps should not be worn. Sleeveless garments may not be worn unless with an accompanied garment with sleeves. Tank top can only be worn if another shirt is worn with it.

Shorts must be no shorter than finger tip length. They can be worn until Fall Break and after Spring Break. No writing and/or picture should be across the seat of the shorts.

Pants must be worn at the waist. Tight or baggy pants are not acceptable. No writing and/or picture across the seat of the pants. No pajama type pants.

Shoes should be appropriate to a student's age and activity. Fall Break to Spring Break – shoes must be closed toed. Gym shoes need to be worn for P.E. No gym shoes with rollers are permitted.

Accessories such as "hardware" belts, gloves without fingers, heavy chains, tattoos (including temporary tattoos), sunglasses, and hats in the building are not allowed. Ears may be pierced with a limit of two earrings per ear. No other body parts may be pierced. Only traditional hair color is permitted. Hair should be trimmed and neatly groomed. Fake fingernails are not permitted. (This includes partial and full fake fingernails.)

Make-up may be worn in moderation by students in GRADES 6-8 ONLY.

It is impossible to anticipate all varieties of apparel that may be worn by students to school. Therefore, teachers (with consultation of the principal) will determine inappropriate dress using the above guidelines.

After school care is provided for students in the school library from dismissal time until 5:30. Structured time will include snack, recreation and quiet study time. When picking child up use the side entrance of school. Registration for extended care may be made on registration day or in the school office. All St. Mary’s School rules and regulations apply to Extended Care.

St. Mary School encourages properly planned field trips for instructional purposes. In all instances, field trips shall be justified on the basis of educational gain in relationship to educational needs. Field trips must show instructional intent and exhibit adequate pre-planning which includes specific goals and objectives and effective evaluation to insure optimum use of the students’ academic time. All field trips will be properly supervised to insure positive student behavior that will reflect favorable on the goals and objectives of the school When there is a student admission charge, the value of the activity must be carefully examined in relation to the cost.

Field trips must be planned by the teacher or teacher designee’ and approved by the principal before the plans for the field trip are made with the students and parents. Written permission from a child’s parent is required before a child is permitted to go on a field trip. Permission by phone is not acceptable.

Students must have passing grade averages in each subject and maintain appropriate behavior in order to go on field trips.

Field trips made within the walking distance of the school in North Vernon must have written parent permission, as well as trips using vehicle transportation.

Generally, transportation should be by bus.

Cars may be used at the discretion of the principal with the following stipulations verified by the driver:

The driver must be 21 years of age or older.

The driver must have a valid, non-probationary driver’s license and no physical disability that may impair the ability to drive safely.

The vehicle must have a valid registration.

The vehicle must be insured for a minimum of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per occurrence.

The ratio of students to chaperones should be stated and have approval of principal.

Overnight field trips must have the approval of St. Mary’s School Commission.

Chaperones must have taken the "Protecting God’s Children" Virtus training provided through the Archdiocese before accompanying students on field trip.

Fund-raisers used to help finance cost of field trip must be approved by the principal.

A "Field Trip Record" must be filled out and kept on file in the office.

 

SMS requests balloons or flowers not to be sent to school for birthdays or special events.

SMS students participate in our Big Brother/Big Sister Program. In order to avoid added expense and hurt feelings we do ask that students not give or exchange gifts in this program.

 

In order to protect the health and welfare of children and school staff members alike, Indiana laws require that school personnel observe certain safeguards in administering prescription medication to pupils. If school personnel are to administer prescription medicine to your child, the following procedures must be followed:

A written request from the parent or guardian must be on file in the office.

The prescribing physician must provide a written order stating the amount of medication, the time(s) for administering, and the period of time the medication is to be administered (beginning date and ending date).

Medication that is brought to school must be checked in at the school office and kept in the pharmacy's original container.

Students may not transport medication. This needs to be done by a parent or responsible adult.

Cough drops are permitted if accompanied by a note to the teacher.

Hearing and vision screening tests are provided annually by the Jennings County School nurse. After the testing is performed, a form is sent home to the parents of those students whose screenings or tests indicate problems.

St. Mary’s School is required by law to require immunization of ALL STUDENTS, kindergarten through 8^th grade. The law states that when a student enrolls for the first time in a school district, the parents or guardian must furnish a written statement of the child’s immunization, with physician or health department certification. The state law requires that a child be excluded from school if his/her parents do not supply this record. Immunization requirements are available, upon request, in the school office.

Home assignments are part of the school program and may require some parental supervision. Parents should provide a regular time for homework as well as a definite place with a conducive atmosphere for study. Parents are not expected to help the children excessively, but parental interest goes far in encouraging a child. Homework may be given on weekends.

If your child seems to have very little homework, you may wish to require him/her to spend a specified amount of time reading. On the other hand, if your child seems to be over-loaded with homework, contact the teacher. There is probably a misunderstanding that can be corrected.

All students in grades 1-8 will receive percentage grades in all regular subjects and letter grades of "N", "O", "S", or "U" in specials (i.e. art, music, computer, P.E. etc.). Conduct will also receive a percentage grade and will be included in Honor Roll qualifications.

The following grading scale is used at St. Mary School:

A = 95 – 100

B = 86 – 94

C = 76 – 85

D = 70 – 75

F = 69 or below

O = Outstanding

S = Satisfactory

N = Needs Improvement

U = Unsatisfactory

Report cards are issued quarterly at St. Mary's. Midterms will be sent four weeks prior to the issuance of report cards to students in grades 1-8.

Graded papers will be sent home every week along with SCHOOL NEWS on Wednesdays. After looking at the papers and reading the SCHOOL NEWS, sign the cover sheet and return the empty folder to school.

We have an honor roll to recognize outstanding achievement and effort. The names of students meriting honor roll will be published in the local paper, as well as being posted in school. The requirements for Honor Roll are:

First Honors (all A’s)

Second Honors (all A’s & B’s)

Honorable Mention (All B’s)

 

 

 

 

Students have the opportunity to check books out of the school library every week. They are responsible for returning the book to the library in the same condition in which it was checked out.

If students lose a book, they must pay for it so it can be replaced. This exchange must be approved by the librarian, Mrs. Teresa Genda.

SMS students should NOT bring extra money or other personal, expensive items (ex: gameboys, ipods, pokemon cards, radios, wireless handheld games, MP3 players or computer games) to school. We accept no responsibility for loss, damage, or safekeeping. Extra-special or valuable toys or devices should be kept at home.

Cell phones may not be used at school. If cell phone is needed for after school activities, the phone needs to be turned in to the teacher or office at beginning of day and picked up at end of day.

Any item brought to school that is not an essential school supply or that is used in a manner that is distracting to other students or the teacher may be confiscated by the teacher, principal, or adult supervisor. The student may request the return of the item at the end of the following school day.

There will be a special announcement if it is necessary for a child to bring money (other than lunch money) to school. Any money brought to school is the student's responsibility and should be kept in a safe, secure place (ex: deep pocket, purse, wallet).

St. Mary’s School has a policy and guidelines regarding the use of pesticides. If you would like to view this information please request to do so at the office.

If your child has an allergy to any pesticides, please inform the office.

All students are expected to be outdoors, engaged in active play during recesses. If a child is not able to be outside for some legitimate reason, a written excuse is required each day from the parents before he/she is allowed to remain indoors. However, every time a child must stay inside during recess, we have to provide some kind of supervision. Therefore, please do not request that your child be allowed to remain indoors unless it is absolutely necessary. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees during the winter months, we have indoor recess.

Play in the area designated for your class.

Use the restroom and get a drink before going outside.

Obey the supervising teacher or parent on duty.

Avoid any game or activity (i.e., throwing rocks or snowballs, tackling, fighting) that could result in injury.

Do not deliberately kick balls in the street or nearby yards. If a ball does land in the street, the teacher or parent on duty will retrieve it. Balls need to be carried across street.

Seek permission from playground supervisor if there is a need to go inside.

First bell means to stop in place. At the second bell students walk quickly and quietly to the assigned area for their class. Students proceed to their classrooms in an orderly and quiet fashion when the playground supervisor gives the signal.

 

NOON RECESS

GRADES GRADES

K - 3 Clay St. Church Rectory 4-8

________________ __________________________________________________

The street is closed to

traffic during recess.

___________________________________________________________________________

Grades K - 3 School Parking area

(When ground is wet on

grass playground)

St. Mary's Parent-Teacher Organization (P.T.O.) is a support group for the school. The officers for the 2008-2009 school year are:

President - Samantha Wilder

Vice-President - Vicky Miller

Secretary - Alisa Gasper

Treasurer - Iris Biehle

The officers, along with the principal, comprise the P.T.O. executive committee which meets periodically to take care of routine matters and other business that must be dealt with before the general meetings.

Student lockers, desks and backpacks are subject to search at any time. Students should not bring items to school that are in violation of the law and/or school rules.

Speech therapy is provided for students with this specific need through the Jennings County School Corporation. A speech therapist visits the school regularly. Students who are referred by their teacher(s) or parents can work with the therapist on a regular basis. If any parents feel their child may need help in the area of speech development, they should contact their child's teacher in order to obtain an evaluation from the therapist.