Our Lady of Victory Regional Catholic Elementary School

Family Handbook

2005 – 2006

In response to the overwhelming need for Catholic education in North Georgia, the Archdiocese of Atlanta opened the first elementary school on the south side of metro Atlanta below the beltway in September 1999. Archbishop Donoghue named it Our Lady of Victory with the accompanying motto: Fides Nostra Vicit Mundum. Translated from Latin, the motto means, “Our faith conquers the world”.

Our Lady of Victory Catholic Elementary School is a regional school enrolling students from eleven (11) area parishes/missions. It received its final accreditation visit by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in the spring of 2002. Based on that visit, Our Lady of Victory was granted formal accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

In accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church, Catholic Schools shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin in the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

The school holds membership in the following organizations:

•  The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

•  The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

•  National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is accredited by:

•  The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is entering its seventh year and is rapidly approaching full student capacity. OLV is a single section school for students entering Pre-K thru 8 th grades. There are teacher aides in Pre-K-3 rd grades only. The school is divided into two Divisions, the Lower Division encompassing Pre-K-4 th grades and the Middle Division encompassing 5 th -8 th grades. With Catholic Formation at its core, OLV is actively striving to reach its full potential and fulfill Archbishop John Francis Donoghue's dream for elementary Catholic education in the south Atlanta metro area.

August 2005

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As we begin our seventh year, let us acknowledge the many gifts we have received from the Archdiocese of Atlanta and above all our Lord, Jesus Christ. May our faith be an inspiration as we move forward and may we be models of His teachings to one another and our students.

The Family Handbook is a compilation of policies, procedures, guidelines and general information to be followed by the students and parents. A student's enrollment at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is an acknowledgment and acceptance of the policies, procedures and guidelines as outlined in this Handbook and any other forms of communication throughout the coming school year.

Parents and students should read the Handbook together and discuss its implications. After reading the Handbook, both parents and students must sign the acknowledgement page and return it to school. Please keep it in a safe place for easy reference.

May we unite; parents, students, and staff, as together we accomplish the task of educating the students, building on the Christian foundation begun at home.

May God bless all we do together this year to promote Catholic Formation in our faith-filled learning community.

Yours in Christ Always,

Craig Mousseau

Principal

Our Lady of Victory School Personnel

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School

Catholic Schools' Week Theme

Catholic Education: Character, Compassion, Values

Motto

Our Faith Conquers the World

Mascot

The Patriots

School Colors

Red, White, & Blue

Web Page

www.olvpatriots.org

School Hymn

Our Lady of Victory Hymn

Mother Mary, intercede

As you did for Don Juan's Holy League.

Though we are but few and small,

Our faith in God will conquer all.

Mary, offer up this prayer,

That He will guard us everywhere.

As we grow in love of the Lord

Pray for us, Our Lady,

Our Lady, Our Lady of Victory!

Blessed Mother of Our Lord,

Whose love can vanquish every sword.

Pray that we have faith to win,

The fight to overcome our sin.

When the victory is won,

We will come to know and see Your son.

As we go to live with the Lord,

Pray for us our lady!

Our Lady, Our Lady of Victory!

Bill Grabbe © (Parent)

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School

Mission Statement

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, in Tyrone, Georgia, in partnership with family and church, exists to provide a community where faith, trust and love for God is encouraged and developed. Dedicated to teaching the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church in a challenging, academic environment, we strive to promote lifelong learning through critical thinking, intellectual curiosity and social responsibility. We promote the values, attitudes, behaviors and skills that students will need to develop their potential as leaders of tomorrow.

Revised June 2005

Beliefs

***We believe that:

•  Student faith development is the chief priority of our school.

•  Religious thoughts and values should be integrated into the daily lives of the students.

•  Decision-making should be based on Gospel values.

•  Each student is a valued individual with different spiritual, intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs.

•  A sense of responsibility is essential to personal growth.

•  An understanding of technology is important for future success.

•  Students learn in different ways and should be provided with a variety of instructional approaches to support their learning.

•  Instruction should be developmentally appropriate.

•  Teachers, staff, administrators, parents, and community members share in the responsibility for providing a supportive learning environment within our school.

•  There should be clear goals and high expectations for student achievement.

***Will be revised during the 2005-06 School Year by the staff and Advisory Council

Administration

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is operated by Catholic Education of North Georgia, Incorporated. It is under the direct supervision of the Office of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Atlanta.

The Administration of our Lady of Victory is the responsibility of the Principal, who is appointed by the Archbishop of Atlanta and who works under the supervision of the Superintendent of Schools. The Principal works closely with the faculty and staff to insure quality Catholic education for the students.

The School Advisory Council is appointed by the principal to assist with matters related to the administration/operation of the school.

The Principal appoints a Curriculum Committee, composed of content representatives, the Guidance Counselor, and the Media Specialist. Its function is to design academic curricular procedures, resolve problems related to student activities and recommend instructional materials and textbooks for content areas.

Home and School Association

The mission of the Home and School Association is to support and enrich the educational programs of the School. This will include:

A.   Opportunities for fellowship that develop a strong and meaningful Christian community among school families, faculty, staff, and administration.

B.   Communication between parents/guardians and the School.

C. Planning and coordinating safe fund-raising activities.

D. Providing interesting and informative programs relevant to the needs of the School

   community.

All parents, guardians and staff of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School are members of the Home and School Association.

The Executive Committee Appointed For One (1) Year Term:

The General Meetings shall be held in August, October, February and April. The Executive/Chairperson meetings will be held in July, September, November, January and March. These meetings will include appropriate committee reports. December is reserved for a whole-school Christmas performance.

All General Meetings shall begin at 7:00 PM and Executive/Chairperson meetings shall begin at 6:00 PM.

Volunteers

Parents are the primary educators of children. We encourage parents to assist in the educational process by volunteering as mentors, chaperones, and classroom assistants. Volunteer efforts enrich the life and health of our School. Their presence and enthusiasm create an excellent means of reinforcing the value of Christian education in the community. Please advise your child's teacher or the school office of your interest in volunteering. All volunteers are required to undergo a background check and comply with all Archdiocesan guidelines relating to volunteers.

Visitors/Parents

In the name of safety for the staff and students, we have established a secure entry procedure. The front doors will be locked at 8:05AM every day. In order to enter the School, visitors MUST press the entry day buzzer and the office receptionist/clerk will release the door for the visitor(s) to enter. All visitors MUST report directly to the sliding office window where they will sign in and be given a badge to wear while on the grounds. It is very important for us to know who is on the campus at any given time during the day. It is also very important that we secure the facility for the safety of all students and staff. Any person on the campus without a badge will be directed to the office for registering their presence and receiving a badge. This procedure makes sense for the safety of everyone present on the campus. Parents who consistently volunteer will be provided with permanent ID badges to be worn while on the campus.

Fund Raising

Fund raising efforts are under the direct supervision of the Home and School Association, Student Council and BETA Club and supervised by the principal. All monies are raised specifically for school programs and activities. All students are prohibited from door-to-door selling of items, and soliciting contributions, pledges, or orders of any kind. In addition, students are prohibited from operating vending machines. Carbonated beverages are not allowed to be sold during school hours.

Communication

School and home share the responsibility of communicating with each other for the well being of the students. The written word and the spoken word are important means to keep the channels open and information flowing. Each family will receive a Student Directory and a Family Handbook. Timely information regarding school and grade-level activities will be posted the school's new web page. Paper copies will only be sent home, by request only , through a weekly home-school envelope with the “youngest or only”. In addition, teachers send home newsletters to keep parents informed about the happenings in class and what the children are studying. It is the parent's responsibility to review the information and share it with each child. The Director of Religious Education publishes a weekly newsletter covering all the information/news/events related to Spiritual Development/Formation. The School's newsletter, The Victory Voice , will be posted on the web site and/or sent home five times a year beginning the first Friday in September and approximately every other month ending with the first Friday in June.

Other means of communication include the yearly calendar, the Homeroom Parent Phone Tree, Interim Reports, Notices of Academic Concerns, Monthly Minders, report cards, monthly curriculum overviews, conference days, and the Home and School meetings.

Telephone Calls

The phones in the school are to be used for school business only. Students may not use these phones. In an emergency, the office will make a call for a student. Forgetting books, PE clothes, or making arrangements for after school activities are student responsibilities that must be taken care of before coming to school and are not considered emergencies.

Generally, teachers are unavailable to answer telephone messages during the school day. A parent may leave a message in the office for a teacher, and this will be placed in the teacher's mailbox. Every effort will be made to return a parent's call within 24 hours. Teachers do not have voice mail but do have e-mail.

In an emergency, a message may be given to a child through the office. Students will not be called from the classroom to receive telephone calls.

Appointments and/or Conferences

Appointments to meet with teachers or administrators can be made by telephone, e-mail, or written communication . If a parent is concerned about a student's academic, social or behavioral progress, a contact with the teacher (or teachers) involved must be made FIRST before contacting the administration.

E-mail

A list of teachers' E-mail addresses will be available in the school directory and on the web page. As a general rule, the e-mail address for a teacher is the first initial of his/her first name and his/her last name@olvpatriots.org. For example, my e-mail address is cmousseau@olvpatriots.org . The Archdiocese of Atlanta and its Superintendent of Schools restricts staff members from answering e-mails that come directly from students; therefore, only parents/guardians should directly e-mail teachers at school or home.

Change of Address and Transfers

The office should be informed immediately of a change of address or home, work or cell numbers. School personnel must have current contact resources with parents or guardians at all times.

Family/Custodial Situations

Our Lady of Victory School is finding an increasing number of families experiencing transitions in parental custodial relationships. In addition, laws governing divorce settlements and custody have changed. For this reason, it is necessary to clarify procedures followed by the administration in dealing with parents in such situations.

In two-parent families, it is assumed that both parents are living at the same address unless we have been notified otherwise. Our Lady of Victory School personnel will, therefore, send home notices, communications, etc. with the child. It is assumed that both parents are communicating, and all information is shared by and between the parents.

In families experiencing separation of parents, or pending divorce, the above information will be sent home with the child to whichever parent currently has custody of the child. It is assumed that this information is shared by and between the parents. Since this situation frequently impacts a child's achievement and interactions at school, parents are asked to inform both the principal and teacher of this fact. A copy of custodial rights is to be kept in the student's records.

In cases of an actual divorce decree involving clear custody by one parent, the principal is to be informed by the custodial parent of this fact. A copy of the final decree bearing the case number and the page bearing the judge's signature, are to be submitted to the principal. Unless the decree indicates otherwise, school communications will be sent home to the custodial parent.

Custodial parents should understand, however, that unless the divorce decree specifically limits the non-custodial parent's right to access the records, the non-custodial parent has a right to the same access as the custodial parent. “Records” include official transcripts, report cards, health records, referrals for special services, and communications regarding major disciplinary actions. It does not include daily classwork and papers, or routine communications sent through the children to the home of residence. Unless restricted by Court Order, a non-custodial parent has the right to attend any school activity for their child.

In cases of joint custody, entitling both parents access to school personnel and activities, it is assumed that one copy of communications and information will be sent to the home where the child resides and that this will be shared by and between the parents. The nonresidential parent may request a second set of documents be mailed directly to him/her.

Regarding parent conferences in all custody situations: It is preferred and will be the general procedure that one conference appointment be scheduled ‘jointly' for both parents.

If there are questions concerning these procedures,

please contact the principal.

Admission

Students will be considered for admission to Our Lady of Victory School who are willing to agree with and abide by the religious, academic, and behavioral requirements of the school and whose parents/guardians demonstrate a desire for the school to assist them in their parental role as primary educators.

Continued enrollment in any given school year, and re-enrollment in any subsequent years is subject to the parents/guardians continued support of the mission of the school, as documented in the Family Handbook, and the maintenance of a demonstrably effective and supportive relationship between the school and family. The School Administration with cause may withhold that agreement. The re-enrollment deadline for 2006-07 is February 17 th at 4PM. By that date, a non-refundable registration fee is due for the following year.

In accordance with the teaching of the Catholic Church, Catholic Schools shall not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.

A student applying for admission to the seventh or eighth grade must present a certified copy of his or her academic transcript and disciplinary record from the school previously attended as a pre-requisite for admission.

All Archdiocesan Catholic Schools adhere to the Georgia State Law requirements for entry to Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and first grade. For Pre-Kindergarten, a child must be four on or before July 1 st , for kindergarten, a child must be five on or before September 1 st and for first grade, a child must be six on or before September 1 st .

A child must undergo a readiness screening before acceptance into grades Pre-K and K. For grades 1-8, academic and behavioral records, and a screening assessment are required of each new student prior to acceptance. When all of the registration requirements have been completed, the Admission Committee will process the application and determine if Our Lady of Victory School can meet the needs of the applicant. The decision of the Admission Committee will be conveyed to the parents in writing. In all cases, the Principal may exercise discretion in the admission process.

Local transfer of students into eighth grade is generally not considered unless due to relocation to the Atlanta area and the student was attending a Catholic or private school.

Priority Guidelines for Admission

In the admission of students, and subject to the overriding discretion of the Principal, priority consideration shall be given to the following criteria in the order listed:

Verification by the pastor of active family participation in the Catholic parish will be an important factor in the admission process. All Catholic students must provide a Parish Verification Form yearly from their home parish indicating a status of ‘active' Catholic. It is an expectation of all Catholic parents to be active in their parish affiliation and contribute time, talent and treasure to their parish.

Parents are further required to submit a certified ORIGINAL birth certificate, a copy of the Baptismal certificate, a copy of the social security card and valid Georgia certificate of immunization (Form 3231). All children must meet state standards for immunization. Georgia law requires that a certificate of good health be presented yearly. Students playing in the After School Sports Program are required to have a physical prior to the start of practices.

Every new student to OLV is considered on probation for the first quarter so that the School and parents can decide together is this School is the most appropriate educational setting for the student. Factors considered in the decision include the student's academic performance, effort, conduct and study habits. The principal makes the final decision.

Archdiocesan Tuition Assistance is available to Catholic families. Packets are available from the Business Office. Amounts awarded are dependent upon need and availability of funds as well as timeliness in submitting the forms by the deadline established by the Archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education. Families will be notified, in writing, of the amount of their grant. Families must reapply each year for tuition assistance. A signed Parish Verification is required each year before tuition assistance is granted.

Admission to Our Lady of Victory is dependent upon having met all financial obligations at a previous private school. A family may not carry over tuition owed from a previous year. No eighth grade student is guaranteed admission to an Archdiocesan high school simply based on graduation from Our Lady of Victory.

Students who enter Our Lady of Victory from a home-school program shall be placed in a grade level based on an academic assessment determined by the Admission Officer.

Fees

All new applicants pay a non-refundable application fee when submitting the application. When all records have been received, a non-refundable assessment fee is required for all new students entering the school for the first time.

Upon acceptance, a non-refundable registration fee is required for each student in order to hold his or her place in a class. Those students and families considered in good standing will be allowed to re-register. Good standing is defined as a student with acceptable academic and behavioral status, a family who met all financial responsibilities and a family who demonstrated a cooperative and supportive attitude. Enrollment in the school is on a year-to-year basis. Enrollment of a student in any academic year does not create a right or entitlement to re-enrollment in any subsequent years. Instead, re-enrollment of any student requires the joint agreement of the student, the parents, and the school administration. The School administration may withhold this agreement with cause .

Tuition Policy

Tuition payments are the primary source of financial support for the academic programs of Our Lady of Victory School. Tuition payments are the responsibility of the parents. Tuition must be paid in a timely and consistent manner. Accordingly, our financial policies are as follows:

•  Tuition is determined by the budget, which is prepared in January of each year.

•  Tuition payments are not tax deductible

•  There is one tuition payment option.

•  Monthly plan paid each month beginning June and ending April

(11 payments).

Tuition payments are made through the FACTS Tuition Management Program. Parents' tuition payments are made through auto debit of a designated checking account selected by the parent. The parent may also select either the 5 th or 20 th for the debit date. In this way, OLV is assured of a consistent cash flow each month and that everyone is equally contributing to the fiscal stability of the School.

If an auto debit is made to the designated account and there are insufficient funds, the parent will incur a late charge of $35 from the School as well as late fees from their bank. If tuition is delinquent by more than two months, a letter will be sent to the parents designating the final day of attendance for their child(ren).

•  No transcripts for eighth graders will be forwarded if accounts are in arrears . Eighth graders will not be allowed to participate in any graduation events unless all accounts are current .

•  All fees are to be paid in full by May 15 th .

•  In the case of student withdrawal, all textbooks and workbooks are the property of OLV and will remain in the school.

 Student Accident Insurance

There is a standard liability policy carried on each student through the Archdiocese, which applies to school sponsored functions on the campus or away.

 Withdrawal Policy

•  The Withdrawal Process begins with the Student Records Clerk.

•  A 24-hour notice is required for any withdrawal.

•  Initially, the Student Records Clerk will provide the requesting parent with a copy of the student birth certificate, social security card, eye-ear-scoliosis screenings and immunization record.

•  The Student Records Clerk will complete the initial part of the Withdrawal Form.

•  The Student Records Clerk will then circulate the Withdrawal Form to all the pertinent teachers for the entry of grades/signatures.

•  The Student Records Clerk will be responsible for retrieving the form from the teacher(s) within the 24-hour period.

•  The Student Records Clerk will collect all other information from the various departments and document the information on the Withdrawal Form.

•  The Student Records Clerk will then circulate the Withdrawal Form to the administrative departments for their approval and signatures.

•  Once the last administrative signature is on the form, the last person to sign the form will return it to the Student Records Clerk to input the information into the School Minder System. Once all accounts are cleared and textbooks accounted for, the Student Records Clerk will forward a copy of the Withdrawal Form to the requesting parent. In the event that everything cannot be accounted for, the Student Records Clerk will notify the parent, via telephone, as to what is needed to complete the withdrawal process. A written copy of this notification will accompany the Withdrawal Form.

•  Upon completion of this process, the last copy of the Withdrawal Form will be turned over to the Bookkeeper for entry into the Blackbaud System.

•  The Bookkeeper will return the final copy of the Withdrawal Form to the Student Records Clerk to insert into the student cum file. The Student Records Clerk will then pull the cum file from the active record drawer and place it in the withdrawn records drawer.

•  Issuing Remaining Records

•  The remaining records will be issued upon clearance from all departments. The records will be forwarded to the new school along with a copy of the Withdrawal Form, upon receiving a written request from that school. Georgia law does not require a parental signature on these requests. However, most will have a parental signature. The Student Records Clerk will keep an accurate record of where the records were mailed and the date they were mailed.

RECORDS WILL NOT BE FORWARDED TO PARENTS OR TO RECEIVING SCHOOLS UNTIL ALL ACCOUNTS ARE CLEAR AND ALL TEXTBOOKS RETURNED IN ACCEPTABLE CONDITION.

Daily Procedures

    Attendance

Regular attendance is a serious parental obligation. Irregular attendance may cause the student to miss important lessons and may result in poor grades and lack of enthusiasm for school. If a student is absent from school more than 20 days for reasons other than an extended illness, verified by a doctor, the child is in danger of retention. The school cannot be responsible for a student's progress if there is excessive absence, tardiness, or early departures.

    Drop Off

Parents are to pull along the red area on the curb and drop their students off on the outer sidewalk. Parents ARE NOT to park and walk their children into School nor are they to approach the teachers in the morning for conferences as this is an extremely busy time and their priority is insuring that the students reach their homerooms and get settled in for the day. Students report to their gathering areas: K-3 will enter the building and report to the Primary Pod and 4-8 will report to the cafeteria. Staff members will supervise students in both locations.

Parents of Pre-Kindergarten students may walk their children to the entrance door where a teacher aide will be waiting to receive them and direct them into the classroom where the teacher will be waiting. Supervision of students will begin at 7:30AM.

School Hours

The first bell will ring at 7:45AM. The second bell will ring at 7:55AM when students in grades 4-8 will go directly to their lockers. Students in K-3 will line up in the Primary Pod to be received by their homeroom teachers. Students should be in their homerooms no later than 7:55AM. The school day officially begins at 7:55AM and ends at 3:05PM for grades PK-4 and 3:20PM for grades 5-8. The building will open at 7:45AM in warm weather and 7:30AM in cold weather.

All students are to leave the building at 3:05PM/3:20PM. unless under adult supervision (i.e. After School Program, teacher, coach). For their safety, students remaining after 3:35PM will be placed in the After School Care Program and parents will be billed according to ASP rate schedule.

Students will not be permitted to return to their classroom(s) or locker(s) after dismissal for any reason, including those in the After School Care / Sports Programs. Parents are not to come into the school or up to the sidewalk at dismissal. All students will be picked up through the carline.

  Truancy

Truancy is understood to include leaving school without permission, being absent from school without parents' knowledge, and being absent from class without permission. This is a serious offense for both School and parent.

  Tardiness

Homeroom teachers will mark students tardy who arrive after 8:00AM. Students arriving after 8:10AM must report to the front office to receive a pass that will allow them to enter first period class. Even with an excused note, a student is marked late and given a tardy slip. Tardy to classes throughout the day will not be tolerated. Two class tardies will result in a detention. Students who leave the school early are required to have a written excuse and be signed out by their parent(s).

Excessive tardiness is just as serious as absenteeism, and places a student in jeopardy of not meeting with academic success and/or promotion. Tardiness is reported on report cards and transcripts as a requirement of Georgia law. Each student who reaches 10 tardies to School will receive a letter from the principal concerning such excessive tardiness. A second occurrence will warrant stronger action by the principal.

Appointments

Medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school time, if possible. We encourage you to check the school calendar before making appointments. A written note must be presented to the teacher if a student is to be excused for an appointment. Parents must sign the student out and the office will call for the student. Parents do not go to the classroom to pick the student up nor does the student come to the office until called. Students needing to leave before the end of the school day MUST be picked up before 2:45PM. Students will not be released after 2:45PM as it causes confusion in the classrooms and the reception area.

Lunch

OLV offers a full hot lunch program to all staff and students for $2.75 each meal for PK and K students and $3.00 each meal for students in grades 1-8, which includes white milk, chocolate milk, lemonade or juice. Menus for the next month go home mid-way through the month prior to that month (ex. September 15 th for October meals) and must be returned to the Business Office by the DUE DATE . The order form allows you to make your selections, keep the main menu and return the actual order form to the Business Office by the due date. The meal is paid for even if the student is not in school as lunches are cooked to order. No credits will be issued for missed meals. If a student does not have a lunch, he/she will be provided with a lunch and the parents will be invoiced $4.00 per meal. Parents WILL NOT be called when students forget their lunches. Microwave ovens are not available to heat food brought from home.

A-la-Carte items including milk, juice, lemonade, ice cream and snack items are sold separately starting at $.50 each. Students may purchase $5 A-la-Carte Cards through their Homeroom teachers. Lost or damaged cards are the responsibility of the owner and will not be replaced, for free, by the School. Cards with remaining punches at the end of the school year cannot be used in the next school year.

Recess

Students have the opportunity to go outside for a period of time during the day, provided the weather permits. Recess is considered a privilege, not a necessity; therefore minutes from recess may be removed as a consequence for behavior problems. Recess may be held on the playground area, the sport's field or in the gym. Recess will occur everyday in Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten and 2-3 times a week in first through third grades. In grades 4-5, recess will only be on days when time permits.

Reporting Absence

Please CALL or e-mail the office by 9:00 A.M. if your child will be absent. If a child is absent from school for two or more consecutive days without a call from the parent, the Records Clerk will call the parent(s)/guardian(s). NO CALLS OR VERBAL REPORTINGS ARE ACCEPTED FROM MINORS.

Make-up Work Due to Absence

If a student is absent a parent can make arrangements with another student to receive assignments. If a student is absent more than a few days, the student will receive assignments when he/she returns to school. The student will be given one day for each day absent to make up the missed work.

Family Vacations

Family vacations should coincide with school vacation dates. In situations where absence cannot be avoided, the principal and teachers should receive written notification in advance. Standardized tests missed because of vacation cannot be made up as they are advertised well in advance and this type of testing make-up causes undo hardship on the Resource Department, the teachers and the students. Assignments will be given when the student returns and the student will be given one day for each day missed to make up the class work.

When parents, but not children, are on vacation the office must be informed of the following:

Inclement Weather Conditions

In case of inclement weather, the students will follow the instructions for the Fayette County schools. AM Radio stations WSB 750 and television stations WSB-ABC Channel 2, WAGA-FOX Channel 5, WGNX-CBS Channel 12 and WXIA-NBC Channel 11 will carry officially authorized Our Lady of Victory closings in the event that Fayette County schools are not in session. In the event of a severe weather warning, students will not be released. Parents will be asked to come into the school to pick up their children .

Pick Up Procedures

At dismissal time, students in the After School Care Program and the After School Sports Program are dismissed at 3:05PM and 3:20PM to the cafeteria and gymnasium respectively. All other students will be dismissed to the carpool lines by the first initial of their last name. Students needing to leave early for appointments MUST be picked up before 2:45PM. Students will not be released after 2:45PM as it causes confusion in the classrooms and the reception area.

Parents are to stay in their cars and move in a line around the parking lot and all the way to the end of the sidewalk with their FAMILY NAME PLACARD clearly displayed on the dash . For carpools, the driver will receive name cards for all families riding in the vehicle. Please display them for at least the first quarter, which will allow the staff on duty to become familiar with the cars, drivers and students entering the vehicles. Teachers will supervise the groups of students waiting to be picked up and the patrols will help students get into the cars. Parents are not to get out of carline or pull around another car without the express direction of a staff member in the driveway . Parents are to observe the crossing lines and the directions of the patrols. The front walkway tends to be congested with students getting into cars, so please move quickly out of the car line area.

Gifting Staff

Gifting staff members should be kept to a minimum. Good judgment should always be used when purchasing gifts of appreciation for staff members. At Christmas and during Staff Appreciation Week, community gifting under the direction of the principal, will be the mode of operation.

After School Care Program

Our Lady of Victory School offers an After School Program of supervision for students attending Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. The program is offered to students in pre-kindergarten through grade eight and operates on school days only, until 6:00 P.M. Registration is required for participation , regular or drop in basis, except when a student has not been picked up by 3:10PM/3:35PM. The parent will pay the registration fee of $15 and, after the first 15 minutes, the $5 hourly rate applies. Payment is expected at the time of pickup. There will be no After School Care Program on early dismissal days and on days immediately preceding Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter Breaks.

Fees:

Children who are registered in the After School Care Program MUST be picked up no later than 6:00 P.M. All After School Care Program fees are billed through the Business Office. A student cannot participate in the After School Care Program if fees are more than a month late.

Health and Safety

Clinic

A part-time certified nurse employed by OLV and volunteers staff the clinic. Many of the volunteers are nurses. A nurse employee is the coordinator of the volunteers and meets periodically to train the volunteers and keep them updated on the clinic procedures. The purpose of the school clinic is to provide first aid for minor injuries and illnesses, administer medication, and to notify parents if symptoms persist or appear serious. The school furnishes an emergency authorization form that directs the school's course of action in each individual case. It is essential that the parent notify the school of changes of phone number, address or employment throughout the school year so that information is kept updated.

Parents are expected to arrange for their child to go home immediately if the clinic personnel determine the illness to be contagious or if a fever persists. When deemed necessary, clinic personnel, after consulting with the school administration, will call 911 for emergency help.

If a child has a fever over 100°or vomits during the night, the child should be kept home a full 24 hours before returning to school.

Health Services

According to Georgia law, health and immunization records, new and updated, are due on or before the opening day of school for all students. During the school year vision and hearing screenings are given/taken for all students in Grades K, 1, 3, 5, and 7. Scoliosis screenings are performed for all students in grades 5-8.

Medications

Our Lady of Victory School follows the policy of the Archdiocesan Education Office for administering medications. School personnel will not administer prescription medications without the Medication Consent Form and the Physician Order for Medication Consent Form. The Medication Consent Form must be filled out by the parent, addressed, and returned to the office. The Physician Order for Medication Administration Form must be filled out by the prescribing physician and returned to the office. Medication must be delivered to the school in a properly labeled container from the pharmacy with a note from the parent .

Over-the-Counter medications will only be administered if they are in the original containers, labeled with the child's name and an emergency contact telephone number and accompanied by a Medication Consent Form completed by the parent. Recent changes in Georgia's laws governing medications in school permit a child to carry an asthma inhaler, prescribed by a licensed physician, on their person. According to the citation, “Self-administration of asthma medication means a student's discretionary use of asthma medication prescribed for him or her.”

Prescription medication containers must show the child's name, the name of the drug and dosage, how often to be given and the Physician's name. Medication is never allowed to remain with a child . Medication sent to school in a containers other than the original prescription containers will not be administered to the students and will be immediately returned to the parent(s)/guardian(s).

Medication Policy of Our Lady of Victory

The school clinic personnel follow these guidelines for dispensing medications:

•  All medications, prescription and non-prescription, must be kept in the school clinic.

•  Only authorized school personnel will be permitted to dispense medication to any student.

•  Parents should send a written note to the homeroom teacher informing him/her of the type of medication and time(s) the student should be sent to the clinic to receive it. The responsibility rests with the student except in grades K-2.

•  During the final week of school any remaining medication should be picked up and signed out by the parent only. The clinic will not release any remaining medication to another parent or to any student. Medications not picked up by parents will be discarded in a safe manner.

All medicines, including Tylenol and cough drops, must be brought to the office. It should be clearly marked with the name of the child, when it should be taken and how much is to be given. The school will observe the child taking this medication, only with written request. It is the responsibility of the child to know when the medicine is to be taken. It is the responsibility of the child to remember to take the medicine home. The school is not allowed to supply any medications, not even aspirin!

Contagious Conditions

Parents are asked to contact the school when their child has been diagnosed as having a contagious condition. This includes strep throat, head lice and pink eye. Notice of the contagious disease is sent home to parents of students in the homeroom and other areas where contact may have taken place.

HIV/AIDS Policy Regarding Students

Children with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) enrolled or seeking enrollment in Grades K through 8 shall be permitted to attend school in regular classroom settings provided:

•  The health of a child, as documented by the physician, allows participation in regular academic school activities.

•  The child behaves in an acceptable manner that would not cause spread of the disease or in any way put others at risk.

Early Release Due to Illness

When a child becomes ill or injured during the school day the teacher will send the child to the Clinic for determining continued attendance for that day. Students cannot dismiss themselves by calling home. A child who vomits at school will be sent to the clinic and a parent will be called. Students being sent home must wait in the clinic until a parent or other responsible party on the student Emergency Form can be reached.

Welfare, Health and Safety

The state of Georgia requires, by law, that any principal, teacher, counselor, or other school administrator report cases of suspected abuse of children less than eighteen years of age. Georgia Law provides immunity for those reporting in good faith, and provides a penalty for violation of the law.

Fire and Severe Weather

Drills are held regularly throughout the year, both fire and severe weather. Visitors and volunteers who are in the building during a drill are to follow the safety directives. An alarm alerts the students to evacuate the building quickly and quietly. A Tornado alarm alerts students to go to designated areas of safety within the building and assume the “Duck and Cover” position.

Lock-Down Policy

In the event of an intruder or dangerous situation on the campus, the principal or designee will make a special announcement that signals every teacher to lock their rooms and turn out the lights. Students are to remain quiet until an all-clear signal is given. Teachers will take attendance to insure all students are present. No movement will take place until the all-clear signal is given. A color-coded card will be placed in the classroom door window to indicate everything is fine (green), need a little assistance or have a question (yellow) or there is a serious problem (red). An administrator will circulate throughout the building to check each classroom or office for the cards in the windows.

Intruder or Bomb threats

A coded message on the loud speaker denotes a danger in the building and all classroom doors are to be locked until notified. Exit doors remain locked during the day. In the event of a bomb threat each student will follow the directions of the teacher to evacuate the building in the shortest possible time. Students will leave quickly and quietly to the athletic field .

Tape recordings

No audio or video recording devices may be used during functions of the school without the express permission of the Principal. Such events include, but are not limited to: classroom presentations, awards ceremonies, performances, parent conferences, or religious services. This policy also includes tape recording of conversations either in person or by telephone by or among students, parents, teachers, or the principal on school property or involving the use of he school telephone .

Asbestos Statement

Our Lady of Victory Catholic School building does not contain asbestos in any form. All reporting procedures, as required by AHERA, are executed annually. Our management plan is available for your review upon request.

Harassment

It is imperative to maintain an educational environment that encourages optimum human growth and development. Respect for the dignity of each person is essential to Catholic tradition. It is vital that each School program maintains learning and working environments free of any form of harassment or intimidation of students by any other student, lay employee, religious or priest. The School will treat allegations of harassment seriously and will review and investigate such allegations in a prompt, confidential and thorough manner. Substantial acts of harassment will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Students found to have filed false or frivolous charges will also be subject to disciplinary actions, up to and including dismissal. Examples of harassment include but are not limited to: verbal or written taunting; bullying; other offensive, intimidating, hostile conduct; jokes, stories, pictures, cartoons, drawings or objects which are offensive, tend to alarm, annoy, abuse or demean an individual or group and rumors (defined as repeating unsubstantiated communication to another).

Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence Policy

Our Lady of Victory is firmly committed to providing a safe, positive learning and working environment for everyone on the School. For this reason and in keeping with the goals and objectives of Catholic education, Our Lady of Victory expressly prohibits sexual harassment and sexual violence in the School environment. This policy reinforces the personal dignity of the individual and fosters positive sexual attitudes and respect for others.

Definition of Sexual Harassment

For the purposes of this policy, sexual harassment includes but is not limited to the following specific instances: verbal sexual abuse; disseminating obscene or sexually explicit material whether in the form of music, written lyrics, pornographic pictures or other literature or having such material in one's possession on the School grounds or at School-sponsored activities; obscene or sexually explicit graffiti anywhere in the School or on the School/parish grounds; continuing unwanted written or oral communication directed to another of a sexual nature; spreading sexual rumors or innuendoes; obscene T-shirts, hats or buttons; touching oneself sexually in front of others; obscene or sexually explicit gestures; and any other inappropriate behavior of a sexually explicit or obscene nature that demeans or offends the recipient. Isolated, trivial incidents are not sufficient to constitute harassment and will be handled according to the student Code of Conduct.

Procedures for Handling Sexual Harassment Allegations

Allegations of sexual harassment are to be reported directly to a teacher, the assistant principal or the principal. Parents of both the accused and the accuser(s) will be informed of the allegations. The matter is to be kept confidential by all parties involved and every effort will be made to protect the alleged victim from retaliation. The parents of the accused and the accuser(s) are obligated to cooperate in remedying the situation.

If the allegations are substantiated, disciplinary actions will be taken. These will depend on the nature, frequency and severity of the actions, the ages of the offender(s) and the victim(s), the history of similar actions by this individual, and the circumstances in which the harassment occurred. Possible disciplinary actions may include but are not limited to:

•  Verbal warning/reprimand and apology to the victim

•  A parent/student/administrator conference

•  Written warning/reprimand and parent notification – entered into the accuser's permanent file

•  Detention or removal from selected School activities and/or extracurricular activities

•  Behavior/probation contracts, possibly requiring professional intervention

•  Mandatory out-of-school counseling from a professional who can assist in this type of problem

•  Suspension

•  Expulsion

Academic Program/Curriculum

Our Lady of Victory's academic program begins with Pre-K and ends with eighth grade. The curriculum is based on sequential skill development and acquired knowledge in religion, science, mathematics, reading, language arts, social studies, music, physical education, art, guidance, library science, French, and computer. The Archdiocese of Atlanta provides a defined set of benchmarks and standards for religion, math, science, social studies and language arts for grades K-8.

Computer technology is taught and integrated into the instructional program. Each year, on a rotating basis, one academic area of study is evaluated, updated, and textbooks replaced as needed. An Archdiocesan Committee consisting of teachers from various Catholic Schools, under the guidance of the Curriculum Coordinator of the Archdiocese conducts the study. Religion was studied in 2001-2002 and curriculum guidelines presented to the schools. Art, music and physical education were written in 2003, science was rewritten in the fall of 2004 and math in the spring of 2005. Social studies and Language Arts will be rewritten during the 2005-06 school year.

Religion

A basic text, chosen from the recommended list, is used from Pre-K – 8 th grade. In addition, the curriculum is enhanced by: children's Liturgy, prayer services, service projects, prayer throughout the day, celebration of specific seasonal functions during Advent and Lent, retreats or days of reflection for students, Catholic Schools' Week, and more.

Sacramental preparation takes place in the second grade for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist. Students are prepared for these Sacraments, however they are received in their Parish and parents are to follow the guidelines as set forth by their Parish priest. A Catholic sexuality program is taught each year with the major emphasis on relationships. There is a family resource book for parents to read as an educational guide for instruction of sexuality.

Reading

A basal reading series is used in grades K-4, with homogeneous reading groups formed at each grade level where students are able to advance at their own rate. Reading and math are taught in the morning each day in K-4. Fifth grade is a transitional year in reading and literature. In the middle division (6-8), the shift to literature takes the place of reading and students are introduced to a wide genre of literature.

Language Arts

English, spelling, vocabulary, composition, phonics, and handwriting, blend with the reading in the Lower Division (K-4). Grammar, writing, and vocabulary development are separated from literature in the Middle Division (5-8).

Mathematics

A hands-on learning approach is used to introduce abstract concepts in grades K-3. Memorization and drill reinforce application of concepts to reach accuracy and speed. In the Middle Division, students are grouped according to performance and standardized test scores. General math, pre-algebra, and algebra are taught. Accelerated math instruction begins in fourth grade and continues through eighth grade. Students can move between accelerated and average math classes based on teacher recommendation. (Curriculum revised in spring of 2005 – New textbooks purchased for the 2005-06 school year)

Algebra I: Criteria for Program Admission

The following outline is a recommended procedure for evaluating a student for admission into an 8 th grade Algebra I class.

A student should be placed in the Algebra I class if he/she has:

•  Achieved a total mathematics ITBS score in the 85 th percentile in the 7 th grade year. New students should have achieved an equivalent national percentile on their last achievement or basic skills test.

•  Achieved a minimum score of 85 percent on their report card at the conclusion of 7 th grade. New students need to be evaluated.

•  Achieved a minimum score of 80 percent on an Algebra Readiness Test at the conclusion of 7 th grade.

•  Received a recommendation from previous middle school mathematics teachers who believe the student has demonstrated an appropriate maturity, work habits, and fundamental problem solving skills.

•  Admittance into 7 th grade Pre-Algebra does not ensure participation into the Algebra I class.

•  The principal and math teacher will make final decisions

Pre-Algebra: Criteria for Program Admission

The following outline is a recommended procedure for evaluating a student for admission into a 7 th grade Pre-algebra class.

A student should be placed in the Pre-Algebra class if he/she has:

•  Achieved a total mathematics ITBS score in the 85 th percentile in the grade year. New students should have achieved an equivalent national percentile on their last achievement or basic skills test.

•  Achieved a minimum score of 85 percent on their report card at the conclusion of 6 th grade. New students will be evaluated.

•  Achieved a minimum score of 80 percent on a Pre-algebra Readiness Test at the conclusion of 6 th grade.

•  Received a recommendation from previous middle school mathematics teachers who believe the student has demonstrated an appropriate maturity, work habits, and fundamental problem solving skills.

•  Admittance into 7 th grade Pre-Algebra does not insure admission to the Algebra I class.

•  The principal and the math teacher will make final decisions.

Science

A basal series surveying general science principles including health is used in K-5. In the Middle Division, earth science, life science and physical science are taught to students in 6 th -8 th grades using frequent experiments. Students are taught laboratory procedures involving predicting outcomes and writing lab reports. Health is taught in physical education and science in grades K-5 and emphasized in sixth grade. (Curriculum revised in fall of 2004 – New textbooks purchased for 2004-05 for 4 th & 5 th and 2005-06 for 1 st -3 rd )

Social Studies

The social studies series introduces concepts from a two-pronged multi-cultural approach; history and geography. Sequential content development begins with families, communities, regions, world cultures, and ends with U.S. History and Georgia government. (Curriculum revised in spring of 2006 – New textbooks purchased for 2006-07 school year)

Physical Education

The goal is to engage each student in a variety of developmental activities beginning with fine motor skills and leading to sports participation. This program enhances skill development and physical coordination. All students participate in the program.

Art

The goal is to develop an interest in and appreciation for art through hands-on activities and the use of a variety of mediums. A yearly student art exhibit focuses on the creative talent of the students.

Music

Music appreciation, theory, and history are introduced through a sequential program of instruments, singing, and rhythm. Talented students perform at school functions. There is an OLV chorus and piano lessons are offered.

Computer Instruction

Instruction on the use of software and hardware, along with keyboarding, will begin in Pre-Kindergarten. Computer skills will be taught at least once a week. In the Middle Division word processing, the Internet, Power Point, and graphic arts, will be incorporated into the computer program.

Acceptable Computer Use Policy

Electronic Network Use Guidelines

General Guidelines:

The use of a network account is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in disciplinary action by school officials. A student's activities while using the network facilities (i.e., computers, electronic mail, conferences, bulletin boards, databases, and access to the Internet) in this school must be in support of education and research and consistent with the educational objectives of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. In addition, a student accessing the network from a school site is responsible for all online activities that take place through the use of his/her account. When using another organization's network or computing resources to and/or on the Internet, the student must comply with the rules appropriate for that network.

 Acceptable Uses of the Network

All activities which support learning and teaching for Our Lady of Victory Catholic School users are encouraged to develop uses for their individual needs and which take advantage of the network's functions: electronic, conferences, bulletin boards, databases and access to the Internet.

Examples of Unacceptable Uses of the Network 

•  Using impolite or objectionable language;

•  Using the network in ways that violate Federal, state or local laws;

•  Activities which cause congestion of the network or otherwise interfere with the work of others;

•  Using the network for commercial purposes or for financial gain;

•  Sending or receiving copyrighted materials without permission;

•  Using the network for sending or receiving obscene materials;

•  Circumventing security and/or authentication measures;

•  Unauthorized access to another's resources, programs, data etc.

•  Vandalizing network resources, including the uploading or creation of computer viruses;

•  Falsifying one's identity to others while using the network;

•  Installation of unauthorized software on the computer network;

•  Use of network resources to commit forgery, or to create a forged instrument;

•  Sending or receiving e-mail from the school computers;

•  Attempting to change the format of the opening screen or any other formatted screen in the system;

•  Attempting to access sites that are not permissible by standards established by the school.

Public Information

Electronic communications should never be considered completely private. Our Lady of Victory Catholic School reserves the right to view all communications. Our Lady of Victory Catholic School is subject to Georgia Statutes regarding public information access. As such, all electronic messages are a matter of public record.

This document is sent home with the re-enrollment documents and is considered part of the documents necessary for full re-enrollment. It is to be read and discussed by parents and students. There are signature lines on the original document for both parents and the student to sign and return to Our Lady of Victory to be kept on file for that one school year.

Guidance

The guidance counselor performs a variety of duties in the school. Students are assisted in learning coping skills and building self-esteem through whole class and small group instruction. Improving self-discipline, building friendships and conflict resolution are topics of study. The guidance counselor sees students individually and in small groups to resolve social issues. Whole class instruction takes place once a month where the guidance counselor will emphasize the character value of the month. The guidance counselor is involved in standardized testing and assessments of all students. The counselor directs the Student Support Team procedures.

Resource / Student Support Team

The Resource Program's focus is to identify those students whose needs are not being successfully met in the classroom. The resource teacher, through collaboration and instruction, addresses each student's needs. The resource teacher will also provide enriching experiences either through individual classes or the whole school. Students are identified through teacher recommendation, standardized testing, or achievement in the classroom and are referred through the Student Support Team. Additional services will be provided through inclusion rather than exclusion.

Library / Media Service

The media center opens at 8:00AM, Monday through Friday, and remains open until 3:45PM every afternoon except Wednesday. On certain Fridays throughout the school year the Media Center will close at 12:00PM for staff and division meetings.

The library contains a variety of print, non-print, and electronic materials that have been selected to enrich and support the school curriculum. These materials provide for the information needs of students, faculty, and parents. Students will visit the library once a week with their class for book check-in and checkout, library instruction and research. Students may visit individually with a pass from their teacher.

•  Students must respect all materials in the library.

•  Students must speak in low voices.

•  There is no food, drink, or candy allowed.

•  All materials must be returned on time to avoid fines.

Circulation of Materials :

•  Students may check out books and back issues of magazines. Other materials, including videocassettes, kits, and computer software circulate only to teachers.

•  Reference books may not be checked out.

•  Items may be renewed once if not on reserve.

•  Students may check out two books for one week.

•  Back issues of magazines may be checked out for one day.

•  Parents may check out two books for one week.

Loss of Media Center Items:

Students will be expected to pay the replacement cost of lost or badly damaged Library/Media Center materials. Report cards and school records will be withheld until all financial obligations to the Media Center have been met.

Copyright Policy / Plagiarism

It is the legal and ethical responsibility for the Our Lady of Victory Catholic Community to respect the intellectual property of others, whether that property is printed or electronic form. Accordingly, the following general policies have been adopted to protect the work of copyright owners and to protect the School against expensive litigation.

•  All printed and electronic material, including material available on the Internet, should be assumed to be protected. It is not necessary for material to bear a copyright notice or the copyright symbol to carry copyright protection.

•  If there is any doubt as to whether the material in question falls within the public domain, permission should be sought from the owner or the owner should be cited for the material used.

•  Only a portion of copyrighted material may be used, as established by the Agreement on Guidelines for Classroom Copying in Not-for-Profit Educational Institutions with Respect to Books and Periodicals. While it is lawful to use small portions of a volume of copyrighted material, using a significant portion may be a violation of copyright law.

•  Copying or otherwise duplicating material from textbooks, workbooks, periodicals, music recordings, computer software, or other copyrighted material instead of purchasing the material is strictly prohibited. In other words, while duplicating copyrighted material for educational purposes is legal, duplicating it for the purpose of avoiding purchase is not. The only exception to this is use of copyrighted materials.

•  DO NOT copy, distribute or use protected material without including the notice of copyright present in the original work. The following is satisfactory notice: NOTICE: THIS MATERIAL MAY BE PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW.

•  Material obtained from the Internet or other electronic sources may not be duplicated or disseminated without the express written consent of the owner.

•  For specific guidelines concerning the educational fair use of copyrighted material see http:// www.publishers.org/home/abouta/highered/pguide.htm or Circular 21: Reproduction of Copyrighted Works by Educators and Librarians, available online from the U.S. Copyright Office at http://www.loc.gov/copyright

In addition to the general policies stated above, the following guidelines can help schools develop their policies related to copyrighted material:

•  Copyrighted material may not be posted on a School's Web site or otherwise be disseminated over the Internet without the owner's express written consent.

•  Electronic images should not be copied and posted on the School's Web site or otherwise be disseminated over the Internet without the owner's express written consent.

•  Substantial portions of copyrighted material available on the Internet should not be downloaded for personal or class use, except where such use conforms with the fair use standards set forth in the Copyright Act.

•  Access to and use of the School's electronic resources, including access to the Internet, is contingent on compliance with copyright law. Any violation of the copyright law will result in the loss of access to such resources.

Report Cards

The professional staff, under the supervision of the Principal, is responsible for reporting a student's academic progress to parents. This reporting typically includes:

•  Interim reports-issued at the midpoint of a grading period