V.  STUDENT LIFE

After School Program - A.S.K. (After School Kids)  

The After School Program is an after-school care program for those children who are unable to go home after school because their parents work. The program is owned and operated by Saint Albert the Great School as a service to help provide quality care for their students. A director and an assistant director supervise the program. There are at least two supervisors on duty every day. Activities include homework time, supervised play outside, reading, and games. The program runs from 3:00 P.M. through 5:45 P.M. on school days.  

Additional information can be obtained by calling the school office. Supervisors in the After School Program are not responsible for any students who stay after school but are not enrolled in the program.  

Arrival and Dismissal 

Arrival 

Parents who bring their children to school may drop them off in the Ameritech lot to the west of school.  The City of Kettering has stated that only a right turn exit is allowed onto W. Dorothy Lane.  Students may also be dropped off at the southeast door.  If the traffic line has stopped, children may leave the car before reaching the school door area. When the children leave the car, they should walk IN FRONT of the car dropping them off.   There is only one traffic land to the southeast door. 

STUDENTS MAY NOT BE DROPPED OFF DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL ON DOROTHY LANE OR AT THE KINDERGARTEN DOOR.  

Due to the confined area on the east side of the school, students cannot be dropped off in this area.  

If you must come into the school during this morning arrival time, please park in the south church lot by the rectory. This will allow for a safe flow of traffic.  

Students who arrive before 7:50 A.M. are required to go to the cafeteria to wait for the bell to ring. Supervision is provided from 7:30 to 7:50 A.M. Students are expected to use the time to study or read. Students who are not willing to follow these guidelines should expect to face consequences from referrals to isolation.  

Dismissal  

Parents who are picking children up should park behind school, in the south lot by the rectory. Due to a dangerous traffic pattern, no students may be picked up in the Ameritech Parking lot after school.  The staff will attempt to escort any student in the areas of moving cars.  

Students are to be picked up at dismissal.  A parent must call the school office if a child is not going to be picked up at this time. Students may not loiter around the school after dismissal. Walkers are to go home, leaving the parking lot right away. Students may not leave the St. Albert the Great grounds to go to a store and return for after school activities.

 Students who participate in extra curricular school programs, such as Foreign Language Program, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and cheerleading are expected to go to the cafeteria and wait until the adult in charge of the program is present. No students are allowed to go into a classroom without a teacher present.  

Coaches who have practices after school are to see that the students come to the practice area right after school and not remain in the parking lot (playground) area.

 The school building is locked at 3:30 P.M. Students are not permitted to re-enter the building if they have forgotten books or supplies. Students are not to go to the rectory for a key to enter the school building after hours. Staff members, maintenance staff, or parish employees cannot open a door for anyone to get into the building for whatever reason.

 A chain is placed between the parish center and school building to prevent individuals from driving through the grounds during school hours. This chain will remain in place until 5:45 P.M.   Please do not remove the chain and drive through after school because of the After School Program and students practicing for sports programs.  

Orange cones are placed in the driveway on the west side of the school building. Only staff may go beyond the cones. The area should not be used for arrival and dismissal traffic.

Bicycle Guidelines 

Bicycles are to be operated according to standard bicycle safety rules. Bike riders must always yield to pedestrians both on the sidewalks and in the parking lot.  

Riders are required to walk their bicycle on the property of St. Albert the Great Parish and the Ameritech parking lot located on the west side of the school building. St. Albert the Great property includes all parking lots and sidewalks.  

Bikes will be parked in the bicycle rack provided at the southeast door of the school building.  

ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE  LOCKS ON THEIR BIKES. ST. ALBERT THE GREAT SCHOOL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LOST OR STOLEN BIKES.  

Birthdays 

All the students' and teachers' birthdays are announced, and their names appear on the birthday bulletin board located in the school cafeteria.  They also receive a birthday tag, which will allow them to receive a free cookie at the snack bar in the cafeteria.  

If you wish to provide a treat for a birthday celebration, please notify the teacher in advance. Treats should be individually wrapped so they require a minimum amount of clean up. If you are going to celebrate your child’s birthday at lunch please pass out the treat in their homeroom or have enough for the entire grade level.  No cakes will be

allowed. Our cafeteria provides treats for a nominal charge. See Birthday Treats below for more details. 

If you are planning a private party and do not plan to invite the entire class, mail invitations instead of passing them out at school. Sending flowers or balloons is a distraction to the learning process and will not be delivered to the student. 

Birthday Treat 

Surprise your child with brownies, cookies or cupcakes on their birthday. The cafeteria will deliver treats to your child's homeroom. We ask for one-week advance notice.  You may call 293-8217 ext 226 to place your order.  No calls please between 11:00 and 1:00.  All profits from the catering go back into your child’s lunch program. 

Book Bags and Book Covers 

Each student (grades K-8) must have and use a weatherproof book bag. Likewise, each textbook must be covered throughout the year. The student and his/her family are responsible for any damaged books.  

The final report card will not be issued until all books are returned and fines for damaged books paid.  

Building Security 

For your child’s protection, St. Albert the Great School has a security system which controls access to the building 24-hours a day.  The building is monitored by audio and camera equipment.  The outside doors are always locked with the following exceptions:

7:30 am – 8:00 am –students

8:50 am – 9:00 am – preschool students

11:50 am- 12:00 pm – afternoon kindergarten and preschool students.

When visiting the school other than during those times, use the Southeast door and press the button to notify the secretaries of your presence.  The school secretaries will buzz you into the building.  All visitors and guests must report to the office, sign the registry, and pick up a guest badge to wear while in the school building. 

Weapons 

Pursuant to the Ohio Revised Code, no person shall knowingly possess, have under the person’s control, convey, or attempt to convey a deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance onto the school’s premises.  

A valid carry concealed license does not authorize the licensee to carry a weapon onto school premises.  Violators will be prosecuted. 

Bus Transportation 

The school districts of Kettering, Centerville, Jefferson Township, and West Carrollton provide bus transportation for those eligible students. All bus schedules, regulations, and routes are determined by the public school districts' Boards of Education. The list of bus riders is kept at the public school districts' transportation office. Withdrawals, new enrollments, or changes of address necessitating changes in bus schedules should be made known to our office so that the information may be given to appropriate teachers for their information only.  

Any changes in the regular pick-up or drop-off of ANY student must be cleared by the Transportation Department of your school district. St. Albert the Great teachers or principal may not give permission for any changes. If your family should move during the school year, please be sure to inform your school district of the change. 

Notes from a parent or guardian are not acceptable to change bus transportation arrangements. It must be done through the Transportation Department of your school district. They must clear any exceptions.

Bus Behavior  

Children may not play a radio/CD player out loud, are expected to talk quietly on the bus, and behave in an appropriate manner.  

Bus Reimbursement

The Dayton and Miamisburg Boards of Education will reimburse the families who are eligible for transporting their children to St. Albert the Great School during the school year.

Dayton reimbursement forms are sent to the St. Albert the Great School office for eligible students. Miamisburg reimbursement forms are available at the treasurer's office located at their Board of Education offices. Call for details.  

Disaster Drills 

Fire and tornado drills are very important and should be taken seriously at all times. Drills are conducted in silence. Doors are to be closed by the last student, lights turned out, and students are to move quickly out of the building according to the directions from the teacher in the classroom they are leaving. The secretaries will have the storage box, which contains all emergency information for all students and faculty.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are held monthly throughout the school year.

Tornado Drills

Tornado drills are held prior and during tornado season. A Tornado Safety Guide is located in all classrooms and rooms in the school building and Parish Center. Please refer to this for specific instructions.  

Rapid Dismissal Drill

Students will be evacuated to the field or Renewal Center. In the event of a rapid dismissal, no one will be allowed to reenter the school building. Students will call parents as time allows.  

Dress Code

The dress code at St. Albert the Great School as defined herein is to be adhered to at all times by all students.  The administration and faculty reserve the right to make the final decision on the appropriateness of clothing and dress.

The purpose of the St. Albert the Great School dress code is to promote our Catholic identity and to foster a uniform, respectful environment at school.  The code is designed to instill responsibility and self-discipline in our students.  It discourages distractions from current fashion trends. The dress code is in effect from the time students enter the building until 3:15 p.m.  The dress code applies to field trips and other school sponsored activities unless otherwise indicated by the school. 

Uniform Requirements 

1. Navy shorts or skorts

·        Cotton or cotton/poly twill shorts and skorts (no shorter than 4 inches form the ground while kneeling).

·        Cotton or cotton/poly capri with waistband – no low-rise.

·        Shorts or skorts may be worn from August through October 31 and from April 1 until the end of the school year.

·        No more than two front and two rear pockets.

·        No jeans style, cargo, parachute, or carpenter-type shorts.

2. Navy pants

·        Plain cotton, cotton/poly blend twill, or corduroy.

·        Traditional straight-leg style with a waistband – no low-rise pants.

·        No more than two front and two rear pockets.

·        No jeans-style, cargo, parachute, or carpenter-type pants.

3. Jumpers and skirts

·        Jumpers/skirts may not be shorter than 4 inches from the floor while kneeling.

·        Girls in grades K-3 wear the uniform plaid jumper; girls in grades 4-8 wear the uniform plaid skirts.

4. Shirts and blouses

·        White knit, oxford cloth or cotton/poly with a collar.

·        Short or long sleeves; at least two buttons on the placket.

·        Plain white turtlenecks.

·        Turtlenecks may be worn under long-sleeved shirts or school sweatshirts.

·        Plain, white short-sleeved T-shirt may be worn underneath the shirt or blouse.

·        Shirts must be tucked in at all times and be of appropriate length to be tucked in.

5. Shoes and socks

·        Shoes must have a back; sandals must have a back strap.

·        Shoes must be fastened and tied properly.

·        Athletic shoes must be worn on PE days.

·        No clogs, slides, mules, or platforms.

·        White or navy socks must be worn at all times.

·        White or navy tights may be worn under jumpers/skirts.

·        Girls may wear tights and socks at the same time.

6. Sweaters

·        Solid navy cardigan, crew neck, or v-neck sweater with full-length sleeve.

·        Solid navy, crew or v-neck vest.

·        No sweaters with belts, zippers, or hoods; no mock turtleneck sweaters.

7. School Sweatshirt

·        Any of the gray St. Albert the Great School sweatshirts may be worn.  The PTO spirit sweatshirt is not considered part of the uniform.

8. Jewelry and Make Up

·        Small stud earrings (no dangles or hoops, or to exceed double piercing).

·        One single-chain necklace with a religious medal or cross.

·        One watch

·        One finger ring

·        Clear nail polish only

·        No bracelets

·        No make-up

·        No brow, tongue, or nose piercing 

Out of Uniform Day

·        Uniform clothing requirements do not apply; however, the uniform may be worn if desired. Jewelry and Make-up code applies (see Section 8).

·        Jean-style, corduroy, cargo, parachute, or carpenter pants are permitted.

·        Shirts/blouses without collars are permitted.

·        Follow guidelines below in description of “conservative dress”.

Dress-Up Day

·        “Dress up” clothing (not jeans) in good taste (school-appropriate) may be worn.

·        Dresses and skirts may not be shorter than 4 inches from the floor while kneeling.

·        Make-up - mascara, blush, and lip gloss - are permitted for 7^th and 8^th grade students.  No other makeup is permitted.

·        Jewelry code applies (see Section 8); follow guidelines below in description of “conservative dress”. 

Conservative dress is expected for all students.  The following are not acceptable on any day:

·        Extremes in hair, clothing or accessories

·        Hats

·        Sleeveless shirts, blouses, or dresses

·        Tattoos, or markings that imitate tattoos

·        Hip huggers or low-rise pants

·        Halters or bare midriffs

·        Mini skirts or mini shorts

·        Items that promote alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, violence, or illicit organizations.

·        Sexually explicit language, pictures, or symbols on clothing.

Uniform Discipline 

1^st Offense = A Referral will be sent home to notify the parent that the student was

dressed inappropriately that day. 

2^nd Offense = The student will be removed from the classroom.  The parent will be

called to bring in appropriate clothing.  Repeated offenses will result in a        

demerit. 

Field Trips 

Field trips sponsored by the school are outgrowths of material and subjects being taught and enrich the background of the students. Adults adequately supervise all such trips, and each child must have a written permission slip to accompany the class. Students are expected to show the same behavior as is expected at school.  

While it is encouraged that all students have the chance to experience out-of-school experiences, children are not required to go on field trips. If the child is not going on the field trip, school attendance is still required.  

Continual behavior problems, accumulation of referral notices and/or demerits may prevent students from being eligible for field trips. Students will be supervised at school and given work to complete.  

Financial hardship should not prohibit a student from participating in a field trip. The parent should contact the teacher to workout a solution.  

Guidance Counselor 

The Guidance Counselor is available to all students five days each week. The Counselor’s office is located at the front of the building in the school office area. The counselor is an integral part of the overall educational and emotional well being of each child in our school.  

The duties of the counselor are varied but will usually include:  

1. Counsel students in matters of school, health, friendship, learning, and family to name just a few topics. This may be done as a whole group or individually.
2. Participate in the teaming process by evaluating student's educational teaming styles and depth of knowledge.
3. Participate in the Intervention Assistance Team as a means to identify students who might be at risk either emotionally or educationally.
4. Play an important part in the school community.
5. Provide a consultative service to teachers, parents, and administrators.

Library Policy 

1. Students in grades I to 8 may borrow books. After Christmas break, Kindergarten students may borrow books.
2. Each student may check out a total of two (2) books.
3. Books may be checked out, for a period of two (2) weeks for students in grades 1-8. Kindergarten students will check out one (1) book for one (1) week after the Christmas break.
4. A book may be renewed once for a two-week period. To do this, the book must be brought to the library and the student must sign it out again. Special consideration for renewal rules will be given if the book is being used for book reports or research papers.
5. Students with overdue books and fines to pay should see the librarian. Returned books will be accepted during regular library hours.
6. A fine of five (5) cents a day for all school days will be applied to all overdue books.
7. If a book is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the student who signed to book out will be responsible for the cost of the book and any fine.
8. Library manners should be observed, especially the following: - Use quiet voices

-          Handle books carefully - Push chairs in after use

9.      Small groups of students (3 to 4 children) are welcome to use the library for research during open hours.

10. Students will be allowed to use the new computers and technology in the library. An "Acceptable Use" form must be on file with the Technology Coordinator for this privilege.

Messages

In case of an emergency, students will be given messages during the school day. If there are other messages for students, parents and guardians and other groups are asked to notify the school before 2:30 P.M.  

Parent Teacher Organization

The purpose of this organization is to provide resources for the school as well as to initiate and support programs, which enhance the education of the students.  

Any parent/guardian interested in the development of Catholic youth in St. Albert the Great School is eligible for membership. All parents are asked to join this supportive and indispensable organization.  

The P.T.O. will schedule one general meeting at the beginning of each school year as well as "Parent Coffees" (discussions with the principal) and "Parent Connection" programs, on topics of interest to parents, throughout the school year. The dates and times will be listed in the school newsletter. Please watch for these important dates.

Recess, Playground  

Outside activity is an important part of the physical and emotional makeup of any student. The purpose of the following rules is to provide a safe environment for all students.  

1. During all recess times, students are to remain on the blacktop unless given permission to use the field and equipment by the supervising teacher.
2. There is to be no playing of tag on the equipment, and students should not use their feet on the slides.

3. Students should not move into the path that cars use to get a ball without permission of the teacher or playground monitor.
4. No bats, Frisbees, or hard balls/objects of any kind are to be used at recess.

5. Students should not run behind the dumpsters, nor should they gather around the doors to the school or Parish Center.

Search and Seizure 

Students have the right to privacy of their person and property and may not be searched without just cause. Teachers or staff members can confiscate items or material considered disruptive to the educational process. Desks and cubbies are considered the property of St. Albert the Great School and can be subject to a search by the principal or delegate in case of emergency or reasonable suspicion of violations of the School Code. Whenever possible, all searches are made in the presence of the student and at least one neutral witness. If there is reasonable suspicion of criminal possession (illegal drugs, weapons, etc.) the matter is referred to the principal who follows proper legal procedure of search and seizure according to Ohio law.

Skateboards & Inline Skates 

On school grounds, skateboards must be carried on arrival and departure from school. They will be kept in the homeroom until that time.

Technology 

At St. Albert the Great School, technology plays a very important part. Students have access to various kinds of technology in the classroom, library, and computer lab. Students are expected to be honest and respectful when they use any technology at St. Albert the Great School and Parish.

The Archdiocese of Cincinnati requires that all students and teachers agree to and sign an "Acceptable Use" form. This is included in the family packet before school starts. The form addresses both Internet and school use on the computers. If the form is not signed, the student will not be allowed to use the computer equipment in the classrooms and computer lab.  

Toys and Electronics 

All too often students bring inappropriate items to school that disrupt the learning process. To help with this problem we ask that cell phones, radios, tape recorders, CD players, electronic games, comics, any kind of cards, (including baseball, basketball, action figures) stuffed animals or anything which would interfere with the learning  process remain in the students book bag until a time designated by the teacher. Any teacher will confiscate any item if the student uses it at an inappropriate time. Items that have been confiscated will be returned to the parent only.  

Special permission to bring a toy may be granted by a teacher for a class project. The item must keep in the teacher's classroom for that project.  

Visitors 

Students are not permitted to bring visitors to the school without permission from the administration.  

All visitors including parents/guardians are to sign in at the office upon entering the school. They will be given a guest badge and are required to wear it while on school property.  

Alumni are asked to visit after 3:00 P.M. All visitors are asked to give 24-hour notice.