St. John's School Student Handbook
Office Procedures
Absence
In accordance with Maryland Law, parents are responsible for their child's attendance
and punctuality. If a child is consistently absent or tardy, the administration has the
right to engage procedures consistent with the State's Mandatory School Attendance Law.
Twenty days a year is considered excessive absence. Excessive absence may warrant
retention.
A child is absent a 1/2 day if they miss 3 or more hours of instruction. In case of
absence, the parent must call the Nurse’s Office (410-647-9659) by 9:30 a.m. On
returning to school, the child must present his/her teacher with a written note signed by
the parent giving the dates and reason for absence. In the case of extended absences, (5
days or more) a student must possess a doctor’s certificate upon his/her return. If
there is an activity restriction, it must be in writing and signed by the parent or
doctor.
If a student becomes ill at school he/she may not leave the school without a parent or
guardian. Parent or guardian must first report to the office and sign the child out before
going to the nurse's office to pick up the student.
Under no circumstances may a parent pick up a student outside of the school building
during school hours.
Request for an Extended Absence
The decision for students to be absent from school is the responsibility of the
parents. When a request for an extended absence is made by a parent, this request, along
with the principal/teacher’s recommendation, is placed in the student’s
cumulative folder.
Procedure for Extended Absence
1. Office should be notified in the event of a planned absence.
2. In such cases, specific classwork will not be given to the student in advance.
3. Upon return to school, student is responsible for completing graded work and tests
within a 3-day period. In some cases, a student may be required to make up a test the day
on which they return to class.
Lateness
Children who come late to school must report to the office before reporting to class.
Students will not be admitted to class without a late slip. Students are considered late
if they arrive after the 8:15 a.m. bell since all students are to be in line by 8:10 a.m.
Excusals
a. Appointments of a professional nature (dental, optical, etc.) during class hours are
to be discouraged. If an appointment must be made during this time, a written note from
the parent is required.
b. If it is necessary for a child to leave school before regular dismissal time, please
send a note to the teacher stating the date, reason and time of departure. Phone calls for
this permission will only be accepted in case of emergencies.
c. Parents must come to the school office to wait for the child. Parents are not permitted
to go to the classroom without permission from the office. A child is not permitted to
leave school unless accompanied by an adult between 8:10 and 2:50.
d. Parent/Guardian must sign Early Dismissal Book before removing child from school
Change of Address and/or Telephone Number
Please notify the school office immediately if you change your address, home telephone
number, work telephone number or emergency information. It is extremely important for us
to have this information on file.
Calendar
A yearly professional day and holiday calendar is published at the beginning of the
school year. In addition, an up-dated monthly calendar is sent home with the children.
Parents are notified of any emergency changes by written note (if time permits) or by the
radio (Station WBAL-AM).
Insurance
Forms containing information about insurance coverage are sent home with each student
early in the school year. This service is completely optional.
Finances
It is requested that all money sent into school be sent in an envelope with the correct
amount, the student name, grade and room number on the outside.
Snow and Inclement Weather (Full Day Kindergarten and Gr. K-8)
The snow policy for St. John the Evangelist School will be the same as that for Anne
Arundel County when this school system is in session.However, our Kindergarten Program follows the same policy as Grades 1-8.
If the Anne Arundel County schools are not in session and St. John the Evangelist School
is in session, please listen to WBAL Radio for the disposition of our school. We ask that
you do not call the school or convent. Emergency closings involving heating, etc., will be
announced by the Archdiocese over this same station.
Transfers
When a student is transferring to another school, parents must contact the school
office in order to sign a release form for the release of school and health records. A
transfer card will be issued when the release form has been signed.
Visitors
Please enter by the MAIN ENTRANCE and report to the OFFICE. No teacher or student may
be disturbed during school time except in the case of emergency or scheduled appointment,
and with the permission of the principal. Full cooperation is requested since this
procedure is strictly enforced. This regulation is to safeguard the security of our
school. |
