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Student – Parent Handbook 2016-17
Holy Trinity Catholic School50 Church Street
Laconia, N.H. 03246
www.holytrinitynh.com 603-524-3156
Fax 603-524-4454
Parent – Student – Staff Covenant
Staff
1. I will create a safe, Christ-like environment that isinclusive of all students.
2. I will be prepared to teach my students every daywith rigorous and engaging lessons.
3. I will consistently communicate your child’sspiritual, social and academic growth.
Students Parents
1. I will arrive at school on time, in uniform, ready to learn and work to my fullest potential every day.
1. I will support and respect the staff members at Holy Trinity in front of my child at all times and address my concerns in private.
2. I will accept discipline, redirection and constructive criticism in a manner that is appropriate, understanding that it will help me to grow into a more successful person.
2. I will get my child to school on time, appropriately dressed, every day on a consistent basis.
3. I will seek solutions, not excuses.
3. I will be an active participant in my child’s education – academically, spiritually and socially.
Table of ContentsHandbook Overview.....................................................................................................................................................Mission Statement.......................................................................................................................................................
Parent-Teacher Covenant..........................................................................................................................................Important Telephone Numbers/HTS Faculty and Staff.....................................................................................................School Calendar – Days Out for Students – Early Release Dates...................................................................................Progress Reports/Report Cards: 2016-2017 Schedule......................................................................................................
Admission and Financial Policies..............................................................................................................................Admission and Registration............................................................................................................................................Tuition and Fees...........................................................................................................................................................
Attendance Policies...............................................................................................................................................Absence...........................................................................................................................................................................Extended or Excessive Absence.......................................................................................................................................Cancellations, Delayed Opening and Early Release (Weather Related)...........................................................................Car Riders Arrival & Dismissal Procedure - Map..............................................................................................................Dismissal During the School Day......................................................................................................................................End of Day Dismissal........................................................................................................................................................School Hours....................................................................................................................................................................Tardiness.........................................................................................................................................................................
Academic and Religious Education Policies.............................................................................................................Curriculum.......................................................................................................................................................................Grading............................................................................................................................................................................Honor Roll........................................................................................................................................................................Homework.......................................................................................................................................................................Testing.............................................................................................................................................................................Progress Reports/Report Cards.......................................................................................................................................Promotion/Retention Policy............................................................................................................................................Religious Education – Admission to Sacraments – Non-Catholic Students......................................................................
Behavioral Expectations and School Discipline Policies...........................................................................................Code of Behavior........................................................................................................................................................Bullying............................................................................................................................................................................Sexual Harassment..........................................................................................................................................................Hazing..............................................................................................................................................................................Reporting of Bullying, Sexual Harassment or Hazing.......................................................................................................Consequences............................................................................................................................................................Grievances.......................................................................................................................................................................Searches.....................................................................................................................................................................Weapons.........................................................................................................................................................................
General School Policies..........................................................................................................................................Books and Material Care.................................................................................................................................................Bus Policy.........................................................................................................................................................................Cell Phones......................................................................................................................................................................Change of Address...........................................................................................................................................................Computer and Internet Use Policy – Student Agreement..........................................................................................
General School Policies (continued).......................................................................................................................Confidential Nature of Student Lists................................................................................................................................Divorce – Custody - Reporting....................................................................................................................................Dress Code.................................................................................................................................................................Electronic Communication..............................................................................................................................................Emergency Procedures...............................................................................................................................................
Extended Day Program...............................................................................................................................................Field Trips........................................................................................................................................................................
Health/Medical Policies.........................................................................................................................................Annual Screening.............................................................................................................................................................Child Abuse/Neglect........................................................................................................................................................Communicable Disease....................................................................................................................................................Concussion Protocol...................................................................................................................................................Guidelines for Administration of Medication.............................................................................................................Head Lice.........................................................................................................................................................................HIV/AIDS..........................................................................................................................................................................Guidelines for Illnesses....................................................................................................................................................Holy Trinity Emergency Cards..........................................................................................................................................Incoming Kindergarten Students.....................................................................................................................................Chicken Pox/Measles Immunization................................................................................................................................Physical Examinations - Sports........................................................................................................................................
Lockers.......................................................................................................................................................................Lost and Found...........................................................................................................................................................Lunch Program.......................................................................................................................................................Parent Information Envelope (PIE)..............................................................................................................................Parent Service Opportunities – School Volunteer Program – Parent/Teacher OrganizationConsultative School Board.....................................................................................................................................Party Invitations.........................................................................................................................................................Phone Calls.................................................................................................................................................................Service Hours..............................................................................................................................................................Sports Program...........................................................................................................................................................Student Records.........................................................................................................................................................
Conditions for Access of Student Records.......................................................................................................................Conditions for Release of Student Records.....................................................................................................................Provisions to Challenge the Content of the Student Record...........................................................................................Transfer of Student Records............................................................................................................................................
Other Information......................................................................................................................................................Visitors.......................................................................................................................................................................Principal’s Right to Amend..........................................................................................................................................Diocese of Manchester Bullying Policy...................................................................................................................Diocese of Manchester Electronic Communications Policy.....................................................................................
Holy Trinity School
Student/Parent Handbook
Holy Trinity School issues this Student/Parent Handbook to acquaint students and parents/guardians with information and regulations about the school.
Students and parents/guardians are responsible for knowing the contents of the Handbook.
All students, and their parents, are expected to sign and return the Handbook Signature Agreement indicating their willingness to abide by the policies set forth in the Handbook. The school principal reserves the right to amend the Handbook for just cause and parents will be given prompt notification if changes are made. Interpretation of the Handbook is at the sole discretion of the principal/Holy Trinity School.
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Mission Statement
Holy Trinity School is a regional Pre-K - 8 school located in Laconia, New Hampshire, and operated under the auspices of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester.
The mission of Holy Trinity School is the continuation of the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ. A faith community in the Catholic tradition, we are committed to proclaiming the good news of salvation and to building the kingdom of God through word and deed. In partnership with parents, Holy Trinity is dedicated to providing a total Christian educational experience which engages students intellectually, promotes social and personal responsibility, and inspires spiritual growth.
Philosophy of Holy Trinity Catholic School
The community of Holy Trinity Catholic School is called to enter into a covenant with God and each other for our mutual growth in Christ. We follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by forming a faith community that is conscious and active. We build a bond of unity by sharing our talents and experiences.
As an extension of the family, Holy Trinity exists to teach Catholic Doctrine and to form its students in the Catholic faith, to promote academic excellence, to build community, to encourage service to others, and to develop abilities which will encourage its students to become productive members of society. This is a continued commitment made at the time of Baptism when parents promised to "be the first teachers of their child in the ways of faith...bearing witness to the faith by what they say and do, in Christ Jesus our Lord." It is within this Christ-centered atmosphere that we endeavor to accomplish these goals.
As a community of faith, our Holy Trinity family witnesses to the teachings of Christ while educating each student: academically - within a Christian atmosphere; morally - through Christian principles; and socially - with Christian viewpoints. Our spirit is one of faith, love and understanding, with a firm belief in the potential of the student we educate. As role models within this school community, we strive to imitate and to perpetuate the teachings of Christ; therefore, we represent the larger, self-sacrificing, and dedicated faith community which commissions us "to teach as Jesus did."
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Holy Trinity Catholic School Parent-Teacher Covenant
Because Holy Trinity School strives to be a faith community, parental cooperation and good parent-teacher relations are essential. As a faith community, our first instinct is to assume that each of us - teachers, administrators, parents, guardians and other care-givers - has the child’s best interest at heart.
While we strive as a school to be excellent in many ways, no one within our community is perfect and problems and misunderstandings may occur. When a problem or disagreement arises, we at Holy Trinity will make every effort to contact you to clarify the situation. Parents, guardians, and family members who experience problems or are confused with some matter regarding their child’s educational experience are asked to show similar respect by striving first to learn the reasons behind a policy or inquire about the teacher’s or school’s understanding or decision before judging or forming an opinion. Those who are not satisfied with what they have learned are asked to approach the administration to investigate the matter. In this way positive resolutions can be reached.
Parents and guardians are asked to follow these guidelines for expressing concern over a school matter:
1. If the problem involves routine procedure such as homework, class assignments, classroom or playground behavior, or student-to-student problems, then the parent is asked to contact the teacher first. The best way to do this is usually through an email, or a phone call to the school where a message will be given to the teacher to return your call. For a variety of reasons, parents should not attempt to bring up a difficult or serious matter in front of other students while the teacher is on duty during the regular school day.
2. If the problem is more serious, the parent or guardian should inform the principal in writing or with a phone call. Only signed notes or callers who identify themselves will be taken seriously. Due to school responsibilities, the principal may not be available immediately, therefore, patience in setting appointments or in expecting a return phone call is requested. Since concern for your child is uppermost in all our minds, we will make every effort to accommodate you and your concerns. We simply ask that you understand that many children and other parents may be requiring our immediate attention at the time.
3. All staff members of Holy Trinity promise prompt attention to problems, privacy in discussing matters, professional courtesy and respect when problems are presented, and a sincere effort to resolve problems in a Christian manner. That is, we promise to approach problems and misunderstandings in a manner that expresses genuine concern for the welfare of your child spiritually, psychologically, academically and physically, and his or her fellow students.
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4. With this in mind, parents and guardians are expected to show the same concern and respect for the teachers and staff of Holy Trinity School, as well as the other children and families of our community. Enrollment of the child in the school implies a partnership between the school and the parents/guardian. If the partnership breaks down, parents can be required to withdraw the child from school. The following behaviors are unacceptable within the school community: assaults or harassment made towards a teacher or staff member - students or parents will be addressed by administration; nor will we tolerate intimidating or verbally abusing any member of the community - in person or in writing. (See bullying / discipline policies).
5. Commission of any of the above acts on the part of a teacher or staff member will lead to appropriate disciplinary actions. Likewise, misconduct on the part of a parent, guardian or family member may lead to a warning or one of the following actions.
a.) limiting or refusing permission to enter or use school grounds or facilities;
b.) asking that someone other than the person exhibiting poor behavior represent
the child’s interests on school matters;
c.) refusing to allow the child to re-register, and in extreme cases, initiating procedures to ask the family to withdraw the child from the School.
6. Parental attitudes on or off the School premises, which interfere with the implementation or the philosophical goals or objectives of Holy Trinity may lead to the dismissal of your child from the School.
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School Phone Number: 603-524-3156School FAX Number: 603-524-4454Absentee Line: 603-524-3156 X 100
*** Must call by 8:15 a.m. – voice message OK ***EDP: 603-273-1967
School Website: www.holytrinitynh.com Diocese of Manchester Phone: 603-669-3100 / Website: www.catholicchurchnh.org
** Teacher Phone Extensions before 8:15 am and after 3:15 pm only **ADMINISTRATION Name Ext. EmailPrincipal Mary Jane Cooney 105 [email protected] Name Ext. EmailPK Jessica Howard 104 [email protected] &Dean of Students PK-1
Bonnie Perry 102 [email protected]
1 Nancy Pierce 101 [email protected]/3 Judy Gessner 106 [email protected]/5 Barbara McGrath 112 [email protected] Karen Sullivan 108 [email protected]/8 Richard Conrod 109 [email protected]. Science/Gr.5 & 8 Math
Maria Vertetis 113 [email protected]
Algebra Jean Matzke 107 [email protected] Clarena McKinney [email protected] Kate Criscone 111 [email protected] Deborah Dow 110 [email protected] Ed Kristin Doucette 119 [email protected]:Admin Asst. Maggie Gibbs 100 [email protected] Asst. Terry Hughes 114 [email protected] Cathy Corriveau 116 [email protected]/PR Lori Garden 117 [email protected] Director Stephen Greenwood 100 [email protected] Nelson LeClaire NA [email protected] Manager Allison LeClaire 115 [email protected] Nurse HTS Volunteers 118OTHER : St. Andre Bessette Parish Office 603-524-9609FACTS (Tuition Payments) 1-866-441-4637First Student (School Bus Transportation) 603-524-1787Laconia School Lunch Program, Tim Goossens [email protected] lunch account access www.mymealtime.comMy Students Progress www.mystudentsprogress.comDonnelly School Uniforms: Phone 1-800-498-0045 Web: www.DonnellysClothing.com
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HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL – CALENDAR 2016-2017AUGUST / SEPTEMBER FEBRUARY
M T W T F M T W T F22 X X (24) (25) X 18 1 2 3
DAYS 29 30 31 1 X DAYS 6 7 8 9 10X 6 7 8 9 13 14 15 16 17
12 13 14 15 16 20 21 22 23 2419 20 21 22 23 X X26 27 28 29 X
OCTOBER MARCHM T W T F M T W T F
X X X20 3 4 5 6 7 20 6 7 8 9 10
DAYS X 11 12 13 14 DAYS 13 14 15 16 1717 18 19 20 21 20 21 22 23 2424 25 26 27 28 27 28 29 30 3131
NOVEMBER APRILM T W T F M T W T F
1 2 3 418 7 8 9 10 X 14 3 4 5 6 7
DAYS 14 15 16 17 18 DAYS 10 11 12 13 X21 22 X X X 17 18 19 20 2128 29 30 X X X X X
DECEMBER MAYM T W T F M T W T F
1 2 1 2 3 4 515 5 6 7 8 9 22 8 9 10 11 12
DAYS 12 13 14 15 16 DAYS 15 16 17 18 1919 20 21 X X 22 23 24 25 26X X X X X X 30 31
JANUARY JUNEM T W T F M T W T FX 3 4 5 6 1 2
20 9 10 11 12 13 9 5 6 7 8 9DAYS X 17 18 19 20 DAYS 12 13 (14) (15) (16)
23 24 25 26 27 (19) (20) (21) 22 2330 31
DAYS OUT FOR STUDENTSAUGUST 29 STUDENTS START SCHOOLSEPTEMBER 2 & 5 LABOR DAY WEEKENDSEPTEMBER 29 PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES 1:00 P.M.SEPTEMBER 30 FORMATION DAY – TEACHERSOCTOBER 10 COLUMBUS DAYNOVEMBER 11 VETERAN’S DAYNOVEMBER 23, 24, 25 THANKSGIVING VACATIONDECEMBER 22 – JANUARY 2 CHRISTMAS VACATIONJANUARY 16 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAYFEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 3 WINTER VACATIONAPRIL 14, 2017 GOOD FRIDAY
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APRIL 24 – 28 SPRING VACATIONMAY 29 MEMORIAL DAYJUNE 6, 2017 Field DayJUNE 13, 2017 178th Scheduled Day/990 instructional hrs.
Last day of school/ 1 P.M. dismissal / No PM EDPJUNE 21, 2017 6 snow / emergency days
Last day of school will be upon completion of 990 Instructional Hours
EARLY DISMISSAL DATES @ 1:00 P.M. ON 9/29 AND LAST DAY OF SCHOOL.
NO P.M. BUS TRANSPORTATION 9/29/16
PROGRESS REPORT / REPORT CARD SCHEDULE, 2016-2017
SEPTEMBER 29, 2016 First Quarter Progress Reports/ Parents Teacher Conference
NOVEMBER 4, 2016 End First Quarter
NOVEMBER 10, 2016 First Quarter Report Cards in PIES
DECEMBER 15, 2016 Second Quarter Progress Reports as Needed
JANUARY 27, 2017 End Second Quarter
FEBRUARY 2, 2017 Second Quarter Report Cards in PIES
MARCH 9, 2017 Third Quarter Progress Reports as Needed
APRIL 13, 2017 End Third Quarter
MAY 11, 2017 Fourth Quarter Progress Reports as Needed
990 HOURS OF INSTRUCTION End Fourth Quarter
JUNE 26, 2017 Fourth Quarter Report Cards Mailed
ACADEMIC QUARTERS MAY BE ADJUSTED AS NEEDED IN THE EVENT OF SCHOOL DAYS MISSED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES.
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Admission and Financial Policies
Admission and Registration
Holy Trinity School serves the parishes of the Lakes Region Deanery and families of the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Enrollment is open to all children, Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Eight.
The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Manchester, mindful of their primary mission to be witnesses to the love of Christ for all, admit students of any race, color, national and/or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to the students at the school.
The Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Manchester do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and/or ethnic origin, in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
While the Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Manchester do not discriminate against students with special needs, a full range of services may not be available.
Non-Catholic students are welcome to attend Holy Trinity School.
Admission to Holy Trinity requires the following to be completed and submitted for review :
Registration Form must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian. Verified Birth Certificate: Entering Pre-Kindergarten students must be four years old on
or before September 30 of the entering year; Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before September 30 of the entering year.
Consent for Release of Records Form (Gr. 1-8) signed by parent or guardian Academic Records (Gr. 1-8) and Standardized Test Results (Gr. 2-8) Evaluation Reports (IEP, ISP, 504) (if applicable) The principal may exclude from admission those students who, on the basis of objective
testing, are unprepared to participate in kindergarten, first grade or subsequent grades. The principal has the right to deny admission to students with previous discipline or academic problems or with special education needs not within the capabilities of the programs of Holy Trinity School. Transfer students, who meet the admissions requirements, are accepted on a three-month probationary status.
Under no circumstances will Holy Trinity accept a pupil from another Catholic School in the Diocese without the principal first making inquiry as to the student’s status regarding academic progress, behavior and financial obligation.
Upon admission , the following must be submitted to complete enrollment:
Registration Form and Emergency Information Health/Immunization Records (must be complete, up-to-date, meet state law
requirements, and on file at the school office) Baptismal Certificate (when applicable) Birth Certificate Financial arrangements must be determined and accepted - all financial forms
completed and signed by a parent or guardian. (See Tuition and Fees)
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Formal Re-Registration is held during January. Every student previously admitted and enrolled in the school must re-register at the prescribed time by completing a Re-Registration Form and returning it to the school with the required Registration Fee. Families seeking the Diocesan supported tuition rate must be registered by February 1st.
Tuition and Fees
Admission and continued enrollment in Holy Trinity School is dependent on faithful and timely payment of financial responsibilities as outlined below:
* Payment of a non-refundable, per family Registration Fee. This fee is published at the beginning of formal registration and is to be paid at the time of enrollment.
* Payment of Tuition. An estimated tuition cost range is announced at the beginning of formal registration; final tuition cost is published in May or June. When the final tuition rate is announced, all families will receive from the office a Tuition Agreement Form along with a Tuition Payment Option Form. The signed Tuition Payment Option Form must be completed and returned to the office, indicating choice of payment method and if the optional School Contribution is requested.
Payment Plans: School tuitions are paid on an annual (July 1), semi-annual (July 1 and Feb. 1), or monthly basis. Holy Trinity encourages advance payment of tuition by offering a discounted rate for annual or semi-annual payments. If a family opts to make monthly payments, these payments are 10 in number, and are to be made from July to April by utilizing the FACTS payment program.
FACTS is a payment program that is offered at Holy Trinity School to help families with tuition management. FACTS budgeted payment plans are paid through automatic withdrawal from your bank account. FACTS is required for families choosing a monthly payment plan. Enrollment in FACTS is done online at https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3D50Z
Church Support: NH Catholic families who are registered, active, and contributing in their parish are eligible for the church supported tuition rate. Returning families who have previously been approved for the Diocesan supported tuition rate must register by February 1st, and indicate on their registration form their intention to seek this rate again. New families and returning families who have not previously been approved for the supported tuition rate must be registered and have a Supported Student form signed by the Parish priest in the office by February 1st to be eligible for church support. Kindergarten families receive the Diocesan supported tuition rate and are expected to perform 30 hours of service to the school to be completed by the end of the school year. (See Service Hours for definition of what constitutes service hours.)
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Optional School Contribution: All families, who elect to take the optional school contribution, are required to provide 30 hours of school service to be completed before the end of the school year or the school contribution amount may be billed to the parent. (See Service Hours for definition of what constitutes service hours on page 42)
Nonpayment of tuition and or fees:
If a child is withdrawn from school, the parent or guardian is responsible for payment.
Students of families whose tuition payments are 40 or more days overdue will be removed from the school roster and will not be allowed to attend classes until accounts are brought current. Exceptions to this policy may be made only by special arrangement with the principal.
Tuition accounts are to be paid in full before the end of the school year. Legal recourse may be used to collect outstanding tuition and fees. Failure to pay in full an eighth grader's tuition and fees (including Extended Day Program) by June 1, will mean that said child may be denied participation in end of year activities and graduation exercises.
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Attendance PoliciesAbsence
On the day of the absence, parents must notify the school office (524-3156) by 8:15 AM indicating that the child will be out. This information may be placed on the main office voice mail, email, or communicated directly to the main office. The school secretary will contact parents if we do not receive parent/guardian notification whenever a student is absent from school.
Students not in attendance or who are dismissed on a given day may not participate in athletics and/or extra-curricular activities on that day. Extenuating circumstances will be considered on a case by case basis by the principal or the principal’s designee.
Request for parents or siblings to pick up homework for other family members must be made by written note, phone or e-mail to the school office by 8:30 AM the morning of the absence. Parents are strongly encouraged to collect school work missed to help students remain current with learning that is taking place.
Students who are habitually absent may be referred to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services (DCYF) for educational neglect and/or referral to the local school district for truancy violations. Habitually absent is defined on page 16.
State law charges the local public school district with enforcing the school attendance laws of the state. The public school district’s jurisdiction with respect to attendance laws extends to all school age children within its district. The principal is responsible for reporting to the attendance officer of the local public school district any “habitual truancy”, defined as ten half days of unexcused absence during a school year.
Make up Work (Due to Illness)Two options are available because sometimes the nature of an illness is such that the student really is in no condition to complete schoolwork. However, this is not always the case, and we want to meet the needs of our families in these situations, too.
Option 1: Parents may request work when they call to report that their child is ill and will be absent. The missing work packet will be prepared by your child’s teacher(s) for you to pick up in the office. At your request, these materials may also be sent home with a sibling.
All work will be due when the student returns to school, so it is important that requested work is picked up. Any work not handed in by the student upon his or her return to school will be treated as late work. Exception – The assignment won’t be due on the day when the child returns to school if the regular due date for this work is later in the week.
Option 2: Parents call the school to report that their child is ill, but they do not request the child’s missing work of homework assignments. The teacher will prepare a packet of class and homework assignments, and this will be given to the student upon his or her return to school.
Due dates for these assignments will be determined by the teacher(s).
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Extended or Excessive Absence
Absence from school or from class is always detrimental to the student. It is understood that the school attendance policy does not allow students to have vacation periods other than those provided in the school calendar. Parents are strongly discouraged from removing children from school for vacation (especially during standardized testing days).
If, after weighing the seriousness of loss of academic progress, the parent considers it necessary to request an extended absence from class, the parent must complete and file an extended absence form with the main office at least one week prior to the absence. Please note: notification to the classroom teacher does not replace the need for filing an extended absence form with the main office. A copy of this form is available on the school website, or is available through the office. Such requests will not be approved during standardized test periods. No make-up of standardized testing will be administered if a child has missed these due to a vacation.
Make up Work (Due to Vacation Absence)
The school is not obligated to provide instruction or activities to replace time missed for family vacations. Make up work is the responsibility of the parent and student.
NO TEACHER SHOULD BE EXPECTED TO PROVIDE SPECIAL INSTRUCTION TO THE STUDENT.
WORK WILL NOT BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS IN ADVANCE OF THEIR ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL. THE TEACHER WILL PREPARE A PACKET OF CLASS AND HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS, AND THE PACKET WILL BE GIVEN TO THE STUDENTS ON THE DAY OF HIS OR HER RETURN TO SCHOOL.
The student will be given 1 day for each day of absence to complete the missing work, up to a maximum of 5 days. Examples: If a student missed 3 days of school, then the student will have 3 school days to complete all missed work. If a student misses 5 or more days of school, the student will have 5 school days to complete all missing work. Students missing school for vacation near the end of the final grading period could have a shorter period of time to complete missing work.
Any work not completed will be recorded as a failure. The teacher will not be responsible for academic failure due to vacation absence.
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Cancellations, Delayed Openings and Early Release (Weather Related) Holy Trinity follows the Laconia School District announcements for any bad weather cancellations, delays, or early releases. THERE IS NO SEPARATE HOLY TRINITY ANNOUNCEMENT; if Laconia cancels - we cancel; if Laconia delays - we delay; if Laconia early releases - we release. Announcements are broadcast on WLNH and WEMJ, and also can be accessed through the Holy Trinity web site, or WMUR website. Please listen to the radio and avoid calling the school. Please note delayed opening normally indicates a two-hour delay for Laconia. School would begin at 10:20 AM. There would be teacher supervision after 10:00 AM. If there is a 90-minute delay for Laconia, school would begin at 9:50 AM. There would be teacher supervision after 9:30 AM.
In the event of school cancellations or delayed opening there will be NO BEFORE SCHOOL EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM (EDP); if there is a cancellation or bad weather release, there will be NO AFTER SCHOOL EXTENDED DAY PROGRAM (EDP).
Car Riders Arrival and Dismissal Procedure1. All cars enter between School and Church for both arrival and dismissal.2. A.M. Arrival
Cars drop students off at back gym door beginning at 7:00 A.M. Cars exit between Rectory and Library. Students arriving prior to 7:50 A.M. should report directly to the
cafeteria/gymnasium where they will be signed into the morning extended day program. Under no circumstances should a student go upstairs to the classrooms prior to 7:50 A.M. without first checking into morning EDP.
Students in all grades arriving between 7:50-8:05 A.M. are to enter the back gym door and go to the gym. At 8:05 A.M. students in the gym will be dismissed to the classrooms. Any parent business with the office must be conducted after 8:05 A.M. due to staff morning prayer. Students arriving between 8:05-8:19 A.M. should go directly to classrooms via the back gym door, up the stairs, or through the gym. A warning bell will ring at 8:15 A.M.
The tardy bell rings at 8:20 A.M. The parking lot gym entrance is locked at this time. Students arriving after 8:20 A.M. must use the Messer St. entrance and report to the office to receive a late slip. Any parents needing to park for school business in A.M. should park at the top end of parking area adjacent to rectory.
3. P.M. Dismissal Cars form lines for students to be placed in cars at P.M. dismissal spot. Car riders will be placed in car by teacher at designated pick-up spot. Cars exit between Rectory and Library.
* Students will only be dismissed to designated adult(s) in car at designated dismissal spot.
* Parents in line for dismissal should remain in their cars. At NO time should a car be left unattended/parked in the dismissal line. Please respect that this is not abeneficial time for a mini parent/teacher conference. Contact the teacher via appointment, email or phone to communicate effectively for all concerned.
FOR THE COURTESY OF OTHER DRIVERS- PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR FOR DROP OFF OR PICK UP. IF YOUR CHILD NEEDS ASSISTANCE, PLEASE PARK AND WALK THEM TO THE DOOR. THANK YOU!
* See map on next page for further arrival / dismissal information.
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End of the day dismissal
Students are dismissed in an orderly fashion at the end of the school day. Students are dismissed as bus riders, car riders, walkers, bike riders, EDP, or sports program students. If a student needs to change a dismissal group, a written note, email, or phone request from the parent must be made to the school office prior to 2:00 P.M. If a different means of transportation (bus or car) is being used, a note, email or phone call is needed. If a student is not picked up from car riders by 3:10 P.M., he or she will be taken to EDP until the parent arrives. Students will not be allowed to walk to the library or elsewhere without parent’s prior permission.
Once a student has been dismissed, he or she is expected to leave school grounds and not loiter. Once a child is dismissed to a parent it is the parent’s responsibility to supervise his/her child. Failure to observe this policy may result in receiving disciplinary action from a faculty or staff member.
School Hours
Daily Schedule
7:50 – Teacher Supervision begins 2:50 – Classes End8:15 – Warning Bell 2:53 – Announcements / Prayers8:20 – Late Bell and classes begin 2:55 - DismissalChildren are tardy after 8:20
For grades Pre-K - 8 the school day begins at 8:20 A.M. and ends at 2:55 P.M.
Teacher supervision starts at 7:50 A.M. If your child arrives before that time he/she will be placed in the Extended Day Program and parents/guardians will be billed for the service. At the end of the school day there is supervised child pick up until 3:10 P.M. After 3:10 P.M. your child will be sent to our Extended Day Program and parents/guardians will be billed for the service. After 3:10 P.M. if a Homeroom teacher has left the building, the classroom door will be closed and will not be opened to retrieve forgotten books, papers, belongings, etc.
For safety reasons, an area is blocked off with orange cones to all automobile parking during school hours and during school dismissal time. Your child's safety is of great concern to us - please proceed with caution during both pick-up and drop-off. If you need to assist your child out of the car, please pull into the lot and park. PLEASE DO NOT GET OUT OF THE CAR FOR DROP OFF OR PICK UP!
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Tardiness
Students learn best when they come to school on time. At Holy Trinity, we begin the school day forming a learning community with morning prayer, classroom meeting, and re-teaching of skills. When a student is late, he/she misses out on these important events and disrupts the learning that is taking place for those on time. Parental support and effort are needed so that our students learn this valuable life skill of promptness.
Students arriving after 8:20 A.M. are tardy and will be recorded as such in the attendance register. A student must be in his/her classroom at 8:20 A.M. to be considered on time. Parents should strive to have students dropped off by 8:15 A.M. (warning bell) to allow orderly entry into the school and classroom. All tardy students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian to the office for a late slip before reporting to class. Habitual tardiness is considered truancy.
Consequences for Tardiness and/or Habitual Absence:
The school will monitor the attendance of all students. When a student is continually absent and/or tardy, the following procedure(s) will take place:
1. When a student is habitually absent during a quarter, a letter will be sent home with the report card. The letter is meant to inform the parents of the number of days the child has been absent, late, or dismissed and to offer assistance to the family.
2. If the student continues to be absent and/or tardy, the school will contact the parent/guardian to discuss the issue and what can be done to resolve it. We may ask for a parent/guardian to come into school for a meeting in order to have a more in depth discussion.
3. Students who exhibit chronic tardiness/absenteeism may be referred to the Department of Child, Youth and Family Services (DCYF) for educational neglect and/or referral to the local school district for truancy violations.
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Academic and Religious Education Policies
CurriculumHoly Trinity School updates curriculum according to Diocesan guidelines and mandates. Texts are chosen to meet the educational needs of our students.
GradingThe goal of the grading system and honor roll is to promote excellence in academic achievement and to recognize students in grades 3-8 who perform to a high level of competence in their school work. The grading system is as follows:A 93-100 B 83-86 C 73-76 D 63-66A- 90-92 B- 80-82 C- 70-72 D- 60-62B+ 87-89 C+ 77-79 D+ 67-69 F Below 60
Honor RollStudents in grades 3-8 who have achieved the following qualify for Honor Roll:
PRINCIPAL’S LIST HIGH HONORS HONORSGrade of 93 (A) Grade of 90 (A-) Grade of 80 (B-)or above in all or above in all but or above in allsubjects one subject and not subjects
more than one B+(87-89)
Names of students who have made the honor roll are published at the end of each new marking period, and are also posted on the school web site.
Homework Holy Trinity School recognizes that meaningful, carefully planned homework can support student success and be a complementary part of a student’s overall learning. Developing good study habits is the responsibility of the school and the home. Formal home-study is assigned in grades 1-8 to help students become self-reliant and self-directed. Assignments are designed to reinforce daily lessons, to practice skills taught, and to supplement and enrich class work. Since each student has different capabilities and interests, it would be difficult to denote the specific amount of time to be spent on an assignment. If a problem arises, the teacher should be contacted. Consistent failure of a student to complete assignments punctually or in correct format will be reported to parents.
Any question about assignments should be directed to the teacher concerned. 10 minutes per additional grade is a good rule of thumb for the average child. (Example 2nd grader, 20 minutes). The teachers will partner together to assure that these guidelines are followed. In addition to consideration of homework types and the need for the careful design of homework tasks, Holy Trinity School recognizes the importance of family time, the value of celebrating religious traditions, and the need to balance homework with other demands. It is a policy that teachers refrain from assigning homework over long weekends, holidays, school vacations, and when there are HTS events where student participation is encouraged. Since regular weekends are often filled with many family demands, discretion will be used to ensure that homework over regular weekends is no more than what might normally be assigned on a school night.
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Testing
The InView/Terra Nova standardized assessment is given in grades 2 through 8.
Progress Reports / Report Cards
Report cards are issued four times a year. A paper copy of the report card will be sent home to parents in the PIE (Parent Information Envelope).
Progress Reports are sent to students (Pre K – Gr. 1) via the Parent Information Envelope at approximately the mid-point of the first quarter and, as needed, in subsequent quarters. Parent communication is important and parents must be aware of their student’s progress and potential failure.
Holy Trinity uses www.mystudentsprogress.com as an online tool for recording assignments and grades for students in Grades 2-8, therefore paper progress reports will not be sent to grade 2-8 students/parents. Ongoing monitoring of a student’s progress and generating of progress reports is available on the MSP website. Parents and students are strongly encouraged to use this communication resource.
Parent conferences are scheduled at the end of the first quarter for all students. Additional conferences may be arranged as requested by parent or teacher.
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Promotion/ Assignment/ Retention Policy
At the completion of the academic year, students are promoted, assigned, or retained.
Promotion: A student is promoted to the next grade based on demonstrated mastery (80%) of all grade level standards/skills.
Assignment: A student who has not yet demonstrated mastery of all grade level standards/skills may be assigned to the next grade. Assignment to the next grade may be considered based on a student’s daily academic performance, standardized test results, recommendations of teachers, and the student’s projected ability to complete work successfully at the next grade level.
The administration may recommend tutoring or summer school classes as a requirement for promotion (80% mastery of identified standards/skills) or assignment to the next grade when, after conferences with teachers and parents, it is believed that such action will better prepare the student academically and/or emotionally for the next grade.
Retention: Most children mature and acquire the basic skills of learning in a manner requiring at least one school year to a grade. In instances where a child has not shown sufficient maturity, social and emotional growth, and has not acquired mastery of grade level standards/basic skills, grade retention, “The Gift of Time”, may be considered. This decision is made only after the following factors have been considered:
1. Careful consideration of the child’s growth in all areas of school work;2. Careful study of test results;3. Conference with the teachers and parents/guardian.
A student will not be retained more than once in grades K-8 and that should usually take place in the primary grades. If after one retention the child is still not performing to grade level, alternative forms of education may be presented to the child’s parents or guardians.
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Religious Education
Christian education is intended to "make one's faith become living, conscious, and active, through the light of instruction." The Catholic School is the unique setting within which this ideal can be realized. Instruction in religious truth and values is an integral part of the school program. It is not one more subject to be learned, but functions as the underlying reality in which the student's experiences of learning and living achieve their deepest meaning. As the primary educators of their children, parents are involved in the catechesis of their children. The teachers in the classrooms can expound, but it is the parents who create the environment in the home for a child's inborn need to seek God.
Admission to Sacraments
Preparation for and admission to the sacraments is the responsibility of the parish where the student is registered. Pastors will follow the norms of Church law and the policy of the Diocese in determining when the children of his parish will be admitted to the sacraments.
Non Catholic Students
Students from religious denominations other than Roman Catholicism will be considered integral members of the student body, and will be expected and required to participate in all aspects of the school program. These students will be required to:
Attend and participate in religious education class. Teachers will be sensitive and respectful of the student’s personal religious convictions.
Be present for liturgical and other religious services. They will not be required to participate in such services, but should be invited and encouraged to do so to the extent they are able. They are not permitted to receive the Holy Eucharist or the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Participate in service projects sponsored by the school.
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Behavioral Expectations and School Discipline
Discipline is meant to encourage responsibility and self-discipline. Self-discipline is not only beneficial to the welfare of the individual and the school, but also prepares the student to live a mature Christian life. These are important goals in the total educational process. Discipline is a tool for teaching responsibility. The ultimate goal of discipline is self-discipline - the kind of self-control that underlies voluntary compliance with expected standards. This is the discipline that is a mark of mature character and that a civilized society expects of its citizens. As a community of learners, all students have a responsibility to respect themselves, others and the environment.
Teachers will ordinarily handle their own disciplinary issues. A guiding approach, rather than punitive, is used because improvement is most effective using reflection and self-evaluation. The goal of responsible discipline is for the student to acknowledge ownership of behavior, to self-evaluate, and to develop a plan for improvement and growth. Only serious or exceptional cases will be referred to the principal. Students will not be disciplined by means of humiliation or derogatory remarks. Corporal punishment of students is not allowed. School personnel may, however, use such legal and restraining force as is necessary to prevent harm to themselves or others.
Code of Behavior
This code of behavior is in effect at all times when a student is on student grounds (i.e. school and church building and property). This includes the EDP program, and all school sponsored co-curricular activities such as athletics (both participants and spectators), dances, PTO events, field trips, academic competitions, and in other areas designated for student use.
Conduct Detrimental to the Reputation of the School
The principal reserves the right to impose disciplinary consequences for any conduct, inside or outside the school, which is detrimental to the reputation of Holy Trinity School.
I. Expectations for Students Do my tasks Have materials Be where I belong Be on time Control myself Follow directions Speak considerately Follow procedures as outlined in Student Handbook and in Classroom
II. Civility/Standards: Holy Trinity students are expected to demonstrate positive standards of behavior and good manners (civility). Students are expected to: Use courteous and respectful language Be honest Respect personal safety and that of others Take care of the physical environment. Refrain from chewing gum. Follow cafeteria procedures and use good table manners/etiquette Walk safely and quietly in hallways, stairways, and common areas Exhibit appropriate levels of affection/friendship
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III. Serious/Major Discipline Offenses: Students who choose to repeatedly make their own standards of behavior/conduct, or who chose to break laws will be referred to the school principal. The following offenses will result in a School team conference and possible suspension or expulsion. All serious/major offenses will be handled on an individual basis. These offenses may also be reported to the Laconia Police Department. A serious or unwarranted act affecting the safety of others. Assault with Bodily Injury Bullying (see below) Cheating on Exams Commission of a crime on school property Disobedience/Disorderly Conduct/Abusive language Fighting Hazing (see below) Inappropriate public displays of affection Leaving school property without permission Plagiarism (Any misrepresentation of the work or ideas of another person as one’s own.
This includes, but is not limited to, writing word for word or paraphrasing someone else’s work without giving them credit.)
Possession of Contraband Possession of weapons of any kind Possession, Use, or Sale of a Controlled Substance (i.e. Drugs, Alcohol) Possession, Use, or Sale of Tobacco products Repeatedly choosing irresponsible behavior which disrupts the learning process Sexual harassment (see below) Theft Vandalism
Bullying/Sexual Harassment: Bullying and harassment destroy the essential mutual respect that is fundamental to the mission of Holy Trinity School. Bullying is any intentional, repeated, hurtful act, word, or behavior committed by one or more children against another. NH law defines bullying as a written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication, intended to cause: Physical harm or damage to property; Substantial emotional distress; Interference with educational opportunities; Severe, persistent, or pervasive intimidation or threatening; or substantial disruption to the operation of the school. Cyberbullying is such conduct undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Reports of bullying/cyberbullying behavior are taken very seriously. Students involved in bullying/cyberbullying face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.
Sexual Harassment is defined as any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favors, and other inappropriate verbal, written, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples of sexual harassment include, but are not limited to, the following: dirty jokes, sexual graffiti, suggestive comments, inappropriate touching, joking or teasing about sexual orientation, insisting on dating, and bragging about sexual activities. Students involved in harassing behavior face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.
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Hazing: Hazing is defined as any act directed toward a student, or any coercion or intimidation of a student to act or to participate in or submit to any act, occurring on or off school property by one person alone or with others, that is likely or would be perceived by a reasonable person as likely to cause physical or psychological injury to any person, and such act is a condition of initiation into, admission into and continued membership in, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at Holy Trinity School. Examples of hazing include, but are not limited to, the following: any physical brutality directed at a student such as whipping, beating, striking, or the placing of a harmful substance on or into a student; any type of physical activity that subjects a student to an unreasonable risk of harm or adversely affects the student’s mental health or safety; or any other activity school administration deems detrimental to the mental and physical health of the student. Students involved in hazing face detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.
Reporting of Bullying, Sexual Harassment, or Hazing: Any school employee, who has witnessed or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to bullying, sexual harassment, or hazing on school grounds or at a school related function, must report the incident to the principal or designee. The principal or designee shall notify the parent or legal guardian of all students involved within 48 hours of the occurrence. If the matter involves suspected abuse of a minor, the matter must be reported in accordance with the Diocese of Manchester’s Promise to Protect, Pledge to Heal policy. A copy of this policy is available upon request through the school office, or at the Diocesan web site: www.catholicchurchnh.org. If the incident involves hazing, the principal or designee must report the matter to law enforcement.
IV. Consequences: A guidance approach to discipline is the school’s preferred philosophy. However, there are situations or serious actions of misconduct that result in consequences of a punitive nature.
Detention: Teachers or principal may detain students for matters of misconduct or violation of assignment requirements or tardiness. A 24-hour notice is given to parents who should sign the detention slip. Detentions are served after school from time of dismissal to 3:45 PM. In some instances, a parent-teacher agreement may alter the time when the detention will be served. Detention may include student service, as determined by the principal.
Suspension: Suspension, the temporary prohibition of a student’s attendance, normally for no more than three school days, is within the jurisdiction of the school principal. Suspension may be invoked for a sufficient reason provided that the student’s parents or legal guardians are notified by personal contact. In-school suspension is the temporary exclusion of a student from one or more classes. Out-of-school suspension is the temporary exclusion of a student from school. Written documentation is to be kept in the student’s file.
-23-Expulsion: Expulsion is the termination of a student's enrollment permanently. There may be situations that demand removal of a student from the school. In general, such situations can be reduced to two: Behavior that constitutes a definite menace to members of the school community Chronic and incorrigible misbehavior that undermines classroom discipline and impedes the
academic progress of the entire class
Required Withdrawal: After the school has made attempts to meet their individual needs, students clearly unable to profit from the school by reason of academic and/or behavioral problems or emotional difficulties may be required to withdraw from school.
Required Withdrawal on Grounds of Parental Behavior: Normally a child is not to be deprived of a Catholic education or otherwise penalized for actions of parents. However, parents may so significantly reduce the school’s ability to effectively serve its students that the parents may be requested to withdraw their student from the school for any of the following reasons: Refusal to cooperate with school personnel; Refusal to adhere to Diocesan or local policies and regulations; Interference in matters of school administration or discipline; Failure to meet financial responsibilities; The irreparable breakdown of the partnership between parent and school.
V. Grievances
Either parents or teachers may initiate the process of the reporting or resolving of grievances. Once a student and teacher have attempted resolution of a difficulty, then the parents and teachers will meet for a conference. As a further step, parents, teachers and principal will meet together to arrive at the best possible solution for everyone involved.
Searches
To guard the safety and property of our personnel, our students and the school, and to help prevent the possession and use of weapons and illegal drugs on school grounds, the school has the right to question anyone on school grounds, at school events and in areas designated for student use, and to inspect any property, including but not limited to: parcels, clothing, purses, handbags, briefcases, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc. There is no expectation of privacy pertaining to a students’ property or personal possessions on school grounds, including any electronic medium such as but not limited to cell phones, hand-held devices and computers. The school administration retains control over lockers, desk space loaned to students, and buses and other vehicles owned by the school. The school also regulates admission and parking of automobiles on school grounds.
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If the administration reasonably suspects that drugs, weapons, prohibited matter of a dangerous or illegal nature, or goods stolen from the school or from members of the staff or student body are likely to be found therein, the administration has the right and duty to inspect and search students’ lockers, desks, student and non-student automobiles, and students’ electronic medium. The administration, in exercise of the school’s duty to enforce school discipline and to protect the health and/or safety of the student body, has the right and duty to search a student’s person if it has a high degree of suspicion that drugs, weapons, dangerous, illegal or prohibited matter or stolen goods are likely to be found on the student’s person. The items of such search may nevertheless be turned over to the police for inspection or examination and may be the subject of criminal or juvenile court prosecution, or of school disciplinary proceedings. When it is necessary to search a student’s person, a witness will be present. When searching lockers or autos on school property, a witness will accompany the principal or principal’s designee.
Weapons
Each student in a Catholic School has the right to learn in an environment that is safe and free from fear. Therefore, weapons or any object that can be classified as a weapon, such as, but not limited to, guns (real or replica), knives, bats, sticks, brass knuckles, pipes, etc., are prohibited and banned from school premises, areas designated for student use and from all school related functions. This ban includes travel to and from school. A student who violates this policy will be subject to suspension and/or expulsion according to Diocesan Policy. In addition, Catholic Schools in New Hampshire are required to follow the provisions of the Safe and Drug Free Schools Laws that apply to all public and private schools. The administration has the discretion to allow weapon replicas for use in authorized school activities, such as drama, etc.
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General School Policies
Books and Material Care
Textbooks are to be covered at all times and carried to and from school in an appropriate book bag/backpack. Damaged or lost textbooks, library books, and audio-visual material will warrant payment of the full cost of the materials. Assessment of such damage is left to the discretion of the principal.
Bus Policy
Holy Trinity students who live in Laconia are able to use the Laconia School System bus transportation. Parents should instruct their children that they must obey bus policies as put forth by First Student Transportation, the bus company for the Laconia School System. Holy Trinity School reserves the right to terminate a student's busing privileges for a serious violation.
Cell Phones and Other Electronic Games and Devices
The school is responsible for monitoring communication between the child and persons outside of the school. For this reason, students are not permitted to have cell phones, iPods, iPads, Kindles and other electronic games and devices in school during the school day, unless in special circumstances where the teacher or principal has given permission. Parents/guardians can opt to send a cell phone, iPod or other electronic games and devices with a child for a school related after-school activity with the understanding that the parent/guardian is responsible for any use or misuse of that cell phone, iPod or any other electronic games or devices. Consequences for students being caught with a cell phone or other electronic device that is not allowed: 1st time - Warning call to parent. 2nd time – Violation of this policy may result in loss of cell phone privilege.
All electronic devices are held by the classroom teacher during the school day and then picked up at the close of the school day. ALL DEVICES MUST BE LABELED WITH THE CHILD’S NAME. There is no exception to this policy.
THE SCHOOL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE TO CELL PHONES, IPODS, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC GAMES AND DEVICES BROUGHT TO SCHOOL.
Change of Address
Please notify the school office immediately of any change in student's address, telephone numbers (including cell), and email address. Emergency numbers, including parent and/or guardian cell phone numbers, as well as work phone numbers should be continually updated. For your child’s safety, please notify the office of any changes and a packet of materials to update will be sent home to you in the next PIE envelope.
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Computer and Internet Use Policy
Student Computer and Internet Use Policy
Holy Trinity is very pleased to have Internet access and general use of computers in the classroom. Our goal in providing this service to teachers and students is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and communication. With access to computers and people all over the world also comes the availability of material that may not be considered to be of educational value in the context of the school setting. The faculty at Holy Trinity has taken precautions to control access to controversial materials by being present at all times when students are on the Internet during the school day. However, on a global network it is impossible to control all materials and an industrious user may discover controversial information. We firmly believe, however, that the valuable information and interactions available on the Internet far outweigh the possibility that users may procure material that is not consistent with the educational goals of the school.
Availability of the Internet and use of computers to students at Holy Trinity rests upon the proper conduct of individual students who must adhere to strict guidelines. If a student violates any of these provisions, future access to the Internet and use of computers at Holy Trinity may be denied to that student. Additionally, any violation of these policies which is deemed to be illegal may be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. Holy Trinity School reserves the right to impose consequences for inappropriate behavior that takes place off campus and outside school hours. Thus, inappropriate use of technology (for example, on a home computer), may subject the student to consequences. Engagement in online blogs such as, but not limited to, MySpace.com, Xanga, Friendster, Facebook, etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, the faculty or other students. Inappropriate use includes harassment, use of school name, remarks directed to and about teachers, offensive communications and safety threats. Holy Trinity does not, however, actively monitor student use of technology (Internet blogs, chat rooms, etc.). Students and parents/guardians are primarily responsible for the appropriate and ethical use of technology, especially in the home.
Student Agreement
1. Personal Responsibility - All students at Holy Trinity will accept personal responsibility for reporting any misuse of the computers in general or to the network, to the teacher in charge. Misuse is considered but is not limited to accessing any web site that indicates or suggests racism, sexism, inappropriate language, or with content that may make the student or other students in the class uncomfortable. Misuse is also considered to be intentionally accessing any Internet site deemed inappropriate by Holy Trinity faculty.
Students will also accept personal responsibility for reporting any misuse, malfunction or vandalism that interferes with the use or operation of the computer immediately to the teacher in charge. This includes but is not limited to changes in the control panel, network or printer settings. Students will also immediately report unintentional access of any Internet site which may be viewed as inappropriate by Holy Trinity faculty.
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2. Acceptable Use - The use of the Internet and of classroom computers in general will be in support of educational research and/or knowledge as defined by the teacher in charge. The purpose of using the Internet in our school is to support education by providing access to unique resources and the opportunity for collaborative work. Transmission of any material in violation of school policy or any US or state regulation is prohibited. Students will not copy and forward; copy and download; or copy and upload to the network or Internet server any copyrighted material, without approval by a teacher or other school administrator. Copyrighted material is anything written by anyone else. This includes but is not limited to games, stories, encyclopedia entries, music and video files, or software. Students may not download programs from the Internet, nor may they copy programs from any disk or CD unless permission is given by the teacher in charge. Students will not download or begin any system updates which are indicated as being available. This includes any update to the anti-virus program. Students will adhere to using online search engines as outlined by the classroom teachers.
Students will not attempt to change existing system settings. This means changing the background screen saver, changing network settings or files, printer settings, mouse settings, sound settings, deleting / rearranging icons on the desktop, image/website filtering, etc. Students will immediately report any accidental changes to the teacher in charge. Students will not eat or drink near any computers.
Students are prohibited from accessing sites that contain material that conflicts with the philosophy and purpose of the school. Students may access social networking sites such as Myspace or Facebook, or video sites such as You Tube only with the permission, authorization, and under the supervision of a teacher or staff member. Students will not clear the history and/or cache of any school computer. Students will not infiltrate, or “hack” outside computing systems or networks, or the Holy Trinity School web page from either within or outside of Holy Trinity School. Students will not use the school’s computer network to solicit sales or conduct business.
3. Privileges - The use of the Internet, classroom computers, the computer lab and school printers is a privilege, not a right, and inappropriate use will result in a loss of these privileges. Inappropriate use of the computers and/or printers often results in down time for repairs which is lost computer time for the entire classroom. The faculty/staff member in charge will deem what is inappropriate use and his or her decision is final. Students do not have a claim to privacy or confidentiality in the content of electronic communications or other computer files sent and received on the school computer network, stored in individual directories or accessed on a school computer from a portable storage device, such as a CD or flash drive. Through routine maintenance and/or monitoring of technology, Holy Trinity faculty or administration may at any time, review the subject, content and appropriateness of electronic communications or other computer files and programs, and remove them if warranted, reporting any violation of rules to the school administration or law enforcement officials.
4. Security -Students should understand that security on the network is very important. Students will never attempt to guess others users' passwords at any time. Students should understand that to do so is a violation of their privileges. If a security problem is identified, the student will notify the teacher in charge immediately, and will not demonstrate the problem to other students.
5. Vandalism - Vandalism will result in cancellation of privileges. Vandalism is defined, but is not limited to any malicious attempt to harm or destroy data of another user, network, or agency that is connected to the Internet. This includes, but is not limited to, the uploading of any computer viruses, attempts at gaining unauthorized access, or changing identities on-line
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Vandalism also includes but is not limited to any malicious damage to the exterior of the computer, keyboard, mouse, printer, speakers, and any other peripheral device attached to the computer.
6. Email Accounts - Students will not access personal email, online “chat rooms”, personal social networking sites or instant messenger accounts from school, or attempt to gain access to faculty and staff email accounts. 7. Privacy -Students will not reveal their home address or personal phone number or that of any members of the school to anyone on the Internet at any time.
8. Copyright -Students should understand that to copy another person's work on the Internet and call it their own is a violation of copyright law. This pertains to text, graphics, or sound. When using another person’s work, students will ask permission when possible and credit the author accordingly.
All students must understand and agree to abide by the above Computer and Internet Use Agreement. Any violation may result in a student’s access privileges being revoked and school disciplinary action may be taken. All students should further understand that violations of some of the above regulations may constitute a criminal offense.
Confidential Nature of Student Lists
To protect the privacy of individuals, no school employee will make available to anyone outside of the school, lists of students’ names, addresses, telephone numbers, or other information without the written parental permission and the approval of the principal. The school may release a student’s name, town of residence and grade for purposes of honor roll, athletics and other activities. A copy of the Holy Trinity Directory is issued to each family in late fall; parents are asked not to call the school office for students’ home phone numbers.
Divorce - Custody - Reporting
In order to assure that separated and/or divorced parents of a child enrolled in a Diocesan or parish school are informed of the student’s progress and are afforded the opportunity to participate in school activities if desired, the following procedures will be implemented: Divorced parents are required to file a notarized copy of the custody section of the divorce
decree with the school. Holy Trinity School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of non-custodial parents.
Unless a student’s file contains a court order or decree to the contrary, in cases of divorced and/or separated parents, both parents will be given the opportunity to be listed in the Holy Trinity directory.
Unless a student’s file contains a court order or decree to the contrary, in cases of divorced and/or separated parents, the non-custodial parent will be given the opportunity to request in writing academic reports, records and other pertinent information which, in the discretion of the principal, is deemed feasible. This information, if requested, may either be sent home with the student or mailed to the non-custodial parent upon completion of the request procedure as outlined in the Student Records section of this handbook. If there is a court order specifying that there is to be no information given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order.
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In the case of family dissension involving a request to prohibit one party in a conflict from taking the child out of school, school authorities will exercise extreme caution. If court orders exist in the specific case, the principal will request to see the original and to have a copy of that original on file.
Dress Code: Kindergarten-Grade Eight
(Pre-K students please refer to general non-uniform guidelines)School uniforms are required for students in Grades K-8 beginning the first day of school. All students must be in uniform every day. Uniforms need to be clean and in good repair (no ripped knees, holes in shirts, etc.). There will be non-uniform days which will be announced during the course of the school year (guidelines for such days are included in this section). If there is a time when the prescribed uniform cannot be worn for some legitimate reason, a note from the parent / guardian must be written to the Principal no later than the start of the school day on which the student is out of uniform. Students who are out of uniform without prior approval will be sent to the office and the parent will be called to bring the proper clothing. Teachers will enforce the dress code found in the handbook, and violations will be sent home to parents/guardians.
Donnelly’s School Apparel is the official school uniform supplier. Uniform components may be purchased through: Donnelly’s School Apparel, 50 Sharpe Drive, Cranston, R.I. 02920www.donnellysclothing.com / 1-800-498-0045. Uniform deposits are fully transferable or refundable if Donnelly's is notified within 3 months of the order date. Families needing additional order forms may obtain them from the school office.The school uniform consists of:Boys: Donnelly’s navy or khaki pants; Donnelly’s navy or khaki shorts; Donnelly’s white, red or
green HTS logo polo knit shirts (long or short sleeve); Donnelly’s white or red turtleneck (under the H.T. sweatshirt only).
Girls: Donnelly’s navy or khaki slacks; Donnelly’s navy, khaki or plaid shorts; Donnelly’s plaid jumper or skirt; Donnelly’s navy or khaki skirt/skort; Donnelly’s white broadcloth round blouse (short or long sleeve); Donnelly’s white, red or green HTS Logo polo knit shirts (long or short sleeve); Donnelly’s white or red turtleneck (under the jumper or H.T. sweatshirt).
Optional Outerwear: Donnelly’s gray sweatshirt with HTS logo; Donnelly’s navy or green (May be worn in class) fleece jacket and/or vest with HTS logo; Donnelly’s navy taslan shell with HTS logo.
General Student Dress Code (Grade K - 8) Footwear: Sneakers, dress shoes or casual shoes with sole with socks (knee, crew or
ankle length), tights (girls), or nylons (Grade 7/8 girls only). SOCKS AND/OR TIGHTS MUST BE SOLID COLOR (white, red, green or navy). Laced shoes are to be tied at all times. Heels, open backed shoes, jelly shoes, moccasins, boots, work boots, snow boots, UGG or UGG-like boots, wheelies or sandals are not school uniform and may not be worn inside the school building. Boots for winter or wet weather may, of course, be worn to enter and leave the school building and at recess.
Hair should be neat and clean. No hair colorings or highlights. Girls’ bangs must be above the eyebrows; longer side bangs must be out of the face. Boys must have regular boys’ haircuts that are of even length throughout, be above and not touching the shirt collar, and be trimmed around the ears; bangs must be above the eyebrows. No designs, shaved areas, sharply cut ridges, or tails.
No body piercing except pierced ears. Girls may wear one pair of earrings no larger than a dime and without hoops. Boys may not wear earrings of any type. All other jewelry in moderation.
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No facial makeup. No hats, NO BANDANAS OR HEADBANDS OVER 2”, no coats, non-uniform sweaters or
sweatshirts to be worn in class. Shirts to be tucked in at all times. Belts are recommended for shorts/pants with belt loops.
Belts, if worn, should be navy, brown or black. Sneakers must be worn at all times in the gymnasium, including during Physical Education
classes, and the before and after school program (EDP). Brownie/Scout Uniforms: Students may wear the scout uniform on meeting days.
Violation of the uniform policy will result in: A notice is sent home to parent and student will be asked to change into uniform clothes that we have at school; parent is notified. Repeated violations - Student and his/her parents meet with principal.
Non-uniform guidelines (Grade K - 8) Pre-k students and parents are to follow these Non-Uniform guidelines; pre-k students are welcome to wear school uniforms if they so choose.Throughout the year days may be designated as non-uniform days. Appropriateness and modesty of dress are still expected. Students may wear: jeans, shorts no shorter than three inches above the knee, skorts no shorter than three inches above the knee, skirts no shorter than three inches above the knee, jogging suits, t-shirts, sweatshirts, dresses, slacks and capris. Students may not wear: flip flop sandals, open back shoes, tank tops, spaghetti straps, low cut shirts, t-shirts with inappropriate wording, tennis shoes that convert to roller skates, biker shorts, pajama pants, hats, hip hugger trousers, skin tight low cut shorts or tops that expose midriffs. Appropriate footwear is still expected, including sneakers for the gymnasium.
The final decision on all uniform and dress code matters rests with the principal.
Electronic Communication
Parents and students are encouraged to review MyStudentsProgress.com and the school website for information such as homework, school calendars, lunch menus and faculty/staff email contacts. Holy Trinity is not responsible for any disruption in either email correspondence, MSP.com, or the school website due to technical problems at the school itself, with the website/email host, or with our internet service provider. Also, parents should not use email for emergency purposes or last-minute dismissal information for their student - please call the school office directly instead.
Emergency Procedures
Holy Trinity School has an emergency management plan in order to maintain a safe and secure environment. In every situation, communications will begin as soon as possible and continue regularly. Holy Trinity will maintain, to the best of its ability, effective evacuation, lockdown and shelter in place protocol. The staff is committed to emergency training which will include reviews of the plans, drills and post-drill debriefings to improve implementation.
Lockdown: A lockdown is immediate action taken in response to an imminent hazard or threat. It is the confinement of people inside secured rooms for safety measures. It is used when a serious threat exists to the school that requires students, personnel and visitors to remain in a locked facility for safety. NO person is allowed to enter or leave the building, and staff and students are down, quiet and out of sight.
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Examples of threats include a fugitive in the area or an intruder in a school. Students are moved out of the hallways and into the nearest classrooms immediately. Students must stay in those rooms until they are cleared to leave by emergency personnel. All school exterior and classroom doors are locked. Students and staff are kept away from doors and windows.
Soft or Modified Lockdown: Modified Lockdown secures the building and safely shelters all students, staff and visitors inside the school building. School business and classroom activities continue as normal. A school will go on modified lockdown if a threat is in their neighborhood and does not endanger the occupants of the school. NO person is allowed to enter or leave the building. For a Modified Lockdown, interior doors do not need to be locked, and school business and classroom activities continue as normal.
Shelter-in-Place: Shelter-in-Place means that the school may be temporarily closed in response to a problem or security threat nearby. The purpose is to convert the building into a locked, secured and safe environment to shelter in until the problem is resolved. Classroom activities will continue. Shelter-in-Place is similar to a lockdown, except that the students and staff are allowed to move around inside their classroom. They are allowed to have organized and supervised restroom breaks, medical attention, food and water if necessary. No one is allowed in or out of the building.
Evacuation: In a major emergency, evacuation may be necessary. A building evacuation will occur when a fire alarm sounds or upon notification by Holy Trinity or emergency personnel.
Extended Day Program: An EDP Contact and Authorized Person Form (CAP) must be filled out by all families intending to use the Extended Day Program, and must be returned to the office. Families not planning to use EDP services are encouraged to fill out a CAP form as well, to have on record in an emergency situation. Weekly Registration Forms should be returned to the office by Thursday of the week prior to student services.
An EDP Contact and Authorized Person Form (CAP) must be completed and kept current for students who attend EDP. Students will be dismissed only to persons authorized by this form. Parents are responsible for notifying EDP coordinator and/or staff of any changes in this information by filling out a new CAP form, or by adding changes and initializing the old form in the EDP logbook. Students attending the morning EDP program for the first time should be accompanied in by their parent or guardian to allow the staff to verify that there is a CAP on file. A copy of both the CAP form and the Weekly Registration form are available on the school website; additional forms are available through the office.
Please Note: EDP Registration Form Contact and Authorized Person Forms are for the Extended Day Program only, if you have specific instructions for pick-up of your child for the regular end of the day (2:55 P.M.), these need to be given in writing to the homeroom teacher.
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All students arriving in the building between 7:00 - 7:50 A.M. or not picked up at 3:10 P.M. will be taken to Extended Day. Parents will be billed accordingly. Students arriving on school grounds prior to 7:50 A.M. must report immediately to the EDP program. Students are not to be left unsupervised on school grounds. The school is not liable for students left unsupervised by their parents either before or after school.
On delayed opening or school cancellation mornings, there will be no morning EDP. On early release afternoons due to school cancellation or weather, there will be no afternoon EDP. (See Delayed Openings- Weather). There will be EDP on scheduled early release days.
Holy Trinity School reserves the right to deny Extended Day Services to any student who fails to meet the behavioral expectations of the school as outlined in the Code of Conduct.
Members of the EDP staff may be reached at 273-1967 during EDP hours.
Field Trips: Field trips are an important part of a child's education. They are an extension of the classroom learning experience. Field Trips are privileges afforded to students; no student has an absolute right to a field trip. Participation will be denied if students fail to meet academic or behavioral requirements. A written permission form issued by the school must be signed and given to the teacher no later than one day prior to trip. Verbal permission granted in person or by phone, or a hand written note is not acceptable for a field trip; a school form must be filled out and signed by a parent or guardian. Parents who plan to chaperone the field trip should also sign the bottom section of the permission slip, marked “FOR ADULT CHAPERONES.” A blank copy of the school permission slip form can be found on the website for emergency situations.
Parents or guardians whose children require medication during the school day should refer to the Guidelines for Administration of Medication section of the Health/Medical policies in this handbook for specific information regarding field trips.
All parent drivers for field trips must have a completed, signed Field Trip Verification of Insurance form with verification of adequate insurance on file in the school office. A copy of this form is available on the school website and also can be obtained through the office. All parent drivers and/or chaperones must also have also met all screening criteria as outlined in the volunteer section of this handbook. Parents should follow their automobile manufacturer’s recommendations regarding the use of a passenger seat with a driver’s side air bag. All students must have a seat with a working seat belt, and should be buckled at all times. Once a parent driver leaves the school grounds with students in his/her car he or she should travel directly to the field trip location with no stops for gas, ice cream, the bank, etc. Please remember to stay with the group and follow the teacher’s instructions regarding the monitoring of students. Use of tobacco products by parent drivers either during transport or at the site of the field trip is prohibited.
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Health/Medical Policies
Annual Screenings: Kindergartners are expected to have a vision and hearing screening done prior to the start of school. All other health screenings are dependent upon availability of trained personnel to perform the screening. Attempts will be made to complete the following schedule:
Hearing screens for Gr. 1, 3 and 5Vision screens for Gr. 1-8
Child Abuse/Neglect: To promote the safety and well-being of students enrolled in Catholic school, it is the policy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Manchester, Department of Catholic Schools, to comply with the requirements of RSA 169-C especially C:29,30,31 and NH CODE OF ADMINISTRATIVE RULES ED 510.01, in reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. Further, it is our policy to cooperate with the New Hampshire Division for Children and Youth Services, child protection social workers and law enforcement agencies in the course of investigations into child abuse or neglect as outlined in RSA 169-C.
Child Safety Reporting: If you know or suspect abuse or neglect of a minor (under 18 yrs.), you must report it to the NH Division for Children, Youth and Families:
1-800-894-5533 or 603-271-4451
In all instances of a student being interviewed, the principal and/or faculty member must be present to protect the rights of the student. A nurse may take the place of a faculty member. The intent of this policy is to prevent further abuse or neglect and to offer care and protection to students.
Communicable Disease: The principal shall notify the Board of Health when a student is sent home because of a suspected communicable disease as identified and required by New Hampshire law RSA 141-C. In case of absence due to a communicable disease identified by New Hampshire law RSA 141-C, a release card from the Board of Health or a letter from the family physician indicating the Board of Health regulations have been fulfilled, must be presented when the student returns to school.
Concussion Protocol: Our school is committed to the health and safety of all students who participate in physical activities and sports while at the school, including activities during school day such as at recess or physical education or in an after-school program or while participating on a sports team. Given the evolving standards with regard to concussions, and our primary concern with the health and safety at the school, the goal of this protocol is to raise awareness among students, staff, volunteers, and parents.
By establishing this protocol, the school does not assume liability for advice given under this protocol, nor will liability result for failing to comply with this protocol. Rather, the protocol establishes minimum standards to be followed whenever possible. Due to the individual circumstances of each situation, the application of the protocol may vary.
In the interests of safety, the following protocol is to be followed, whenever possible, when a student is suspected of having sustained a concussion while at the school.
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Head Injury Evaluation: In the event that a student suffers an injury to the head (other than a minor scrape or bruise), the following procedures must be initiated. The school nurse (if available) must be notified to evaluate the individual. If a school nurse is not available, the principal or the principal’s designee must be contacted. In addition, the parents or guardians must be notified of any injury to the head, and the school must send to the parents or guardians(either directly or with the student) a copy of the Concussion Signs and Symptoms checklist:
1. Severe Brain Injury Suspected Obtain Emergency Services (911) if symptoms warrant. Such symptoms include:Headaches that worsenLooks very drowsy/can’t be awakenedCan’t recognize people or placesSeizuresRepeated vomitingIncreasing confusion or irritabilityUnusual behavioral changeSlurred speechWeakness or numbness in arms/legsChange in state of consciousnessSignificant neck pain/injuryConcerns of skull fracture (excessive scalp swelling or bleeding)
2. Concussion without severe/worrisome symptoms (above) : The student must be evaluated and monitored by the school nurse. If the school nurse is unavailable or symptoms persist, evaluation must be performed by medical personnel at a nearby hospital.
3. Concussion not suspected : If history, symptoms, and exam do not support concussion, after a period of observation, the student may return to usual school activities, though teachers, coaches, and staff must be alerted to monitor for any common concussive symptoms (as above).
Concussion Ongoing Management: If a head injury (other than a minor injury such as a cut, scrape, minor bump, or bruise) occurs during an athletic event or during physical activity on school premises, the student must be removed from play immediately and cannot return to play on the same day until the student is evaluated by a health care provider and receives medical clearance and written authorization from the health care provider to return to play. The student also must submit written permission from a parent or guardian to return to play. A form is available on the Holy Trinity website.
Students suspected of concussion must not return to school until the student is evaluated by a health care provider and receives medical clearance and written authorization from the health care provider to return to school.
If the student experiences any persistent symptoms or progressively worsening symptoms, especially symptoms that do not allow participation in non-sports or activity-related school activities or duties, the school must notify the parents or guardians and consider sending the student home.
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Concussion Management Goals: The standards for the management of concussions are evolving, with growing concerns about the long term risks to the health of athletes who return to activity too early. For example, an athlete who is suspected of having suffered a concussion should not be allowed back into play on the same day as the injury and an athlete who exhibits even brief symptoms should expect a prolonged period of rest and graduated return to activity. Coaches must remove any athletes from practice or play and initiate this protocol if a concussion injury is suspected.
Guidelines for Administration of Medication: Any student who is required to take medication during the school day as ordered by a licensed physician will be assisted by the school nurse or another member of the school staff, as designated by the principal. A nurse will not usually be available to join field trips; therefore, for every field trip it will be the parent’s responsibility to arrange for the teacher to acquire the medication and to communicate with the teacher how and when to administer any necessary medications.
A medication permission form completed and signed by the parent or guardian, that gives the name of the drug, dosage, and time for administration, is required for all non-prescription medication taken during school hours. Prescription medications require a prescription medication administration form signed by the primary care provider and a parent/guardian.
** NO PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION WILL BE DISPENSED AT SCHOOL WITHOUT WRITTEN AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PARENT AND PHYSICIAN. **
** NO NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION WILL BE DISPENSED AT SCHOOL WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION FROM THE PARENT. **
A copy of these forms can be found on the school website, one is designated for prescription medication and one for non-prescription medication. Additional copies of both forms are available on request through the office. Medication forms for both prescription and non-prescription medications must be renewed each year.
The parent or another responsible adult (not the student) should deliver the medication to the school nurse, or other member of the school staff as designated by the principal. No medications are allowed to be carried by the student unless his/her physician feels it is in the best interest of the child and provides the school written notification of the name of the medication and directions for proper administration for the school to review. Medication should be in the original container, labeled by the pharmacy.Please, at the time of the doctor’s visit, request a copy of the prescription with the doctor’s signature, and when picking up the medication at the pharmacy, please request a separate container labeled by the pharmacist for medications to be stored in at school.
NO MEDICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNLESS CONTAINED IN ORIGINAL LABELED CONTAINER.
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Parents are encouraged to make alternative arrangements if a child’s medication must be transported from home in the morning to a baby-sitter or non-custodial parent after school. In the event that a medication is “stored” in the nurse’s office during the day, and not administered to the student, proper paperwork, delivery and labeling of the medicine is still required. Long term medications are to be renewed each year. Parents are responsible for maintaining an adequate supply of medication in the school. All prescription medications will be kept in the nurse’s office or main office. Students with asthma who need inhalers may be allowed to carry them and this should be indicated and signed by the physician on the medication permission form. It is the parent’s responsibility to make specific plans to provide any necessary medications during field trips as well as before and after school activities. Medications left in school after June 30th will be disposed of properly.
Head Lice: Head lice are a common parasitic infestation of an insect in human hair. It is easily transmitted from child to child. Children discovered with head lice will be brought to the school office and parents/guardians will be called to pick up their child. Parents/guardians are responsible for treatment of the infestation. Holy Trinity School has a “No-Nit” policy. This means that children are not permitted to return to school until all the lice and the eggs have been removed.
The “No-Nit” policy encourages each family to do its part with routine screening, early detection, accurate identification and thorough removal of lice and nits.
If faculty/staff notice lice or suspect lice, we will notify the parents/guardians immediately, who then need to take the child to their family doctor or other health care professional for professional determination of the existence of lice and advice regarding treatment. If parents suspect that a child has been infected, it is their responsibility to get their child assessed by a medical professional and they are responsible for informing the school. A child can return to school after the recommended treatment has been completed and there are no nits in the hair. A note from your doctor or healthcare professional notifying us when your child is nit-free is required for your child to return to school. All school families will be informed in writing when there has been a case of head lice reported to the office. Confidentiality will be maintained.
While absence from school is a loss of educational opportunity and an encumbrance to working parents, readmitting an infested child is not the solution. A policy for head lice must consider not only the infested child, but also his or her peers who have already been successfully deloused or who have not yet been infested. All this considered, the “No-Nit” policy remains a sensible approach that sets the standard to serve and protect all the children in the group.
HIV/AIDS: Students with HIV/AIDS have the same right to attend classes or to participate in school programs and activities as any other student. The identity of a student with HIV/AIDS is to be kept confidential and can be released only with the specific, informed, written consent of the individual’s parents or guardians.
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Guidelines for Illnesses: Students should be free of fever and vomiting for 24 hours before returning to school. Unless otherwise indicated by a doctor’s note, students returning to school are expected to participate in all activities at school including recess and physical education classes. This policy will be strictly enforced. If a child is sent home with a fever or vomiting, they may not return to school the next day. Students must be free of fever and vomiting for 24 hours before they are able to return.
The following are guidelines as recommended by the state for returning to school for specific illnesses.
Condition Time PeriodMeasles 4 days from onset of rashWhooping Cough 3 weeks from onset if not treated, or 5 days after start of medicationScarlet Fever 24 hours after start of medicationStrep Throat 24 hours after start of medicationMumps 9 days from onset of swellingRubella/German Measles 7 days after rash onsetChick Pox 1 week after rash appears, or all vesicles have driedPink Eye/Conjunctivitis 24 hours after start of medication Impetigo 48 hours from the start of effective treatmentLice Child must be nit-free before returning to schoolScabies 24 hours after start of treatmentTonsillitis 24 hours after start of medication
Holy Trinity Emergency CardsShould a student become injured or become seriously ill, every effort shall be made by the available personnel to contact the parents of the student for information and instructions. When filling out 3 copies of Holy Trinity Emergency Contact cards (both sides) be advised that the order of calls to parents from the nurse will be mother 1st, father 2nd, person to contact 3rd unless otherwise indicated on students card. Also please fill-in “none” if you have nothing to report on remarks, allergies or other conditions. Please indicate any conditions or medications given at school or home that could provide important information during a medical emergency. Be advised that information from previous cards will be destroyed at the end of the school year; therefore, new cards must be completed every year.
If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted and the illness or injury is believed to be serious enough to require medical attention, the person in charge will arrange for the student to be taken by ambulance to a doctor or to a hospital. This action obligates neither the personnel nor the school to assume financial responsibility for the treatment/transportation of a student. Ordinarily, school employees will not transport sick or injured persons. The principal or designee will record all information pertaining to the specific incident.
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Incoming Kindergarten Students: In New Hampshire, RSA 141-C.20a on the control and prevention of communicable diseases states that all children are to be immunized prior to school entrance according to the current recommendations of the State Public Health Agency. All immunization records should be checked with your family physician. No child will be admitted without the required immunizations.
Additionally, in accordance with RSA 200:32, Holy Trinity requires a record of a 5-year-old physical on all incoming kindergarten students. All new kindergarten students must also attend a vision/hearing screening through the child's healthcare provider.
Chicken Pox / Measles Immunization: State regulations require that students entering kindergarten through the fifth grade and seventh and eighth grade must have had a second dose of measles vaccine. A written notice that your child has received the measles vaccination must be provided for your child's health record prior to the start of the school year. Students currently entering grade six will continue to be required to have the second dose of measles vaccine prior to entering grade seven. All students must provide documentation of varicella (chicken pox) immunity or one dose of varicella vaccine. If a varicella vaccine was administered on or before 13 years of age, two doses must be administered.
Physical Examinations – Sports: Students participating in Holy Trinity sponsored sports programs must have a record of a physical examination indicating that the student is physically fit for sports participation, prior to being allowed to practice or participate in games. Students, who have previously provided required documentation for sports participation, will be required to provide annual permission signed by their healthcare provider. If desired, a sports physical form may be requested through the office.
LockersEach student is assigned a locker or cubby in which to store clothing and textbooks. In order to maintain a quiet atmosphere for class, students are allowed to go to their lockers only at specified times. The school reserves the right to inspect lockers at any time. Lockers may not be decorated inside or out. Students are allowed to install a lock to the locker provided the student gives a key or the combination to the principal.
Lost and FoundAny items found in the school building or on the school grounds should be given to the school secretary to be placed in the Lost and Found. Items placed in the Lost and Found remain there for 30 days. After 30 days, items are donated to charity.
Lunch ProgramA major goal of our cafeteria program is to provide nutritious lunches to our students. Students are expected to use the same manners required in the classroom during lunch. Courtesy toward other students and cooperation with lunch monitors are expected at all times.
Cold Lunch: Students may choose to bring their lunch each day. Students should not bring glass bottles, soft drinks or excessive amounts of candy. A microwave is available for student use during lunch periods. Milk is available for purchase in the lunchroom.
Hot Lunch: Holy Trinity School participates in the Laconia School System school lunch program. Hot lunch is available daily for all grades. A menu will be sent home at the beginning of each month, and can also be accessed through the school website. Please review this with
your child to help reduce food waste in the cafeteria, and to ensure that particularly the younger students are eating their lunch.
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Bagel 2nd slice pizza Soft PretzelCereal Pretzels Yo CrunchCream Cheese Smart Food Yogurt 8 oz.
Applications for free or reduced price meals are available for any family who wishes to apply. They are sent to each household at the beginning of the school year and are available year round from the office. Payment for school lunch is done through the “Meal Time Online” system. This system allows you to add money to your child’s meal account for use at any time in the future. Monies are only debited when a purchase is actually made. A Laconia school lunch meal envelope is provided for payment and must be used. ** All lunch payments must be in a Laconia school lunch meal envelope with the outside filled out. ** Checks are welcome and should be made payable to “Laconia School Food Service”. Periodic reminders will be sent home in PIE’s regarding low or negative balances. Keeping your account current is necessary in order for Holy Trinity to maintain a positive relationship with the Laconia School Food Service office. Students who have a negative balance will not be allowed to purchase lunch until the balance is brought current. Please note that in the event of a check returned for insufficient funds, the City of Laconia imposes a $25 fee per occurrence. Meal Time balances may be checked online by registering at the Laconia School Food Service website - http://www.laconia.k12.nh.us/fservice/. Your child’s password may be obtained from the H.T. office.
Parent Information Envelope (PIE)
A manila envelope comes home each Thursday with the entire week's important papers.This envelope must be signed and returned to your childs’ homeroom teacher on Friday morning . Please do not put any correspondence in the envelope upon its return!
Parent Service Opportunities
The success of a student's education is considerably promoted by the interest he/she perceives on the part of his/her parents. Reviewing your child's classroom work and tests as well as attending school functions and assemblies with him/her are all signs of care. The same is true of classroom projects, homework and meeting with the teachers. Involvement in school activities enhances the education of our children and builds the important home-school connection.
School Volunteer ProgramParent volunteers are an important aspect at Holy Trinity School. Lunch/Recess monitors, classroom help, yearbook staff and office support are all ways volunteers help in the course of the school year. As a member of the New Hampshire Partners in Education Program, the school has consistently been awarded the Blue Ribbon award recognizing the significant number of hours dedicated by volunteers. Volunteer surveys are sent home at the beginning of each school year to help give each family an opportunity to be involved in the volunteer program.
The Christian faithful of New Hampshire are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, employees, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the Diocese of Manchester. As part of that commitment, background screening is now required for all school volunteers as follows:
-40- Completion of the Diocese of Manchester Screening Form Completion of a State of New Hampshire Division of State Police “Criminal Record Release
Authorization Form”. (Must be notarized - can be done at Holy Trinity) Signed acknowledgment of the Diocese of Manchester “The Protection of Children and
Young People: Policy and Procedures” and “Code of Ministerial Conduct”. Attendance at a Protecting God’s Children Workshop
All of the above forms are available through the school office, and more information can be obtained through Mrs. Cathy Corriveau, Safe Environment Coordinator for Holy Trinity School.
Parent Teacher OrganizationThe Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), formerly HSA, is our school's parent organization. PTO is an important aspect of Holy Trinity. PTO oversees many school programs and organizes other fundraising and social events. The PTO board is made up of parents and meets regularly at announced times. The meetings are open to all interested parents, and are a great way to get involved.
Consultative School BoardMission: The mission of Holy Trinity Regional Catholic School Board is to collaborate with the principal to define the vision and to promote and to sustain the mission of Catholic school education for the people of God in our local community.
Purposes: The School Board is established according to Diocesan School Policy as a consultative board to the principal in the governance of the school under the jurisdiction of the Department of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Manchester. The board assists the principal in the formulation and review of policy regarding the philosophy, mission and goals of the school. In addition, the board helps to ensure quality and continuity in matters of spiritual, human, material and financial resources for the school. The board has responsibility and committees in the following areas: long-range strategic planning, educational policy, finance and development.
Membership: The board shall be composed of no fewer than seven and no more than eleven members. The principal and pastor are ex-officio members and are non-voting. If possible, the composition of the board shall include representation from the clergy, religious congregations and laity that are representative of the local community. In order to be eligible for membership on the board, one must be a Catholic in good standing with the teachings of the Church. All members must have a genuine interest in the advancement of Catholic school education.
Nominations and Selection for Membership: The Executive Committee will appoint, by February 1st each year, a Nominating Committee to consider candidates for Board membership. The deadline for submitting nominations shall be April 1st of each year. Nominees will be asked to submit a resume, including letters of recommendation, to the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee shall recommend potential members to the principal for approval and appointment.
Party Invitations
Party invitations are encouraged to be sent through the mail unless invitations include every member of the class. If the whole class is invited, then the invitations can be distributed by the teacher.
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Phone Calls
In the event that it is necessary to get a message to a student during the school day, a phone message may be left with the office which will be delivered to the student at an appropriate time. Students will not be called from class to take a phone call unless it is an emergency.
Service Hours
For those families who chose to take the optional school contribution, and for kindergarten families who receive the Diocesan supported tuition rate, 30 hours of service must be completed for the school before the end of the school year, or the amount of subsidy received will be billed. Service hours include preannounced work days, mailing projects arranged through the office, nursing (must meet qualifications), weekly banking, and other jobs that would normally require a paid employee of Holy Trinity to complete. While we encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom, lunchroom and in various other capacities in the school, volunteer hours are not applied to service hours. Exceptions will only be made if prior approval has been obtained from the principal.
Sports Program
The athletic program at Holy Trinity School aims to provide an interscholastic athletic experience for students in grades 5-8 that emphasizes the development of basic skills, fun and fair play. Through participation in the sports program of Holy Trinity School, student-athletes develop healthy, life-long wellness behaviors, while learning about sportsmanship, competition, school pride, and dedication.
In the design of the athletic program, the widest possible participation of students will be encouraged. Over-emphasis on competitive athletics will be avoided. Students who participate in sports must meet the behavioral and academic standards the school sets for membership on sports teams. (Failure to maintain a grade average of 70 or higher could jeopardize the student’s participation in athletics.) Fans and spectators are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times. A positive atmosphere of encouragement and support for all athletes, coaches and officials adds to the benefit of our students’ athletic experience.
The principal has final responsibility and authority for all teams. Coaches will be chosen for their character and willingness to abide by school policies, as well as for their coaching skill. Coaches are directly responsible to the school principal. All players will be expected to provide updated permission to participate in the school year signed by their healthcare provider. A per player fee is charged for each sport.
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Student Records
Student records are maintained for the benefit of the student. They will be used to promote the instruction, career development, guidance and educational progress of the student.
Conditions for Access of Student Records School faculty members will have access to students’ scholastic and behavioral records
when there is a legitimate educational interest. Designated paraprofessional and clerical staff may have access to student records for
purposes of making entries or maintenance of records but they will do so under the supervision of a certified administrator or teacher.
Guidelines for determining which faculty members have a legitimate interest in the student are as follows:
- teachers having the student in class or an activity;- personnel participating in a staff review or case review for a particular student.
Except in the case of a student who has reached the age of eighteen, all student records maintained by the school will be made available for inspection by the student’s parents or legal guardians. Inspection of student records will only be allowed in the presence of the principal or principal’s designee.
Parents will be given access to student records on school premises upon reasonable notice and within forty-five days after the request has been made.
A record of all persons having access to that file will be part of the student’s file.
Conditions for Release of Student Records Copies of student records will be released to other persons, agencies or institutions with a
legitimate interest in the student only if a written release specifying records to be released has been signed by the parent or legal guardian or by the student, if 18 years of age or older.
When records are transferred to a third party, the following written statement will accompany the transfer: “Federal statutes prohibit sharing of the contents of this record with another party without the written consent of the parents or guardians of the student.”
Release of student records may be made by the superintendent or his/her designee for use in any proceedings in compliance with judicial order or lawful subpoena, upon condition that the parents and student are notified of all such orders or subpoenas in advance of the compliance therewith by the educational institution or agency.
Student records may be released to “authorized representatives of (I) the Comptroller General of the United States, (II) the Secretary (of Education), (III) an administrative head of an educational agency without prior consent of the student or parents.”
Student records will be released within forty-five days of when the request is made. Release of student record information by telephone is prohibited except as required in
meeting emergency or unusual circumstance. Information gained as a result of conversations, conferences or staff meetings regarding
students’ problems must be kept confidential. Information gathered for research purposes will not be released in any manner that would
allow personal identification of students.
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Provisions to Challenge the Content of the Student Record Upon reviewing the student records, if the parent or guardian believes that such records are
inaccurate, inappropriate, or misleading, the parent will have the right to challenge the contents of the records. If the person responsible for the record agrees that the record is inaccurate or misleading, steps will be taken to correct the record.
If the person responsible for the record does not concur with the parent or guardian, then hearing procedures will be instituted as follows:
1. Parent or guardian will make a request for a hearing in which the objections are specified in writing to the school principal;
2. The principal will establish a date and location for the hearing agreeable to both parties;
3. The hearing will consist of the following: the principal or designated representative; a faculty member chosen by the parent; a disinterested, qualified third party appointed by the superintendent of Diocesan schools;
4. The hearing will be private. Individuals, other than the student, parents, or guardians, witnesses and counsel, will not be admitted;
5. The principal or designated representative will preside over the panel. He/she will hear evidence from school personnel and from the parents or guardians to determine the point or points of disagreement regarding the records. The principal will make a determination after hearing the evidence and decide which steps, if any, are to be taken to correct the record. Such actions are to be made in writing to the parents;
6. If after such hearing is held as described above, the parents/guardians are not satisfied with the recommended action, the parents/guardians may appeal to the diocesan superintendent where action of the hearing may be reviewed and affirmed, reversed, or modified.
Transfer of Student Records: Parents or guardians requesting the transfer of school records must do so in writing. The request must be addressed to the principal and clearly indicate the name and address of the receiving school. Official permanent record information must be mailed to the receiving school, not hand carried by the parent or guardian. Under no circumstances will Holy Trinity accept a pupil from another school without receiving proper notification from the sending school.
Other Information: Holy Trinity School is required by law to notify all parents/guardians that there is asbestos in this school. Holy Trinity School is in compliance with state and federal regulations concerning the inspection and maintenance of all asbestos. The Asbestos Management Plan is on file in the school offices and is available to any partner/guardian for inspection in the school offices upon written request. The plan may not be removed from the school offices.
Visitors: Visitors during school hours are to report to the school office via the Messer Street entrance. In case of an emergency, the office must know who is present in the building. If it is necessary to have a message, forgotten item, or anything else delivered to a child or teacher, please report to the office. Under no circumstances should a parent go directly to a classroom.
Entry Doors: To ensure the security of our children, please do not open any of the entry doors for anyone whom you do not know. Allow the Office to buzz the visitor in and greet them.
Principal's Right to Amend: The school principal retains the right to amend the handbook for just cause and parents will be given prompt notification if changes are made.
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Bullying Policy
As Catholics, we believe that everyone is created by God and loved by God. As followers of Jesus, we are called to value other people’s dignity and to treat them with respect just as Jesus did. Bullying of any kind goes against our call to be like Jesus and it is never acceptable.
Holy Trinity School is committed to providing all students with a safe school environment in which all members of its community are treated with respect. The school believes that protecting against and addressing bullying is critical for creating and maintaining a safe, secure and positive school climate and culture; supporting academic achievement; increasing school engagement; respecting the rights of others; and upholding our Christian values.
The principal or principal’s designee is responsible for ensuring that the Anti-Bullying Policy is implemented.
1. Definitions
Bullying means a single, significant incident or a pattern of incidents involving a written, verbal, or electronic communication, or a physical act or gesture, or any combination thereof, directed at another pupil which:
• Physically harms a student or damages the student’s property; or• Causes emotional distress to a student; or• Interferes with a student’s educational opportunities; or• Creates a hostile educational environment; or• Substantially disrupts the orderly operation of the school.
Cyberbullying means bullying conduct (as defined above) that is undertaken through the use of electronic devices. Electronic devices include, but are not limited to, telephones, cellular phones, computers, pagers, electronic mail, instant messaging, text messaging, electronic readers, videogames, and websites.
2. Statement of Prohibition
Bullying and cyberbullying shall not be tolerated and are hereby prohibited.
Holy Trinity School reserves the right to address all forms of prohibited conduct and, if necessary, impose discipline for such misconduct that occurs on or is delivered to school property or a school-sponsored event on or off school property; or occurs off of school property or outside of a school-sponsored activity or event, if the conduct interferes with a pupil’s educational opportunities or substantially disrupts the orderly operations of the school or school-sponsored activity or event.
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False Reporting- A student found to have knowingly made a false accusation of bullying may face disciplinary or remedial action within the discretion of the principal or principal’s designee.
Retaliation- The policy of Holy Trinity School is to encourage individuals to report bullying and cooperate with investigations. As a result, individuals who make good faith reports of bullying will not be subject to retaliation for reporting bullying or assisting in a complaint investigation.1 Anyone who believes that he/she has been subjected to retaliation for making a complaint of bullying or cooperating in connection with an investigation should report the matter to the school principal, his/her designee, or the Superintendent of Schools. Any student found to have engaged in retaliation against those described above shall be subject to disciplinary action
3. Reporting of Incidents of Bullying
Note: The identity of the reported will be protected unless otherwise required by State or Federal law.
a. Reporting During School Hours
Reporting by StudentsAny student who believes that he/she has been the victim of bullying should report the act immediately to a teacher or to any other school employee.
Any student who has knowledge of or observes bullying of another student is encouraged to report the bullying to a teacher or to any other school employee. If a student is unsure whether an incident learned of or observed may constitute bullying, the incident should be discussed with a teacher or another school employee.
Reporting by Parents/Guardians and School Volunteers-Any parent, guardian, or school volunteer who suspects, has witnessed, received a report of, or has information that a student may have been subjected to bullying is encouraged to promptly report such incident to a teacher, a school employee, or the principal.
Reporting by School Employees-Any teacher, staff member, or school employee who suspects, has witnessed, received a report of, or has reliable information that a student has been subjected to bullying or suspected bullying as defined above shall promptly report such incident to the principal or principal’s designee. ____________________________________________________________________________1 However, if after investigating any complaint of bullying, the principal or principal’s designee determines that the complaint is frivolous and was not made in good faith, or that a student has provided false information regarding the complaint, disciplinary action may be taken against the student who filed the false complaint or gave the false information.
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b. Reporting Outside of School Hours
The Diocese of Manchester has made available a phone number to be used by those who wish to report suspected incidents of bullying outside of school hours. The phone number is (603) 663- 0178. Reports made by this method will be recorded and forwarded to the appropriate school the following school day. Reporters will be encouraged to provide their names, but anonymous reports will be accepted
4. Response to ReportsInvestigation
The principal or principal’s designee shall promptly (within 2 school days) initiate an investigation into any report of bullying or suspected bullying.
Initial Notice to Parent/Guardian
The principal or principal’s designee shall promptly (within 2 school days) notify the parents/guardians of the reported victim of bullying and the parents/ guardians of the reported perpetrator of bullying of the incident. Such notification may be made orally or in writing. A waiver of this notification may be granted by the Superintendent of Schools if such waiver is deemed to be in the best interest of the victim or perpetrator.
Timeline for Investigation
The investigation will be concluded within 5 school days. An extension may be granted by the Superintendent of Schools if necessary.
Notification to Parent/Guardian Upon Completion of Investigation
Upon the conclusion of the investigation, the principal or principal’s designee shall promptly report the findings of the investigation to the parents/ guardians of the reported victim of bullying and the parents/ guardians of the reported perpetrator of bullying. Such notification may be made orally or in writing. The notification must comply with school policy and rules of confidentiality.
Written Record
A written record of any substantiated act of bullying shall be maintained by the school.
2 If the report of bullying suggests that a crime may have been committed, notifications to appropriate civil authorities must made and the school will cooperate with any investigation by law enforcement. The school’s investigation may be delayed should law enforcement become involved.
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5. Disciplinary Action for Substantiated BullyingIf an investigation concludes that a student has engaged in bullying conduct prohibited by this policy, the principal or principal’s designee shall determine the consequences on a case-by-case basis. Bullying behavior can take many forms. Accordingly, there is no single, appropriate response to substantiated acts of bullying.
When acts of bullying are identified early and/or when such acts do not reasonably require a severe disciplinary response in the judgment of the principal or designee, students should be counseled as to the definition of bullying, its prohibition, and their duty to avoid any conduct that could be considered bullying.
While bullying as defined above will generally warrant disciplinary action against the student responsible for the bullying, whether and to what extent disciplinary action is required is a matter for the discretion of the principal or designee. The goal is for the child responsible for the bullying to receive redemption, learn, and refrain from bullying others in the future. Any disciplinary or remedial action shall be designed to correct the problem behavior, prevent future occurrences of such behavior, protect the victim, provide support and assistance to the victim and perpetrator, and prevent the likelihood of retaliation.
Nothing in this policy prevents the school from taking disciplinary action against a student for conduct that does not meet the definition of bullying or cyberbullying but nevertheless is inappropriate for the school.
6. Notification
Handbooks- Holy Trinity School will provide notice of this Policy to students, staff, parents/guardians, and volunteers via student and employee handbooks.
Training-
When possible and as materials become available, the school will provide to its students, parents, staff, and volunteers information and education about the definition of bullying, the effects of bullying, the school’s prohibition of such conduct, the means of reporting bullying, and the importance of promoting a positive school climate to minimize the occurrence of bullying.
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ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS POLICY
IntroductionThe parishes, schools, and administration of the Diocese of Manchester provide and use a variety of forms of communication and information technologies. The goals in the use of electronic communications media are to spread the Gospel message; to provide information to the faithful so that they may gain a deeper understanding of their faith; to improve communication among diocesan personnel; and to allow access to the wealth of information available on the internet to parish, school, and diocesan personnel. The use of electronic communications media should be viewed as a tool to enhance productivity and further the purposes and goals of the Roman Catholic Church. It is therefore imperative that Church personnel conduct themselves in a responsible, ethical, and professional manner while using electronic communications media. All communication is subject to the boundaries established by our faith tradition, the Serving Christ, Serving Others Code of Ministerial Conduct, as well as canon and civil law.
ApplicabilityThis policy applies to all Church personnel. “Church personnel” means all clergy, members of religious institutes, lay employees, and lay volunteers who minister or otherwise provide services to the Diocese of Manchester, its parishes, schools, or institutions.
The policy applies to all “electronic communications media” including, but not limited to, telephone, facsimile, voice mail, computers, tablets, internet and internet access, and electronic mail. The term also includes data storage equipment, digital information devices, personal computers, “smart phones” and similar devices, either owned or reserved for use by the Diocese and its parishes and schools, located on or off diocesan, parish, or school premises.
The term “Church” refers to the Diocese of Manchester and its parishes, schools, institutions, and agencies.
Ownership/No Expectation of PrivacyElectronic communications media purchased or provided by the Church is Church property and subject to inspection. All information created in the course of Church business or ministry and/or produced or carried on Church electronic communications media is likewise Church property and subject to inspection. Church personnel should have no expectation of privacy in the use of electronic communications media when using Church equipment or when conducting Church-related business or ministry. Electronic communications media and any information communicated, received, or stored using such media is the exclusive property of the Church, and although the Church does not regularly monitor electronic communications, they may be monitored, reviewed, retrieved, and stored at any time by Church representatives.
Church personnel must provide their supervisors and/or the network administrator with their passwords for all Church-owned electronic communication media. Church personnel may not share passwords for electronic communications media or secured websites owned or operated by the Church with anyone other than their supervisors and/or the network administrator.
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Acceptable Use of Electronic Communications MediaNo list of rules for the appropriate use of electronic communications media can be all-inclusive, and this policy does not attempt to articulate all required or proscribed behavior by Church personnel. All communications originating at the Church or using Church-owned equipment must be consistent with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, the letter and spirit of the Serving Christ, Serving Others Code of Ministerial Conduct, civil and canon law, and the Diocese of Manchester Public Policy Directives.
• General e-mail and internet use: During office hours, church personnel are expected to use electronic communications media only for work purposes, except for limited use during break times. Limited personal use of communications is permitted on the express understanding that the Church reserves the right (for its business purposes or as may be required by law) to review Church personnel use and to inspect all material created by or stored on the electronic communications media. Use of the electronic communications media constitutes permission for the Church to monitor communications and to access files that are made on or with these communications tools.
• Mass Mailings: Church personnel must obtain prior permission from their supervisor (the pastor, principal, or for diocesan personnel, the Cabinet Secretary), to send mass electronic mailings.
• Social Networks, Blogs, Wikis, Chat Rooms, Message Boards, Online Comment Sections: Church personnel are expected to comply with the Serving Christ, Serving Others Code of Ministerial Conduct with respect to all electronic communications and use of social networks, blogs, wikis, chat rooms, message boards, twitter, and online comment sections, whether or not employees are using personal or diocesan equipment or are on personal or work time. Church personnel who seek to establish a blog or a social network site (e.g., a Facebook page) for ministry must obtain prior permission from their supervisor (the pastor, principal, or for diocesan employees, the Cabinet Secretary and the Director of Communications) and must comply with the Diocese of Manchester Guidelines for the Use of Social Networking Sites in Parish Programs set forth below. Church personnel should not provide information to a “wiki” (a web page, such as Wikipedia or Masstimes.org, that allows visitors to edit content) or online comment sections of newspaper articles, blogs, YouTube video pages, and other forums without prior permission from their supervisor.
• Linking to Other Websites: Church websites, including the websites of the Diocese of Manchester and its parishes, schools, and institutions, may provide links only to non-commercial sites that are not in conflict with the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. All links to other websites must be approved in advance by the pastor, principal, or Director of Communications. Examples of websites to which Church websites may link, include: (1) official Church sites, the Vatican, USCCB, dioceses, and archdioceses; (2) the sites of other parishes, schools, and ministries of or associated with the Diocese of Manchester; and (3) organizations under the oversight of a bishop or religious congregation or that are listed in the Official Catholic Directory.
• Downloads: Church personnel must obtain the prior permission of their supervisors or the network administrator before downloading any programs or installing any software on Church equipment. In order to prevent computer viruses from threatening the network, Church personnel should not open attachments or download content of unknown origin.
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• The use of personal e-mail accounts for communication with minors for ministry or Church-related business is discouraged. Whenever possible, official diocesan, parish, or school email accounts should be used.
• Any use of electronic communication media through Church accounts for illegal purposes or in support of illegal activities is prohibited.
• Any use of Church electronic communication media for commercial purposes is prohibited.
• Any use of Church electronic communication media for partisan political lobbying is prohibited.
• Church e-mail accounts should be used only by the authorized user(s) of the account for the authorized purpose.
Posting Photos, Videos, and Recordings: Church personnel shall not post online (including on social networking sites) photographs, videos, or recordings without obtaining prior permission for their use. If identifying information about persons depicted in photographs or videos is to be posted, prior written authorization from such persons (or in the case of a minor, the parent or guardian) is required. Such written authorization may, for example, be included in an application or release for a Church-related event or program.
Copyright Infringement: Church personnel must always respect copyrights and trademarks of third parties and their ownership claims in images, text, video and Electronic Communication Policy Version 2.0 July 2013 Page 4 of 5 audio material, software, information, and intentions. Church personnel may not copy, use, or transfer materials of others without appropriate authorization.
Guidelines for the Use of Social Networking Sites “Social Networking Sites” are online websites that are used by groups with a common interest for communication purposes. Social networking sites should be used as a means of effective communication for ministry and education rather than for befriending people or socializing. Every effort must be made to provide a safe and secure environment and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety when using the internet as a ministry tool. Thus, the following guidelines should be kept in mind when considering the use of social networking sites for programs that involve youth under the age of 18. Note: The use of social networking sites is not recommended for groups that include students younger than high school age.
The permission of the pastor, principal, or administrator must be obtained before using a social networking site for a program or ministry.
Parents must be informed in writing about the use of the social networking site. Accounts should be established for the ministry or program; personal accounts should
not be used. Minors should not be invited to be a “friend.” The minor must make the request. The site/group administrator must be an adult. Preferably, there should be two site
administrators. The site administrators are considered to work with minors and thus should have completed all safe environment requirements in accordance with diocesan policy.
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Privacy settings may be used in order to protect group members’ privacy, but communication must be transparent and ministry-oriented. Private messaging is strongly discouraged.
The administrator should pre-approve or regularly monitor all comments and postings. Any inappropriate content should be deleted, and the person who posted it should be contacted and reminded that improper content is not acceptable.
Rules of conduct should be posted on the site.• The main purpose of the site should be for general communication about group events
rather than for chatting or socializing.• All information displayed on the site should reflect the Catholic faith.• Postings should be written as though others will read them. Communications can easily
be shared with others for whom they are not intended.• Whenever possible, copies of communications sent to youth should be maintained.
Parents should be copied on communications when possible.• Photographs may not be “tagged” on social networking sites, such as Facebook.
Further InformationFurther Information Additional information about the Electronic Communications Policy may be obtained by contacting the Director of Communications for the Diocese of Manchester.
Electronic Communication Policy Version 2.0 July 2013
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