family handbook 2014-2015 · mrs. karen skinner computer teacher mrs. janet dubina director of...
TRANSCRIPT
FAMILY HANDBOOK 2014-2015
MISSION STATEMENT
Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School is a Catholic elementary school jointly sponsored by four parishes: St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Julie Billiart, and St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr. Under the collaborative leadership of these parishes, it provides a unique regional vehicle for the total faith formation of its students according to the educational policies established by the Archdiocese of Chicago. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School stems from and supports the evangelization and catechetical ministries of its sponsoring parishes by providing a Christ-centered quality Catholic education. The school offers academic instruction of the highest caliber within a community of students, faculty, families, staff and clergy that promotes the teachings of the Church, reverence for the liturgy, prayer, proper formation of conscience, development of virtue, and social service outreach. Respecting the dignity of the individual person and sensitive to the needs of a diverse society, we strive to enhance and strengthen the faith and spirituality students first acquire in their homes. Committed to the highest standards of academic excellence, it provides the best possible education for its students by developing the knowledge, attitudes, and skills essential for lifelong learning. As a Catholic school, it shows how Jesus illumines all of life, including academics. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School inspires and encourages its students to live according to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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CJB COMMUNITY Pastors Rev. James Finno, Executive Pastor, St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr Parish Rev. William Corcoran, Pastor, St. Elizabeth Seton Parish Rev. Artur Sowa, Pastor, St. Francis of Assisi Parish Rev. Louis Tylka, Pastor, St. Julie Billiart Parish Administration Ms. Mary Iannucilli, Principal Mr. John Kasel, Assistant Principal
Mrs. Cynthia Devlin, Director of Enrollment / Administrative Assistant Mrs. Catherine Driscoll, Business Manager
Faculty/Staff
Pre-K 3 (half-day) TBA Pre-K 3 (full-day) Mrs. Lisa Murphy
Pre-K 4 (half-day) Mrs. Sharon O’Toole Pre-K 4 (full-day) Mrs. Beth Rachanski
Kindergarten Mrs. Heather Brennan Mrs. Christine Cavanaugh Mrs. Mary McSherry Smith
1st Grade Ms. Julie Martin Mrs. Maria Niemiec Ms. Jessica Serafin
2nd Grade Mrs. Cynthia Burnett Mrs. Kathleen Sherwood Ms. Kimberly Sluis
3rd Grade Ms. Kerry Daliege Ms. Marie Iannotta
4th Grade Ms. Elizabeth Badali Mrs. Priscilla Drown Mrs. Donna Hynes
5th Grade Mrs. Cindy Gutrich Mrs. Janice McLaughlin
6th Grade Ms. Barbara Kristin Ms. Adrian Kurzweil Religion Coordinator (part-time) Mrs. Mary Vlaming Inclusive Education Director Mrs. Leah Duszynski Reading Support Instructor Mrs. Judi Gorecki Art Teacher and Health Mrs. Mary Matthews
7th Grade Mrs. Marnie O’Neill Ms. Kristin Roy 8th Grade Mrs. Erin Geary Mrs. Chris Kirk Athletic Director Mr. Bob Myjak Physical Education Teacher Mrs. Patricia Cesario
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Spanish Teacher Mrs. Angelica Alvarez Media Specialist/Librarian Ms. Winnie Lau
Music Teacher Mr. Kevin Psolka-Green Band Director Mr. Jim Rallis
School Nurse (part-time) Mrs. Karen Skinner
Computer Teacher Mrs. Janet Dubina
Director of Extended Care Mrs. Donna Vimarco Marketing (part-time) Mrs. Meg Kulpinski Office/Bookstore Manager and Receptionist Mrs. Teri Zintak Teacher Assistants Mrs. Colleen Baffoe Mrs. Laurie De Mik-Renn Mrs. Patricia Doyle Mrs. Amy Dwyer Mrs. Lori Jacobsen Mrs. Denise Kresal Ms. Kathleen Krol Mrs. Jennifer Krueger Ms. Delaney Ludwig Mrs. Pat Mullin Mrs. Carol Nowobilski Mrs. Marianne Powers Mrs. Michelle Ruzella Mrs. Lisa Sassetti
*Extern Program (part-time) Ms. Breanne Higgins Ms. Kristin Shultis *Externs are not CJB employees. Externs are
supervised by Dr. Cheryl Scallon. Parish and School Liaison Mrs. Karen Calcagno SCRIP Mrs. Corinna Pytel (Program Director) Food Service Professionals Ms. Mary Beeson Ms. Janice Pacente, Food Server Maintenance Mr. Joseph Shake
School Advisory Council Members
Father Jay Finno, Executive Pastor Ms. Mary Iannucilli, Principal
St. Elizabeth Seton Mr. Todd Shafer (Vice Chair) Mr. Len Shankman Mrs. Tricia Soltys
St. Francis of Assisi Mr. Dave Bernas (Finance Chair) Mr. Michael Freisleben (Secretary)
St. Julie Billiart Mrs. Eileen Conneely Mr. Paul Isherwood (Chair) TBA
St. Stephen, Deacon & Martyr Dr. Brian DuMais Mrs. Merita Kulpinski Mr. John Sullivan
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Academic Information/Needs of Students 22-25 Hours 8
Academic Policies 19-21 Insurance 56
Academic Probation 24 Lost and Found 56
AEDs 47 Mission Statement 1
Agreement Forms 66 National Junior Honor Society 24
Alcohol Consumption 50 Non-Discrimination Policies 50
Athletic Policies 51-53 Parent/Guardian Conduct 66
Attendance Policies/Tardy 27 Park Use 54
Book Bags/Backpacks 54 Parties 54
Bullying Prevention 62 Pets/Service Animals 46
Calendar (Preliminary) 5-7 Philosophy of Education 9
Character Formation 15 PowerSchool/PowerTeacher 25
Cheating 21 Principal’s Right to Amend Handbook 66
Child Abuse and Neglect 54 Psychology Externs 22
CJB Community 2-3 Public School Testing 25
Class Size 38 Registration Policies 36
Communication 16-18 Report Cards and Grades 23-24
Conduct and Discipline 59-61 Retention 25
Curriculum 10-14 Room Assignments 26
Custody 54 School Closings 29
Database Information 38 School Facilities 49
Development 30 School-Sponsored Trips 56
Desks, Lockers, Personal and School Property 57 School Structure and Organizations 48
District 135 Bus 56 Shadow Days 55
Electronic Devices 57 Specials Classes Grading 23
Emergency Forms 29 Spiritual Formation 15
Emergency Procedures 28 Standardized Testing Program 25
Extended Day 63 Student Accident or Injury 29
Extra-Curricular Activities 55 Student Records 26
Family School Association 49 Summer School 25
Field Trips/Shadow Days 55 Supervision 54
Financial Accounts 33 Technology 19-21
Financial Assistance 33 Textbooks and Library Books 56
Fundraising 30-31 Traffic 45
Health Policies 39-40 Tuition 32-35
Homework 21 Uniform Policy 61-62
Honor Roll 24 Virtual Friday Folder Submission Guideline 17
Hot Lunch Program 56 Vision Statement 9
Visitors/Volunteers 46-49
Wellness Policy 41-44
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PRELIMINARY SCHOOL CALENDAR
Remember to consult the monthly CJB newsletter, Virtual Friday Folders, and Teachers’ weekly notices for calendar updates/changes. Extra-curricular academic activities will be announced through the Club Moderator/Teacher. Athletic activities will be announced via the Athletic Director. Scout activities will be announced via Scout Leaders. Not all events are recorded below.
Friday, August 22 Extended Day begins AM and PM
School Begins (full day) for Grades 1-8 7:40a-2p
Opening Prayer and Flag Ceremony 8a
Dismissal 2p
NO D135 BUS
FRIDAY mornings, when school is in session, SCRIP will be sold in the Church Hall from 7:30a-8:15a (watch monthly calendar for dates when SCRIP will not be sold)
Monday, August 25 tentative first day of D135 Bus
Kindergarten “Supply Drop-Off Day”
Pre-K “Curriculum Meeting” PM: (PLC)
Tuesday, August 26 First Day of School for 4-Pre-K and for Kindergarten
“Stay and Play” for 3 Pre-K
Mass of the Holy Spirit (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Wednesday, August 27 First Day of School for 3-Pre-K
Band try-outs: Grade 4 (all students) and Grades 5/6 (new students only)
AM (tba) (L18)
Normal SCRIP schedule resumes -- WEDNESDAY evenings, when school is in session, SCRIP will be sold in the Church Hall from 6p-7p (watch monthly calendar for dates when SCRIP will not be sold).
Monday, September 1 LABOR DAY HOLIDAY NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, September 2 “Curriculum” Meetings Grade Level TBA PLC
Wednesday, September 3 Band Open House (for parents of “new beginners”) 4:30p-7:30p (Music Room)
Monday, September 8 Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, September 9 Grandperson's Day 8:30a-10a
Closing Prayer – Prayer of Remembrance 9:45a-10a (Broadcast)
Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Wednesday, September 10 tentative “Curriculum” Meetings Grade Level TBA LOCATION TBA
Thursday, September 11 Girl Scout Registration 7p SSDM
Friday, September 12 Boy Scout Round-Up 7p SSDM
Tuesday, September 16 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
Wednesday, September 17 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
tentative “Curriculum” Meeting Grade Level TBA LOCATION TBA
Thursday, September 18 Room Parent Luncheon 10:15a-12:15p (PLC)
Friday, September 19 5TH ANNUAL CJB GOLF OUTING (Glen Eagles CC) No School for Students
Tuesday, September 23 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Saturday, September 27 FSA Father Daughter Dance PM: Upton Hall - SFA
Tuesday, September 30 St. Francis Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Thursday, October 2 School Photos PLC
Tuesday, October 7 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Monday, October 13 Columbus Day NO SCHOOL
Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Wednesday, October 15 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Friday, October 17 High School Presentations to 8th Grade AM (PLC)
Tuesday, October 21 Red Ribbon Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
Friday, October 24 FSA Halloween Party PM: GYM
Tuesday, October 28 All Saints’ Day Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Friday, October 31 Halloween Activities TBA
Early Dismissal due to Arch of Chicago Meeting 11:30a Dismissal
Tuesday, November 4 tentative Liturgy of Remembrance (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
tentative Reception 1p-2p (Church Narthex)
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Friday, November 7 2nd Grade Prayer Service 8a-11a (Homerooms)
FSA’s LADIES NIGHT OUT Upton Hall SFA
Monday, November 10 Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, November 11 Liturgy (K-8) and NJHS Induction 12:15p (SES Church)
Wednesday, November 12 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Tuesday, November 18 Thanksgiving Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (SES Conf Rm)
Monday, November 24 NO D135 BUS TODAY
Dismissal 11:30a
No PM Extended Day today
Parent Teacher Student Conferences 12:30-5:00p
Tuesday, November 25 No Extended Day today / No School (class) Today
Parent Teacher Student Conferences (no classes) 11a-8p
Wednesday, November 26 Staff Development Day at SJB NO SCHOOL for Students
Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Holiday NO SCHOOL
Friday, November 28 Holiday (No SCRIP Today) NO SCHOOL
Monday, December 1 School Resumes
Tuesday, December 2 Advent Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Monday, December 8 tentative Reconciliation Service 12:15p (Church)
Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, December 9 tentative Reconciliation Service 12:15p (Church)
Wednesday, December 10 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Friday, December 12 tentative Band or Choir Concert TBA
Saturday, December 13 FSA 8th Grade Christmas Dance SJB
Tuesday, December 16 Advent/Christmas Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Wednesday, December 17 tentative Band or Choir Concert TBA
Friday, December 19 Dismissal 2pm
No PM Extended Day
December 22 - January 4 Christmas Holiday Vacation
Monday, January 5 School Resumes (Bus Service Resumes)
Tuesday, January 6 St. Elizabeth Seton Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Saturday, January 10 Catholic High School Testing TBA
Monday, January 12 Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, January 13 St. Stephen Celebration Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Monday, January 19 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY HOLIDAY NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 20 CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
Wednesday, January 21 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Sunday, January 25 Catholic Schools Weekend Masses at Parishes
CJB OPEN HOUSE FOR NEW FAMILIES 1-3p
Week of January 26-30 CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK FESTIVITIES ALL WEEK
Tuesday, January 27 Volunteer Recognition Day TBA
Friday, January 30 Catholic Schools Week Mass (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Tuesday, February 3 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Monday, February 9 Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, February 10 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Thursday, February 12 St. Valentine’s Day Dance for Jr. High time TBA (PLC)
Friday, February 13 Professional Development Day NO SCHOOL for Students
Monday, February 16 PRESIDENT’S DAY NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, February 17 CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
Wednesday, February 18 ASH WEDNESDAY Prayer Service (PLC)
Tuesday, February 24 Lent Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Wednesday, February 25 tentative Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Monday, March 2
Pulaski Day – CJB School IS in Session today NO DISTRICT 135 BUS TODAY
TERRA NOVA TESTS March 3-6
Tuesday, March 3 Lent Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Saturday, March 7 Band Solo Contest Time TBA (L15, L16, L17, L18, Commons)
Monday, March 9 Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, March 10 Lent Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Monday, March 16 Reconciliation Service
Tuesday, March 17 Reconciliation Service
CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
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Wednesday, March 18 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Thursday, March 19 GAME SHOW Superstars 8:30a – Grades 5-8 9:45a – Grades K-4 (PLC)
Tuesday, March 24 Lent Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Thursday, March 26 CJB: State of the School Address 7p (Child care available) (PLC)
Sunday, March 28 PALM SUNDAY
Tuesday, March 31 Holy Week Service (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Wednesday, April 1 NO SCRIP TODAY (Holy Week)
Thursday, April 2 Holy Thursday SCHOOL IS IN SESSION TODAY
Friday, April 3 Good Friday NO SCHOOL
Sunday, April 5 EASTER SUNDAY
Week of April 6 EASTER BREAK
Monday, April 13 Classes Resume
Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, April 14 St. Julie Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Friday, April 17 2nd Grade Communion Prayer Retreat 8a-11a (PLC)
Tuesday, April 21 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
Wednesday, April 22 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
Tuesday, April 28 Liturgy (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Friday, May 1 Spring Band Concert 9a Grades 3-6 (PLC) 7p Families (PLC)
Tuesday, May 5 Marian Devotion and 8th Grade Ribbon Ceremony 12:15p (Church)
Friday, May 8 Mother’s Day Events for 2nd Grade In Homerooms
Monday, May 11 Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, May 12 2nd Graders Arrive at CJB 11a
Photos 11:30a-12n (PLC)
First Communicant Mass (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
Communion Celebration Reception 1p (PLC)
Friday, May 15 Boy Scout Rank Advancement Ceremony SSDM
Tuesday, May 19 Scout Mass (K-8) 12:15p (Church)
CJB Advisory Council Meeting 7:15p (Great Room)
Wednesday, May 20 Market Day 5:30p (GYM Commons)
tentative Spring Choir Concert 7p (PLC)
Thursday, May 21 Girl Scout End of Year Celebration SSDM
Friday, May 22 Teacher Inservice Day NO SCHOOL for Students
Monday, May 25 MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY NO SCHOOL
Monday, June 1 8th Grade “Activity Day”
Tuesday, June 2 8th Grade Graduation Practice SES
Wednesday, June 3 8th Grade Graduation Award Recognition and Dinner Dance 5p (Orland Chateau)
tentative Last Day of AM and PM D135 Bus
Thursday, June 4 NO D135 Bus Today
Graduation Mass (K-8) 12:15p (SES Church)
Graduation Ceremony 7p (SES)
Friday, June 5 No D135 BUS Today
Kindergarten Celebration and Mass 11:30a (SES)
Monday, June 8 No D135 BUS
tentative Field Day today
Athletic Board Meeting 7p (Parish Conf. Room)
Tuesday, June 9 No D135 BUS
Last Full Day of School for Grades 1-7
Recognition Assemblies (Grades 1-3 and 4-7) (PLC)
Mass – Grades 1-7 12:15p (SES Church)
No PM Extended Day
June 10-15 TEACHER INSTITUTE DAY and/or EMERGENCY DAYS if needed
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SCHOOL HOURS
The school day is as follows:
Extended Day Begins 6:30am School Office Opens 7:00am Doors Open For Students 7:15am First Bell Rings 7:35am Tardy Bell Rings 7:40am Morning PreK Dismissal 10:40am Afternoon PreK Begins 11:00am Afternoon Dismissal 2:00pm School Office Closes 3:00pm Extended Day Closes 6:00pm
All extra-curricular school programs (with the exception of Athletic Programs being held in the gym) must conclude and vacate by 3:15pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.
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THE PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION We believe that the focus of the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School experience is to motivate students to learn, which in turn, will enhance their self-esteem. Our goal is to prepare students to be life-long learners as well as responsible members of their community, able to interact with people of all races and nationalities as they go out into the world. Parents play a critical role in the support and enhancement of the educational and faith development of their child. Organized parental involvement is encouraged. Cardinal Bernardin School supports the Mission of each of the four sponsoring parishes while building a school community of believers. Modeling after the life of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin, all members of the school community work together to build a faith community where peace is pervasive and respect for all of God’s people is expected. The Cardinal Bernardin School incorporates multidisciplinary approaches to meet the learning needs of each student. By fostering a non-competitive environment, the children grow in understanding their individual learning abilities, while being challenged to meet the highest academic standards. The curriculum meets the needs of the whole child. All areas of the curriculum teach children how to think critically and express themselves clearly. The use of and training in technology supports ongoing trends in education. The curriculum builds upon community resources to teach life skills. The role of the teacher is to share and support the school’s philosophy, mission, and goals. The teacher facilitates learning by utilizing multiple resources with a team approach to teaching. The teacher is a part of the school’s religious dimension by Christian attitude and example. Cardinal Bernardin students strive to develop their own personal identities while maximizing their God-given talents. They are expected to be respectful, accepting, and cooperative with each other and with their teachers. Our hope is that the Cardinal Bernardin student approaches learning with openness and eagerness, while remaining joyful in their endeavors, appreciative of their opportunities, and willing to share with others as they grow in faith and wisdom. VISION STATEMENT Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School is a state-of-the-art school designed to meet the needs of Pre-school to 8
th Grade students from four sponsoring parishes whose parents desire
a quality Catholic education. Our excellent curriculum and extra-curricular programs have flourished because of the dedicated and hard-working staff and administration. Therefore, in light of the mission of Catholic education:
We will educate and form our students to become faith-filled Catholic men and women who will give service to their community and church. We will continue to investigate and develop positive marketing strategies and fiscally-sound funding to maintain a viable model for the regional school concept. We will continue to expand our programs to meet the diverse educational and social needs of our families. We will provide our students with the equipment and curriculum in an interdisciplinary approach to be prepared to thrive in this technological world. We at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School continually strive for excellence in our administration and faculty, in our parishes, and in the hearts of our children.
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CURRICULUM
Process of Curriculum Development The first foundation document of the school is the Mission Statement. The school’s Mission Statement is a statement of purpose. It states why the school was founded. It states who we are as a school. It is published on the school’s marketing materials and is prominently posted in the school building as well. It is a visible, public document. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School Mission Statement, along with the school’s Constitution and the Pastor’s agreements, were written by the Steering Committee and approved by Cardinal George in June, 1999. The Mission Statement is printed on the first page of this Handbook. From the Mission Statement flows the Philosophy of Education, the second foundation document of a school. The Philosophy states what we believe about Catholic Education as a school. It contains the following elements:
Purpose of Education/Role of the School
Role of the Parent
Religious Dimensions of the School
How Children Learn
Role of the Curriculum
Role of the Teacher
Role of the Student
The Faculty Curriculum Committee developed the Philosophy of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School over a period of meetings during January through March, 2000. Comments, input, and approval were sought and received from the Pastors and from the School Council. The Philosophy was adapted in March, 2000, by the Curriculum Committee and was approved by the Principal.
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SUBJECT AREA CURRICULUM GOALS These goals are being revised during the 2014-2015 school year. As a result of their education at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School students will be able to: 1. Understand the importance of working cooperatively in a group situation by sharing the skills,
knowledge and ideas that individuals bring to the group. 2. Realize a solid platform of knowledge preparing them to contribute to and interact with their
family, Church, community, nation, and the world around them. 3. Utilize technology resources (PC computers, Internet, calculators, educational videos, and
satellite) to obtain information and results, develop strategies for problem solving, and communicate and share ideas to enrich and enhance the classroom curriculum.
RELIGION GOALS 1. Understand the beliefs, prayers and traditions of their Catholic faith. 2. Demonstrate the social justice teachings of the Church through respect for all peoples and
service to others. 3. Determine appropriate moral choices based on Gospel values. 4. Participate in the liturgical and community life of their parish. 5. Know the Biblical traditions of our Judeo-Christian faith. LANGUAGE ARTS GOALS Reading 1. Read with fluency, comprehending and understanding vocabulary. 2. Read a variety of genres, using phonics, whole language, and writing strategies. 3. Develop a life-long appreciation of reading for information and pleasure. English 1. Write to communicate for a variety of purposes. 2. Listen and speak effectively in a variety of situations. 3. Use ability-appropriate grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and sentence structure
to communicate in written and oral forms. 4. Use the language arts to acquire, assess, and communicate information.
MATHEMATICS GOALS
1. Approach problems in an organized manner, analyze data and information, reason through alternatives and visualize solutions.
2. Approach mathematical problem solving as part of a team. 3. Confidently compute, estimate, measure, describe patterns, use symbols and relate
geometry to real life. 4. Read, write, and talk about situations involving numbers, variable symbols, equations,
figures, graphs and charts enabling students to be mathematically literate.
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SCIENCE GOALS
1. Know and apply the concepts, processes, and principles of scientific inquiry. 2. Demonstrate the concept of scientific method through posing questions, making predictions,
gathering data, using appropriate measurement methods, analyzing results and drawing conclusions based on evidence.
3. Develop students’ attitudes of curiosity and involvement with occurrences in their environment.
4. Understand the concepts, principles and interconnections of life, physical, and earth sciences.
5. Foster development of critical thinking skills through application of science concepts. 6. Utilize and incorporate technology in scientific method and inquiry. HEALTH GOALS Spiritual, mental and physical health is incorporated across the curriculum. In addition, a Health course is taught in seventh grade and eighth grade. 1. Identify and demonstrate health promotion and disease prevention concepts. 2. Access and utilize valid health information and health promoting products and services. 3. Practice behaviors that promote health and reduce health risks. 4. Analyze the influence of culture, media, technology and other factors on health. 5. Utilize social and communication skills to enhance health. 6. Use goal-setting and decision-making skills to enhance health. 7. Advocate for personal, family and community health.
SOCIAL STUDIES GOALS 1. Understand political system works here in the United States and other world nations. 2. Understand general economic systems here in the United States and other world nations. 3. Understand major events, trends, and influential individuals that have shaped the history of
Illinois, the United States, and other world nations. 4. Understand world geography and the effects of geography on society here in the United
States and other world nations. 5. Understand the various social systems here in the United States and other world nations. TECHNOLOGY GOALS Early Elementary By the end of third grade, the student will:
Identify and use the letters, shift, enter, backspace, delete, spacebar, caps lock, and tab keys
Identify the parts of the computer hardware
Point, click, and drag using a mouse
Identify the desktop and icons on the desktop
Create a picture using clipart and graphic tools
Implement a word processing program to create signs, poems, and posters
Utilize the alignment, font editing/style tools (font, size, style, and color), and spell check when creating word processing documents.
Import graphic pictures and clipart into word processing documents
Design a several slide multimedia presentation composed of a title slide, text and graphic slides, and chart slides
Implement proper Internet safety rules
Demonstrate good Digital Citizenship
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Intermediate By the end of fifth grade, the student will:
Implement a spreadsheet program to display data, perform basic computations, and create charts
Incorporate word art and textboxes into word processing documents
Create a header and footer in a word and spreadsheet document
Collect information from the Internet applying the information to word processing and spreadsheet documents, and multimedia presentations
Create spreadsheet documents illustrating properly formatted data and charts
Create multimedia presentations using bullet points and including notes to enhance their presentation
Incorporate links, transitions and animation into multimedia presentations
Import/record voice/music into a multimedia presentation
Properly document Internet sources
Implement proper Internet safety rules
Demonstrate good Digital Citizenship Junior High By the end of Junior High, the student will:
Write research paper by navigating the Internet for information, creating title page, outline page, bibliography page, and importing pictures to illustrate topic
Create spreadsheets utilizing more advanced tools (Fill Tool, Sort Tool, Formulas)
Print spreadsheets with and without gridlines and headings, showing formulas or showing results of computations
Create digital movie using Movie Maker
Photograph images using a digital camera
Incorporate digital photographs into multimedia presentations, word processing documents, and Movie Maker digital movies
Navigate the Internet to enhance the classroom curriculum and complete word processing, spreadsheet, and multimedia presentations
Program LEGO Robots to move
Implement proper Internet safety rules including safety rules when utilizing social media websites
Demonstrate good Digital Citizenship MUSIC GOALS 1. Understand and identify the basic elements and principles of music. 2. Demonstrate musical concepts of rhythm, tempo, melody, harmony, form timbre, and
dynamics through various cycles of experiences involving singing, playing instruments, listening and movement.
3. Read and interpret traditional musical notation representing pitch, rhythm, meter and dynamics.
4. Analyze and describe a variety of musical styles and forms in aural examples representing all time periods and cultures.
5. Utilize available technology to enhance and expand musical growth and development. ART GOALS 1. Understand and identify the elements and principles of art and acquire a working vocabulary
of descriptive words. 2. Analyze how art functions in history, society and every day life. 3. Utilize technology to enhance and expand the art experience. 4. Develop manipulative and organizational skill in various art media.
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5. Demonstrate the ability to follow directions and perform a sequence of steps in a particular process.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION GOALS 1. Develop and maintain efficient and effective motor skills in a wide range of activities. 2. Develop personal qualities and patterns of behavior which make possible more effective
social relationships, self-control, fair play, respect for others, responsibility, loyalty, cooperation, and courtesy.
3. Develop confidence and a positive self-image through participation in physical activity. 4. Develop an understanding of the physical education department rules and regulations. 5. Develop an appreciation for the enjoyment and the necessity of physical activity throughout
life. WORLD LANGUAGE GOALS 1. Gain a basic knowledge of the Spanish language and establish a working comfort level in the
usage of the language. 2. Give students an introduction to Spanish-speaking countries, cultures and languages. 3. Gain an awareness of the Spanish-speaking cultures around us. 4. Develop students’ attitudes of curiosity about other cultures and languages. LIBRARY GOALS 1. To be able to locate fiction and non-fiction books independently. 2. To develop an appreciation of various authors and genres. 3. To be able to access and evaluate information efficiently and effectively. 4. To understand the value of books and other media as sources of information and recreation. The Curriculum Committee reviews, evaluates, and revises subject area and grade level goals on a cyclical basis. The committee is in consistent alignment with the recommended Archdiocesan Curriculum content areas, which are also aligned with the Illinois State standards and the Common Core State Standards. The CJB Curriculum Guide and the Subject Area Goals will be revised for the 2015-2016 school year.
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SPIRITUAL FORMATION
In addition to the faith development provided in our religion curriculum, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School provides daily opportunities to enhance the spiritual growth of the child. The school provides opportunities for prayer, celebration of Liturgy, reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, seasonal services and many other spiritual opportunities. You are encouraged to participate in special school liturgies, to unite with your child at these celebrations, and to be an active part of building a Faith Community. The school builds upon the faith foundation received at home. It is essential that the family celebrate the Liturgy as a family at Sunday Mass in the parish. The school prepares children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the reception of Eucharist as part of the second grade religion program. Children review sacramental teaching of Reconciliation in fourth grade at a deeper level than was done in second grade. One’s parish may celebrate a special Reconciliation service. Families are to follow the directives of their parish in this regard. The children are prepared in grades seven and eight so that they might receive Confirmation in the eighth grade. The parish staffs direct the sacramental programs and celebrations for Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. Programs are planned which call for parental participation and involvement. It is imperative that parents attend these Sacramental Preparation Sessions in their respective parishes. Parents are informed of these sessions and their dates and times through a mailing from the Religious Education Office of one’s parish. Parents should contact their Parish Religious Education Office with specific questions regarding sacramental sessions, celebrations, etc.
CHARACTER FORMATION Good character doesn’t just happen. In order to develop good character, it is necessary for the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin student faculty, staff and parents to work in partnership. We are all responsible to develop each child’s character by teaching right from wrong in the Christian framework and to act as positive Christian role models. We must work together so that the Christian moral messages we send to our children are clear and consistent. The school is very grateful for our Parent Volunteers who directly assist us with the VIRTUE Program that teaches Christian values and good moral standards. The Pastors and Associate Pastors also participate in the Chaplain Program with monthly visits with all grade levels.
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COMMUNICATION Communication Guidelines At Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School, we believe communication between home and school is essential for developing and maintaining working relationships with our parents. We recognize that it is important for parents to know what is happening in their child’s classroom. Like all forms of communication, school to home communication (and vice versa) is most effective when a two-way, consistent and valid exchange of information occurs. A mutual partnership between home and school is essential to foster each child’s positive learning experience. The responsibility of this communication lies with both the school staff and parents. Parents are encouraged to establish contact with the staff throughout the school year with questions, information, concerns.
There are multiple ways for staff and parents to communicate and to collaborate with each other in the education of our students. We have outlined the various communication tools that are in place at our school: Emergency Messages to Students during School Hours For emergency situations, transportation messages or extended day-related issues, parents are to leave a verbal message with the Receptionist, who will contact the teacher / student to relay the message immediately. During school hours, the receptionist will take a message for emergency situations only. Communication with Faculty, Staff or Administration We welcome communication by phone, letter or e-mail. Every effort is made to respond by the next school day. However, response time may vary with the complexity of the issue and the schedule of the person contacted. A parent will receive a response within two school days.
An issue involving grades or classroom situations should be directed to the teacher as the first contact. If additional discussion or resolution is needed, the parent and/or teacher should contact an administrator.
No teacher will be connected to a phone call during teaching hours. A voicemail may be left for the teacher. Email addresses and phone extensions are in the Student Directory and on the web page.
Parent / Teacher Meetings and Communications
New Parents: Orientation is held at the beginning of each new school year for all new parents to learn more about the school, its curriculum and polices.
Pre-K/Kindergarten: An informational meeting is held for all parents which outlines day-to-day activities and plans for the coming year. This meeting is held prior to the first day of school.
Parent Meeting: Informational meetings for various grade levels are hosted within the first
few weeks of school, at which time teachers present curricular expectations and class requirements.
Family School Association Information Meetings: The FSA hosts informational meetings for parents, such as the New Family Orientation, High School Night, “Mission, Marketing & Money – What Sustains CJB,” and other topics of interest to parents. Additionally, the FSA sponsors special events and activities to promote school and community spirit.
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Conferences and Report Cards: Annual parent-teacher-student conferences are held during November after the first quarter. Progress reports are sent each mid-quarter to parents whose children show need for improvement. In the Spring, an optional parent-teacher-student conference may be offered. Additional parent-teacher conferences may be scheduled as needed during the year at the request of a teacher or of a parent.
Emails, Phone Calls, Written Notes: Teachers will also contact families through email, phone calls, or written notes when there is a concern or need to provide feedback on the student’s progress or behavior. Notes may include positive reinforcements, grading rubrics, homework notes (“pink slips”), behavior notes (“blue slips”), or out-of-uniform slips (“green slips”).
General School Communication
Virtual Friday Folders will be available by email each Friday or on the last day school is in session for shorter weeks. Included will be announcements and information regarding school-wide events. Individual classroom information may also be available on the school website. The Virtual Friday Folder will be sent to all email addresses which have been provided to the school. Virtual Friday Folder Submission Guidelines When sending documents to be added to the Virtual Friday Folder, please follow the guidelines listed below. Documents that do not follow these guidelines will not be added to the VFF. All documents are subject to administrative approval prior to adding them to the VFF.
All documents must be emailed to the Assistant Principal at [email protected] each week by Thursday at noon.
All documents must be sent in MS Word.
Any document sent in a PDF format will need to be re-submitted in MS Word.
All documents must have 1-inch margins on all four sides (top, bottom, left and right).
When sending a document, please place in the body of the email what week(s) you wish the document to be run. Re-sending the document weekly is acceptable.
All fonts used within the document should be easy to read. Please do NOT use Arial font, as there have been issues with the Arial font within the VFF documents in the past.
Do NOT use text boxes or shapes
Do NOT use more than 1-2 images (pictures or clip art) per document.
Do NOT use MS Word letter art. If there are any content or formatting problems with your document submission, you will be contacted ASAP with regard to any changes that may be necessary prior to publication.
Website: www.cjbschool.org is our new school website address. CJB’s website is an online
portal that allows parents, students, and teachers access to school information. This website provides the history of CJB, our Mission Statement, Curriculum Guide, Family Handbook, Calendar, Information on Clubs and Athletics, Teacher Pages, Alumni Page, Book Store Items, Volunteer information and more. The PowerSchool program will now be the tool by which parents may access their child’s grades. PowerSchool can be accessed by a link on the CJB website.
Newsletters:
Grades PreK-2: Weekly Teacher / Classroom Newsletters posted on teacher pages Grade 3: Bi-Weekly Teacher / Classroom Newsletters on teacher pages Grades PreK-8: The Principal’s monthly newsletter highlights upcoming events, as
well as information regarding the School Advisory Council, Family School Association, clubs, sports, and accomplishments of individual students or classes.
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Bernardin Beacon: A newsletter prepared by the Principal is mailed to parishioners of the four sponsoring parishes. This publication highlights news of interest to alumni, parishioners, and friends of CJB.
Communication of Assignments and Tests
All Assignments Posted online Grades PK-2: Weekly Teacher / Classroom Newsletters (on teacher pages online) Grades 3-8: Assignment Notebooks and teacher page instructions (online) Test Grades Grades 1-3: The top summary sheet for the Reading Theme Tests is sent home
for parent signature. Grades K-3: All failing tests are sent home for parent signature. Grades 4-8: All below-average (D) and failing tests will not be sent home for
parent signature. Parents are now able to check test grades through PowerSchool.
The CJB Back-to-School Packet Pick-Up is held the week prior to the start of school in
August. A packet which includes teacher room assignment(s) and the school Handbook will be distributed; other pertinent information will be sent via Virtual Friday Folder. Teachers are available during this event – either in their classroom or on St. Elizabeth Seton’s parish grounds. The Book Store is open for the purchase of supplies or gym uniforms.
Parent Open House: A formal open house is held each January during Catholic Schools Week to allow parents to visit and observe their child’s classroom.
Room Parent communication is also a valuable part of the home-to-school communication
plan. Room parents will contact parents with requests to assist with classroom activities and field trips.
School Weather Closings: In cases of inclement weather requiring school closing,
notification will be sent through the School Reach system. The message will also be posted on the school website. Due to shared transportation with the local public schools, the Principal will be in contact with the public school Superintendent before an announcement is made. In addition, when the Archdiocese of Chicago announces that all parochial school are closed, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School will close.
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ACADEMIC POLICIES
TECHNOLOGY Computer Acceptable Use Policy The following information is intended to clarify expectations as they apply to computer and network usage in schools. Elementary and secondary schools may provide technology resources to its students and staff for educational and administrative purposes. The goal in providing these resources is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation and communication with the support and supervision of parents/guardians, teachers, and support staff. The use of these technology resources is a privilege, not a right. Access to computers provides the potential availability of material that may not be considered of educational value in the context of the school setting. Appropriate behavior, as it relates to the use of computers, is no different from behavior expectations in all other aspects of the learning and instructional program. All users are expected to use the computers and computer networks in a responsible and ethical manner. Computer and Internet instruction will be included in the curriculum at the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. Students will be expected to use the computer equipment and the Internet appropriately. This document contains details for acceptable use and consequences for inappropriate behavior. Computers and other technologies have been installed in the classrooms, labs, and library at Cardinal Bernardin School and are available for the students to use for educational purposes. To assure that these technologies are in working order and available to everyone, students must handle all equipment and use the Internet in a responsible manner. The Internet will NOT be: ….provided for public access service or a public forum. Cardinal Bernardin School will place restrictions on the material the students access or post through the system. ….available for commercial purposes. Students will not use the Internet to offer, provide, order, or purchase products or services. ….used for political lobbying. Students will not be able to communicate with elected representatives and express their opinion on political issues. Examples of disciplinary consequences (detention, denial of access to technology, suspension from school, financial liability for damaged property, and/or expulsion from school) will result if a student intentionally causes damage to any school equipment including hardware and software. CJB will take disciplinary action for the following:
1. Removing or exchanging any hardware or software component from any system. 2. Deleting, renaming, moving, copying, or changing any file or its properties, other than
his/her personally-owned files. 3. Tampering with installed software and files. 4. Attempting to gain access to unauthorized files. 5. Attempting to change passwords. 6. Damaging other student’s work. 7. Tampering with any hardware. 8. Installing personal software on school technology. 9. Violating copyright laws by unauthorized copying of software.
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10. Installing, copying, or knowingly infecting a computer system with a virus. 11. Using a social blog or journal web site at school. 12. Instant messaging at school.
The above examples are not all-inclusive regarding misuse of technology. Each student will be expected to adhere to the following safety rules when surfing, researching, and/or communicating on the Internet. The school administration reserves the right to administer disciplinary consequences. Examples of consequences are (but are not limited to) detention, denial of technology, suspension and/or expulsion from school.
1. I will follow the school policy of turning off my monitor and telling my teacher immediately if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable or I know is inappropriate.
2. I will only access approved/appropriate websites at school. 3. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parent’s
work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parent’s permission.
4. I will never agree to get together with someone I “meet” online without parental permission and guidance.
5. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents. 6. I will not respond to any messages that are mean or that in anyway make me feel
uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do, I will tell my teacher or parents immediately so that they may contact the service provider.
7. I will be a good on-line citizen and not do anything that may hurt other people or is against the law.
8. I will not send chain letters. 9. The Internet contains a vast wealth of information. I am expected to properly document
data, writings, and pictures that belong to others. Plagiarism will not be accepted or permitted.
10. I will not use obscene, profane, threatening, or rude language while using the computer at school.
11. I will not post false or harmful information about another person while using the computer at school.
12. If I use a blog or journal site on the Internet, podcasting, or email at home, I am responsible for all information posted.
13. If I post inappropriate, threatening, or profane images or information when blogging, journaling, podcasting, or emailing, or post images or information that violates other school rules and policies, disciplinary actions will result.
Parents / Guardians are primarily responsible for the student’s appropriate and ethical use of technology outside of school. However, the inappropriate use of technology outside of school may subject the student to disciplinary action. Inappropriate use of technology may include, but is not limited to harassment of others, use of the school name, remarks directed to or about teachers and staff, offensive communications during videos/photographs and threats. Unauthorized costs incurred for online purchases charged to the school are the responsibility of the student and her/his family.
Consequences may include detention, denial of technology, suspension and/or expulsion from school. These consequences may result if a student, while outside of school:
1. Posts obscene, profane, threatening, bullying, hateful, or rude language when using a blog, podcast, email, instant message, text message, social networking sites, photo/video hosting sites, and/or web design sites.
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2. Shows the school building, logo, school name, individuals’ names and/or pictures in an obscene, profane, threatening, bullying, hateful context while using a blog, podcast, email, instant message, text message, social networking sites, photo/video hosting sites, and/or web design sites.
A student will be held accountable for any behavior that is non-compatible with the mission and philosophy of the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. At all times, whether in school, on-line, in Extended Day, on a school bus, at a school bus stop, at an athletic event, field trip or school-sponsored event, good manners, courtesy and respectful behavior is expected. In accordance with the Archdiocese of Chicago Technology Acceptable Use Procedure, the following are required to be printed in all Family Handbooks: Use of the technology resources that are prohibited include, but are not limited to:
Violating student rights to privacy/confidentiality, or unauthorized disclosure, use, and dissemination of personal identification information
Attempting any unauthorized access, including hacking of any computer system
Downloading unacceptable materials
Re-posting personal communication without the author’s prior consent
Violating copyright law
Using school technology resources for financial gain, credit card fraud, electronic forgery, other illegal activity and political purposes
Downloading, installing or storing software on a school computer without the approval of appropriate school personnel
Changing or attempting to alter any configuration, program or password on any computer or system
Using a school computer without knowledge/approval of school personnel responsible for the computer
Using inappropriate language, pictures, and gestures in any form on the Internet
Using the Internet for entertainment or limited self-discovery function
Using the Internet for unauthorized purchases CJB is not responsible for:
unauthorized costs or charges that are incurred by students over the Internet
any damages the student may incur, including loss of data
the accuracy or quality of any information obtained through any school Internet connection
Homework Homework assignments reinforce classroom learning. Students are expected to carefully complete homework assignments. Homework is included in the child’s grade. Homework policies will be determined by grade level. School administration and parents will receive these policies in writing from each teacher during the first week of school. Students who do not meet these expectations will be assigned consequences. Though parental support for homework is expected, the student is ultimately responsible for homework assignments. Coming to school with completed homework shows responsibility for one’s own education. Cheating may affect the student’s Honor Roll status and membership in the National Junior Honor Society. Homework policies are approved by school administration.
Cheating Cheating is contrary to expected behavior at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School and violates our Christian values. Any student who cheats or plagiarizes material may expect to find a grade of “F” or “0”. The parent will be contacted, and other consequences may be given.
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Individual Academic Needs of Students Academic Enrichment Program (ACE) Students in Grades 4-8 who excel in their abilities in the academic subjects will be eligible for the Academic Enrichment Program as a supplement to their regular subject class work. The ACE program is held after school. A student must meet the following criteria to qualify for participation in the ACE Program: 1. Terra Nova scores of 98 percentile in reading and/or math; with a score of at least 90
percentile in the other subjects. 2. Recommendation of the classroom teacher and previous year’s ACE teacher. 3. High quality daily work indicating a mastery of grade level curriculum. As a result of the Academic Enrichment Program, students will be able to: 1. Develop a deeper understanding of skills, concepts, knowledge, and themselves in the world
around them by engaging in activities designed individually to meet their needs. 2. Demonstrate their skills, concepts, knowledge and understanding of self through various
challenges provided by the facilitator. 3. Utilize technology by incorporating skills, concepts, and knowledge into an integrated
program across the curriculum through engaged learning. In order to remain in the ACE program, the student must continue to excel in daily classroom work and in ACE work. Inclusive Education Program CJB School endeavors to educate all students within the school’s educational program and available resources. An Inclusive Education Director/Teacher is on the professional staff of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. The Inclusive Education Director/Teacher will:
1. Meet with the student and parents to assist the student in reaching his/her academic goals
specific to the curriculum of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School.
2. Consult with classroom teachers to provide effective classroom strategies and/or
modifications for the student.
3. Act as coordinator and liaison to arrange for Services that may be provided by the local school
district for the students who are eligible and qualify for district support.
4. Oversee the school’s RtI program which includes teacher observations and assistance.
5. Prepare and oversee intervention and ICEP plans in coordination with each student and
his/her parents.
Student Services/Psychology Externs Two psychology externs are available to provide services to students. They may provide regular classroom instruction in social skills and problem-solving and they are also available for individual referrals by teachers and parents. Externs are under the direct supervision of a licensed Clinical Psychologist. The Extern program can provide individual and group counseling for social, emotional, and family concerns. In these instances, parental permission and a signed consent form are required. Students may be referred for services by teachers or parents may request services by contacting the externs at extension 182.
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Report Cards and Grades Report Cards are typically issued quarterly. Progress Reports for struggling students are issued mid-quarter. Report Cards and Progress Reports should be signed and returned to the school within three days of receiving them. Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences will be scheduled annually in November. In the Spring an optional Parent-Student-Teacher Conference will also be offered. Report Cards, Progress Reports, and Conferences are essential means of communicating your student’s academic progress.
Teachers of students in Pre-Kindergarten will issue Report Cards at the end of Quarter 2 and Quarter 4. Teachers will send Progress Reports home at the end of Quarter 1 and Quarter 3. Teachers will schedule a Quarter 1 conference in November with the parents. Parents may always contact the teacher in order to arrange to meet and discuss their student’s progress.
Teachers of students in Kindergarten will issue a Report Card each quarter which includes an assessment of the student's progress. Teachers of students in Grades 1, 2, and 3 will issue a Report Card with grades for subject areas based on the following scale: S = 85 - 100 Satisfactory I = 77 - 84 Improving N = 69 - 76 Needs Improvement U = 0 - 68 Unsatisfactory
Teachers of students in Grades 4 thru 8 will issue a Report Card with grades for the six core subjects based on the following: A = 93 - 100 4 Quality Points B = 85 - 92 3 Quality Points C = 77 - 84 2 Quality Points D = 70 - 76 1 Quality Point F = Below 70 0 Quality Points
If a student is having difficulty in a subject area, the teacher will contact the parent by phone or e-mail. A meeting may be held to discuss strategies for the student’s improvement. Teacher expectations for earning grades are determined by grade level teachers. Parents receive these policies in writing from each teacher. All grading policies are approved by the Principal. Teachers of the six core courses in Grades 4 to 8 will post at least TWO grades weekly in PowerSchool. For students in Grades 4-8, electronic progress reports will be accessible to teachers, parents and students through PowerSchool.
Specials Classes The Specials classes are project / unit-based classes that meet once or twice weekly, depending on the special. The Specials classes include: Art, Computers, Health, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish. In a Specials class, a project or unit can take several class periods to complete. Therefore, grades may not be posted online until the project or unit is completed. The Specials Teachers will contact parents if a student is not meeting expectations in a Specials subject.
Specials Teachers of students in Grades K thru 8 will issue a Report Card with grades for their subjects based on the following: S = 85 - 100 Satisfactory I = 77 - 84 Improving N = 69 - 76 Needs Improvement
U = 0 - 68 Unsatisfactory
Specials Teachers in Grades 4 to 8 will post at least ONE grade weekly in PowerSchool. Specials Teachers will post a Report Card grade every quarter of the school year.
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PLEASE NOTE: (1) After a Quarter Report Card grade has been printed, no grade may be contested after thirty days. (2) Report Cards for any quarter may be withheld until all financial obligations (including payment for Extended Day services) have been met.
Progress Reports The teachers are requested to issue progress reports for struggling students mid-quarter on designated dates and times for those students who are either in danger of failing a course or are showing difficulty in mastering the subject content. Teachers should not wait until mid-quarter, however, if they see a student is struggling with the material. Teachers should contact the parents and keep them informed
about the situation. Progress reports should also indicate behavioral problems in the classroom and suggestions for improvement. A copy of the mid-quarter progress report may be submitted to the Assistant Principal to be sent home. Progress reports will then be signed by parents and returned to the teachers within three days of receiving them. The teachers will keep record of the signed reports.
Honor Roll The students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 qualify for Honor Roll. Since the 2012-13 school year, Honor Roll includes the quality points received from the six major subjects. The six major subjects are: Reading (Literature), Language Arts (English), Math, Social Studies, Science, and Religion. The “A” Honor Roll is for students who earn a 3.70 average based on the quality points for the six subjects. The “B” Honor Roll is for students who earn a 3.00 average based on quality points for the six subjects. All grades in the six major subjects for the quarter must be a “C” or better. At the end of the school year, the manner and types of recognition bestowed upon the students will be determined by the staff and school administration.
National Junior Honor Society NJHS is an honor society open to Eighth Graders upon invitation. An invitation is based on exemplary academics, leadership, character, conduct, and service. Qualifying candidates must take the required class load with a cumulative scholastic average of 3.70 or higher in three of the four quarters of seventh grade and all four quarters in eighth grade based on the same criteria for the Honor Roll as listed in the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Family Handbook. Qualifying students must also display exemplary conduct as outlined in the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Family Handbook. As per the NJHS Handbook, candidates must exhibit leadership skills, participate in service to the school, church, and/or community, and be good citizens. Transfer students must meet the same academic and conduct requirements based on their report card and records from their previous school.
Academic Probation If a student in Grades 4-8 receives an “F” in any of the six core subjects on a Quarter Report Card, the student is placed on Academic Probation for the following quarter. The parent will be contacted in writing. During the Academic Probation period, the Assistant Principal will send home via USPS a weekly set of Progress Reports for any “F” grades in the six core subjects. All student grades for students in Grades 4-8 will be visible on PowerSchool. The student must achieve passing grades to participate in athletic competitions or extra-curricular performances the following week. While on Academic Probation, the student may continue to practice but may not compete or perform.
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Retention Retention is a serious step, taken only after many other efforts to assist the student academically have not resulted in the expected academic progress. The teacher will notify school administration and the parents of any student in danger of retention due to poor academic progress before the end of the third quarter. The retention of any student must be approved by parents, school administration and the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Summer School The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School offers a Summer Program which includes enrichment and remedial programs. All students are invited to enroll. However, if a student fails in one or more academic areas, Summer School may be recommended and/or required by the school. All students must have a passing average for four quarters in a subject. If a student does not have a passing average, he/she may be required to attend summer school for that subject. An appropriate summer school program must be approved by the Principal. If the program is an independent study supervised by a Cardinal Bernardin teacher, the parent pays the same fee as the Cardinal Bernardin Summer School program. An Eighth Grade student must complete all assignments and have a passing average for all subjects before a Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School diploma will be issued.
PowerSchool & PowerTeacher The administrative team received PowerSchool training in July 2014, and the teaching staff has received training on PowerTeacher in August. The CJB PowerSchool goal is to have the system as fully operational as possible for use by administration and staff by the first day of school. This autumn more than 75 Archdiocesan elementary schools will be joining the more than 125 Archdiocesan elementary and secondary schools already using PowerSchool and PowerTeacher. Each Archdiocesan elementary school or secondary school has an individual appointed to serve as the Local PS Coordinator. At CJB this position will be filled by the Assistant Principal, Mr. John Kasel, whose CJB e-mail address is [email protected]. Whenever you have questions or concerns about using PowerSchool or PowerTeacher, please send a detailed e-mail describing the problem or procedure to the Assistant Principal. If he is unable to respond immediately to you, he is the CJB contact person recognized by OCS who will contact the tech persons at SBTC (The St. Benedict Technology Consortium) via e-mail to obtain the correct answer or proper procedure to follow to resolve your concern. Depending on the complexity of the problem or the situation, a response may take 24 hours. Please try to be patient as we all learn together a new operating system for multiple administrative purposes and for teacher attendance and grading.
Standardized Testing Program Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School participates in the Standardized Testing Program mandated by the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Terra Nova 3 Tests are administered during specified dates as indicated on the School calendar to Grades 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Terra Nova 3 make-ups may be given with permission of the administration in cases of serious illness. A doctor’s note is required. Terra Nova 3 may not be administered to students who were absent on vacation during Terra Nova 3 testing. In addition to Grades 2-7, other grade levels may be tested at the discretion of school administration. Current policy from the Office of Catholic Schools (Archdiocesan-wide) requires that all Eighth Graders will take the ACT ASPIRE test.
Please note: Some Public School Placement tests are not allowed to be administered in a Catholic School
(per Archdiocesan Policy).
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Student Records Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School maintains academic and health records for each student. Written parental permission is required for a release of records. If a student leaves CJB, a Release of Records form must be completed and signed by the parent/guardian. Additionally, no records will be sent to the new school without CJB first receiving notification from the new school that the student has been enrolled. There may be a ten-day period between the submission of a request for records and the release of said records. Parents (custodial and non-custodial) who wish to review their child’s records should make an appointment to do so. Court orders will be honored and parents will be informed of such action. Room Assignments Specific requests for teachers or room assignments by parents will not be considered. Any request for an exception must be accompanied by medical documentation and presented to the school administration by May 1. The Principal will make the final determination.
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ATTENDANCE POLICIES Absence/Illness To report a student’s absence, the parent or guardian must call the school office before 8:30am.
If we do not receive a call or an email from a parent or guardian by 8:30am, the parent or guardian will be notified by the school. If you are calling before 7am leave a message on the “attendance hotline.” (Press option #4 after dialing 708-403-6525.) Please state the child’s name and reason for absence. If you know that your child will be out of school for several days due to a prolonged illness, you may indicate that information in lieu of calling each day. In the case of an infectious disease, the child needs to be free of symptoms and have a normal temperature 24 hours before returning to school. Children who have had an extended or serious illness or condition must present written permission from the attending physician to return to school. If a student leaves school before 11:00am, the student is considered absent for the day. If a student leaves after 11:00am, the student is considered absent for a half day. If you would like to request homework when your child is ill, please do so when leaving the phone message reporting student absence in the morning (or email the teacher directly). Homework will be placed on the homework pick-up bookcase and will be ready in the main school office at dismissal. Homework must be picked up that same day. If a student is not able to participate in an outdoor recess or physical education class due to a medical condition, a note from the attending physician must be presented to the School Nurse. Without a written excuse from the physician, all students are expected to participate in daily outdoor recess (weather permitting) and the regularly scheduled physical education class. Children should be properly dressed for outdoor recess every day.
Importance of Regular Attendance Consistent attendance is key to academic success. Excessive absences jeopardize academic success. In cases of excessive absence, a meeting may be held with Administration to discuss the academic standing of the student. There are no “excused” absences for medical or dental appointments during school hours. Medical and dental appointments are not sufficient reason to warrant an absence or curtailment of school hours and are expected to be made outside of school hours. Vacations should be planned only during scheduled school holidays. Because students will be missing valuable instructional time, the school highly discourages vacations being taken during school time. Parents must understand that a child’s academic grade may suffer from missing school. If, despite the school’s policy a vacation is planned, a letter from the parent must be sent to the Principal prior to the trip explaining the absence. Parents must also notify the office of the absence, as well as the homeroom teacher. Teachers are not required to provide assignments before a planned absence (nor are they required to give credit for work or tests missed during a planned absence). Students are expected to make up assignments and projects within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the teacher. It is the parent’s responsibility to contact the teacher and make arrangements with the teacher for any missed tests. When a student is absent from school, he/she is not to participate in any after school activities or athletic events that day or evening unless extenuating circumstances are present. The Principal will make the decision regarding such circumstances.
Tardy All students must be seated and ready to begin class at 7:40am. If a student is at his/her locker at or after 7:40am, he/she will be marked tardy. Any student arriving to school after 7:40am reports to the main office for a tardy slip. The tardy slip needs to be signed and returned to the teacher the following day. If tardiness is a consistent problem, a meeting may be scheduled with the parents. Class work, tests, or quizzes missed due to tardiness may not be made up. Perfect attendance constitutes no absences and/or tardies. Please note that chronic tardiness impacts academic achievement.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Disaster Procedures In emergency situations, the Crisis Management Team/First Responder Team is activated and the Crisis Management Plan is implemented. In any emergency, it is essential to follow the directions of the teacher or adult supervisor. Students are to remain silent, listen carefully to the teacher or adult supervisor, and follow the directives immediately. The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School has a reciprocal emergency agreement with the Orland Hills Recreation Department Building (Kelly Park building) in case of a crisis or emergency. All CJB faculty and staff are required to be FEMA certified according to the Illinois Board of Education requirements of December of 2009.
Fire/Tornado/Evacuation Procedures Students will be instructed as to procedures for exiting classrooms during a fire or tornado emergency. Directions are posted in each classroom. When the fire alarm or other evacuation signal sounds, students are expected to follow the following rules: 1. Remain silent; 2. Follow directions of school personnel; 3. Walk rapidly, but do not run or push; 4. Line up in assigned places; 5. When the clear signal is given, return silently to your class.
Lockdown/Intruder Procedures Students will be instructed to take cover in the case of an intruder or other situation warranting a lockdown.
Missing Student During School Hours When a student is reported missing during the school day, procedures outlined in the CJB School CRISIS Manual will be followed by the administrator or designated person(s) who has received the missing child report.
Missing Student Before or After School When it is reported that a student failed to make it home after school (or did not make it to school in the morning), CJB administration will follow the procedures outlined in the CJB CRISIS Manual.
Earthquake Procedures Students will be instructed to “drop, cover, and hold on” during an earthquake situation.
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School Closings In cases of inclement weather requiring the closing of the school, notification will be sent through our School Reach communication system. The message will also be posted on www.cardinaljbschool.com – the school’s website. Due to shared transportation with the local public schools, the Principal will be in contact with the public school Superintendents before an announcement is made. In addition, when the Archdiocese of Chicago announces that all parochial school are closed, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School will close. In other emergency closing situations, the school’s “School Reach” automated system will be put into effect and the Room Parents’ Emergency Closing Relay may be put into effect.
Student Accident or Injury All accidents resulting in injury to students, no matter how minor, occurring in the school building, on the school grounds, at a school-sponsored activity, or on a school bus must be reported to the teacher or supervisor in charge. The teacher or supervisor will complete an accident report and file it with Administration. A parent will be contacted. The school does not provide insurance coverage for students for injuries or accidents brought on by themselves or caused by other students. Parents may obtain student accident insurance when offered (through the school, via the Archdiocese.). Parents may choose an option for coverage during the school day or they may choose 24-hour coverage. Parents who do not choose to participate in the student accident policy must rely on their own health insurance coverage.
Emergency Forms It is imperative that the school have current contact information for our school families. This information is recorded in the school database. Database information includes but is not limited to parent names, home address, home/work/cellular telephone numbers, email addresses, emergency contact name and telephone numbers, and parish affiliation. If there is any change to your contact information, contact the Administrative Assistant immediately to have your school records updated. Similarly, contact your Parish Administrative Assistant to ensure updated information for your parish. It is the
responsibility of the family to keep their contact information current. All students must have the Archdiocesan Medical Information and Medical Notification Form on file in the school nurse’s office.
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FUNDRAISING The following programs are offered as a service to parents and as an opportunity to raise additional funds for the school. All students benefit from the school’s fundraising efforts and parents are encouraged to participate according to their means. SCRIP Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School participates in the SCRIP program. This program helps families defray the cost of tuition while also benefiting the school. Cardinal Bernardin School will offer gift cards and certificates from participating vendors that may be purchased through the school. A percentage of the purchase, determined by each vendor, is passed on to the school. This percentage is then divided between the school and the purchasing family. The savings percentage (tuition credit) is recorded weekly and deducted from the families’ next tuition statement. SCRIP information including a vendor list, an order form and a backpack authorization form is distributed to each family in the back to school packets. Families may choose to have their SCRIP order filled by submitting it along with a check through their oldest child’s backpack on the first school day each week. Orders are filled that week, generally the same day but no later than Thursday. To utilize this option, parents must submit the signed backpack authorization form to be on file at school. In this case, Cardinal Bernardin School is not responsible for loss or replacement of the SCRIP. A “cash and carry” option is also available for SCRIP. Family members have the opportunity to purchase gift cards each week at dates and times to be announced. Orders are filled immediately. Check the monthly school calendar for dates and times. Normally SCRIP is available on Wednesdays (6-7p) and Fridays (7:30-8:15a) during the school year. SCRIP is typically available in the summer on Wednesdays from 9-10a and 6-7p. Families will be advised of their tuition credit on an annual or semi-annual basis. Credits will be posted toward their next tuition payment. In cases when a family graduates or leaves, the credit may be transferred to another Catholic school (elementary or high school) or Religious Education program. The credit is not refundable to the family. It is the family’s responsibility to contact the SCRIP program with this information. Checks will be issued no later than June 1 of the current school year.
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Development Committee reports to the CJB Advisory Council. Committee members include the committee chairperson and officers, a pastor, the CJB Administrative Staff and other CJB parent volunteers who serve on various sub-committees. The goal of the CJB Development Committee is to promote various fundraising endeavors which help support the CJB operating budget, in addition to providing future long-term funding for the financial sustainability of CJB. The Development Committee will work in conjunction with the Marketing and Finance Committees to ensure broad communication within the CJB community and compliance with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s “Best Practices.” In addition to holding one major event, the Development Committee sponsors other fundraising activities which include an Annual Golf Outing, Everyday Fundraising, Market Day, Magazine Drive, and other special events and activities that are communicated during the school year. Effective the 2014-2015 school year, CJB will conduct a mandatory grand raffle during late Fall. Each family is responsible for the selling of or purchasing of $250 in grand raffle tickets. If the mandatory $250 payment is not made by the deadline, the $250 will be applied to the (ten-pay) January tuition
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payment. Families with the one- or two-payment plan will be invoiced $250 and the due date will be January 15. Market Day Market Day is sponsored by the Development Committee. Market Day is a monthly grocery program offering many restaurant-quality foods designed to meet busy lifestyles. The selection includes meats, quick-cook entrees and sides, kid-friendly snacks and desserts. From September through May, Market Day merchandise is available for order to benefit Cardinal Bernardin School. Orders may be submitted to the school office (in person or through your child’s backpack), dropped at one of the parish collection boxes or placed via the internet. Market Day orders may be picked up in the CJB Gym Commons area from 5:30-7:00pm on the designated Wednesday of each month. Everyday Fundraising Committee Many national and local companies, recognizing the need for schools to generate additional revenue without burdening parents, offer non-profit organizations cash rebates and incentives based on actual spending and purchases made by their families. The Everyday Fundraising Committee is charged with increasing awareness and participation in these “corporate” sponsored fundraising programs at our school. This committee is responsible for reviewing and recommending available corporate programs, coordinating the programs internally, communicating to the school and parishes about the programs and evaluating the results. Funds raised through this committee’s efforts will be used to offset operating expenses of the school which directly help to maintain affordable tuition for our families. This year, the corporate programs supported by the Everyday Fundraising Committee are listed in the following chart. The Everyday Fundraising Committee will regularly publish newsletters and flyers promoting the following programs as well as Market Day and SCRIP.
Everyday Fundraising Programs
Label Programs (Clip and Save)
Loyalty Shopping/ Dining Rewards
Charge Account
Rebates
Box Tops for Education
Box Tops for Education On Line Marketplace
Meijer Community
Rewards Meijer Credit Card
Campbell’s
Labels for Education
eScrip
on Line Mall, Safeway Grocery Loyalty Cards and
Dining Program
Target Take Charge
Of Education Visa/Red Card
My Coke Rewards
GoodSearch/ GoodShop GoodDIning
Tyson Project A+ 1-2-3
Gordon Food Service (GFS)
Fun Funds
Lands’ End School Uniforms
Meijer Community Rewards
Meijer 1 Card
Pedi-Ped
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TUITION
We recognize that families who wish to provide excellent Catholic education for their children make considerable financial sacrifices. Families have many financial burdens and obligations. Families with several children have costs that are multiplied. Our hope is that a Catholic education at a fair,
but affordable, price is available to the families who want Catholic education for their children. We
are proud to offer a blue ribbon education at tuition rates which are competitive with other Catholic
schools in the area. Tuition for full-day 3PK through 8
th Grade is $4,638 per child. Half-day four-day Pre-K 4 is
$2,381. Half-day three day Pre-K 3 is $1,870. Tuition includes book rental. A graduation fee is required in Spring of 8
th grade.
K-8 is charged a yearly technology fee.
Non-Catholic families will be responsible for the full payment of tuition (no parish subsidy applied). Full-day non-subsidized tuition is $5,452. TUITION PAYMENT PLANS
The Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools requires that all families pay tuition through the
FACTS Tuition Management Company. (FACTS is an automatic cash transfer plan used by many Catholic schools across the country. The program is fully bonded. The school has no access to or
knowledge about the status of your bank account. Payments are automatically deducted on either the
5th or the 20th of the month.)
All families, new and returning, sign up for this actively managed payment plan right from the CJB website. Families have the opportunity to pay in full, in two payments, or schedule ten budgeted
monthly payments. The one-time payment will be due in August. The due dates for the two-payment option will be in August and December. The billing cycle for the ten monthly payments will be August
through May.
FACTS tuition payments may be made via checking account, savings account, or credit card. If you
elect the ten-monthly payment option, there is a FACTS enrollment fee of $30. If you elect the 2- payment option, there is an enrollment fee of $10. There is no FACTS enrollment fee for the 1-
payment option. If you elect the 1- or 2- payment option, you may choose the invoice option which will allow you to pay online or you may mail a check payable to FACTS. (In this case, you would not
be required to divulge any financial information to FACTS.)
Once your payment plan has been created, you will receive a confirmation notice from FACTS with
instructions on how to log into their website where you can actively manage your payment plan through the Consumer Portal. You can change/update your financial account information, email
address, or phone number. You can pay ahead with an online payment option as well as view your complete history with FACTS. Please note: All agreements must be finalized on or before August 10 or “opening day school information” provided at packet pick-up will be withheld. Parents’ efforts to pay tuition by the due-date are critical to cash flow and are most appreciated. Various fees may be applied by FACTS for switching payment plans, returned payments, and late payments. A $30.00 administrative fee will be charged by Cardinal Bernardin School for any family that fails to meet the FACTS guidelines.
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Tuition payments made via GiveCentral.org are not an option. All tuition must be paid through the FACTS Management System. TUITION REFUNDS No tuition refund will be given prior to the start of school or during the school year unless the family moves and the distance precludes the student from finishing the school year at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. In that case, the family is responsible for the tuition up to and including the current quarter's tuition, plus the initial $250 non-refundable tuition deposit. Families who withdraw their children for other reasons are responsible for their tuition commitment. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial Assistance is available to our CJB in-parish families. The opportunity to apply for financial assistance is provided on the Tuition Payment Preference Form located in the Registration/Re-Registration packet. The following information will appear in your registration materials.
I am interested in Financial Assistance Information. I understand I may access the
application by visiting the CJB website and clicking on the FACTS button. (Follow the directions to
create a new account as well as a user name and password. Then, sign in using your FACTS username
and password. On the next page, click on the hyperlink at the top right hand corner “Apply for Financial
Aid” and follow the steps.)
Please note: FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment will be conducting the financial need analysis for CJB for the
upcoming school year. Families applying for financial aid will need to complete an application online and
submit necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment by the date provided on the
application. There is a $25 fee to be paid online to FACTS at the time of application. Once an online
application has been completed, the following information will need to be sent to FACTS to complete the
application process: Copies of most recent Federal tax forms including all supporting tax schedules; copies of
2013 W-2 forms; copies of supporting documentation for Social Security Income, Welfare, Child Support, Food
Stamps, Workers’ Compensation and TANF. If you have questions or concerns about the process, you may
speak with a FACTS Customer Care Representative at 1-866-441-4637.
Financial Assistance is offered for Kindergarten through 8th
Grade “in-parish” students only.
There is a deadline for which to apply. Financial assistance must be applied for by the last day of January for
current families…and by the last day of February for new families. Families need to reapply for assistance each
year. Financial assistance may be increased or decreased year-to-year if the family’s financial situation
changes.
Please note: If the agreement form is not returned to school by the due-date, funds will be reassigned. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS Financial accounts must be kept current. This includes school tuition, Extended Day fees, Food Service Professionals accounts, NSF check fees, late fees, and any other outstanding expenses owed to the school. If the accounts are not current, the opening day materials, report card, diploma, and/or official records may be withheld. The child may be excluded from school or Extended Day. Tuition accounts will be reviewed quarterly. Tuition must be paid in full each quarter. If extenuating circumstances exist which prohibit timely payment, parents are required to contact the Principal and the Tuition Coordinator.
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Report Cards for any quarter may be withheld until all financial obligations are met. Please note: After July 15, all outstanding fees will be turned over to the Archdiocese of Chicago for collection. In addition to the fees owed to the Cardinal Bernardin School, any expenses the school may incur through this process will become the responsibility of the family.
ARCHDIOCESAN TUITION EXCLUSION POLICY The following Tuition Exclusion Policy comes directly from the Principal’s Administrative Handbook on Policies and Procedures in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The Archdiocese of Chicago mandates all elementary schools to publish and implement their Tuition Exclusion procedure. Following is the procedure: A recurring problem for schools is non-payment of tuition. As a family’s unpaid tuition bill increases during the school year, the school may be reluctant to exclude the family’s children from school for fear of hurting the children or losing the family. Some schools, it seems, feel they do not want to risk lower enrollment, even if that means allowing some families to pay only some or no tuition. Others do not have scholarships which could place tuition at an appropriate level for a family with legitimate hardship. Allowing families to keep their children in school when they are not keeping current on their agreed upon tuition is a risky proposition. Without the payment of tuition, a school cannot function. As schools are required to reduce staff and programming for children, it appears that schools no longer can or should be allowing families to continue to send their children to school unless they pay their tuition. Also, allowing some families to avoid their obligation is unfair to those families that take their tuition obligation seriously and pay in full. There are two kinds of family situations involving the non-payment of tuition: The first are those families that acknowledge to the school their difficulties, work with the school to make alternative tuition arrangements and live up to their obligations. The second situation is the more problematic: these families do not attempt to work with the school to pay the tuition but instead make promises to pay and fail to live up to those promises. Schools need to develop an exclusion policy that will ensure that families in the second category fulfill their tuition obligations. We recommend the following policies:
1. The most effective way to ensure the payment of tuition is to inform families that it they are not caught up by a certain date during the school year, their children cannot return to school until the family is caught up. Experience has shown that if a school adopts and enforces an exclusion policy, the families will pay the tuition. Such a policy could provide that if parents are not caught up with tuition payments at the end of a particular month or quarter or even semester, their children cannot return to school until the tuition is paid. Schools should adopt and publish such a policy and enforce it consistently. Please note the following: CJB families who are delinquent in tuition could be subject to the following:
Withholding students from any clubs or sporting activities
Not releasing year-end report cards
Cooperating and communicating with other principals regarding transfers of students whose family is in arrears
Excluding from school those students whose parents are delinquent in their tuition payments
Not allowing students to participate in graduation activities, including walking in the ceremony
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2. Under no circumstances should a school allow a family to re-enroll their children unless they have fulfilled their tuition obligations in full for prior years.
3. If a child is transferring to a Catholic school (the “New School”) from another Catholic school (the “Old School”), the New School should contact the Old School to find out why the family left. If it is due to the non-payment of tuition, the New School should seriously consider not allowing the family to enroll their children unless the family pays the Old School in full for the tuition owed there. Also, the New School should be vigilant in making sure the family fulfills their tuition obligation at the New School in a timely way.
Despite its best efforts, a school that finds itself faced with unpaid tuition at the end of the school year can contact the Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office of Legal Services (OLS) for assistance with collecting that tuition through legal means. A school should not refrain from adopting and enforcing an exclusion policy and assume that unpaid tuition can be collected after the fact with the assistance of the OLS for the following reasons:
1. OLS will not assist a school with tuition collection unless that school has in place an exclusion policy that it has applied during the school year.
2. Tuition collection lawsuits are expensive – it costs approximately $300 in filing costs to the court to file a tuition collection lawsuit and the school is responsible for the payment of these costs. This means that a school must expend more money in an effort to recover the tuition it has not collected.
3. Schools should be aware that there is approximately a 50% likelihood of recovery if the legal process is used to collect tuition.
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REGISTRATION POLICIES The Cardinal Bernardin School welcomes for enrollment children baptized as Catholics, as well as children from other Christian households whose parents are seeking a Christian educational environment (February, 2009). CJB’s four founding parishes are St. Elizabeth Seton, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr, and St. Julie Billiart. Children from these parishes are eligible for enrollment at an “in-parish” rate. Practicing Catholics of other parishes and non-Catholic Christians are eligible for enrollment at an “out-of-parish” rate. Enrollment Criteria Criteria for families who wish to enroll their children for the 2014-15 school year are as follows: Registered, practicing parishioners of our sponsoring parishes. Registered, practicing parishioners of other Catholic parishes.
(Practicing parishioners are Catholics who consistently attend Mass, send their children to Religious Education or Catholic school, and support their parish with "time, talent, and treasure." This is an on-going expectation during years of enrollment at CJB. Use of parish envelopes is expected for “in-parish” and “out-of-parish” families.
Non-Catholic Christian families are invited to submit an application for enrollment. These families will be responsible for the full payment of tuition (no parish subsidy applied) and the student/family must participate in and fulfill all religious curriculum requirements, which include faith study and participation in the liturgical and prayer life of the school.
Students whose older siblings attend Cardinal Bernardin will have priority over new registrations. Families of special needs children will be asked to meet with the Inclusive Education Director to determine if the resources of the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School are adequate to provide the best learning environment for the child. (The child’s place will be held until that determination is made.) If the school determines that we cannot meet the special needs of your child, the enrollment fee will be refunded. Registration Process Families new to CJB School are required to pay a one-time, non-refundable enrollment fee of $250 per family at Registration. This amount is not applied toward tuition. If the school cannot accept the child because places are filled, the fee will be refunded. Re-registration for current families is held in January. During this month, current families are required to pay a per-family tuition deposit of $250 (due January 31
st). The $250 is required to hold their place
at Cardinal Bernardin School. Because of the timeliness necessary for budgetary planning, we ask that families adhere to this schedule. Thus, the tuition deposit will be applied toward the tuition bill only if it is received no later than February 15
th.
After February 15
th, the $250 from current families may be considered a re-enrollment fee and may
not be applied to tuition. After February 15th, the family’s space may be relinquished to a new family,
as the month of February begins open registration for new families. If the school cannot accept a new student because places are filled, the $250 deposit will be refunded. If you withdraw your child, the deposit is not refundable. 1. Re-registration for current families takes place in January; registration for new families will begin
in February. 2. Students whose older siblings attend Cardinal Bernardin School will have first priority for
admittance. 3. The applications will be reviewed by the Pastors to determine if the Enrollment Criteria are met.
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4. After March 1st, applications will be accepted in the order received until all available places are
filled. 5. Children of non-parishioner school faculty and staff may be accepted after March 1
st on a room-
available basis. 6. Families of children with special needs will be asked to meet with the Principal to determine if the
resources of Cardinal Bernardin School are adequate to provide the best learning environment for the child. The child’s place will be held until that determination is made. The school has a Learning Resource teacher on staff, but will not have a self-contained Special Education Class.
7. New students are ordinarily not accepted for the current school year after September 5 unless the family moves into one of the sponsoring parishes during the school year. After this date, applications for new students will be considered on an individual basis.
8. The Archdiocesan policy states that all new students are accepted on a trial basis only. After one quarter, or maybe sooner, if the child is not successful both academically and social-emotionally, then the child will be asked to leave. New students outside of the normal registration timeline must be in compliance with the Archdiocesan policy which states that they are accepted on a trial basis.
Registration Documents Required At Enrollment: Completed Enrollment Forms and Tuition Payment Preference Forms, including full addresses. $250 application fee for families new to CJB; a $250 tuition deposit per family for non-new
families. Official/original Birth Certificate for students entering PreK and Kindergarten and for students
entering 1st grade who did not attend Kindergarten. To enroll in PreK a student must be 4
years old on or before September 1. To enroll in Kindergarten, a student must be 5 years old on or before September 1. To enroll in 1
st grade, a student must be 6 years old on or before
September 1. (A copy of the certificate will be made for school files and the original will be returned to the family.)
Children must be toilet-trained prior to beginning school. Copy of the most recent report card for students currently in school. Copy of Standardized Test Scores and/or other school testing such as AIMSweb, Dibels, etc. Copy of most recent IEP (if applicable -- for students receiving special services). Original Baptismal Certificate (which will be copied for school files and the original will be
returned to the family). July 1: Children entering Kindergarten must have a comprehensive eye exam prior to beginning
school. Medical forms are required for students entering PreK, Kindergarten and Grade 6. Dental forms are required for students entering PreK, Kindergarten, Grade 2 and Grade 6. Students entering 1
st Grade who did not attend Kindergarten must submit medical and dental
and vision forms. Children entering 5th Grade must be immunized against Hepatitis B.
Any child entering 6th Grade shall show proof of receiving one dose of Tdap (defined as
tetanus, diphtheria, accelular pertussis) vaccine regardless of the interval since the last DTaP, DT or Td dose.
Students entering Grades 7-8 who have not already received Tdap are required to receive 1 Tdap dose regardless of the interval since last DTaP, DT or Td dose.
Official records from previous school attended. Sign the Release of Records Form (including full mailing address) in the Enrollment Packet and Cardinal Bernardin School will forward the form to the previous school.
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Database Information In order to maintain effective communication among parish, school, and family, it is imperative that your family contact information be kept current, both at school and at your parish. This information is added to the school database. Database information includes but is not limited to parent names, home address, home/work/cellular telephone numbers, parent email addresses, and emergency contact name/telephone numbers. Parish affiliation is an important additional part of the database information. If there is any change to your contact information, contact the Administrative Assistant immediately to have your school records updated. Similarly, contact your parish administrative assistant to ensure updated information for your parish. It is the responsibility of the school family to keep their contact information current. Class Size Policy Archdiocesan Policy indicates the following maximum numbers for class size as follows: 3 year olds 20 4 year olds 20 5 year olds 30 Grades 1-8 Regular class size in Grades 1-8 ideally shall be limited to 30 students; however, 35 students should be the maximum. The maximum class sizes at Cardinal Bernardin School will be as follows: PreK 20 Kindergarten 25 Grades 1-3 30 Grades 4-8 33
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HEALTH POLICIES
Health Records The State of Illinois requires vision, physical and dental examinations for students as follows: Children entering Pre-K must have proof of immunization against HiB. Children entering Kindergarten must have a comprehensive eye exam prior to beginning school. Medical exams are required for students entering PreK, Kindergarten and Grade 6. Dental forms are required for students entering PreK, Kindergarten, Grade 2 and Grade 6. Students entering 1
st Grade
who did not attend Kindergarten must submit medical, eye and dental forms. Children entering 5th
Grade must be immunized against Hepatitis B. Beginning with school year 2012-13, any child entering 6
th Grade shall show proof of receiving one dose of Tdap (defined as tetanus, diphtheria,
accelular pertussis) vaccine regardless of the interval since the last DTaP, DT or Td dose. Students entering Grades 7-8 who have not already received Tdap are required to receive 1 Tdap dose regardless of the interval since last DTaP, DT or Td dose. Students must have a dental exam on file by May 1
st of their Kindergarten, 2nd, and 6th Grade years.
These forms must be current for a student to begin the school year for Grades 1, 3, and 7. All transfer students are required to have current physical examinations and to provide the health records from their previous school. These examinations must be completed and the Health Forms submitted to the School Nurse’s office before the student enters school in the fall. Students who participate in athletic programs sponsored by Cardinal Bernardin School must have a current physical on file to be eligible for participation. Parents will be required to provide proof of insurance. The State of Illinois also requires that all students have proof of immunization for the following diseases: Polio, DPT or TD, Measles, Rubella, Hepatitis, Mumps, Chickenpox (and HiB for Pre-K). Proof of a physical exam and updated immunization records must be on file in the school office for students in PreK, K, Grade 5 and Grade 6 (and proof of Tdap for 7
th and 8
th Graders in the year 2012)
by October 15th or the student will be excluded from school until the information is provided.
Medication Parents/guardians have the primary responsibility for the administration of medication to their children. The administration of medication to students during regular school hours and during school-related activities is discouraged unless necessary for the critical health and well-being of the student. It is the policy of this school that school personnel -- including teachers, administrators, administrative staff -- shall not administer medication to students except as provided in the School Medication Procedures established by the Archdiocese of Chicago for the administration of medication. Compliance with the School Medication Procedures established for the administration of medication is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. A copy of the medication procedures and necessary forms are distributed to each family upon enrollment in the school. Head Lice policy It is not unusual for schools to encounter cases of head lice (pediculosis) during the school year. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin is no exception. We keep a close watch on classes where we know children have been exposed to head lice, but we need your help in preventing their spread.
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Please inspect your own child’s hair. If you find nits (eggs) or active lice, please notify the school immediately. Lice infestation may occur in any group of young children. Adults may also be affected. A secondary infection may result from the scratching.
The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Archdiocese of Chicago provide this guideline regarding the return to school of affected children: “Exclude case from school until the day after the first shampoo, lotion, or cream rinse pediculicide and combing are properly completed.” We follow this guideline at CJB and re-check the affected child as needed to ensure that the treatment provided is successful and that no live lice are present.
Other children in the classroom are also checked as needed just to make sure the lice have not spread. A note is also sent home to classmates.
We ask for your assistance in ensuring that all those infected within your home are properly treated. The School Nurse will provide you with resources as needed. The following websites are recommended:
kidshealth.org/parents/infections/common/lice
www.cdc.gov/lice/parents
Our school policy on head lice follows the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. When head lice are discovered on a child, we take the following steps:
If head lice are discovered by the parents, we ask the parents to notify the following via e-mail:
Their child’s homeroom teacher
The School Nurse.
If head lice are discovered at school, teachers (including general school staff and after-school staff) will contact the School Nurse.
As soon as the School Nurse is informed, she will:
Notify the affected child’s classroom to check the other children as needed for lice and nits. The names of affected students are not divulged.
Inform the parents whose children have lice and provide them with resources as needed.
Re-check the children after their return to school to ensure that the treatment they have received has been successful.
The nurse works from 7:15am to 3:00pm.
As part of the Friday Report, explain to parents that they are expected to check and/or treat their children before sending them back to school the following Monday.
We do follow the position statement of the National Association of School Nurses, which is as follows:-if lice are found, child must go home and be treated immediately-if nits are found, parent will be informed. Child must be treated that evening. There is a checklist to be completed before return to school. Current research does not support the conclusion that enforced exclusion (nit free) policies result in reduced transmission of head lice. It is the position of the National Association of School Nurses that nit-free policies disrupt the education process and should not be viewed as an essential strategy in the management of head lice. Current research also shows that live adult lice are the only transfer concern and they prefer the warm scalp. They survive only 12 to 24 hours on inanimate objects.
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WELLNESS POLICY
The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School follows the Illinois State Board of Education and Archdiocesan suggested guidelines/recommendations for school wellness. CJB teachers will not provide food or edibles of any kind in their classrooms for any reason. There will be no exception. The ISBE also provides cautionary information about the dangers of food in schools as it relates to severe allergic reactions in students. For this reason, Cardinal Bernardin School students may not share their snacks or lunches with one another. CJB is confident that the decision to NOT provide any food or edibles to our students in the classrooms is in their best interest. It strengthens a safer school environment for everyone. To this end, our school nurses provide our teachers with specific guidelines for food-allergic and diabetic children and every year, staff reviews Epi-pen procedures for emergencies. Each year at the start of the school year, teachers receive from our school nurses a review of allergy and diabetic procedures. CJB parents, via their child’s physician, should provide an Epi-pen to the school nurse for emergency purposes. School administration will approve special or specific class events where food may be served to students as “lunch.” Since CJB sponsors an Extended Day Program, only healthy foods and snacks will be permitted and/or served to Extended Day students. Extended Day staff will enforce the CJB Wellness Policy. On special occasion or at “fun lunches” during the school year, students who have special dietary needs are encouraged to bring their own lunch for that day. The school is not able to guarantee vendor products that are “gluten free.”
Examples of Healthy Snack and Beverage Options
Raw vegetable sticks/slices with low-fat dressing or yogurt dip
Fresh fruit wedges – cantaloupe, honey dew, watermelon, pineapple, oranges, tangelos, etc.
Sliced fruit – nectarines, peaches, kiwi, star fruit, plums, pears, mangos, apples, etc.
Fruit salad
Cereal and low-fat milk
100% fruit or vegetable juice
Frozen fruit pops with fruit juice or fruit as the first ingredient
Dried fruits – raisins, cranberries, apples, apricots
Single serving applesauce or canned fruit in juice
Peanut butter with apple wedges or celery sticks
Fruit smoothies made with fat-free or low-fat milk
Trail mix (dried fruits and nuts)
Dry roasted peanuts, tree nuts and soy nuts (not coconut or palm nuts)
Lean meats and reduced fat cheese sandwiches (use light or reduced-fat mayonnaise in chicken/tuna salads)
Party mix (variety of cereals, nuts, pretzels, etc.)
Pretzels or reduced fat crackers
Baked chips with salsa or low-fat dip (Ranch, onion, bean, etc.)
Low-fat muffins (small or mini), granola bars and cookies (graham crackers, fig bars)
Mini bagels with whipped light or fat-free cream cheese
Pasta salad
Bread sticks with marinara
Fat-free or low-fat flavored yogurt & fruit parfaits
Fat-free or low-fat pudding cups
Fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products (string cheese, single-serving cottage cheese, cheese cubes)
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Flavored soy milk fortified with calcium
Pure ice cold water *This list is not all-inclusive and is meant only to provide parents and school staff with guidance for healthier food and beverage choices. The Archdiocese of Chicago Wellness Policy is printed below.
ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO CATHOLIC SCHOOLS STUDENT WELLNESS POLICY Belief Statement Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School is committed to providing a learning environment that supports and promotes wellness, good nutrition, and an active lifestyle and recognizes the positive relationship between good nutrition, physical activity and the capacity of students to develop and learn. The entire school environment shall be aligned with healthy school goals to positively influence students’ beliefs and habits and promote health and wellness, good nutrition and regular physical activity. In addition, school staff shall be encouraged to model healthy eating and physical activity as a valuable part of daily life. Intent The purpose of this policy is to ensure a total school environment that promotes and supports student health and wellness, helps to reduce childhood obesity and meets the requirements of the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, including goals for nutrition education, physical activity and other school based activities designed to promote students wellness; nutrition guidelines for all foods available during the school day; a plan for measuring implementation including designating one or more persons charged with operational responsibility; and involving parents, students, school food service providers, the school board, school administrators, and the public in developing this policy. Rationale The link between nutrition and learning is well documented. Healthy eating patterns are essential for students to achieve their full academic potential, full physical and mental growth and lifelong health and well-being. Healthy eating is demonstrably linked to reduced risk of the development of many chronic diseases. Schools and school communities have a responsibility to help students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to establish and maintain lifelong healthy eating patterns. Well-planned and well-implemented wellness programs have been shown to positively influence children’s health. Schools also have a responsibility to help students establish and maintain lifelong habits of being physically active. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to maintain and improve their physical health, mental health, and overall well-being. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of premature death in general and of heart disease, high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes. Cardinal Bernardin School will comply with the goals for Student Wellness established by the Archdiocese of Chicago, Office of Catholic Schools as stated below.
ARCHDIOCESAN GOALS FOR STUDENT WELLNESS Goals for Nutrition Education
Students in preschool through grade 12 shall receive sequential and interdisciplinary nutrition education. The program shall be designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to adopt healthy eating behaviors. Special emphasis should be placed on
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nutrition education in preschool through the primary grades as eating habits are established at a young age.
The nutrition education program shall include enjoyable interactive activities such as contests, promotions, taste testing, field trips, school gardens or other like activities.
Schools shall work with parents to assist in providing a healthy diet and daily physical activity for their children, which may include information to help incorporate healthy eating and physical activity.
Goals for Physical Activity
Students in preschool through grade 12 shall participate in regularly scheduled formal and informal physical activity programs. Special emphasis should be placed on promoting an active lifestyle in preschool through the primary grades as health habits are established at a young age. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for students with disabilities and/or other limitations.
Elementary schools shall provide a daily, supervised recess period to all students.
Students shall be provided opportunities for physical activities through a range of school programs such as intramurals, interscholastic athletics, physical activity clubs or other like activities.
Goals for other School-Based Activities Designed to Promote Student Wellness Consistent School Activities and Environment – Health Eating
It is recommended that food providers share information about the nutritional content of school meals and/or individually sold foods with students, families, and school staff.
School meals shall be served in clean, safe and pleasant settings with adequate time provided for students to eat.
All food service personnel shall have adequate pre-service training.
Students, parents, school staff and community members bringing goods and beverages to school for parties/celebrations/meetings shall be encouraged to provide healthful options (see listing below).
Schools shall take efforts to promote nutritious food and beverage choices consistent with the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Food Guidance System (MyPyramid) such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and whole grain products.
All foods and beverages provided by the school shall comply with federal, state, and local food safety and sanitation regulations.
Access to any area involved in storage, preparation or service of food on the school campus shall be limited to authorized personnel.
Consistent School Activities and Environment – Physical Activity
Schools are encouraged to limit extended periods of inactivity. When activities such as mandatory testing make it necessary for students to be inactive for long periods of time, it is recommended that schools give students periodic breaks during which they are encouraged to stand and be moderately active.
Physical activity facilities and equipment on school grounds shall be safe.
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Schools are encouraged to work with the community to create a safe and supportive environment for students walking or biking to school.
Food or Physical Activity as a Reward or Punishment
School personnel shall not withhold food or beverages from students as punishment.
School personnel shall not withhold participation in recess or physical education class as punishment.
Nutrition Guidelines for All Foods and Beverages Available on School Campuses During the School Day
Food providers shall offer a variety of age-appropriate, appealing food and beverage choices and employ food preparation, purchasing and meal planning practices consistent with current Dietary Guidelines for Americans (e.g. provide a variety of fruits and vegetable choices; serve low-fat and fat-free dairy products; ensure that whole grain products are served).
All foods and beverages sold individually (apart from the reimbursable school meal) shall be well-regulated and consistent with the nutritional goals of this policy. This includes:
A la carte offerings in the food service program; Food and beverage choices in vending machines, snack bars, school stores; Food and beverages sold as part of school-sponsored fundraising activities
Every effort shall be made to provide nutritious and appealing foods and beverages, such as fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy foods and whole grain products, wherever and whenever food is sold or otherwise offered at school.
Guidelines for School Meals
School meals served shall be consistent with the recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and/or shall meet, at a minimum, the nutrition requirements and regulations for the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program.
Measuring Implementation & Community Involvement
The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools or designee shall be charged with the operational responsibility for ensuring that each school meets the wellness policy requirements.
The principal of each campus shall be responsible for implementation of the wellness policy.
Individual schools shall involve parents, students, representatives of the school food service program, the school board/advisory committee, school administrators and the public to consult in the development of the wellness policy. This will be demonstrated through their involvement in reviewing, and being listed on the individual school wellness checklist.
The Archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools of designee, based upon feedback from individual schools, may revise the wellness policy as appropriate.
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SCHOOL SAFETY
Traffic Procedures Cooperation with the morning drop-off and after school pick-up is essential for everyone’s safety. Staff members, traffic volunteers, and safety patrol will be present to assist in directing the flow of traffic. In order to safeguard our children, specific rules have been set for the parking lot. Please consult the following procedures to be followed when dropping off and picking up your child/ren. Morning Drop-Off Drop off begins at 7:15am, when staff supervision also begins. If children must be dropped off prior to 7:15am, they must be brought to Extended Day for safety and supervision. (Refer to “Prorated Fees” under Extended Day section.)
Parents must remain in their cars – school personnel and patrol students will assist students.
In order to keep traffic moving on 167th Street and to prevent back-ups, follow the directives of the Traffic Safety Personnel in the parking lot.
For safety’s sake, do not scoot around cars that are taking longer to unload.
Stop your vehicle and have children exit from the passenger side only.
Do not drive your student to a particular entrance. During inclement weather, students of any grade level will enter either the lower level Church Hall or the main school entrance and wait in designated areas.
The “lead car” should pull all the way up to the Church Hall entrance to begin drop-off.
Do not park or drive in the area designated for bus drop-off until after 7:15am.
Do not park and walk from the main school lot.
Do not park in handicapped parking unless your vehicle displays a handicap plate or sticker. Dropping-off students at the St. Elizabeth Seton Cornerstone building is strictly forbidden. The first bell rings at 7:35am. Children should be seated and ready to begin class at 7:40am with the second bell. They will be issued a tardy slip in the front office if they are late. Southwest Parking Lot AM Drop-Off After 7:15am and AFTER the school busses have dropped off students who ride the bus, and AFTER the school busses have been driven over to park in the West Parking Lot, cars driven by parents with students in Pre-K 4 and Pre-K 3 may park in the Southwest Parking Lot. These Pre-K 4 and Pre-K 3 parents will then be able to walk their youngest children to the Church Hall, where the Pre-K 4 and Pre-K 3 teachers and teacher aides are awaiting their arrival. The Pre-K 4 and Pre-K 3 parents who choose to park in the Southwest Parking Lot for AM Drop-off may only use the 94
th Avenue Entrance to enter and to exit the Southwest Parking Lot.
After School Pick-Up You may begin arriving for afternoon pick-up after 1:30pm. Park in the spots facing the church. Do not park in the first two rows east of the Church. These areas are designated for Church Business Only.
The 167th Street access is for traffic IN to the school only. Do not exit onto 167th Street.
The Haven Avenue access is for EXITING traffic only.
If you have business that will keep you in the school beyond 2:10pm, select a parking spot that will not disrupt the dismissal flow (keeping in mind that cars “exit forward”).
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BUSSES exit first.
All cars MUST REMAIN in the lot until directed out (onto Haven Avenue).
During the time in which the children leave the school building and until they are safely in their cars, there is to be no driving in the parking lot. Parents are asked to quickly escort their children to their cars so that we might expedite the dismissal process.
Cars cannot be dismissed until every adult and child is safely in their vehicles.
If for some reason you are detained from getting to your vehicle on time you will be required to remain on the school sidewalk until all traffic has exited the lot.
Haven Avenue is not a designated pick-up area for students. Orland Hills Police Department will issue tickets in this area.
Car riders who are not picked up by the time the parking lot has cleared will be escorted to Extended Day for supervision.
Students and parents are asked to cross Haven Avenue, 167
th Street, and/or 94
th Avenue only at the
intersection with a light, stop sign, or crossing guard. If you are volunteering in the school, and will not leave by dismissal time, please be sure that your vehicle is removed or moved to the west Church lot by 1:00pm. At that time, Safety Patrol will cone off the lot and exiting is prohibited. An area in the west Church lot is set aside for park and walk. This area is designated for those individuals who have business to attend to in the school office or who are volunteering in the school. There is no staff supervision in the west lot. Parents are urged to follow the dismissal procedures outlined above. If circumstances necessitate parking in the west lot, be extremely cautious. Picking-up students at the St. Elizabeth Seton Cornerstone building is strictly forbidden. After-School Activities Parents who are picking students up from after-school activities may not park along the curb of the circular drive. Mid-day Arrival and Dismissal Mid-day dismissal begins at 10:40am. Drop-off begins at 10:50am. Parents are to park in the parking lot and walk their child up to the main entrance of the school. Do not park along the curb of the circular driveway, per the school’s fire code. Students are to line up outside by the main school entrance. A teacher will greet the students and bring them in to the building. During inclement weather, please wait inside of your vehicle until you see a teacher at the door. Mid-day Dismissal Parents are to park in the parking lot and walk up to the main school doors and wait outside to meet their child. Do not park along the curb of the circular driveway, per the school’s fire code. During inclement weather, please wait inside your vehicle until you see a teacher at the door. Pets Parents who bring dogs to school are not to bring them to the student line-up areas when picking up and/or dropping off children. This restriction is in the interest of the safety of all children and is exclusive of service animals. Visitors The doors to the school are locked during office hours and when children are in attendance. Visitors must come to the front door of the school, ring the doorbell, and identify themselves. Visitors must
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report to the School Office to register and to receive a Nametag. Volunteers (and/or faculty, staff or students) are not allowed to open the door to visitors. AEDs There are two AEDs in the school. One is kept in the Office and the other is in the Gym. The School Nurse, Principal, and Gym teacher have been trained in its use. It is available for emergencies and persons who have received training may also use it. All CJB athletic coaches are required by the ISBE to be trained in the use of an AED. The AED in the office is checked for readiness daily (on school days) by the Nurse. The AED in the Gym is checked daily by the Athletic Director.
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SCHOOL STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATIONS
Executive Committee and Executive Pastor The Pastors of the four sponsoring parishes form the Executive Committee and meet monthly. Their reserved powers are: final approval of philosophy, planning, policy, budget, subsidy, Principal, Council members. The Executive Pastor is discerned by the Pastors, and serves a three-year term; he is the Ex-Officio member of the CJB Advisory Council, the one to whom the Principal is accountable. The Executive Pastor calls meetings of the Executive Committee. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School Advisory Council
The School Advisory Council is an advisory leadership group that enables the Catholic school to fulfill its mission. It is an essential group in the development of the school's long-range plans, gives advice on the budget, participates in recruitment, and acts as a public relations and marketing arm of the school. An effective School Advisory Council has parishioners with various areas of expertise, including public relations, finance, development, grant writing, and curriculum. Membership on the School Advisory Council requires a significant time commitment involving at least one monthly meeting with Committee work between meetings. The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Advisory Council is comprised of the Executive Pastor of the school, the Principal, and three Council members from each of the four parishes participating in this regional school. Council members must be 21 years of age and may not be an employee or family member of an employee of any of the four parishes or the school. The School Advisory Council meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:15pm. The School Advisory Council does not meet in December or July.
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Per Article 9.4 of the School Advisory Constitution Accord, “Any person, parishioner, parent, organization or group from any of the sponsoring parishes desiring to address a meeting of the council must notify the president or principal not less than three days prior to the meeting. The petitioner shall be notified by the president or principal of the time allotted on the agenda for them to address the council, which is not to exceed five minutes. Only individuals who have been allotted time on the agenda will be allowed to speak during the meeting. However, the notification requirement and/or the time limit may be waived for an individual by a majority vote of the council.” School Pastoral Team The School Pastoral Team consists of the Pastors and Directors of Religious Education of the sponsoring parishes, the Principal, and the School's Religion Coordinator. This team meets on an as-needed basis to coordinate the school's religious education curriculum, liturgies, and programs with the sacramental and liturgical life of the parishes. Family School Association All parents and guardians of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School students are members of The Family School Association. The purpose is to foster school and family spirit and build a sense of community. We will accomplish this through: Ensuring communication between the school and new families Building parent support of the Mission of the Cardinal Bernardin School Hosting informative meetings for parents on pertinent issues Sponsoring activities designed to bring families together in a social atmosphere The Executive Committee of the Family School Association includes the following chair-persons: Chair, Treasurer, Events Chair, Communications Correspondent. Parent and Parish Volunteers Volunteers enhance the quality of education offered at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. The school is grateful to the many parents and parishioners who volunteer their time and talents to benefit our students. The Volunteer Program is organized through the School Receptionist. A chairperson coordinates each volunteer area. CJB School complies with the Archdiocese of Chicago’s “Protecting God’s Children” policies which include completion of the online Criminal Background Check, attendance at Virtus training (volunteers, as well as employees, are required to read “Virtus Training Bulletins” when they are emailed from the Virtus organization), as well as the completion of the Archdiocese of Chicago Code of Conduct paperwork and the DCFS CANTS form (a CANTS form must be completed and turned in to the school at the beginning of each new school year, prior to the start of school.) This policy applies to all volunteers. Volunteers may be asked to attend training sessions particular to their area of volunteering. Volunteers may not bring babies, toddlers, or other children when volunteering in the classroom or when volunteering on field trips. For security purposes, volunteers must report to the School Office and sign in. They will be issued a Volunteer Identification Lanyard. Volunteers are asked to go directly to their designated area. Volunteers must report to the School Office to sign-out and return the lanyard. Volunteers are here for the safety and well-being of our children and should be treated with respect.
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School Facilities Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School shares the facilities with St. Elizabeth Seton Parish and all of its ministries, including its Religious Education Program. The Principal must approve all requests in advance for facility or room usage. Contact the CJB Administrative Assistant, who will make arrangements through the SES Business Manager. The CJB Administrative Assistant needs your request in writing, if it is “outside the usual calendar process.” The “usual calendar process” takes place in Spring prior to the upcoming school year. Per SES, a request for a set-up for any gathering must be prepared by the person organizing the event and must be given to the maintenance department at least two weeks prior to the event. On Monday and Tuesday afternoons, all extra-curricular school programs (with the exception of Athletic Programs being held in the gym) must conclude and vacate CJB School by 3:15pm. All groups are expected to show respect for the facilities and leave them cleaned and in good order after the event. Alcohol Consumption Beverages containing alcohol are not to be served at any school-sponsored or athletic event where children are present. Non-Discrimination Policies Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School is operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a Corporation Sole, in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School admits students of any race, sex, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded to students in school. It is the policy of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School to provide equal opportunity in employment to all employees and all applicants for employment. No person shall be discriminated against in employment by reason of race, color, sex, national origin, age, military discharge, marital status, mental or physical handicap unrelated to the ability to perform the duties of the position, except when one of these characteristics is a necessary qualification of a position.
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ATHLETIC POLICIES
Athletic Mission Statement and Program Philosophy
“As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. Now a body is not a single part, but many. If a foot should say, “Because I am not a hand I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. Or if an ear should say, “Because I am not an eye I do not belong to the body,” it does not for this reason belong any less to the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God placed the parts, each one of them, in the body as intended. But as it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I do not need you.” Indeed the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are all the more necessary. . . . Now you are Christ’s body, and individually parts of it.” 1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-18, 20-22, 27
The mission of the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School (CJB) Athletic Program is to promote an opportunity for all children to develop their physical talents, increase self-confidence and self-esteem, and promote the values of sportsmanship and teamwork in a manner that is grounded in our love of Christ and Catholic faith.
The philosophy of the CJB Athletic Program is to preserve the virtues of teamwork even when different individual personalities come together, each with different talents, attitudes and viewpoints. CJB recognizes that our Catholic faith calls us to demonstrate our commitment to each other and to our brothers and sisters, and sacrifice for the greater good of the team. As a Catholic community, we cannot submit to the principle that certain conduct is acceptable because “others do it.” We must expect more of ourselves, and be guided by the values and sacrifices of Jesus Christ our Savior, with the realization that there is no greater responsibility from God than protecting the physical and emotional well-being of a child.
Through participation in the CJB Athletic Program, students may develop life-long skills and positive values, including leadership, healthful living habits, self-discipline, integrity, respect for rules and regulations, and the ability to participate with dignity and grace.
Goals of the CJB Athletic Program
Promote and encourage the development of Christian values and character such as fairness, cooperation, leadership, and respect for authority and all others;
Provide all students the opportunity to develop strong, healthy, disciplined minds and bodies;
Encourage positive attitudes and the goal to try one’s best;
Develop sportsmanship by teaching the proper attitude toward winning, losing and competing with dignity;
Teach all students the fundamentals of each sport;
Develop school spirit and teamwork; and
Provide an enjoyable recreational activity which can be sustained into adulthood.
Program Overview
The CJB Athletic Program provides an instructional sports program as an extension of the CJB academic and faith-based curriculum. As such, each participating student must follow the policies and procedures set forth in this handbook to ensure continued participation in the selected activity. The CJB Athletic Program will follow a “no cut” policy as long as participants practice with the team regularly, positively contribute to the team and maintain academic standards. All participants will learn the fundamentals and strategies of each sport and be given the opportunity to develop those skills in practice and games.
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A. Participation in the CJB Athletic Program
The school and gym at CJB were constructed by St. Elizabeth Seton parish (SES). Neither building is owned by the school. In the early years of CJB school, a decision was made to allow joint participation in athletics by both SES religious education students and CJB students. To this end, SES hired an athletic director, who, with volunteers from both the parish and the school, developed a robust athletic program enjoyed by children at CJB and children enrolled in religious education at SES. Some teams had both school children and religious education children, and others, called parish teams, were composed solely of religious education children from SES. For many years, there were more parish teams than school teams, and the two types of teams co-existed under the guidance of a single athletic director, running a single athletic program.
In recent years, the look of the CJB athletic program has changed due to declining enrollment in the parish religious education program, resulting in a smaller number of religious education teams, to the point where school teams now draw from a larger enrollment. Going forward, the CJB Athletic Program will be a sports program with two tracks, a track with school teams (“school track”) and a track with religious education teams from SES (“parish track”). Both tracks of the CJB Athletic Program will be subject to the policies and procedures of the 2011 Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools Handbook for Athletics, the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School Athletic Handbook and the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Athletic Board Constitution and By-Laws. Starting in the 2014 -2015 school year, enrollment in the CJB Athletic Program will be as follows:
• Students that attend Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School shall participate on teams in the school track of the CJB Athletic Program. Students would also be eligible to participate on Parish teams when there is insufficient numbers of players from the School program as determined by the Athletic Advisory Board, for a viable basketball and/or volleyball team comprised solely of CJB students; and when there is space available on a SES team as determined by the Athletic Board.
• The St. Elizabeth Seton Religious Education (SESRE) students are eligible to participate on Cardinal Joseph Bernardin teams in basketball and volleyball. This is in effect when there are insufficient numbers of players from the SESRE program as determined by the Athletic Advisory Board, for a viable basketball and/or volleyball team comprised solely of Religious Education students; and when there is space available on a CJB team as determined by the Athletic Board.
• This practice will be reviewed annually by the St. Elizabeth Seton Pastor, the CJB Principal, the CJB Advisory Council and the Athletic Board.
This policy was developed in consultation with the Executive Pastor, Principal and SES Pastor. This policy, like others, will be evaluated over time to ensure the mission of the CJB Athletic Program.
B. Athletic Activities
The following activities are subject to the policies in this handbook and currently comprise the CJB Athletic Program:
School Track (“Bernardin Cardinals”) Parish Track (“Seton Saints”) Girls Cross Country (grades 4-8) Boys Cross Country (grades 4-8)
Girls Soccer (grades 3-8) Boys Soccer (grades 3-8)
Girls Basketball (grades 4-8) Basketball Boys Basketball (grades 4-8) Volleyball Girls Volleyball (grades 4-8) Boys Volleyball (grades 4-8) Cheerleading (grades 3-8)
Bowling* Chess Club* Boy’s Golf* * denotes school club activity for CJB students
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The activities sponsored by the CJB Athletic Program are subject to change from year to year by the CJB Athletic Board if deemed appropriate based on a change in circumstances. The CJB Athletic Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, national or ethnic origin in governing, managing and financing its athletics program or in selecting participants. No liquor may be issued at school-sponsored CJB sports events. There will be no smoking or alcoholic consumption at any CJB sporting events. This policy conforms to policies, procedures, and rules established by the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and/or the Office of Catholic Schools. Responsibility for the CJB Athletic Program
Since the CJB Athletic Program is an extension of the school and its curriculum, these programs are subject to the authority of the Executive Pastor by virtue of his office (Archdiocesan Policy), the Principal (Archdiocesan Policy), the CJB school handbook, the CJB School Advisory Council, and the CJB Athletic Board. The Executive Pastor and Principal are the primary authority of the CJB Athletic Program with final decision-making authority on any issue within the athletic program. The only exception to this rule would involve matters raised in the Grievance Process involving SES religious education students, as any decisions would involve final review and approval from the SES Pastor. The Executive Pastor and Principal, along with the SES Pastor, have consented to the establishment of the CJB Athletic Board, which works cooperatively with the Executive Pastor and Principal, as well as the SES Pastor when necessary. The CJB Athletic Board is comprised of an Athletic Director (AD) and nine other selected members, as described in the Constitution and By-laws of the CJB Athletic Board. All CJB athletic programs and sports events fall under the jurisdiction and authority of the CJB Athletic Board with the consent of the Executive Pastor and Principal, as well as the SES Pastor. Pursuant to the consent of the Executive Pastor and Principal, as well as the SES Pastor, the CJB Athletic Board shall set guidelines and procedures that govern the scope and direction of the extracurricular sports programs and student participation in such programs. The CJB Athletic Board will work in cooperation with the school faculty members, the CJB School Advisory Council, parish leaders and religious education staffs, and parents. The Principal and the Executive Pastor expressly reserve the right to immediately review and reverse any decision or policy of the CJB Athletic Board, if deemed appropriate by the Principal and Executive Pastor, to protect the best interests of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School and its students.
Official Uniform Players may wear only their official uniform at games. The official uniform consists of the jersey and shorts (warm-up shirts for 8
th graders). No jewelry of any type is permitted. This includes necklaces,
earrings, chains, watches, rings, etc. Headbands, wristbands, and leg bands are also not permitted. In order to participate in Cardinal Bernardin athletic activities, parents and athletes sign an agreement which includes the following expectations: Attendance at Athletic Events Spectators are expected to be respectful fans and show good sportsmanship. 1. Show respect for the opponents at all times. 2. Extend hospitality to opponents and their guests and greet them cordially. 3. Know, understand, and appreciate the rules of the game. 4. Maintain self-control at all times. 5. Recognize skill and performance regardless of team affiliation. Show courtesy to the opposing
team. Booing is never acceptable behavior. 6. Follow procedures provided by the Athletic Director. Alcohol Consumption Beverages containing alcohol are not to be served at any school-sponsored event where children are present. This includes athletic events and team functions.
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STUDENT POLICIES
Before and After School Supervision No student is allowed unattended in the school building at any time. Students dropped off prior to 7:15am must be registered and enrolled in the Extended Day program for their safety and supervision. Students not enrolled in the Extended Day Program will not be admitted into the building until 7:15am, when indoor school supervision begins. Children who are not picked up by 2:10pm will be escorted to the Extended Day Program and will be charged the rate as described under Extended Day. When running late, parents must have a “back up plan” for their children. Extended Day closes at 6:00pm. Students participating in extra-curricular activities after school are to wait for their moderator, coach, or leader in the lower level commons area. Students will be advised as to dismissal by the adult in charge of that activity. Park Use On occasion, students utilize Kelly Park (for example, during PreK and Kindergarten recess, Physical Ed classes, Extended Day, and Grade Level Picnics/Field Day events). Any use of Kelly Park has to be pre-approved by school administration as well as by the Director of Recreation of Kelly Park. The Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School has a reciprocal emergency agreement with the Orland Hills Recreation Department Building (Kelly Park building) in case of a crisis or emergency. Book bags and Backpacks Book bags and backpacks may not be carried during the school day; they are to be placed on coat racks or in lockers upon arrival at school. Child Abuse and Neglect School personnel are mandatory reporters of allegations and/or suspicions of child abuse or neglect. According to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, school personnel are required to make reports to the Department of Children and Family Services wherever such circumstances exist. Custody In the absence of a court order to the contrary, Cardinal Bernardin School will provide the non-custodial parent with access to the academic records and to all other school related information regarding the child. If there is a court order specifying that no information is to be given, it is the responsibility of the custodial parent to provide the school with an official copy of the court order. Invitations to Parties Students may not distribute party invitations at school unless the entire class is invited to the event. In that case, the student asks the teacher for permission to distribute the invitations during an appropriate time during the day.
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Extra-Curricular Activities Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School sponsors the following extra-curricular activities for various grade levels, as determined by the moderators.
Art Club (Grades 6, 7, 8) Athletics (Grades 3-8) Choir (4-8) Bowling (4-8) Walking Club (4-8) Chess Club (K-8) Scholar’s Program (2-8) Computer Club (2-5) Safety Patrol (6-8) Library Book Club (Grades 1-8) Daisies/Brownies/Girl Scouts (K-6)
Peer Tutoring (K-8) Drama (4-8) Band (4-8) Broadcast System (8) Bernarzine (6-8) Yearbook (7-8) Math Team (7-8) Math Club (4-6) Student Council (4-8) Cub/Boy Scouts (1-5)
Extra-curricular activities provide important learning experiences, as well as opportunities for socialization. Through extra-curricular activities, students explore their interests and develop their individual talents. Academic expectations for eligibility to participate in extra-curricular offerings include earning passing grades, completing homework, and cooperating with teachers in meeting academic expectations of the class. The student’s progress will be reviewed weekly until such time as that administration recommends that eligibility be returned. The Principal will make the final decision regarding eligibility. Conduct expectations for eligibility to participate in extra-curricular activities include following the good conduct expected of a Cardinal Bernardin student. Any student who is repeatedly disruptive in class, disregards school rules, shows poor sportsmanship, or disobeys a major school rule, will be suspended from extra-curricular activities or school-sponsored trips until he or she demonstrates improvement in his or her conduct. The student’s progress will be reviewed weekly until such time as that administration recommends that eligibility be returned. The Principal will make the final decision regarding eligibility. Students who participate in extra-curricular activities are expected to show personal responsibility and consideration for adult sponsors and fellow students by attending meetings and events faithfully. Field Trips/Shadow Days Field trips are an extension of the classroom learning experience. Student dress will be in accordance with the guidelines set by the teacher sponsoring the trip. A student must have a signed permission slip in order to be allowed to go on a trip. A phone call from a parent will not be accepted in place of the signed form. An appropriate number of chaperones are selected for each Field Trip by the teacher organizing the event. Behavioral expectations on field trips are the same as during a school day at the Cardinal Bernardin campus. Teachers reserve the right to withhold a field trip from a student who may have an academic or behavioral concern. Those students not attending a class field trip are expected to attend school that day. If they do not, it is considered an absence. Please note: Field Trip fees are not refundable. Seventh and eighth graders are allowed one day to shadow a high school. This is considered a field trip; it is not an absence from school. A completed Shadow Day form must be given to the homeroom teacher one week in advance of the intended high school visit in order for the absence to be excused.
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School Sponsored Trips School sponsored trips may be offered for Junior High students. Participation is a privilege and students may be excluded if behavior warrants. Hot Lunch Program The school provides a hot lunch program for Grades K-8 through the Archdiocesan food services program. Monthly menus are sent home, and children may participate on the days of their choice. Payment and menu choices need to be returned on the designated date. Children who do not participate in the hot lunch program may bring a lunch from home. Parents may not bring “fast food” lunches, pizza, or other birthday treats to the school lunchroom. Parents who are volunteering in the lunchroom must sign in and sign out at the Main Office before going to the lunchroom. Lost and Found Clothing and belongings found will be placed in the "Lost and Found" bin. There is a “Lost and Found” bin in the school lobby and there is one in the Church Hall. Valuables will be turned in to the office. Please be sure to label your child/ren's belongings with their name. At Christmas break and at the end of the school year, all unclaimed items will be donated to charity. Insurance The school does not provide insurance coverage for students for injuries or accidents brought on by themselves or caused by other students. Parents must rely on their own health insurance coverage. Parents of students who participate in athletics at the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School must provide proof of medical insurance for their students. Textbooks and Library Books Textbooks, workbooks, and library books are the property of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. It is the expectation that students will handle their books with care. Hardcover books should be covered. If a textbook or library book is lost or defaced, a replacement fee for the entire cost of the book will be charged. Students may borrow library books for one week. Parents are urged to read and discuss their child’s library selections with their child. District 135 Bus District 135 may provide bus service to CJB families whose addresses correspond with the District’s existing public school routes. If an address is located outside of the public school’s “paired boundary,” the District will offer the parent the option of bringing their child/ren to a nearby designated bus stop. The Cardinal Bernardin School is grateful to District 135 for providing bus service. Once bus schedules are finalized for the school year, it may not be possible to make changes and/or additions, especially for homes in new subdivisions. Families moving within D135 or making a new move into D135 may have to drive their children to an existing bus stop if the District/bus company is not able to add a new stop. All children riding the bus are expected to follow the rules of behavior, good manners, and courtesy expected of a Cardinal Bernardin student; children will sign a contract agreeing to same. If children do not abide by these rules, they may be suspended or prohibited from riding the school bus.
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District bus service rules stipulate that if a child boards the bus at the end of the day in error (i.e., should have remained for an after-school activity) and if there is no parent at home and/or available to meet the child at the bus stop, the bus driver will keep the child on the bus for the remainder of the CJB route. The child will be dropped off in the office of the local public school where the bus begins its next route. In the event of this occurrence, the bus company will contact the District. The District will contact the school. The school will contact the parent. It is the responsibility of the parent, not the school, to pick the child up at the local public school.
We fully support the expectations of District 135 that a parent or guardian must accompany the student each day to and from his/her bus stop. Cardinal Bernardin School is charged a fee by District 135 for costs (gasoline, insurance, salary); parents whose children use bus service will be billed to cover these costs. Electronic Devices Policy There is no requirement or expectation for any student to bring their technology device to school. CJB School is committed to creating a 21st century learning environment. Per the Bring Your Own Device Program, students at all grade levels will be able to bring their e-readers, ipads, ipods, and tablets to school. Any devices with 3G or 4G connectivity “enabled” will not be allowed. Though they will not be able to access the internet, students will be able to access already downloaded novels, apps, etc., that can be used for classroom enhancement and student collaboration with teacher approval. It is to be understood that the use of these devices is for educational purposes only. The students who bring their devices must register them for identification purposes and sign an agreement that outlines the appropriate use of the device within CJB School. Students will NOT be allowed to take videos, make audio recordings, take photos, email, text or instant message at any time, unless instructed by a CJB staff member. No student may possess a cell phone on his/her person or in his/her belongings (outside of their locker) during school hours (between the hours of 7:40a and dismissal). CJB School is not responsible for loss or damage to any student technology device. Any violation of the student agreement will result in the loss of all technology privileges related to BYOD for the entire year. Other consequences will be enforced, depending on the severity of the infraction. It is to be understood that the use of the BYOD Tools is for EDUCATIONAL purposes only. Desks, Lockers, Personal, and School Property Students are discouraged from bringing personal property to school. The classroom teacher may determine if an item is inappropriate for school. In such cases, the teacher will confiscate the item and contact the parent. The parent must come to school to claim the item. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage of personal items brought to school, on field trips, stored in desks, lockers, or classrooms. School personnel are charged with protecting the health and safety of all students. Fulfillment of these duties may conflict with a student’s right to and need for privacy. While desks, lockers and other storage areas are provided to students by the school, the school retains control and access to all desks, lockers and storage areas. Students are not permitted to place personal items in any desk or locker other than the one assigned to them. Students must maintain their lockers in neat and
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orderly condition, with the outer door free of pictures, decorations, etc. (This includes birthday and seasonal decorations.) Students may not place their own locks from home on a locker at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. Desks must be kept neat. Writing on (or the marking of desks) is not permitted. The school administration and/or faculty reserve the right to inspect any storage area, desk or locker, as well as their contents, at any time, with or without cause and with or without the student present, in order to fulfill their responsibility of maintaining proper safety, control and management of the school. If appropriate, school authorities will request the assistance of law enforcement in conducting the searches. A fine or financial restitution may be levied for lockers, desks, another student’s property, and/or any school property that is defaced or damaged.
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CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
“Finally, all of you, be of one mind, sympathetic, loving toward one another, compassionate, humble. Do not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter3: 8-9
Discipline As a Catholic educational community, we firmly believe in discipline based on self-respect, concern for others, and Christian ideals. Students learn through proper guidance, self-motivation, and self-discipline. A mutual respect is expected among the students, faculty, staff, and parents of Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. The support of the entire school community -- each sponsoring parish, CJB parents, staff and students -- fosters the spiritual, intellectual, social and emotional growth of the students. The school is an entity outside of the home that has its own purpose, plan, policies and rules. We believe that in order for our students to meet the challenges presented by our society, the development of self-discipline and individual responsibility are essential. Students are expected to respect the requirements of the school, even if those requirements may, of necessity, be different or more stringent than home rules. Most students easily meet these expectations. They are successful in school because these behaviors have been learned at home and practiced in school.
Guidelines for CJB student behavioral expectations:
Show respect to self and others;
Be considerate and courteous to other students and adults by not swearing; making inappropriate gestures, name calling, or using verbal harassment;
Follow directions given by school personnel and other authorized adults;
Give courteous attention when anyone is addressing the class;
Follow all adopted rules for lunchroom, bus, classrooms, and school grounds.
In order to promote an atmosphere conducive to learning and to maintain a safe learning environment, the students are expected to comply with behavioral guidelines and will be held accountable for any behavior that is non-compatible with the mission and philosophy of the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. Parental permission is not necessary for school administration to immediately address any school-related issue involving any child. Listed below are some general rules of conduct for our students:
Keep hands, feet and objects to self
Arrive to school and classes on time and be prepared for class with appropriate materials and textbooks
Be in compliance with the uniform/dress code
Respect all physical properties of the school and those of others
Walk orderly and quietly to all classes and school activities
Promote an environment free of weapons (or any item that could be construed as a weapon), illegal drugs, controlled substances, or alcohol
Refrain from inciting or participating in acts of aggression, bullying, harassment, meanness, threats (written, verbal, electronic), vandalism, theft, or any gang/group related activities. Any such behavior must be brought to the attention of an adult.
Use non-aggressive methods to resolve conflicts
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At all times, whether in school, at an assembly, in Extended Day, on a school bus, at a school bus stop, at an athletic event, field trip or school sponsored event, and on-line (internet), good manners, courtesy and respectful behavior is expected. There are two specific scheduled times of the school day that necessitate specific rules: the lunchroom and the school recess/playground. Some general lunchroom rules are:
Walk orderly and quietly to and from the lunchroom
Remain in designated area
Treat all adults with respect by following directions the first time they are given
Behave appropriately and use good manners when eating
Talk softly to those seated around you
Clean up all trash/food on, under and around one’s eating area
Remain seated and raise hand when needing assistance or need to be excused
Remain seated until directed to line up orderly for recess
Maintain the cleanliness of the washroom and the proper use of everything in the facility Some general recess/playground rules are:
Keep hands, feet and other objects to oneself
Use equipment in an appropriate and safe manner
Play in a safe and respectful manner
Treat all adults with respect by following directions the first time they are given
Seek out an adult to help solve disagreements
Remain in the designated play area at all times
Refrain from name calling, rough play, fighting (including play fighting), piling, shoving, pushing, pulling down or jumping on other students
Stop playing when the end of recess is called and line up promptly and orderly
Request the assistance of an adult when there is a need to go to the school building Violation of the above rules will result in disciplinary action. CJB discipline will be administered in a fair, firm and consistent manner taking into consideration the severity of the offense. The non-compliant behavior determines the consequence appropriate to the grade level of the child as determined by the teacher, adult in charge or school administration. Students who do not meet these expectations will be assigned consequences of various levels to encourage them to change their behavior. Classroom teachers set standards for classroom behavior, and students are expected to follow those standards and procedures. Bus riders are to refer to their bus contract for bus rules. Additionally, consistently inappropriate behavior on the bus could result in the loss of bus privileges. See the CJB Computer Acceptable Use Policy and the Technology Contract regarding the proper use of computers, computer programs and the internet. While misbehaviors are usually handled by the individual staff member or adult in charge and the student, they may require the intervention of other school personnel. Parental permission is not necessary for school administration to immediately address any school-related issue involving any child. Examples of consequences are, but not limited to:
Verbal warning
Loss of privileges
Mediation/Conflict Resolution
Detention
Phone call home
Written record of offense
Principal/student conference and warning
Principal/parent/student conference
Probation
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Suspension; (In-school/Out-of-school)
Expulsion
Report filed with local Police when the school is required to do so
These consequences are not necessarily sequential. Some infractions/violations may necessitate more than one consequence. Serious violations/infractions of school rules may result in an automatic in-school or out-of-school suspension. Serious violations include but are not limited to:
Fights
Acts of aggression resulting in physical harm or property damage
Vandalism
Theft
Bullying, meanness, harassment or threats (written, verbal, electronic)
Gang/group/crowd-related activities
Alcohol or drug possession or use
Truancy
Disrespect and/or disobedience toward a staff member or adult in charge
Intent to inflict bodily harm, fighting, tormenting, or inappropriate touching of another student
Possession or use of alcohol, cigarettes, matches, lighters of any type, drugs, weapons (or anything that may be construed as a weapon), bombs, or pornographic or offensive material
Use of vulgar or obscene language which is oral, written or texted, or represented by gestures
Setting false fire alarms or bomb threats
Leaving a school room, school premises, or school functions during school hours without permission
Displaying and/or wearing gang/cult signs, inappropriate or offensive messages, symbols or colors
Concurrent with a suspension or repeated offenses, the student may, at the Principal’s discretion, be excluded from other school-related activities. After a suspension is issued, the child’s behavior will be closely monitored. When a child continually lacks respect for others, property or school regulations, the parents/guardians will be notified that the child cannot remain at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School. Since it is impossible to anticipate all types of inappropriate behavior, the Principal reserves the right to take disciplinary action on conduct not specifically listed or covered in this handbook. Parental permission is not necessary for school administration to immediately address any school-related issue involving any child. The Principal also has the right to restrict any activity, trends or fads that might not be addressed in the handbook.
Final Review
The Principal is the final recourse in all-disciplinary situations and may waive or reduce any penalties for just cause at his/her discretion after meeting with the student and parent(s)/guardian(s).
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ARCHDIOCESE OF CHICAGO – BULLYING PREVENTION
The following is a statement from the Archdiocese of Chicago on “Bullying Prevention.” As Catholics, we believe in the dignity and respect of each individual created in the image of God. Bullying is contrary to Gospel values and has no place in the Catholic school community. Bullying is;
Any intentional, repeated, hurtful act or conduct (physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual) including communications made in writing or electronically,
Occurring on campus or off campus during non-school time,
Directed toward another student or students, that has or can be reasonably predicted to:
o Place the student or students in an unreasonable fear of harm to the student or student’s person or property;
o Cause a substantially detrimental effect on the student or student’s physical or mental health; o Interfere substantially with the student or student’s academic performance; o Interfere substantially with the student’s ability to participate in or benefit from the services,
activities or privileges provided by the school. Bullying can take many forms, including violence, harassment, threats, intimidation, stalking, cyber stalking, theft, public humiliation and retaliation for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. Cyber bullying can include all of the above as well as the use of electronic tools, devices, social media sites, blogs and websites to harm a student or students with electronic text, photos, or videos. Bullying acts or conduct described above can include the following:
Physical which includes, but is not limited to, punching, poking, stalking, destruction of property, strangling, hair pulling, beating, biting, spitting, stealing, pinching, and excessive tickling;
Verbal which includes, but is not limited to, name-calling, teasing, taunting, gossip, and threats whether in person or through any form of electronic communication and the Internet;
Emotional which includes, but is not limited to, intimidation, rejecting, terrorizing, extorting, defaming, humiliating, blackmailing, rating/ranking of personal characteristics such as race, disability, ethnicity, perceived sexual orientation, manipulation of friendships, isolating, ostracizing, and peer pressure;
Sexual, which includes, but is not limited to many of the emotional acts or conduct described above as well as exhibitionism, voyeurism, sexual propositioning, sexual harassment and abuse involving actual physical contact or sexual assault.
No student shall be subjected to bullying:
During any school sponsored education program or activity, while in school, on school property, on school buses or school vehicles, at school bus stops waiting for the school bus, or at school sponsored or school-sanctioned events or activities.
Through the transmission of information from a school or home computer network, or other similar electronic school or home equipment.
All members of the Catholic school community, parents/guardians, teachers, staff, administrators and others, are expected to work together in preventing bullying and promoting Gospel values in a Christ centered environment. Students are expected to participate in age appropriate educational programs developed by the school that address bullying and teach respect for all. Bullying by a student or students may result in suspension and/or expulsion from the school.
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EXTENDED DAY Many of our school families find that they have a need for a consistent, safe, and supervised haven for their children outside of regular school hours. For this reason, Cardinal Bernardin School will provide an Extended Day Program (EDP) each school day. The Program will be held in the Church Hall on the lower level of St. Elizabeth Seton Church. In addition to supervision, the Program provides activities, homework time, and play time. Due to the many children enrolled in the Program, the use of Extended Day for “play dates away from home” is discouraged. A child who becomes a discipline concern during Extended Day may be removed upon notification of the parent.
Time Regular school hours are 7:40am until 2:00pm. The Extended Day Program will operate each day, Monday through Friday, from 6:30am until 7:15am (before school) and from 2:00pm until 6:00pm (after school). Exceptions are early-dismissal school days such as the first and last day of school. In most of those instances, the Program will operate only during morning hours. Consult the calendar or the Director of Extended Day. The EDP does not operate during regular school day hours. Please note: full-day 3PK and 4PK students are eligible to attend.
Eligibility Only CJB School students are eligible to participate.
Registration Any family wishing to use the Program must complete a registration form which will ask each family to indicate the days and times they anticipate using Extended Day. This will facilitate planning for adequate supervision.
Fees An annual registration fee of $50.00 per family is assessed at the beginning of the school year. The proceeds from this fee are used to provide “snacks” and other materials used by the students in the Program. This fee is non-refundable.
Costs for the Program are assessed according to the number of children in the family who attend.
$4.00/hr for one child
$6.00/hr for two children
$8.00/hr for three or more children
Fees for “partial hours” will be prorated. Half the hourly fee will be assessed for the first half-hour or any portion thereof. The full hourly assessment will be charged for any time over thirty minutes. A late fee of $1.00 per minute will be charged for any time after 6:00pm. Parents must have a “back up plan” for their children when running late. Extended Day closes at 6:00pm.
PLEASE NOTE:
Extended Day payments must be kept current for students to remain in the Program. After 10 days of non-payment, a student will no longer be able to attend the Extended Day Program until payment is made.
Wellness Policy The Extended Day Program provides food and snacks in compliance with the CJB Wellness Policy. Parents may not provide food in the morning that is in violation of the school’s Wellness Policy.
Students in the After School Extended Day Program are to go immediately to the Church Hall with the assigned adult once school is dismissed. Students are not allowed to leave the Extended Day Program to return to their classrooms for any reason.
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CJB – UNIFORM POLICY Official CJB uniform suppliers are Schoolbelles and Lands’ End. Only approved pieces (as offered in Schoolbelles
or Lands’ End catalogues) may be purchased and worn. Gym uniform items that are to be purchased from the CJB
Bookstore are sweatshirts, t-shirts and shorts.
Pre-K Uniform
It is preferred that Pre-K Boys and Girls wear the CJB gym uniform daily. Gym sweatpants must be purchased
through Lands’ End. Lands’ End carries only gray sweatpants in smaller sizes. Gym sweatshirts, t-shirts and shorts
must be purchased through the CJB bookstore. Pre-K students may wear the same uniform as children in grades K-3
(but the CJB gym uniform is preferred). Pre-K children MUST wear gym shoes daily. Velcro gym shoes are
preferred.
Boy’s Uniform K-8
K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Solid color gray or black uniform-style trousers X X X X X X X X X
Schoolbelles gray or black uniform shorts (During
August/September and May/June) X X X X X X X X X
Long or short-sleeved white or burgundy polo or
turtleneck X X X X X X X X X
Solid black or dark brown (no beige or tan), flat-heeled,
non-scuff shoes (with less than a two-inch heel)* … OR
solid-color white, black or gray gym shoes
X X X X X X X X X
White, black, gray or burgundy solid colored, roll-over
socks X X X X X X X X X
Girl’s Uniform K-8
K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Long or short-sleeved white or burgundy polo, blouse, or
turtleneck X X X X X X X X X
Solid color gray or black uniform-style slacks X X X X X X X X X
Schoolbelles burgundy plaid pleated jumper X X X X
Schoolbelles or Lands’ End burgundy plaid skirt X X X X X
Schoolbelles or Lands’ End gray skirt or skort (Lands’ End
must be the knee-length option) X X
Schoolbelles gray or black uniform shorts (During
August/September and May/June) X X X X X X X X X
White, black, gray, or burgundy solid colored, roll-over socks,
or knee socks, or tights X X X X X X X X X
Solid black or dark brown (no beige or tan), flat-heeled, non-
scuff shoes (with less than a two-inch heel)* … OR solid-
color white, black or gray gym shoes. A traditional “saddle
shoe” option is acceptable, as well.
X X X X X X X X X
Gym Uniform
The CJB School gym uniform is not interchangeable with CJB Sport team uniforms. Sport team uniforms may
not be worn in lieu of the CJB school gym uniform.
K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Sweatshirts, t-shirts and burgundy shorts with CJB logo
purchased through CJB bookstore X X X X X X X X X
Approved burgundy sweatpants with CJB logo purchased
through Lands’ End X X X X X X X X X
Gym shoes – solid-color white, black or gray. NEON
gym shoes may be worn on gym day. X X X X X X X X X
White, black, or burgundy solid colored, roll-over socks X X X X X X X X X
*Not permitted: Platform shoes, platform gym shoes, heelies, sandals, jellies, clogs, backless shoes, flip-flops, slippers
and/or moccasins. NEON gym shoes MAY BE WORN ON GYM DAY ONLY or on Out-of-Uniform Day.
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During the winter months, if a parent prefers to have his/her child wear shorts on PE days, please have the student wear
CJB sweatpants over the shorts.
Uniform Considerations for all CJB Students…
CJB gym sweatshirts or Schoolbelles or Lands’ End (CJB uniform-style…v-neck, button-
down) burgundy or gray sweaters or Lands’ End Full Zip or Half Zip Micro Fleece Jacket
(burgundy) may be worn with the school uniform. Hoodies and other sweatshirts are not
permitted.
It is recommended that children not wear jewelry on gym days. We are not responsible for any
loss or damage.
Uniforms must be neat and clean with no holes or tears.
Only plain white with no writing t-shirts or camis may be worn under uniform shirts or
blouses. All undershirts MUST be tucked in.
Cargo and/or denim pants are not allowed.
Slacks or flannels may not be worn under or in addition to skirts or jumpers during school
hours.
Hair must be neat. Boys’ hair should not touch the collar of their shirts. No extreme
hairstyles or colors are allowed for either boys or girls. Curlers are not allowed in school.
No hats, headscarves, or excessive hair ornaments are allowed.
No hair wraps, no feathers, no weaves are allowed.
No make-up or excessive jewelry is allowed.
Waistband of trousers or slacks must reach the natural waist.
No leggings.
No yoga pants, including Victoria’s Secret/PINK brand.
We expect parents to see that students are in CJB uniform each day.
Students who do not comply with uniform guidelines may be issued a detention.
If noncompliance continues, the parent will be called and will be required to bring the appropriate uniform
clothing to school before the student is admitted to class.
In winter, please dress students appropriately. The school does not condone wearing short pants in winter.
(Please keep in mind that there could be reasons for evacuating the building.)
In regard to winter recess, if it is not raining, snowing, or dangerously cold, the children may be going outside or
at least may walk outside from the Lunchroom to the Main Entrance in order to get some fresh air. Of course,
prudence is always exercised in making these decisions.
“Out of Uniform Day” Considerations for all CJB Students…
Students must dress modestly and appropriately. No clothing with rips, tears, or inappropriate
or indecent messages is allowed.
Clothes should not be tight fitting.
No leggings or yoga pants, including Victoria’s Secret/PINK brand.
No short skirts, exposed midriffs, spaghetti straps or strapless tops are allowed. Shorts, if
worn, must be uniform-style walking shorts. No short shorts or running shorts or volleyball
shorts. Waistband of pants must reach the natural waist.
Platform shoes, platform gym shoes, heelies, sandals, jellies, clogs, backless shoes, and flip
flops are not permitted.
No hats are allowed to be worn during school hours.
On Mass days, out-of-uniform passes may not be used. Please check calendar for Mass dates.
Administration will make the judgment as to the appropriateness of clothing
for the Cardinal Bernardin School setting.
Students who are dressed immodestly or inappropriately will be required to call the parent for another outfit
before being admitted to class or being permitted to go on a field trip.
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UNRETURNED PARENT/STUDENT AGREEMENT FORMS
It is understood by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin administration that any unreturned agreements are not exempt from the policy and procedures of the Cardinal Bernardin School.
PARENT/GUARDIAN CONDUCT
As partners in the education of children, the parent/guardian in the school community is expected to demonstrate respectful behavior at all times with faculty, administration, support staff, students, and volunteers whether on or off school grounds or at school-related events. If, in the opinion of the principal, that partnership is no longer viable, the school reserves the right to require the parent/guardian to either remove their child/ren from the school or not accept re-registration for the next school year. Unacceptable behaviors include, but are not limited to: harassment, verbal abuse, assault of or threats to the faculty, administration, staff, students and volunteers of the school. Parents/guardians who post defamatory or threatening statements about the school, its staff or students on social media can be required to remove the offensive material or withdraw their child/ren from the school. Ordinarily, a student is not to be deprived of a Catholic school education on grounds relating to the actions/attitudes of a parent/guardian. However, one of the following actions may be required to permit the continuation of the student in the school:
schedule meetings between school staff and the parent/guardian outside of regular school hours in a monitored setting;
conduct school business with the other parent/guardian of the student. When, in the judgment of the principal, as confirmed by the pastor or juridic person, the behavior of a parent/guardian seriously interfered with teaching, learning, or a positive school environment, the administrator may:
inform the parent/guardians that their right to be present on school grounds is temporarily or permanently suspended;
dismiss the child/ren of the parent/guardian temporarily or permanently from the local Catholic school.
PRINCIPAL’S RIGHT TO AMEND HANDBOOK
The Principal reserves the right to amend statements in this Handbook with or without notice. The school will attempt to keep the parent/guardian informed of all changes as soon as practical. 8/14 cld