Welcome! Thank you for choosing St. Ann School for your child.

Our Purpose

Our purpose at St. Ann School is to build a Catholic learning community that unifies and integrates the experiences of learning, faith, and communion. We continually look to our faith to guide us in how we provide programming that fosters fully alive and joy-filled human persons. We believe that what we offer develops the heart, mind and soul of the child, strengthens the family, and enriches our parish.

Mission

The mission of St. Ann School is to form the whole person in the likeness of Christ, to live fully and freely in the communion of family. We aim to form students in the fullest sense by fostering wonder and love for all that is genuinely true, good and beautiful. We integrate the necessary tools for learning with Catholic faith to support parents in their role of developing young people with lifelong powers of sound judgement, responsibility, courageous perseverance, self-control, and love. Formation in this deep sense extends beyond the classroom and helps the student acquire the character to live in service to God and others. We aim to inspire a sense of awe and wonder. We create activities that nurture children’s God given natural sense of joy and awareness that they are part of something bigger than themselves. They become spiritually alive – in the highest sense of what this means. As children mature, their wonder develops into wisdom, grounded in an intimate love for God, using gained knowledge and skills to reflect His love to others.

We strive to create an understanding that each life has value and each life has purpose. Our children learn that we need to honor all life, including ourselves, and to honor our parents in a special way as chosen by God. They become spiritually alive – in the highest sense of what this means.

We build self-worth and foster independence. They get a sense of their own ability to learn new things, master new skills, solve problems, and to do things well.

We engage children to think deeply and be their own best teacher. We teach them how to figure things out for themselves and help them to see the real connections between things. We teach them how to bring abstract ideas to life.

Objectives

At St. Ann School, our primary focus is to instill a love of God and an understanding of how He gifts and calls each one of us. We work in partnership with our families to support children to reach their full potential. We strive to bring children and families

closer to Christ. We integrate Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Montessori and Classical education. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd resonates with children in a profound way, nurturing deep and enduring love for God. Montessori is a developmental approach with over 100 years of proven success. Classical offers children those things that are true, beautiful and good. Both Classical and Montessori develop self-direction, critical thinking, ongoing love of learning and virtue. Opportunities for learning and faith are offered in a prepared environment that nurtures a child’s spiritual, cognitive, emotional, and physical growth.

Affiliations

St. Ann School is recognized by the Michigan Department of Education as a non-public school serving children in pre-school. The program is licensed by the State of Michigan. St. Ann School maintains a Licensing Notebook, as required by Michigan law. This notebook contains licensing inspection reports, special investigation reports and corrective action plans. The notebook is available to parents for review during regular business hours. Licensing inspection and special investigation reports from the past two years are available on the Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing website at www.michigan.gov/michildcare.

Each of our Montessori lead teachers has been trained through a MACTE accredited Montessori Teacher Training Institution and are members of the American Montessori Society or the Association Montessori Internationale. Our teaching assistants have received training in Montessori practices and theory.

Governance

St. Ann School is part of St. Ann Parish; therefore, the presiding Priest is the Senior Administrator of the school. Under the Priest’s supervision, the Business Administrator handles the school finances. The Principal oversees the daily running of the school, including staffing, curriculum, enrollment and policies; consulting the Director of Religious Education regarding religious instruction and sharing of the facilities. St. Ann School is under the guidance of the Diocese of Kalamazoo.

Faculty and Staff

All staff are screened in accordance with our staff policies listed in the policy/procedure section of this handbook.

Teachers’ responsibilities include: Presenting Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and the Montessori

curriculum through the use of materials. Observing and following the child by tailoring instruction to fit the child’s

developmental needs and interests.

Preparation of the environment in accordance with the Montessori philosophy.

Maintaining open and honest communication with parents. Training and supervising assistants. Cooperating as a school-wide education team on fulfillment of the

School’s mission, increased parent-teacher communications, curriculum and child safety.

All faculty and staff participate in at least 3 professional development days per year.

These include CPR, First Aid Training, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd training, Montessori training, Classical education training, Virtus training, and other relevant continuing education.

Teachers are also given opportunities to attend Montessori conferences and workshops and to observe Montessori classrooms in other schools.

Faculty and staff biographies are available on our website at www.stannaugusta.org.

Faculty and staff contact information is located at the end of this handbook.

Educational Program

Primary (ages: 33 months – 6 years, pre-school – kindergarten) Enrollment options are 3 - 5 half-days, or 3 - 5 full days per week. Children explore and investigate hundreds of activities in the areas of art,

geography, history, language, mathematics, music, practical life, science, theology, and sensorial, and movement.

Children develop understanding, self-confidence, initiative, persistence, independence, concentration, orderliness, cooperation and respect for others.

Music classes are offered in the morning and integrated into the classroom making them available to all students throughout the day

Children attend Mass twice a week.

The Primary Classroom

Your child will enter a beautiful, carefully prepared environment designed to aid his/her search for independence, concentration and happiness. The “absorbent” minds of children are free to investigate and explore their surroundings at their own periods of interest and readiness. Because they are free to move at their own pace, we never push a child academically. We give them ample time and space to practice and perfect their abilities as they learn through their own explorations and from interactions with their peers. The materials provide a variety of interactive experiences including learning

activities of practical life, sensorial, language, mathematics, science, history, culture, movement, music and art. Most importantly, we provide an environment that allows freedom to play, explore and discover the wonders of God’s world. Children are led to realize how much they are loved by God and how they can return His love.

Children at St. Ann School will participate in a variety of liturgical and worship celebrations as a response to the child’s silent plea at every age: “Help me come closer to God by myself.” Using Montessori principles, we will present the most essential realities of the Catholic faith to even very young children.

The children have a particular sensitivity to the following points: Jesus Christ is the “Good Shepherd: who protects His sheep and calls them each by name”; Eucharist as the greatest gift of the love of the Father; Jesus Christ as the “Light of the world” and Baptism as the act with which this Light is given.

Specially designed materials and inspiring presentations help children explore areas of faith formation appropriate to their developmental age. Our classroom has its own model altar, as well as an area which contains all of the Good Shepherd materials. The focal point for classroom prayers and group lessons is the prayer table. Our classroom is a community. The children care for this unique learning environment and the people within. We have only one rule: the rule of respect. When children follow the rule of respect, they will never say or do anything to hurt another and will respectfully care for everything in their environment. Most importantly, with respect, the children will care for themselves. We ask that you help in fostering this respect. Once children feel respect, they will in turn give that respect to those around them and to the environment.

How We Work

Admissions Policy

St. Ann School seeks to admit students and families who share and support our mission and values. Enrollment at St. Ann School is open to any child. We strive to meet the needs of all children. We do not discriminate against a child for any reason. Prospective parents are urged to visit the classroom and meet the St. Ann School staff in order to determine whether our program meets the needs of your family.

St. Ann School welcomes all children and considers all applications on the basis of equality without regard to religion, sex, race, color, national and ethnic origin, martial status, height, weight. Children are admitted to all programs and activities generally accorded or made available to anyone. It is also parish policy to attempt to

accommodate students with disabilities into any program of which they desire to participate.

Early enrollment will be open to the parishes of St. Ann, St. Ambrose of Delton, and Our Lady of Great Oak parishioners. Registered families of these parishes will be given preference, along with children currently enrolled in the program and families who have previously had children enrolled in the program.

There is a $100.00 non-refundable fee that is required to reserve your child’s placement in the school. This fee is required with the enrollment application. The fee will be reduced to $50 for additional students enrolled from the same family during the 2017-2018 school year. A waiting list will be created when a class becomes full. Children will be accepted throughout the academic year as openings become available and as children demonstrate developmental readiness.

Children must be at least 33 months and able to use the toilet independently before they may enter St. Ann School.

Admissions Process

The admission process at St. Ann School begins with a tour of the school. During this tour, prospective parents will have a chance to see the school, observe a classroom, and talk with a faculty member. This visit is intended to give both parties time to determine if the partnership in education is the right one. Once a family decides to apply, they must complete an application and return it to the office with a non-refundable registration fee.

Tuition

Our tuition schedule for the school year is located under the school tab on our website, www.stannaugusta.org.

Tuition Payment

You may elect to pay tuition in full by August 1 or on a monthly basis. All monthly tuition payments are due to the school office on the 1st of each month. You will have until the 7th of each month to pay without penalty. After the 7th of each month, you will receive a reminder. A late fee of $10.00 will be added if tuition is not paid by one week after the 7th of the month. This is non-refundable. Tuition will not be reduced due to illness, vacation, school closings, or legal holidays. If a child is enrolling after the first of the month, the tuition for that month will be prorated for the current month.

Additional Charges

Charges over and above tuition and fees may be applicable according to the activity (e.g. special field trips, supplies, and extracurricular programming).

Tuition Assistance

Tuition assistance is available at the Priest’s discretion. Please contact the Principal directly if you need assistance.

School Orientation

We are committed to helping students (new and returning) have a successful start to the school year. For this reason, the children are invited to come for short visits in small groups at first. This allows them to develop a trusting bond with their teacher, to become oriented to the classroom, and to get excited about some activities to come back and do next time.

Building Access

St. Ann School is locked during the school day. Parents/guardians have access to the building Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 3:45 pm through the front office of the church.

Attendance

In order for your child to gain as much as possible from an educational program, timely arrival and regular attendance are expected. Children need firm consistency and repetition to find their boundaries. In respecting this need, we stress the importance of consistent and prompt arrival to school each day that your child is well. If you are having difficulty getting your child to school in the mornings, please bring this to the teacher’s attention as there may be some ideas we can share that may be helpful. Also, for safety reasons, staff must know which children are in the building at all times.If your child is going to be absent, please call the School before class begins.

Arrival/Dismissal

Arrival

A staff member will be in the main hallway of the school to welcome children in the morning between 8:20 am and 8:30 am (on days we attend Mass our drop off time will start at 8:15 am). For safety reasons and out of respect for our teachers who need time to prepare for class, your child may not be dropped off prior to 8:20 am. If you arrive

after 8:30 am, the doors to the school will be locked. Please walk your child to the front office and you will be escorted back to the school.

Please park your car and walk your child into the building where staff will be waiting to assist you in the hall. Please encourage your child to take responsibility for his/her belongings (change shoes, hang up jacket and/or backpack). Say your goodbyes at the double doors and allow your child to enter the school; staff will be waiting to help your child transition into school. Please make every effort to ensure as smooth a transition for your child as possible.

Routine daily dismissal consists of dismissing the child to the parents/guardian or another authorized adult. The school staff should be notified in writing if someone not listed on your child’s information card will pick up your child.

Morning Primary students will be dismissed from 12:00 pm. Pick up procedure is car line. As you pull up in the car line, a staff member will escort the children to the car. It is helpful if your child’s car seat is on the right side of the vehicle. Once your child is seated, please pull the car forward to allow the next car to proceed. You may then buckle your child into his/her seat.

If a child needs to be picked up at a different time, arrangements must be made with the staff at morning arrival. Our of respect for parents waiting time, car line is not a time to talk with your teacher. If you want to talk with your teacher, please ask them to contact you.

Afternoon dismissal occurs at 3:45 pm. Please follow the same procedures listed above.

Delayed Opening/Closing

In the event of severe weather storms, it may occasionally become necessary to close St. Ann School or delay the start of the school day. Several factors go into making this decision, including the amount of snowfall, the temperature, the weather forecast, and road conditions.

When extreme weather occurs, the Principal will make the decision by 6 am to open, close, or delay the school start time. This will be communicated via email.

Child Safety

Child Abuse and Neglect. All schools, child care centers, physicians and others who work with children are required by law to inform Child Protective Services at the Department of Human Services of any suspected abuse or neglect of children. By law, a suspicion of child abuse generally means that the reporter has “reasonable cause to

believe” or “reasonable cause to know or suspect” that a child is being maltreated physically, emotionally or mentally.

Employee Screening. All employees are subject to criminal screening through the State Police and/or fingerprinted as mandated by the State of Michigan. All volunteers are screened for abuse and child neglect. All school volunteers, school employees, and clergymen who have regular contact with children must attend a Diocesan Awareness Session for the Protecting God’s Children Program adopted by the 11 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to help correct the problem of child sexual abuse within the faith community.

Building Security. During the day, the entrance to the school building is locked. The main door to the church is unlocked during business hours.

Visitors. We welcome and encourage visits to the school from parents, outside teachers, prospective families, and the larger community. When you visit the school, please sign in at the school office.

Weapons. No weapons of any sort – including play or pretend guns, knives, and similar items – are allowed on the school premises.

Policies governing child safety can be found in the appendix of this handbook.

Field Trips

Field trips enhance the children’s classroom experience and occur throughout the school year. Information about specific field trips will be communicated prior to each outing.

A signed statement, from each child’s family, giving permission to participate in field trips is required for each student before he/she may participate in an event off-site. It will be kept on file at the school. On all trips, the teacher will act to promote the safety of the students.

St. Ann School relies on the generosity of our parents to provide transportation and make these events possible. Field trips will begin and end at the location of the event (unless otherwise noted). Families will be advised prior to each field trip if siblings are welcome. Families will be responsible for all additional charges incurred by participation of parents and siblings. Any family that does not wish their child to participate in a field trip will need to make their own arrangements for care during the time of the trip.

Families are responsible for making arrangements if they are not able to drive their child to the field trip.

GUIDELINES FOR CLOTHING, ETC.

A child’s attire has a positive effect on learning and personal relationships when it is neat and presentable.

Daily Clothing Children should wear simple, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off

by themselves. We recommend clothing that you don’t mind getting messy. Clothing should be modest. We recommend non-descript clothing, e.g., without popular characters or gimmicks

such as lights, as such clothing may be a source of distraction.

A uniform and dress code minimize distractions and maximize learning. They also unite us as a school family, and nudge us to look beyond the surface, seeing one another for our thoughts, words and actions. Toward nurturing optimal formation and learning, we ask that you use the same criteria in choosing lunchboxes, backpacks, coats, boots, etc – functional and simple, avoiding popular characters and lights.

Primary (pre-kindergarten) Uniform or Dress Code

Dress Code: White, maroon or grey on the top – solid colorBlack on the bottom – pants, shorts, skort, skirt or jumper

(with shorts or bloomers underneath skirt or jumper)Shoes – plain, well fitting, can be put on/off independently, flexible sole

(aids in child’s development of coordination) Socks, tights, leggings – simple (undergarments should be simple as well)

Kindergarten – Uniform

Can be ordered from School Belles Catalog (please ask for a catalog at the school office or go online to www.schoolbelles.com).

Change of Clothing As St. Ann School children are always creating, exploring and often going outside,

it is strongly recommended that children of all ages have a set of clean, season-appropriate clothes in their locker.

Outdoor Apparel All of our children play outside regularly, except during heavy rain or extreme

cold. Please make sure your child is dressed for the weather. Appropriate outdoor clothing, including snow pants, boots, hats, mittens, and

shoes that are safe for running and climbing, are required.

Inside Shoes Please provide a plain pair of closed-toe shoes with flexible soles that your child

can put on and take off independently. Inside shoes are to be kept at school and used only for indoor wear.

Physical Activity Shoes Students are required to have shoes appropriate for running and tumbling on

gym days.

Labels All child’s clothing, shoes, and lunch supplies should be clearly marked with the

child’s name. The Lost & Found is located in the main hallway of the school. Unclaimed items are donated to needy children at the end of the school year.

Sharing in Classrooms

Children like to share information/items of personal interest with others. We recognize this interest and see it as an opportunity to foster skills important of self-expression.

Please do not allow your child to bring toys to school. If your child wishes to bring an educational book, something from nature, a cultural artifact, etc. please discuss this with the teacher.

If your child brings home an object that is not familiar to you, please check with us. Often it can be something from our classroom.

Birthdays

Birthdays are a rite of passage to celebrate the life of the child. Your child’s teacher will have details regarding how birthdays are celebrated in the classroom and your part in that celebration. Parents are welcome to provide a nutritious, special snack for your child’s special day. Different breads, muffins, fruit or fruit kabobs are welcome.

Please do not send a sugary snack, such as cake, cupcakes, or donuts. If you wish to provide such a snack, please have it individually packaged and it can be sent home with the children in the class. Please also remember that we are a peanut and tree nut free school.

St. Ann School staff will be aware of all special dietary needs as reported on the Child Information Record and care will be taken to meet all reported needs. Special considerations will be communicated to families so that all snacks supplied can be offered to all students.

Student Records

St. Ann School creates and maintains a student file on each child enrolled. This file includes information provided by the family such as emergency contact information, registration forms, health records, etc. The file also includes records of attendance, academic progress reports, etc. Reports of any outside evaluations (e.g., psychological, speech and language, neurological, and occupational therapy) are also included. All student records, in accordance with state requirements, are confidential. If a parent wishes to inspect their child’s student records, they may do so after contacting the Principal. Parents wishing to have copies of their child’s records sent to other schools must submit a Records Release Form, obtainable from the school requesting the records. The student’s financial account must be current for records to be released. As mandated by state law, St. Ann School will retain permanent student records on school-aged children for a minimum of sixty years.

Photography and Publicity

You will be asked to sign a permission slip to allow us to photograph your child for publicity purposes. You may refuse this if you wish.

How We Communicate

St. Ann School is committed to maintaining clear, concise, consistent two-way communication with parents. The following forms of communications will be used to achieve this goal.

Website (www.stannaugusta.org) Contains general, up-to-date school information and postings (e.g., school

calendar, handbook, school news, community, academic, and administrative events)

Email You may contact the school via email at school@stannaugusta.org. The email addresses of teaching and administrative staff are listed in the back of

this handbook. Teachers will check their email daily. Urgent messages should be conveyed by phone to the office and will be delivered to your child’s teacher.

Telephone

Classroom telephones are reserved for emergency use only. You may leave a message for your child’s teacher with the School office.

Teachers check their messages daily and will return your call during non-class time.

School Newsletter

Sent every two weeks (unless there is important information to be shared), to keep you updated on school events.

If you have an item for the weekly newsletter, please submit it to the school office.

Community Meetings

Community meetings are scheduled throughout the year and will be communicated in advance of the meeting.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

Are held in the fall and spring. The purpose is to share observations and information about your child’s

academic progress and growth. You may contact your child’s teacher to schedule additional conferences, if you

wish.

Parent Classroom Observation

Parents are welcome to schedule classroom observations starting in mid-October; this allows students time to settle in. Please schedule your classroom observation with your child’s teacher. Plan to sit quietly and make notes of your comments or questions. Please refrain from interacting with the children; let them know you are busy with your notes and redirect them to their work. A follow-up meeting or phone call may be scheduled with your child’s teacher, if desired.

For the truest observation experience, please refrain from bringing siblings for your visit.

Year-end Academic Report

A written academic report, including the total number of days absent, is distributed to parents (for kindergarten age and older) at the end of the year.

Community Bulletin Board

The community bulletin board is located in the side hallway of the school. This board contains information on Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, Montessori education, Classical education, policies, licensing information, and classroom and community events.

Concerns/Problems

Most situations are handled best by direct communication between parents and the teacher involved.

Any problem involving a child should first be discussed with your child’s teacher, by appointment.

If you have a question or concern after speaking with the teacher, please contact the Principal.

If you feel your idea, suggestion, or concern was not handled satisfactorily at a teacher and administrative level, you may bring your issue to the Priest.

Please refrain from addressing concerns with your child’s teacher during drop-off time or in the car line.

Health

Health Practices and Procedures

As prescribed by the licensing agency in the State of Michigan, St. Ann school has the following practices and procedures implemented to protect the health of the children and staff.

Hand Washing: Children and staff are required to wash their hands upon arriving at school daily. Children and staff wash their hands before eating, and after using the bathroom and blowing their noses.

Handling Bodily Fluids: All staff members annually complete OSHA Blood Borne Pathogens training. The training provides all staff members training in universal cleaning procedures to protect the children and themselves against possible contamination from bodily fluids.

Cleaning: Equipment, materials, and other surfaces are required to be regularly cleaned and sanitized to minimize the spread of disease. Rest mats and blankets are washed and sanitized weekly.

Controlling Infection: The school uses disposable paper products as well as cloth placemats and napkins that are washed daily to control the spread of disease. In addition, sickness and wellness procedures are in place to isolate and remove children who have or may have communicable diseases. If the teachers and staff notice a child showing symptoms of an infectious disease, the school will send the child home immediately and take the following precautions.

1. The school will contact the Kalamazoo County Health Department to discuss course of recommended action for this particular illness, as required.

2. The school will institute special daily disinfection procedures, as required.

Allergies: If we have a student enrolled with a peanut allergy, we will make the accommodations necessary within our program.

Snack and Lunch: When you are providing snack, please ensure that snacks provided to the children are acceptable. A list is provided in Appendix A under policy #6 and is also posted on the bulletin board. We ask that foods for lunch and snack not include any peanut butter, peanuts or tree nuts of any kind. Additionally, when providing snack, please check labels to be sure that the words “manufactured in a facility that handles peanuts or tree nuts” is not present.

Policies governing health practices can be found in the appendix of this handbook.

Health Resources:

KRESA(269) 250-9200Kalamazoo County Health Departmentwww.kalcounty.com/hsdAmerican Association of Pediatricianswww.aap.orgMayo Clinic health informationwww.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-healthCenter for Disease Control – Infant & Child Health Nutrition and Fitnesswww.cdc.gov/--Center

Sickness and Illness

When to stay home:

If your child is not feeling well enough to participate fully in all school programs. Fever – any temperature over 99.5; less if the child feels badly or acts “out-of-

sorts”. Diarrhea – more than one episode in a two hour period Vomiting for any reason Rash – undiagnosed Scabies or lice Any communicable disease (e.g., pink eye, strep throat, chicken pox)

o Inform the office of the diagnosis of a communicable disease or illness.o Notices will be sent to the families whose children have been exposed.

The child’s name will be confidential.

When to return to school:

When a fever is absent for 24 hours (without fever reducing medicine). When the child has had antibiotics for 24 hours or more. When a rash is diagnosed as non-contagious by a physician. When diarrhea has stopped for 24 hours. Scabies and lice must be cleared and nits completely gone. A child with chicken pox may return only when all lesions (rash spots) are

completely crusted over and healed.

What if your child becomes ill at school?

If a teacher determines it necessary, a parent/guardian will be contacted and asked to come for the child immediately.

If indicated, the child will be isolated from other children until a parent arrives. We will do our best to make your child comfortable until you can pick him/her

up (cold compresses, clear liquids, rest, use of the restroom, etc.) In cases of extreme medical emergency, the staff will call 911 and the child will

be taken to the medical facility determined by the 911 staff. The parents will be notified and directed to the medical facility where the child is taken.

Medication storage and administration:

Prescription and non-prescription medicine will be administered ONLY when accompanied by a written permission slip from a parent/guardian. Medical permission slips are not required for sunscreen and insect repellent. There is a specific form to cover those two categories.

A Medicine Administration Form (available from the office) must be completed specifying exact procedures for the administration of the medications.

All medications must come to the school in its original container with the name of the medication and the child’s name.

Prescription medication must have the pharmacy label indicating the physician’s name, child’s name, instructions, and name, expiration date and strength of the medication, and shall be administered according to those instructions.

A record will be kept in the office specifying the date, time, medication, dosage, and name of the person administering the medications.

All medications are locked in the office.

Children may not keep medications of any kind with them. Do not send medication (prescription or non-prescription) in your child’s backpack or lunchbox. Cough Drops must be kept in the office.

Accidents and Emergencies

Minor Accidents: If an accident is considered minor by St. Ann School staff, the following procedures will be followed:

Basic first aid (if necessary) is provided (cleaning and application of a band-aid). An accident report is completed with a copy put in the student’s file and one

provided for the parents/guardians.

Emergencies: If an accident is considered an emergency by St. Ann School staff, the following procedures will be followed:

The parents/guardians will be contacted immediately. If a parent/guardian can’t be reached, then the person listed as emergency

contacts on the child’s health record will be contacted. If necessary, an ambulance will be called and the child transported to the

hospital identified in the health record. Basic first aid procedures will be provided by St. Ann School staff.

Emergency Preparedness

Fire Drills

Five randomly scheduled fire drills will be conducted throughout the school year in conjunction with the local fire department.

Teachers and students periodically review the drill procedures, which are posted in a visible location in each classroom.

Tornado Drills

Two randomly schedule tornado drills will be conducted throughout the school year.

The Drill

o Each class is assigned to a location that would be safe in the event of a tornado (e.g., in a restroom or an internal hallway).

o Children sit on the floor with their heads down until the drill is over and the “all clear” is called – approximately a couple of minutes.

o Teachers then guide the children back to class to talk about what they experienced and to reassure them of their safety.

Lock-Down Drills

Three randomly scheduled lock-down drills will be conducted throughout the school year. These are mandated by the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office.

The Drillo Teachers are informed as to the type of lock-down (internal threat,

external threat, or shelter in place).o Lights are turned off, doors locked, blinds closed, cell phones and

computers are turned off.o Children are informed that they are going into “lock-down mode” and

quietly guided to a pre-designated safe location – the location changes depending on the type of drill with goal that the children cannot be seen by the source of the threat.

o Children remain in lock-down until police have been given the “all clear”.o Teachers then guide the children back to class to talk about their

experience.o If you arrive at the school when a drill is in progress, please remain in

your car and wait until the all-clear is given. Do not attempt to enter the school or pick-up your child during a drill.

Emergency policies and procedures can be found in the appendix of this handbook.

Code of Conduct

Dr. Maria Montessori integrated a code of conduct into her curriculum emphasizing grace and courtesy. Children are guided and expected to behave respectfully toward each other, themselves and their physical environment, thereby ensuring a safe and secure learning environment. At St. Ann School, discipline refers initially to a child’s ability to responsibly guide his or her own behavior. Self discipline is considered a necessary life skill that is acquired through appropriate guidance and individual effort. Self discipline is developed from the earliest age in the preschool program through elementary school. Teachers and staff use positive methods of discipline that are age appropriate and encourage self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation.

“Freedom within limits” is the core of the philosophy regarding discipline in a Montessori environment. Montessori children enjoy considerable freedom of

movement and choice; however, their freedom always exists within carefully defined limits on the range of their behavior. They are free to do anything appropriate within the ground rules of the school community. However, they are promptly and firmly redirected with reminders of ground rules and expectations. The adult may say, “Paints are only for paper. This needs to be cleaned up. Do you want to wipe the yellow up first or the red? Then, I will help you choose another activity.” Preparation of the environment and carefully defined ground rules are key to successful discipline. When a child oversteps these boundaries and redirection does not work, a serious discussion of the situation occurs between the teacher and the student. At this time, age appropriate consequences directly relating to the situation are laid out. Should the child continue to disobey, the consequences will be enforced. For example, if a four year old is painting on the wall instead of his/her paper and refuses to stop when asked, he/she would lose the privilege of using paints for the remainder of the day. If a child is endangering his or her safety or the safety of another person, an adult will intervene immediately and remove the child from the situation. Once the child/children are safe, the teacher can assess the situation and choose appropriate discipline measures, if required.

If the child’s body is out of control and he or she is unable to respond to redirection, discussion, or consequences, the teacher may choose to have the child sit quietly in a calm part of the classroom to regain self control. When the child is able to return to work calmly, he or she may do so, with permission from the teacher. This “time out” should never last more than a few minutes for a preschool child. Our approach to discipline is based on empowerment, mutual respect, and trust.

When behavior is inappropriate and a child is unable to independently recognize this and correct him or herself:

Staff will intervene to help the child develop self-assessment and problem solving skills.

Staff intervention shall consider the age and developmental level of the child and be age-appropriate.

If a child does not respond and cooperate with teacher and staff efforts to develop self discipline, the parents will, at an appropriate stage as determined by a teacher or staff member in consultation with the Principal, be notified and included in the planning process for addressing the child’s behavior issue and St. Ann School may initiate appropriate consequences, as stated in the Discipline Policy.

The child may be considered for appropriate counseling/evaluation, put on probation, suspended or asked to leave the program or be directed to withdraw from the program in accord with the Discipline Policy, if these efforts do not succeed.

Teachers and staff will intervene to stop all acts of physical aggression and/or harm to protect a child, teacher, or a staff member.

As required by law, the teachers and staff will report suspected incidences of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation. A written report will be submitted to the Department of Human Services.

Discipline

St. Ann School will make every attempt to accommodate specific student needs to create a learning environment that is successful for every child within the Montessori methods and philosophy. Occasionally, the student’s needs cannot be met. St. Ann School reserves the right to impose discipline on the student in accord with the Discipline Policy if, in the opinion of the teachers and school administration, the child is not able to benefit from the program or is a disruptive influence upon the other students and class. The Discipline Policy shall be applied in such instances in a manner appropriate to the age of the student and the program in which the student is enrolled.

Destructive or Disruptive Offenses

Destructive or disruptive offenses subject to suspension or dismissal are extremely rare and include, but are not limited to, the following:

Continued disobedience and/or disciplinary problems Physically aggressive behaviors and/or violence or threat of violence to another

person Tantrums and/or continual outbursts Repeated failure to follow school rules and/or norms of civil behavior Verbal and/or mental abuse Harassment or bullying, including cyber bullying Vandalism or the willful destruction of school property or the property belonging

to others in the school Theft or the taking of another’s property without the owner’s permission Substance abuse Bringing weapons to school

Prohibited Forms of Discipline

Under no circumstances will teachers and staff be permitted to touch a student abusively or roughly, speak to a student in a derogatory or disrespectful manner, or deprive the student of regularly schedule meals or use of the bathroom. The following forms of student discipline/punishment are specifically prohibited by the Michigan Department of Human Services:

Hitting, spanking, shaking, biting, pinching, or inflicting other forms of corporal punishment.

Restricting a child’s movement by binding or tying him or her.

Inflicting mental or emotional punishment, such as humiliating, shaming, or threatening a student.

Depriving a student of meals, snacks, rest, or necessary toilet use. Confining a student in an enclosed area, such as a closet, locked room, box, or

similar cubicle.

Discipline Policy

PurposeThe purpose of the St. Ann School Discipline Policy is to encourage a constructive approach to discipline that creates opportunities for students to address problems and misunderstandings, and develop better self-control, self-direction, self-esteem, cooperation and motivation to become engaged, constructive members of society. The Discipline Policy shall be applied in a manner appropriate to the age of the student and the program in which the student is enrolled.

AwarenessAs appropriate during the school year, teachers and staff shall raise awareness of the Code of Conduct and how students can incorporate it in their daily behaviors.

PreventionSt. Ann School’s teachers and staff are leaders who should nurture and model a school climate that fosters community and civil behavior. They should use positive methods of discipline which encourage self control, self-direction, self-esteem, and cooperation. For example, when a child is disruptive, teachers and staff should provide guidance (“Please use your quiet voice,” or “Please use your walking feet”), rather than censure (“Don’t yell”, or “Don’t run”).

Our goal at St. Ann School is to lead the child towards self-discipline through nurturing and sensitivity. The following guidelines for teachers and staff epitomize the means by which the Montessori Method addresses the need to effect change towards positive behavior through observation, preparation of the environment, lesson planning, and teaching:

Be consistent. Children rely on and expect fairness, which comes from consistency.

Each child is an individual; respect for each child allows you to communicate effectively.

Consider the age of the child and apply procedures and discipline that are appropriate to the child and the program in which the child is enrolled.

Set and reinforce expectations, rules, and limits. Keep these simple. Involve older children with defining and following them.

Teach and use age-appropriate methods of conflict resolution.

Whenever possible, give the child two appropriate choices. If necessary, have the child remain with an adult rather than giving her or him repeated opportunities to be aggressive and/or destructive.

Restraint may be used when reasonably necessary, based on the child’s development, to prevent a child from harming himself or herself or to prevent a child from harming other persons or property.

Review one’s own actions and behaviors. Avoid creating situations that trigger misbehavior.

Do not embarrass a child in front of others. Do not scold a child in front of others. Speak to the child individually and away from others.

Provide “cool down time”. Let time pass and tempers cool before speaking to the child privately.

Learn about the child’s background – learning style, learning needs, and cultural backgrounds.

Develop positive partnerships with parents and guardians. Communicate something that is positive about the child on a regular basis.

There may be occasions where teachers and staff are unaware that a child has reason to complain about the actions of another child. Teachers and staff shall make children aware that they can safely (and confidentially) communicate complaints about problems with other children (and any other matter) to teachers and staff.

Teachers and staff shall interact and communicate with each other and with the Principal for the purpose of preventing issues from developing into disciplinary situations. After all classroom alternatives have been exhausted, the teacher or staff member shall communicate the situation to the Principal.

Intervention at Different StagesTeachers and staff may exercise their judgment to choose, depending on the circumstances, to intervene in issues that may become a disciplinary situation. Intervention may be undertaken at different stages as set out below. It shall be up to the judgment of the teacher or staff member whether to start intervention at Stage 1, or go directly to Stage 2 or Stage 3. Descriptions of special situations follow below the descriptions of three stages of intervention.

Stage 1. In this stage, an issue arises and is addressed by the parties and the first teacher or staff member who becomes aware of the problem.

1. Teachers and staff members shall, where appropriate, encourage students to work out issues among themselves. In situations where the issue involves only an individual student, teachers and staff members will work with that student to resolve the issue.

2. If this does not help to resolve an issue, the teachers and staff shall give guidance to those involved. Depending on the situation, this may include one or more of the following: redirection, discussing/clarifying expectations, confiscation, isolation from others, discussing/clarifying seriousness and consequences.

3. If this does not help to resolve an issue, the teachers or staff shall communicate the situation to the Principal.

4. After consultation with the Principal, teachers and staff members may inform the parents/guardians of student(s) involved in a situation. Teachers and staff may ask the parents/guardians to meet with teachers or staff for the purpose of including them in the planning of a process for addressing the issue involving the student.

5. Teachers and staff shall maintain confidentiality among those involved in the school’s internal disciplinary process.

6. If the guidance of the teachers and staff does not resolve the difficulty, the staff shall report the matter to the Principal and proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2. In this stage, the issue is addressed with the involvement of the Principal.

1. The Principal shall investigate every report from teachers and staff about a discipline situation. The Principal shall interview participants and witnesses, and review evidence, as necessary. The Principal shall give consideration to the age of the student(s) involved in a situation and the program(s) in which the student(s) is/are enrolled.

2. The Principal shall assess if the harm is harassment or bullying and take appropriate disciplinary action in accord with this Discipline Policy. See the Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Management Policy.

3. The Principal shall consider informing parents/guardians of the student(s) involved in a situation, and involve them in the discussion as the Principal considers appropriate.

4. The Principal shall involve the student(s) in a process that may include the following activities as may be appropriate to the age and program of the student(s):

Describe the issue or problematic behavior to the student(s) in a specific and concrete way and explain the impact(s) on the recipient(s).

State the school’s policy on discipline, and possible action or consequences.

Discuss expectations in a specific and concrete way. Explain options and encourage student(s) to suggest remedies. Indicate when the Principal will check back with the student(s),

teachers, staff and parents/guardians to see if the issue has been resolved.

5. The Principal shall document a summary of these events on an incident report, including names, times and methods of communication, and retain a copy in the school’s administrative files.

Stage 3. In this stage, the issue is addressed with a formal plan. The Principal shall take the following action:

1. Notify the parents/guardians involved that action will be taken.

2. Assess the need to refer to the appropriate authorities, including outside specialists, contracted by the parents/caregivers either through the Kalamazoo County Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) or privately by parents as discussed in the policy regarding Students with Learning, Behavioral and/or Emotional needs.

3. Ensure that a formal plan is prepared to address the cause of the discipline problem. The plan shall include specific accountabilities for monitoring and follow-up, and may include disciplinary action.

4. Ensure that all steps in the plan are implemented in a timely manner.

5. Document a summary of these events on an Intervention Plan Report including names, times and methods of communication, and retain a copy in the school’s administrative files.

The following issues require a Stage 3 response:

o Violent Behavior. If a student acts violently towards another student or a teacher or staff member, the circumstances will be immediately reviewed by the Principal and the student may be suspended from the school for one or more days, without a warning. For behavior or threats of a serious nature, the suspension shall be for five or more days, without a warning, and the student may be dismissed from the school without the possibility of re-enrollment.

o Weapons. A weapon is anything that is commonly used or designed to hurt someone or to cause someone to be fearful. Weapons of any kind are prohibited on school premises. If a student is found in possession of a weapon such as a knife or other dangerous object, the circumstances will be immediately reviewed by the Principal and the student may be suspended from the school for one or more days, without a warning. For weapons threats of a serious nature, the suspension shall be for five or more days, without a warning, and the student may be dismissed from the school without the possibility of re-enrollment.

o Drugs. If a student is found in possession of drugs, the circumstances will be immediately reviewed by the Principal and the student shall be suspended from the school for one or more days, without a warning, and the student may be dismissed from the school without the possibility of re-enrollment. For the purposes of this policy, “drugs” means any mind-or-mood altering substance or a facsimile of any such substance or any substance that a student believes to be a drug or represents to others as a drug, but does not include over-the-counter or medicinal substances prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner for the use of the student concerned.

Disciplinary Action

1. Counseling. The Principal may ask the parents/guardians to seek appropriate counseling or other assistance, to best meet the needs of the student and to maintain a quality program for all students.

2. Probation. The Principal may set a limited probationary period of seven to sixty days to try to work out the problems if there is a serious question about whether the student can function in a healthy way in the school.

3. Student Suspensions. When misbehavior creates a serious infraction of the Code of Conduct, a student may be required to leave the classroom for an in-school suspension, or may be required to leave the school for a school suspension. These may occur at the sole discretion of the Principal. When a suspension is invoked, the parents/guardians will be called to pick up the student immediately. The student will only be released to an authorized person.

The suspension will only be terminated after a meeting with the Principal, the student and the parents/guardians.

Conditions for reinstatement will be agreed upon by all parties, but in the absence of an agreement, may be imposed by the Principal in his or her sole discretion.

4. Dismissals. The Principal may ask parents/guardians to withdraw the student from the school if, in the opinion of the teachers and staff, the student is not able to benefit from the program or is a disruptive influence upon the other students and class. If a child is dismissed by the Principal, the student will be directed to withdraw from the school without the possibility of re-enrollment.

Process and Timelines

To enable timely responses to discipline issues as they arise, the Principal may delegate his/her authority under this policy to another teacher or staff member for periods when the Principal is unavailable. Time of this essence in dealing with some discipline issues, since the related hazard or damage may continue while the interventions and planning are under way.

Stages 1 and 2: Proceed in a timely manner at discretion of the teachers and staff and the Principal.

Stage 3: Once the Principal determines that the matter requires a Stage 3 response, a plan shall be completed in 5-10 working days. If a suspension or a dismissal is deemed necessary, this may be implemented immediately by the Principal.

Appeals

The parents/guardians may appeal a school suspension or dismissal to the Principal. This appeal must be made in writing within ten (10) days of the written notification from the Principal of a suspension or dismissal to the parents/guardians. The Principal shall file a response within five (5) days of receipt of the appeal and all supporting documents from the parents/guardians. The Principal shall act upon the appeal within ten (10) days of the receipt of the appeal and all supporting documents. During the period that the appeal is in process, the suspension or dismissal shall remain in effect.

Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Management Policy

Statement of Policy. St. Ann School expects all students, teachers and staff to be treated with respect and courtesy, in accordance with the Code of Conduct. Any incident of harassment or bullying that comes to the attention of teachers or staff shall be actively addressed. Whenever a teacher or staff member determines that an incident of harassment or bullying has occurred, the teacher or staff member shall communicate the situation to the Principal in writing.

1. Purpose. The purpose of this policy is to maintain a respectful environment within the St. Ann School community that prevents harassment and bullying from occurring and, in the event that it occurs, promotes healing and justice for the victim/target, and healing and accountability for the harasser/bully. The procedures for determining accountability shall be as set forth in the Discipline Policy.

2. Definitions

a. Harassment. Harassment is behavior by one or more students (harassers) that has the purpose or effect of offending or demeaning an individual or group of individuals (victims) on the basis of race, color, size, ancestry, place of origin, nationality, religion, family status, physical or mental ability, age, gender, or sexual orientation. Harassment can be a single incident or a series of incidents. The unwelcome comment or conduct does not have to be directed at a specific person for harassment to occur. Comments or conduct that tend to ridicule or disparage a group may give rise to an offensive environment and thus to harassment.

b. Bullying. Bullying is a pattern of repeated aggressive behavior, with negative intent, directed from one student (bully) to another (target) where there is a power imbalance. This aggressive behavior includes physical or verbal behavior, and is an intentional and purposeful act meant to inflict injury or discomfort on the other person. There are three critical conditions that distinguish bullying from other forms of aggressive behaviors, including:

i. Power: Children who bully acquire their power through physical size and strength, by status within the peer group, and by recruiting support of the peer group.

ii. Frequency: Bullying is not a random act. Rather, bullying is characterized by frequent and repeated attacks. It is this factor that brings about the anticipatory terror in the mind of the child being bullied that can be so detrimental and have the most debilitating long-term effects.

iii. Intent to Harm: Children who bully generally do so with the intent to either physically or emotionally harm the other child.

A variation of bullying is cyber bullying. Cyber bullying is willful and repeated harassment and intimidation of a person through the use of digital electronics. It includes, but is not limited to, email, instant messages, text messages and internet postings. Unwarranted contact

may take place in, or occur on, social networks, chat rooms, blogs or cell phone text.

When determining whether a specific behavior is bullying, teachers and staff should consider whether or not it:

Is repeated over time Is intended to hurt Involves a power imbalance

3. Scope. This policy addresses harassment and bullying, including cyber bullying, of one or more students by one or more other students enrolled in the school at the time of the incident. The scope of this policy covers any activity, on the school grounds or at a location, activity, function or program that is not school related, that creates a hostile environment at the school for the victim/target, infringes on the rights of the victim/target at school or materially and substantially disrupts the education process or the orderly operation of the school. It will apply to the use of electronic devices as well as the use of school or home computers, programs or networks.

4. Awareness. As appropriate during the school year, teachers and staff shall raise awareness of the Harassment and Bullying Prevention and Management Policy.

5. Prevention. St. Ann School’s teachers and staff shall strive to be leaders who nurture and model a school climate that fosters community, prevents harassment and bullying, and works for forgiveness, healing and reconciliation if either of these occurs. Teachers and staff shall make students aware that they can safely (and confidentially) communicate complaints about harassment and bullying (and any other matter) to teachers and staff.

6. Intervention at Different Stages. Teachers and staff may exercise their judgment to choose, depending on the circumstances, to intervene in issues that may involve harassment or bullying. Intervention may be undertaken at different stages as set in the Discipline Policy. It shall be up to the judgment of the teacher or staff member whether to start intervention at Stage 1, or go directly to Stage 2 or Stage 3. In any event, teachers and staff shall immediately take steps to restore a sense of safety to the victim/target and/or to protect the victim/target from possible further incidents.

What Can You Do

At St. Ann School parents are seen as partners in educating their children and in ensuring the success of the school. The child is more likely to succeed because he knows that his work is valued. From experience we have learned that parental involvement leads to a stronger sense of community and school satisfaction.

There are many ways parents are involved at St. Ann School, and we are always open to new ways of contributing. We strongly encourage parents to find a way of being involved that works for them and their unique personal life situation, skills, and interests.

Be Informed

Please refer to the section How We Communicate for detailed information on the various ways you can obtain information about your child(ren)’s educational experience at St. Ann School. Do not hesitate to contact the school office if you have questions or require further assistance.

Completing Forms

Please make sure that all pertinent forms are completed on time and returned to the office. Below is the list of forms and their deadlines:

The registration form is to be completed before a child is enrolled. An enrollment packet that includes a child information card, health form (signed

by a physician), and immunization record must be completed and on file before the child attends school.

Parent notification of the licensing notebook Acknowledgement of the Parent Handbook Other forms as directed by administration

These forms must be updated annually.

Please include any special health problems such as allergies or dietary restrictions on your child’s health form and St. Ann School will make every effort to accommodate them.

Please notify the school whenever your child has additional vaccinations. Parents/guardians may elect to file a signed statement of waiver with the

Department of Community Health in lieu of other health documents including immunizations. Please provide a copy for the child’s St. Ann School file.

Parent Education and Community Meetings

A number of Educational and Community Meetings are offered throughout the school year that parents are encouraged to attend.

Volunteering

There are many ways you can enrich St. Ann School life. We encourage you to find ways to get involved that fit best with your life situation and personal interests. You may let your child’s teacher or the principal know of your interest.

Volunteer OpportunitiesSt. Ann School offers parents volunteer opportunities in the following areas:

Community Events Development Facilities Garden

Library Long Range Planning Lunch Sharing a special interest – musical instrument, travels, cooking

St. Ann and St. Joachim Guild

Support a student’s tuition with the love of good grandparents such as St. Ann and St. Joachim.

St. John Bosco Guild

Donations towards classroom materials and programs, either in funds or actual supplies according to Wish List generated by staff.

St. Joseph Guild

Support to programs with carpentry related building and repairs.

St. Martha Guild

Support to programs with material making involving sewing, art and craft skills.

St. Francis Guild

All things relating to sharing the wonder of God’s creation Plants Animals Garden help

Nature trail – keep the poison ivy at bay Outside space for work, rest, prayer and play

If a parent is interested in volunteering, he or she may participate in any of the opportunities listed above. Parent volunteers who have contact with children must go through a background and criminal records check and may be required to provide a physician’s report.For parent volunteers who have unsupervised contact with children in the school

Documentation from the Department of Human Services that you have not been named in a central registry case as the perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.

Diocesan Awareness Session for the Protecting God’s Children Program adopted by the 11 United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to help correct the problem of child sexual abuse within the faith community.

Documentation must be on file before parents can serve as volunteers.

Appendix AHealth Policies

Policy #1 HandwashingPolicy #2 Handling bodily fluidsPolicy #3 Cleaning and sanitizingPolicy #4 Monitoring Student HealthPolicy #5 Pest Management PolicyPolicy #6 Snack Policy

Emergency PoliciesPolicy #10 Inclement Weather and Emergency ClosingsPolicy #11 Fire EmergencyPolicy #12 Tornado EmergencyPolicy #13 Intruder EmergencyPolicy #14 Other Accident, Injury or IllnessPolicy #15 Bomb Threats

Staff PoliciesPolicy #20 Staff ScreeningPolicy #21 Child Protection Law CompliancePolicy #22 Staff Participation in Virtus TrainingPolicy #23 Staff TrainingPolicy #24 Volunteer Screening

Policy #1 Hand Washing 8-30-12

Objective: To prevent the spread of communicable disease by using appropriate hygiene and sanitation practices.

Procedure: Have a clean, disposable paper or single use cloth towel available. Turn the water to a comfortable temperature between 60 and 120 degrees F. Moisten hands with water and apply soap. Rub hands together vigorously until a soapy lather appears and continue for at

least 20 seconds. Rub areas between fingers, around nail beds, under fingernails, jewelry and the

backs of hands. Rinse hands under running water until they are free of soap and dirt. Leave the

water running while drying hands. Dry hands with clean, disposable paper or single use cloth towel. If water faucet does not shut off automatically, turn it off with the disposable

paper towel or the single use cloth towel. Dispose of the single use paper towel in a lined trash container or place the cloth

towel in a laundry hamper.

Policy #2 Handling Bodily Fluids through Universal Precautions 8-30-12

Objective: To protect the children and staff from infections due to exposure to blood born pathogens and bodily fluids.

Procedure:All Staff members are trained in best practice for handling of blood and body fluids.

Gloves (and goggles if necessary) are worn to clean up any body fluids. Cleansing the area with soap and water and further sanitizing with a bleach

solution insures that complete clean-up occurs. All contaminated cleaning supplies are bagged and disposed of or properly

laundered.

Policy # 3 Cleaning and Sanitizing Equipment and Surfaces 8-30-12

Objective: To avoid illness and infection due to germs on equipment and surfaces.

Procedure:Daily in preparing the environment and more often as needed for specific clean-up needs the following steps will be used to clean and sanitize.

Wash the surface or piece of equipment vigorously with soap and water. Rinse the surface or equipment with clean water. Wipe or spray the surface or equipment with sanitizing solution.

Sanitizing solution will be mixed daily by combining one teaspoon of chlorine bleach solution with one gallon of water.

The sanitizing solution is tested for proper concentration with test strips. Allow the equipment or surface to air dry.

Policy # 4 Monitoring Student’s Health/Controlling Infection 8-30-12

Objection: To assist parents in monitoring their child’s health and identify signs and symptoms indicative of illness or infection.

Procedure: Staff will actively observe the students for any unusual behavior or other signs of illness.

Staff will daily observe each child’s appearance. Staff will speak with a child if questionable signs or symptoms appear. Staff will question the child to determine if the child is feeling in good health. All signs of

1. congestion: runny nose, coughing, watery eyes, mouth breathing, wheezing;

2. gastrointestinal distress: tummy aches, nausea, frequent potty breaks;3. skin conditions; rashes, bruising, open sores, cuts, scrapes4. or other abnormal symptoms

will be reported to parents daily as observed.

* Any materials that are mouthed will be removed, washed, rinsed and sanitized to control infection.* Cloth items will be laundered regularly if used by children.* When children return to school after being diagnosed with a communicable disease they will require clearance from a doctor.

Other resources useful for information on health related issues are:211 phone numberKRESA 269 250-9200Health and Community Services: 269 373-5200Center for Disease Control: 800 232 (CDC)-4636 (INFO)Poison Control: 800-222-1222

Policy: # 5 Pest Control 9-7-17

Objective: To maintain a clean and pest free environment for the children and families.

Procedure:1. St. Ann Catholic Church has a pest control plan that includes the family center and preschool locations.

2. The pest control program calls for monthly treatment for ants, spiders, wasps, mice and the occasional invaders.3. The treatments are applied on an as needed basis and call for a chemical spray of Phantom (EPA # 241-392). The spray is applied to the surfaces as well as cracks and crevices.4. A notice will be posted on the parent board and reminders will be sent to let you know when these treatments are coming up.

Policy: # 6 Snack Policy 9-7-17

Objective: To insure that all snacks provided to the children are acceptable, a weekly menu is posted on our bulletin board in the outside hallway of the school. Parents are asked to take turns providing the food items for weekly snack. The list of food to be purchased will be provided to the family.

Policy: # 10 Inclement Weather and Emergency Closings 8-30-12

Objective: Keep all families and staff safe in the event of unsafe driving conditions.

Procedure:In the event of severe weather, if the Gull Lake Schools are closed the St. Ann Catholic Preschool will also be closed. Families may check the following radio and television stations for the most current information.

Radio TelevisionWKZO 590 Newschannel 3WVFM 106.5 Storm Team 8WYZO 96.5 WBCK 95.3

Policy: # 11 Fire Emergency 8-30-12

Objective: Keep all children and staff safe in the event of a fire emergency.

Procedure:1. When a fire alarm sounds and the class is in the Atrium classroom the teacher and the teacher’s aid calmly and quickly gather the children and the attendance clipboard and exit the emergency door near the north side of the Atrium near the windows.

2. The entire group will proceed across the driveway and gather near the large spruce tree in the southeast corner of the grassy area immediately in front of the Atrium classroom.3. Attendance will be taken to assure all children are accounted for and the group will wait in this location until further instruction from emergency personnel.4. If the fire alarm sounds when the class is in the gym space, the group will exit the gym doors at the northeast corner with the attendance clipboard and proceed to follow steps 2 and 3.

Policy: # 12Tornado Emergency 8-30-12

Objective: Keep all children and staff safe in the event of a tornado emergency.

Procedure:1. During seasonal periods and as weather forecasts indicate weather conditions will be monitored by the staff of St. Ann Catholic Church.2. Church staff will inform the teacher and teacher aid of St. Ann Catholic Preschool in person or via phone should a tornado watch be issued for our area.3. Preschool staff will remain aware and alert for the potential for additional safety measures should the weather conditions change.4. Should a tornado warning be issued for our area the staff will gather all students and the attendance clipboard and proceed to the girls bathroom in the family center.5. Attendance will be taken to assure everyone is accounted for and all will remain in this secure location until the watch has been lifted.

NOTE: No student will be released to family until the watch has been lifted and travel is again safe.

Policy: # 13 Intruder Emergency 9-7-17

Objective: To keep all students and staff safe should an intruder posing a threat enter the premises.

Procedure:1. In the event that an intruder enters the St. Ann Catholic Preschool area who could pose a threat the staff will notify the parish office via phone.2. The staff will gather the students and the attendance clipboard and proceed calmly to the pre-determined gathering place inside the Atrium.3. Parish staff will notify authorities.4. Attendance will be take and all will remain secure in the classroom until the threat no longer exists.

Policy: # 14 Other Accident, Injury, or Illness 8-30-12

Objective: Keep all St. Ann Catholic Preschool students and staff safe and secure at all times.

Procedure: 1. In the event of an accident or emergency discovered by the parish office staff, the preschool staff will be notified immediately and 911 will be called.2. Preschool staff will call 911 and notify the parish office staff of the accident or emergency if it occurs at the Preschool location.3. Children’s emergency cards will be gathered from the attendance clipboard on the counter by the sink and the child’s family will be contacted.4. Emergency procedures will be taken to aid the child in distress.5. Preschool staff will calmly and quickly gather the other children and the attendance clipboard and move to a safe and secure location.6. attendance will be taken and everyone will remain in the safe and secure location until the preschool staff is notified and the accident/emergency is resolved.7. Poison Control 1-888-222-1222

Policy: # 15 Bomb Threat Emergency 8-30-12

Objective: Keep all St. Ann Catholic Preschool students and staff safe and secure at all times.

Procedure:1. Should a bomb threat be received by the parish office the office will

Fill out the bomb threat report as they are talking to the person (see attached) Check caller ID Keep caller talking as long as possible Signal someone to contact pastor, 911 and preschool

2. Preschool staff will calmly and quickly gather the other children and the attendance clipboard and move to a safe and secure location.3. Attendance will be taken and everyone will remain in the safe and secure location until the preschool staff is notified and the accident/emergency is resolved.

Policy: # 20 Staff Screening 3-30-15

Objective: To insure that all St. Ann staff members are responsible, suitable and sufficiently graced to serve, care for, and in any way meet the preschool needs of our students and families.

Procedure:1. All prospective staff members are interviewed by a St. Ann Catholic leadership team member.2. All prospective staff will submit one personal and two professional references.3. References will be checked by leadership team members.4. All prospective staff members must provide to St. Ann Catholic Preschool a report of their physical health and their ability to perform all tasks necessary to meet job duties.5. All teachers, aids, substitutes, support staff, and volunteers are required to submit necessary information for a Michigan Department of State Police criminal history record check (ICHAT), a criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation (fingerprinting), and a Human Services check for a history of substantiated abuse or neglect (Central Registry Clearance).6. No positions will be offered until all checks are successfully complete.7. The attached self-certifying statements are completed at time of hire.8. Staff, parents, and volunteers cannot be present at school if convicted of (a) any listed offense in section 2 of the sex offenders registration act (b) child abuse or neglect (c) felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire. (d) or until there is documentation from the Department of Human Services that he/she has not been named as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.

Policy: # 21 Child Protection Law Compliance 8-30-12

Objective: Develop and implement a written plan to assure compliance with the child protection law promotes the health and safety of children.

Procedure:1. All staff members and volunteers will complete a self report acknowledging their awareness of and compliance with all current child protection law.2. Childcare providers are mandated reporters; under the Child Protective Services (CPS) Law staff members must contact CPS immediately when they suspect abuse or neglect.3. The immediate verbal report must be made to the Centralized intake by calling (855) 444-3911.4. The verbal report must be followed by a written report. The written report must be submitted within 72 hours, using the DHS-3200 form and submitted via fax to (616) 977-1154 or (616) 977-1158.

5. Staff and volunteers will report the situation to a member of the leadership team; however this does not relieve the caregiver of their mandated responsibility to report to CPS.6. When child abuse or neglect is suspected, the staff member or volunteer need only obtain enough information to make a report. No further investigation on the part of the staff member is expected.

Policy: # 22 Staff Participation in Virtus Training 8-30-12

Objective: All staff members will be trained in awareness of and preventative actions to be taken to eliminate child sexual abuse.

Procedure:1. Within 30 days of employment all staff members who work with children will participate in a Protecting God’s Children Awareness session.2. Staff members will participate in on-going monthly training through an email link and on-line articles to be read with questions to be answered in order to maintain a high level of awareness.3. Staff members will never be more than 1 bulletin behind in their online training.

Policy: #23 Staff training 8-30-12

Objective: To provide initial and on-going staff training to ensure all staff members know and understand their responsibilities and can grow in their roles and in grace.

Procedure:1. All new employees will complete a training program designed for the particular work with which they will be engaged.

2. On-going training will include:a. CPR, first aid, and blood borne pathogensb. child abuse and neglect reporting requirementsc. emergency policiesd. health care policiese. Virtus orientation

f. classroom procedures

3. All caregivers will receive 12 hours of training yearly on topics that include but are not limited to:*child development*curriculum programming*child discipline

*health and safety*nutrition*working with parents*licensing rules for child care centers*caring for children with special needs*workshops on games and toys*field trip management and supervisionPolicy: Staff Training Continued

4. Annual training may include participation in the following:*in-service trainings*sessions offered by community groups, faith-based organizations, and child care provider associations*workshops and courses offered by local schools, ISD’s or colleges*Training, workshops, seminars and conferences offered by early childhood organizations*On-line training facilitated and validated by a trainer that include a feedback component

5. Staff members are responsible for obtaining verification of the training which they participate and the leadership team is responsible for filing it in the employee’s file.

Policy: # 24 Volunteer Use 8-30-12

Objective: to insure all adults working with children are suitable to function in that capacity.

Procedure:1. Volunteers shall not have unsupervised contact with children in care.2. Parents will not be used to supervise others’ children while attending preschool.3. St. Ann Catholic Preschool will not be responsible for making alternative arrangements on field trip days when families have the responsibility of providing transportation and supervision for their own children.4. All volunteers will be screened and grant permission for criminal history through the ICHAT system and central registry clearance, as well as be Virtus trained through the diocese and complete a staff screening self report concerning child abuse and neglect.5. Volunteer responsibilities will be limited to those activities that can be done in conjunction with a staff member to support and enhance the experiences of the children.6. Volunteers with situations as the following will not be present in the center: (a) conviction of any offense listed in section 2 of the sex offenders registration act. (b) conviction for child abuse or neglect.

(c) conviction for any felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within 10 years immediately preceding involvement with the school.

Appendix BDaily Schedule

8:20 am Doors open, teachers greet families(Tuesday and Thursday we will be attending Mass. Please drop your child at 8:15)

8:30 am 3 hour uninterrupted work cycle in the Atrium

11:45 am -12:15 pm Lunch – full day students set up, eat and clean up

12:15-12:45 pm Recess

12:45-1:30 pm Younger students rest/nap in the Mustard Seed Room.Older students rest and then begin silent reading.

1:30 – 3:30 pm Uninterrupted work cycle in AtriumProject workArt, Music, and Gym

3:30 pm Prayer, prepare for dismissal

3:45 pm Dismissal

Appendix C Developmental Planes

CHARACTERISTICS OF PRIMARY AND ELEMENTARY CHILDRENBirth – Age 6 Ages 6 – 12

First Plane of Development Second Plane of Development

Absorbent Mind Reasoning Mind Sensory experiences Needs to know relation ships Make indelible impressions cause/effect Sensitive to small detail stimulated by the whole picture

Need for facts: asks What, Where? Need for relationships: Orienting to world Asks: Why? How? When?

Interested in Cosmos(from Greek, meaning order)

Mystery and grandeurConstruction of self as Construction of self as member independent individual of society Physical coordination Period of moral development

Development of the will judgment, fairnessawareness of othersservice to the communitylooking for heroes to admire

Parallel work and play Collaborative work and playClubs, organizations

Sensorial Explorer Intellectual ExplorerLearn through senses Movement of the mindAnd movement Use of imagination

Everything seems real AbstractionNeed for external order Creating mental order

Classifying informationLives in the present Can think of past and future

Absorb Language as mother tongue Interested in function and history of language

Comparison between Traditional and Catholic Classical MontessoriTRADITIONAL APPROACH CATHOLIC CLASSICAL MONTESSORISubjects taught separately Subjects integrated, all flowing out of

Faith in God and Catholic teaching

Working and learning without Working and learning matching social

Emphasis on social development developmental stagesNurturing formation of virtue

Single-graded classroom Multi-aged classroomLearning enriched by model andhelp of others

All progressing at the same pace Progression custom fit to individual

Teacher directed Teacher guidedDevelops self-direction and responsibility for one’s learningand love of learning

Student – passive recipient Student – active participant in pursuit of knowledge

Block time period lessons Uninterrupted 3 hour work cyclesDeep concentrationLonger lasting acquisition

Textbooks, pencil, paper, worksheets Prepared kinesthetic materialsSelf-correction

Product focused – tests, report cards Process-focused assessmentSkills checklistsMastery benchmarks

Methods and curricula change All rooted in faith as taught byWith current culture the Catholic Church with a Classical

approach, sharing truth, beauty andgoodness toward nurturing the formationof the whole person in the likeness of ChristUsing Montessori and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd materials and dev.understanding which have over 100 yearsof proven success, world-wide