In 1910, there were over eight thousand members of the Immaculate Conception Parish. A Catholic education for the children was of prime concern. Reverend Thomas B. Lowney, who was pastor at the time, realized this, and at all the Masses on Sunday, January 23^rd, announced to the congregation that a school was to be constructed on the corner of Washington Court. The structure would be built in harmony with all of the modern improvements. It would be of brick construction with terra cotta trimmings. There would be four classrooms on the first floor and four classrooms on the second floor looking toward the East with the windows so situated that pupils would receive the light over the left shoulder. The school would be ready for use by September 1, 1911. The School is named for the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which is celebrated on December eighth. The original building served the needs of the School Community until 1956. The enrollment had grown so rapidly a second building was needed. It was constructed at the corner of Washington Street and Prospect Street.

 

In 1986, a full-day Kindergarten program and a foreign language program were added. In 1989, a Pre Kindergarten was established to meet the demand for a quality, child centered, and discovery-based learning program for four year olds. Students in PK and K attend five full school days. A Pre-School program for three year olds opened in September 2007, to provide students and their families a first school experience focused on the development of the whole child, guided by our Mission statement and framed in our Catholic Faith.

In September 1997, the Convent School building opened after undergoing extensive renovations, additions and modifications. It houses PK, K, grade 1, Principal’s Office, Secretary’s Office, Library, and Extended Day. The Lower School Program is housed in the original building, which includes students in grades 2-5, Principal’s Office, Secretary’s Office, Lunchroom, Computer Lab, and Library. The Upper School Program houses grades 6-8, Secretary’s Office, and the Principal’s main Office. Students use Meehan Hall on the ground level as their cafeteria and for all school assemblies.

An Extended Day Program established in 1991 meets the needs of working parents and guardians. The program operates every school day from 1:45pm-6:00pm and on half days from 11:00am-6:00pm.

The Immaculate Conception Parish School Community recognizes that every child is a unique creation of God. Our mission is to nurture the spiritual, moral, academic, social, creative, and physical development of each student within a Catholic-Christian learning environment. Our community service projects bring life to our mission and witness to our faith.

Immaculate Conception School is a Catholic, Christian elementary school within the Archdiocese of Boston. Our faith and love of Jesus is the foundation upon which our school is built. As a school community, we recognize that each child is a unique creation of God. Hence, a wide variety of appropriate methods and materials are used to build a solid foundation in core curricula areas in order to assist each child in reaching his/her full potential. As a school community, we are called to share our faith, our hope, and our love for one another as we strive to walk humbly each day with God. Immaculate Conception School provides an environment rooted in Gospel values and academic excellence. The total educational process of Immaculate Conception School aims:

to create a faith community where students exhibit Catholic Christian values, ethics, and principles in their daily activities and interactions with others.

to develop in each child the ability to live, learn, and communicate in our multicultural society.

to encourage creativity and critical thinking skills in the children.

to foster in all children a respect for the right of each student to learn.

to create an environment in which all students can succeed.

to encourage students to question, explore, and evaluate information as part of the learning process.

The faculty holds the necessary degrees and certifications required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the Archdiocese of Boston. In addition, teachers of Religion are required to be certified by the Archdiocese as Catechists.

Class Size and Placement

Class size normally does not exceed 20 students. However, in extraordinary cases dealing with under enrollment, retention, and/or promotion issues, the number may exceed 25. Requests for class placements with a specific teacher will be neither accepted nor honored. The Principal, with the recommendations of the teachers, makes all class assignments.

Several staff development days are scheduled throughout the year. Parents and guardians are asked to note these days on the monthly and yearly calendars. These days allow faculty members to enhance their learning in a variety of subject areas. Up to three additional professional days are scheduled by the Archdiocesan School Office each year to enable teachers to attend all day in-service workshops. On these days, school will not be in session. These days will be noted on the yearly and/or monthly calendars as the information is received from the Archdiocese.

Telephone Numbers

Convent School                             508-460-3405

Lower School                                 508-460-3400

Upper School                                 508-460-3401

Principal’s Office                           508-460-3401

Extended Day Office                      508-481-4210

Fax Number                                   508-460-6003

Business Office                               508-460-3401

Advancement Office                      508-481-3910

All calls are routed through the School Office using the main telephone numbers. Our voice mail system will be on whenever no one is available to answer calls personally. Please do not hesitate to leave messages. We strive to return calls promptly. Students may use telephones only in emergency situations and only with the expressed permission of the teacher or Principal. Teachers cannot be disturbed during class time. You may leave your number and the teacher will return your call at his/her convenience. NO FACULTY OR STAFF MEMBER IS TO BE CONTACTED AT HIS/HER HOME FOR ANY REASON.

Visitors are not permitted in classrooms during school hours without the expressed permission of the Principal. This ensures the safety of the children and the continuity of the instructional programs. Classroom observations can be scheduled through the Principal’s Office.

 

In addition to our scheduled parent/guardian/teacher conferences after the first report card, we encourage parents and guardians to request conferences during the year whenever necessary. Teachers will do likewise. When questions or problems arise, parents and guardians are urged to gain their information from the proper source: namely the school.

Conferences may be held before or after school at a mutually agreed upon time. Please do not request even a short interview with the teachers during morning duty, lunch recess, or during dismissal. You endanger all of the children by distracting the teacher from his/her duties. It is not fair to your own child to discuss him/her in front of the other children, teachers, or parents/guardians who may be nearby.

Web Site and E-Mail Addresses www.icschool.net

 

We strive to reach our parents and guardians with school information and policies electronically to conserve paper and postage as much as possible.

 

Admissions Office                    icadmissions@icschool.net

Convent School office             csadmin@icschool.net

Lower School office                 lsadmin@icschool.net

Upper School office                 usadmin@icschool.net

Business office                         busofc@icschool.net    tuition and other financial matters

Mrs. McCook, Principal            icprincipal@icschool.net

Extended Day                         icextday@icschool.net Mrs. Susan Boggs

Advancement Office                advancement@icschool.net      Mrs. Julie Purcell

Librarian                                  iclibrarian@icschool.net

School Nurse                            icschoolnurse@icschool.net

Teachers                                  ic followed by first name initial followed by last name followed by:   @icschool.net

                                                For example:    Mrs. Short        iclshort@icschool.net

 

Absences and tardies must continue to be phoned in, followed by a note when the child returns to school. Please be sure we have your current email address on file as only emails from parents/guardians in our system will be acknowledged. The secretarial staff will be screening the principal’s email and answering some of those inquiries as necessary.

Order of Procedure re: Problems

1.         CONTACT THE TEACHER

2.         If the problem is not resolved, contact the Principal.

3.         Principal will indicate what further steps are to be taken, if any.

Memos/ Notices to Parents/Guardians

Please check school bags daily for notes to parents/guardians. Notices and announcements are sent home with the youngest child in each family to try to develop his/her sense of responsibility. Please be sure the office has your current email address as we often send many important notices and memos by email ONLY. We ask you to please note specific dates and adhere to any given deadlines for field trips, parties, etc. It will be very much appreciated by all of us.

 

Student Directory

The ICS Parents Association publishes a student/family directory at the beginning of each school year listing names, address, telephone numbers, email addresses and babysitting information. The Student Directory is intended to be helpful to acquaint families with their children’s classmates and their families. The Student Directory should not be used or sold for other purposes.

School hours are normally 7:30am to 2:00pm. Students are considered tardy beginning at 7:45am unless late arrival is due to a bus problem. The Kindergarten, Pre-Kindergarten and Pre-School ease into the full day schedule in September. Children are not to be in the schoolyard before 7:30am as there are no faculty/staff on duty prior to 7:30am. We ask that you schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours. Disruptions are a disservice to the other students and to the teachers.

Parents/guardians and other visitors must sign in and obtain a visitor’s badge for reasons of safety at the Secretary’s Office upon entering any of the school buildings and sign out when leaving.

Emergency Forms

One form must be filled out for each student. Students will not be allowed to begin school unless a form is on file. All information is to be completely and accurately filled in. If a child becomes ill or is hurt during school hours, parents/guardians will be contacted first. In case of illness or serious injury, the school cannot assume any responsibility for the child without permission from the parent, guardian, or contacts noted thereon.

Change of Address

Any change of address, telephone number, or email address should be reported to the building secretary, the teacher, and Principal immediately.

Absenteeism

Please call the school between 7:00am and 7:30am to notify the administration if your child will be absent or tardy. Reporting absences by email is not acceptable. In addition to the phone call, a note is always required upon the child’s return to school. After five consecutive days out a doctor’s note is required. All notes should contain the child’s name, grade, date(s), and reason for absence or tardiness and should be written on stationery and placed in an envelope addressed to the teacher.

Students absent from school may not participate in school activities on that same day or days.

Parents/guardians should seriously consider a decision to take vacation during school terms. Classroom instruction cannot be duplicated and students are considered to be at risk academically when such absences occur. Work will not be given in advance.

Absences usually require the student to stay after school to complete assignments and compensate for missed classroom instruction. No teacher is required to remain after school to provide instruction missed due to vacations taken out of the ordinary school calendar as per the School Advisory Board.

Attendance Policy

The attendance policy adopted by Immaculate Conception School is as follows:

In accordance with Massachusetts State Law, attendance at school is compulsory for children between the ages of six and sixteen; and according to universally accepted norms, students cannot benefit fully from the educational programs of school unless attendance is regular and uninterrupted.

The maximum number of absences permitted is twenty. All absences will be counted. It is the intention of this policy that the permitted number of absences will more than provide for normal illness. Students are expected to attend school during the established school time. Students absent twenty or more days are automatically reviewed for retention. In the event of mitigating circumstances exceptions may be made by the Principal.

Tardiness

A child who arrives after 7:45am is considered late. Please Stop at the office for a tardy slip. Bus delays are phoned in by the bus company and therefore need no other explanation. Students must report to the School Office when arriving late for school. Convent School students must be walked into the Convent School office by a parent or guardian for reasons of safety. Chronic tardiness is a disservice to the students and disrupts the learning environment of the entire class: parents/guardians will be asked to meet with the Principal.

Parent/Guardian Pick-Up

All students are considered bus students unless parents/guardians indicate otherwise in writing. If parent/guardian intends to pick up their child after school, a written note to that effect must be sent to the teacher. Should something arise during the school day and you will unexpectedly be picking up your child, please call the school. The child will be notified not to take the bus home. Children who attend the Extended Day Program must also have a separate note or parent/guardian must call the Extended Day office informing the Extended Day Director of a change in dismissal routine.

A note from the parent/guardian must accompany any change in a student’s regular dismissal routine or the student will follow his/her normal procedure.

Dismissal Routine Grades PS, PK, K and - Grade 1

In addition to the above instructions for change in a student’s regular dismissal routine, parents and guardians of students in grades PS - grade 1 are required to call the school to assure that the note has been received by the teacher. This also includes changes in a student’s attendance at Extended Day.

Custody

It is very important for us to be aware of any legal situations or restraining orders involving the custody of your children. It is particularly important for us to know if the non-custodial parent or parents is/are prohibited from seeing, visiting, or talking to your children. We cannot insure the safety of your children if we are not aware of the situation.

Leaving School Early

A written request must be made by the parent or guardian stating the reason for leaving school early. The child must be signed out at the office. Students leaving school early because of illness may not return for extra curricular activities or Extended Day.

Crisis Plan

1. Immaculate Conception School has a comprehensive crisis plan to deal with emergencies, some of which may require locking down one or more of the school buildings. All faculty and staff are cognizant of the procedures to be followed in order to keep your children as safe as possible. In the event that one or more of the school buildings needs to be evacuated, circumstances permitting, students will be moved to:
2. One or more of the other school buildings.
3. Immaculate Conception Church

Parents and guardians will be notified by email once the students have been safely relocated.

Emergency Closings

School closings due to inclement weather, or for any other reason, will conform to the decision of the Marlborough Public School authorities. We use the email system and school web site to notify parents/guardians of emergency closings in addition to Channels 5 and 7.

Delayed Openings

Rather than close each time it snows, the Marlborough Board of Education has established a system of delayed openings. Often the roads are impassable in the early morning hours but are fine later on. In case of a two-hour delay, students may not arrive prior to 9:30am. Our full-day PS, PK & K students will have school even on delayed openings because they are full-day classes. If ICS is scheduled for a half day of school, and the Marlborough Public Schools are not, and for any reason, they call for a two-hour delay, we will have no school. Immaculate Conception School is listed specifically on channels 5 and 7 only.

Early Dismissals

In case of inclement weather, or other emergency situations that may occur, students may be dismissed from school early. The school will contact the parents/guardians of students in grades PS-5 only *, using the emergency phone numbers provided by parents/guardians via Class Parents. It is the parent /guardian’s responsibility to provide an emergency contact phone number when they are not at home. Parents/guardians are expected to have set arrangements with their children so that children know what to do and where to go in case of such an unexpected early dismissal.

*It is imperative that students in Grades 6-8 know what to do, as their parents/guardians will not be called in case of emergency dismissal. You will notice a spot on the emergency form to write in what your child will do in case of an emergency situation. This is a guideline for office use and parents/guardians of students in grades PK – 5 will be notified by phone.

We use the email system and school website to notify parents/guardians of early dismissals in addition to channels 5 and 7.

Half Days

There are one or two half days of school scheduled each year. Dismissal on half-days is at 11:00 AM, the Extended Day program at ICS begins at 11:00 AM on half days. Students bring a snack but do not have a formal lunch period. All such days are indicated on the yearly and monthly calendars.

Lower and Convent Schools

7:30am -       Earliest time for children to arrive at school as there is no playground supervision until then. Pre-School children w ill be walked into the Convent School to their classroom by a parent/guardian each day. Children in grades PK-1 enter the schoolyard for recess until 7:45am. Children must be dropped off at the playground gate on Washington Street. It is part of the student’s responsibility and part of his/her growth to separate from parents/guardians, interact with the other children, and to line up and enter the school building with his/her class. If your child is not in line at 7:45am, it is your responsibility to escort your child to the Convent School, for reasons of safety, to make sure he/she is admitted into the building. Grades 2-5 enter the school directly and begin to prepare for the day. Each class has a short snack, bathroom break and recess. Grade 5 does not have morning recess. Grades K-5 has a scheduled lunch period and lunch recess.

1:50pm -       Prepare for dismissal.

1:55pm -       Buses begin loading outside Lower School and then proceed to the Upper School.

1:50pm -       Walkers and riders are prepared for dismissal. Dismissal of walkers and riders is at 2:00pm. All walkers and riders for both Convent and Lower School should be met at Lower School playground gate including Pre-School students. Students not picked up by 2:00pm will be sent to Extended Day and parent/guardian will be charged a fee of $30.00.

Upper School

7:30am -       Earliest time for students to arrive. Students report directly to their homerooms upon arrival. Each class has a short snack/bathroom break. Each class has a scheduled lunch break. Grades 6-8 do not have recess.

1:50pm-        Students return to homeroom to prepare for dismissal.

2:00 pm -      Buses begin loading.

1:50pm -       Walkers and riders are prepared for dismissal. Walkers and riders are to be met at the Prospect Street gate. Students not picked up by 2:00 pm will be sent to Extended Day and parent/guardian will be charged a fee of $30.00.

Forgotten Items

Any forgotten items must be brought to the Secretary’s Office. Neither students nor parents may return to the classrooms after dismissal to retrieve forgotten items or homework. This insures building security and instills a sense of responsibility in the children. Students are not allowed to call home for schoolwork.

An Extended Day Program is available from 2:00pm-6:00pm daily and from 11:00am-6:00pm on half-days for students in PS-5. More information can be obtained about this program by contacting the Director of Extended Day at 508-481-4210.

Volunteers have played an important role in Catholic education since the first Catholic schools were established in America. ICS is blessed with dedicated parents/guardians who give generously of their time and talents.

Lunch parents/guardians are requested to consider the feelings of all the students and the increasing number of food allergies and are asked not to bring in a special lunch for their child or other children.

In the course of service, volunteers may become aware of confidential information about students or staff. It is an expectation that volunteers will keep any and all information about students or staff confidential. This policy applies in any setting inside or outside of school.

Lunch Rules for Convent and Lower Schools

1.      Volunteers must sign in and out at the office upon entering and leaving the building and wear a visitor’s badge.

2.      We understand that many lunch volunteers must bring younger children; however, the teachers respectfully request that anything used during lunch be put back in its place.

3.      Children are to remain seated during lunch.

4.      Each Lower School class has an assigned table cleaner. He/she only has to wipe the table, not pick up everyone’s trash.

5.      Each Convent School child should clean up his/her area, throw away trash, and put his/her lunch box away.

6.      Kindergarten and First Grade students must walk down the stairs and walk out to the playground with the staff person on duty.

7.      The classes may not go out to recess until the assigned staff person is ready to lead the classes out of the building.

8.      No one is allowed to go back to a classroom for forgotten articles unless accompanied by an adult for reasons of safety.

 

Playground Rules for Convent and Lower Schools

1.      Safety is our first priority and students must follow the staff’s directives.

2.      No throwing sand, rocks, tar, snow, etc.

3.      All children should be visible to playground monitor at all times.

4.      Once the whistle blows, students are to walk to their designated spot and line up promptly.

5.      Simple nerf balls (no attachments) may be used on the paved areas only.

6.      When balls go into the street or sidewalk, they may only be retrieved at the staff’s discretion.

7.      Any child needing to reenter the building at recess time needs the staff’s permission.

8.      Any injured child must be checked by the staff and sent to Secretary’s Office with another child, or adult volunteer.

9.      If a child is severely injured, the staff on duty will send someone to get help.

10.    Grade 4 & 5 students are not allowed on playground structures because of size and safety concerns.

11.    All students in PS through grade 3 must be properly attired for outdoor recess in cold weather; coat, hat, boots, gloves or mittens, and waterproof ski pants.

12.    No walkmans, cell phones, or pagers of any type may be used on school property at any time; no cell phones, no battery operated or electronic devices other than hand held calculators.

 

Lunch Rules: Upper School

1.         Students may only use the bathrooms in Meehan Hall under the teacher’s direction.

2.      Students are to be polite to teachers and each other and behave appropriately.

3.      Students will remain seated until it is time to return to class.

4.      No trips upstairs for forgotten items without the teacher’s permission.

5.      Each class has an assigned table cleaner. They only have to wipe the table, not pick up everyone’s trash.

6.      No walkmans, cell phones, or pagers of any type may be used on school property at any time; no cell phones, no battery operated or electronic devices other than hand held calculators.

7.      Students who cannot follow these rules will eat in an alternative location.

All students in grades 6-8 will be assigned a locker to be used for storage of books and personal belongings. Students are responsible for the locker to which they are assigned. One locker key will be assigned to each student at the beginning of the school year. Replacement keys can be ordered through the Office at a cost of $8.00 each. Students in grades 6-8 who often forget their keys may lose the privilege of having a locker. Each student needs a small key chain or lanyard.

Following the norms of the National Catechetical Directory, the content of Catholic Education in our daily religion program includes: A love for God, man, and all creation transmitted through prayer, doctrine, liturgy, Scripture, and Christian service activities. Students are introduced to Christian values in all subjects, as presented in the Gospel, and encouraged to live out these values. They are taught to be responsible and accountable for the gifts God has given them.

Since the parents and guardians are the primary educators of the child, we seek their assistance and cooperation daily, but in a special way we look toward them in preparing their child for reception of the Sacraments. Catholic parents and guardians are reminded of their responsibility to attend Mass every week with their children.

Altar Servers

The altar servers assist our priests with many and varied liturgical duties. This program is open to students in grades 4-8. Training is provided through the parish. Please consult the bulletin for more information.

Sacraments

Sacraments are parish celebrations. Immaculate Conception Parish, in consultation with the Archdiocese of Boston, has designated seven years of age (second grade) as the normative age for the celebration of First Eucharist and First Reconciliation. However, we also respect the rights of children and parents/guardians who may request celebration of Eucharist and/or Reconciliation at a later age depending upon the readiness of the child.

Preparation for the Sacraments is a team effort of the parents/guardians, teacher, parish community, and the Director of Religious Education. Required parent/guardian meetings are held in preparation for each of the Sacraments. Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation is part of the high school religious education program.

Liturgy

Once a month our students participate in a school-wide liturgy. Students in grades 6 – 8 attend Mass weekly.

Non-Catholic Students

We welcome to our celebration of the Eucharist those non-Catholics who are not fully united with us. It is a consequence of the sad divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend to them a general invitation to receive communion. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is an action of the celebrating community signifying a oneness in faith, life, and worship of the community. Reception of the Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray.

Immaculate Conception School has extra curricular activities that bring enrichment to our course of study and recreation. Students absent from school may not participate in activities on that same day or days. The school reserves the right to exclude students whose school behavior precludes their participation in extra curricular activities. The use of cell phones or any electronic device is not generally permitted during activities.

After School Sports Program

Our school offers a variety of after school sports on a fee basis. Offerings may include: cheerleading, cross country or, tae Kwan do. ICS has both boys and girls basketball teams that belong to the Catholic Schools League. Students must remain academically eligible at all times (no failing grades) to participate in regularly scheduled after school sports

Party Invitations

Party invitations may not be distributed in school unless all children in the class are invited or all of the boys or all of the girls to avoid hurt feelings. Addresses and phone numbers are not given to any student or parent/guardian. Please use your School Directory for any published addresses or phone numbers.

Home Parties

Parties may not originate at the end of the school day. It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to gather the children at their homes and proceed from that point.

 

School Parties or Outings

Official school parties or outings may not take place at private homes or pools under any circumstances. No student is allowed to receive balloons, flowers or other gifts at school in consideration of the feelings of all of the students.

Parent Association Events and Socials

The same rules and regulations set forth in this handbook will apply at Parent Association sponsored events and socials. The Parent Association reserves the right to exclude any parent/guardian or child from any and all events and socials if they do not abide by the rules set forth in the Parent/Student Handbook.

Community Service Activities

Students in grades PS-8 are involved in extensive Community Service Projects throughout the year within the parish school community, the larger community of Marlborough, and beyond.

Scouting

There are several scouting groups within the school community. There are currently active Brownie, Girl Scout, Cub Scout, and Boy Scout Troops.

Corrective Speech Services

Students exhibiting articulation problems may be eligible for corrective speech services. Articulation problems are characterized by the presence of defective and incorrect sounds including substitutions, omissions, additions, and distortions of the speech sounds. Students classified by an approved speech pathologist as having an articulation disorder are eligible for corrective speech services. These services are provided by the public school in your district. Parents/guardians may be responsible for transportation to and from the public school where the services are provided.

Testing

Testing services are available through the public school districts for students showing academic, behavioral, or emotional lags. Recommendations for testing come from the teacher or may be requested by the parent/guardian, Principal, or child’s physician.

Curriculum Overview and Textbooks

The curriculum guides for each of the subject areas taught at Immaculate Conception School meet the standards of the New England Association of School and Colleges Commission on Independent Schools, our accrediting organization. They also are consistent with curriculum guidelines from the Archdiocese of Boston. They provide the avenues for academic excellence and consistent student growth. The textbooks used in each of the subject areas are selected, after careful evaluation, by the administration and faculty.

Testing

Scholastic Readiness Test is administered in the spring to Kindergarten students

Standardized: CTB Terra Nova is administered in grades 2-8 in October.

Finals: These tests may be administered in grades 7 & 8 at the end of the school year.

ACRE Assessment of Catholic Religious Education is administered in grade five.

Iowa Test of Algebra Aptitude: is administered at the end of sixth grade as one factor in determining math placement for grades seven and eight

Computer

The computer lab is located in the Lower School. There are computers and color printers available along with Internet access. Students are instructed by a computer teacher/technologist. See Acceptable Use Policy regarding computers.

Music

The students are taught basic theory, music appreciation, choral singing, and music for school liturgies. Chorus is offered as an extra curricular activity for students in grades 4-8. A band program is offered on a fee basis as an after school activity for students in grades 3-8.

Art

Students in grades PK – 8 receive instruction in art once weekly.

Physical Education

The Physical Education Program is a vital part of the curriculum. Students in grades K – 8 participate in physical education weekly unless excused by a doctor’s note. Directed physical fitness activities, skill development, and organized games are all incorporated in the program and promote a sense of good sportsmanship. All students, PK-8, are expected to wear the required gym uniform in order to participate in the program.

Library/Media Center

Students have the opportunity to use library facilities during scheduled weekly classes for research, borrowing books, reading for pleasure, and story telling. There is an early childhood library in the Convent School. The main Library/Media Center is in the Lower School. The Librarian teaches Library Science during the library period.

The Librarian will request the original purchase price for a lost or damaged book. Report cards and transcripts will be held until the book is paid for or replaced.

The Library is a learning center in our school and it plays a vital role in our educational system. Our Library contains reading, research, and reference books.

Summer Reading and Math

Research shows that students can lose up to three months of new learning over the summer. Our summer reading and math are designed to keep our students’ skill levels current.

Reading: Students in PK-grade 8 are required to read 3 books per summer. Reading lists and book report formats are made available in May. Summer reading books are generally available for purchase at area bookstores and available from area public libraries.

Math: Students in PK-grade 8 are assigned math facts and concepts for drill practice and review over the summer. A test will be given in September on the targeted areas.

Library Birthday Book Club

In an effort to build up our library collections, the Library Birthday Book Club was instituted in 1988. Parents/guardians are asked to purchase a hardcover book for the Library in honor of their child’s birthday. Each birthday book is gift-plated with the child’s name. A list of suggested titles is available from the Librarian. Parent/guardian will receive a letter with all pertinent information.

Field Trips

Field trips are permitted at the discretion of the teacher and the Principal. These trips are carefully planned so that the children will derive maximum educational benefit. They are part of the curriculum and participation is required. Any assignment related to the field trip is part of the student’s course work and is included in his/her grade average. A written request is required before a child is permitted to participate in a field trip. If a child becomes ill or injured while on a trip, and if parents/guardians cannot be reached, the teacher will determine the course of action to be taken. Class size, type of trip, and directives from the trip destination personnel determine the number of chaperones required per trip The school is not responsible for items left on the field trip busses. All fees are non-refundable. We reserve the right to exclude any student whose participation may pose a safety concern to the group as a whole.

Field Trip Dress Code

Gym uniforms will be worn on all field trips unless otherwise specified by the teacher.

Class work consists of a combination of discussion, lectures, attentiveness, study, and written work. All assigned class work is expected to be completed on time .Extra help sessions may be scheduled by arrangement with the faculty.

Homework

Assignments are to be completed at home in order to ensure independent mastery of subject matter taught in class and to provide enrichment. Both written and study homework may be assigned. Although written homework may not be assigned daily, it is essential that all students engage in studying and review on a daily basis.

         The recommended amount of homework time is as follows:

K -------September - December, at discretion of the teacher. January – June, 15 minutes

         Grade 1-------               30 minutes                                          

Grade 2-------               45 minutes                              

Grades 3 & 4---            60 minutes

Grades 5 & 6-----         90 minutes

Grades 7 & 8-----         120 minutes    

 

In special cases, weekly Progress Reports are sent home to keep parents/guardians informed if their child is neglecting his/her academic responsibilities.

Parents/guardians help us teach organizational skills and the importance of handing assignments in on time. All students in grades 2-8 must purchase an I. C. homework planner to foster organizational skills. These are available for purchase through the school. It is an expectation of the school that parents/guardians will check their child’s homework planner on a daily basis.

Homework Policy, Grade One

Missed homework is reassigned as homework until completed. The teacher reserves the right to keep children who consistently do not do their homework in at recess to complete the assignment.

Homework Policy, Grade Two

A note will go home with the student listing missing homework/class work assignments. The missing assignments are to be completed at home and returned on the next school day and will receive half credit, if not turned in on the next day the grade becomes a zero. The student will also miss one recess.

Homework Policy, Grade Three

Homework assignments are graded as check+ (plus), check, check-(minus). Homework not handed in on time, should be handed in on the next school day and will be graded check-(minus). If late homework is not passed in on the next school day, the grade will become a zero. A note will be sent home requiring that the assignment be completed at home and returned with parental signature. If the signed form and completed assignment are not passed in, the teacher will call the parents/guardians.

Homework Policy, Grades 4 - 8

Students who have not done a homework assignment, or left it at home, and do not hand it in when the teacher collects it, will have a chance to hand it in the following morning before 7:50am. Twenty percent will be taken off for all homework handed in late. If the student does not give the teacher his/her homework on the second day, the student will receive a zero for that assignment.

If a student is given a sign and return for any reason, and does not bring it back to the teacher the following day, it will result in a detention. If the detention falls on a Monday or a Friday, they will serve it on the following Tuesday. If a sign and return is not handed in on time on a half day, it will result in a detention on the next full day of school that is not a Monday or a Friday.

Parents/guardians may not bring homework assignments from home to give to their child. Students need to be responsible for completing assignments, bringing them to school, and handing them in on time themselves.

Long term assignments not handed in on time, not due to illness, will only be accepted one day late with a maximum grade of 80%.

Make-up work is required of all students absent from school. It is expected that an absentee will contact his/her teacher(s) for assignments. Make-up work must be completed and handed in within three school days of the date of the absence. This includes all tests and quizzes. This policy may be altered to accommodate lengthy illnesses at the discretion of the Principal or teacher.

Students in grades 6 – 8: makeup sheets will circulate with a homework buddy on the day of a student's absence. The sheet will begin circulating by the homeroom teacher and sent to the office at the end of the school day. Parent/guardian may pick up makeup work and/or books after 1:55pm if the work is not picked up, the makeup sheet(s) will be put into a binder, which needs to be checked upon return to school. Work not completed within this time frame will automatically be entered as zeros, a missing assignment form will be sent home in order to inform the parents/guardians. This form must be signed and returned to school.

It is not usually possible to send work for students in grades K - 8 home with a sibling or other student as the books are too heavy for another student to transport.

Students on vacation are expected to obtain the work they missed upon their return. Time lines are the same as those for absences. Parents/guardians should seriously consider a decision to take vacation during school terms. Classroom instruction cannot be duplicated and students are considered to be at risk academically when such absences occur. Work will not be given in advance.

Absences usually require the student to stay after school to complete assignments and compensate for missed classroom instruction. No teacher is required to remain after school to provide instruction missed due to vacations taken out of the ordinary school calendar as per the School Advisory Board.

Progress Reports

Any student experiencing academic or behavioral difficulties in grades 1-8 may receive a progress report in the middle of the marking period. This report covers both academics and behavior. It also determines eligibility for extra curricular activities in grades 4-8.

Report Cards

Report cards are distributed 4 times a year according to the School Calendar in PK-grade 8 and twice yearly in Pre-School. Report cards are distributed to students whose tuition and fees, including Extended Day are up-to-date.

Grading Policy

A+ =100 A=95-99 A- = 90-94

B+ = 87-89 B = 84-86 B - =80-83

C+ = 77-79 C = 74-76 C - = 70-73

D+ = 67-69 D = 64-66 D - = 60-63 F = 0-59

O = Outstanding S = Satisfactory N = Needs Improvement U = Unsatisfactory

Conferences

Parent/guardian teacher conferences are held after the first report card is distributed and at any other time deemed necessary at the request of the teacher, parent/guardian, or Principal. Parent/guardian may call the School Office for an appointment.

Honors

Recognition is given to students in grades 6-8 after each report card distribution.

First Honors- Given to those students who average 90% or above in all subject areas and no ratings of Unsatisfactory or Needs Improvement.

Second Honors- Given to those students who average 80% or above in all subject areas and no ratings of Unsatisfactory or Needs Improvement.

The names of the students receiving honors will be posted at the end of each marking period. The grade for the marking period is comprised of class work, class participation, homework, and test marks.

Retention Policy

Students who fail two or more major subjects or are unable to read at grade level will be required to be retained in the same grade for the following year.

Students whose failures are due to undisciplined behavior rather than educational lags, particular learning problems, or disabilities will be required to repeat the grade elsewhere.

Each student is unique and is given every assistance available and opportunity to grow. In justice to the other students it is unfair to continue to enroll a student who does not wish to cooperate and/or cannot conform to the expected norms of behavior.

Parents/guardians are notified as early as possible if a child is in danger of repeating a grade. Final decisions are made by March 1^st according to Archdiocesan Policy.

The final decision on retention rests with the Principal.

General Student Responsibilities

1.      To demonstrate a love for God, self, and neighbor through daily prayer, Christian attitudes, behavior, and attendance at weekly Mass.

2.      To respect teachers, staff members, parents/guardians, and fellow students.

3.      To study and put forth his/her best efforts by completing all school and homework requirements on time.

4.      To enhance the learning environment by giving full attention and cooperation to teachers.

5.      To inform the teacher of any injury sustained.

6.      To take proper care of books and all school property. All texts must be covered. Please do not tape covers to the inside of books.

7.      To adhere to the regulations of uniforms.

8.      To speak in a courteous manner when acknowledged and greet all visitors.

9.      To assure the safety of self and others by obeying rules concerning proper behavior in Church, classroom, hallways, cafeteria, during fire drills, on the playground, in lavatories, on the bus, and at assemblies.

10.    To refrain from throwing any items including snow, ice, asphalt, rocks, sand, etc.

11.    To protect self and others by avoidance of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and weapons.

12.    To be on time for all classes and assemblies.

13.    To remain on school property with the designated teacher, never alone.

14.    Gum chewing is not allowed.

15.    Hats may not be worn inside.

16.    Trading cards and/or toys brought from home and deemed inappropriate by any teacher, will be confiscated.

17.    To move about the school in a quiet, orderly fashion.

18.    To ask permission from the teacher before leaving a classroom or any other designated area.

19.    To accept the consequences for failure to act in a responsible manner.

Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents and guardians are expected to comply with every reasonable request of the school. Parents and guardians are expected to cooperate with school personnel, policies, and procedures. Parents and guardians are expected to be supportive of the school and not to undermine its authority. Children may be required to leave the school if their parents or guardians are not cooperative with, or supportive of, school policies, procedures, and personnel.

Room Parents

Teachers choose room parents from among those who volunteer to assist them in planning class parties, events, etc. Room parents in grades PS-5 assist in the emergency dismissal procedures as necessary. Any letters to parents/guardians must be reviewed and initialed by the Principal before they are sent home to avoid confusion and miscommunication.

Gifts to Staff

The staff has asked that parents/guardians not solicit money to buy them gifts for their birthdays, Christmas, etc. As a staff, it was decided to ask parents/guardians to donate any money they might have used to buy staff Christmas gifts to the Advent Families Fund. The Staff felt the importance of modeling “giving” over “receiving.” They ask that their wishes be respected and appreciate the support of our parents.

A well-rounded education includes training students to accept responsibility for their actions and to accept the consequences for failure to act in the expected manner.

Detention

Detention is held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from the time of dismissal to 2:30pm for minor detentions and from the time of dismissal to 3:00pm for major detentions. Students are dismissed out the main door of his/her appropriate building after serving his/her detention. Parents/guardians are responsible for making arrangements to pick their child up promptly. Students not picked up in a timely manner may be sent to Extend Day and parent/guardian will be charged a fee of $30.00.

Parents/guardians receive a written detention notice 24 hours in advance, which must be signed by a parent or guardian and returned the next day. Detention must be served on the day it is scheduled. Detentions override extra help; make up sessions and extra curricular activities. Mitigating circumstances can be appealed to the Principal. If a student is out sick on the day of a scheduled detention, the detention will be served on the next detention day.

Minor Detention, Dismissal - 2:30pm

1.   Any uniform or dress code violation for students in grades 4– 8. (Chronic violations may result in student being barred from class.)

2.   Failure to return anything sent home for signature of parent/guardian.

3.   Uncovered books

4.   Chronic tardiness not related to the late arrival of a bus.

5.   Gum chewing on school property

 

Major Detention, Dismissal - 3:00pm

1.   Inappropriate behavior or language in class, at recess, in the lunch room, hallway, or lavatory.

2.   Fighting-all parties involved; may result in suspension.

3.   Forging a parent or guardian signature.

4.   Cheating in any way including giving another student answers or work to be copied.

5.   Rude or disruptive behavior.

Immaculate Conception School strives diligently to provide a safe environment for all individuals. Verbal or written threats made against the physical or emotional well-being of any individual are taken very seriously. Students making such threats (seriously or in jest or online) face possible detention, suspension, and/or expulsion.

 

Engagement in on-line blogs such as, but not limited to, MySpace.com, Friendster.com, Facebook.com., etc. may result in disciplinary actions if the content of the student’s blog includes defamatory comments regarding the school, faculty or staff, the parish, parish priests , parish staff, other students or parents.

Immediate Suspension and/or Dismissal (PS – 8) May Occur for the following:

1.   Bullying, verbal abuse, and non-verbal abuse directed at other students or staff. Bullying is that which results from words, comments, gestures or actions that is unwanted and unwelcome by the victim and makes the victim feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, offended, demeaned, frightened, helpless or threatened, that is sustained over a period of time. This will not be tolerated in our Catholic school.

2.   Verbal sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Verbal sexual abuse is the unwanted and unwelcome sexual behavior of a physical, spoken or written nature, directed at another. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

·       Touching, pinching, and grabbing body parts.

·       Sending notes or pictures of a sexual nature.

·       Writing sexual graffiti or comments on books, book covers, notebooks, and papers, desks, in bathrooms or anywhere in the buildings.

·       Making suggestive or sexual gestures, looks, jokes, or verbal comments, including but not limited to “mooing” or “barking” comments about body parts, sexual orientation such as “gay”, “faggot”, “homo”, “lesbian”, etc.

·       Spreading rumors of a sexual nature including rumors about someone’s sexual orientation.

Students who engage in bullying, abuse/verbal abuse, or sexual verbal abuse or sexual harassment will be given an opportunity to change their behavior because we also believe in conversion. If the behavior does not change, the student cannot remain at ICS.

3.   Seriously injuring a student or staff member deliberately.

4.   Fighting: (all parties involved).

5.   Possession of a weapon; Marlborough Police Department will be notified.

6.   Any student who threatens written or verbal violence, towards self or others, will be suspended and may be expelled. If suspended, the students will not be allowed to re-enter school without written documentation from a mental health professional stating that the student does not pose a threat to self or others and the school must have contact with the mental health professional. The school may require counseling as a condition for re-admission to our school.

7.   Using or supplying drugs, alcohol, or tobacco products.

8.   Vandalism.

Consequences

1.   Out-of-school suspension for one to ten days. Zeros will be entered for all assignments, tests, projects, etc. during the suspension.

2.   At the end of the suspension, the student will only be allowed to return to school if the student and his/her parents/guardians, meet with the Principal and the Pastor, sign and agree to be governed by a behavioral contract which requires that:

·       The student receives counseling from a qualified mental health professional.

·       The school has contact with the mental health professional prior to the student’s return and on an on-going basis thereafter.

·       Any further incidents may/will result in immediate expulsion.

·       The Pastor and Principal as appropriate, under the circumstances, may apply other terms and conditions to the behavioral contract.

Students suspended for any reason receive zeros in all assignments, tests, etc. while under suspension and no work may be made up.

Policy on Drugs and Weapons: PS - 8

Students may not have in their possession at school or at any school sponsored activity: any alcoholic beverages, drugs, cigarettes, or weapons. Any student who is reasonably suspected of having in his possession or found under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or unlawful narcotics may be immediately withdrawn from class and suspended or expelled from school. Parents/guardians, as well as the Marlborough Police Department, will be notified. The same applies for smoking or possession of a weapon.

Care of School Property in General

Damage to walls, equipment, buildings, or school grounds is a serious offense. Students must repair or replace property abused by them. A damage fee will be assessed. Deliberate abuse or destruction of school property may result in suspension and/or expulsion from school.

Care of Textbooks

Students are responsible for seeing that no excessive wear or abuse comes to books. All textbooks must be covered. Please do not use adhesive paper to cover books and please do not tape covers to the inside of books. All books must be transported in a book bag.

Students in PS – grade 1 are not allowed to use rolling backpacks for reasons of safety. Only one item may be clipped to a school bag for reasons of safety.

Damaged books must be paid for in full before report card or school records can be released. The same policy applies to Library books and materials. Uncovered textbooks will result in detention for students in grades 5-8. Teachers will number textbooks and sign them out to students noting the condition of the book at the time it was assigned.

Any damage to PS, PK or K classroom materials, including rest mats, must be paid for in full before report cards or records can be released.

Care of Desks

Writing on desks or tables or marking them in any way is a serious offense. Students must clean, repair, or replace desks, which they have damaged.

The school nurse administers hearing tests and vision screenings to all students. Students in grades 5-8 are tested annually for scoliosis. The nurse must be notified before school opens in September of any medical conditions and/or medications concerning your child. By signing your Handbook Agreement, you give permission to the school nurse to share information relevant to your child’s health condition with appropriate school personnel when needed to meet your child’s health and safety needs. All medical information will remain confidential among staff members. You also give permission to the school nurse and other staff members to administer non-emergency first aid to your child, including the use of hydrogen peroxide, Bacitracin, and Caladryl (for itching), etc. If your child has allergies to the above, please let the school nurse know, in writing, prior to the start of school. Furthermore, by signing your Handbook Agreement, you release the staff and personnel of the Immaculate Conception School from liability for any act or omission conducted in the course of rendering such care to your child.

All information is completely confidential.

Health Screening

Once a year students are given vision, auditory (grades K-8), and scoliosis screenings (grades 5-8), at the convenience of the school nurse

Medication

1.   A student should come to school physically well and able to participate in class for the entire day. This includes recess and Physical Education class. All students will be sent to recess and Physical Education class unless a note from a physician states otherwise. Students may not be medicated before school to mask a fever or other symptoms of illness that may pose a health risk to others.

2.   A Medication Permission Form, completed by the physician, and signed by both the physician and parent/guardian, must be on file in order for the school nurse to administer any medication, whether it is a prescription drug or over-the-counter medication. Forms are available at all school offices. Physicians may fax a medication order. Our fax number is 508-460-6003.

3.   All medications that are to be administered at school are to be delivered by a PARENT/GUARDIAN, to the school nurse, secretary, or principal.

4.   Medication may be delivered to school by other adults only in extenuating circumstances, provided that the nurse is notified in advance by PARENT/GUARDIAN of the arrangement and the quantity of medication being delivered to school.

5.   Medication MUST be in a labeled pharmacy or a manufacturer’s container.

6.   PARENT/GUARDIAN may retrieve the medication from school at any time.

7.   ANY REMAINING MEDICATION CANNOT BE SENT HOME WITH THE STUDENT for safety reasons.

The purpose for having these regulations is to provide for the safe and proper administration of prescription and non-prescription medications to students in school. These regulations seek to ensure that students requiring prescription and non-prescription medications have those medications safely administered in school in compliance with Massachusetts State Law.

Food Allergy Policy

Several students in our school have severe food allergies (especially peanut and nut allergies). These allergies can be severe and life threatening. We are asking for your assistance in providing the students with a safe learning environment. The greatest potential for exposure to food allergens is during snack and lunch times. To reduce the risk of exposure, we have designated a peanut/nut free table where those with the allergies will sit. Tables and hands will be wiped following meal times.

 

Children with allergies will be asked to bring a “special snack” from home to be kept in the classroom for parties and special occasions. This is very important since we cannot guarantee that items sent in with other students will be nut free.

 

Those children with food allergies will have an Epi-pen provided from home with detailed instructions from the child’s physician. This will be kept in the student’s classroom. Students may not carry their own Epi-pen for safety reasons. Teachers and aides are trained in the use of the Epi-pen.

 

It is the parent /guardian’s responsibility to inform the bus driver and any after school program of allergies and to provide them with the necessary information. Please instruct your child not to share snacks with others or to eat on the bus.

Other Medical Conditions

As school policy, children may not attend school with low-grade fevers. Medicating students to mask symptoms, such as fever, results in students being put at risk and spreads bacteria and infections. Students who have fever above 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit or have vomited may not attend school for 24 hours. Sick students will be sent home. Students who have been diagnosed with an infection may not return to school until they have been on an antibiotic for a full twenty four hours. Students out sick may not attend class parties, performances, field trips or Extended Day. These policies protect the health of all students. A doctor’s note may be required at the discretion of the nurse or Principal at any time. Parent/guardians’ cooperation with these policies is an expectation of the school.

 

 

The school principal and faculty will fulfill their statutory duties as mandated reporters to the Department of Social Services of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in any suspected incidents of child abuse, child sexual abuse, or neglect.

“Talking About Touching”

The Archdiocesan mandated “Talking About Touching” program for Pre-Kindergartenl/Kindergarten and Grades 1 – 3 focuses on teaching children skills that have been designed to help keep them safe from dangerous or abusive situations. Despite good intentions, adults cannot always be there to protect children from every dangerous or abusive situation. Using the materials provided in the Talking About Touching kit, parents/guardians and teachers can work together to provide the safety rules, information, encouragement, and practice that children need to help protect themselves.

The Talking About Touching curriculum introduces the subject of child sexual abuse at each grade level within a general framework of safety.

·            Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten: Unit I introduces common safety issues affecting children. Lesson topics include car safety, traffic safety, and fire safety. This basic context of safety is reinforced in Unit II, in which lessons about touching safety are introduced. Unit II open with lessons that emphasize the positive aspects of touch in children’s everyday lives. The overall focus on safety, rather than sexuality, helps defuse the potentially difficult nature of talking to children about sexual abuse. This safety focus provides a straightforward way for adults and children to communicate about the subject.

·            Grades 1 – 3: Unit I introduces common safety issues affecting children. Lesson topics include walking safety, fire safety, and gun safety. This basic context of safety is reinforced in Unit II when lessons about touching safety are introduced. Unit II opens with lessons that emphasize the positive aspects of touch in children’s everyday lives. The goal of the lessons in Unit III is to increase children’s ability to stand up for themselves in an assertive, but not aggressive, way and to ask for help in difficult, uncomfortable, or dangerous situations.

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