HISTORY

OF

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS SCHOOL

 

Founded in 1959

 

The motto of our school is that of our Parish:

 

Oneness, Love, and Service

 

School Colors - Blue and White

 

School Emblem - Coat of Arms of

the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph

 

 

 

 

 

 

PREFACE

 

This handbook is designed to serve as a reference for parents, students, and faculty of Our Lady of the Snows School.  It is written to fulfill the needs of those concerned with providing a fine education within our Catholic tradition.

 

Familiarity with its contents will facilitate the everyday functioning of our school and enable us to ensure the continuation of an excellent education within a Christian atmosphere.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

 

Our Lady of the Snows School seeks to provide a program which fosters the spiritual, academic, social, and physical development of the individual. Our aim is to recognize the uniqueness of each child entrusted to us, satisfying basic needs while developing his/her gifts.

 
In the spiritual realm, we deepen the awareness of God's presence by helping the children know Jesus.  By growing in His knowledge and love, the students are better able to treat peers and adults with Christian courtesy and kindness.

 
Our goal is to develop informed Catholics who understand their faith through the teachings and interpretations of the Gospels, which in turn enable them to practice this faith to the fullest.  We welcome other faiths to our school community and we reach out to them with understanding and respect.  Our school stresses personal responsibility, self- discipline, and caring for others.  Our parish and school communities, including parents, faculty, and staff, work together to provide leadership and role models to assure the overall growth of every child.  Through various programs and activities, students become involved in the loving service of others in need on a local and national level.

Academically, Our Lady of the Snows School works to give a strong foundation in knowledge and basic skills so that students can fully utilize the gifts God has given them.  Various learning techniques and assessments are utilized to meet the needs of our students.  In this way, we foster a strong self-image in every child.  We train our students to reason clearly, think critically, and judge wisely.

 

We periodically and consistently review our educational practices and curriculum, and adhere to both New York State and Diocese of Brooklyn guidelines.  Keeping up with current trends in education and technology insures our continuous development as a faculty.  Local policies and procedures are developed in collaboration with the administration and staff.  The principal's, teachers', and students' performances are evaluated on a regular basis.

 

These are our ideals.  We work constantly to realize them more fully in a community that is contemporary, active, joyful, and open to the future.

 

 

POLICY OF NON-DISCRIMINATION

 

Our Lady of the Snows School admits students of either sex and any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

 

Our Lady of the Snows School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of educational policies, admission policies, and athletic or other school administered programs.

 

  

DOCTOR AND DENTIST APPOINTMENTS

 

Parents are expected to make every effort to schedule doctor and dentist appointments outside of school hours.  However, when this is not possible, students will be excused for these special appointments.  A note must be brought to the principal in the morning by the student asking permission for the student to be signed out early.  The parent must sign the early dismissal book when picking up the student.

 
EASTERN RITE CATHOLICS

 

Eastern Rite Catholics who attend Our Lady of the Snows School can be prepared for the Sacraments of Penance, Eucharist, and Confirmation by consent of their parents and with permission of their proper pastor.  Forms for these permissions will be sent to the parents at the beginning of each school year and are to be returned to the School Office by the assigned date.  Once the form is received, the child will be enrolled in the sacramental preparation program.

                                                                 EMERGENCY INFORMATION                                

 

Two Emergency Information forms are kept in both the school office and the medical room.  It is extremely important that we have a telephone number to reach one of the parents.  Most hospitals will not treat minor patients unless a parent or guardian is actually present to give permission.  Any allergies, daily medication, or known medical problem should be noted on the bottom line (in red ink) of the Emergency Information form and the school nurse should be informed.

 

FIELD TRIPS

 

Field trips are planned in order to enrich the learning experience of the children.  Students can be denied participation in a field trip if he/she fails to meet academic or behavior requirements.  A schedule (date, departure time, return time, and cost) will be sent home several weeks prior to the trip.  Each student must have a signed permission slip from his/her parent in order to participate in the class field trip. Verbal permission from a parent is unacceptable.  The only acceptable permission slip is the one printed below.  If you misplace the one sent home by the teacher, copy this and send it in with your child prior to the day of the trip.

 

Permission Slip to be Copied

I/we, the parent(s)/guardian(s) of ___________________request that the school allow my/our son/daughter to participate in ____________________________.  In consideration for the making of the arrangements for this trip, we hereby release and save harmless the school and all its employees from any and all liability arising to my/our son/daughter as a result of this trip.

 

_____________________________________                          (_____)_______________________

Parent/Guardian Signature                                                                 Phone Number

If your child does not participate, he/she must still attend school that day.  If not, an ILLEGAL absence will be recorded.

 

FIRE DRILLS

 

Fire drills at regular intervals are required by law and are an important safety precaution.  It is essential that, when the first signal is given, everyone obeys orders promptly and clears the building by the prescribed route as quickly as possible.  The teacher in each classroom will give the students instructions.  No running or talking will be permitted during the fire drill.  No one is to return to the building until the signal is given. Misbehaving during a fire drill is a serious infraction.

  

FUND RAISING

 

In order to keep tuition increases at a moderate pace, fund raising is a necessity.  Each family is required to do some type of service for our school according to the Parent Service Commitment Form signed at registration.  In addition, throughout the school year, there are several optional fund-raisers sponsored by the school, the Home School Association, and the Student Council.  It is expected that each family will support these to the best of their ability.

 

 

GUIDANCE

 

Guidance services are available in our school on Wednesdays.  If you wish to speak to the counselor, please write a note to the counselor or call the school office and leave a message.  The counselor will return your call as soon as possible.

 

 

HOMEWORK

 

Homework is given four (4) nights a week and at the teacher's discretion on weekends.  Homework may not be done in school.  Each student, in grades 4-8, will receive a planner in September to use throughout the year.  All other students should have an assignment pad to copy down homework, and parents should check this assignment pad each night.

 

The length of time spent on homework each night (including studying every night) should be as follows:
Grades 1 - 3       30 -   45 minutes
Grades 4 - 6       45 -   90 minutes
Grades 7 - 8       90 - 120 minutes

 

The heading on the homework should read as follows:
Name of Child                                                                                      Date
Name of School                                                                                    Grade

                                Subject

 

Acceptable assignments are neat and carefully completed.   Parents should not correct the work or improve it in any way.  Projects should be written or typed using the student's own vocabulary.  Plagiarism, either from a book or computer program, is not acceptable.  It is the responsibility of the parent to check notebooks and workbooks weekly.

 

IMMUNIZATION

 

No child will be admitted to any school in New York City unless the child has received proper immunizations.  When new children apply, verification of immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), diphtheria, polio, HIB, HepB, and Varicella is required, along with dates and results of TB(Mantoux) and lead screening tests.  For all children born after January 1, 1994 upon entering 6^th grade are require to receive the Tdap immunization.

 

 

INSURANCE

 

School accident insurance is paid for by the school at the beginning of the school year.  The insurance protects pupils traveling to and from school, on school sponsored and supervised trips and while in gym class.  The coverage is from September 15, 2007 to September 15, 2008.    Parents are encouraged to check their policies for children's coverage and take advantage of a voluntary 24 hour coverage plan.  If interested call Willis at (212) 837-0863.

 

 

INTERIM REPORTS

 

Midway through the first and second trimesters, a report is sent home to parents of students in Grades 1 - 6 to indicate your child's strength or weakness in each subject area.  Parents of students in Grades 7 and 8 receive a deficiency report if their child has a weakness in any subject. 

 

 

LATENESS

 

We ask parents to please help us in this regard.  Habitual lateness forms a pattern that lasts through life.  A child who is consistently late causes disruption to a class already in progress.  A student in grades K - 8 is considered late when he/she is not in the building by 8:20 a.m.  A late student may enter class after signing the late book and obtaining a late pass from the school office.  Three times late will result in a detention until 3:30 p.m.  Parents will be informed of the date that the detention is to be served.

LUNCH

 

Students eat lunch in the classroom.  In order to promote an overall sense of fairness, parents may not bring "Fast Food" (pizza, Burger King, McDonalds, etc.) into school or the classroom on any given day for any children.  As a general rule, lunch should be brought to school with your child in the morning.  Students may have a drink only from a thermos, water bottle or a juice box.  Glass bottles, jars, cans, soda, or plastic squeeze bottles are not permitted.  Plastic bags or wax paper may be used.  These rules are necessary to comply with New York City recycling laws.  Students are not permitted in the bathrooms at lunch time.  If there is an emergency, the student should come to the office.

 

In good weather, students go to the school yard on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays.  Students are not permitted to run in the school yard.  Students who do not follow the rules will have to stand by the wall and will not be permitted to play. Students who continue to ignore rules will have to sit outside the office at lunch time. 

 

 

 MARKING CODE

 

An explanation of the marking code is given on the Report Card.  In general, it can be summarized as follows:

 

A+ =  97-100

A   =  93-96

B+ =  89-92

B   =  85-88

C+ =  81-84

C   =  77-80

D+ =  74-76   

D   =  70-73

F    =  Below 70  is a  failing grade

 

Honors at graduation (Gold Cord) are awarded to students, who maintain a 95 Average, no mark below 88, in Grades 7 and 8, with satisfactory conduct, effort, and a minimum of "S" in minor subjects.  Students in Grades 7 and 8 must count Spanish as part of the requirements for honors.

MEDICATION

 

If a student needs to take medication during school hours, the nurse must be notified.  Medication cannot be administered UNLESS the nurse has a completed 504 Form on file.  The 504 Form must be completed by your child's physician and signed by the parent.  No medication will be accepted or stored in the school without the proper paperwork.  Please note that medication cannot be given for episodic illnesses, such as a 10-day course of antibiotics.  Medications are dispensed for chronic illnesses only.  Please contact the school nurse should you need the 504 Form.  (718 347-5134).   A new form must be submitted every year.  Every effort should be made to dispense medication before the child comes to school and/or after the child returns home. Students are not permitted to carry medicine such as Tylenol or any prescription medication in their lunch box, school bag or on their person.

 

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

 

Physical education classes are mandated by State Law.  Attendance is compulsory unless a doctor's note certifying disability is presented to the principal. Our Lady of the Snows School believes that physical education is an important part of the educational experience.  The development and maintenance of a healthy body is essential for physical well-being and good mental health.  We also believe that attitude development is an important part of education.  We attempt to create an atmosphere for the development of leadership, sportsmanship, and congeniality through our physical education program.  Students must wear the uniform prescribed for gym classes.  Boys and girls wear sneakers, white socks, regulation navy blue shorts, and the light blue regulation shirt both with school emblem.  Students wear their gym uniforms to school on gym days.  In cooler weather, navy blue sweat pants may be worn and a navy sweatshirt may be worn over the light blue shirt.  No design or logo may appear on the sweat clothes.  This includes the CYO logo.  No student will be admitted to class or be allowed to participate in gym class unless he/she is in proper uniform.  We recommend that the student's last name be placed in large letters inside all gym clothes, especially the sweatshirt.

PROMOTION AND RETENTION

 

The principal, teacher, parent, and student will discuss all promotions and retentions.  The final decision is based upon a total evaluation of the student's growth in all areas of development.

 

Specific criteria for retention are as follows:

1.  The student has failed to pass the major subjects on his/her grade level.

2.  The student has failed to achieve satisfactory scores on a standardized test in reading, mathematics, and language arts.

3.  The student has not demonstrated acceptable effort in achieving academic success.  The type of behavior that would indicate unacceptable effort might be failure to complete school homework assignments and projects, consistent inattention to classroom instruction, and lack of preparedness for school assignments.  Parents will be notified in December or March if there is a possibility of their child being retained.

 RECYCLING

 

In accordance with New York City law, recycling containers for paper, plastic, metal, and juice boxes will be available in each classroom, as well as a regular trash container.  We expect everyone to use the proper container at all times for disposing of waste.  Students who do not comply will be asked to stay after school and do community service to help improve the school.

 

RELEASE OF RECORDS

 

The school maintains academic and attendance records on all students.  Information included in these records may not be released without written parental consent, except in response to a notice of transfer to another school or to send records on to high school.

 

RESPECT

 

Respect is a quality we aspire to and want to instill in our children.  This will be our theme for this school year.   We believe as teachers and as parents we need to set good examples of mutual respect in school relationships both at home and in school.  We ask parents to make an appointment with your child's teacher if there is a problem or disagreement.  If a teacher's conference either by phone or in person does not offer resolution, a further meeting with the parent, teacher and principal will take place.

 

 

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

 

                                                            Grade K                                                  8:13 a.m.  -   2:25 p.m.

                                                            Grades 1 to 8                                         8:13 a.m.  -   2:30 p.m.

                                                            Pre-K (M thru F AM)                           8:20 a.m. -  11:00 a.m.

                                                            Pre-K (Full Day)                                    8:20 a.m. -    2:25 p.m.

 

                                                            Lunch - Grades Pre-K, 5-8                  11:50 a.m.  - 12:20 p.m.

                                                            Lunch - Grades K-4                             12:25 p.m.  - 12:55 p.m.

 

Supervision in the school yard starts at 8:00 a.m. On rainy or very cold days, the doors on 258th Street will be opened at 8:05 a.m. for students to enter the building.  The school is not responsible for the safety of the students before this time.  Students who travel by the school bus may enter the building when the bus arrives.  Orange safety cones are put out on 258th Street at Union Turnpike and 80th Avenue from 7:55 - 8:20 a.m.  Please do not move them or go around them.  They are for the safety of all pupils and parents. 

 

SUPPLIES

 

School supplies are sold in the school office daily from 8:25 to 8:45 a.m.  A price list is sent home with each child in grades K - 8 in September.  Every attempt should be made to send in exact change.  We cannot accept cash over $10.00.

 

Anything to do with offensive language or pictures is banned in this school. Therefore, any paraphernalia such as book covers, clothing, pencil cases, pens/pencils, folders, schoolbags, lunch boxes, toys, magazines, books, etc., cannot be brought to school.

 

TELEPHONE USAGE

 

Students may only use school telephones with consent of the administration or nurse.  They are not permitted to call for forgotten homework, project, gym uniform, etc.  Use of beepers and cell phones by students during the school day is not permitted and they will be confiscated if used at the wrong time (see cell phone section).  The school office cannot be responsible for getting messages to students except for family emergency.

  

 TRANSPORTATION

 

The New York City Office of Pupil Transportation has set the following requirements for eligibility for transportation for students in grades

K-8.  (Chancellor's Regulation A:801)

                                                                                             Distance Between

Grade:                     School and Pupil's Home:                 Generally Eligible For:

K-2                         1/2 mile or more                                    Free transportation

3-6                          1 mile or more                                       Free transportation

   3-6                          1/2 mile to 1 mile                                  Half-Fare MetroCard

  7-8                          1 1/2 miles or more                              Full-Fare MetroCard

  7-8                          1/2 mile to 1 1/2 miles                         Half Fare MetroCard

 

A MetroCard is provided for use on public transportation only.  The Metro Card Program is sponsored by the MTA, not the Board of Education, and therefore is subject to change without notice.  If a student is not taking the bus home on a particular day, written notification from home must be submitted to the homeroom teacher that morning.

 

TUITION AND FEES

2007- 2008 - Grades K - 8

                  

Catholics - Contributing Parishioners*                                        Non-Catholics/Non Parishioners

One Child              $2,800                                                                     One Child              $3,100

Two Children          3,800                                                                     Two Children          5,550

Three Children        4,350                                                                     Three Children       6,450

 

*Contributing parishioners use Church envelopes weekly, donating a minimum of $250 per year to Our Lady of the Snows Parish.  Non-contributing parishioners will be expected to pay an additional $250 per year with tuition as a Church contribution.  Tuition increase for Gr. K-8 includes cost of class fee, insurance, religion book, testing & planner, and candy sale fundraiser.

 

Tuition - Pre-K

Pre-K (5 half-days)

                                                                                                  One Child                              $2,000

                  Second Child in Pre-K         $1,800

                               Pre-K (Full days)

                                                                                                  One Child                                2,950

                  Second Child in Pre-K           2,550                                    

 

FAIR SHARE FEE of $75 per family, per school year, must be included in the first tuition payment in August.

 

Non-Refundable Registration Fees
Grades Nursery - 8                                          $100 per child (check or money order only)

         

For the convenience of our families, the yearly tuition is broken down into ten (10) monthly payments, due on the first of each month either by check or money order as follows:

Payment Due                                         Payment Due

1                              August 1                               6                              January 1

2                              September 1                          7                              February 1

3                              October 1                               8                              March 1

4                              November 1                           9                              April 1

5                              December 1                           10                            May 1

 

Any tuition payment not received by the 15th of the month it is due will be subject to the following late fees:
Grades Pre-K - 8     $25

 

If you anticipate a problem meeting the tuition payment, please inform the school in writing by the 1st of the month.  All families (Pre-K to 8) are required to do service or pay $40.00 extra each month.  In addition, all families are required to fulfill their Parent Service Commitment or pay a fee depending on the day the service is missed. After two checks have been returned by the bank because of insufficient funds or other reasons, only money orders will be accepted for future payments.  Post-dated checks will not be accepted.  As of June 1^st personal checks will no longer be accepted, only bank checks and money orders.  If your original coupons are lost, there will be $2.00 replacement charge. 

 

UNIFORM

 

Students will dress neatly and be well-groomed.  The school uniform must be worn each day.  In order for

a student to be admitted to class, they must wear the complete uniform required for that day.  The uniform consists of the following:

 

Kindergarten:  Students wear their gym uniform, white socks and sneakers.

 

Boys Grades 1 -8                 Uniform trousers

Uniform black belt

Uniform blue shirt

Uniform tie

Uniform black shoes

Black or blue socks

Navy blue cardigan sweater (Gr. 7-8 Uniform fleece)

 

Girls Grades 1 - 5:                              Uniform jumper

Uniform blue blouse

Uniform tie

Uniform navy blue shoes

Navy blue socks

Navy blue cardigan sweater

 

Girls Grades 6 - 8:                              Uniform skirt

Uniform vest

Uniform blue blouse

Uniform navy blue shoes

Navy blue socks

Navy blue cardigan sweater (Gr. 7-8 Uniform fleece)

 

 

It is required that the child's name be put on each article of clothing.  The school and gym uniforms, including shoes MUST be purchased at:

                                                                                                      Uniformity at Kids Country

1271 Hempstead Turnpike

Elmont, New York 11003

(516) 354-8255

 

Certain days during the school year will be "Dress Up" or "Dress Down" days.  On "Dress Up" days, students are required to wear dress clothes -- no jeans, sneakers, or t-shirts.  On "Dress Down" days, students may wear jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts.  Students are never permitted to wear short-shorts, skirts that are no more than 3” above the knee, short shirts, tank tops, or shirts that are inappropriate or display offensive language or pictures or shoes that may be dangerous for safety reasons.   Parents will be called to bring a change of clothes. 

 

VACATIONS

 

Parents are asked not to take children out of school for family vacations.  Please check the school calendar you receive in September and schedule vacations for the long periods of time when school is closed.  If an extreme family emergency arises that necessitates an absence from school, please inform us in writing as soon as possible.     

  

VISITORS TO SCHOOL

 

Class time is very important to both students and teachers.  Therefore, interruptions should be seldom and only with proper notice.  As you enter the school there is a sign posted that all visitors must stop in the school office.  The principal will determine whether or not an individual will be given permission to visit a classroom.  Appointments with teachers can be arranged by writing to the teacher so that they can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.

 

 

 

 

 

September, 2007

 

Dear Parents,

 

Attached is a copy of our 2007-2008 Our Lady of the Snows Parent-Student Handbook.  Please read it and discuss the rules and regulations with your child(ren).  We hope it will prove helpful to all.   Please return the tear-off form below by Monday, September 10.  Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Sincerely,

 

Sister Roberta Oberle, C.S.J.

Principal

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Handbook

 

Family Name ___________________________________

 

Grade of oldest child in Our Lady of the Snows School _____

 

We have read and agree to be governed by the 2007-2008 Our Lady of the Snows Parent/Student Handbook and will support the policies of the school.

                                               

Signature of Parent            ___________________________________________

 

Signature of Child(ren)     ___________________________________________

 

                                               ___________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

OUR LADY OF THE SNOWS SCHOOL

79-33 258 Street                                                                                                                                                       Telephone (718) 343-1346

Floral Park, NY 11004-1287                                                                                                      www.ourladyofsnowsschool.org      

 

Consent to Photograph 

(Due Sept. 10^th from all families)

September 2007

 

In accordance with the freedom of information legislation:

____ I consent to have         ____ I Do Not consent to have

 

o       My photograph__________________________________

(print name)

o       My child’s photograph____________________________

(print name)

    

used in the newspapers, classrooms, halls, and school functions.

 

_______________________________________         ____________

              (Parent/guardian signature)                                  (Date)

 

 

 

Our Lady of the Snows School

 

CELL PHONE REQUEST

2007-08

 

Student______________________________             Grade_____________

 

Cell Phone Number:____________________

 

I request that my child be allowed to have a turned off cell phone for after school use

 

only because___________________________________________________________

 

_____________________________________________________________________

 

I understand and agree to the following:

 

·        The cell phone may never be used during school hours.  All necessary and essential calls must be made from the school office.

·        The cell phone must be turned off at all times during school hours and must be kept in the school bag and in the closet at all times during the school day.

·        Failure to adhere to the rules will result in permission to have a cell phone in school withdrawn and both Cell Phone and SIM Card will be confiscated and not be returned until the end of the school year in June.

 

 

Parent’s Signature____________________________________      Date__________

 

Student’s Signature___________________________________      Date__________

                               ___________________________________