Visitation BVM Elementary School

Click on the subject headings and you will be taken to that area to read.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
  • Mission Statement
  • Philosophy
  • Academic Nature
  • Curriculum and Methods
  • Registration
  • School Hours
  • Attendance
  • Dress Code
    • Uniform Requirements
    • Kindergarten
    • Additional Guidelines
    • Gym Attire
    • Dress Down Day Guidelines
    • Uniform Dress Code Enforcement

• Academics
  • Homework
  • Report Card Marks
  • Honor Roll
  • Parent/Teacher Conferences and Communications

• Rules and Regulations
  • Student Responsibilities
  • Discipline Infractions
  • Bullying
  • Suspension
  • Expulsion

• Transportation and Safety
  • Bus Behavior
  • Car Riders
  • Half-Day Kindergarten Pick-up

• Emergency and Health Issues
  • Parent/Guardian Call System
  • Early Dismissals/Late Arrivals of Individual Students
  • Student Emergency Information Cards
  • School Preparedness
  • In-School Medicine Distribution Policy

• School and Archdiocesan Policies
  • Cell Phone Use Policy
  • Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

Introduction

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Thank you for giving your child/children/teenagers the gift of a Catholic Education by sending them to Visitation B.V.M. School. The Faculty and Administration are fully aware of the trust you have placed in us by entrusting your sons and daughters to our care for their school days. We share a special partnership for the spiritual, academic and moral formation of these young people and tomorrow's Christian citizens.

Communication is essential in the educational process; therefore, we have created a parent/student handbook for reference and direction. Just as you have expectations and policies in place at home for your family life, so we have the same in place for our school family. We are blessed to have a large school family, therefore, it is imperative that all expectations, policies and guidelines be fairly known by all. It is our hope that this handbook will hold the key to a safe, peaceful and successful educational experience for your sons and daughters.

God bless you and all of us as we do God's work in helping the students to grow in wisdom and grace before God and men.

Prayerfully in the Holy Family,

Sister Diane Marie, C.S.F.N.
Principal

Parents sign a statement indicating that they have read the policies in the parent/student handbook.

Mission Statement

We, the administration, faculty, and staff of Visitation BVM School, are dedicated to "Teach As Jesus Did" through the integration of message, community and service in the catholic formation and education of our students. We strive for and encourage the development of each person's God-given intellectual, physical, social and personal growth. Aware of each individual's call to holiness, we journey together — teacher, parent, adult, teenager, child — to accomplish the mission entrusted to us by Jesus, to go forth and proclaim the "Good News" of the Lord's presence and love. Upon these efforts, we ask the blessings of the Holy Trinity, through the intercession of our patroness, Our Lady of the Visitation.

Back to top

Philosophy

Having accepted the directive of Jesus, each teacher strives to instill in the child the Christian qualities and principles that Jesus taught. The Gospel message of hope and salvation is communicated to the student through religious instruction. With an understanding of this, the student is encouraged to make a relevant application of this message to his daily life.

Community is the heart of Catholic education. This sense of community is initiated within the home and is complemented, reinforced, and extended in the faith community. The adult Christian community with which the student comes in contact provides a model exemplifying the Gospel spirit of peace, love and respect for others. Participation in the Eucharistic celebration fosters a sense of unity within each student. Simultaneously, the student demonstrates growth in community through worship and daily living. By experiencing this fellowship, the student grows in his commitment to serve God and others.

Back to top

Academic Nature

A well-developed and complete curriculum fosters student growth through an integration of intellectual, social, spiritual, physical and emotional aspects.

Basic skills, being the foundation for all intellectual growth, are the nucleus of the academic program. Mastery of these facilitates competency in all subject areas. In conjunction with this, intellectual maturation, social, physical and emotional development are nurtured. As a result, the student is provided with the skills necessary to function in today's world.

Central to the academic program is the instruction in religious values. The religious program awakens in the student an awareness of the values he holds. It allows the student to order and internalize this value system. With these values, academic skills and personal talents, the student is better equipped to serve as a witness of Christ and to function effectively in a changing world.

Back to top

Curriculum and Methods

The Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and Mathematics and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia Curriculum guide the Visitation BVM School Course of Study. These guidelines insure academic continuity. Grade level and content area dictate specific methods and procedures. Traditional methods are combined with the most up-to-date teaching strategies.

"Curriculum" is defined as a "plan for action" that includes strategies for achieving desired goals or ends. "School curriculum" is, therefore, an organized set of formal education and/or training intentions. In addition, "curriculum" encompasses the experiences of the learner, under the guidance of administrators and teachers. One might also define "curriculum" as a field of study, comprising its own foundations and domains of knowledge. Finally, an understanding of "curriculum" must include subject matter or content and the way the material is assimilated and organized across grade levels.

The basic goal of school curriculum is to establish a systematic approach to learning situations so that children may grow, learn and develop to the maximum of their potential in spiritual, academic social, physical and mental disciplines aspects of their entire person/being.

In Visitation B.V.M. School, the student is required to arrive each day in a punctual manner, to wear the school uniform correctly and with dignity and to be properly prepared for all classes. He/she must maintain an average in each subject in keeping with his/her potential, with the 70 percent average as a minimum for passing.

A religious atmosphere is maintained and fostered throughout the school. In accordance with our philosophy, Religion receives special focus. Students participate in Masses on First Fridays and other days of religious significance, attend the Stations of the Cross and Benediction during the season of Lent, the Living Rosary in October and May Processions and Rosary in May. Service is a vital component of a complete Catholic education; and the students participate in a wide variety of outreach opportunities throughout each school year.

The ability to read and comprehend is often the measure of a pupil's ability to learn. Learning to read in the primary grades becomes the basis for reading to learn as the grade levels progress.

All textbooks series are updated regularly, follow the national standards in the various subject disciplines and are aligned with the Common Core State Standards and Guidelines of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Visitation B.V.M. School follows these Guidelines strictly; (they may be reviewed by going to the Archdiocesan website at www.catholicschools-phl.org.)  The Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts includes literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical subjects. 

The mathematics program is designed as an ongoing process, each day building and hinging on the student's previous knowledge and background. In addition to the textbook material, daily maintenance is practiced. Various tactile models, supplemental materials, math activities via technology and learning centers are used in mathematics instruction. The Honors Math program is in place at Visitation BVM School and is offered to those students who meet the Archdiocesan requirements for entrance.

Science develops the student's appreciation of God's creation and man's responsibility to the environment. The student comes to realize the importance of scientific exploration and technological advancements through an organized presentation of science topics. An updated science lab and botanical center enhance this area of the curriculum.

The Visitation BVM School social studies programs enable our students to become enlightened citizens who are ready and willing to assume their responsibilities in their family, parish, local community and country. Geography is integrated with social studies themes in Grades 1 through 5 and taught separately in Grades 6, 7 and 8.

The English language arts (ELA) program combines instruction in reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with grammar, spelling, phonics and penmanship disciplines. Students are challenged to become lifelong readers and writers, to listen and think critically and to express themselves effectively and with confidence. Visitation B.V.M. School is involved in a Middle States Accreditation Project Evaluation. This Project Evaluation is entitled "POWER" and represents Progress, Overall in Writing, English and Reading. The administration and faculty continue to research the most current techniques and applications in the ELA disciplines and track the reading, writing and English progress of students on all grade levels.

Music, art, physical education and library science are integral disciplines in our curriculum and they encourage the students in their knowledge of and creative expression in the fine arts, physical development and research skills. Through the music program, each student follows a well-organized process of experience in all types and forms of music; in art class, each student learns artistic skills and techniques and expresses his/her artistic talent in creative projects based on famous artists' works.

The technology program follows the Archdiocesan curriculum guidelines for the curriculum both for the classroom and the computer lab. This includes Microsoft Office, Open Office, Internet Safety, and Internet Searching Skills. Our school has four wireless laptop carts which are used throughout our school. The classroom teachers use their school laptops, Smart Boards, and ceiling mounted projectors with students on shared laptops to help instruct them.  Teachers guide students in using technology to research their respective subject areas and to reinforce skills learned in their curricula. The integration of technology skills with other disciplines is an integral element of the academic process at Visitation BVM School. United Streaming Videos, Inspiration, Kidspiration, Type to Learn, FirstinMath and KidBiz are all programs used at Visitation B.V.M. School. The faculty uses Teacherweb to keep parents informed of their child's classroom activities and homework.

A summary of curriculum topics for each grade level is included in this review as a means of providing a complete picture of academic life for our students. Parents and students are encouraged to use the Archdiocesan link provided above to expand one's knowledge and understanding.

Pre-Kindergarten

The focus of this program is on academic preparation for Kindergarten with an emphasis on faith and social skills. Pre-School classes enable the children to develop a strong foundation for growth and development. It is a learning-rich environment that allows our children to grow emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer skills along with Science and Language development are an essential part of this program.

Kindergarten (click here for more information)

Religion, Reading Readiness, Math, Science, Physical Education, Art, Music and Computer classes are introduced into the Kindergarten curriculum. Children are exposed to many cultures through guest speakers and hands-on-activities.

Grades 1-2 (click here for more information)

Learning to read is the main focus in the primary grades. The Integrated Language Arts program is implemented to not only develop skills, but to encourage our children to explore their world through exposure to literature. Reading is encouraged throughout the year with summer reading lists. The ELA program is supplemented with phonics skills. The Science curriculum is expanded and includes the Human Body, Life, Physical and Earth Sciences. Cognitive skills are developed as the children become aware of the world around them. Visits to the laboratory and greenhouse take place for optional activities at teacher discretion. The math curriculum includes hands-on activities and calculator instruction.  Laptop computers and wireless internet connections are employed across the curriculum by the Grades 1-2 level students.

Grades 3-5 (click here for more information)

At the Intermediate level, the students learn to utilize skills obtained in the primary grades. A transition is made to a literature based reading series, and all aspects of ELA are extended across the curriculum. Science skills are developed through investigation and reasoning. During laboratory periods, problem solving techniques and active exploration allows each child the opportunity to creatively investigate their world. Further investigation, via the Internet, has given students access to NASA. This has enabled them to talk directly with astronauts. Math instruction is enhanced with computer software and calculator activities. Laptop computers and wireless internet connections are employed across the curriculum by the Grades 3-5 level students. Honors mathematics is offered for those students who meet the Archdiocesan qualifications (Grades 4 through 8).

Grades 6-8 (click here for more information)

At the Junior High level, a greater responsibility toward academic independence is stressed and expected. It is evident, through literature-based activities and various projects, that the ELA program is implemented. Traditional methods are also used to reinforce content areas. Students complete research papers, give oral presentations and serve as writers and editors of the school newspaper and parish issued publications. The Scientific Method is stressed throughout the Junior High years. Students consistently implement the five-step problem solving method during laboratory periods, cooperative learning activities, dissections, and the Science Fair. The seventh grade dissects regularly during the year, while the eighth grade dissects periodically. The Science Fair serves as a channel for enrichment and appreciation of the Sciences. Mastery of the Scientific Method is demonstrated and critical thinking skills are further developed. Laptop computers and wireless internet connections are employed across the curriculum by the Junior High level students. . Honors mathematics is offered for those students who meet the Archdiocesan qualifications (Grades 4 through 8).

Standardized testing is provided in all grades. These results are shared with the parents and child in Grades 1 — 8, and assist parents, teachers and students to build on areas of strength and improve areas of weakness. Educational goals are established and/or adjusted via their scores.

Back to top

Registration

A new family to the Parish should be registered by a priest in the Parish before registering their children for school.

In the Spring, a form is sent home for the re-registration of your children. This form is to be returned by the deadline date with the fee and signature required.

Dates will be assigned for the registration of students for preschool, kindergarten and first grade as well as for new students to other grades. These dates are announced in advance in the Parish Bulletin and on the school web site. State issued birth certificate, Baptismal certificate and Proof of Immunization must be presented at the time of registration.

In order to be eligible to attend Visitation's Pre-School a student must be four (4) years of age by September 1st of the year of attendance. In order to be eligible to attend Visitation's kindergarten, a child must be five (5) years of age by September 1st of the year of attendance. A student entering first grade must be six (6) years of age by September 1st of the year of attendance.

The above age requirements are in accordance with guidelines set by the School District within which Visitation BVM School is located geographically.

Immunization requirements must be met in accordance with state and district guidelines.

Back to top 

School Hours

Students may enter the building when they arrive at school. All classes will begin promptly at 8:10 a.m. Dismissal is at 2:30 p.m. The school is not responsible for any pupil on the school property before 7:45 a.m. Students not in their room for the beginning of class will be considered tardy, and must report to the office for a late slip. Tardiness will be recorded on the student's report card.

Back to top 

Dress Code

Neatness and cleanliness are prime requisites. Please remember that children require constant reminders and a great deal of encouragement and assistance along this line. Good taste and the avoidance of all extremes are what they need to learn. Parents/guardians of primary grade students (K – 2) are responsible for having your child dressed according to school dress code policy.

Back to top 

Uniform Requirements

BOYS

Navy blue trousers of a dress material, light blue dress shirt (long or short sleeves), Visitation plaid tie, optional navy blue Visitation logo sweater (winter), light brown Bass buck shoes and navy or black dress socks. (White, calf length socks are permissible with a doctor's note specifying regarding a medical condition.) Shirts must be tucked in and belts must be worn at all times with pants. A white only tee shirt may be worn under the dress shirt or polo shirt. No color tee shirts or wording are allowed to be worn under the dress or golf shirt.

Summer uniform (optional)

Navy blue trousers or shorts with belt, golf type polo shirt with Visitation logo in navy blue, grey or white, a white only tee shirt may be worn under the polo if necessary, light brown Bass buck shoes, socks must cover the ankle bone (navy or white).

GIRLS – Grades 1 – 5

Plaid jumper, length may not exceed two inches above the top of knee, light blue blouse (long or short sleeves, Peter Pan collar), light blue turtleneck (winter), navy blue Visitation logo sweater, light brown Bass buck shoes, navy blue tights or navy knee-high socks.

GIRLS – Grades 6 – 8

Plaid skirt, length may not exceed two inches above the top of knee, light blue button down collar blouse (long or short sleeves), one white only tee shirt may be worn under the blouse if necessary, navy blue Visitation sweater vest or sweater, light brown Bass buck shoes, navy blue tights without holes or navy blue knee socks.
Blouses must be tucked in the skirt.

GIRLS – Grades 1 – 8

Summer uniform (optional):

Navy blue skorts, shorts with belt or Jr. High skirts, golf type polo shirt with Visitation logo in navy blue, yellow or white, shoes as above, socks must cover ankle bone (navy or white). The girls' polo shirts with logo may be worn with the Junior High girls' skirt, one white only tee or tank shirt may be worn under the polo if necessary. The shirt is worn inside the skirt, skort or shorts. No layering of colored tee or tank shirts.

Back to top 

Kindergarten

All students wear the Visitation gym uniform and sneakers daily. Socks must come above the ankle bone.

Back to top 

Additional Guidelines

1. The dates for wearing the summer uniform are announced each year by the school principal.
2. A scarf or hat may not be worn in school
3. Nail polish, including clear, is not permitted.
4. Beauty products (i.e. hairspray, brushes, makeup etc.) are not permitted in school.
5. Makeup in any form is not permitted. (i.e. Eyeliner, mascara etc.)
6. Girls with pierced ears may wear a small stud earring only. No dangling or hoop earrings are permitted.
7. Boys may not wear earrings.
8. Non-Religious necklaces or bracelets are not permitted. Students may wear only one ring on each hand.
9. Students may wear watches.
10. Shaved or bizarre haircuts of any type are not permitted.
11. Boys' hair length may not go past the eyebrows or over the top of the shirt collar.
12. The bleaching or coloring of students' hair is not permitted.

Back to top 

Gym Uniform

Boys and girls of Grades 1-8

Light blue golf shirt with the Visitation logo, long or short pants with the school logo, white socks that cover the ankle bone and sneakers. The Visitation gym sweatshirt is optional.

The gym uniform is worn to school on the day of gym class in place of the regular uniform.

All students are expected to participate in gym classes unless a written excuse from the doctor is on file in the office.

Back to top 

Dress Down Day Guidelines

When designated by the principal, students may come to school dressed in their casual clothes. The guidelines are:

1. Students may wear jeans, but they must be in good condition (no tears or holes). No cut-off jeans or shorts.
2. Students may wear T-shirts — but no objectionable pictures or words.
3. Students must wear closed-toe shoes.
4. Students may wear sneakers.
5. Students must strive to be neat and present themselves in a manner befitting the school.
6. Make-up, jewelry, and hair rules are the same as when wearing the school uniform.

Back to top 

Uniform Dress Code Enforcement

For any violation of the uniform dress code policy, a Junior High student is given one warning and a grade 3 through 5 student is given two warnings.  After the warning(s), students will receive a detention after school for the next violation for any part of the uniform code.  These detentions will be served on Tuesdays – every other Tuesday, during the bi-monthly faculty meeting times. 

The detention is given for two violations of any part of the uniform code for Junior High students and given for three violations of any part of the uniform code for grades 3 through 5.  The violations do not have to be for the same item of the code.

 Back to top 

Attendance

Success in any endeavor requires consistent daily effort. Nowhere is this truer than in education. The quality of learning for any student usually reflects the degree of permissiveness shown by his/her parents toward irregular attendance.

1. Students and parents are responsible for punctuality in school attendance.
2. The only excusable absences are for illness and for death in the immediate family.
3. Vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged.
4. Upon returning to class after an absence, a written note explaining the absence is required by the school and the archdiocese.
5. To report a student's absence, parents are to call (610) 539-6080 Extension 400 by 8:10 AM. For an absence of more than three days, a doctor's note is required upon returning to school.
6. No students may leave the school premises during the day without permission from the office, which will be granted only at the request of the parents. A note should be sent addressed to the principal and home room teacher requesting this permission.
7. A note must be sent to the principal and homeroom teacher by the parents when any change in the ordinary dismissal procedure for the student(s) is requested. If a child is leaving with another student a note from both students' parents is required.
8. Parents must pick up students for early dismissal from the main office or the nurse's office, depending on the circumstances for the dismissal of the student.

Back to top 

Academics

Homework

Homework is an integral part of the educational program as it reinforces work done during the school day and gives the student the opportunity to learn self-discipline in completing assignments with precision and creativity. In actuality, the homework process prepares the student for life situations in high school, college and the work place where the individual will have to complete many independent assignments and projects in order to achieve grades and or job requirements.

The time allotments suggested for homework may have to be adjusted because of the student's ability and level of concentration as well as when preparing for quizzes and/or tests on a given night. The following are given as suggested time frames for nightly homework:

Students are asked to copy their own assignments in school. In this current age of technology, homework is posted on the teacher's website in most grades; and all teachers post their quizzes, tests and long-term projects. (The use of the teacher websites should be a back-up for both student/parent as Visitation School maintains that it is the student's responsibility to copy/plan his/her own homework assignments.) Preparation for quizzes, tests and projects should begin before the night prior to the test or due date for the project. It is an important part of the student's progress and training to study notes and important facts/rules, etc… on a nightly basis in all major subjects.

Back to top 

Report Card Marks

Report cards are issued three times a year in accordance with the schedule set by the Superintendent's Office. The report card is an estimation of the student's performance in school.

Progress reports for academic performance, conduct and effort are issued to all students midway through each report card period. This statement indicates a student's progress as of the date issued for the marking period. As warranted by performance, a teacher may issue a progress report later than the midpoint. The progress report should be signed by the parents and returned to the teacher on the following day.

The marking system is based on major tests, quizzes, class/individual projects, independent class work, active participation in classroom lessons and activities, homework assignments and teacher judgment of overall or cumulative performance. These criteria also apply to the effort mark. Conduct is based on a child's inclination not to be: rude, discourteous, destructive to school property, annoying to others, talking excessively, disrespectful, involved in verbal or physical fighting and other inappropriate conduct the teacher considers serious enough to warrant the grade. The conduct mark applies to activities in school, the recess yard, church, field trips

Back to top 

Honor Roll

Grades 4-8

• DISTINGUISHED
  • All grades 96 or above; at least a "3" in Conduct and Effort and in all other graded disciplines and ELA categories.
  • A "2" or lower disqualifies the student from honors if it appears anywhere on the report card for the trimester in question.
• FIRST HONORS
  • All grades 90 or above; at least a "3" in Conduct and Effort and in all other graded disciplines and ELA categories.
  • A "2" or lower disqualifies the student from honors if it appears anywhere on the report card for the trimester in question.
• SECOND HONORS
  • All grades 85 or above; at least a "3" in Conduct and Effort and HONORS in all other graded disciplines and ELA categories.
  • A "2" or lower disqualifies the student from honors if it appears anywhere on the report card for the trimester in question.

The only exception to the above is handwriting, which will not count in the calculation of honors. Music, Physical Education, Art, Computer, Foreign Language and all ELA sub-categories (Library) DO count in receiving honors.

Back to top 

Parent Teacher Conferences and Communication

Parent-Teacher Conferences are scheduled once during the year at one of the report card periods. Arrangements for Parent-Teacher Conferences at other times can be made in writing, by leaving a message on the individual teacher's voicemail, or by sending the teacher an e-mail through his or her Teacherweb account.

Individual difficulties should be discussed with the teacher. If these difficulties are not or cannot be resolved after such discussion, then the parent should contact an administrator. Administrators shall not consider any problem which has not been discussed with the teacher beforehand.

Back to top 

Rules and Regulations

Student Responsibilities

Each student is responsible:

1. To speak and act in accordance with Gospel/Moral principles, as appropriate for the grade level
2. To be prayerful and reverent during school prayer and in Church
3. To act with dignity and respect toward their peers, faculty, staff and volunteers
4. To be in accordance with Visitation BVM School Dress Code Policy
5. To include other classmates in activities and accept the differences of one another
6. To speak in a courteous manner and show common courtesies to peers, administration, faculty, staff and volunteers
7. To follow lunchroom and playground procedures
8. To participate in the classroom to the best of one's ability
9. To complete school assignments on time
10. To exhibit proper and safe behavior at all times on the bus and at the bus stop

Back to top 

Discipline Infractions

Children thrive best in an atmosphere of genuine love, supported by reasonable and consistent discipline. When properly applied, discipline works. It permits a teacher to do the kind of job in the classroom for which he or she is commissioned. It encourages and challenges a child to respect his or her fellow student as well as adults and live as a responsible Christian and citizen.

Demerits (points at teacher discretion) will be issued for each infraction listed below:

1. Direct disobedience
2. Use of foul language in or around school
3. Chewing gum in the school building
4. Disregard of dress code
5. Repeated disturbance in class
6. Any misbehavior in Church, on the school grounds, on the bus
7. Bullying or cyberbullying
8. Other inappropriate conduct considered serious enough to warrant demerits

After six (6) demerit points, an hour detention after school will be given. Dates for detentions will be assigned and monitored by the teacher. After three (3) detentions, a conference with teacher, administration, parents and the student is warranted (as designated in teachers' classroom discipline policies).

Automatic Detention:

1. Cheating/stealing
2. Throwing of food
3. Insubordinate behavior, judged by a faculty member/staff
4. Failure to return a demerit signed by a parent or guardian
5. Bullying or cyberbullying
6. Any action/behavior as otherwise deemed appropriate for detention by the school administration/faculty

Back to top 

Suspension

Automatic Suspension shall be given for:

1. Any immoral behavior or action(s)
2. Fighting on school property (both parties involved)
3. Fighting on the school bus (both parties involved)
4. Deliberate destruction of school property (restitution required)
5. Smoking or drinking in school uniform or on school property (regardless of dress)
6. Leaving the school building and/or property without permission
7. Truancy
8. Gross insubordination, as deemed to warrant suspension by the administration/faculty
9. Threat/harassment of any nature of a student/teacher/staff member/volunteer
10. Selling of any item to other students on school property, buses, etc.
11. Bullying or cyberbullying
12. Violation of Cell Phone Use Policy
13. Violation of Acceptable Use Policy for Technology
14. And other inappropriate conduct the administration considers serious enough to warrant suspension

If a suspension is warranted, it may be an in-school or home suspension, decided by the administration, whose decision is final. In addition to the automatic suspension, a suspension may be imposed for an accumulation of detentions by one individual.

Back to top 

Bullying

Bullying shall mean an intentional, repeated and systematic act of harassment or aggression causing embarrassment, pain, or discomfort to another person physically, verbally, emotionally, or psychologically. Bullying can take many forms, including but not limited to: name-calling, taunting, teasing, systematic exclusion or ignoring others, rumors, threats, taking money or other belongings, hitting, kicking, shoving, and other physical kinds of bullying.

Cyber bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following misuses of technology: harassing, teasing, intimidating, threatening, or terrorizing another student, teacher or employee of the school by sending or posting inappropriate or derogatory email messages, instant messages, text messages, digital pictures or images, or Web site postings (including blogs). All forms of cyber bullying are unacceptable and, to the extent that such actions are disruptive of the educational process of the school, offenders shall be the subject of appropriate discipline.

Physical, verbal, emotional, sexual or Cyber bullying shall subject the offending student to appropriate disciplinary action, which may include suspension or expulsion.

Back to top 

Expulsion from School

1. Possession of drugs/weapons (or items that may cause harm)
2. Accumulation of detentions and/or suspensions for repeated infractions of any type
3. Any repeated threat(s) /harassment of any nature of any student or adult (as explained under automatic suspension)
4. Any behavior/action(s) as deemed to warrant expulsion by the pastor and principal, after consultation with the faculty.

IN THE EXECUTION OF ANY DISCIPLINARY ACTION, THE ADMINISTRATION AND FACULTY RESERVE THE RIGHT TO THE FINAL DECISION.

The code of conduct derived from sincere Gospel living requires that parents, relatives and visitors demonstrate respect for all members of the school administration, faculty and staff at all times. Any form of disrespect or harassment of staff members shall be avoided.

Back to top 

Transportation and Safety

Bus Behavior

Satisfactory behavior is expected at all times on the bus and at the bus stop. Children who persist in misbehaving will be excluded from riding the bus. Disorderly conduct either at the bus stop or on the bus can create a safety hazard for the driver as well as the other passengers on the bus. Switching of buses is not permitted as per the policies of the school districts involved.

Back to top 

Car Riders

The Visitation Administration and staff areconcerned primarily for the safety of our students. Please follow the regulations regarding car riders:

• The front of the school is for bus traffic only. CAR TRAFFIC IS PROHIBITED.
• Cars are to ENTER from Chestnut Avenue only and proceed through the car line between the cones. Students of Grades K-8 are to be dropped off at the school entrance at the side of the building nearest the church.
• Cars are to EXIT only from the Trooper Road Exit nearest the church. CHESTNUT AVENUE IS NOT AN EXIT DURING SCHOOL HOURS BETWEEN 7:30 – 9:00 AM.

Please do not put your child's safety in jeopardy by discharging him/her in any other area of the school lot.

Back to top 

Half-Day Kindergarten Student Pick-Up

Methacton School District provides a bus for its half-day Kindergarten children. All other half-day Kindergarten students are designated as car riders and their families must provide transportation home from school every day. Half-day kindergarten's day begins at 8:10 AM and ends at 11:00 AM. Students are to be picked up at the Junior High entrance near the Parents' Shrine.

Back to top 

Emergency and Health Issues

Parent/Guardian Call System

School-to-family communication is a priority for Visitation BVM School. We strive to keep families informed of all events and news that affect the safety and academic achievement of our students. To help improve communication with families, Visitation BVM school uses the broadcast notification service called One Call Now.

One Call Now is used to communicate school closings, delayed openings and early dismissals due to bad weather. We notify families of emergencies, cancellations, rescheduled activities and all other important school news.

Family information in the One Call Now system may be updated online.

Back to top 

Early Dismissals/Late Arrivals of Individual Students

Any student arriving to school late must present a written note from his or her parent or guardian to the school office before going to class. A student is considered late if he or she is not seated in his or her homeroom at 8:10 AM.

Parents or guardians requesting an early dismissal for their child or children should address a note to the homeroom teacher no later than the morning of the date requested. This note is signed by the principal to acknowledge her receipt of the note. A dismissal is considered early if it occurs any time before 2:30 PM.

Back to top 

Student Emergency Information Cards

Emergency cards are sent home with all students on their first day of school. Parents or guardians are asked to complete and return these cards as soon as possible to ensure a timely response in the event of an emergency involving their child(ren).

Emergency Cards should be completed using the guidelines below so the school records are complete in the event of any emergency:

1. Please press HARD so that all information can be read clearly on ALL copies. Please use a black ballpoint pen when completing the cards.
2. Fill out all sections of the emergency card with correct and up-to-date information.
   
   If any information should change during the school year (e.g. employment, address, phone numbers, etc.), please notify the school office immediately in writing. A new card will then be issued to you to update.
3. List the name and telephone number of two people other than parents or guardians for emergency contacts.
   
   Every attempt will be made to contact the parent(s) first in cases of health needs or any other emergency.
4. Make sure the two people designated as emergency contacts are aware that they are named. Please notify at least one of your contacts if you plan to be away for an extended period of time during school hours or days.
5. Make sure that the grade and homeroom are listed on the child (ren)'s card.

Back to top 

School Preparedness

Visitation BVM School has adopted an Emergency Preparedness Plan which includes the following aspects:

• Fire Guidelines
• Tornado Guidelines
• Lock-Down Mode Guidelines
• Unauthorized Person/Problem Patron Guidelines
• General On-Campus Emergency Guidelines
• General Off-Campus Emergency Guidelines
• Personal Injury Guidelines
• Downed Power Lines/Utility Disruption
• Hazardous Materials Incidents Guidelines
• Bomb/Bomb Threats Guidelines
• Complete "Shelter In Place" Guidelines/Materials

The Visitation BVM School Faculty and Staff have studied and practiced these guidelines completely and with diligence.

Back to top 

In-School Medicine Distribution Policy

All medication should be given at home by a parent or guardian whenever possible, such as at breakfast, after school, during the evening meal, and at bedtime. This timetable allows for up to four doses of prescribed medication. No medication is to be sent to school unless it is prescribed by a physician for an acute illness, a chronic condition, or emergency use. Medication will be given to a student in school only if these items are provided to the school nurse:

1. Physician's order stating the name of the student, name of the medication to be given, amount, time, route, and the diagnosis.
2. Medication must have the current prescription label on the container. Any changes to the medication regimen require a physician's note.
3. A parent's or guardian's note giving approval for the medication to be given. A one-week supply is adequate. For the safety of all children, parents must ensure the safe delivery of medication(s) to school.

Students are not permitted to carry prescription(s) or over the counter medication(s) on their person. Students with medical conditions such as asthma or severe reactions to insect stings where immediate medical attention may be required ask asked to inform the Principal or her designee and/or the nurse of this existing condition and all appropriate precautions will be taken.

The school reserves the right to check with parents or guardians for confirmation of any student medication needs.

Back to top 

School and Archdiocean Policies

Cell Phone Use Policy

Cell phones and other electronic devices may be kept in the student's book bag, but these phones must be in the "off" mode during the entire school day.  Students must ask permission from a teacher or administrator to place a necessary phone call during school hours.  School phones will be used for such purposes.

Student cell phones and other electronic devices may not be used to make calls, text message, record or be used as a camera during the school day.  Violation of this policy will results in the phone or device being confiscated by the teacher or administrator.  The student will serve an in-school suspension for one day.  The phone will be returned to the student's parent or guardian after completion of the suspension.

Back to top 

Acceptable Use Policy for Technology

All students and parents must read, understand and sign the Archdiocesan Acceptable Use Policy for Technology every academic school year. Violation of the Acceptable Use Policy for Technology will result in loss of computer privileges for two weeks and school suspension.

Back to top 

Inquiries and comments to:
Sister Diane Marie, 610-539-6080