General School Rules

These apply to classrooms, library, church, playground, bus, all parish property, and field trips.

Parents or guardians will be responsible for all damage done by children for deliberate destruction of school property (i.e. marking of desks, destruction of books, improper lavatory behavior). This will involve either the cleaning up or monetary payment for the article or damaged property.

No gum chewing or spitting in school, on parish property, or on the bus.

Students are subject to the authority of all teachers and supervising parents and other adults on field trips, in the gym, the playground, etc. Designated supervisors and their authority are to be respected and obeyed.

Students are expected to stay off the property of neighbors around the playground and on their way to and from school. All crossing of streets must be done using the proper crosswalks. Bikes must be walked across the streets and on school property.

Students are only permitted to leave school property during the school hours when they are picked up by a parent or guardian. They must be picked up and signed out in the school office.

Using vulgar and/or abusive language is forbidden. This includes verbal, written or gestures.

Students who walk to school should not arrive before 7:45 a.m. No students should be in the building until 8:00 a.m. Students are expected to be in their classrooms prepared for classes by 8:05 a.m. each morning.

Students are not permitted to bring any electronic equipment including cell phones, video games, DVD or music devices, etc., to school without permission from their teachers.

Throwing stones, sticks, wood chips, snowballs, etc., is strictly forbidden.

Smoking, drinking, and use or possession of illegal substances, including tobacco, is strictly forbidden on school grounds and busses at all times.

Students are expected to follow playground and/or indoor rules. Once dismissed from their classrooms, students are to be outside on the playground until the bell rings. They are not allowed in the halls or in classrooms without permission from a teacher or the principal.

Persistent misbehavior, disrespect, or violation of the rules may result in the removal of the student from the school.

Copying or cheating is considered a serious violation.

Fighting or wrestling on school grounds is not allowed.

Students are expected to complete homework following the written school guidelines.

Violations of school rules will be handled on an individual basis, keeping in mind the severity of the incident, previous actions and personal injury to others.

Absence

Parents are requested to call the school office between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. each day that their child will be absent from school.

It is important that students be in school every day that they are able. Unnecessary absences hurt your child's educational progress. Absences due to a student's illness or death in the family are valid reasons for missing school.

Pupils are expected to make up the work that they miss during an absence. The number of days allowed for this will be equal to the number of days that a pupil is absent unless otherwise specified by the teacher.

When a child is out of school for an extended period of time, arrangements for assignments should be made with the individual classroom teachers to allow teachers sufficient time to prepare the necessary materials.

The school encourages parents to arrange family trips at the scheduled vacation times. Since children are in school one half of the year at most, attendance is crucial in affecting learning. Participation and classroom activities cannot be shared by those not present. Therefore, class grades are affected by attendance. Please notify the teacher when withdrawing a student for a family trip.

When children are absent more than ten days in one marking period, an incomplete may be given if work is not completed.

Tardiness

Parents are responsible to see that their child arrives at school in time for classes. It is imperative that children be at school no later than 8:00 a.m. in order to begin classes at 8:05 a.m. Tardiness should be rare.

Students who come to school after 8:05 a.m. or 12:25 p.m. must report directly to the office.

In order to encourage minimal tardiness, students who receive 5 unexcused tardies* will receive a formal notice in the mail addressed to their parents and be required to stay after school for 30 minutes (Grades 6-8) or miss a recess (Grades 1-5).

The letter to Junior High parent(s) will contain the recommended time and day for the student to stay after school. If the time and day selected is not possible, the parent(s) should call the school to make alternate arrangements.

Academic Quality and Integrity Policy

The administration together with the school faculty shall have the responsibility of developing criteria to ensure the integrity of a quality academic program for all students. This shall include, but not be limited to, procedures related to the following:

  1. Student Retention/Promotion
  2. Graduation Requirements
  3. Grading, Assessment, and Reporting

Any student who fails to complete, in a satisfactory way, any portion of the necessary curriculum as determined by the teacher, shall receive an “I” (Incomplete) on the report card.

No student can advance to the next grade level here at St. Thomas or graduate from St. Thomas until the uncompleted work has been completed in a satisfactory way as determined by the teacher, and the “I” has been removed from the report card.

Any student who has failed two or more subjects for the year, will be required to complete a summer school program, as determined by the teacher and administration, in order to continue in the next grade level at St. Thomas or to graduate from St. Thomas.

Any student who has failed two or more classes during any one semester will prompt a review by the appropriate teachers and administration. The purpose of this review is to determine eligibility for continuing in the next grade at St. Thomas or for graduation from St. Thomas.

Accidents or Injury

When minor accidents or injuries take place during the school day, the supervisor will fill out a Parent Accident Report. One copy of this will remain at school on file and another copy will be sent home with your child. When a serious accident or injury takes place, parents will be contacted and a more detailed form will be completed for insurance purposes.

Address Changes

Parents should notify the school office of any change of address or phone number.

Bicycles

Children may ride bicycles to school as long as the bicycles are operated safely and according to school rules:

  1. Bicycles must be walked rather than ridden on the school grounds.
  2. Bicycles must be locked while kept at the school's bicycle racks.

Boots

Many classrooms are carpeted. During the wet, muddy, snowy weather, children should wear boots. If boots are shoe boots, an extra pair of regular shoes must be kept at school.

Communications

Communications with teachers or students during the school day are made through the school office so that classroom activities are not disturbed. Important messages will be conveyed through the school office to teachers and students.

It is important that students come prepared to school. It is the responsibility of the student and parent/s to see that the child has all assignments, books, and materials necessary on a daily basis. Students are not to use the telephone to make after school plans.

There are times when students stay after school for various reasons (discipline; extra help; help teacher). Parents will be informed the day prior as to the reason and length of time that the child will stay, unless teachers can make appropriate arrangements for that day.

Often parents' schedules change due to work or personal circumstances. It is vital that the parent contacts the office with new information that will allow the school to contact the parent in an emergency. Any change of address or phone information must be conveyed to the office as soon as possible. If necessary, teachers are available to meet with parents between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. each day. Please call the school office ahead of time to arrange a conference.

Newsletters and a monthly calendar are provided for your information. Monthly Education Commission approved minutes are placed in various locations around the school and church for your information.

All newsletters/fliers/letters must have the approval of the school office before being disseminated to students. Any parent or group wishing to have something distributed to students must bring it to the school office for approval. Approved items will be placed in teacher mailboxes for their distribution.

There are times when family situations or circumstances are troubling to a student. Parents should be conscious that this can and often does affect a student's performance both in academics and behavior. Please keep teachers informed by sharing with them the situation (in confidence), so that they can help your child through any difficult times.

There may be times when differences of opinion occur between parents and teachers. When this happens, the matter should first be dealt with in a special conference between the parent and the teacher. The principal will meet with the parent only after a prior parent-teacher conference has taken place and the difference has not been resolved satisfactorily. Should the parent be dissatisfied with the action taken by the principal, please consult the Parent Communication/Problem Solving Process and Grievance Procedure sections.

Courtesy

A courteous, cheerful student reflects Christ who abides in him/her. If this awareness of Christ's presence is instilled in the student from childhood, discipline problems can be almost nonexistent. A child's manners and behavior reflect his/her home training. It is the duty of each St. Thomas student to be courteous and to show proper respect for authority.

Daily Schedule

The students are permitted to enter the school building at 8:00 a.m. Students will be supervised in the designated area behind the school between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Also, after school until all busses have arrived. Students being picked up in the church parking lot and gate line will be supervised until 3:30 p.m. After that time students will be brought to the office and parents will be contacted. Children are marked tardy if they arrive after 8:05 a.m. Dismissal is at 3:15 p.m.

Daily Schedule Grades 1-8

8:00 a.m. Students enter building

8:05 a.m. Classes begin

11:30 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. Lunch/Recess (Grades 1-5)

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Recess/Lunch (Grades 6-8)

3:15 p.m. Dismissal

A.M. Kindergarten/Preschool

8:00 - 11:00 a.m.

P.M. Kindergarten/Preschool

12:15 - 3:15 p.m.

Damage

Parents of students will be held responsible for the replacement of property damaged, and materials damaged or lost through the negligence of their children.

Fines will be imposed for books damaged beyond what is expected in the normal use for a year.

Deliveries

Students should bring the necessities (when they come in the morning) for the entire school day. In the event that books, assignments, instruments, lunches, etc. are brought to school by parents -- please report first to the office. At that time the best method of delivery will be determined.

Dismissal

Except in cases of emergency dismissal, no child is permitted to go home during the school day unless a parent or authorized substitute is contacted and picks up the child in the school office. The parent must pick child(ren) up in the school office and sign a sign-out sheet before the child will be dismissed.

Drop Off/Pick Up

For safety sake – students are dropped off or picked up in the church east parking lot only. AM Kindergartners may be picked up in the parking lot pickup zone at 11:00 a.m. dismissal. Grace Street is to be used for drop-off by PM Kindergarten students and drop-off/pick-up for Preschool students ONLY.

Click here for diagram of correct drop off and pick up procedures (PDF).

Doctor and Dental Appointments

For doctor and dental appointments during school hours, the student must bring a written request which should be presented at the school office and to the teacher. Please try to make appointments after school hours as much as possible. Parents must pick child/ren up in the school office and sign a sign-out sheet before the child will be dismissed.

Emergency Dismissal

Please instruct your child where he/she is to go and what he/she is to do in case of an emergency dismissal from school. It is most important that your child is well instructed and has a clear idea of the arrangements that you have made for him/her.

Parents are asked to try to refrain from calling the school at emergency times. Lines must be kept open for emergency calls and for notifying radio stations, etc. of emergency closings. Local media (radio/television/internet) will announce emergency closings.

Also, local media will report school closings in the morning (resulting from weather conditions).

Parents are free to come to the school office to get their child/ren at any time during a severe thunderstorm/tornado watch or warning. The general school population will not be dismissed during a tornado warning (a tornado has been sighted).

Tornado drills are held in school as part of the regular safety program. When a tornado warning is given, the children will go to their assigned “safe” places in the school building.

Faculty Meetings

General faculty and in-service programs for teachers are regularly scheduled. There are times when an early dismissal is necessary so that the staff can take advantage of professional growth. Parents will be informed of these in advance. Time of dismissal will depend on the nature of the in-service.

Field Trips

The school requires written consent of parents before a student will be permitted to go on a field trip with the group. A permission slip will be sent home in advance of the trip and it should be returned promptly. If a child does not return a signed permission slip from his/her parents, the child will not be able to participate in the field trip. Permission must be granted in writing (school law).

Field trips sponsored by the school foster educational and social development. Student behavior is expected to be reflective of the mission of St. Thomas School. Chaperones represent authority of the school, and respect is due.

Fire Drills

Fire drills are conducted throughout the school year. During a drill the school is evacuated until an all clear signal is given.

Grace Street

Grace Street is reserved for the drop-off and pick-up of Preschool and P.M. Kindergarten students only. Wilcox Park Drive is reserved for school busses to drop-off and pick-up our students. Parents who drop-off or pick-up students in cars, will use the parking lot east of the church.

Holy Days

When Holy Days of Obligation occur on a school day, all the St. Thomas children will attend Mass together. Holy Days are full days of school which are set aside for special worship, service, and recreation.

Home and School

The Home and School Association consists of every parent enrolling his/her child at St. Thomas. All parents are asked to volunteer to help with various functions throughout the year.

Homework

The average child is expected to spend the following amount of time in study at home:

Level/Minutes

Late assignments (when a child is not absent) will be accepted and credited only at the discretion of the individual teacher. In junior high, the student may be asked to stay after if homework was not completed. Arrangements will be made with the parents.

Hot Lunch

Hot Lunch is provided by Catering by Michelle on a daily basis. Payments can be made directly to the school office. Students may be eligible for Free or Reduced Meals through the Michigan Department of Education. Applications are available in the Welcome and Information Center or in the school office.

Hot Lunch Payment Policy

All hot lunches will be purchased in advance. Payment will be made by check, money order, or cashier's check, made out to "Saint Thomas Food Service" or "Saint Thomas Hot Lunch." Cash will not be accepted. Account holders may deposit money into their family account at any time. NO lunch will be taken without an equivalent available amount in the account.

Regular and timely account statements will be issued. A threshold of $10.00 will be put into effect. Low balance statements may be issued at accounts with a balance of $10.00 or less remaining in the account. This is to serve as a reminder to deposit funds into the account.

Accounts will have either a zero or a positive balance at the end of each quarter, or report cards will be withheld until balance is paid in full. Positive balances will carry over into the following school year.

Human Dignity Policy

Saint Thomas the Apostle School expects all persons (students, employees, volunteers, and/or others having business with the school) to conduct themselves with dignity and with respect for fellow persons. Harassing anyone, including sexual or racial harassment, will not be tolerated. Harassment is a form of discrimination.

Sexual and racial harassment are violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education-Larsen Civil Rights Act. As sexual and racial harassment are unacceptable to this school, it is against our policy for any person to sexually or racially harass another person.

Sexual Harassment includes:

  1. Making unwelcome sexual advances, requesting sexual favors, or submitting any person to other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.
  2. Making submission to, or rejection of, such conduct the basis for decisions affecting any person.
  3. Creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment, through such conduct.

Racial Harassment includes:

  1. Making negative references to a person’s cultural or racial background.
  2. Creating a hostile or offensive classroom environment through such conduct.

Illness

If a child is ill, he/she should remain at home. The Health Department suggests that a child who is well enough to be in school, is well enough to participate in all school activities including recess.

Internet Use Policy

Students are responsible for proper and acceptable behavior in their use of the electronic resources (computers, wireless networks, Internet, etc.) as they are in their classrooms and school corridors.

The electronic resources, including computers, networks, and the Internet are provided for students to conduct research and communicate with other students in academic pursuits.

Remember that this access is a privilege, and requires responsibility.

Individual users of electronic resources are responsible for their behavior and communications over the school network. It is presumed that the users will comply with all school standards and will honor the agreements they signed.

Computer storage space, storage devices, email accounts, and computers will be treated like school lockers. Since these are public spaces using school resources there is no assumption of privacy. Staff may review files, communications, and Internet use logs to ensure that students are using the system in a manner consistent with school rules and that the electronic resources are being used in a responsible manner.

During school, teachers will guide students toward appropriate materials and Internet resources. To the best of the staff's ability and with the use of software filtering restrictions, the teachers will oversee and guide students to appropriate materials. Outside of the school, families will oversee and guide the Internet access of their children as such software filter restrictions may not be present at home or at other sites.

As part of the Acceptable Use Policy, the following are not permitted:

  1. Sending or displaying offensive messages or pictures.
  2. Using obscene language on any computer or electronic resource.
  3. Harassing, insulting, bullying, or attacking others by using electronic resources.
  4. Damaging computers, computer systems or the school networks. This would include the downloading of materials that are from unsafe sites and could transmit computer viruses.
  5. Violating copyright laws.
  6. Using another individual's electronic folders, work or files.
  7. Intentionally wasting limited electronic resources. This would include the downloading of music, software, games, and video files without the expressed permission of a teacher or member of the school staff.
  8. Searching, viewing, retrieving or transmitting materials that are not related to school work, community service, employment or further education. This includes searching, viewing, or transmitting sexually explicit, profane, violent materials and/or promoting illegal materials using school electronic resources.
  9. Subscription to any service or ordering of any goods or services using school electronic resources.
  10. Sharing of students’ information including home address or any other personal information.
  11. Playing games (downloaded or via the Internet), using any interactive site or chat facilities (including multiuser gaming sites, Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, or any other social networking sites) unless specifically assigned by a teacher.
  12. Any activity that violates a school rule and/or violates a local, state or federal law.

If a student has any questions about whether a specific activity is permitted, he or she must ask a teacher or administrator. If a student accidentally accesses inappropriate material, he or she should navigate away from that information at once and immediately tell the teacher or school administrator. (Note: The onsite filtering sofware system complies with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).

Library/Media/Computer Center

Each class grades K-6 have a library period once per week. Students are free to sign out books during that time. Teachers will be given overdue book lists each quarter for their class. Quarterly Report Cards will be given ONLY to those students who do not have overdue books. An envelope will be given to students who have overdue library books to be returned with the missing book or a donation if the book has been lost. Suggested dollar amounts will be given based on the replacement cost of the lost book. Once this envelope has been received by the school office, the teacher or the library coordinator, the report cards will be given to the student/parent.

Kindergarten receives computer instruction once each week. Grades 1-8 have computer instruction twice per week.

Lost and Found

Often children forget or lose things. A lost and found box is provided for these items. Twice a year the box is emptied after attempts have been made to find their owners.

Lunch

If a parent would like to take their child/ren out of school for lunch, the parent must report to the office to have the child/ren called to the office to meet them. The parent(s) must sign their child/ren out before being dismissed. Students going to lunch with their parents are not permitted to bring school “guests” with them.

Children who remain at school for lunch are not allowed to leave the assigned area (school grounds and Wilcox Park) during the lunch/recess period.

A child who remains at school for lunch must bring his/her lunch or order hot lunch through Chartwells.

All food -- candy included -- is eaten in the classroom or lower level of the church rather than taken outside to be eaten. Gum is not allowed unless special permission is granted by the teacher or administration.

During lunchtime we expect the children to observe the same good manners and behavior that they observe during mealtime in their own homes.

It is important that students maintain the normal routine so that we know where children are at all times.

Mass/Prayer Service

Each child in Grades K-8 shall have an opportunity to participate in a weekly celebration. Liturgy is a unique opportunity for developing a special relationship with the Lord. To enhance this development, respect and silence is to be observed.

Students are encouraged to participate fully in song and in silent – as well as vocal – prayer. Each class shall have opportunities to participate in the Mass or special liturgy on their assigned day.

Medical Problems

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to inform the teacher(s) and principal if a student is subject to seizures, is allergic to bees, or any other physical problem that requires special attention and/or medication while the child is at school. The medical procedure to be followed by school personnel should be put in writing and signed by the parents.

Medication

The following instructions regarding medication are written to comply with state of Michigan Recommendations.

  1. No school staff member may dispense medication of any kind, including prescription and non-prescription drugs (examples of non prescription drugs: non-aspirin pain reliever, cough drops, vitamins, cold medicines, etc.), without written authorization from both the parent and a physician. A Permission Form for non-aspirin pain reliever is included in the spring registration packet or in the school office.

  2. All medication of any kind, prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter) must be brought to the school office by a parent with appropriate authorization, and a completed Parent Medication Consent Form must be on file in the school office. Parents should also inform the teacher with a note or voice mail.

  3. All authorized medication must be taken in the presence of two office personnel.

  4. Emergency medication, such as inhalers, can be carried by the student or left with the child’s teacher. All appropriate authorizations of doctor and parent and Parent Medication Consent Form must be on file in the school office.

Parent/Teacher/Student Conferences

Parent/Teacher/Student conferences are held in November and February. Dismissal times for students on these days as well as times for individual conferences are announced in advance through the school newsletter.

Any parent who wishes a conference at any other time during the year is encouraged to call the office (458-4228) and arrange for an appointment with the teacher. The Saint Thomas School teachers are available between 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. until 3:45 p.m. daily if any parent wishes to contact them.

Physical Examinations

Preschool and Kindergarten children are issued health forms at the time of registration in the spring of the year. These are to be completed by the family physician and brought to the school office on or before the first day of school in September.

For children in grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 participating in school sports programs, a physical examination is required for each school year.


Playground Rules

  1. Show good sportsmanship and respect to all students and supervisors.
  2. Students may not use inappropriate language.
  3. Candy, food, gum and drinks are not allowed.
  4. Use equipment properly.
    - only 10 students on the merry-go-round
    - only 4 students pushing the merry-go-round
    - do not hang or jump off the playground equipment
  5. Tackle football is not allowed.
  6. No fighting, wrestling, tripping, tackling, shoving or riding on one another’s backs.
  7. No throwing of sticks, ice, snow, wood chips, etc.
  8. No taking others’ property or clothing (including hats, gloves, etc.)
  9. Students must stay in full view of the supervisors at all times.
    - do not go between the building and the fence at the park
    - The tennis courts are out of bounds
    - do not play on the ramp (leading to the park)
    - grades 3-8 may play on the fields staying approximately 15 feet inside the tree line along Youll and Milton
  10. Students are to stay off all fences.
  11. Students must line up immediately when the recess bell rings.
  12. Students are to walk 2 by 2 to the park, holding all playground equipment until they reach the park.
  13. Students must ask a supervisor to leave the playground. Then, they may leave with a partner only. No one may leave alone.

Recess

All students are to be outside during the recess period. Only those students who are hurt or injured will have permission granted to stay in during this period. Teachers may occasionally require a student or students to stay in during recess under the teacher's supervision. Students will not go outside when the temperature or wind chill are zero or below.

Release of Students

When a student is released from school during the school day, he/she should be met at the school office by the parent. The parent must also sign the student out before the student will be released.

Saint Thomas Education Commission

Saint Thomas Parish has an elected Education Commission. Meeting dates are published in the “Pieces” newsletter.

Safeties

Junior High Safeties are used on school grounds only. Safeties will be assigned to the parking lot, gate and both bus lines to assist teachers and students. Safeties will be assigned for one week at a time to the area where they normally wait to go home. Due to the volume and speed of traffic, students are no longer asked to volunteer as crossing guards at local street corners. Therefore, parents are responsible for the safe travel of their children to and from school.

School Closings

Saint Thomas the Apostle School belongs to a Grand Rapids cooperative system between radio and television stations for announcing school closings or delays due to severe weather or emergency situations. While most radio and television stations will broadcast this information, we monitor Channel 8 very closely and find it to be the quickest and most accurate. Also, woodtv.com has a complete listing of the most current school closings.

School Supplies

Parents are asked to provide all school supplies as requested by the teachers.

Lunch boxes, lunch bags, sweaters, coats, school bags, etc. should be clearly marked with the child's name to minimize confusion and to avoid loss.

Please send your children with appropriate clothing for the weather such as hats, mittens, snow pants, boots, etc.

In addition to properly covering each textbook, please provide your child with a school bag or backpack of your choice and insist that it be used each day. Students will be held responsible for lost books or supplies. Backpacks with wheels are not allowed because they do not fit in lockers.


All students in grades 3-8 are required to have their own Bible at school. If your child does not already have a Bible, they are available through the school office.

Student Council

The student council represents student concerns and orchestrates various student activities throughout the year. Elections are held yearly. Representatives are selected from grades 3 to 8. Officers consist of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Student Progress Reports

Progress reports are sent on an as needed basis throughout the school year as a form of communication to the student and parent. These assessments focus on academic progress, effort and conduct. Progress Reports can also be accessed in grades 4-8 via the internet. Contact your child’s teacher for access information.

Progress Assessment Reports (Report Cards)

Assessment Reports are distributed four times during the school year: November, January, March/April, June. Grading is based upon specific data gained from a variety of evaluative techniques such as: direct observation, pre- and post-tests, daily performance, self-evaluations, interviews, and other methods.

Conferences

Formal conferences between parent/s, student, and teacher are scheduled twice a year, usually at the end of the first quarter and during the third.

Student Record Release Policy

Upon receipt of a completed and signed Request for Release of Records form from another school to which a student has applied for admission or which a former student is attending, all academic records and documented behavioral records will be forwarded to the requesting school. No student records will be released until St. Thomas the Apostle School receives the completed and signed Request for Release of Records form.

Substitute for Parents -- Emergency Arrangements

Each year parents are asked to provide the name of an adult whom the school can contact in case of an emergency, in the event that parents cannot be reached. This information is kept on file in the school office, and families are asked to notify the school secretary in writing when the emergency information changes. (The person you request the school to contact should be one who is available to be reached during the school day.)

School Tardy Procedure

In order to encourage minimal tardiness, students who receive 5 unexcused tardies* will receive a formal notice in the mail addressed to their parent(s) and be required to stay after school for 30 minutes (Grades 6-8) or miss a recess (Grades 1-5).

The letter to Junior High parent(s) will contain the recommended time and day for the student to stay after school. If the time and day selected is not possible, the parent(s) should call the school to make alternate arrangements.

Tuition

Saint Thomas School charges tuition to cover a portion of the cost. Each spring, parents are asked to sign a Tuition Commitment Form. If at any time a financial difficulty is experienced, please contact the Financial Coordinator in the Rectory office.

Visitors

All visitors must report to the school office upon entering the building to sign in and wear the appropriate ID while in the building. This will allow school staff to know who is in the building, and will help to maintain a safe school environment.

Volunteers

The Diocese of Grand Rapids has implemented programs to ensure the safety of children and young people when they are in our care. As part of that program, all school volunteers must:

  1. Sign and return the Standards of Ministerial Behavior in Dealing with Children and Young People
  2. Complete and turn in the Background Check for Volunteers and Employees form
  3. Attend a 3-hour Virtus Training entitled Protecting God's Children.

These forms and registration directions for the Virtus sessions are available in the school office.

Weapons Policy

In order to continue to provide a safe environment for everyone at St. Thomas the Apostle School, students are prohibited from having weapons on the school premises, at school-sponsored activities, on a school bus, or in the immediate vicinity of the school.

Any student found to be in violation of the school’s policy is subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the administration.

It is also the policy of St. Thomas the Apostle School to refuse enrollment to any student who has been expelled from a school due to possession of a weapon.

Amendments of Handbook

This school and/or its principal retain the right to amend this handbook. Parents will be given prompt notification if changes are made.