29 West 22nd Street

Tucson, Arizona     85713

 

 

 

 

PARENT – STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Christian education is intended to make people’s faith become living and conscious and active, through the light of instruction.  The Catholic school is the unique setting within which this ideal can be realized in the lives of Catholic children and young people.”

(To Teach as Jesus Did, # 102)

 

 

SANTA CRUZ SCHOOL

     MISSION STATEMENT

 

 

The mission of Santa Cruz Catholic School is to provide a Christ centered community where all students can develop their full potential through high academic standards.

 

 

 

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

Having a personal commitment to Jesus Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we as Christian educators believe that:

 

·        The parents are the primary educators of their children.  The parents work in partnership with the school community in the education of their children.  The parents must meet their obligations to the school both financially and in services.

 

·        The school community is responsible for the development of the whole child – spiritual, intellectual, psychological, social and physical.

 

·        The school community recognizes each person as a unique gift from God, respecting individual differences.

 

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

 

Santa Cruz School is a Preschool through Grade 8 Catholic school under the jurisdiction of the Diocese of Tucson and Santa Cruz Parish, Tucson, AZ.  The school is staffed by lay teachers and by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity of Manitowoc, WI.  Santa Cruz School is accredited by the Western Catholic Accreditation Association and is a member of the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). 

 

The history of Santa Cruz School began in 1916 with the founding of Santa Cruz Parish by Bishop Henry Granjon of the Diocese of Tucson.  The church was dedicated in 1919 and school, facing 22nd St., officially opened in 1920.  The Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary had been contracted by the Carmelites of Arizona to direct the school.  They remained at the school until 1954. In the years following, the school was served by various congregations of women religious:  the Sisters of the Holy Cross; the Mercy Sisters;  the Adrian Dominicans;  the Sisters of St. Agnes;  the Franciscan Sisters of Charity of Manitowoc, WI, beginning in school year 2004-2005.  In addition, since 1987, Santa Cruz School has been served by a faithful core of lay staff and administrators.  Santa Cruz School is associated with Notre Dame University’s Alliance for Catholic Education program, which trains and places teachers in select Catholic schools.

 

In 1947 a new four room school building was constructed at the cost of $55,000.  In 1954, four additional classrooms were added.  The sisters originally lived on properties close to the parish.  In 1954 a convent was built for the sisters.  Today, the convent houses the school’s preschool, kindergarten and library.

 

Santa Cruz School has a long and rich history, beginning with its founding by the Discalced Carmelite Fathers of Arizona.   The school offers its students a faith-filled community tradition, building upon the dedicated support of the Carmelite fathers and brothers, generations of Santa Cruz Parish members, the generous services of a committed professional and support staff, and the commitment of parents, past and present.

 

 

 

 

 

SANTA CRUZ CATHOLIC SCHOOL

SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

 

A graduate of Santa Cruz Catholic School is:

 

an Active Person of Faith who:

·         understands and courageously practices the teachings of the Catholic Church in daily life;

·         actively participates in communal prayer (spontaneous and memorized), especially in liturgical celebrations;

·         receives the sacraments regularly;

·         understands that God creates life, therefore respects the uniqueness and dignity of all life;

·         is committed to working towards justice and peace.

 

a Complex Thinker who:

·         utilizes prior experiences and knowledge as a basis for new learning;

·         researches new topics by effectively integrating information from a variety of media and resources;

·         utilizes a wide variety of thinking processes to resolve complex issues;

·         demonstrates empathy for others.

 

a Quality Producer who:

·         demonstrates mastery of learning outcomes defined in the Diocese of Tucson Curriculum Guides;

·         projects a “can-do” attitude in daily tasks and life-long learning;

·        sets realistic goals and meets them;

·         evaluates own products for high standards and takes pride in one’s work;

 

a Responsible Citizen who:

·         contributes positively to our community by consistently demonstrating the self-discipline skills espoused by the school;

·         is cognizant of current events, world affairs, and history, as well as their effect on life;

·         participates in service to the school and broader community;

·         appreciates and respects cultural diversity.

 

an Effective Communicator who:

·         uses verbal and written skills to articulate ideas clearly and correctly;

·         listens actively and respectfully;

·         appropriately expresses emotions and feelings in order to solve problems;

·        works cooperatively with others to obtain goals.

 

A Holistic Person who:

·         shows respect for self, others, and the environment;

·        displays knowledge of various athletic activities and exhibits good sportsmanship;

·        understands that physical fitness, nutrition, personal hygiene, and absence of high risk behaviors contribute to a healthy life style;

·        engages respectfully as a participant and audience in a wide variety of fine arts experiences.

 

                                                                                                             Revised School Year 2005-2006

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Santa Cruz Catholic School recognizes that the parents are the primary educators of their children and that the school is privileged to join with them in co-partnership for the education of children.  The school depends on family support and cooperation and encourages active parental participation in the accomplishment of this joint ministry.

 

It is important that the parents give leadership to their children by living their Catholic faith.  Presence at Sunday Mass, as a family, should be the foundation of their relationship with God and each other.  Children learn from example more than from words. Children must never be forced to practice a faith that parents and Catholic educators are unwilling to practice themselves.  Parents are the first teachers of their children in the area of faith.

 

Parents have certain responsibilities that they are required to fulfill as part of the Santa Cruz Catholic School community.  Failure in fulfilling these responsibilities can result in the student’s education being compromised.

 

 

TUITION AND FEES

              

Tuition fees can either be paid completely before school begins (a 5% discount on tuition if paid by June 1) or paid by monthly installments through the tuition management company, FACTS.  Payments can be divided into 12 installments if they begin in June or 10 installments if they begin in August.  The tuition management company charges a one-time yearly fee per contract with them, usually one per family.  The payments are automatically withdrawn from a bank account.  Parents may choose to have the payment either withdrawn on the 5th or the 20th of the month.  The tuition management company charges a penalty fee for each time they are unable to withdraw the money from the account.

 

An annual per child registration and book fee is due at the time of registration.

 

It is the responsibility of the parents to contact the school if there is difficulty in fulfilling their financial obligation to the school.  This can help avoid extra fees.  Financial assistance is available for families who apply.  Applications are required along with proof of income.  The following criteria is considered when awarding tuition assistance:

 

 

Notices are regularly sent to parents/guardians who are not current in their financial obligations.  At the end of each school year, there is a review of each account.  If there is outstanding money owed to the school, the parent will be notified in writing.  Failure to contact the school may result in the student(s) not being allowed to return to school and/or the account being turned over to a collection agency. If there is an outstanding balance for any financial obligation to the school, including money owed due to failure to meet other parental obligations, when a student leaves Santa Cruz Catholic School, the school reserves the right to not forward transcripts except health records, as required by law.

 

 

CARE OF MATERIALS

 

Each child is responsible for the care of school books, materials and property belonging to the school.  Restitution must be made by students for any damage caused by them to school books, materials and property.  The nature of the restitution will be determined by the principal.

 

PARENT PARTICIPATION HOURS

 

All families are required to give a minimum number of service hours to the school per contract.  Families who are awarded tuition aid are required to give additional volunteer hours. Active participation is a sign of support that is deeply felt by students, faculty, and staff alike.  Only adults may fulfill these hours.  Failure to complete those hours will be reflected on the final bill of the school year.  Families not completing their hours will be charged a predetermined rate per hour.  Families are responsible for logging and turning in their own hours.  Quarterly reports are given to families.

 

      The following are specific qualifying activities:

 

·         Serving on school committees.

·         Become a room parent to assist the teacher in organizing classroom celebrations, field trips, performances, bake sales and other school functions.

·         Assist the teacher with classroom clerical duties.

·         Become a volunteer Teacher Assistant, Playground Monitor, Cafeteria Monitor or Helper, Parking Lot Monitor, Tutor, Library or an Office or Nurse Assistant.

·         Be a caller on the Santa Cruz Catholic School phone tree.

·         Prepare classroom materials at school and/or home.

·         Help with school fundraisers: distributing and monitoring.

·         Help in cleaning, repairing or remodeling school buildings and grounds.

·         Share talents, knowledge, and expertise with the school.

·         Donating or getting donations that are beneficial for the school or classrooms. No credit will be given for throw away items.

·         Assisting with the after-school sports program: coaching, refereeing, driving, or working snack bar (no credit for watching games).

·         Attending meetings.

·         Coming to school functions.

 

Activities are not limited to the above mentioned but the activities below will not be considered:

·         Attending Mass.

·         Donating throw-away items.

·         Donating items for birthdays.

 

 

FUNDRAISERS

 

Tuition does not cover the cost of educating students.  To assist in making up this deficit, families are required to do a minimal amount of fundraising as specified in the contract.  Families choosing not to participate in fundraisers may pay directly to the school the profit that would be made on the fundraisers.

 

OBLIGATIONS TO SANTA CRUZ PARISH

 

Because Santa Cruz Parish helps support the school, all school families are required to participate in the church’s annual fundraiser, The Fiesta de la Familia.  Families are required per contract to sell raffle tickets and work 4 hours at the Fiesta.  If families fail to fulfill this obligation they are charged accordingly per contract.

 

CONFERENCE WITH TEACHERS

 

Santa Cruz Catholic School respects and values the parents’ role in the education of their children.  Conferences are a valuable means of communication, whether in person, by phone or in writing.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend scheduled conferences to be informed of the progress of their children in more detail than the quarterly Report Card.  Informal conferences should take place when needed.  It is recommended that parents communicate with the school when:

·         Your child does not wish to attend school.

·         Your child voices fears or concerns about the school.

·         Your child is experiencing a traumatic event in his/her life.

·         You believe that your child is not being appropriately challenged.

·         You believe that your child is not safe either physically or mentally.

·         Your child is not achieving to his/her potential or to your expectations.

·         You see things that can be improved and ways to accomplish the improvement.

·         You don’t fully understand.

·         You see something wonderful happening.

 

Parental concerns should be brought to attention of the teacher by making an appointment for a time that is convenient in terms of the teacher’s classroom responsibilities. 

 

 

 

ESSENTIALS FOR LEARNING

 

In support of Santa Cruz School’s mission to provide an environment where all students can develop to their full potential, it is critical that students be provided by parents/guardians, with the following essentials for learning:

 

·         Regular and consistent attendance at school

·         Being on time each school day

·         Behavior that is conducive to learning

·         Ten hours of sleep each night

·         Three nutritional meals daily (breakfast should not be ignored)

·         Dressed comfortably and appropriately

            Wear the school’s uniform

Dress for the weather

Dress for safety

Dress to contribute to the educational environment

·         Prepared with materials, supplies and homework

·         Good health

·         Free from fear, both physically and mentally

ACADEMICS

 

CURRICULUM

 

Santa Cruz School follows the curriculum guidelines of the Diocese of Tucson, which require specific courses, time allotments and instructional material set by the Department of Catholic Schools, the Arizona State Department of Public Instruction and the Western Catholic Education Association.

 

“The primary goal of the program of instruction in the schools of the Diocese of Tucson is to provide learning experiences which most effectively inculcate worthwhile attitudes and impart knowledge and skills necessary for the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development of the student.”  (# 4200, Handbook of School Policies and Procedures, Diocese of Tucson)

 

SCHOOL SCHEDULE

 

The school year includes 180 instructional days for students.  On regular school days classes begin at 8:00 AM and students are dismissed at 3:00 PM.  Throughout the school year occasional (usually one per week) minimum days occur, with dismissal at 12:30 PM.  Minimum days are scheduled so as to provide professional development and planning opportunities for teachers.  Minimum days are listed on the school yearly calendar, which is sent home to families at the beginning of the school year.

 

 

GRADING SYSTEM

 

Santa Cruz School follows the grading system and report cards as provided by the Diocese of Tucson Department of Catholic Schools.  Report cards are issued four times per year.  Copies of each grade’s report card, with the grading standards applied at each grade level, can be found in the Appendix of this handbook.

 

HOMEWORK

 

Santa Cruz School follows the recommendations of the Diocese of Tucson Department of Catholic Schools regarding homework policies.  The Handbook of School Policies and Procedures, Diocese of Tucson, (#4200-F) states:

Homework is an integral part of the school’s instructional program.  It is intended to reinforce learning and to foster habits of independent study.  While students’ abilities and concentration will vary, general suggested time allotments for homework in elementary school are as follows:

            K – 3 Grades              15 – 30 minutes per day

            4 – 6 Grades               30 – 60 minutes per day

            7 – 8 Grades               60 – 90 minutes per day

REPORTING TO PARENTS

 

Santa Cruz School respects and values the parents’/guardians’ role in the education of their children.  Conferences are a valuable means of communication, whether in person, by phone, or in writing.  The school provides the following:

 

·    Report Cards issued four times per year

·     Parent Teacher Conferences – parents/guardians are required to attend the scheduled conferences

·     Interim reports issued to students needing improvement

·     Regular letters sent home by each classroom teacher

·     Phone or written note contacts made by teachers to parents/guardians as needed

 

Parents/guardians are welcome to contact teachers whenever they have questions or concerns regarding their child.  These contacts should be made outside of the teacher’s classroom or school duty times, preferably by appointment if the need warrants a significant amount of time. 

 

 

PROMOTION / RETENTION

 

Santa Cruz School follows the Promotion and Retention policy of the Diocese of Tucson, Department of Catholic Schools.  This policy can be found in the Appendix of this handbook.

 

Academic Probation

 

The goal of Santa Cruz School is that all students succeed.  A student who is not displaying the necessary effort to be successful may be placed on academic probation after the teacher(s) and administrator agree that this is best for the student. The parent/guardian will be notified in writing of the academic probation, how the student can be removed from academic probation, the length of time of the probation, and the consequences if the students fails to get removed from academic probation in the specified time.  A consequence may be requesting the student to withdraw from the school.

 

Retention, Placement, and Summer School

 

Summer school is suggested when a student receives 2 D’s in a subject or 1 F ( or equivalent grades) in a subject. 

 

Summer school is required when a student receives 3 D’s in a subject, 2 D’s and 1 F in a subject or 2 F’s in a subject (or equivalent grades). 

 

The student’s status is an Incomplete  in those subjects until the documentation of the successful completion of summer school is provided.  The Incomplete at that time will be changed to either a Pass or Fail. When summer school is required, documentation must be provided to the school before the student is allowed to enroll in the next grade for the following year.  Without documentation of successfully completing summer school, the student may be retained in the previous grade.  If a student fails summer school, the student may be retained in the previous grade.

AWARDS PROGRAM

 

Santa Cruz School presents the following awards to students on a quarterly basis:

 

·         Principal’s Award for Excellence - Given to the class that displays the best overall spirit of school cooperation for that quarter. 

 

·         Outstanding Effort/Outstanding Conduct – given to students whose conduct and effort reflect excellence.

 

·         Spirit of Santa Cruz Award – given to one student from each grade who best reflects the Christian spirit of Santa Cruz Catholic School.

 

·         Handwriting Award – Given to one student from each grade who exhibits consistent pride in their work through neat and correct cursive handwriting and/or printing.

 

·         Fine Arts Award – given in Music and Art to one student in each grade who exhibits excellence in interest and in their positive contribution in these classes.

 

·         Perfect Attendance Award – given to each student who is not tardy or absent, that is, is present for complete days for one full month of the quarter.

 

·         Academic Honor Roll (Grades 4-8 only)

 

o        High Honors:  given to each student who meets the following criteria: 

-          3.5 GPA or higher in academic subjects

-          averages 1-2 in conduct and effort

-          has no academic grade on Progress Report below a C-

 

o        Honors:   given to each student who meets the following criteria:

 

-          3.0 GPA in academic subjects

-          averages 1-2 in conduct and effort

-          has no academic grade on Progress report below a C-

 

 

 

 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES