Introduction
Absence/Attendance
Admission
Assemblies
Athletic Association
Band
Behavior Code
Birthdays
"BOOK-IT"
Bus Transportation
Calendar (Insert)
Catholic Vision of Love
Change of Adress or Phone Number
Child Abuse
Communication Procedures
Computer Instruction
Concerts
Counseling
Curriculum
Daily School Schedule
Discipline Policy (Insert)
Dress Code (Insert)
Educational Trips/Field Trips
Emergency Closings/Delays
Extended Day Program
Extra-Curricular Activities
Faculty/Administration (Insert)
Fire Drills
Foreign Languages
Homework
Library
Liturgies
Lost and Found
Lunch Program
Medication Policy
Middle States Accreditation
Nurse
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Guild (PTG)
Police Pals
Professional Organizations
Progress Reports
Religious Education
Report Cards
Safety
School Choice Day
School Pictures
School Store/Supply List
Sick/Injured Children or Early Dismissals
Standardized Tests
Student Council
Substance Abuse
Support Services
Tardiness
Telephone
Transfers
Tuition Assistance
Tuition (Insert)
Vision and Values
Visitors
Volunteers
Weapons
 

ADMINISTRATOR: Reverend Alan Morris
PRINCIPAL: Mrs. Anna Watt

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

St. Valentine School: 412-835-3780
St. Valentine School FAX: 412-835-4417
St. Valentine School Web Site: www.stvals.org
St. Valentine School E-Mail: principal@stvalschool.org
St.Valentine Parish: 412-835-4415
Frawley Hall (Cafeteria): 412-835-9787
Newman House (Religious Education/Youth Ministry): 412-831-6466

Regular attendance is mandatory. Each day that a child is to be tardy and/or absent, the parent or guardian must notify the school prior to 8:30 A.M. with the reason for the absence. Phone messages should be left on the answering machine at 835-3780. If we do not hear from parents, a parent volunteer will call the home. This policy will be enforced for the safety of our children. After repeated absences, the parents will be contacted by letter. Chronic absences will be reported to the student's school district.

When students return to school after an absence, they must present a dated, written excuse from their parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence. This excuse is given to the homeroom teacher and filed for the remainder of the school year.

Medical and dental appointments, if possible, should be made outside of school hours. No child will be released from class unless he or she brings a note signed by parents or guardians. The note must be presented to the homeroom teacher and signed by the principal. Parents are required to enter the school building and to notify the school personnel prior to removing their child from the building.

When students are absent, especially for a prolonged period of time, parents or guardians must see that the child makes up missed work. There is no need for teachers to prepare or send work when children are absent from school for only one day. The child will receive the missed assignments on the day of return. When children miss several days or more, the teacher(s) will prepare work for the student at the request of the parent. Parents will pick up the work in the school office the day after the request is made.

For children entering St. Valentine School at any grade level (Kindergarten-Grade 8), parents must present a baptismal certificate, birth certificate, and health and immunization records. State law mandates that a child's immunization record comply with current requirements. A registration form and a tuition payment plan form must be completed. The school is open to all students regardless of race, color, national origin or creed. Diocesan policies concerning admission of students from parishes without a Catholic school are followed.

Preschool Admission: St. Valentine School offers a Preschool program for children who reach the age of 3 or 4 prior to October 1. Sessions are held for three year old children each Tuesday and Thursday (8:30-11:00 A.M.) or Tuesday and Thursday (12:15-2:45 P.M.) The children learn the elements of cooperative play and socialization with peers. They discover and explore God's world through the use of blocks, puzzles, music, art, imaginative play, gross motor activities and prayer. Sessions for four year old children are held each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (8:30-11:00 A.M.) or Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (12:15-2:45 P.M.) Learning continues through play at this level. The children are also presented with opportunities for cognitive growth through sensory and language activities and pre-math manipulatives. The 4 year old children also share St. Valentine School services such as the computer lab, library, assemblies, and liturgies. Registration for Preschool sessions is held in early or mid February. Preschool classes are taught by a certified teacher and an aide. Class size does not exceed 15 for the 3 year old children or 20 for the 4 year old children. Parents wishing to register for Preschool are required to present a birth certificate and a registration fee at the time of registration. Tuition is due the first of each month. (September-May)

Kindergarten Admission: St. Valentine Kindergarten is an integral part of our school system. Any child who will be (5) years of age on or before Oct. 1 will be admitted to Kindergarten. Two separate options are available: morning (8:30-11:05 A.M.) or full day (8:30 A.M.-2:35 P.M.) Registration is held in early or mid February.

Grades 1-8: New families are encouraged to call the school office at any time to make individual arrangements for a tour and/or registration.

A committee of PTG communicates with the principal and/or faculty members to schedule periodic assemblies. Efforts are made to correlate the assemblies with the curriculum.

St. Valentine School Athletic Association meets monthly. These parents of students deal with issues concerning our sports program (i.e. team try-outs, securing gym time, fund raising, coaching, sports banquet, etc.)

The Athletic Association publishes a comprehensive handbook outlining rules and regulations governing participation in basketball and cheerleading. Parents seeking information about eligibility, practice schedules, insurance, and rules of conduct should contact members of the association

Our basketball program varies depending upon the interest and eligibility each year. Students in Grades 4-8 are encouraged to participate in various teams. Cheerleading is also available for girls in grades 5-8. Basketball follows the Diocesan elementary basketball schedule and is played according to Diocesan regulation for competitive play.

Because we believe that the student's first priority is their education, St. Valentine School has an Eligibility Policy requiring students to maintain at least a 2.0 grade average.

Student's grades are reviewed every two weeks during the basketball season. Those not in compliance with the 2.0 grade average receive an "Eligibility Form" notifying their parents. The principal calls the Athletic Director who then notifies the coaches and/or moderators. The student must forfeit the next game of playing basketball or cheerleading.

The Diocesan Instrumental Program is open to students in Grades 4-8. In addition to learning to play an instrument, students work together to form a school band. A certified band instructor provides lessons and band practice during regular school hours.

St. Valentine School Behavior Code is based on the belief that young people must learn to deal with each other and with adults in a manner consistent with Christian teaching. This means that everyone is entitled to respect and that behavior in school should reflect our love of God, our neighbor, and ourselves. The following expectations are required for students in Kindergarten - Grade 8:

In General - Students are expected to:

• walk, never run through corridors, up and down steps
• be quiet in the halls so that other classes in session will not be disturbed
• use proper language
• respect the property of the school and the property of other students
• refrain from chewing gum
• refrain from rough behavior
• remove hats when entering the school building
• dress appropriately according to the dress code

• actively participate in liturgical services by singing responses and hymns and reciting prayers
• show respect for the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the Tabernacle by maintaining silence before and after services

• observe the classroom rules as presented by each teacher. These are determined by the teacher and students and are communicated to the parents during Curriculum Night.
• be responsible for submitting homework on time and in good condition
• maintain a respectful attitude toward teachers and one another

• exercise good table manners and voice control
• give cafeteria personnel and volunteers respect
• keep the cafeteria area clean; the tables, chairs, and floor

• maintain a respectful silence when others are speaking or performing

• follow the regulations established by the school district and the bus driver

• respect the volunteers on duty
• play safe games
• stay in assigned areas
• promptly line up when the bell rings
• reenter the building quietly

1. teacher-student conference
2. deprivation of privileges, or preferred activities
3. time-out in the classroom, playground or cafeteria
4. communication with parent via note, telephone call, or conference
5. referral to the principal
6. chronic behavior may be refered to the ESAP (Elementary Student Assistance Program) or the SAP (Student Assistance Program).

Birthday invitations may be distributed in school ONLY IF EVERY BOY OR EVERY GIRL IS INVITED. Children are painfully aware when one or two are excluded. If parents choose not to invite every boy or every girl, parents are to make private phone calls or mail invitations to specific children.

The "Book-It" National Reading Incentive Program motivates children in Preschool-Grade 6 by rewarding them for their reading accomplishments. Its purpose is to develop in children a lifelong love of reading. Prizes are awarded by Pizza Hut.

The policy of the Diocese of Pittsburgh concerning students on the school bus is as follows:

"The student transportation policies and procedures of the local educational agencies responsible for busing students are applicable to students bused to and from St. Valentine School, as are the laws and regulations for parochial schools in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"

Transportation will be provided by the public school district in which the student resides if the school is within a ten-mile radius of the public school district's boundary.

Bethel Park bus passes are available for pick up at the school office prior to the start of each school year. Other districts post their schedules in local newspapers.

The public school districts have a policy stating that students are not permitted to ride a bus other than their assigned bus. In the event of an emergency, if a student needs to ride a bus other than the assigned vehicle, a special permission form must be completed by the principal and presented to the bus driver.

The principal is asked to forward disciplinary notices given by the public school bus drivers to parents. In order to avoid liability for actions outside of our control, the principal is not to take the responsibility for actions which occur off school property. In cases where the principal is made aware of misconduct away from school property by a child recognized to be a student in the school, parents may be contacted if the principal deems it appropriate.

Prior to the school year, each family will receive a copy of the school calendar for the year which will designate free days, teacher in-service days, and days of early dismissal. The school must adhere to state and diocesan guidelines concerning the hours of instruction, number of days in session and provision for teacher in-service and staff development as stated in the teacher's contract. Each family will also receive a monthly calendar of activities and events.

This is the Diocesan mandated sexuality program to be used in Kindergarten-Grade 8. Three lessons are taught in each grade level annually. The entire program is available for parental preview in the school office.

It is very important, for emergency and administrative reasons, that every student maintain an up-to-date record at the school office. Annually families will be asked to complete emergency cards listing pertinent information. Notify the school immediately if you have a change of address or phone number during the school year.

Any employee of the Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, including principals, teachers, and other professional staff who have reason to believe that a child coming before them in their professional or official capacity is an abused child shall immediately report such case to the Child Abuse Hotline. It is not the responsibility of any employee of the Catholic School to prove that the child has been abused or neglected or to determine whether the child is in need of protection. The responsibility is to report the suspected case to the Abuse Hotline.

Open communication among parents, teachers and administrators is important for student progress and for maintaining a healthy school climate. The proper lines of communication in discussing any facet of your child's progress is to contact the teacher directly. This may be done through a written message or by a telephone call to the office during school hours. (8:00 - 3:00 P.M.) Teachers, who are unavailable during class hours, will return your call as soon as their schedule permits. Parents are always encouraged to contact the teachers before discussing situations with the principal. If a satisfactory solution cannot be reached with the teacher, the parents are then encouraged to set up an appointment to meet with the principal and the teacher.

Both home and school often depend on the student for the faithful carrying of messages to and from school. The OLDEST child in each family will be responsible for carrying the communication packet (BROWN ENVELOPE) home on a monthly basis. Parents are asked to sign the BROWN ENVELOPE to indicate the information was received.

The BROWN ENVELOPE is to be returned as soon as possible.

Computer classes are held once a week for each classroom. Instruction includes computer awareness and computer literacy. When these are mastered, the computer becomes a basic tool for teaching logical thinking, problem solving, creative writing, communications, the handling of information, and many other aspects of the elementary curriculum. St. Valentine School follows the computer curriculum guidelines from the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Our music instructor prepares the Christmas and Spring concerts each school year for our enjoyment.

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit provides St. Valentine School with the services of a school counselor every eight days. Referrals may be made by the parents as well as school personnel. Children may be seen to address short-term as well as long-term issues such as a death in the family, fears, anger, divorce, etc. Referral forms are available in the principal's office.

St. Valentine School endeavors to provide a well-balanced curriculum through which the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed for daily living can be acquired. The students are challenged to develop their full potential with an open, inquiring mind while always realizing a sense of accomplishment.

The curriculum is designed to meet and exceed the state mandated requirements in the basic subject areas. Courses include religion, reading, language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, Spanish, music, art, library, health, introduction to languages, physical education, and computer education. The entire curriculum is presented to parents during Curriculum Night scheduled each Fall.

Opportunities for prayer, preparations to receive the sacraments and participation in a community of faith are important components of the religion program. The goal of religious instruction is to help the child develop a relationship with Jesus Christ and lead a lifestyle based on the Gospel values.

The schedule for the school day is as follows:

Lunch and Recess (40 minute break for each grade level)

8:00-8:20	Arrival time and class preparation
8:20	Tardy Bell
8:20	Classes begin
11:00-11:10	Homeroom
11:10-12:00	Lunch/recess
12:00	First bell
2:40	Dismissal Begins

Schedules for each grade are distributed at the beginning of the school year and are reviewed during Curriculum Night.

We truly believe that good discipline plays a very important role in the high standards of scholastic excellence here at St. Valentine School. We also believe that students will feel comfortable if they know and understand the school rules and the consequences for infractions. The enclosed Discipline Policy provides a consistent and just method of enforcing our expectations and clearly states the consequences. This policy is used for Grades 5-8 (all year) and Grade 4 (second semester).

It is the parent's responsibility to see that their children adhere to the Dress Code Policy. Students are expected to wear the official school uniform and to be well groomed. Uniforms should be clean, neat, and wrinkle free Skirts should be modest in length.

Should a situation arise when a child cannot be in full uniform, a written explanation from the parent or guardian is necessary.

Uniforms may be purchased directly from the School Belles Uniform Company.

Parents are notified of a Uniform Measurement/Order Day which takes place each Spring.

We also have a uniform exchange where gently-worn outgrown uniforms are available at no cost. Parent volunteers schedule several dates throughout the year when parents are welcome to browse through the available uniforms.

Activities such as field trips, musical performances, art exhibits, educational movies and stage productions contribute to the total development of the students. These are most beneficial when they are directly related to the students' learning objectives.

Therefore, each classroom will attend at least one, and not to exceed two, field trips per school year. The classroom teacher will be responsible for determining the location of these field trips. The PTG will allocate funds to be used to help defray the cost of buses, admission cost, etc. These funds will be allocated on a per-pupil basis. Parents may be asked to supply the remainder of the money needed. Teachers will plan trips that are reasonably priced so this won't be too great of a financial burden for each family.

Written permission of the parents must be obtained before such a trip is taken and students must be supervised during the entire activity. Homeroom parents may be invited to chaperone for these trips or other arrangements may be made by each teacher.

In the event of snow or inclement weather, we follow the Bethel Park School district in determining delayed openings, early dismissals or school cancellations. If a delay or school cancellation is announced for the Bethel Park district, St. Valentine School will also have a delay or cancellation. Parents are reminded to listen to KDKA radio or television station.

One Hour Delay: Bus riders should arrive at their stops one hour later then normal. Car riders and walkers should delay their arrival by one hour.

Two Hour Delay: Bus riders should arrive at their stops two hours later than normal. Car riders and walkers should delay their arrival by two hours. Morning Kindergarten and A.M. Preschool will be canceled.

To meet the needs of working parents and to assist with scheduling child-care, St. Valentine School has an "Extended Day" program. This service is available each morning from 7:30-8:00 and each afternoon from 3:00-6:00 on days when SVS is in session. It is NOT available from 12:00-3:00 when St. Valentine School has a half day of school or early dismissal. Families choosing to use this program are required to pay an annual registration fee, to submit a monthly calendar, and/or call the school office 24 hours in advance. Registration information is available in the school office.

Students in various grades are invited to participate in extra-curricular activities such as the following:

• Student Council
• Liturgy Aides
• PA Junior Academy of Science
• Altar Servers
• National Geography Bee
• Forensics
• Band
• Newspaper
• Basketball
• Service projects
• Coloring contests
• Newspapers in Education
• Art competitions
• Writing competitions
• "BOOK-IT"
• Scouting
• Children's Choir
• Gridiron Geography
• Project Business
• English Festival
• Science/Math Fair
• Cheerleading

Each faculty member at St. Valentine School is certified by the state of Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Ours is a strong, dedicated faculty who see their teaching as a ministry. Our teachers act on the premise that each student is a child of God. The goal is to have each of them reach his/her potential. Specific teaching responsibilities are reported in the Principal's Newsletter each Fall.

Fire drills are conducted monthly as required by Pennsylvania State Law. (except in inclement weather) Inspections by local officials ensure that our evacuation procedures meet local and state fire codes. Fire extinguishers are checked regularly. Teachers explain the procedure for a fire drill at the beginning of the school year and review this regularly. Safety precautions require the students to leave the room in a single file. Running is not permitted and silence is mandatory.

Disaster drills are also conducted annually in compliance with state regulations.

Students in Grades K-8 receive classes in the Spanish language.

Homework is given to reinforce, to extend, or deepen knowledge of concepts that have been taught. It is also a valuable practice in the development of responsibility and the exercise of initiative. The parent's role is primarily that of insuring a suitable place for study and helping the child decide the best time for study. Parental discretion is needed to help the child maintain a study plan and to make certain that the homework is legible. Each child in Grades 2-8 is required to keep an assignment notebook.

Homework (written or study) is a regular part of all classes. Homework when given must be completed. A guide for written or study homework at St. Valentine School is as follows:
Grades 1-2 approximately 20 minutes a night
Grades 3-4 approximately 30 minutes a night
Grades 5-6 approximately 60 minutes a night
Grades 7-8 approximately 90 minutes a night

These times are considered maximums. If your child repeatedly says he or she has no homework, please contact your child's teacher to verify a homework schedule. It is the responsibility of the student or the parent to make arrangements with the teachers to make up work missed during an absence.

The school library exists primarily to support and enrich the curriculum. It is a service and teaching agency as well as a place of purposeful learning where the use of all resources, correlates with the school curriculum to intensify and individualize a child's educational experiences

St. Valentine library contains a growing collection of fiction, non-fiction, and reference books. The fiction collection includes special sections for Easy Readers, Holiday Books, and Young Adult Paperbacks. Magazines are also available in the library for pleasure reading and research.

Students have library classes once a week. In these classes they practice skills necessary for finding books and information for research projects and/or pleasure reading. They are introduced to various authors and genres in literature. Students are encouraged to read for fun and have the opportunity to check out books weekly.

Students are able to use the library at other times when the librarian or teacher can provide supervision.

Parents must pay for lost or damaged books. A fine may also be assessed for overdue books.

Students participate in the celebration of the Mass several times each month. Homerooms prepare the readings and the Prayers of the Faithful under the leadership of the teacher and the student "Liturgy Aides." Parents are encouraged to attend our school liturgies which are listed on the monthly calendar.

In addition, students have the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to participate in the Stations of the Cross during Lent, and to experience other para-liturgical services during the year. If school is in session on a Holy Day of Obligation, students will attend Mass.

All clothing and personal belongings should be labeled with the child's name. Found articles are placed in the secretary's office. Lost textbooks and workbooks will be replaced and the cost will be charged to the parents.

Aladdin Food Services provides a lunch program in alignment with the National School Lunch program requirements, which requires that all lunches meet specific nutrient requirements. Free and reduced lunch application forms are sent home in the beginning of each school year. Application forms are reviewed annually. Rules for acceptance and participation in the program are the same for each student regardless of race, color, national origin, or religion.

Students may buy lunch or bring a lunch from home. No soda cans or glass bottles are permitted. Snack items and beverages are also available every day. Each month a menu is sent home in the BROWN ENVELOPE. Students purchase strips of tickets and are required to submit one ticket for each hot lunch purchased. Prices are listed in the September Newsletter each year.

Medication should be given at home, and physicians should be asked to change the schedule of the administration of medication so that it can be given before and after school hours. However, when medication MUST be administered during school hours, the following procedure must be followed.

1. St. Valentine School has a secure location (locked) for the storage of medication. Students will never be given access to this location.
2. The medication should be delivered to the school by the parent/guardian along with the physician written request for distribution by school personnel. (Form A)
3. Medication brought to school must be in a container labeled by a pharmacist or doctor. The label must include the student's name, physician's name, date of the prescription, dosage and frequency of administration. Medication should be in a zip-lock storage bag.
4. Parents must sign an Indemnity Agreement which has been prepared by the Legal Office and distributed through the Diocesan School Office. (Form B)
5. Our Secretary has freely elected to accept the responsibility for distributing medication. When possible, she will supervise the student's self-administration rather than dispensing the medication to the student.
6. A record book will be maintained indicating the student's name, medication, date and time of distribution, and the identity of the person dispensing medication. This information will be recorded every time medication is dispensed.
7. Non-prescription medication will also only be distributed if Forms A and B are submitted by the physician and the parent/guardian.
8. No student may keep medication on their person.

St. Valentine School is accredited by the Commission of Elementary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. Middle States is recognized by the academic community throughout the world. To assist with the continuous improvement of total quality Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, St. Valentine School will continue this process by evaluating six main indicators:

• Faith Formation/Catholic Identity
• Academic Excellence
• Growth in Enrollment
• Effective Patterns of Organization and Management
• Financial Stability
• Support From Parents and Community

A part time school nurse is provided through the Bethel Park School District. Periodic vision, hearing, and weight/height tests are administered by the nurse.

The school nurse works with the State Department of Health to provide a physician and dentist to annually conduct physical, dental and scoliosis examinations for specific grades. Parents are informed of these dates prior to the examinations. These examinations may also be performed by a family physician and dentist. Reports must be sent to the school.

Teachers share with parents the privilege and obligation of educating their children. Therefore, every effort should be made by parents to keep informed about school programs, student progress, and activities. Faculty members are always willing to discuss pupil progress with parents during Parent-Teacher Conferences (scheduled twice each year) or during other scheduled times. At no time are parents permitted to disrupt a teacher during class time.

All school families are members of the Parent-Teacher Guild (PTG). The objectives of this group according to their by-laws are:

• to establish a close relationship between the teachers and the parents, the home and the school for the good of the child
• to develop parental interest in the Catholic educational needs of the child, and to better acquaint them with the functions and funding of the school from federal, state and local governments
• to give teachers and parents the opportunity to cite concerns and suggestions, thus enabling both to be more effective in the child's education

In cooperation with the Bethel Park Police Department, St. Valentine School participates in "Police Pals", a cooperative program based on the National Adopt-A-Cop Program. This program promotes a better understanding of the job of the police officer, encourages a trusting relationship with police officers, and develops a positive attitude toward officers. A police officer is "adopted" by each school. He/she visits that school on a regular basis to present information to the students.

St. Valentine School is a member of the following professional organizations or participates in activities sponsored by them:

• National Catholic Education Association (NCEA)
• Pennsylvania Middle School Association
• Southwestern Pennsylvania Forensic League
• The Association of Catholic Student Councils
• Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science
• Western Pennsylvania Council of Teachers of English
• Pennsylvania Science Teachers Association

Progress Reports are sent home midway through each grading period for students in Grades 5-8. This notice is a signal for parents to more closely monitor their child's school work for the remainder of the grading period to ensure improvement. The school calendar indicates when Progress Reports are sent home each quarter.

School personnel work closely with the Director of Religious Education to provide opportunities for Sacramental Preparation Classes for parents of children in Grades 2 and 8 prior to the reception of Sacraments.

Report cards are issued four times during the school year. Consult the school calendar for dates. The official Diocesan report card will be utilized at St. Valentine School.

Make every effort to know your child's intellectual ability and emotional/psychological conditions. Expect and encourage a performance commensurate with these. If conditions exist in the family which may affect your child's performance, please advise the teachers and administrations as soon as possible so the school can better understand and serve your child's needs.

Parents, faculty, staff, and administrations must take every precaution to ensure that our children are always safe and secure. All exterior doors in the building except the office stairway door and the back door leading to the Allegheny Intermediate Unit vans will be secured to prevent outside entry. Signs are posted on all outside doors requesting visitors to report tot he office It is important to:

• contact the principal and send a copy of court orders should any custody issues prevail
• notify the school nurse if any special medical conditions exist
• use the office stairway when entering the building during school hours
• report to the office of the principal or the secretary to receive a "Visitor's Badge"
• send a note to the homeroom teacher in the Handbook 25 should transportation arrangements change
• arrive at 2:45 P.M. if you are picking up your child after school.

The Diocese of Pittsburgh annually designates a "School Choice Day". On this day parents are asked to call, write, or visit their local representatives to encourage their support of legislation to provide tax money to attend the school of their choice.

The principal contracts with a professional photography company to take school pictures each Fall.

The Students Council and a faculty moderator assume responsibility for the operation of the school supply store which is open each morning from 8:00-8:28.

A supply list for each grade is distributed annually. Necessary supplies may be purchased from the school store or from other sources.

Students may not bring any articles to school that are distracting to the learning process or expensive to replace, such as radios, walkman type players, CD players, CD's and other expensive items. Exceptions may be made for special occasions at the discretion of the teacher but these items are the personal responsibility of the students.

Parents are asked to follow this procedure when picking up sick/injured children or those needing an early dismissal:

• Secretary calls parents to inform them of the illness or injury.
• Secretary sends a note to the homeroom teacher notifying his/her of the pick-up time.
• Children are to sit outside of the principal's office (or with the secretary in the principal's absence).
• Parents are to enter the building via the office stairway.
• Parents are to inform the principal or the secretary prior to leaving with their child (to verify that they are authorized to take the child).

We believe that a periodic, reliable measurement of the development of certain skills is essential for effectiveness of instructional procedures. Therefore St. Valentine School participates in the standardized test program selected for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Some of the specific purposes of the Tera Nova testing program for Grades 2-8 are:

• to determine the developmental level of each child in order to better adapt materials and instructional procedures to individual needs and abilities
• to diagnose specific strengths and weaknesses
• to provide information that is useful for grouping children with special needs
• to report performance in the tested skills to parents in objective, meaningful terms

Kindergarten Readiness Tests are given annually to determine children's readiness for Grade 1.

Students elected from Grades 5-8 provide leadership through the Student Council. Officers, Commissioners and Homeroom Representatives are formally installed into office during an Inauguration Ceremony held each Fall. Weekly meetings are held throughout the school year with the students and the faculty moderators. Their ideas must be presented to the principal for final approval.

St. Valentine School adheres to the Substance Abuse Policy as promulgated by the Diocese of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit Consortium. The entire policy is available in the school office.

We receive the following support services:

• Math Instructor (Allegheny Intermediate Unit)
• Reading Instructor (Allegheny Intermediate Unit)
• Speech and Language Clinician (Allegheny Intermediate Unit)
• Counselor (Allegheny Intermediate Unit)
• Psychologist ... upon request (Allegheny Intermediate Unit)
• School Nurse (Bethel Park School District)
• School Physician/Dentist (Bethel Park School District)

A child who is not in the homeroom by 8:20 A.M. is considered to be tardy. (Exception: delayed bus arrivals) To gain admittance to a classroom, a student must first report to the office with a note of explanation from his/her parents or guardians. The note will be signed by the principal or the secretary and must be presented to the appropriate teacher.

The telephone in the secretary's office may be used by the students only with the written permission from the administrator, faculty, or staff member. The pay phone may not be used during school hours.

Parents wishing to leave a message for the child or a teacher may do so through the secretary. Please call before 2:00 P.M. Arrangements concerning transportation and after-school activities are to be made before the child leaves home in the morning whenever possible.

In the event of a transfer to another private or public school, student records will not be released unless the school receives written verification from the receiving school confirming the child's registration. Student academic records will not be forwarded unless all school accounts are settled.

The following school and Diocesan tuition assistance programs are available to all families:

• Father Stoney Fund
• Bishop's Education Fund
• Food For Thought rebate program
• Lottery rebate program
• EITC Tax Credit Program

Payment of tuition must be submitted in accordance with the Tuition Policy and the selected Tuition Payment Plan. Refer to the Insert for the annual tuition rate. (To be posted at a later date)

Each year St. Valentine School participates in the program entitled "Vision And Values". This project, developed by the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) urges us to integrate religious values throughout the curriculum and our lives.

The faculty annually selects a gospel value and develops a goal and a plan of action to ensure that the value becomes a lived reality throughout the school year.

Visitors to the school are always welcome with an appointment. Visitors, including parents are required to report to the office of the principal or the secretary to receive a "Visitor's Badge". This must be worn while in the school building. Parents who bring items such as forgotten gym clothes, homework, or lunches must leave these items in the office.

School volunteers are an important and vital part of our school program. We recognize the vast and valuable resources our parents and friends have to offer. Volunteers give their time and talents as library aides, cafeteria workers, computer teachers, playground supervisors, secretarial aides, committee workers, chaperones, homeroom parents, and in many other extra-curricular areas when and where needed. Please call the school office if you are willing to assist in any way.

No weapon may be brought onto school property, including, but not limited to, the school building, outdoor areas, outdoor facilities, or school buses, or to any school related activity. A weapon shall include but not be limited to any knife, cutting instrument, cutting tool, nun-chuck stick, fire arm, rifle or any other tool, instrument or implement capable of inflicting bodily injury, which is possessed under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for lawful uses which it may have. This includes firearms which are not loaded or lack a clip or other component to render it immediately operable. A person in possession of a weapon on school property violates state criminal statutes and school regulation, and shall be subject to the following discipline and penalty:

1. Parents will be immediately notified.
2. The local police will be called.
3. The student will be expelled.

_________________________
PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE

CHILD(REN)

1. _______________ 3. _______________

2. _______________ 4. _______________

______________
DATE

(PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO SCHOOL)