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Absent/Tardy Forms:
Grades 6-8
Grades K-5


Handbook Topics:
Admissions
Absences/Truancy
Accreditation
Arrival at School
Cell Phones
Christian Conduct
Curriculum
Dress & Grooming
Electronic Devices
Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Registration
Report Cards
Students At Risk
Tardiness
Testing
Tuition and Fees



 


Parent Groups:

Athletic Association
Band Guild
      --SKDS Bands Webpage
Home & School Assoc.
 
 
 
 

 

Handbook 

For the entire 2011-2012 Family Handbook, you may open the document here.  For your convenience, some of the commonly used sections of the handbook are repeated below.  You may click on the links to the left to go immediately to the topics you need.

Admissions

An interview (prior to enrollment) with the Principal/Administrator is required. “All students are on probation during the first semester of their attendance at a Catholic School.” (5110a) During this time, SKDS will determine whether or not it can meet the needs of the student. Admission to Kindergarten requires a child to be five (5) years old on or before September 1 in the year s/he proposes to enter school. Admission to the first grade requires a child to be six (6) years old on or before September 1 in the year s/he proposes to enter school. Review of school records from the student’s previous school experiences and/or permission to speak with the student’s previous teachers are required prior to registration. (See also Registration)
 

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices

Cell Phones: Although students may be carrying a cell phone for emergencies or after school needs to contact a parent/guardian, use of cell phones is prohibited as delineated below. If use occurs that is of non-emergency status, the cell phone will be confiscated and the student may forfeit the privilege of bringing a cell phone to school. If the student has a cell phone,
1. It must remain in the student’s back pack and turned off while the student is on campus between the hours of 7:00AM and 4:00PM or while a school function is in session.
2. Cell Phones may NOT be used for taking pictures.
3. Harassment or threatening of persons via the cell phone is NOT permitted.
4. Cell phones may not be used for game playing, internet or email access, gambling or making purchases of any kind.
Electronic Devices: The following electronic devices are also not permitted on campus: walkmans, i-pods, pagers, laser pointers.
IF ANY CELL PHONE OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE IS SEEN ON THE PERSON OF A STUDENT DURING THE SCHOOL DAY, IT WILL BE CONFISCATED. THE CHILD WILL RECEIVE THE DEVICE BACK ONCE A PARENT/GUARDIAN COMES TO PICK IT UP.

Registration

Registrations will be accepted from those interested in our program in the following manner:
1st Those who are currently enrolled at SKDS, with all accounts current;
2nd Those who are members of St. Katharine Drexel Parish; and
3rd Open to the general public.
Children entering Three Year Old Pre School must be 3 years of age by September 1. Children entering Kindergarten must be 5 years of age by September 1.
 All tuition must be up to date as arranged.
 All registrations will be marked with the date and time they are received in the school office. (See also Admissions and SKDS Tuition Policy.)
Children entering the 4K program must be 4 years of age by September 1. Registration for the 4K program only takes place through the Beaver Dam Public School System.

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Tuition and Fees , 2011-2012

GRADES PRESCHOOL THROUGH 8
TUITION CONTRACT: Each family is required to sign a tuition contract. If there is no contract on file, the child is NOT enrolled. The contract offers several payment options. Each family receives a Tuition Contract during the summer preceding the new school year.
TUITION CONTRACT TERMS:
1. ANY REMAINING PAST DUE TUITION AND/OR FEE BALANCES MUST BE PAID IN FULL BY JULY 1, 2011, IN ORDER FOR YOUR CHILD TO BE ENROLLED FOR THE 2011/2012 SCHOOL YEAR.
2. I agree to pay tuition for the full year as indicated above to SKDS for 2011-2012.
3. Enrollment is for the entire year; tuition is nonrefundable.
4. Fees are nonrefundable.
5. Tuition is not parish support. As a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish, I will contribute financially. I have filled out and returned a Parish Support Pledge card to the Parish Office. (If I am not a member of SKDP, then I understand that Non Parishioner tuition is 25% more than Parishioner tuition.)
6. If Catholic, I will attend Mass weekly with my children.
7. Parents of eighth graders must pay all fees and tuition prior to graduation (due May 1, 2012) in order for their child to participate in Graduation Activities.
PRESCHOOL TUITION PAYMENT OPTIONS: Tuition for God’s Little Miracles Preschool Program will be prepaid. Two options are available:
1. Payment in full for the year prior to September 1 of the current school year.
2. Payment of one-half prior to September 1 and payment of the second half prior to the beginning of second semester.
If payment is not made as stated above, the student will not be enrolled. If financial need merits an alternative arrangement, contact the Director of Administrative Services at the parish business office prior to the above dates to discuss an alternative plan.
7
ALL DELINQUENT TUITION: Tuition notices are issued to all families monthly. If tuition payment is not kept current or if SKDS is not contacted to make satisfactory arrangements,
1. the student/s will not be able to attend SKDS the following year,
2. students in eighth grade will not be permitted to participate in any graduation related activities, and
3. the account will be turned over to a collection agency.
4. Report cards are not issued until tuition and all other fees are paid in full.
TUITION AND INSTRUCTIONAL FEES FOR 2011-2012
Two Day Preschool $800
REGISTRATION FEE OF $50.00 IS REQUIRED TO HOLD CHILD’S SPOT
Beaver Dam 4Kids (for 4 year olds) SKDS Site
REGISTERED THROUGH THE BEAVER DAM PUBLIC SCHOOL. 1. SEE BELOW.
Non Parishioner Non Parishioner
Grades K-8 Parishioner Parishioner2 3% Discount3 3% Discount4
• One child family (K-8) $2030 $2540 $1970 $2464
• Two child family (K-8) $3260 $4075 $3163 $3953
• Three child family (K-8) $3810 $4765 $3696 $4623
• Four child family (K-8) $4020 $5025 $3900 $4875
If tuition is paid in full by September 1, Instructional and Playground Fees are due by December 1.
Instructional Fees Playground Fees
• Kindergarten – 8 $250 *$50 for first child
*$25 per child for each additional child

EXTEND A DAY: Runs opposite 4K. $12 per session. Lunch is an additional cost.

TUITION ASSISTANCE: Follow policy and procedures outlined. Deadline for application May 20, 2011, 3:30PM.

PLEASE NOTE:
1. SKDS site with religion component, a $50.00 fee payable to SKDS for religion materials is required.
2. Non Parishioner tuition is 25% more than Parishioner tuition.
3. Discount of 3% if tuition is paid in full on or prior to September 1, 2011. Tuition contracts will be sent in June, with due date of July 1; discount date is September 1, final payment due May 1. In order to participate in graduation activities, all tuition and fees must be paid in full. Report cards are withheld until tuition is paid in full.
ATTENTION:
• Keep careful records and talk to your tax preparer about tax credit for Pre School and Extend-A-Day expenses.
• Financial Assistance is available for students in Kindergarten through Grade 8. Fill out required forms. Must be registered to be considered.
• Tuition contracts will be sent in June, with due date of July 1; discount date is September 1, final payment due May 1.

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Arrival At School 

Students must enter school immediately upon arriving. Students shall assemble and remain seated:
• Grades 4-8 in the cafeteria
• Grades 4K – 3 in the gym.
• Students will sit quietly in designated areas until the first bell rings.
• Children may not become involved in games or roughhousing of any sort. They must wait quietly.
• Parent/guardians are requested to have their children at school NO earlier than 8:00AM. Students are supervised by designated faculty.
• Class times are:
Pre-school: 8:45 – 11:00AM on Monday/Wednesday OR Tuesday/Thursday
4K: 8:15 – 11AM & 12:15 – 3PM
Grades Kindergarten - 8: 8:10AM – 3:15PM (First bell rings at 8:05)
Start time means students are in their seats, ready to begin.
 

Picking up/Dropping off Children 

BE CAREFUL. Do not ask children to cross the street. Do not block driveways. Do not stop in the middle of the street. Do NOT drive through the parking lots from South Street to James Street. The safety of your children (our students) is our priority! James Street is reserved for bus pick up. Do not park on the school side of the street. The new Parish Center parking lot and the church parking lot are available to you.

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Tardiness 

Prompt, consistently on-time, arrival to school is an important asset to a child's development. Children must be encouraged to be on time for all classes and events. If a student is tardy to school, he/she must report to the school office first. A parent/guardian note must accompany the child for tardiness. If the child does not bring a note initially from a parent/guardian, the child is considered unexcused.
• Excessive Tardiness may result in serious consequences for the student, including:
-Becoming ineligible for academic recognitions/awards.
-Denial of field trip opportunities.
-Termination of enrollment.
• If a student accumulates three (3) unexcused “tardies” for the year, he/she will be required to make up the time on student time. (Oversleeping, car trouble, late starting or any other non-emergency reason is not an excused tardy.)
• If a child is late to a class because a teacher has detained him/her, that teacher will give the student a pass to his/her next class. If this is not the case, the student must obtain a pass from the office. All tardiness is recorded in the school office.
 

Code of Christian Conduct

St. Katharine Drexel School is a Catholic, Christian family founded in God’s love. Mindful of the fact that God lives in each one of us, we believe that everyone deserves to be treated in a respectful manner. “Whatever you do to these, the least of my brothers, you do unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40) In view of this philosophy we have developed this Code of Christian Conduct.
This Code of Christian Conduct identifies the four cornerstone behaviors Respect, Responsibility, Honesty and Kindness, along with related rules and examples of practice. All students are expected to practice these cornerstone behaviors with the support of teachers, parents and administrators. Failure to uphold the Code of Christian Conduct will result in appropriate and consistent consequences.
A safe, positive environment is a prerequisite to learning. The members of our SKDS community of learners have the right to a safe learning environment and have responsibility to help create that environment. Pope John Paul II proclaimed in his resolution that: “Community is at the heart of all Catholic education, not simply as a concept to be taught, but as a reality to be lived.”
We understand that each person is called to live and build community, hence, standards of behavior apply not only to students, but also to all individuals involved in our school system; parents or guardians, volunteers, and all parish school employees-whether they are on school property, on school buses or at any school-authorized event or activity.
Support for the Code of Christian Conduct is expected and parents and students are asked to acknowledge their commitment in writing on the Acknowledgement of Receipt and Review of Code of Christian Conduct form.

See Handbook for the entire Code of Christian Conduct.
 

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Absences/Truancy 

Absences

• A student who misses 5% of the day (21 minutes), either in the morning or afternoon, will be marked ½ day absent.
• Students need to be in attendance at school for a full day in order to participate in any social/extra-curricular events in the afternoon and evening, including athletics (games/practices), dances, or service events. This is to foster the attitude that school and associated responsibilities should be the number one priority.
• Absences may be considered either excused or unexcused, however, all absences are cumulative and are documented on the student’s permanent school record.
• Pre arranged absence forms are available on the website. There is a separate form for grade K-5 and another for grades 6-8.

Excused Absences

Excused absences require that parents notify the School Office by calling 920-885-5558 before 9:00AM to report the student absence and the reason. In addition, a note signed by the parent or doctor is to be presented when the child returns to school. Just sending a note does not automatically earn an excused absence.
Excused absences may include:
• Illness or injury.
• Family emergencies.
• Pre-approved high school shadowing for 8th graders only.
• Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours and the School is notified in advance.
• Extended absences of three (3) or more days due to illness or injury require medical documentation upon return to school in order to be considered as excused absences.
• In addition, patterns of routine absences for medical conditions require that the parent/guardian submit medical documentation in order to be considered as excused absences. Communication by the parents is essential in these matters and will be treated confidentially.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences may include:
• Absences in which proper notification or documentation

For the Prearranged Absence or Tardiness form, click one of these links:
Absent/Tardy Form Grades 6-8

Absent/Tardy Form Grades K-5

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences may include:
• Absences in which proper notification or documentation is not provided.
• Any unexcused absence is considered truant and may result in a mandatory meeting with the parents and principal and/or designee.
• Unexcused absences may result in serious consequences for the student, including:
-Becoming ineligible for academic recognitions/awards.
-Denial of field trip opportunities.
-Termination of enrollment.
Appointments
Parent/guardians are urged to leave their children in school all
 

Appointments

Parent/guardians are urged to leave their children in school all day. SKDS discourages the scheduling of dentist/doctor appointments during school hours.
• If a child needs to be dismissed early, s/he will bring a note to the school office stating the time and reason for dismissal.
20
• All students leaving school during the day MUST BE PICKED UP AND SIGNED OUT BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE.
• Parents/guardians are not permitted to go to the classroom, lunchroom or playground at any time during the school day to retrieve students.

Illness or Injury During School

Children who become ill or are injured at school must report to the Office.
• Parents/guardians will be contacted to pick up their child if the illness or injury is serious or continues to persist.
• Students MUST BE PICKED UP AND SIGNED OUT BY THE PARENT/GUARDIAN IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE before leaving the school premises.

Standardized Testing 

Absences, appointments, vacations are discouraged during the time frame designated for standardized testing.
 

Missed Work  


• Students shall be allowed one day for each day absent to complete work missed due to an excused absence, and shall be graded on the quality of the product produced. Parents/guardians may pick up assigned work for ill students in the school office at the end of the school day ONLY IF a request for work has been called in by 9:00AM. Please be certain that your child is well enough to do homework if it is requested. It is expected that all homework will at least be attempted if sent home per parent/guardian request. AND…if you request homework, it must be picked up. It is inconsiderate at best to expect teachers to gather homework only to have it remain in the office.
• Teachers are not expected nor required to provide assignments in advance of planned absences since lesson plans and classroom instruction are not static. Assignments and missed work are to be made up by the student regardless of being absent, tardy, or truant. Upon returning to school, the student must make specific arrangements with each teacher to complete the required work. Such assignments must be handed to the teacher(s) within the same numbers of days the student was absent. Those assignments not handed in by that time will be considered missing unless an extension has been agreed upon by the teacher(s), parent, and student.
• PLEASE NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student and parents to find out what was missed and to turn it in on time in the case of any absence.
 

Vacation/Pre Arranged Absences

Requests for vacation/prearranged absences must be registered in advance with the principal/designee. Teachers are not expected nor required to provide assignments in advance of planned absences since lesson plans and classroom instruction are not static. However, students and parents will be responsible for securing the work immediately upon return. Assignments and missed work are to be made up by the student regardless of the reason for the cause of missed work.
• The SKDS calendar is published and available on the first day of school indicating vacation times and other “off” days. Major “break” times are announced in Spring. It is important that families use these times for planning their vacations. Whenever the child is absent, s/he loses out on the instructional process.
• Pre arranged absence forms are available on the website. There is a separate form for grade K-5 and another for grades 6-8.

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Dress and Grooming 

DRESS CODE POLICY: Proper dress and respect for the body are important in setting the pattern for appropriate school and social conduct. At Saint Katharine Drexel School we have a dress code that reflects high standards traditionally associated with our school. These codes are designed to encourage modesty that accounts for neatness, cleanliness, safety, and an environment that is conducive to learning. A responsible approach to personal appearance demonstrates respect for ourselves and for our school community. Cooperation in adhering to the dress code promotes self-discipline on the part of the students. It is the parent/guardian responsibility to ensure that the dress code is followed so that class time is not taken for teachers to remind the students and enforce the codes.
STUDENTS WILL FOLLOW THE SKDS DRESS CODE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND CELEBRATIONS REPRESENTING SKDS.
ONLY ITEMS INCLUDED ON THE DRESS CODE DESCRIPTION/LISTING ARE ACCEPTABLE. ALL OTHER CLOTHING IS IN VIOLATION.
DRESS CODE VIOLATIONS:
If a student is wearing something that does not meet dress code criteria as DETERMINED BY THE TEACHER AND/OR PRINCIPAL as being either inappropriate, unsafe, distracting or in any manner in conflict with the Dress Code, he/she will inform the student of this and will provide notification to the student’s parent/guardian:
• FIRST VIOLATION of the Dress Code: The student will be given a chance to change into accepted clothing. If unable to change, the parent/guardian will be called to bring acceptable clothing.
• SECOND VIOLATION: A detention will be given and the parent/guardian will be called to bring acceptable clothing.
• ADDITIONAL VIOLATIONS: Additional violations are subject to suspension.
DRESS CODE APPROVED BY SCHOOL BOARD FEBRUARY 19, 2009.

SPECIAL DAYS/EVENTS/ACTIVITIES DRESS CODE: At times during the year, there are events and activities during which the student may not be required to wear the SKDS uniform. Some examples may include concerts, dances, field trips, holiday/sport events, etc. These occurrences will be announced from the school office. (At all other times unless specifically noted, students are required to be in uniform.) On these days/events/activities specific instructions as to the type of appropriate clothing items are sent home. These non-uniform occurrences may not pertain to all grade levels for any given day and/or event. However, the items must adhere to the following guidelines:
 TOPS:
 neckline no more than 2 finger widths from the collar bone
 sleeves no less than at the outside edge of the shoulder and no lower than 2 fingers below the armpit
 cannot be see-through
 must fully cover body in all body positions
 BOTTOMS:
 must be worn at the natural waistline
 can be no shorter than 2 inches above the kneecap
 cannot be skin tight
 GENERAL:
 must contain no wording or illustrations contrary to our mission
 must not promote or advertise any item or activity contrary to our mission
STUDENTS WILL FOLLOW THE SKDS DRESS CODE FOR ALL ACTIVITIES, EVENTS, AND CELEBRATIONS REPRESENTING SKDS.
 


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Curriculum

St. Katharine Drexel School Curriculum includes learning experiences designed to facilitate spiritual, intellectual, social, psychological, and psychomotor growth. Individual student needs, abilities, and interests are considered in shaping and implementing the curriculum, which will develop a student’s relationship with God, self, and world. Teachers, administrators, parents, and students are involved in developing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and revising the curriculum.
SKDS curriculum reflects the stated Catholic mission, vision, philosophy, and goals of our school.
1. SKDS curriculum takes account of the ideals, the realities, and the diversity of American culture as well as global awareness.
2. SKDS curriculum reflects the fundamental principles of growth and development and best practices implemented by schools. It recognizes and makes provisions for faith formation, diverse cultures, special needs, and learning styles.
3. SKDS continually evaluates and revises its curriculum. Annually, a different area is reviewed.
4. The SKDS curriculum provides for a wide range of instructional strategies and assessment methods in the building of faith community and the development of all curricular areas.
5. SKDS uses the exit expectation and alignment grids provided by the Office for Schools. SKDS staff has developed an on-going plan to align curriculum, instruction, and assessment in all content areas. Specific written curriculum includes philosophy, goals, grade level exit expectations, instructional strategies, and assessment methods which are aligned with state and national standards.
6. SKDS is required to and follows the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Grade Specific Religion Curriculum.
7. Technology is integrated into the SKDS curriculum. As a result teaching and learning are enhanced resulting in improved achievement.

 

            Publishers and Copyrights follow:

Subject Publisher Copyright

Religion

 

 
Family Life

Language
 

Reading


Science

 

 

Social Studies

 

Spelling

Music

 

Spanish


Health

Math

 
Technology

(Pre) Our Sunday Visitor
(K) RCL
(K-5) Sadlier
(6-8) Silver Burdette Ginn

(K-8) Benziger

(4-8) Houghton Mifflin
Write Source

(K-3) Harcourt Brace
(4-8) Trade Books

(K) Harcourt, McMillan/McGraw Hill (1 & 5) McMillan/McGraw Hill
(2 & 4) Harcourt
(3) Harcourt, Houghton Mifflin
(6-8) Prentice Hall

(K-5) Houghton Mifflin
(6-8) Glencoe

Primary (accompanies reading series)
Grades 4-8 (Rebecca Sitton)

(K-6) Silver Burdette
The above also use sheet music
and various music publications.

(1-8) University of Arizona

Glencoe/McGraw-Hill

(K-6) Houghton/Mifflin
(7) Glencoe Pre Algebra
(8) Glencoe Algebra

Interactive Smart Boards
4 purchased
2 purchased

2005
2005
2005
2005

2001

2001
2006

2008

 
2002
2002
2002
2002, 2003
2005

2005
2007

2006

 
2008
 


2008

2009


2004
2004
2004

2009
2010

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Report Cards and Incompletes

St. Katharine Drexel School uses the Archdiocesan Report Card which is a Standards Based report. Report cards are issued four (4) times during the year (one per quarter). All reports should be considered confidential. The student is given the report to hand-carry to parent/guardians. The signature sheet must be returned to the school with the parent/guardian’s signature after the first, second and third grading periods. The final fourth quarter report card is picked up at the Elementary School Office in June. The exact date is placed in the newsletter. Progress Reports are sent home at interim periods when there is a need to communicate an important educational matter to the child’s family.


Incompletes: Unfinished work resulting in an Incomplete on the report card must be completed within two weeks after the quarter ends unless there are extenuating circumstances which prevent a timely completion. Students who do not address this in a responsible manner will be required to stay after school at the convenience of the teacher. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, students can expect a reduction in the grade earned.

 

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Standardized Testing Program (5120.1) 

The Archdiocesan standardized testing program at the Elementary Level requires that:
a) Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), Riverside Publishing Co., is administered to students in grades 3, 5, and 7.
b) Cognitive Ability Test (CogAt), Riverside Publishing Co., is administered to students in grades 3, 5, and 7.
Testing on other levels is optional.
SKDS gives the survey (a shorter version) to grade 1 and the full complement of ITBS/CogAt to grades 2 through 8.
Tests are administered in Spring per Archdiocesan directive.
 

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Volunteer Requirements


Volunteer help from parent/guardians is a vital component for the successful operation of SKDS. Parent/guardians are welcome in school for a variety of support functions. They support the instructional program in many ways. A call to the school office or completion of an interest form volunteering for any of a variety of services is always appreciated. Noon hour lunchroom food servers, health screenings, library-media aides, computer aides, and classroom support helpers are some of the functions volunteers can provide. Volunteers work under the direction of the school staff. A Volunteer Handbook has been created for your convenience. If you do not receive one, please ask for a copy. All volunteers must fulfill the following requirements:
 Attend a SAFEGUARDING ALL GOD’S FAMILY In-Service (currently a one-time requirement)
o At this time, you need only take the in-service once.
o You must be present from beginning to end of the 3 hour session in order to receive credit.
o Do NOT bring children to the training
o The material presented is worthwhile. If it prevents even one child from being sexually abused, it is worth the 3 hours spent at the session.
 Read and Sign the Code of Ethics (This document is found at www.archmil.org)
 Undergo a Criminal Records Check (Required every 5 years.)
 Fill out a Volunteer Application (currently a one-time requirement)
 THESE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE FULFILLED BEFORE AN INDIVIDUAL MAY PROVIDE VOLUNTEER SERVICES.
Failure to fulfill these requirements will prevent you from volunteering. We value our volunteers but we are required to follow these guidelines which help ensure the safety and well-being of our students.
SAFEGUARDING ALL GOD’S FAMILY EDUCATION
REGISTRATION PROCESS1. Go to www.archmil.org
2. Scroll down to and click on Safeguarding All God’s Family (formerly VIRTUS).
3. Click on Upcoming Safe Environment Education Sessions. (You will then be at the Event Registration Page.)
4. Click on the event date and location you want.
5. Questions: call the school office at 885-5558; ask for Barb Haase. Or—call the Parish Center at 887-2082.

 

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Accreditation of Catholic Elementary Schools 

All elementary and secondary schools shall participate in an accreditation process. Elementary Schools shall be accredited by both the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA).
Schools shall be accredited through the Office for Schools and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA) upon demonstration that specific standards have been met. Both the Archdiocese of Milwaukee and WRISA accredit schools for a term of one year. The standards of the Office for Schools reflect the requirements for Catholic Schools as stated in the policies of the Wisconsin Catholic Conference of Bishops, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation.
The following process is followed:
• Every fall, by a date determined by the Office for Schools, all schools submit the annual report and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee personnel report for elementary schools to the Archdiocesan Office for Schools.
• Annual Reports are reviewed by a team selected by the Archdiocese. This review team makes recommendations to the Office for Schools and to the WRISA Executive Board. The Archdiocese of Milwaukee and WRISA make their independent determination of the term of accreditation.
• Schools follow a seven year cycle in the accreditation process. In year six of the process the school conducts an in-depth study and completes the Self-Study report. At the conclusion of the Self-Study process, the school completes a Long-Range plan which identifies specific ways schools will address full compliance with standards and a School Improvement Plan that outlines three key areas that the school will address to improve student learning.
• In year seven the school submits a copy of the Self-Study, Long-Range Plan and School Improvement Plan to the Office for Schools by September 15. A team selected by the Office for Schools will conduct a site visit to validate the findings of the Self-Study. A representative from the Office for Schools will conduct a review of school personnel files previous to the visit. The visit and file review will provide data and make recommendations for a term of accreditation to both the Archdiocese and WRISA.
• Schools in years five and six of the accreditation cycle are required to provide at least two teachers to serve as members of visiting teams at other schools.
• Following the visit, the Visiting Team Report will be reviewed by both the Archdiocese and the WRISA Executive Board to determine a term of accreditation. Since these are two separate accrediting bodies, terms may differ. Possible terms are:
1. Full accreditation
2. Accreditation with provision: School is given a short time period to address key issues that would make them eligible for full accreditation
3. Accreditation with provision and a revisit in one year: School demonstrates one more of the following areas:
• a need for additional support in addressing key issues that would make them eligible for full accreditation
• a need for additional support due to multiple changes in the school during recent years
• a need for additional support due to major viability and/or school improvement issues that the school needs to address
4. Denial of accreditation
• Terms of accreditation by the Archdiocese of Milwaukee will be granted during Catholic Schools Week annually. WRISA grants terms of accreditation for schools with site visits in fall of the year following the visit.
• Terms are published annually on the Archdiocesan website and/or other media.

 

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Students with Exceptional Educational Needs

Not all Catholic schools in the Archdiocese are able to offer Special Education Programs for children with Exceptional Educational Needs. Whenever a student seeks enrollment into the Catholic school, the school shall inquire as to whether the student has a history of or is presently eligible for a special education and related services available under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). (Policy 5111.2)
The admission, instruction, and retention of students with disabilities or special needs shall be determined on an individual basis by the administrator in consultation with the Learning Support Team. A student eligible for placement under IDEA should be enrolled in the Catholic school only if a program and resources are available to meet the student’s special needs.
Whenever the local plan for the identification and intervention of special needs students indicates that a child may have an Exceptional Educational Need, the child should be referred to the local public school to determine whether the child is eligible for services.
Our Mission Statement, Philosophy, and Goals state that at “SKDS we teach the whole child, Spiritually, Emotionally, Intellectually, Physically, Socially and Culturally". Therefore, our aim is to develop individual and appropriate responses to the needs of our students

SKDS has undertaken the following procedures:
• Teachers are knowledgeable with regard to Wisconsin Statutes addressing Children with Exceptional Educational Needs (115.76) and Children At Risk (118.153).
• Each teacher has received definitions and descriptions of and suggestions for working with students having Learning Disabilities (LD), Perceptual - Motor Skill Difficulties, Emotional/Behavioral Disability, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), etc.
• SKDS has various media covering regarding ADD and LD (also available to families).
• Teachers continue to develop individual strategies and activities to assist students.
• Volunteers are encouraged to assist teachers in working with individual students in tutoring, small group work or paper correcting.
• Teachers contact parents to discuss student school problems as necessary.
I. Student identification is accomplished via:
A. Daily observation by the homeroom teacher, subject/class teacher, and/or other school staff
B. Parent/guardian
C. Student him/herself
D. School counselor
E. School psychologist (Beaver Dam Unified School District)
F. Testing
II. Possible Indicators Include:
Academic Indicators
A. Constant test failure
B. Poor quality work
C. Disorganization
D. Repeated unfinished assignments
E. Lack of motivation
F. Little class participation
G. Below average/failing report card grades
H. Negative progress reports
I. Consistent exemplary work in one or more subject areas
Life and Family Change Indicators
A. Recent divorce/separation
B. Death/illness
C. Loss of job
D. Substance abuse
E. Domestic violence/abuse
F. Incarceration of a parent
G. Recent move
Behavioral Indicators
A. Negative attitude
B. Inability to work with other students
C. Shunned by peers/poor social skills
D. Incessant talking
E. Anger
F. High office referrals
G. Boredom
H. Withdrawal/depression
I. Mood swings
J. Extreme fatigue
K. Anxiety
L. Constant attention getting behavior
M. Sudden change in appetite
N. Constant lack of focus
O. Change in daily interest
P. Excessive absences
III. Procedures for Help Include the Following:
A. Student is identified by one or several of the above (refer to Roman Numeral I) who request a meeting asking for assistance on behalf of the student (see handbook for forms).
B. The person initiating the request for assistance will be expected to bring to the meeting, pertinent information such as examples of student work and/or anecdotes of behavior.
C. HOMEROOM TEACHER IS THE TEAM LEADER. S/he:
• Takes the lead in initiating and writing a plan for the student
• Communicates with the family and school faculty, and
• Coordinates plan details to ensure the plan is implemented throughout the student’s day.
D. Campus Administrative Assistant, Supportive Consultant and/or Principal enter into conference with student's teachers (TEAM).
E. Fill out a Student At Risk Intervention Checklist
F. Action Plan Possibilities include
1. Student's assignment notebook is carefully monitored by homeroom teacher
2. Student may be assigned to Learning Zone (LZ) for additional help.
3. Study buddies may be used.
4. A behavior modification plan may be put into place.
5. Alternative methods of teaching, testing, and classroom discipline may be used.
6. Student may be assigned to a volunteer for additional help.
7. Assignments may be modified and/or report card may be altered
8. Testing may be recommended to determine if a learning disability or other factors are hindering learning.
9. Tutoring may be recommended.
10. Independent study may be recommended.
11. Student may be assigned to work with Reading Resource Teacher.
G. Parental notification regarding plan, intervention, and progress is handled by the Homeroom Teacher.
H. Follow-up evaluation will occur after a predetermined period of time
I. The following services are also available through the Beaver Dam Public Schools:
1. Title I
2. Learning Disabilities: Diagnosis and assistance
3. Speech Handicaps: Diagnosis and assistance
4. Auditory Handicaps: Diagnosis
J. A School Counselor is provided at SKDS
IV. Desired Goals Consist of:
A. Increased motivation
B. Increased interest in learning
C. Improved academic skills
D. Improved study skills
E. Improved social skills
F. Increased self esteem
G. Acquired/Learned coping strategies
H. The student is empowered to take personal responsibility for organization, learning, and time management.
I. Exemplary students are effectively challenged
J. Students become self-guided in their learning
K. Students develop an intrinsic desire for lifelong learning.
* The Learning Zone helps students with Exceptional Educational Needs.
The faculty at SKDS realizes timely attention and action is imperative. Every effort will be made to identify students with exceptional needs and put an action plan in place as quickly as possible with input from all pertinent parties including teachers, parents, tutors, and the affected student. Serious concerns may require immediate attention.
However, when the needs of an individual student with suspected exceptional educational needs (EEN) or identified EEN cannot be appropriately addressed by our school staff, the student is referred to the local public school for an EEN evaluation and placement if appropriate. (5111.2)


 

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503 South Spring Street  ·   Beaver Dam, Wisconsin  ·   Phone: (920) 885-5558  ·   Fax: (920) 885-7610
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