INTRODUCTION

 

Mission Statement

St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School Sunset Mission is to create a Catholic faith community that provides excellence in education and instills a commitment to service.

 

Summer Sunset Goal

The goal of Summer Sunset is to provide a caring, safe, quality summer program for school-aged children.

 

 

Important Phone Numbers

1. School office     320-251-2376

2. Fax                     320-529-3222

3.  Sunset Phone    320-529-3227

 

Administration

Pastors:     Fr. Tony Oelrich

                 Fr. Aaron Kuhn

Principal:  Ms. Patricia Lindeman, Ed.S.

Sunset Director:  Mrs. Nancy Kalscheuer

                       

                                       

School Board

St. Augustine-St. Mary’s Cathedral School Advisory Committee exists to form policies specifically for St. Augustine- St. Mary’s School.  The committee consists of seven elected members, the Pastors and the Principal.  These are open meetings.  Appointment of members is held during the first quarter of the calendar year.

 

Enrollment

Children in Grades K-6 who attend St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School or Church have first priority for participation

 

PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS

 

Hours

Summer Sunset will operate Monday – Friday, during the hours of 7:30a.m.5:30p.m.  A calendar outlining the summer schedule is provided to each family.  After 5:30p.m., the answering

machine/voice mail is available for any messages. Someone will contact you as

soon as possible.

 

Parents of children not picked up by 5:30 will be charged and additional $1.00 per minute that they are late.  The director or designate will be the final authority on the pick-up time.  The student(s) pick-up time will be documented by the director or designate.

 

Fees

Summer Sunset fee structure will be as follows:

$10.00 Non-refundable registration fee per family will be due with registration form.

$20.00 per day for each child per full day

$10.00 per child per half day

 

A full day is counted when a child is in attendance for five (5) hours or more.  Therefore, any attendance for less than five (5) hours will be considered a half day.

 

Payment Schedule

Weekly payments must be made each Friday upon pick-up.  The Sunset Director will provide an accurate total for each week. Statements will be sent out periodically through the summer to show you an accounting of your hours used and amounts paid.  The Sunset Director reserves the right to suspend sunset services if accounts are not kept current. 

 

 

Sunset Procedures

 

PARENTAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Parents/ guardians are informed of the programs, regulations, and policies of the school.

In assisting your child, we require the following:

 

1.        Familiarity with information contained  in handbooks and other newsletters from the 

Sunset program.

 

2.        Inform Sunset when:

 

  1. student illness or absence
  2. change in medical status (medication due to health reasons)
  3. parental status and custodial constraints
  4. change in transportation routine
  5. change in address, phone, emergency contact, childcare etc.
  6. arrangements that might affect communication with Sunset

 

3.        Meet financial obligation of accounts that apply.

 

4.     Support and help the fundraising efforts, which include the flower sale.

 

5.     Help the oldest child to be responsible in bringing home Sunset communications and returning any

        necessary communications to Sunset promptly the next scheduled day  of attendance.  Please be sure  to read all communications sent home.

 

6.     Provide constructive comments to Sunset staff.

  

 

As a Sunset parent, you are encouraged to offer comments and suggestions to help us continue improving our program.  If you have a concern, contact the person closest to the concern, (ie. Sunset staff or Principal.) A solution can usually be found through a conference or a phone call. If you prefer to express your concern in a letter, direct it to the person closest to the concern.  If the situation is not resolved, the parent should seek help at the next level, (ie. Sunset staff with Principal, Principal with School Advisory Committee.)  The final step for resolution within the program is a request by the parent for a closed hearing with the Principal and the School Advisory Committee.

 

 

7.   Meet admissions regulations.  This includes submitting the following completed forms:

 

  1. Registration Form
  2. Student Health and Emergency Authorization Form
  3. Registration Fee

 

 

8.   Comply with:

 

a.        policies and regulations

b.       goals and objectives of the Sunset program as identified in this parent/student

handbook

 

9.   No student may leave the premises at any time for any reason without a written request

      from the custodial parent/guardian and approval of the Director.

 

 

ATTENDANCE 

It is St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School and Sunset policy that:

 

1.        Parent/guardian will call Sunset each morning of a student’s unexpected absence by 8:30a.m.

 

 

ARRIVAL/DISMISSAL PROCEDURES

When dropping children off Parents/guardians must come in and sign your child/children in and inform Sunset staff that your child/children have arrived.  Additionally, when picking your child/children up, please sign your child/children out and inform a Sunset staff member that you are leaving.

 

Visitors

All parents/guardians or visitors are welcome to come on field trips when available.

 

Telephone Usage

A child may not call home to make arrangements to go home with a friend, to have a parent/

guardian bring forgotten items. Cell phones are prohibited.

 

Valuables

Sunset is not responsible for the loss of personal possessions; therefore students are to

responsible for their own belongings.

 

Money

When money is sent to Sunset, it should be placed in an envelope and labeled with the

student’s name and the purpose of the money.

 

Lost and Found

Lost items will be kept in the lost and found area of the Sunset. Encourage students to check for                     

lost items in the lost and found area when something is missing.  Unclaimed items will be donated to local charities at the end of the summer.

 

Sunset Handbook

The Sunset handbook is issued upon admission to the program.  A sign off sheet needs to be returned.

 

Communication Procedure

To help with the lines of communication between Sunset staff and parents/guardians the following

actions should be taken:

 

A.      If the parent/guardian has a concern about what is happening in the program, please

make an appointment with the Director.

 

B.       If you have met with the Director and are not satisfied, then make an appointment with

the principal. At that time, a meeting with the Director, student, Principal, and parents/

guardians may be called.

 

C.       If you are still not satisfied with the results of the meeting with the principal, then

make an appointment with the Pastor.

 

D.      If still not satisfied, a statement may be filed with the School Advisory Committee,

who will decide whether to pursue the concern.

 

 

Services

Lunch and Milk Program

Students are to bring their lunch.  Lunches must be peanut free.  This includes items that contain peanut oil or are manufactured on assembly lines which also manufacture peanut products.  Please be sure to read the labels.  We have refrigerators and a microwave for use.   Table manners and other lunch room conduct is discussed as a regular part of respecting others and health studies.

 

Sunset Pictures

Individual and group pictures are taken often throughout the summer. If you do not wish for your child/children to be in photos, please let Sunset staff know, ask for and sign the waiver.

 

Field Trips

Field trips are part of the Sunset program. These trips are designed to support the

curriculum and introduce the students to community resources. Students are expected

to participate in field trips and parent/guardians will be notified.

 

Insurance regulations of Catholic Mutual require the use of the parent/guardian authorization

form each time the students participate in a field trip. Failure to return the form means that

the student may not go on the field trip and must stay at Sunset. Phone calls to or from

parent/guardian do not fulfill authorization requirements for participation. Whenever possible,

field trip participants travel by bus. Should it be necessary to use transportation provided by

parents in private vehicles, parent/guardian will be notified. All private vehicles used to transport

students must have documented current registration and proof of insurance.

 

All student-sponsored field trips should have an educational purpose and outcome.

 

 

GENERAL PLAYGROUND RULES

Children may not come in without supervisor’s permission (a pass is needed).

1.   The following activities are not allowed:

a.        Throwing of rocks, baseballs or snow.

b.       Spitting or fighting of any kind.

c.        Sliding on the ice.

d.       Pushing or “King on the Hill” on snow hills.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

e.        Playing in mud and water puddles.

f.         Throwing balls at each other or at the wall.

g.       Using jump ropes for purposes other than jumping rope.

h.       Teasing, taunting and name-calling.

2.        Obey the playground supervisors at all times.

3.        First whistle-line up.

4.        Second whistle-quiet and go into building.

 

CONSEQUENCES

(Will be assigned depending upon severity of violation and at the discretion of the supervisor)

1.    First Violation-Time out and warning. Behavior Improvement form filled

           out. (Copy sent home to parents.)

2.    Second Violation-Stay in during recess time (1 day) from the playground. Parent notified.

3.    Third Violation-Stay in during recess (2 days) from the playground. Parent notified.

4.    Fourth Violation-In school suspension or recess revoked indefinitely (Principal’s discretion). Parent  

                                   notified.

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT RULES

For safety reasons, behavior that endangers the student himself or other student is not allowed.  Some examples are:

1.        Climbing on top of slides or jumping off.

2.        Crawling up the slides.

3.        Standing in front of the slide tunnel and looking up.

4.        Chicken fighting on any bars.

5.        Sitting on top of any equipment.

6.        More than one person on slide rails at a time.

7.        Pushing anyone on slide rail or bars.

8.        Running through slide rail area.

9.        Playing tag in woodchip area.

10.     Rocking anyone off the Swing Bridge or hanging on Swing Bridge bars.

11.     Jumping from the top of any equipment.

12.     Throwing of rocks, snow or other projectiles which could cause injury.

 

STUDENT CONDUCT

In order to maintain a Catholic learning environment, it is necessary to have a discipline policy which provides a safe and secure setting for students, faculty, and administration. Students are given clear and specific expectations as they are led toward becoming self-disciplined individuals. Students are responsible

and accountable for the consequences of their behavior.

 

 

 

Infractions

Minor Misconduct

Your Sunset staff will establish guidelines for Sunset behavior.  The Sunset staff will manage minor misconduct or infractions.  Discipline for minor misconduct may include verbal warning, written warning, and detention.  Samples of minor misconduct include but are not limited to:

 

  1. Running in halls
  2. Excessive volume inside (screaming, yelling, shouting)
  3. Gum/Candy during class
  4. Degrading Remarks (Verbal/Written)

Repeated occurrences may result in suspension or expulsion.

 

Major Misconduct

Student conduct, which in the opinion of the Sunset program constitutes major misconduct, will result in removal from Sunset, suspension, or expulsion.  Major misconduct includes but is not limited to the following:

 

  1. Theft (includes cheating)
  2. Property destruction or vandalism
  3. Leaving Sunset grounds without permission or a pass
  4. Fighting
  5. Inappropriate language or profane language
  6. Any willful conduct which violates or may violate any rule of conduct or Sunset policy.
  7. Any willful conduct which endangers or has the potential to endanger the student or other students, faculty, administration, or the property of Sunset program. (Rough play, tackling, throwing snow, rocks, sticks, wood chips, etc… .)
  8. Other conduct or behavior on the part of the student which, in the opinion of the Sunset staff, adversely affects the desirability of continued enrollment.

Repeated occurrences may result in suspension, or expulsion.

               

Removal from Sunset

Removal from Sunset is any action taken by a Sunset staff member or administrator to prohibit a student from attending his/her Sunset period for a period of not more than one day.

 

Out of Sunset Suspension:

Out-of-Sunset suspension is an action taken by Sunset to prohibit a student from attending Sunset for a period of not more than 10 days. The student will not be allowed to return to Sunset until the student and the parents or guardian have had a conference with the Principal and Sunset Director.

 

Sunset Suspension Process:

1.        A formal conference with student and parents/guardians will be held to inform those present about the violation. The conference will not be held if it appears to the Sunset staff that pupil will create an immediate and substantial danger to himself, other persons, or property.

2.        Prepare written notice of suspension which outlines grounds for suspension and period of

suspension.

 

 

Expulsion

Expulsion means action taken by the Sunset staff to prohibit an enrolled pupil from further attendance at the program.

 

Sunset Expulsion Process:

The Director retains the right to expel a student when the Director deems that continued enrollment is undesirable.  Refer to the section entitled “major infractions” for examples of cause.

 

An exit interview will be scheduled with the parents/guardians when the student is expelled.  A written notice of expulsion will be provided.

 

 

Discipline Policies

Smoking/Tobacco/Alcohol/ Drug Abuse

The use of tobacco in any form by Sunset students during Sunset hours, on the property while riding on the bus, or while attending any Sunset sponsored function will result in confiscation of the tobacco product and disciplinary action by the Sunset Director.

 

If any student attending Sunset is found:

1.        Buying, selling, or giving away mood altering, chemicals or tobacco products

2.        Under the influence of mood altering chemicals or tobacco products

3.        In possession of mood altering chemicals or tobacco while on the property or attending any Sunset sponsored event, this same student will face immediate suspension by the Director.

 

The principal, in such an instance, will:

                    1.    Confiscate the product. 

               2.    Immediately notify the parents/guardians of their child’s suspension.

                    3.    Keep the student under suspension until he/she is released to his her parent/guardian.

             4.    Schedule a conference time with parents/guardians and student to discuss the incident.

               5.    Refer the parents/ guardians and student to an appropriate counseling agency for evaluation.

 

Harassment – What is it?

Harassment is uninvited and unwelcomed behavior which interferes with a student’s right to participate in Sunset activities. Words and conduct that offend, stigmatize, or demean a student is harassment.

 

Verbal, Physical, and Sexual

This type of harassment is behavior that interferes with an individual’s working/learning performance

or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive learning/working environment. These include:

1.        Unwelcome verbal, physical, or sexual advances.

2.        Unwanted requests of the victim.

3.        Unwanted verbal comments of a sexual nature.

4.        Unwanted verbal, physical, or sexual conduct on the part of the person harassing.

 

What to do if harassed:

1.        Students should tell the harasser what their feelings are and ask the harasser to stop. This

can also be done in written form. If this is too difficult to be done, the student should seek

help from a Sunset staff person, parent, friend, and/or school principal.

2.        If the behavior is repeated or is a major offense, report it to the Sunset Director or principal.

Reporting sexual or other harassment will not affect grades or assignments. Both the reporter and the accused have the right to confidentiality.

3.    After an investigation that results in a determination that there has been a violation of the

harassment policy, the harasser will be subject to the discipline code, which may include   suspension, expulsion and/or police involvement. An adult will be subject to legal charge.

 

Search and Seizure

The Sunset Director or designate has the right to search backpacks and other articles of personal property as long as the student is on the property. There will always be two officials conducting any search.

 

  1. The student will be asked to open the backpack.  If refusal...
  2. The student will be asked if the adult can open the backpack.  If refusal…
  3. The official will open the backpack with a witness present.

 

Any confiscated item(s) will not be returned to the student(s) or parent(s).  Items are to be kept by the administration as evidence.

 

Weapons/ explosives/ dangerous items

Students and non-students, including adults, and visiting youth, are forbidden to possess, store, transmit,

or use any instrument that is considered a weapon or a look-a-like weapon in school, on school grounds, at school activities, at bus stops, on school buses or school vehicles or school contracted vehicles, or

entering upon or departing from school premises, property or events. Students who violate this

policy will be subject to expulsion.

 

 

 

 

Sunset takes the position of zero tolerance on real and look-like weapons, including,

but not limited to:

 

1.        All firearms (whether loaded or not), firearm muffler, or firearm silencer.

2.        Other guns of all types including pellet, starter, water pistols, cap guns, or B-B.

3.        Switch blades, automatically opening knives, or any type of knife.

4.        Explosives, including firecrackers or live ammunition.

5.        Any destructive devices.

 

Any student in possession of a weapon will result in the following:

 

1.        Immediate confiscation of the weapon by school personnel

2.        Notification of student’s parents/guardians

3.        Student expulsion

4.        Possible notification of police or proper authority

 

Positive Reinforcement Rewards

It is important to have vehicles in place, which promote and celebrate good behavior and student

behavior and student success. Positive reinforcement for appropriate behavior and success may include but is not limited to the following: award certificates, stickers, etc…

 

 

Medication

Sunset staff are not allowed to administer any over the-counter medication, including aspirin, Tylenol, cough drops, etc… to any student, for any reason.

 

If a student is taking prescription medication, the medication must be in the original container from the pharmacy with specific information regarding dosage and times given. 

 

If your student is allergic to bee stings, we need to have an epipen here should the need ever arise.

 

 

Illness/Injury During Sunset

When a student is ill, the student must be clear of vomiting and diarrhea for 24 hrs. before returning to sunset.  Additionally, students must have a  98.6 temperature for 24 hrs. prior to returning to Sunset.

 

The Sunset staff dismisses or approves the dismissal of a student who becomes ill or injured during the Sunset day. Parents/guardians are notified when the illness or injury is reported. If they are unable to come for the student, they must make arrangements for a relative or other authorized person to pick-up the student at Sunset. No student will be sent home due to illness if no one is at home to be with the student.  In the case of a severe injury, emergency personnel will be called.

 

Reporting of Child Abuse/Neglect

The staff members of Sunset are legally required to follow the requirements of the Minnesota

Law pertaining to reporting child neglect and/or which may be summarized as follows:

 

Staff members are required by law to report a suspected case of child abuse/neglect to

              the local law enforcement agency or social service agency. This must be done if they

              know of or have reason to believe there is abuse or neglect presently or has been within

              past three years. A written report must be filed within 72 hours of the verbal report.

            *Again, all staff members are mandated reporters. This is not an option.

 

Neglect

Neglect is defined as failure to provide food, clothing, shelter or medical care and prenatal exposure

to controlled substance;

 

Abuse

Abuse can be physical or sexual abuse, or emotional maltreatment

 

General Admission 

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

It is the policy of St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral Sunset Program to comply with state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination, to the end that no person(s) shall be denied or excluded from enrollment or participation in any educational program or activity operated by the school on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, martial status, status with regard to public assistance, or disability.

 

Students are accepted in the following priority:

               

DRESS CODE

Sunset has established appropriate dress codes and policies.  Approved changes and additions will be communicated in a Sunset newsletter.

               

To aid in promoting a learning atmosphere in our program, and to help children realize that there are certain types of dress acceptable for certain types of occasions, we ask parents to cooperate by insisting that children wear proper clothes.  It is expected that children come to Sunset clean and well groomed.  According to State Law, shoes must be worn at all times.  Tennis shoes are to be worn daily while in the gym.  Shoes containing wheels must have the wheels removed during Sunset hours.

 

The following clothing may not be worn to Sunset: shirts with inappropriate writing or graphics, wide pants, pocket chains, clogs, halters, long dangling earrings, make up, etc.

 

 

GrievancePolicy S519.10

 

***Student discipline is not covered by this policy.  Student discipline includes suspension/expulsion.

 

Any parent of a child at Sunset is encouraged to offer suggestions and input to assist the school in carrying out its mission.  A solution can usually be found by contacting the person closest to the concern.

 

Policy:  If a matter cannot be resolved at the above level, the parent may file a formal complaint by:

 

A.            Stating the concern in writing to the Sunset Director or Principal of the school. The complaint will be logged in an Incident Report. A response will be made within (10) days after the receipt of the complaint.  *

B.            If a dispute has not been settled satisfactorily at this level, the parent has the right to appeal in writing to the School Advisory Committee.

C.            At the next regularly scheduled School Advisory Committee meeting, the School Advisory Committee, Pastor and Principal will hear the grievance in executive session with the parent. The decision of the School Advisory Committee is final. 

 

*The term “days” shall mean days other than Saturdays Sundays,   religious and legal holidays.

Policy Adopted:  April, 1996  St. Augustine School Board

Amended: April 20th, 1998     St. Cloud, MN

 

FEES

In addition to tuition, some programs/activities require an additional participation fee. These

programs may include but are not limited to: activity fee and field trips.

 

Federal Programs include:

State Income Tax Deductions – Taxpayers who itemize deductions may claim deductions for childcare. This amount may vary from year to year. Please refer to your state Income Tax Manual’s directions.

 

Updating Policies

The Director in collaboration with the Principal has the right to change policy at any time without giving notice.

 

 

 

 

AGREEMENT TO BE GOVERNED BY HANDBOOK POLICIES

After reading the Sunset Handbook please sign below and return this form to the school office by May 23rd, 2008. Thank You.

 

We have received and read the Sunset Handbook and agree to be governed by the policies contained herein.

 

 

----------------------------------------------------  Date --------------------------------------------

Student Signature

 

 

__________________________________ Date ______________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Sunset

2008-09 Consent to Treat/Field Trip Permission/

Insurance Information/Emergency Contact

Student Name: _________________________________  Date of Birth:_______________

 

Consent to Treat:  The law requires that parent/guardian permission be obtained for procedures on minors and for release of information for insurance purposes.  A situation may arise in which emergency treatment, hospitalization or immunizations are necessary.  St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School staff will make every attempt to communicate with you, if possible, and will use this authority only with the expressed request of a qualified licensed physician, nurse or medical personnel.  No major operation will be performed, except in an emergency, without parent/guardian being contacted and fully informed. 

 

In the event of a medical, surgical or immunization need for the above named St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School student, I/we hereby authorize the performance upon said student of such medical, surgical or immunization procedures and release of information as may be prescribed by the school nurse or physician licensed to practice medicine and surgery.  I authorize the release of any medical/pharmacy information necessary to process a claim for payment. 

 

 

Parent/Guardian Signature                                                            Date: 

 

Field Trip and Off-Campus Activities Permission Form:  I/we, give our permission for the above named student to participate in activities, field trips, sports, or other school-related activities which take place off St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School premises.  In consideration of this permission granted to my child to participate in previously mentioned activities, I release and hold harmless the school, its agents, employees, and officers, from any and all actions or causes of action of any nature for personal injury or property damage of any kind arising in any way from my child’s participation. I further acknowledge that this release is binding upon my heirs, successors or assigns, that I have read the foregoing and understand its significance, and that I have executed this document voluntarily.

 

Furthermore, I/we agree that if the above named student’s behavior is inappropriate, unsafe and/or detrimental to the group, I will be contacted immediately to secure means of removing my child/ward from the event premises.  I understand that any financial costs incurred as a result of my child/ward being sent home are my responsibility.  

 

 

Signature of Parent/Guardian                                                         Date

 

Insurance Data:  My son/daughter/ward is covered for medical, hospitalization and/or accident insurance under the following policy.  I understand that this information will be used in the event of sickness, accident, or hospitalization.  I authorize the release of any medical/pharmacy information necessary to process a claim for payment.  Please attach a copy of the primary insurance card. 

 

Policy Holder’s Name:  ________________________________________________________________

Insurance Company Name:  _____________________________________________________________

Insurance Company Address____________________________________________________________

Policy #:  ____________  Group #: _______________  Insurance Company Phone #:  _______________

 

Students:  St. Augustine and St. Mary’s Cathedral School requires all enrolled students to have insurance coverage. 

 

 

*  Go to back side for Emergency Contact Information *

 

 

Student Name: ________________________________________________   Date:  ___________

 

Parent/Guardian and Emergency Contact Information:

 

Student lives with: (    )Both parents  (    )Father   (    )Mother   (    )Other_________________________________

 

 

 

Father’s/Guardian’s Name:

 

Daytime Phone Number

Evening Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

 

 

Mother’s/Guardian’s Name:

 

Daytime Phone Number

Evening Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

 

 

 

 

Non-Custodial Emergency Contact:

In case of an accident or illness and school personnel are unable to contact parent/guardians, contact: 

 

Name:

 

 

Daytime Phone Number

Evening Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Name:

 

 

Daytime Phone Number

Evening Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

**Please inform your contacts that you are using their name for this purpose! **

 

 

 

These next questions may have been requested on another form, but in case of an emergency, we will refer to this form first.  The following responses would be helpful in the case a student needs emergency medical care:

 

Date of Student’s Last Tetanus Immunization:  __________________________________

 

Allergies:  _________________________________________________________________________________

 

Medications regularly taken: ___________________________________________________________________