St. Clare Middle School

 

Handbook

2007-2008

 

 

 

Go SC Dragons!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Faculty & Staff – pg. 2

 

 

Marie Acurso                        K-8 Art

 

Judy Sherbo                          K-8 Music

 

Mary Ellen Harmeyer             6 & 7 Literature, 6-8 Lang. Arts, 7 Religion

 

Cathy Kollars                        6-8 Social Studies, 8 Literature, 6 & 8 Religion

 

Chelsea McQuade                 6-8 Mathematics, 6-8 Science

 

Kathy Kreitzberg                   6-8 Mathematics

 

Lynn Napoli                          K-8 Library

 

Melissa Cree                         K-8 Physical Education, 6-8 Health

 

 

Communication With Teachers

503-244-7600

Sixth Grade       Chelsea McQuade           Ext. 238        chelsea.mcquade@gmail.com

Seventh Grade   Mary Ellen Harmeyer       Ext. 236        meh_stclare@yahoo.com

Eighth Grade      Cathy Kollars                  Ext. 237        cakollars@yahoo.com

M.S. Math         Kathy Kreitzberg             Ext. 224        krkreitzberg@yahoo.com

Art                    Marie Acurso                  Ext. 226        macurso@ hotmail.com    

Library              Lynn Napoli                    Ext. 227        lmnapoli@hotmail.com

Music                Judy Sherbo                    Ext. 241        judysherbo@yahoo.com

 

ST.CLARE

MISSION STATEMENT – pg. 3

 

St. Clare is a Catholic, parish-school community, rooted in gospel values and

dedicated to the spiritual and educational development of the whole child.

 

 

PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

 

To teach as Jesus taught is the foundation on which the

Catholic identity of St. Clare School is based.

 

·        We strive to be a community of faith, love, and respect for creation, others and self, where our children learn about God by what is taught and by example.

 

·        We nurture our children’s relationship with God through opportunities for liturgy, prayer, celebration, and the expression of Gospel values through community service.

 

·        We collaborate with parents, the primary educators of our children, to ensure that thoroughness of instruction and respect for each child encourages the spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional development of the child.

 

·        We challenge our children to use their abilities to achieve academic excellence, and to be life-long learners, and to embrace their future with hope.

 

 

WELCOME TO MIDDLE SCHOOL!

 

 

Welcome to St. Clare’s Middle school.  Our Middle School includes the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.  Our administrative and teaching staff has formulated the Middle School curriculum and policies after a thorough study of our elementary program, as well as consultation with surrounding public and Catholic middle and high schools.  We have used this information to create a program that will prepare St. Clare graduates to successfully transition into the high school of their choice.

 

 

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT – pg. 4

 

As teachers and parents work together, our goal is to have each student reach his/her full potential academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Students are encouraged at all times to assume responsibility for their own actions and for tasks given to them.  A St. Clare middle school student becomes more independent of teacher assistance, but still requires limited guidance in developing study skills, monitoring homework assignments, and generally adjusting to middle school life.  Communication between home and school is essential in supporting the full development of our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. The most obvious characteristic of our middle school program is moving away from a self-contained classroom.  Students travel to teachers who teach in his/her area(s) of expertise.  Certain privileges are extended, such as lockers, khaki pants/shorts, 8th grade designed sweatshirt, leaders of Family Groups, actors in Stations of the Cross, leaders of Student Council and PEP Assemblies, etc.  Middle School students experience more relaxed transition from class to class, but always with respect for the safety of others and the learning environment.  The following best describes the ideals toward which a St. Clare Middle School student strives to attain:

 

·        Models Christ-like attitudes and behaviors

·        Demonstrates respect for principal, all teachers, school support staff, fellow students and self

·        Accepts new privileges and the additional responsibilities that come with them

·        Shows concern for others in their class, community, and world

·        Demonstrates appropriate self-control in classroom and unstructured school situations

·        Appreciates and acknowledges the positive qualities of each other, our school, and our world

·        Allowed to make mistakes, and able to learn from mistakes

·        Sets goals and to work toward achieving them

·        Follows rules/guidelines that support the Christian environment

·        Models a cooperative spirit within the school community

 

 

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER

 

St. Clare Middle school promotes a “team” approach among its teachers.  All staff members have professional expertise in the subject areas they are assigned to teach; additionally, each teacher shares a commitment to work together cohesively as a part of an interdisciplinary planning and teaching team.  This sense of togetherness among teachers along with the curriculum helps to ensure that students will understand the interconnectedness of the subjects they study.  In this way we are able to give a thorough and vital response to the emerging intellectual abilities and interests of young adolescents.  The following best describes the ideals toward which a Middle School teacher strives to attain:

 

·        Models Christ-like attitudes and behaviors

·        Establishes a positive relationship with the students and their parents

·        Provides meaningful, appropriate, curriculum-driven lessons

·        Disciplines with compassion, consistency, and fairness

·        Provides timely feedback to students, and reports progress in writing to parents and students twice per quarter

·        Notifies students of missing, late, and/or absent work weekly and notifies parents directly for more serious cases

·        Responds to spiritual, academic, and developmental needs of her/his students

·        Shows concern for issues of justice in the school/parish community, the nation, and the world

·        Appreciates and acknowledges the positive qualities of each student, our school, and the world

·        Able to (and allowed to) learn from mistakes

 

 

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT – pg. 5

 

The Middle School parent is supported by the teaching staff in helping to nurture his/her son or daughter toward the goals listed above.  Middle School parents recognize developmentally common traits that characterize this age group, and work with the teaching staff to encourage students to focus on achievement, rather than grades.  Parents communicate with teachers when there are questions about homework, student authored “school stories,” appropriateness of discipline procedures, to name a few.  In other words, teachers and parents give each other the benefit of the doubt and withhold judgement until they are able to communicate concerns to each other in a respectful manner.  Parents are called upon to help with various school-related events, and to extend help when teachers are in need of assistance.  The following best describes the ideals toward which a Middle School parent strives to attain:

 

·        Models Christ-like attitudes and behaviors

·        Respects the teacher

·        Respects and trusts the principal, the support staff, and other students

·        Talks with teachers to check out concerns/questions before drawing conclusions

·        Is open to all possibilities of an issue and differing viewpoints

·        Selectively picks issues that need to be discussed

·        Supports school discipline policies

·        Positively contributes to the school climate and overall program

 

 

 

SCHOOL-WIDE STUDENT LEARNING EXPECTATIONS – pg. 6

 

 

SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

Revised, 9/06

 

 

A FAITH-FILLED PERSON who….

  • participates in liturgies and prayer experiences, celebrating and living our faith in community
  • demonstrates knowledge of scripture, sacraments, prayer, and liturgy in the Catholic tradition
  • respects and appreciates nature, culture, and other people as part of God’s creation
  • models Christian behavior through sound moral judgment and community service outreach
  • acts as a peacemaker and respects self and others

 

 

AN EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATOR who

  • communicates clearly through oral, visual, written, and technological assignments
  • communicates, listens, and shows respect in personal interactions
  • recognizes the effect of non-verbal communications

 

 

A RESPONSIBLE CITIZEN who

  • lives out the values and teachings of Jesus
  • strives to be honest, helpful, kind, and forgiving
  • accepts responsibility for one’s own actions
  • is aware of issues and respects diversity in the community, nation, and world
  • works to alleviate injustice through service to others

 

 

A LIFE-LONG LEARNER who

  • demonstrates a desire to consistently grow spiritually, physically, emotionally, and academically
  • exhibits knowledge and appreciation of all subject areas
  • works independently and collaboratively to achieve short and long-term goals
  • uses self-reflection to learn from one’s successes and mistakes
  • applies an assortment of problem-solving strategies and critical thinking skills in daily life

 

SCHOOL-WIDE LEARNING EXPECTATIONS

(Child Friendly)

Revised 11/06/06 by

8th Grade Family Group Leaders

 

A PERSON WHO LOVES GOD who….

  • Sings and participates at mass and cares about our community.
  • Knows about God and the bible.
  • Respects nature and differences in other people.
  • Tries to act as Jesus taught us.
  • Is a peacemaker.

 

 

IS A GOOD SPEAKER AND LISTENER who….

  • Can express themselves in a variety of ways.
  • Can communicate through written work, computer projects, and speaking in front of the class.

 

 

IS A RESPECTFUL PERSON THAT FOLLOWS THE GOLDEN RULE who....

  • Acts like Jesus wants us to.
  • Tries their best to tell the truth, help and forgive others, and be kind.
  • Is responsible for their own actions.
  • Doesn’t exclude others.
  • Participates in service projects by helping other people.

 

 

A PERSON THAT ENJOYS LEARNING who….

  • Wants to learn about God and works hard in all classes.
  • Takes care of themselves.
  • Can work alone and in groups.
  • Can learn from their mistakes.
  • Is a good problem solver.
  • Uses their thinking skills to help them throughout the day.

 

 

COURSE OF STUDIES – pg. 7

 

Our St. Clare Middle School program includes instruction in the following subject areas:

 

Religion                                               Literature

Math                                                   Language Arts:

Social Studies                                     * writing

Science                                               * grammar

Health                                                 * vocabulary

Physical Education                              * spelling

Music                                                 Art

Technology Skills                                Information Skills

 

Finally, it is important to note that this Middle School Handbook functions together with the school Parent/Teacher Handbook.  The overall goals and philosophies contained in the handbooks form the backbone of our Middle School program.  We encourage parents and students to familiarize themselves with the information contained in both of these documents.

 

 

MIDDLE SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY

 

Our Middle School Discipline Policy is an outgrowth of the school-wide statement regarding student discipline that is contained in the Parent/Teacher Handbook.  Discipline is an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment.  The purpose of discipline is four-fold:

·        To provide a classroom and school environment conducive to learning

·        To help students develop a sense of responsibility and self-control

·        To foster our values as a Catholic, Christian community

·        To nurture the formation of conscience in our students

 

We recognize that, while students are responsible for their own actions, the school has a responsibility to establish guidelines and expectations that are clearly defined.  This will provide boundaries that the students can comfortably operate within, along with an understanding of the consequences if they stretch beyond the boundaries.

 

All students have the right to learn and all teachers have the right to teach.  Acts, both in and out of the classroom, which infringe on those rights, are considered disciplinary infractions.

 

GENERAL BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS – pg. 8

 

1.      Students will show courtesy and respect to all adults, students, and visitors.

2.      Students will respect other students’ property.

3.      Students will keep classrooms, school facilities, books, and materials in order and treat them with respect.

4.      Students will follow established classroom rules and procedures.

5.      Students will wear the correct uniform.

6.      Students will be on time for school and classes.

7.      Students will come to class prepared with all the necessary materials, including homework.

8.      Students will not have gum at school or food during class without specific teacher permission.

9.      Students will walk quietly when they enter or leave school buildings, halls or classrooms.

10.  Students will show appropriate response to requests for correcting behavior.

11.  Students will not use cell phones, CD players, electronic games, and cameras during the school day.

12.  Students will observe all other classroom rules.

13.  Students will be responsible for being in appropriate dress code.

14.  Students will not wear make-up, unnatural hair color, or dangling earrings.

 

 

GENERAL CLASSROOM EXPECTATIONS

 

1.      Students will be attentive and quiet while the teacher is teaching or others are speaking.

2.      Students must have the teacher’s permission to leave the classroom.

3.      Students will be tolerant and respectful of other’s ideas.

4.      Students will try hard, regardless of their capabilities.

5.      Students will use polite language.

 

SKATES, SKATEBOARDS, SCOOTERS, ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT, CELL PHONES AND PAGERS, I-Pods

 

If students come to school on skates, using a skateboard or a scooter, they are not to use them on school property.  This also includes the shoes with skates built into the sole.  This is strictly a safety policy.

Electronic equipment, such as personal CD players, Game Boys, etc., including cell phones, are not to be used during school time.  Please keep these devices at home. Students may carry cell phones in order to make calls after school; however, no cell phones should be seen or used during the school day.

 

GENERAL CODE OF CONDUCT – pg. 9

 

The following Code of Conduct is the criteria used to determine the quarterly Conduct Honor Roll, and all conduct grades.

 

O = Outstanding Conduct

·        Almost always demonstrates self-control and on-task behavior in classroom and unstructured settings

·        Responds immediately and positively to adult correction (first time asked)

·        Consistently demonstrates respect for self, adults and peers

·        Consistently demonstrates positive attitude

·        No conduct slips or behavior referrals (except in the case of tardy slips)

 

S+ = Above Satisfactory

·        Usually demonstrates self-control and on-task behavior

·        Responds positively to adult correction (first or second time asked)

·        Usually demonstrates respect for self, adults, and peers

·        Usually demonstrates a positive attitude

·        No behavior referrals

·        Few, if any, conduct slips

 

S = Satisfactory

·        Often demonstrates self-control and on-task behavior

·        Accepts correction positively but may need several reminders

·        Often demonstrates respect for self, adults, and peers

·        Often demonstrates positive attitude

·        Few, if any, behavior referrals

·        May have one or more conduct slips

 

S- = Below Satisfactory

·        On several occasions has not demonstrated on-task behavior

·        Sometimes does not accept correction well and/or often needs several reminders before behavior is corrected

·        On several occasions has not demonstrated respect for self, adults, or peers

·        On several occasions has demonstrated a less than positive attitude

·        May have one or more behavior referrals

·        May have one or more conduct slips

 

NI = Needs Improvement

·        Has repeated incidences of lack of self-control and on-task behavior

·        Often does not accept correction well and/or needs multiple reminders before behavior is corrected

·        Has repeated occasions demonstrating lack of respect for self, adults, or peers

·        Often does not demonstrate a positive attitude

·        The principal has been notified of behavior problems

·        Is likely to have one or more conduct slips

 

 

 

RECOGNITION & CONSEQUENCES – pg. 10

 

POSITIVE REWARDS

Students who demonstrate acceptance and achievement of the expectations of St. Clare School may earn placement on the quarterly Conduct Honor Roll.  Students and classes may also earn rewards/privileges such as:

·        Student Council                                    MS Socials                         Family Group Leaders

·        Buddies with Primary Students              Extra Recess                      Treats and Other Rewards

·        8th Sweatshirt Design/Wear                   Extended Privileges             Free Time        

·        Retreats                                                8th Grade Field Trip            Stand-Out & Shine Awards

                                                                                                           

DISCIPLINARY CONSEQUENCES

In the event that disciplinary action becomes necessary, any of the following consequences may occur: (this is not a progressive order)

 

·        Student-teacher conference

·        Student-teacher-parent conference

·        Student and/or parent-teacher-principal conference