“The mission of the Catholic school is the integral formation of students, so that they may be true to their condition as Christ’s disciples and as such work effectively for the evangelization of culture and for the common good of society.” (Pope John Paul II)

In partnership with Jesus Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church,

the mission of St. Martha Catholic School is to provide each student with

diverse opportunities which develop strength in faith, and excellence in knowledge

and learning. Students build character through their Christian service to the school,

parish and world communities.

Philosophy

“Since parents have given children their life, they are bound by the most serious obligation to educate their offspring and therefore must be recognized as the primary and principal educators…Beautiful indeed and of great importance is the vocation of all those who aid parents in fulfilling their duties and who, as representatives of the human community, undertake the task of education in schools.” (Gravissimum Educationis)

St. Martha Catholic School (the “School”) is a Catholic Christian Community that strives to integrate, in the lives of its members, the message of Jesus. The philosophy is based on the belief that the home and school are partners responsible for creating an environment for the child that nurtures his/her spiritual, physical, psychological, social, and intellectual growth to his/her fullest potential.

The School strives to provide a curriculum which gives opportunity for growth in the child’s relationship with Jesus while building competence in academic disciplines, basic skills, aesthetic appreciation and physical development.

The School seeks to enable the children to construct a realistic framework for living, accept their limitations, develop their capabilities and develop a just and loving moral code and a mind that inquires and seeks the truth. The School’s faculty are aware that the Catholic Faith is not merely taught from books, but more realistically inspired by the teachers who strive to provide the children with a model for Catholic living in their relationships both with the the children and with one another.

Fully aware that we are educating citizens of the Kingdom of God and of contemporary society, the School bases all policy decisions, whether they involve worship, curriculum, finances, discipline or extracurricular activities, on the merits of their potential for fostering child growth within the framework of a Catholic Community that works for the common good of society.

Belief Statements

Every student is a unique child of God.
Catholic Education assists the students to become self-directed in taking

action based on the gospel teachings of Jesus Christ while becoming positive

contributing members in their family and community.

Student learning is a priority, and the opportunity for success is an important element of that learning.
Students are provided with a curriculum that promotes a diversified, stimulating,

creative, challenging, and yet individualized approach to learning.

The uniqueness of all students is recognized through their interaction in social and Christian service-centered activities.
Students are provided with a nurturing, safe environment for each student provides for their spiritual, academic and physical growth.
Effective collaboration and communication is promoted with families as partners in the education of the children.
Continued evaluation and improvement of the curriculum is essential for an effective educational program.

Objectives

To develop the total Christian personality by instilling in the student a respect for life and reverence for Christian Living
To develop within the school a strong religious education program based on Catholic theology, scripture, and liturgical experience, so that each child will grow and develop in the Christian way of life
To facilitate the intellectual, social, and physical development of each child through a variety of instructional methods such as small and large group instruction, departmental classes, and other tools for basic knowledge and formation
To aid the students in becoming lifelong learners through the evaluation of their own capabilities and vocational possibilities
To fully implement the vision of the Catholic School as defined by the Second Vatican Council in its document on Christian Education, Gravissimum Educationis.

ADMISSIONS

Admissions Policies

The goal of the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Venice (the “Catholic Schools”) is to present the Catholic faith and Catholic teaching to students in a rigorous academic, spiritual, and moral education program. The Catholic School students strive for high academic achievement, are taught to love and worship God, and live the Gospel teachings.

The Catholic Schools welcome and admit students of any race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the schools. All Catholic Schools are open to students who sincerely seek a Catholic education and meet the requirements listed below in Entrance Requirements. Every Catholic child has a right to religious instruction and formation in the Catholic faith; therefore, admission preference is given to Catholic students.

All parents and guardians must meet their obligation to model Christ and the Church’s teachings. All parents and guardians of students in Catholic Schools must accept and understand that the teachings of the Catholic Church are an essential and required part of the curriculum. All parents and guardians must be aware that their own conduct can impact whether a student is admitted or remains enrolled at the discretion of the School.

The School strongly supports the parish concept and the importance of a family’s commitment to its parish. The School also keeps an active, open, and ongoing relationship with the area parishes to foster and nurture the identity of the Catholic parish. The School encourages parents and guardians to continue to support their respective parishes in all regards as deemed appropriate by their parish.

The School reserves the right to dismiss any student or to deny re-enrollment to any student who, in the judgment of the principal in consultation with the pastor and superintendent, is not making satisfactory progress, has engaged in conduct which is detrimental to the school, or whose parent or guardian has engaged in conduct which is detrimental to the school.

Students are selected for enrollment based on the following priorities:

Current students who completed registration and whose tuition and fee payments are current
Siblings of students currently enrolled at the School whose families meet the first criteria
Children of Diocese of Venice employees
Families who are registered, supporting, and active parishioners of a school parish

When the applicants are equal, the following will be taken into consideration:

Longevity at the parish;
Children/siblings of alumni at the School;
Grandchildren of long-time parishioners; and
Results of any interviews deemed necessary by the principal

Families who are registered and active parishioners of other neighboring Catholic parishes
Students transferring from another Catholic School
Non-Catholic students

Current students
Siblings of students currently enrolled at the school
Families who are registered and are active parishioners of St. Martha Catholic Parish
Children of the School alumni
Students transferring from another Catholic school
Families who are registered and are active parishioners of other neighboring Catholic parishes
All other families

No child shall be admitted as a student in any Catholic School unless that child and the parent(s) and guardian(s) subscribe to the School’s philosophy and agree to abide by the educational policies and regulations of the School, Catholic Schools, and Diocese of Venice (the “Diocese”) as included in and outlined by, but not limited to the School’s Parent/Student Handbook, other such School, Catholic Schools, and Diocesean documents, and as further delineated by the School principal or the Diocesean Superintendent of Education in written correspondence, during in-person or video meetings, or through verbal discussions.

Whether Catholic or non-Catholic, the student must agree to attend religious classes and the religious activities conducted in the Catholic School.

No student shall be admitted to any Catholic School unless that student is deemed to have a reasonable expectation of successfully completing that Catholic School’s program. In the event of provisional acceptance, the student may be admitted on a probationary basis with the dates and criteria of evaluation clearly established in writing by the School.

Teaching as Jesus did and imitating Him in reaching out to those with special needs, students shall not be denied admission to a Catholic School because of a disability unless the disability, learning or otherwise, seriously impairs the students’s ability to complete successfully the School’s academic program or unless the School cannot provide sufficient care or make reasonable accommodation for the disabled child. It is the responsibility of the parents and guardians to include any such disability information in the student’s application for enrollment. Because the School cannot offer a continuum of service such as that financed through the public school system, the School must limit its admissions to students who are able to manage in a mainstream setting with a minimum of strategy training and simple accommodations as outlined and agreed upon by the student, teachers, and parents/guardians. In some cases, support services outside the School may be a necessary requirement asked of parents and guardians to ensure the success of the student. Active parental involvement and participation is vital for students receiving learning supports.

Entrance Requirements

Prior to admission, the following documents must be provided to the School office:

Health records
Birth certificate (original)
Baptismal certificate copy (required if Catholic)
Report cards
Standardized test results
IEP/504 (if applicable)

The information on the birth and baptismal certificates shall be entered on the permanent office record in the proper place, but only when verified by the official documents.

A child entering the PK-3 class must be three (3) years old by on or before September 1. A pre-kindergarten student must be four (4) years old by on or before September 1. A child entering kindergarten must be five (5) years old by on or before September 1. No exception whatsoever is to be made to the preceding P-3, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten age requirement regulations.

A student entering the first grade must be six (6) years old on or before September 1. Exceptions to the first grade age limit may be made at the discretion of the principal when a student is transferring from another school and has successfully completed a kindergarten program.

The School may require additional testing. An interview process is required of all students entering grades 6 through 8 . Subject to a successful interview process, students transferring into eighth grade will only be accepted from out of town or from another Catholic school.

For all new students admitted to the School, the first quarter will be a probationary period culminating in a student academic and behavioral evaluation. If any academic or behavioral concerns cannot be resolved during this probationary period, parents and guardians will be asked to withdraw their student from the School. Parents and guardians are strongly urged to play an active role during their student’s probationary period at the School by working closely and communicating with the teachers, and, if necessary, the principal.

Each Catholic School retains the right to set local admissions standards, policies, and procedures in addition to those specified by the Diocese. The admission policy for each Diocesan preschool, elementary, and high school should be made public and clearly stated in the local parent and student handbook.

A copy of the School’s Parent and Student Handbook is to be given to all new applicants and registered families. Parents and students are to acknowledge in writing that they have read and agree to adhere to the standards, policies, procedures, requirements, and regulations therein.

Tuition/Fees

“Young people are a valued treasure and the future leaders of our Church. It is the responsibility of the entire Catholic community – bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity – to continue to strive towards the goal of making our Catholic elementary and secondary schools available, accessible, and affordable to all Catholic parents and their children, including those who are in need. All Catholics must join together in efforts to ensure that Catholic schools have administrators and teachers who are prepared to provide an exceptional educational experience for young people – one that is both truly Catholic and of the highest academic quality.” (Renewing Our Commitment to Catholic Elementary & Secondary Schools in the Third Millennium, USCCB)

In keeping with this statement, Bishop John J. Nevins, in August 2004, put in place a policy to further the mission of the Catholic School and to ensure that no Catholic child would be denied a Catholic School education because of financial need. The policy states:

All parents or guardians are asked to pay the full cost of instruction (tuition) as defined by the National Catholic Education Association (“NCEA”). The full cost of instruction (tuition) is determined by adding all the operating costs of the school (excluding debt service and capital expenses) and dividing this sum by the total number of students in the school.
For parents or guardians who cannot afford the full cost of instruction (tuition), a sliding scale, determined by each school, will be in place. The difference between the full cost of instruction (tuition) and the amount paid by the parents or guardians is the responsibility of their parish of residence. Families must be registered, active members in their parish of residence AND complete the FACTS Tuition Management (“FACTS”) determination of need application each year in order to qualify for any assistance. A parish verification form is also required each year.
The school will notify the parish of residence of the shortfall and bill them for the difference between the full cost of instruction (tuition) and amount paid by the parents or guardians. This subsidy is payable upon receipt.

Implementation guidelines as stated in the diocesan policy require:

The policy is to be phased in gradually so that eventually the cost per pupil will be the actual tuition which is the full cost of instruction.
The full cost of instruction is reduced for all families by parents’ fundraising, registration fees, and other donations to the school. The larger the enrollment the lower the cost of instruction will be per student.
All families will receive financial assistance information from a tuition management service (“FACTS").
Financial assistance for all new families will be the responsibility of the parish of residence.

The School is supported in large part by tuition along with fundraising and support from the parishioners of St. Martha Church. Financially the School is, therefore, dependent upon each family promptly paying tuition. Tuition being paid monthly must be paid according to the official tuition schedule through automatic bank withdrawal. The pastor and the Parish Finance Committee will give the final approval to the tuition/fees set by the Finance Committee of the School Board, and approved by the same Board. When difficulties arise in fulfilling financial obligations, please contact the pastor immediately, in writing, citing the causes of the situation and offering a new schedule of payments for his approval.

All tuition payments will be processed through FACTS. This allows families more flexibility in the method of payment. When using FACTS, families may select to use checking accounts, savings accounts, or credit cards to process tuition and fee payments.

All required registration forms and fees must be received by the due date indicated. Enrollment will be delayed and/or denied if these forms are not received on time.

Tuition Assistance

Families may request tuition assistance through FACTS, the tuition management services company engaged by the diocese to objectively assess financial need. The FACTS assessment process must be completed to receive any assistance. Families apply online through FACTS. FACTS will then report the family’s financial assessment to the pastor. The pastor confidentially determines the amount of financial assistance that can be offered based on funds available from St. Martha Church Parish or from the parish in which the family resides.

ORGANIZATIONS

St. Martha Parent Association

Each family’s parents or guardians in the School will be required to complete a minimum 15 hours of service to the school. All opportunities are available through the St. Martha Parent Association (the “SMPA”). The SMPA is responsible for working with the principal and the School Board to raise funds to supplement tuition and provide social gatherings to enhance the School’s sense of community. The SMPA President will serve as the liaison to fundraising and social committees. The SMPA Vice President will assist the President as liaison. The SMPA will instruct Committee Chairs on financial procedures and policies, SMPA budget, expenses, event revenue, and be the liaison with the school finance department for all collected and paid funds, bills, and receipts.

All volunteers working in or with the School must be fingerprinted and must take and complete the Safe Environment course.

All family service hours must be entered under each family member’s name in the Family Home Portal in FACTS.

In lieu of family service hours, a minimum contribution of $250 will be accepted. This contribution will assist in underwriting the missions of the SMPA. Student records will not be released at the end of the year without a parent or guardian participating in the minimum 15 hours. Please note that family service hours must be conducted through a sanctioned SMPA committee or with the approval of the School Administration. Attendance at daily Chapel Mass or monthly School Mass, while strongly encouraged, does not constitute family volunteer service hours.

St. Martha School Board

Consultative in nature, the St. Martha School Board (the “School Board”) is established by the pastor in conformity with Diocesan Policy, to assist him, the principal, and the assistant principal in the governance of the education program in the School. The School Board operates under its Constitution and has regularly scheduled meetings that include the pastor and School Administration.

The purpose of the School Board includes the following:

To ensure that value centered religious, academic and extracurricular programs are provided in the school;
To ensure that all subject matter interweave faith and reason so that a Christian vision of life, of culture, of the world, and of history is provided in the school;
To increase the general awareness and appreciation of the value of a Catholic education in the parish served and in the community-at-large;
To plan for the financial stability of the school; and
To engage in all activities proper for the accomplishment of the above-referenced purposes.

As such, the the School Board cooperates in the policy-making process by formulating and adapting, but never enacting policy. Policy is effective and binding upon the approval of the Administrative Team. Generally, the Administrative Team will not act contrary to a School Board recommendation when there is a high degree of consensus. The responsibilities of the School Board include finance, facilities, planning, development, enrollment management, and mission effectiveness.

Required Fundraising Participation

Each family is required to sell 20 (twenty) raffle tickets valued at $25 each. Unsold tickets are the responsibility of the family and will be billed in FACTS accordingly. The raffle will be held at an event during the school year.

FINGERPRINTING AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT

Anyone who volunteers in the School building must be fingerprinted, and must take and complete the Safe Environment Training (“SET”) as mandated by the Diocese of Venice. In order for any parents, guardians, and volunteers to be on campus during school hours, fingerprinting and SET must be complete and current.

Before visiting a fingerprint processing center, applicants must register for a Virtus online account.

How to Register

To be guided through the process for online fingerprint screening/rescreening and any online SET or recertification, log directly in to virtusonline.org or log in to dioceseofvenice.org and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on Safe Environment. This tab will direct you to login in to virtusonline.org.

If you have a Virtus online account, enter your login and password. If you have a Virtus online account and are unable to log in, do not create a new account. Instead click need login information below the password box and follow the prompts.

If you do not have a Virtus online account, go to the left side of the page and click on First-Time Registrant. You will need to create a username and password. Begin your registration process by clicking the drop down box for “select your organization” and choose Venice (Diocese) and for location select St. Martha Catholic School. Your role is that of volunteer .Once logged in, you will be guided through the process to sign up for Safe Environment training or recertification, and fingerprinting, as required by the Diocese.

Fingerprints are submitted electronically to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (“FDLE”) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”). Results are sent to the Diocesan Background Screening Coordinator within 24 to 48 hours after submission. The coordinator will communicate to the entity to which you are connected.

Cost and Payment

Rescreening is required after five (5) years of the initial electronic screening with the retained prints being reused. Payment must be made at the time of the online registration with your personal credit card. Volunteers are not reimbursed for the cost of background screening.

Any person whose rescreening results DO NOT meet the Level II Minimum Standards of Moral Conduct will be notified of their denial by the pastor, principal, or administrator of the organization to which he or she belongs, or applied to, for employment or to volunteer. An applicant who wishes to appeal the validity of information provided by the FDLE or the FBI will be required to provide certified court documents clearly stating an acceptable disposition to the charge(s) in question to the Diocesean Human Resources Department. All questions regarding an applicant's denial should be addressed to the respective pastor/administrator of the organization who can, subsequently, provide the applicant with access to the Diocesan appeal process as well. It is not necessary to appeal the validity of information in a FDLE/FBI report in order to appeal adjudication. An applicant who has not been notified of successful completion of his or her background screening cannot be given the care, responsibility, or supervision of a child or youth or be allowed unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.

If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the Diocesan Safe Environment Coordinator at 941-441-1104 or email your questions to: smith@dioceseofvenice.org.

Safe Environment Program

The Diocese is committed to the wellbeing of those who are served by the Church. The Diocese has developed the Safe Environment Program to honor this commitment to provide an environment which is safe and nurturing for all those who participate in activities within or sponsored by the Diocese.

One part of the Safe Environment Program is to provide adult education. Education is to be provided for all employees (clergy, religious and laity), volunteers and others regularly involved with minors, and parents, as to the issue of abuse of children including the detection, prevention and reporting of child abuse.

Safe Environment Training is required for all volunteers who work in the School and all the schools and parishes in the Diocese.

Recertification for SET is required every 5 years. Virtusonline.org will send notifications to every active employee and volunteer in the system with a reminder when recertification is due. Please remember to keep your email address updated in virtusonline.org to assure you receive timely notifications.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to be on time and in school every day unless illness or extraordinary circumstances prevent their attendance. Parents and guardians are legally responsible for their children’s on time attendance each day. Regular on time attendance is critical to a child’s academic success. Daily consistent classroom interaction between teachers and students is vital for the learning process to be effective.

School Hours

The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. for all students in grades PK-3 to Grade 8. After the bell rings at 7:30 a.m., students may enter their homerooms. Students arriving between 7:00 a.m. - 7:30 a.m. must wait in the Zazarino Center where supervision is provided for free during those those times.

For all grades, the regular school day ends at 2:45 p.m. and at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on half days.

Early dismissal - Students leaving early must be picked up by 1:30 p.m.. Students will not be dismissed early after 1:30 p.m.

Dismissal

Pick up locations:

St. Anne’s Hall to student classroom - All grade maps and videos are available on FACTS.

All parents are required to pick up their children from the classroom. Parents will park at the School and walk to either the Fruitville or Macintosh portico entrance to St. Anne’s Hall. All parents are required to bring their family car tag and have it visible on their person to enter St. Anne’s Hall. After entering St. Anne’s Hall, all parents will go directly to their child’s classroom and show their family car tag to the teacher to pick up the child. If parents forget the family car tag, parents are to go to the front office and show their driver’s license so that their child may be called to the front office for pick up.

If the student is to be picked up from the School by persons not on their pick up list, students must have a written note from the parent or guardian. The written note must be given to the student’s homeroom teacher that same morning by 8:00 a.m. Parents and guardians must verify and update their authorized pick up list via FACTS Family Portal. Authorized people who are added by 1:30 p.m. will be available to staff at dismissal.

Weather Delays or pick up changes are explained here via the attached link.

For the safety of all students and staff, please refrain from using cell phones while in carline and the parking lot.

Students not picked up by 3:00 p.m. on regular school days and by 12:15 p.m. on half-days will be taken to the After-School program and a $20 fee will be assessed per student per day if the student is not registered in the program.

The After-School program is available on most school days until 5:30 p.m.

Parents will be charged a fee of $5.00 per minute for students not picked up by 5:30 p.m.

Absenteeism

It is the parent's/guardian’s responsibility to notify the school by 8:00 a.m. at (941) 953-4181 if their child will be absent that day. Please leave a voice message if calling before 7:30 a.m.. When a child is absent and the school has not been notified, the school will telephone the parent/guardian.

Homework may be requested on the second day of illness or injury by an email request sent no later than 9:00 a.m. to the homeroom teacher. Requests will be available on Google Classroom. Any other homework and material requests are expected to be picked up in the front office after 2:00 p.m. of the same day.

Students who are absent must complete make-up work - classwork and homework - in a timely manner. Students with excused absences will be allowed the number of days they are absent to return completed make-up work. For example, if a student is absent for three consecutive days, then the make-up work is due three school days after the student returns to school. Students who have excused absences and miss tests, quizzes, or other such assessments will make up the assessment by scheduling, at the teacher’s convenience, a make-up assessment appointment prior to, during, or after school. It is the responsibility of the parent to request work for students who are absent two or more consecutive days. Work will only be given in advance of, or during, excused absences. Examples of excused absences are sickness, unscheduled doctor and dentist appointments, or a family emergency. Please consult the School calendar to make all scheduled doctor, dentist, and other such planned appointments outside of school hours.

Please note family vacations, student competitions, and other such similar absences do not qualify as excused absences from the School. Students with unexcused absences will not receive any classwork, homework, or assessment extensions. Students will be required to complete all classwork, homework, and assessments before or by the due date.

Before returning to school for the wellbeing of the child and in concern for classmates, the sick child must be symptom and fever free for a full 48-hour period. The full 48-hour period is also required for all students who leave school because of symptoms, fever, or other such illnesses. When the student returns to school, the student is required to bring a written note from the parent/guardian. The note will be kept on file.

A doctor’s note is required for a student to return to school if that student has contracted a contagious illness or disease, or has been absent for three or more days. The note should explain any limitations or any special needs due to illness, disease, injury, or other such medical condition (i.e. orthopedic boots, casts, braces, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.).

Covid/Mask Procedures: Please refer to the Diocese’s website for current guidelines.

Diocesan policy states that if a student exceeds 30 days of absence for the year, whether absences are excused and/or unexcused, the student will not be promoted to the next grade unless prior arrangements have been made with the School.

A student who is absent from the School will not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activities on that day including sports games and/or practices, school performances and /or practices, or any other such activities.

Tardiness

Tardiness is a serious issue as it not only affects the child who is late, but it disrupts the flow of the classroom and can lead to more serious problems. Being late for school is unsettling for your child, their classmates, and the teachers. Therefore, if a student accumulates more than three unexcused tardies in a quarter, the student’s family will be charged $10 for each additional day in such quarter that the student is tardy to school without a valid excuse. The tardy fee will be assessed per individual student, and payment of the tardy fees must be remitted via FACTS prior to the quarterly report card being issued to such student’s family. If a student accumulates more than five (5) unexcused tardies in a quarter, the student’s family must schedule a timely meeting with administration to discuss the student’s tardy situation.

A tardy occurs when a student is not in their homeroom by 7:45 a.m., provided that the office has not extended the time for special circumstances. Such tardy shall be presumed to be unexcused unless administration is provided with documentation to support a reason for the delay in the student’s arrival to school. All students who are not in their homeroom by 7:45 a.m. must obtain a tardy slip from the office in order to gain admission to class. Please be aware that the administration does make exceptions for extreme traffic situations. However, if the administration has not made an exception for traffic, such delays are considered an unexcused tardy.

Appointments/ Early Dismissal

Please consult the school calendar and arrange scheduled appointments outside of school hours. Students are responsible for any classwork and homework missed while absent. Parents must send a note notifying the school if the student is to be picked up before dismissal. The parent or authorized person is to come to the school office at the specified time and sign the student out of the building. Early dismissal must be completed by 1:30 p.m. Students will not be dismissed early between 1:30 p.m. and the end of the school day. If a student returns before the end of the school day, the student must be signed in prior to returning to class. It is the parent’s and guardian’s responsibility to notify the teacher a minimum of seven (7) days in advance of the scheduled appointment whether an excused or unexcused absence. However, it is at the discretion of the individual teacher to determine if school work will be provided in advance to the student.

Attendance Marking

Students who arrive late and are in their classrooms by 10:00 a.m. are marked tardy. Students arriving in their classroom after 10:00 a.m. are marked ½ day absent. Students who leave their classroom before 1:00 p.m. are also marked ½ day absent. Students who are signed out between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m. are marked early dismissal.

ACADEMICS

Curriculum

The School follows the curriculum set forth by the Diocese. Direct instruction is given in Religion, Reading, Language Arts, Math, Science, Social Studies, Art, Music, Physical Education, and Spanish. The curriculum is reviewed on a cyclical schedule set by the Diocese.

Catholic Identity

“From the nature of the Catholic school also stems one of the most significant elements of its educational projects: the synthesis between culture and faith. Indeed, knowledge set in the context of faith becomes wisdom and life vision. The endeavor to interweave reason and faith, which has become the heart of individual subjects, makes for unity, articulation and coordination, bringing forth within what is learned in school a Christian vision of the world, of life, of culture and of history. In the Catholic school’s educational project there is no separation between time for learning and time for formation, between acquiring notions and growing in wisdom. The various school subjects do not only present knowledge to be attained, but also values to be acquired, and truths to be discovered. All of this demands an atmosphere characterized by the search for truth, in which competent, convinced and coherent educators, teachers of learning and of life, may be a reflection, albeit imperfect but still vivid, of the one Teacher. In this perspective, in the Christian educational project all subjects collaborate, each with its own specific content, to the formation of mature personalities.” (The Catholic School on the Threshold of the Third Millennium)

Religious Education

Religious education is an integrated part of the entire curriculum. All students are required to participate in masses, religion classes and religious activities. Non-Catholic children do not receive Holy Communion or Reconciliation but are given a special blessing. Parents are encouraged to share in the weekly school liturgies and other religious events.

Parents are the primary and most influential educators in the faith formation of their children. It is the School’s role to support families in their teaching and practicing of faith. Parents are welcome to share in the weekly School liturgies, weekly prayer groups, and other religious events and resources through the St. Martha Parish or the School. In addition, parents are encouraged to be active participants in their respective faith communities by regular attendance at mass or church services and by sharing their time, talents and resources with these communities. Mass attendance on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation is expected of all Catholic school families.

Formal religious instruction is taught in all grades K-8 as part of the core curriculum, and the textbooks and materials are approved by the Diocese of Venice Office of Education.

Sacramental Preparation

Catholic students in Grade 2, and their parents, will participate in preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion. Preparation and the reception of the sacraments are coordinated with St. Martha’s Parish Religious Education Department.

Student Christian Service Policy

Participation in Christian Service is a part of the Religion curriculum at the School. Students in the Middle School are required to participate in approved Christian Service activities, in order to fulfill the requirements of the curriculum for the fourth quarter test grade. When participating in the Christian Service activities, students must strive in their actions to be of true service to others. As such charitable monetary and item donations as well as attendance at leadership or other similar such conferences or workshops will not count toward the student’s service hour requirement. However, Christian Service activities completed during the summer, after June 1, will count as service hours toward the requirement for the upcoming school year.

If the student enrolls in the middle of the year, the student will only be responsible for half of the hours. All Christian Service projects must be approved and under adult supervision. All Christian Service activities must be documented with the date and number of hours and properly signed by the student and project supervisor. No project may directly benefit the student or the student’s immediate family. All work is done without receiving any monetary payment. All student Christian Service hours must be entered in a timely manner into the FACTS family portal under the student’s name.

The grading for completion of student Christian Service hours is as follows:

Gr. 6:

8 hours – min, requirement, equates to a C grade

12 hours – equates to a B grade

16 hours – equates to an A grade

20 hours – equates to an A+ (100%)

Gr. 7:

12 hours – min. requirement, equates to a C grade

18 hours – equates to a B grade

24 hours – equates to an A grade

30 hours – equates to an A+ (100%)

Gr. 8:

20 hours – min. requirement, equates to a C grade

30 hours – equates to a B grade

40-49 hours – equates to an A grade

50 + hours – equates to an A+ (100%)

Library Media Center

The Library Media Center is open daily and available to students, parents, and teachers during the school day. A full time certified Library Media Specialist conducts classes and assists students and teachers in using the library and media resources.

Students in Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 8 may check out books and are required to return or renew them by the next library class. Parents are also encouraged to check out books from the parent section of the library. If a student has an overdue book, the student may not check out another book until the overdue book is returned. If the overdue library book cannot be located or a book is returned damaged, the parent/guardian will be charged the current cost of a replacement book. Parents will be billed in FACTS, accordingly, unless other arrangements are made with the Media Specialist. Report cards may be withheld from students who have overdue books or outstanding replacement fees for missing or damaged books.

Technology

Classroom teachers conduct classes with students using technology to enhance and reinforce the curriculum. The students use a variety of computer programs and websites. A full time Technology Director and Specialist is available to maintain the building network and equipment and to assist teachers in integrating technology into the curriculum. All students and staff are assigned a Chromebook.

The entire school campus is equipped with Wi-Fi and internet access for student use. All devices use GoGuardian for monitoring and content filtering. Parents are encouraged to monitor content via GoGuardian. Interactive panels are available for use in all classrooms. Morning Prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and announcements are broadcast each day to all the classrooms by the eighth grade KNN students.

Visual Media

The Saint Martha Catholic School Visual Media Policy (the “Policy”) was developed to comply with US Copyright Laws and to ensure proper communication with parents regarding the use of visual media at the School.

The Policy covers School guidelines for using non-print materials such as streaming video, DVD’s, videos, television programs, and web-based media clips, among others. The policy includes a Visual Media Instructional Purpose Form that teachers must submit to the Administration prior to media usage together with a Parent Approval Form when media with the equivalent rating of PG or higher will be viewed. A signed Parent Approval Form via PermissionClick will be required for the student to view PG or higher media. Students who fail to submit the official form will not be allowed to view the media. Telephone calls and faxes are not accepted in lieu of the proper forms. Parents may refuse to permit their child to view the media by stating so on the official form; however, the student must attend class and will be assigned work for that period.

Field Trips

Field trips are arranged by the teachers for educational purposes with the approval of the principal. Field trips are privileges afforded to students; no student has an absolute right to a field trip. The expected conduct of students on field trips is the same as at school. Students may be denied participation in a field trip if they have failed to meet academic or behavioral requirements.

Permission forms will be provided electronically via PermissionClick for each field trip with date, times, specific material needs, and any other special instructions. Parents must sign the form and remit payment via PermissionClick. The school will not accept any other form than the one provided by the school. Students who fail to submit the official form will not be allowed to participate in the field trip. Telephone calls and faxes are not accepted in lieu of the proper forms. Parents may refuse to permit their child to participate in a field trip by stating so on the official form; however, the student must attend school and will be assigned work for the day. Parents attending field trips as chaperones must have fingerprints and Safe Environment clearance.

Homework

Homework assignments will vary according to classroom, subject, and grade level. Assignments are given to meet these general objectives:

To provide, reinforcement, practice, and enrichment in the subject areas being covered in the classroom
To encourage responsibility and organization of time and materials
To promote self-reliance by working independently
To provide an opportunity for parents to work cooperatively with their children

Resource/Enrichment Teacher

The school Resource Teacher directs a researched-based program based principles developed by the Diocese for students and families with special learning needs. The program offers strategies to teachers for students with mild learning needs. This resource program intends to fulfill the goal of Catholic education by helping all children reach their full potential intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. It provides specific opportunities for students with mild learning needs to reach their maximum potential. Positive learning supports are provided through the collaboration of parents, students and teachers. In an effort to provide for our advanced students, the Resource Teacher also works with classroom teachers and parents to provide strategies and opportunities for these students to explore their capabilities.

Testing

In the spring, students in Grades 2-8 participate in statewide Standardized Achievement tests coordinated by the Florida Catholic Conference. Individual TerraNova results are shared with parents, and the group results are used to evaluate the curriculum and teaching strategies. In addition to TerraNova testing, students in grades 5 and 8 will participate in the National Catholic Education Association’s Assessment of Catechesis Religious Education (ACRE) test in the spring. Students in all grade levels take a STAR assessment in math and reading four times a year for progress monitoring.

Report Cards/Progress Reports

Report cards are issued four times each year electronically on Family Portal in FACTS for Grades P3-8. Real time grading/progress reporting information is also available online for grades 1-8 via Family Portal in FACTS.

Parent Teacher Conferences

To review student academic progress and social growth, Parent Teacher Conferences are mandatory for the first quarter. Conferences are scheduled by parent or teacher request for the second, third, and fourth quarters. However, parents or teachers may request a conference to review academic or other concerns at other times, if the need arises.

Grading

Students in P3 through Kindergarten are rated on a point scale appropriate to the grade level.

S = Demonstrates Satisfactory understanding/competence

P = In the process of understanding/competence

N = Needs Improvement

NG = Not Graded

Students in 1st and 2nd grade are rated on a point scale appropriate to the grade level. 3rd grade also uses this scale for courses that have skills attached to them.

1 = Outstanding

2 = Satisfactory

3 = Needs Improvement

4 = Unsatisfactory

Students in grades 3 – 8 receive numeric percentile grades for all core subjects. The Diocese of Venice grade scale is:

100-90 = A 89-80=B 79-70 = C 69-60 = D 59-0 = F

Academic Recognition

Academic Recognition for students in grades 5 – 8 is announced annually.

Principal’s Award:

90% or above GPA; no grade less than 89%

No more than 3 infractions for the year; no detentions

Academic recognition is meant to be motivational and is not included in the permanent academic record. Parents are reminded to keep these honors in perspective and to recognize their child's personal best efforts.

Promotion/Graduation Standards

Graduation: Eighth grade students who have successfully completed the program of studies prescribed for them by the School and the Diocese are eligible to graduate and enter high school. If a student receives 59% or below on two or more quarters in any major subject, he/she will be required to attend summer school or tutoring in order to receive a diploma.

Student Placement/Promotion and Retention

Assignment of students to specific grade levels and classes is determined by the principal in consultation with the teachers after reviewing the student's academic history and individual learning needs. Promotion is based on the satisfactory completion of respective grade level work.

Administrative placement is an option that may be used by the principal to assign to the next grade level a student who has failed to complete grade level requirements.

Summer school or tutoring will be required if a student receives 59% or below for two or more quarters in any major subject.

Retention is considered by the administration in individual cases to meet the needs of a student. Guidelines used for retention include TerraNova scores below grade level, STAR assessment scores below grade level, student's grade point average, inadequate social skills, reading or math below grade level, failing two or more major subjects, excessive absences, and teacher recommendations, among others.

DISCIPLINE

“I give you a new commandment; love one another, as I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 NAB)

Respect for others and personal responsibility are expected of all students. Discipline must reflect our role as Disciples of Christ exhibiting attitudes and behavior in our daily lives as a community of believers. It is essential that students, parents, guardians, teachers, and administrators work together to foster a positive Christian environment of respect and love that builds up the Kingdom of God. Emphasis is placed on each student’s development of self-discipline internalizing Christian virtues by positive encouragement and enforcement of school rules and policies.

Students are expected to follow all rules and comply with School and Diocesan policies. The School, in conjunction with the Diocese, reserves the right to take disciplinary action in the best interest of the student and the school community. A conference with the appropriate school authority, parents, guardians, and student is required in cases concerning serious disciplinary action.

Teacher Initiated Communication

When a discipline or other such similar problem arises, the correct procedures are as follows :

Teacher-Parent Conference with communication being via email, phone, Google Meet, or in-person with notes from the meeting being documented in FACTS
Principal-Teacher-Parent Conference with communication being via Google Meet or in-person with notes from the meeting being documented in FACTS
Pastor-Principal-Teacher-Parent Conference with communication being via Google Meet or in-person with notes from the meeting being documented in FACT(third)

Please note that all Google Meet conferences will be recorded.

The principal will make decisions maintaining the School’s philosophy of concern for the whole child as well as the safety and welfare of the school community according to local and Diocesan policy. The pastor and principal are the final recourse in all disciplinary situations.

Basic School Rules and Student Code of Conduct

Basic School Rules are classified into 3 categories according to the gravity of the matter.

Basic School Rules

Students at St. Martha Catholic School are expected to:

Attend school daily.
Be on time to school.
Comply with ALL school uniform regulations (please see uniform section for details).
Not chew gum on school property.
Only have water in their water bottles.
Follow classroom rules, school procedures, as well as lunchroom and playground rules as directed by teachers

Student Code of Conduct

Students at St. Martha Catholic School will at all times:

Show respect toward staff and other students.
Be honest and truthful; no cheating or stealing is allowed.
Take proper care of school property, their own property, and the property of others.
Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
Members of the opposite sex shall avoid displays of affection (i.e., holding hands, kissing, hugging, and other such forms of affection).
Display behavior on and off campus that contributes to a positive learning environment and reflects Christian values. This includes, but not limited to, refraining from making derogatory comments or remarks about any teacher or student either verbally, non-verbally, in writing, or with any electronic device.
Avoid unsafe behavior which includes improper touching of any type that could lead to the injury of the student or of others.
No profanity or vulgarity is allowed in voice, hand or other such similar gestures, writing, or electronic media, including but not limited to social media or other such forms of media.
Use of electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, music players, cameras, or games, or other such electronic devices or uses is restricted while on campus. All unapproved electronic devices must be turned completely off and secured in a backpack or other such storage which will remain closed and secure in the classroom at all times during the school day. All unapproved electronic devices must be turned completely off and secured in a backpack or other such storage while a student is on campus before or after school hours. Students are not allowed to carry phones or other devices on their persons during the school day. Any student found to have a cell phone or electronic device of any kind on their persons will have that device confiscated, given to an administrator, and subsequent disciplinary action will be taken. The electronic device will only be returned to a parent/guardian at the end of the school day.

Severe Behaviors

The following severe behaviors are prohibited and will result in suspension in or out of school or expulsion as decided by the principal and pastor:

Possession of:

Tobacco, vaping, alcohol, drugs, other such items, or paraphernalia
Pornography or suggestive literature either in print or electronic form including sexting
Weapons, weapon replicas, or potential weapons

Engaging in bullying, cyberbullying*, any form of harassing, intimidating, fighting, or threatening behavior
Causing or attempting to cause substantial damage to school or private property or stealing school or private property
Causing or attempting to cause physical injury to another person (except in self-defense)
Any form of plagiarism whatsoever by the student including using or copying the academic work of another student, scholar, or media including but not limited to print, photographic, or electronic work and presenting it as his/her own original work
Committing an act deemed to be immoral
Committing any other act not listed herein which would seriously interfere with the ongoing education process or seriously threaten the physical or psychological safety of others

*The Committee for Children defines cyberbullying as “when one or more people intentionally harm, harass, intimidate, or reject another person using technology.” For example:

Sending mean or threatening messages to a classmate via email, IM (instant messaging), or text messages.
Spreading rumors about classmates through email, IM, or text messages.
Creating a Website or Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, or similar social media sites account that targets another student.
Sharing fake or embarrassing photos or videos of classmates with others via a cell phone or the web.
Stealing a classmate's login and password to send mean or embarrassing messages from his or her account.
Assuming the identity of another student to send mean or embarrassing messages.

Lunchroom Rules

Students must follow the basic school rules in the cafeteria and other such lunchroom areas. Students are to:

Walk calmly to the lunch line and remain so while in line. No running, pushing, shoving, or cutting in the line will be permitted. Students doing so will be asked to move to the back of the line and may be issued a behavioral infraction.
Walk calmly to their assigned class table once they have their lunch.
Sit at their assigned class table.
Remain seated at all times unless otherwise instructed
Ask for permission to use the restroom or to leave their assigned class table for any additional reason by raising their hand.
Use proper table manners at all times.
Clean up any mess they may make.
Leave the tables and floor clean.
Clean off trays and return them to the kitchen properly
Follow the directions of lunchroom supervisors and kitchen staff in a timely manner
Remain at their assigned table until dismissed

Playground Rules

Students must follow the basic school rules on the playground, field, and other such recess areas. Students are to:

Walk calmly to the recess line and remain so while in line. No running, pushing, shoving, or cutting in the line will be permitted. Students who do so will be asked to move to the back of the line and may be issued a behavioral infraction.
Walk calmly on to the playground, field, or other such recess area. No running, pushing or shoving to get onto the playground, field, or other such recess area will be permitted. Students who do so may be issued a behavioral infraction.
Remain in the assigned playground, field, or other such recess area.
Tackling games of any kind or similar actions are not permitted.
Follow the directions of the playground supervisors in a timely manner.
Report any injuries or dangerous situations to the playground supervisors.
Use playground, field, or other such recess area equipment appropriately.
Climbing up or running down the slides or any other inappropriate use of the playground equipment, field equipment, other such recess area equipment is not permitted.
Tree climbing is not permitted at the School.

Books

Textbooks, novels, and other such materials are property of St. Martha School and loaned to students for their use. No writing or highlighting in textbooks or damaging them in any other way is permitted. Students are responsible for taking proper care of their individual workbooks and other materials provided to them for the school year. Prior to report cards or student records being released, payment for the replacement of any textbook, novel, or other such materials that are lost or damaged must be made in full in FACTS.

Disciplinary Consequences

Violations of any of the school rules will result in disciplinary consequences according to the gravity and frequency of the violations as determined by the discipline policy. Consultation with the guidance counselor may also accompany any of these measures as an intervention to avoid further problems.

Students who do not comply with Basic School Rules will be subject to the following disciplinary measures which include, but are not limited to the following:

Corrections include behavioral redirections, adjustment of seating or desk location, warnings, timeouts, loss of specific in class privileges, assigned tasks given as appropriate to the age and maturity of the student, and other such forms of corrections.
Behavioral or Uniform Infraction Notice issued, sent home via email, and posted on FACTS. The notice may also be sent home via paper for parent signature and returned; agenda book may also be used for the paper notice and subsequent parent signature.
Phone call or email from the teacher and/or administrator to the parent. A student may be asked to remain after class to phone the parent to explain how their behavior resulted in the teacher issuing the Infraction.
Parent, teacher, student conference
Reprimand and conference with the principal or assistant principal with parent or guardian
For a dress code/uniform violation for the same repeated violation or separate violations the procedure will be as follows:

For the 1st dress code/uniform violation parents will be notified so that the violation may be corrected.
For the 2nd dress code/uniform violation, which may be a repeated or separate violation, a Uniform Infraction will be issued and the parent notified of the violation and Uniform Infraction.
When a student has received no more than three Uniform Infractions in a quarter, a Behavioral Infraction will be issued.

After which time, Behavioral Infractions will be issued for dress code/uniform violations. If the dress code/uniform violation is so egregious, an immediate Behavioral Infraction will be issued foregoing the above dress code/uniform violation procedure. Once a Behavioral Infraction has been issued for dress code/uniform violations, parents will be called to remedy the infraction. The student will not be permitted in class unless and until the dress code/uniform violation has been remedied.

When a student has received no more than three Behavioral Infractions in a quarter, a Detention notice will be sent home. At which time, the student will serve lunchtime or after school detention.
When a student has received no more than one Detention in a quarter, the student, parents/guardians, and administration will meet to discuss a Student Behavior Intervention, as described below.

Students who do not comply with the Student Code of Conduct will be subject to the following disciplinary measures which include but are not limited to the following:

Behavioral Infraction Notice issued, sent home via email, and posted on FACTS. The notice may also be sent home via paper for parent signature and returned. A phone call from the teacher and/or administrator will be made to the parent with a parent, teacher, student, and administrator conference scheduled as needed.
Detention notice sent home via email, and posted on FACTS. The notice may also be sent home via paper for parent signature and returned. A phone call from the administrator will be made to the parent with a parent, student, and administrator conference, scheduled as needed.
Lunchtime detention.
After school detention.
Exclusion from extracurricular activities, sports, or field trips, among other such activities.
Repeated violation of any rule as well as one Detention per quarter will invoke a Student Behavior Intervention as described below.

Local law enforcement authorities shall be notified when any crime or delinquent act is committed on school property or on school-sponsored transportation, or during a school-sponsored activity or event.

Student Behavior Intervention

1st Discipline Report (written for 1st detention per quarter)

Copy given to Administration and parent for signature.
Teacher files report.
Student sent to office.
Parents will be called.
Letter of apology and detention.
Behavior Contract will be developed at this time. Student is placed on probation.

2nd Discipline Report (written after 2nd detention per quarter)

Copy given to Administration and parent for signature.
Teacher files report.
Student sent to office.
Parents will be called.
Student will serve in-school suspension.

3rd Discipline Report (written after 3rd detention per quarter)

Student will be given out-of-school suspension.
Parent and child will have a conference with Administration and teacher before and after the suspension.

Non-compliance and cumulative discipline reports can and will call for expulsion. All of the above will prohibit a student from participating in extracurricular activities and field trips. Please note that if the behavioral violation is so severe and egregious, an immediate in-school suspension, out-of-school suspension, or expulsion may be warranted, foregoing the above Student Behavior Intervention procedure.

Lunch Detention

Lunch detention is served during the lunch period in which the student eats lunch. Supervision and location is determined according to staffing and grade level.

After School Detention

After school detention is scheduled for students whose behavior warrants such disciplinary action. Teachers will notify parents/guardians in email at least one day before scheduled detention. Detention will be held on designated days, 30 minutes for primary students and 45 minutes for middle school students and will be supervised by a staff member. Repeated detentions will result in suspension.

Suspension

Suspension from school is a severe procedure and is imposed after chronic or severe violation of school rules or policy. In the event suspension is imposed, administration will notify parents promptly by telephone and will follow up this verbal notification in writing within forty-eight (48) hours. The time of suspension may be served in or out of school and will be determined by the principal. In-school suspensions will be subject to a $75 fee, to cover the cost of hiring a substitute teacher for the suspended student. Repeated suspensions in a school year may result in expulsion from school.

Expulsion

Expulsion is the most serious measure. It is used only after other means of discipline have proven ineffective and the student’s conduct demonstrates an inability and/or unwillingness to follow school rules and policy. However, there may be situations of a serious nature that demand immediate removal of a student from the School requiring expulsion for a first violation. In the event of expulsion, administration will notify parents promptly by telephone and will follow up this verbal notification in writing within forty-eight (48) hours.

In the case of expulsion, a student will be given an opportunity for a hearing if the student or the parents or legal guardians indicate, in writing, the desire for one. The hearing board is composed of the pastor, the principal, a faculty representative, the School Board President, and a School Board member. The decisions of the hearing board are final.

Student Withdrawal on Grounds of Parental Behavior

By their interference in matters of school administration, parents may significantly reduce the School’s ability to effectively serve its students. These parents may be requested to remove their student/s from the School.

In such cases, the administration shall:

Notify the parents that their actions are interfering.
Make a reasonable effort to elicit minimum parental cooperation.
Document and retain on file all communication with the parents.

If such reasonable effort does not correct the situation, then, after consultation with the pastor, the administration may require the parents to withdraw their child/children from the School. If the parents refuse to accept withdrawal, the procedures for expulsion shall be followed as provided elsewhere in this Handbook.

Registration for the following school year may be denied on the basis of this policy, but is not limited to the actions specified herein.

In the event that parental interference is based upon an alleged breach in the administration of the policies contained in this Handbook, parents should follow the protocol set forth in the expulsion section of the Handbook. Parental failure to avail themselves of the protocol shall constitute parental refusal to cooperate for the purposes of this provision.

Harassment

Based on the teaching of Jesus, schools in the Diocese are committed to an educational environment that is free of any form of harassment. Harassment means behavior toward a student or group of students based, in whole or in part, on their gender, race, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, or any other characteristic protected under the State, Federal, or local law, which substantially interferes with the student’s school or academic performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive school environment.

Harassment can take many forms. It may be:

Physical (e.g. standing in someone’s way or standing too close, bumping into someone or brushing against the person’s body on purpose, grabbing, touching, hitting, or pinching)
Verbal (e.g. threats, insults, rumors, comments about a person’s body, sexual jokes, suggestions or remarks, notes, letters or graffiti)
Nonverbal (e.g. staring at someone’s body, sexual pictures or drawing, mimicking or pantomiming in an insulting way, gestures or looks)

Employees or students who engage in any type of harassment will be subject to appropriate discipline, including suspension and/or dismissal.

Retaliation in any form against an employee or student who exercises his/her right to make a complaint under this policy is strictly prohibited, and will itself be a cause for appropriate disciplinary action.

Any student or employee who knowingly makes false charges against an employee or a student in an attempt to demean, harass, abuse, or embarrass that individual shall be subjected to the sanctions for misconduct set forth.

Any individual who thinks that he/she has been harassed within the meaning of this policy should immediately report it to the principal or teacher. It is of the utmost importance that any violation is reported at the earliest point so the matter can be immediately remedied.

Any student who believes he/she has been the victim of harassment or any person with knowledge or belief that a student has or may have been the victim of harassment should report the alleged harassment to the principal or his/her designee of the school. An investigation is to take place immediately and steps taken, as may be appropriate, to prevent further violations of this policy while the investigation is taking place. The investigation shall consider all relevant facts, documents, witness accounts, and other relevant information. The investigation should be completed within sixty (60) days unless additional time is needed. A written report of the outcome shall be made and kept on file at the local school office.

If a violation has occurred, prompt and appropriate formal or informal action shall take place. Appropriate actions may include but are not limited to, counseling, awareness training, Parent-Teacher conferences, warning, suspension, or expulsion. If the evidence suggests that the harassment at issue is a crime or requires mandatory reporting to the appropriate social service and/or law enforcement agency, appropriate action must be taken.

Off Campus Behavior

Schools in the Diocese reserve the right to discipline students for engaging in conduct that occurs off campus if it endangers the health and/or safety of others, adversely affects the education process or the reputation of the school, is in conflict with the moral teachings of the Catholic Church, or is otherwise a violation of school policy.

Examples of such conduct include, but are not limited to, illegal activity; alcohol consumption; possession, use, or sale of drugs; inappropriate internet activity; pornography or sexting; fighting; illegal use of firearms; theft; arson; and sexually inappropriate behavior.

Students may be subject to different disciplinary penalties for off conduct depending on the severity of the issue. Such penalties may include, but are not limited to detention, suspension, expulsion, and/or restitution. The student may also be removed from extracurricular activities and sporting events, as well as field trips, dances, and graduation ceremonies.

HEALTH SERVICES

Emergency Information

Parents are required to completely fill out the Emergency Information form provided by the School. The school office must be notified immediately, in writing, of any changes.

Immunizations

Student immunizations must meet state requirements for students to attend school. The State of Florida Statute 232.032 and 402.305 Florida Administrative Code Rules 3.011 and 65c-22.006 require all students entering and attending school to present a current Certificate of Exemption of Florida State Form 680, if they do not meet state requirements. The School does not accept Religious Exemption forms for incoming students. By Florida law, students without proper immunizations will not be allowed to attend school until immunizations are current.

All students entering 7th grade must receive the Hepatitis B series.

School Physical Examinations

Any child entering a Florida school for the first time must present a medical examination performed within the last twelve months prior to attendance in a Florida school.

Health Screening

The following screenings are conducted annually:

Vision and Hearing for Grades K, 1, 3, & 6
Scoliosis for Grade 6

Medications

Medications should be given at home whenever possible. Students may take medication only if all of the following conditions are met:

There is evidence of a serious health need such as a chronic illness or when failure to take medication could jeopardize the student’s health.
There is a medical treatment authorization from your doctor or dentist for all medication to be given including all over the counter medications such as aspirin or cough syrups.
There is a written permission from the student’s parent/guardian for medication to be given to the student.
Prescription medication must be in the original container with the student’s name, name of medication, dosage, time and date of the doctor’s written order. Over the counter medicine must also be in the original container.

A parent/guardian or authorized adult must bring medications to the school office. Do not send medications to school with your student. Students are not allowed to have prescription or over the counter medication in their possession at school. These can cause a serious danger to the student or other students if misused or lost at school.

School Nurse

The health and well being of students and staff is important. A licensed nurse staffs our school health room each day that students are present. The nurse dispenses medications according to school policy, provides basic first aid services, maintains health and immunization records, coordinates health screening programs, and contacts parents regarding student health issues that may arise during school hours.

COMMUNICATION

Parent Initiated Communication

Communication between home and school is vital to our students’ success. Good two-way communications help our students improve and help our school meet student and family needs. To facilitate communication, when a question or concern arises, the communication steps indicated below must be followed. This will ensure a better understanding of your question or concern as well as a more timely resolution to any issue that arises.

Parent – Teacher communication
Parent – Assistant Principal communication

Parent – Principal communication
Parent – Assistant Principal/Principal – Teacher communication
Parent – Pastor communication.

Staff Voicemail and Internet

All staff members have voice mail. Email addresses are available on the school website or through FACTS Family Portal. Please know that staff and faculty members are busy during the day working with the children and may not be able to respond to a voicemail or email before the end of the school day.

School Records

School records may be obtained by a parent/guardian upon written request.

The School abides by the provisions of the Buckley Amendment with respect to the rights of noncustodial parents. In the absence of court order to the contrary, the school will provide the noncustodial parent with access to appropriate academic information regarding the student. The noncustodial parent should request, in writing to the school office, if he/she wishes to be forwarded appropriate academic and school information. If there is a court order specifying that no information be given to the noncustodial parent, an official copy of such order must be provided to the school.

Website/FACTS Family Portal

Information regarding the school for prospective families is available at: www.stmarthaschool.net

The information in this Handbook, current events, teacher web pages, specific classroom information, current grades, and assignments are available through FACTS Family Portal. The FACTS Family Portal is more flexible than print media. It is updated and improved on a regular basis. A password is provided by the School via email to each parent with a valid email address.

School Newsletter

The school newsletter, “Knight's News,” is sent monthly via email. All previous issues are available on the Family Portal under School Resources, Newsletter. The newsletter covers activities at school, SMPA events, and local community events.

Calendar

A yearly calendar indicates school days and vacation days along with many of the school events. A monthly calendar is also sent home with more specific month-by-month information and any necessary changes to the yearly calendar. Please refer to Family Portal for the most current updated calendar. The school hot lunch menu is available through Family Portal.

Student Telephone/Cell Phone Use

Students may use school telephones with permission of a staff member, if the need arises. Students are not to send or receive calls on personal cell phones during school hours. Use of electronic devices such as cell phones, smart watches, music players, cameras, or games, or other such electronic devices or uses is restricted while on campus. All unapproved electronic devices must be turned completely off and secured in a backpack or other such storage which will remain closed and secure in the classroom at all times during the school day. All unapproved electronic devices must be turned completely off and secured in a backpack or other such storage while a student is on campus before or after school hours. Students are not allowed to carry phones or other devices on their persons during the school day. Any student found to have a cell phone or electronic device of any kind on their persons will have that device confiscated, given to an administrator, and subsequent disciplinary action will be taken. The electronic device will only be returned to a parent/guardian at the end of the school day.

SUPPORT SERVICES

School Counselor

The spiritual, academic, social, and psychological growth of each child is paramount. The challenges, problems and difficulties faced by our students are typical for young people growing up in today’s society. The School employs a counselor to help children and parents deal with these problems. If the counselor feels it beneficial to meet with a child on a regular basis, parental permission is required. The counselor may also refer families to outside counseling or support services when appropriate.

DCF Policy

The school will reasonably cooperate with regard to any investigation by the Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) pertaining to allegations of child abuse. Since the school is on private property, DCF will be precluded from reasonable access to students at school unless consent of a parent or guardian is obtained. Absent such consent, the school will cooperate in allowing DCF to have access to students if DCF obtains, according to law, an appropriate court order or other legal authority, such as the presence of a police officer or deputy sheriff.

School Chaplain

The School Chaplain is available to meet with students, parents or families as needed for spiritual counseling and guidance. Please use the link on the school website to schedule an appointment.

After-School Program

For the benefit of our School families, a child care program is provided for our students until 5:30 p.m., on most school days. Parents must register students for this After-School Program in order to participate at the regular fee.

Only students enrolled in the School are allowed to enroll in the After-School program. Students must obey the rules and regulations and fees must be current in FACTS to remain in the After-School Program.

The After-School Program strives to provide an enjoyable atmosphere with varying activities, including outdoor play, homework time, and indoor games. Students are served a snack each day.

Students will be released only to parents/guardians or to an individual who has been authorized by parents/guardians to pick up the student. There are no exceptions to this rule. The authorized person must sign out the student when picking him/her up. The school requires that parents/guardians designate, in writing, those persons who are authorized to pick up their student/s.

A yearly registration fee must be paid for the program. A daily fee is charged for the program for registered students when they attend. A $20 fee will be assessed per student, per day for non-registered students who need to use the program because they are not picked up by 3:00 p.m. or the appropriate time on early dismissal days.

Lunch and Snack Program

Students may purchase a snack and/or lunch on a monthly basis via their personal lunch account. Parents are asked to visit the Family Portal in FACTS to set-up their child’s account and to pre order their child’s snack and/or lunch. The website is the only way to pay and order your child’s snack and/or lunch. All snack orders must be received before 7:00 a.m. daily, and all lunch orders must be received before 7:30 a.m. daily. After 7:30 a.m., online lunch ordering will no longer be available. The child will receive a forgotten lunch order at a higher rate. Information regarding account balances and student lunch activity can be viewed in the Family Portal.

Students must bring their lunch from home if not buying lunch. Lunches from home should:

Clear water bottles
Have no breakable containers
Include necessary utensils and condiments
Not include soda or energy drinks, or candy or other primarily sugary foods
Not require refrigeration or heating
Must be clearly marked with the student’s name and grade.

Snacks

Students may purchase and/or bring a snack to school daily. Snacks are to be eaten during the designated morning snack break. All snacks should be healthy and low in sugar. Fruit, vegetables, bagels, and other such healthy snacks are encouraged. Please do not send your child to school with soda, energy drinks, candy, or other primarily sugary foods as snacks as these types of snacks are not allowed in the classroom. Students are required to clean up any mess they make during the snack break so that the classroom is clean for the next period.

Students may not take or vandalize another student’s snack or lunch in any manner. Please note that students who engage in such behavior will receive a Behavioral Infraction, and the parents will be responsible for paying for the other student’s destroyed lunch or snack as well as any replacement lunch or snack.

UNIFORMS

Dress Code

St. Martha students are required to wear well-maintained school uniforms every day, and to maintain a neat personal appearance. Any circumstances that prevent a student from wearing the school uniform must be explained, in writing, by the parent and verified by the office before the student reports to class. The administration reserves the right to call a parent to bring in the proper clothing for a student to comply with uniform regulations.

Girls’ Uniform Regulations

All shorts/skorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the middle of the knee and must be purchased at Risse Brothers School Uniforms. Any other older uniform shorts/skorts such as the School Colors brand will not be allowed. Shorts/skorts must not be shortened by either taking up the hem or wearing rolled up. Shorts/skorts must fit properly as intended and must be replaced as students grow.
Black or brown belt is required with shorts.
All school polos must be worn tucked into the shorts/skorts at all times.
No make-up of any kind. This includes lip gloss, mascara, base, primer, eye shadow, eye liners, powder, lipstick, and any other such make-up.
No nail polish of any kind including artificial nails and clear nail polish
Contact lenses must be without color
One pair of small stud earrings (no dangling earrings and no cartilage piercing)
One small ring - large or multiple rings are not permitted.
One necklace with a cross or holy medal on a small gold or silver chain
No bracelets of any kind

Wearable technology is not allowed at any time before, during, or after the school day or on any school field trip.

No Extreme hairstyles (No beading, scarves, or hats, etc.)
No dyed hair (full, partial, streaks, or highlights)
Solid Black, Blue, Brown, or Jumper Plaid headbands only, no more than 2" wide.
No hair ornaments
Tattoos, permanent or temporary, are strictly prohibited
SMCS logo or logo free solid white, gray or black socks which must be able to be seen
Undergarments must not be visible

Boys’ Uniform Regulations

All shorts must be purchased at Risse Brothers School Uniforms. Shorts must not be shortened by either by taking up the hem or wearing rolled up. Shorts must fit properly as intended and must be replaced as students grow.
Black or brown belt is required with shorts/pants.
All school polos must be worn tucked into the shorts/pants at all times.
Contact lenses must be without color
No earrings
One small ring - large or multiple rings are not permitted.
One necklace with a cross or holy medal on a small gold or silver chain
No bracelets of any kind
Wearable technology is not allowed at any time before, during, or after the school day or on any school field trip.
No Extreme hairstyles (No beading, scarves, or hats, etc.). Hair must be clear of (above) the eyes, above the shirt collar, and not covering more than half the ear. No spiked, colored, or dyed hair (full, partial, or streaks, or highlights)
No hair ornaments including hats
Tattoos, permanent or temporary, are strictly prohibited
SMCS logo or logo free solid white, gray or black socks which must be able to be seen
Undergarments must not be visible

Dress Down Regulations

Girls and Boys

Hemmed shorts/skirts (no more than 2 inches above the middle of the knee)
Pants/ Capris /Jeans that fit appropriately and are worn at the waist (no hip huggers)
Jeans may not be ripped and must be free of holes
Tee shirt or polo style shirt with sleeves
No sleeveless or spaghetti strap shirts and no midriffs. If your shirt doesn’t cover you when you raise your arms, it is too short.
No inappropriate wording or graphics
School shoes/sneakers and socks
No flip flops, sandals, high heels, backless shoes, boots, or Crocs of any kind
No wheel shoes
No make-up of any kind including lip-gloss
No nail polish of any kind including but not limited to artificial nails and clear nail polish
Undergarments must not be visible
Hooded sweatshirts are not permitted
No leggings or “jeggings,” compression pants, bike shorts, spandex, or any other such article of clothing
Wearable technology is not allowed at any time before, during, or after the school day or on any school field trip.

Dress Up Regulations

Girls

Any loose fitting skirt or dress no more than 2 inches above the middle of the knee or dress slacks
A sweater or blouse (no spaghetti straps, low cut, or midriff tops)
Dress shoes – only 1 inch heel allowed (no high heels, flip flops, sandals, or backless shoes)

Boys

Solid colored, belted, dress trousers that fit correctly and are worn at the waist
Dress shirt with collar (tie is optional)
School shoes or dress shoes
Socks must be worn

Spirit Days

Saint Martha School Spirit shirt (purchased from the Spirit Store only)
One inspirational type rubber wristband can be worn on Spirit Days or when specially designated by administration.
School bottoms (uniform shorts, skorts, or pants only)
School shoes and socks or sneakers and socks
No makeup of any kind including lip gloss
No nail polish including but not limited to artificial nails and clear nail polish
No hooded sweatshirts
Undergarments must not be visible (layering tanks are acceptable)
Wearable technology is not allowed at any time before, during, or after the school day or on any school field trip.

All-School Mass Days

Students are to wear regular school uniforms. If a student has physical education that day, the student is to wear the regular school uniform with his/her regular shoes (no P.E. shoes).

PE Uniform

Students in all grades are to wear the PE uniform to school and will not change.

St. Martha Catholic School

UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS 2022-2023

REGULAR SCHOOL UNIFORM (worn 3 days a week in grade P4-8th)

Grade PK3 PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM is worn daily as the regular school uniform

Grades P 4 - Grade 5 BOYS GIRLS

Shirt: Red uniform polo with School logo Red uniform polo with School logo

Bottoms: Navy uniform shorts with School logo Navy uniform shorts with School logo

Navy uniform pants Navy uniform pants

Navy uniform skort with School logo

Belt: Plain, solid 1-1.5” black or brown Plain, solid 1-1.5” black or brown

Girls Jumper: Plaid School Jumper with white embroidered Peter Pan collar blouse only

Shoes: Plain, solid colored (black, brown, navy, white, red or tan) non-marking sole; lace up, Velcro or buckled, closed toed dress or athletic shoes

Socks: Logo free solid white, gray or black -must be able to be seen

Grades 6 - 8 BOYS GIRLS ________

Shirt: Red uniform polo with School logo Red uniform polo with School logo

Gr. 8- Black uniform polo w/ logo Gr. 8- Black uniform polo w/logo

Bottoms: Khaki uniform shorts with School logo Khaki uniform shorts with School logo Khaki uniform pants Khaki uniform pants

Khaki uniform skort with School logo Belt: Plain, solid 1-1.5” black or brown Plain, solid 1-1.5” black or brown

Shoes: Plain, solid colored (black, brown, navy, white, red or tan) non-marking sole; lace up, Velcro

or buckled, closed toed dress or athletic shoes

Socks: Logo free solid white, gray or black -must be able to be seen

PHYSICAL EDUCATION UNIFORM (worn twice a week in grades P4-8th)

ALL GRADES P.E. clothes are worn to school on P.E. days

Shirt: Gray T-Shirt with School Logo

Shorts: Black with School Logo

Sneakers: Simple sneakers

Socks: Logo free solid white, gray or black -must be able to be seen

ALL GRADES COOLER WEATHER OUTERWEAR OPTIONS

Sweatshirt: Navy with School logo

Sweat Pants: Navy plain sweat pants only (for P.E. days only during cold weather)

White Plain tights can be worn under skorts, shorts or jumpers

Sweater: Navy with School Logo

ALL UNIFORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT RISSE BROTHERS
www.rissebrothers.com

ACTIVITIES

Sports

St. Martha School sponsored sport teams for middle school students.

Boys:

Soccer
Basketball
Flag Football
Tennis
Golf

Girls:

Soccer
Basketball
Volleyball
Tennis
Golf

Student participation is encouraged. Eligibility is based on the following areas:

Academics – Students must maintain an average above 70% in each class. Students are not eligible to try out if any subject has an average below 70%. Coaches have the right to ask teachers if they were in any way pressured to grade missing work immediately upon receipt so that the student would be eligible for tryouts and games.
Conduct - Students are expected to follow all school rules. Coaches and teachers have the right to request that a student be suspended for unsatisfactory behavior.
Effort – Students are expected to do their best in all classes.
Attitude – Students are expected to respect teachers and peers.

Lockers are provided for each student during the duration of the P.E. class period. During the school day, padlocks are not permitted. During extracurricular events including practices and games, personal padlocks may be used, but must be removed at the end of each event. No padlocks may be left on lockers overnight.

Cleats, spikes, food, or drinks are allowed in the gymnasium at anytime.

Classroom teachers, coaches, and the Athletic Director will be in close communication regarding student performance in these areas. Practices are held at the School and other locations depending on the sport. Games are held at various locations in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. Spectators are always welcome to cheer on the teams. Refer to the calendar, newsletter, and website for dates and locations of practices and games. Occasionally, an alternate non-sponsored sport may be offered such as karate, gymnastics, etc.

Knightly News Network (KNN)

Under the direction of the Media Specialist, Grade 8 students produce a daily newscast. This broadcast includes: daily prayers, Pledge of Allegiance, sports, weather, birthdays, lunch menu, and special events. Recordings are available on Family Portal for the school community. Selection for the KNN news crew is made in the spring for the following school year. Contact the Media Specialist for more details.

School Pictures/Yearbook

School pictures are taken of all students during the fall. Individual picture packages are available for purchase by families. A yearbook with homeroom and group activity pictures is also made available for purchase at the end of the school year.

SAFETY

Critical Response Preparedness

Critical response procedures are reviewed and safety drills are conducted regularly to prepare for emergencies such as fire, severe weather or unexpected life threatening situations. Plans are developed with local emergency agencies and the Diocese.

Safety Inspections

Regular safety and health inspections are conducted by local and state agencies to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and rules.

Weather Emergencies

The School will not follow the public schools closing and opening schedules. If the location of a school or program is placed under a Tropical Storm Warning or a Hurricane Warning, then the school or program will cease all activities and close for the duration of the warning. If the warning is enacted during the school day or activity, then the school or program will close at the end of that day’s event, unless otherwise notified by the school. With hurricanes and tropical storms, there is typically plenty of notice when a warning is enacted. In the event that the school closes for weather related reasons, an email, text, or voicemail will be sent to all families notifying them of the reopen date.

School administrators always act with an abundance of caution when considering whether or not to offer outdoor recess or physical education classes, or how and when to move students from school to church. This cautionary approach can become heightened, and experienced by the entire school community, at daily dismissal. The building principal must consider the safety of the staff and parents in addition to our students when determining if school dismissal must be altered or delayed. The school understands the variety of commitments of parents and students and how these changes in routine and resulting delays can alter busy schedules, but we ask for everyone's patience and grace when inclement weather creates the need for such delays. The timing and method of dismissal is completely at the principal's discretion, but as a general rule expect dismissal to be delayed when lightning strikes within five miles of the school. Please know that the safety and security of our students, and our parents and staff, will continue to be our top priority.

Use of School Grounds

The use of school grounds or facilities at Bishop Nevins Academy by individuals or groups outside of the school is not permitted without written permission from the principal or pastor. Requests must be submitted, in writing, with the appropriate verification of insurance certification.

Visitors/Volunteers

Bishop Nevins Academy is a closed campus. Volunteers and visitors, including parents, must sign in with a valid driver’s license at the reception desk in the main lobby when they enter the building, and sign out when they leave; this includes parents coming to eat lunch with students in the lunchroom. Visitors and volunteers must wear a nametag and lanyard while in the building. All volunteers, including parents, must complete all required security documents, including fingerprinting and SET, before working with/for students.

Pets

While parents may believe their pet is friendly and safe around children, the behavior may be very different when lots of children are running around before or after school. Neither you nor the school would welcome the possible litigation should a pet bite a child. Many children and staff also have pet allergies. For the safety of all, no pets are allowed into the school building. Please do not bring animals into the school at any time. Service animals (i.e. guide dogs) are permitted.

TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Technology Acceptable Use Policy

The School is committed to student use of technology as a tool to expand learning opportunities and conduct scholarly research. The use of technology facilitates global collaboration--a vital skill for our 21st century learners. Students in P3 - 8 utilize Chromebooks on a wireless network in a 1 to 1 setting. Chromebooks and the wireless network on the School's campus are strictly for educational use consistent with the School's educational goals. Along with the opportunity this provides comes responsibility. This Acceptable Use Policy (“AUP”) is designed to give the student and the student's family, as well as others on the School's campus clear and concise guidelines regarding the appropriate use of technology. The underlying premise of this policy is that all members of the School's community must uphold the values of honesty and integrity. We expect our students to exercise good judgment and to utilize technology with integrity.

Wearable Technology

Wearable technology refers to clothing and accessories incorporating computer and advanced electronic technologies. The designs often incorporate practical functions and features.
Common wearable devices include but are not limited to: Apple Watch, Android Watch, Google Glasses, FitBit, GoPro, Garmin devices, etc.
Wearable technology is not allowed at any time before, during, or after the school day or on any school field trip.

Email services provided by the school are to be used only for the exchange of appropriate information.
Email is closed to any address that does not end with stmarthaschool.net. Students can only communicate within the school community. In some cases, other email addresses may be allowed for communication but they must be approved by the technology director/principal.
The use of email during class is prohibited unless authorized by the classroom teacher.
Students should always use appropriate language in their email messages.
No inappropriate email messages will be tolerated, including derogatory, obscene, or harassing messages. Email messages of an abusive or harassing nature will be regarded as a major violation and will be subject to a disciplinary response, which may result in expulsion.
Chain letters of any kind and spam are prohibited. Chain letters are defined as any email message asking you to pass information or messages on to other individuals or groups via email.
Students are prohibited from accessing anyone else's email account.
Email etiquette should be observed at all times. In general, only messages that the student would communicate to the recipient in person should be written.
Only approved email programs may be used for student email.
School email addresses are not to be given to ANY websites, companies, or other third parties without the explicit permission of a teacher or administrator.
Only school related attachments may be sent on the school email system.
Email services are monitored for but not limited to vulgar language, attachments of any kind, and proper use at all times, on and off campus.

Social Media

The use of social media while on the school network for personal use is strictly prohibited. Examples of social media include but are not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Skype, Flickr, Tumblr, Snapchat, and InstaGram.
The use of these social networking sites and other publicly/privately viewed social network sites by students while not in school may impact enrollment at the School.
Instant messaging is prohibited on campus except as part of an assigned, in-class activity that is supervised by faculty or administration.
Blogging is to be utilized on campus only for academic purposes.
Participation in chat rooms during school hours is prohibited during the school day, except as part of an assigned, in-class activity.
Examples of chatting and blogging include but are not limited to Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Blogger,etc.

Audio, Video, and Photo

Audio should be turned off or on silent unless required for the activity being conducted.
Listening to music either aloud or with earphones is not permitted on campus unless required for the activity being conducted. Faculty and staff may relax this policy at their discretion as necessary to complete an activity.
When sound is needed, headphones provided by the student must be used.
The use of technology to watch movies or videos, unless assigned by a teacher, is not permitted during the school day.
Any audio, video, or photo recording may be done only with the prior permission of all parties being recorded and must be for school purposes.
Sharing of music or movies over the school network is strictly prohibited and is subject to disciplinary action.

Games

The viewing and/or playing of electronic games is not permitted during school hours, except as part of an assigned in-class activity or as directed by faculty or administration.
The school reserves the right to remove any game from a school computer/tablet that is considered inappropriate in any way or impedes the educational purpose of the technology program.
No games that are played over the school network/internet are allowed.
Games that include violence, adult content, inappropriate language, and weapons among others are not to be installed or played.
The wallpaper is set to a default school approved background and is not to be changed. As such, any other wallpapers that include distracting pictures or elements, gaming components, violent depictions, adult content, inappropriate scenes, and weapons among others, or any other wallpapers which may be considered derogatory in any form whatsoever are prohibited.

Network Access

Students must not make any attempt to access servers or network information that is not available to them through normal login procedures.
The utilization of proxy avoidance IP numbers and programs is strictly prohibited.
Students may not use the school network for personal or private business reasons including but not limited to online ordering and purchases.
Students are not to knowingly degrade or disrupt online services or equipment as such activity is considered a crime under state and federal law (Florida Computer Crimes Act, Chapter 815, Florida Statutes). This includes tampering with computer hardware or software, vandalizing data, invoking viruses, attempting to gain access to restricted or unauthorized network services, or violating copyright laws.
The School is not responsible for damaged or lost data transferred through our network or

stored on computers or our file servers.

File Sharing

File sharing is the public or private sharing of data or space. Any program that creates a

point-to-point connection between two or more computing devices for the purpose of sharing data is considered file sharing.

File sharing of any kind is prohibited both on campus and off campus. The only exception to this is when it is a specific assignment given by a faculty member.
No file sharing software of any kind is to be installed on any school owned device.. Examples of this type of software are Limewire, Bearshare, Kazaa, iMesh, etc. Although these types of programs are software downloads, they automatically create file-sharing connections.

Deleting Files

Students may not delete any folders or files that they did not create or that they do not recognize. Deletion of certain files will result in computer failure and will interfere with the ability to complete class work and may affect grades.

Downloading and Loading of Software

Students are not permitted to install custom/individual applications that require

administrator privileges.

All installed software must be a legally licensed copy.
The downloading of music files, video files, games, etc. through the school's network is absolutely prohibited unless it is part of an assigned in-class activity.
The school reserves the right to remove any software that has been loaded onto any computer that impedes the educational process.
Copyrighted movies may not be "ripped" from DVDs or from other sources and placed on school owned technology nor may copyrighted movies be downloaded from the Internet.
Only commercial videos legally purchased may be downloaded.
Shareware and freeware programs such as animated cursors (i.e. Comet Cursor), screen savers, and other programs similar to these, automatically open connections outside the School's network and as such are prohibited. Such connections are Spyware, and they not only monitor the activities on the computer, but they also slow down the operation of the computer and the network connection.

Wallpaper, Lock Screen, and Avatar Picture

The wallpaper is set to a default school approved background and is not to be changed.
The lock screen is not to be changed on any school owned device.
Students changing their Avatar picture in their Google Account should only use pictures they own. Using commercially protected images is strictly prohibited.

Internet Use

Parents and students must realize that students may encounter material on a website that

the school does not consider appropriate (vulgar jokes, statements of belief that some might consider immoral, items of a sexual or pornographic nature, extremist or militant materials, gambling, depictions of violence, images that are intended to be abusive or harassing, etc.). Although a CIPA compliant filtering firewall software is in place, there is no guarantee that all controversial material will be blocked. As a parent, you agree to not hold St. Martha Catholic School responsible for controversial material that may not be detected by the content filter. It is the student’s responsibility not to pursue material that the school may consider offensive. If a student encounters such material, he/she must turn off the computer monitor or close the laptop screen and notify the classroom teacher immediately.

I understand that each student who receives internet access through an account will be instructed in the proper use of the network. The use of the internet must be in support of education and research consistent with the educational objectives of the school.
Students using network or computing resources must comply with the appropriate rules for the network or resource.
Information obtained through the Internet must be properly cited and in compliance with copyright laws. Due to the quickly changing nature of the internet, a hard copy of referenced material is recommended.
Students are required to cite to all internet sources used in academic assignments, whether quoted or summarized. This includes all forms of media on the internet, including but not limited to photographs, graphics, movies, music, and text.
Plagiarism includes the use of any information obtained from the internet that is not properly cited and presented as that student’s own work. Plagiarism of internet resources is strictly forbidden and will be treated in the same manner as any other incidents of plagiarism.
If a student accidentally accesses a website that contains obscene, pornographic or otherwise offensive material, he/she is to notify a teacher and/or the Technology Director immediately so that such sites can be blocked from further access. This is not merely a request; it is a responsibility.

Privacy, Use, and Safety

I understand that St. Martha Catholic School uses online services for instruction. These services include but are not limited to: Google Apps for Education, Edline, TurnItIn, OneDrive, Dropbox, Prezi, Animoto, Museum Box, Renaissance Place, Office 365, Glogster, Hapara, and JamStudio. These services require a student username and password. When possible, student usernames are created using the first three initials of the first name followed by last name. First names and last names may be used for account creation. No other identifiable information about the student is provided to any of these services for account creation. By signing the Handbook in which this technology agreement in incorporated, you agree that St. Martha Catholic School has permission to create these accounts for your children's use in accordance with COPPA and FERPA.
I will honor my school’s procedures for the storage of information. I understand that I am expected to save files that I want to keep in my computer folder, and in my Google Drive account provided by St. Martha Catholic School.
I also understand that I should keep a backup copy of all work on my own USB Flash Drive.
I realize that, after prior notice has been given to me, files may be deleted from the system to protect the integrity of the network or because of space limitations on the computer’s hard drive.
Any school provided accounts will be terminated upon student graduation.
Students may not give any personal information regarding themselves through email or the internet including their name, phone number, address, passwords, etc., without explicit parental consent.
Frequently, the identity of someone on the internet is impossible to confirm. Therefore, contact with such individuals is considered inappropriate and unsafe.
Students are not to provide the e-mail address or other personal information regarding other students, faculty, or administration to anyone outside of the school without their permission.
Students must secure and maintain private passwords for network and computer access.
This is important in order to protect the privacy of each student. Do NOT share personal passwords or usernames.
The School respects the privacy of every student, faculty member, and administrator with respect to stored files and email accounts. However, if inappropriate use of email accounts or the School's network, including student/faculty handbook violations or harassment, is suspected, the School's administration has the right to view these files in order to investigate suspected inappropriate behavior.
The School will monitor computer activities, including logging website access, newsgroup access, bandwidth, and network use among others.
Students are prohibited from accessing faculty, administration, and staff file servers for

any reason.

Students are prohibited from utilizing the command prompt interface. In addition to this, students are prohibited from using any method to obtain control of another person's computer through the use of their own computer.
Students are prohibited from utilizing peer-to-peer networking or any method of file sharing unless authorized by the technology staff.
Students are responsible at all times for treating all technology with utmost care and to make every attempt not to damage equipment in any way. If a piece of equipment is found damaged, the student must report the damage immediately to the classroom teacher.
No identifiable photographs of students, faculty, or administration will be allowed to be published on the Internet or used in print without appropriate written consent. Concerning a student, appropriate written consent means a signature by a parent or legal guardian of the student.
Cyber-bullying is the use of electronic information and communication devices to willfully harm a person or persons through any electronic medium, such as text, audio, photos, or videos. Examples of this behavior include, but are not limited to:

Sending, posting, or snapping false, cruel, hurtful or vicious messages, comments, or pictures including sending the same through “anonymous” programs or chats.
Creating or contributing to websites that have stories, cartoons, pictures, and jokes ridiculing others.
Creating online or other such surveys designed to ridicule or embarrass others;
Breaking into an email account and sending vicious or embarrassing materials to others.
Engaging someone in electronic communication, tricking that person into revealing sensitive personal information and forwarding that information to others;
Posting of a student picture without their permission.
Any electronic communication that creates a hostile, disruptive environment on the school campus is a violation of the student's and of the staff member's right to be safe and secure.
Actions deliberately threatening, harassing or intimidating an individual or group of individuals; placing an individual in reasonable fear of harm; damaging an individual's property; or disrupting the orderly operation of the school will not be tolerated.

Chromebooks that are provided by the school continue to be the property of the school. Therefore, the school has the right to view all content associated with the Chromebook at any time.
Any electronic device used on the school network, even if privately owned, is subject to all policies and consequences of the AUP including: the right to view the content of the device at any time; the right to remove content from the device; and the right to retain the device in the school's possession if there is an infraction to the AUP that deserves that consequence as determined by the School's administration.

Unauthorized duplication, installation, alteration, or destruction of data programs, hardware, or software is prohibited.
Data, programs, hardware, software, and other materials including those protected by copyright may not be transmitted or duplicated.
Software applications, games, apps, or CD-ROMs from home among others are not to be used on school equipment without proof of licensure and prior written approval of appropriate school personnel.

Chromebooks

Student Chromebooks must not be left unattended at any time. If a Chromebook is found to be unattended, it will be turned into the Main Office.
Chromebooks must be in a student's possession, a designated storage area, or secured in a locked classroom at all times.
Students may not lend Chromebooks to other students.
Students may not borrow a Chromebook from another student.
Students may not use or work on a Chromebook from another student.
Chromebooks must be carried and transported appropriately on and off campus. All school-issued Chromebooks must be transported in a padded Chromebook case or tote used for the sole purpose of transporting the Chromebook, and as such not being used as a book or supply tote. Chromebooks must never be carried in unpadded totes or placed unprotected in totes and backpacks.

Note: Students are entirely responsible for backing up their own data. Lost or damaged data is not the School's responsibility.

Students may not consume food or beverages near the school-issued Chromebooks at school or home.
Chromebooks must be handled with care at all times. Inappropriate treatment of school-issued Chromebooks is not prohibited. Damages that occur to the Chromebook are the sole responsibility of the student and parent. Student and parent responsibility also include any damages caused by the student to another student’s Chromebook whether the damages were caused accidentally or deliberately intended.
No writing or stickers will be allowed on the Chromebooks and Chromebook cases and these are not to be defaced in any way.
Students may not remove, move, or write on the identification sticker on their Chromebooks.
Students are not allowed to create any administrative passwords on their Chromebooks.
Students are expected to come to school with a fully charged battery on a daily basis. Failure to do so carries the same classroom consequence as not being prepared for class. The consequences may included but are not limited to missing work, a Behavioral Infraction, and any other such consequences.
Students are not allowed to bring Chromebook chargers to use at school.

Damage

The Chromebook is the sole responsibility of the student while it is in the student’s possession.
Manufacturer problems that are covered under warranty will be the responsibility of the school. If the damage is determined to be the fault of the student (water damage, broken screen, missing keys, etc), the repair fees below will apply:

Broken Screen - $185.00 per occurrence
Missing Keys from keyboard - $100.00 (Keys cannot be replaced on keyboard as such the entire keyboard/touchpad must be replaced)
Other repairs - Price will be determined.
In the event of gross misuse of handling of the Chromebook which results in refusal of warranty repair, the full amount of the Chromebook will be charged to replace the unit. Cost will be provided at current market prices.
All of the above repair fees are subject to change as the cost of such fees increase while the supply of repair material decrease.

Consequences

The School reserves the right to enforce appropriate consequences for the violation of any section of the AUP. Such consequences will include but are limited to the loss of the privilege to use school computers, the loss of the use of the school issued Chromebook for an amount of time as determined by the administration and members of the Technology Department, possible disciplinary action, and possible legal action.
These consequences apply to all students participating in the Chromebook program at the School as well as to students who are using the school's computers/iPads on campus.
Any Chromebook with illegal or inappropriate software or materials on it will be reformatted or "reimaged," and the student will be charged a minimum $50 AUP violation fee PER incident for this service. This amount will be increased for repeat violations.
In the case of repeated Chromebook abuse and/or damages, the school has the right to revoke the off campus use of the School's Chromebook, and the student will be restricted to using it only on campus. Repeated AUP offenses or Chromebook abuses will lead to the loss of a student's privilege of using an Chromebook on campus.
Students are to report any known violations of this AUP to appropriate administrative staff members. Random checks of student Chromebooks will be conducted throughout the year to ensure that these policies are being followed.
The School takes no responsibility for activities conducted on the school-issued Chromebooks, materials stored on the school-issued Chromebooks, or any materials stored or anything relating to the School's network.
GoGuardian software is in place for all student accounts. This software allows for content filtering in and out of school wherever the student is logged into their Google Account. This software also gives a detailed list of all sites visited, YouTube content accessed, and more.
While GoGuardian is in place, the School does not take responsibility for websites/activities that are accessed outside of the School campus. It is the parent’s and guardian’s responsibility to ensure that proper content filtering is in place in addition to GoGuardian at home to prevent access to objectionable websites.

Thank you for your support and commitment to Catholic education at St. Martha Catholic School.

St. Martha Catholic School Parent & Student Handbook (revised 07/19/2022)