St. Ann School
Parent Handbook

• Purpose
• School Mission
• School Philosophy
• Tuition Policy
• School Board
• Parent Teacher Organization
• Important Telephone Numbers
• Lunch & Recess Schedule
• Absence
• Appointments and Vacations
• Lunch
• Arrival and Dismissal
• Drop Off & Pickup
• Security Policy
• School Closings
• Extended Day Service

• Admission Policy
• Archdiocese Policies
• Band
• Conferences
• Home Assignments
• Homework Detention
• Hot Lunch
• Insurance
• Liturgy
• Lost and Found
• Make-up Work
• Physical Education
• Playground
• Progress Reports
• Rainbows
• Report Cards
• Scholarships
• Sickness or Injury
• Spanish Instruction
• Special Services
• Sports Program
• Student Behavior
• Student Council
• Student Discipline
• T.R.I.P. Program
• Uniforms
• Volunteers

The distinctive purpose of Catholic Schools is to create a Christian educational community where human culture and knowledge, enlightened and enlivened by faith, is shared among teachers, parents, and students in a spirit of freedom and love

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St. Ann School exists to offer a Catholic education rooted in a solid academic program and emphasizing positive self-concept, self-discipline, and traditional Catholic values to the children of St. Ann School.

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St. Ann School is committed to the teaching of scripture, traditional Catholic beliefs, attitudes, and Gospel values to its students, so they will be prepared to witness and live as members of a Catholic parish and community.

Through active participation in parish and community events we aim to nurture in our students a sense of self-confidence, personal responsibility, and love of God, self and others.  As members of a community, a parish, a family, and St. Ann School, we recognize the importance of promoting a positive self-image within an atmosphere of mutual respect.

We view each person as a unique composite of body and should with a need for total development.  We recognize that each child has different capabilities, needs, and interest, and in a spirit of mutual respect, we strive to develop these unique qualities through the use of varied methods, materials and talents.

Students are encouraged to achieve high standards of academic performance.  St. Ann School offers a sequentially developed curriculum with an emphasis on the basics and offers enrichments which aim to develop student potential.  All teaching and actions are directed to assist the whole child to successfully meet life and times in a contemporary world.

Recognizing that parents are the first and foremost educators of the child, we work in cooperation with them for the improvement of each child's education.

The organization, curriculum design and total involvement of everyone who is a part of our school's efforts and its related activities are dedicated to facilitating this philosophy.

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For the purpose of the St. Ann School Board Tuition Payment Policy, a registered parishioner is a contributing person or family who is recorded in the Parish Directory.  To continue receiving a parishioner tuition rate each family is requested to attend weekend mass and use the parish envelope.

Tuition rates for the 2005-06 school year are

The Registration, Curriculum Fee and Technology Fee must be paid upon registration or re-registration ON OR BEFORE APRIL 1.  After April 1, the Registration Fee is $35.00.  All Fees are non-refundable.

The following payment plans are available -- your choice of plans and the first payments are to be made on the designated tuition days for the coming year:  All payments are mailed to the Intuition company.

1. Full payment on August 1st
2. One-half payment of full tuition due on August 1st, with the balance due on or before January 1st.
3. One-quarter payment of full tuition is due on July 1st, one quarter is due on or before November 1st, one-quarter is due on or before February 1st and one quarter is due on or before May 1st.
4. Ten monthly payments starting August 1st and thereafter due on the 1st of each month with the last payment due on May 1st.

A $25.00 per month late fee will be added to any account, more than 30 days past due.  If other financial arrangements are necessary, the School Board Finance Committee must be contacted before the schedule tuition days in May.  To encourage service to the School, a tuition credit of $100.00 will be applied by May 1st to families having donated forty (40) parental hours to activities as approved by  the School Board.  Tuition Credit forms are due in the office on April 1st.  No child will be registered or allowed to begin school until all registration requirements and financial arrangements have been met.  Any past due tuition or fees must be paid in full by May 1st.  Report cards and/or field trips and/or picnics will be withheld from students whose accounts are not paid in full by May 1st.  Any payments made after May 1st must be paid in cash or by money order.  Any questions regarding tuition and payments should be address to the Parish Business Manager

There will be a $25.00 service charge for any NSF checks written to the school.  After two NSF checks, only money orders or credit cards will be accepted for tuition payments and all other school related charges.

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The mission of the School Board is to provide a Catholic education at a reasonable cost within the boundaries of the Parish subsidy and the School budget limitations.  The purpose of the School Board is to develop and define the policies which govern the operation of St. Ann School, to ensure the implementation of said policies, to hire the principal in collaboration with the pastor, to review and advise on the annual budget, to provide counsel and advice in the operation of the school, and to model a Christian community.  School Board meeting are help normally on the second Thursday of each month.  Dates, times and places are published in the School and Church Bulletins.  Meetings are open sessions and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Click Here to see a list of the current School Board Members

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The Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) is dedicated to enhancing the function of the St. Ann School Community.  Our efforts are two-fold (1) Communication to promote the physical needs of the "learning environment" and (2) Social interaction to provide an opportunity to meet and enjoy each other company.

Click Here to see a list of the current PTO Officers

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• 7:40 to 8:00 am................. Students enter
• 8:00 am............................. Classes begin
• 2:25 pm............................. Parking lot dismissal
• 2:30 pm............................. Walkers dismissal

LUNCH/RECESS SCHEDULE

A pupil is considered tardy after 8:05 a.m.  A tardy student must report to the Office for an admission slip.  During school hours, only the southwest corner door will be open.  All parents and visitors must report first to the Office.  Parents please do your best to make sure students are here by 7:55 a.m. as prayers and announcements begin at 8:05 a.m.  Persistent late arrivals have a difficult time organizing themselves for the day and often feel rushed.

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For your child's protection, please phone the School Office before 8:30 am to report an absence.  In the event you need to leave home before the School opens, there is an answering machine on which you may leave the child's name, teacher name, and reason for absence.  This will eliminate the need to call you.  Parents are to call each day of absence unless you indicate on the first day you call the day that the student will return.  Upon returning after any absence, a written note with the reason for being absent must be given to the teacher for readmission.  If the child has had a contagious disease, a written release by a physician is required.

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Please avoid dental and doctor appointments during the school day.  However, if necessary, please send a note to the School Office and pick the child up in the Office.  Please schedule the appointment as close to dismissal as possible.  Vacations during the school year are discouraged.  Missing class work is to be made up upon their return to school.  Homework is not to be requested prior to the absence.  Report cards will be mailed to the home for students who are not in school on the last day.  This is a busy time for teachers and it is difficult to make special arranges for students who are leaving school prematurely.

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Children eat lunch in the School Hall.  Students remain in school for lunch and are not permitted to leave the school grounds for any reason whatsoever.  Children may purchase a hot lunch if ordered in advance.  No student will be permitted to leave school premises to purchase food at lunch time.  Hot Lunch questions should be address to Mrs. Connie Skarvan.

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Students may begin arriving at 7:40 am and classes will begin at 8:00 am.  This means that STUDENTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE BUILDING BEFORE 7:40 AM  ATTENDANCE WILL BE TAKEN AT 8:05 AM.  Tardiness can become a habit.  Please have your child/children in school by 7:55 am.  When they do arrive, they should enter the building and go directly to their homeroom.  Anyone arriving after 8:05 am will be marked tardy and is required to go to the office for a tardy slip.  We ask you to observe the arrival times since we cannot be responsible for student safety or supervision before that time.  If children are not picked up by 2:35 pm, they will be sent to Extended Day and you will be billed accordingly.

Please make arrangement with your children as to whom they are to leave school with before they leave home.  Emergency calls only will be taken by the School Office as to changes in your schedule.  Children will not be permitted to use the School Office telephone to call home to ask if they might go home with a friend, for forgotten gym clothes, etc.  Many calls are made to the office regarding Extended Day needs.  If possible, please tell your child in the morning if he/she should report to Extended Day.

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All children are to be dropped off and picked up at the Park Avenue entrance.  All vehicles will enter the East Parking Lot through the North Entrance off of 181st Street.  The vehicles will proceed to the Drop Off Area at the Southwest Corner of the lot.  All students will exit the vehicles through the passenger side door and proceed to their assigned doorways.  After unloading students, the driver will exit the lot using the Southeast exit onto Park Avenue.  All students are to be dropped off in the east lot.  Students are not to be dropped off on Chicago Avenue or Ridge Road.  Keep safety in mind at all times.  If grandparents, relatives, or friends are responsible to drop off or pick up your child, please explain our safety program to them.  Do not drop student off or pick them up on Ridge Road or across Chicago Avenue, nor in the handicapped lot or its entrance!  Your cooperation is needed!

Parents entering the building at drop off and pick up times, must use the doors at the southwest corner of the building.  The Park Avenue entrance is for children only.

Click Here to view the Drop Off & Pickup Maps

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Immediately after the start of school, all outside doors will be locked.  The only door remaining unlocked will be the southwest corner door at the front of the building.

The southwest corner door is the door which all visitors or parents must use to enter the building.  Visitors or parents will press the button on the intercom where they will be greeted by school office personnel.  The office personnel will also be able to view the visitor by a monitor located in the office.  Once identified, they visitor or parent will be allowed through the doors.

There are times where this may be an inconvenience; however, the safety of your children is our primary concern, unfortunately, man unusual occurrences happen in today's world.  In order for this safety policy to be effective, your cooperation is needed.

You are asked not to wait at any door for someone to exit and allow you entrance to the building.  You re also requested to not ask anyone passing the door to allow you entrance.  This will put people and students in an uncomfortable position.

When you boxes or bags for parties, etc.  it will be necessary that you first come to the office.  You will need to proceed from the office back to the door where your vehicle is parked.  Assistance will be given to you to bring in materials.

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On days of inclement weather when there is doubt as to whether the School will be open, tune into Radio Station WJOB (1230 AM), WMAQ (670), WGN (720) or WBBM (78) radio.  You may also receive information on CBS, WGN TV, FOX or CLTV.  The announcement will be made between 6:30 am and 7:30 am - DO NOT CALL THE PARISH OFFICE.  You may also call 900-407-SNOW at a cost of 95¢ per minute.  A message for closing school will be placed on our answering machine.  If the Archdiocese closes in Chicago this does not necessarily mean suburban school are closed.

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An Extended Day Service is provided by St. Ann School at the nominal fee of $3.00 per hour and $1.50 per half hour or less per child.  The service is available from 6:30 am until 7:45 am and again from 2:30 pm until 6:30 pm.  Children are cared for by a hired staff of teachers and/or parents in the school building on the first floor and in the lower level classrooms.  Any child not picked up 5 minutes after dismissal will be sent to the Extended Day.  You will charged $1.50 for the half hour.  If your child is not picked up by 6:30 pm an additional fee of $10.00 per staff member for every fifteen minutes will be charged.  (This fee is paid to the staff member on duty) There are always two staff members on duty until all children are picked up.

During the summer months the "STARS" program (a day care service) is offered to registered students of ST. Ann School at a cost of $3.00 per hour and $1.50 per half hour or less per child.  The service is available room 6:30 am to 6:30 pm.  If your child is not picked up by 6:30 pm an  additional fee of $10.00 per staff member for every fifteen minutes will be charged.  (This fee is paid to the staff member on duty) There are always two staff members on duty until all children are picked up.

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Late registration of pupils will be reviewed on an individual basis.  Students expelled from another school will not ordinarily be accepted, nor will students with sever discipline or learning problems or an inappropriate conduct history.  We are not staffed to deal with such problems and, therefore, may not find it possible to meet the needs of such students.

Parental cooperation is essential.  The student must be mentally, physical, and emotionally able to achieve in a non-specialized school.  Lack of parental cooperation could result in a student not being invited back to St. Ann School.

Total enrollment for each classroom will be no more than 30 students.  A waiting list is kept for each grade currently filled and, should a vacancy arise, the first child on the list will be called.  Students on the waiting list cannot be assured of getting a place in St. Ann School the following year.

St. Ann School is operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a corporation sole, in the Archdiocese of Chicago.

St. Ann School admits students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students in this school.

St. Ann School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color or national and ethnic origin in administration of educational policies, athletic or other school-administered programs.

A child entering Kindergarten must be five years old by September 1.

Children entering school or the first time (Kindergarten) must present evidence of a physical and dental examination.  Forms are available in the School Office.  Before entrance into Grade Five, a physical and dental examination must be taken.  In order to comply with State requirements, all physical forms must be returned to the Office during the first week of school.  Students not in compliance with State requirements will be sent home until evidence of compliance is presented.

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Statements in this handbook are subject to amendment with or without notice.  The school will attempt to keep you informed of all changes as soon as practical.  Some changes may be made immediately due to unforeseen circumstances.

Asbestos Compliance
St. Ann School is in compliance with all regulations of current law regarding asbestos.  According to Archdiocesan guidelines, we have been inspected and have received the full report on the "Asbestos Management Plan" for our school.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act
Because St. Ann School assumes responsibility for children in the school, it is important that we be notified of any special arrangements regarding custody of and access to children whose parents are divorced and/or separated.  St. Ann School abides by the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and permits parents to inspect and review their child's school records.  IN the case of non-custodial parents, the school will provide such parents with access to school records and other information for his or her child, including medical, dental, child care and other school records, unless the school is provided with a court order prohibiting that parent from inspecting or obtaining such records.  It is the responsibility of the custodial parent to make arrangements at the school office to bring an official copy of the court order giving information regarding child custody.

Child Abuse
Under Illinois law, school personnel are required to report suspected physical and sexual abuse and neglect.  Neglect may include failure to provide necessary food, shelter, medical care and school attendance.  Reports are made to the Department of Children and Family Services.  Persons from that department must follow up the call by visiting the child's home.  At times they will ask for, and will be given, permission to speak with the child at school.  Anyone may report suspected abuse or neglect.  If you know of such a problem, you can help the child by calling the 24-hour DCFS Hotline at 1-800-252-2873.  You do not need to give your name.

Dispensing Medication
Minor injuries are treated with only water and adhesive bandage.  If there is any serious injury, the parent is notified immediately.  Emergency cards are used for this purpose.  Aspirins or any other medication may NOT be given at school.  Children are NEVER to carry any type of medication with them.  If a child must take medication, liquid or tablet, prescription or otherwise, a parent is requested to administer it.  Medication is not distributed by the teacher.  If it is deemed absolutely necessary for medication to be distributed to a child in school, it will be necessary that the parent complete a form to be on file in the office.  The child should be sent to the office and the medication will be distributed by an adult in the school office.  If cough drops are required a note should be sent to the child's homeroom teacher.

Substance Abuse, Use of Alcohol and Illegal Possession of Weapons
Any student found using or possessing any illegal substance or alcohol is subject to immediate dismissal or expulsion.  It is forbidden to have any object or weapon that could be determined as dangerous or harmful.  Possession of such an object at school or school functions could result in immediate suspension or expulsion.

Search and Seizure
School personnel are charged with protecting the health and safety of all students.  Fulfillment of these duties may conflict with a student's right to and need for privacy.  The interest of individual students in securing personal privacy must be balanced against the interest of society in protecting students against disruptive or illegal conduct.

While lockers, desks and other storage areas are provided to students by the school, the school retains control and access to all lockers, desks and other storage areas.  These areas are assigned to students for their use on the condition that they will be used in a manner consistent with the law and school rules.  School personnel may conduct inspections of these areas at any time, with or without the student present, in order to fulfill their responsibility of maintaining proper safety, control and management of the school.

All property of the school, including students' desks and lockers, as well as their contents may be searched or inspected at any time without notice.  Authorized school personnel have an unrestricted right to search these structures as well as any containers, book bags, purses or articles of clothing that are left unattended on school property.  The search of a student's person or personal property currently being carried is permissible when there is any suspicion that the student may be carrying contraband.  Contraband, for purposes here, shall be defined as any weapon, illegal drug paraphernalia, or other items, the possession of which is prohibited by law or by school policy.

Conducting the Search

• When a search is conducted, at least one other authorized school personnel must be present.  Where possible, one person must be of the same gender as the student.
• The principal must always have another school authority present when a search is conducted.
• If a weapon or other substance is suspected, the school shall contact the local police department immediately.
• If a weapon or illegal drug is actually seized, the school authority must contact the local police department to report the incident and secure the contraband until the police arrive.
• Appropriate parent/guardian must be informed of the situation as soon as possible.
• If a student refuses to voluntarily empty pockets, or to open his/her book bag or purse, the student should be detained under supervision until parents are contacted and have arrived

Equal Employment Opportunities
In employment practices, the school shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, unfavorable military discharge, marital status, mental or physical handicap unrelated to the ability to perform duties of the position.  This policy shall be interpreted consistent with the religious mission and teaching of the Catholic Church.

Immunization
The State of Illinois requires that all students entering kindergarten and grade five and those students, regardless of grade, who are new to a school, provide a completed physical examination including proof of updated immunizations.  These forms must be completed and returned the first day of school.  Please take care of this parental obligation so your child will not be excluded from school.  According to the State Law, all students should be sent home by the 10th of October if the physical examination is not on file and up-to-date in the school office.

This is to inform you of a change in the Illinois Department of Public Health Rules and Regulations governing school immunizations requirements for Fall 1991 and in the future.  These changes are as follows:

"Children entering grade five for the first time after July of 1990, entering grade nine for the first time after July of 1991, and entering any grade level after July of 1993, will be required to show evidence of having received two doses of live measles virus vaccine, the first dose given at lease 12 months of age and the second dose no less than 1 month after the first or other proof of immunity described in this Part."  (Proof of immunity shall be documented evidence of having received vaccine or proof of disease verified by a health car provider.)  Students entering fifth grade must also receive the Hepatitis B vaccination.

Non-Discrimination in Schools
Schools operated under the auspices of the Catholic Bishop of Chicago, a corporation sole, in the Archdiocese of Chicago, admit students of any race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to student in this school.

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Mr. David Allie, Band Director for District 158, provides band lessons for all interested students in Grades Five to Eight.  There is a charge for lessons and general practices payable in September and January.  For registration and/or questions, contact Mr. Allie at 474-1861.

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Conferences with a teacher to discuss a child's progress are held in November, and also whenever necessary.  Appointments with teachers for times other than parent-teacher conference time should be made in advance, either by note to the teacher or a telephone call to the School Office.

If, at any time, you have questions or anxieties concerning your child, we ask that you contact the teacher as soon as possible.  Please try to contact your child's teacher to answer all questions before contacting the principal.  Mutual cooperation will help prevent and/or alleviate problem situations before they become serious.  If you desire to talk with your child's teacher, please call the School Office and leave your name and telephone number.  The teacher will be happy to return your call at a convenient time.  Teachers may be interrupted during class.

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Students are given two types of home assignments, extra credit and required.  Extra credit assignments include reading library books, encyclopedias, and viewing educations films, and also some television programs which afford valuable opportunities to enrich the lessons taught in school.  Required assignments provide a short, intensive review of lessons learned.  These may be either reading or written assignments.  Class work missed because of an excused absence must be made up, and is considered a required assignment.  Each student is required to purchase tow assignment notebooks each year from the school.

Suggested time for homework is as follows:

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A "homework detention" of 45 minutes per day for one day after school is incurred for each missing assignment for students in grades five, six, seven and eight.  The detention policy will be distributed and explained to each student in September.

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St. Ann School offers the Archdiocesan Lunch Program.  The fee per lunch is $2.15.  Milk alone is 25¢ per carton.  Mrs. Connie Skarvan (708-889-9688) is responsible for maintaining the program and taking lunch order forms.

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The School does not sponsor a blanket insurance policy.  Only those children who have applied individually at the beginning of the school year for insurance coveage will be able to make insurance claims.  The policy offered covers accidents occurring at school or on the way to and from school.  Envelopes for this purpose will be gien the first week of school.  All parents are strongly encourged to subscribe to teh insurance.  All childdren involved in school sports should be covered by the school insurance.  The many difficulties and unpleasant tensions brought about by accidental injuyr can tehn be avoided.  It is assumed that all those not taking advantage of the school policy are covered under a parents's insurance.  Dental insurance, which helps pay for oral exams and cleaning, and which offers reductions in other area of dental care though a network of dentists, is also available.  Parents choosing not to take the school insurance will be asked to sign a waiver, to be returned the first week of classes, indicating that insurance was made availabel.