PARENTS & TEACHERS HELPING STUDENTS

The most important resource is the Parent/Student Handbook, which is given to each family when their child entersSt.ChristopherSchool. The handbook contains important information about school policies. Many of your questions will be answered by referring to the appropriate section of the Handbook. Please look here before calling the office. Periodically, a section may be updated with new sheets sent home from school. The Handbook should be kept as a reference as long as you have a child at St. Christopher. For further information on all the topics addressed below, please consult the following resources, including Edline.net, the PATHS’ meeting, the monthly calendar, the Buzz Book, the weekly Parish bulletin, and the Parish Handbook. And don’t forget…your child’s backpack! Website: www.stchrisparish.com

The Buzz Book is a directory of parents, students, and teachers at St. Christopher School. It shows class lists, gives information about PATHS Executive Board and Council members and committees, lists addresses and phone numbers of families, and gives important dates throughout the year. A Buzz Book is sent home in September to each family who pays their PATHS’ yearly dues. The monthly calendar (on Edline.net) gives you a quick look at what is going on at the school for the entire month. It lists programs, field trips, etc. for all grades.

Edline.net is the website where grades are posted and much, much, more! It is also a valuable resource for school calendar, spelling words lists, accelerated reader list, buzz book, email to teachers, lunch menu, Parish athletics, and new things are being added all the time. You will receive an activation code for you and each student. The students can access their grades and parents can view all their children’s grades. If you have any further questions, please contact Mrs. Presser. Edline.net is a web-based program that can be assessed from any computer with an internet connection.

We encourage all parents to enter an email address so that last minute changes can be done via email. You can enter an email address by clicking on “Manage Account” at the left side of your Edline.net home page.

Typically the 1st Wednesday of EVERY month is an early dismissal day. This means that on such days ALL CHILDREN get out at 1:30 p.m. and need to be picked up at that time or will be coming home on the bus soon after that time. NOTE: There are additional early dismissal days. Check calendar for the school year, monthly calendar, buzz book, or church bulletin. Children do not have recess on early dismissal days, but still have a lunch period.

Uniforms are required in grades K – 8. There will be a note sent home for any dress down day. Uniforms do not have to be worn on picture day. Uniform shorts with uniform shirts may be worn when the weather is warm.

You will receive a Schoolbelle’s catalog. They have the approved styles. You can order from the catalog, online, or in their store. You may purchase clothing anywhere as long as it complies with uniform standard. Please see the Parent/Student Handbook or the Schoolbelle’s catalog you receive from school for details regarding uniform specifics.

Gym uniforms can be purchased at: Hometown Threads, formerly Jim Mayer Sporting Goods, 24801 Brook Park Road INSIDE WALMART. The phone number is (440) 779-6053. Students from K through 8th grade must begin wearing gym uniforms as soon as their order arrives. Until then, they may wear shorts and a t-shirt from home. Remember, even on dress down days, students are required to bring a change of gym shoes. Kindergarten students do not change into their gym uniform, but instead wear them to school, instead of their school uniform, on gym day. They must bring an extra pair of gym shoes for gym class. These shoes must be designated for gym class ONLY. They cannot wear street shoes or black-soled shoes as they may leave marks on the floor or cause damage.

Gym Day takes place at the end of May. It is held in the parking lot where the children compete in many different kinds of team activities. Children should wear their gym uniform, sunscreen, and bring a water bottle. A hot dog lunch is supplied by PATHS. Many parents are needed to volunteer for this day. Watch the newsletter for details.

A uniform exchange is held to give all parents an opportunity to get gently worn shirts, blouses, pants, shorts, skirts, jumpers, and gym uniforms for the size they will need in the coming year. No money is paid. If you are not in need of anything but would like to donate, we will gladly accept items for the exchange. Watch for notices on Edline.net.

Yes, when you have 2 children in the school at any grade level (full-day K – 8th grade) there is a reduction in tuition. See current tuition schedule for details.

Yes. If you feel that full-day Kindergarten is not working out, you can switch to half-day Kindergarten. Please contact the Kindergarten teacher to discuss some options. NOTE: All Kindergarteners attend school full day for the last 3 weeks of school.

Rocky River Schools Transportation Department sends a postcard to all eligible bus riders in August regarding where the bus stop is located and what bus your child will be taking. Feel free to call 356-6042 if you have questions about busing or if your child has a problem on the bus. Bus safety lessons are given to students K – 8th in the fall.
Remember, the bus WILL NOT drop off Kindergartners unless a parent or caregiver is there to receive them.

Bus guidelines by grade:

K – 2nd All students are bused to school.
3rd – 5th Students who live 1 mile away from school are bused.
6th – 8th Students who live 2 miles away from school are bused.

If your child is sick, they will go to the office and you will be called to pick them up. If you are not home, the alternate contact person on your child’s medical card will be called. A nurse will be on duty Monday through Friday from 9:30 -1:30. The nurse will handle illnesses and minor injuries. If your child is badly hurt, you will be called and your child may be taken to the emergency medical facility indicated on your child’s medical card. It is important to update the office with any change in your address, phone number, cell phone, or emergency contact information. Contact information is to be included on the medication forms (which can be printed off of Edline.net). NOTE: Please do not send your child to school if they have vomiting, fever, or diarrhea.

Before & After Care is a school day care program available to students. It operates from 7:00 am in the morning and from 2:45 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. in the afternoon on school days (1:30 p.m. through 6:00 p.m. on early dismissal days). You must register and pay for this service in order to have your child attend. Children may use this service on a part-time basis, as long as it is known ahead of time so the office may notify teachers maintaining this service. There is more information plus a registration form on Edline.net.

No, but you must fill out the pre-registration form which is sent home from the office indicating your intention to send your child to Kindergarten in the coming year.

The child may call home. Lunches may be left in the office and the student will be called to pick it up. Please write the child’s name and room number on the lunch. Please get a visitor’s pass in the office before entering the cafeteria. Another option is for your child to purchase a lunch through the Automated Lunch System. Each child has an account that a parent deposits money into that is used for lunch. As the child purchases lunch, the amount is deducted from the balance in the account. More information will come on setting up and using this system.

Students in grades Kindergarten – 8th are taken over to Mary’s Room where they may purchase small Christmas goodies for their relatives. An envelope for money will be sent home. Parents write on the front of the envelope who the child is to buy gifts for, specify dollar amounts, change expected back, and whether it is okay for the student to buy for themselves. This is another great opportunity to help! Many parents are needed to help the week of the Christmas Shoppe.

There are 2 Christmas concerts and a spring concert. There will be a note in the beginning of the year with the dates of the concerts and what grades are involved. Seats for these concerts fill up fast…consider purchasing front row seats at the auction!

At the beginning of each year, every family will receive an updated letter regarding the specifics. Please familiarize yourself and go over the information with your children. All children are dismissed over the PA system and will be allowed to leave when their group is called. The children are called in the following order: Bus riders, bike riders, car riders and walkers.

The drop-off and pick-up procedure is “Enter from Detroit Rd. and Exit out onto Northview”.

- In the morning, all cars are to enter on Northview Ave. Drive through the parking lot to the school doors and drop off students. Students will be waving flags and helping to direct traffic. All cars must exit through Lakeview court and turn RIGHT onto Lakeview Ave.

- In the afternoon, please park your car and come up to the school doors to pick up your child. Kindergartners must be signed out by a parent or guardian. Please be aware of traffic as you are walking through the parking lot. A teacher will be present in the parking lot to help direct traffic and maintain safety.

If you come at lunchtime, use Detroit Road to enter and exit and avoid parking near the playground. Children may be at recess and both the Lakeview and Northview exits will be blocked.

Please drive slowly when entering the parking lot. For the safety of all our children, refrain from using cell phones while driving in the parking lot. Never park or drop-off at the rectory.

Any and all parents or volunteers that work or are in the school or coaching any sport with children must have a finger print report on file along with an application. Volunteers are also asked to partake in the national VIRTUS program, an awareness program for identifying sexual abuse in children. This includes room mothers, art helpers, lunch room, field trips supervision, library aides, and any other help given to our school. Please contact the Religious Education Office for VIRTUS training. There is also an ongoing computer program with VIRTUS updates as well as a manual and guidelines to follow.

All parents with students at our school are automatically members of PATHS. However, to become a voting member, families must pay yearly dues. There is a form sent home at the end of the year and it is also a checklist of areas to volunteer. This form can also be found on Edline under the PATHS section.

Every year there is a different theme for the art classes. Each spring the artwork is displayed for the families to come and see what their children have been producing all year. It is held on a Sunday afternoon so all can attend. Great opportunity for parents to volunteer—many are needed to help. Please contact the art show chair in the front of the Buzz Book.

The Kindergarteners have a ceremony from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Older siblings are allowed to attend, please make arrangements with the school. IMPORTANT: This is the last day of school for the kindergarteners. They do not come back to school the next day, which is the last day for all other students.

Second graders receive First Communion in the spring. Parents of 2nd graders will receive information about classes and meetings for parents in preparation for this from the St. Chris Religious Education Office. The second graders also have a First Communion picnic. Parents organize a fun day for both classes to get together and celebrate.

Confirmation is made in 9th grade.

The eighth graders celebrate their graduation from elementary school with a prayer service, followed by a social for graduates and their guests. This event is held in the evening on the last day of school for eighth graders, which is usually the first Friday in June.

Please contact your child’s teacher. Due to the wellness policy, non-edible treats are requested. No food should be brought to school. Any invitations for parties must be mailed directly to the classmates’ home. No invitations or thank you notes can be passed out at school. Please contact the cafeteria 30 days in advance if you want to provide a pizza lunch for the class.

It is the end of January and there is a whole week of activities to celebrate catholic education. It begins with an open house after mass on Sunday. Parents are welcome to attend many of the events, including classroom observations. There also is a student talent show and parents are welcome to attend. Watch for information on Edline.net, newsletter, and the church bulletin.

There is a family open house is at the beginning of the school year. Parent-teacher conferences are in November and provide another opportunity to discuss how your child is doing. You will receive a note home to schedule a conference. You may also request to meet with the other teachers your child has.

St. Christopher School does not have a specific curriculum for advanced (gifted) students. However, our reading and math books were chosen because they provide teachers with options for advanced students as well as students who need remediation. If parents feel that their child needs to be challenged, they are encouraged to speak to the teachers about this.

Our major fundraiser is the MidWinter’s Knight, which is a dinner and auction with a different theme each year. In years past it has been a Knight at the Oscars, On the Boardwalk, a Midwinter’s Knight Cruise, a Fall Knight Clambake and many others. This year our fundraiser will be held in November. This is our main source of funds and it has helped us to purchase various items, big and small, for our school. This is a big operation that relies on parent volunteers to make this evening a success.

There are other ways to help raise money for St. Christopher School:

Apples for Students – By registering your Giant Eagle card, our school earns money based on your purchases for the time period Giant Eagle runs the promotion.
Box Tops for Education – Cut out the small coupons on General Mills items and send them into the committee chairperson. You can also shop through www/boxtops4education.com and our school will get a percentage of what you spent.
Campbell’s Soup Labels – Cut out these coupons on various Campbell’s products and send them into the committee chairperson.
Gift Cards - You can purchase various gift cards through St Christopher, such as Giant Eagle, Heinens, etc., and a portion of the sales goes toward the school.
MarketDay – St. Christopher School earns when you purchase food through the MarketDay program. A flier comes home every month in your child’s backpack.
Raffle - In the late winter, families are asked to sell raffle tickets to raise funds for the school. Cash prizes are awarded and there are incentives for the students.
Recycling cell phones and ink cartridges – Turn in any old cell phones or used ink cartridges to Mrs. Presser and the school receives credit which is used for supplies.
Scholastic Books – You can order books through fliers that come home and there is a book fair in the fall. Our school earns books based on what is spent.
Target – By having a Target charge and designating St. Christopher’s as your school, we will get a portion of what you charge on the card.
Heinen’s - Register at Heinen’s each year to help our school. We receive a portion of the sales each year.
Book Fair - Held in October each year to benefit our school library.

Period:
11:30 – 11:50 Kindergarten & 6th (Eat) -1st & 5th grade at recess
11:50 – 12:10 1stst & 5th (Eat) – K & 6th at recess
12:10 – 12:30 2nd & 3rd (Eat) – 4th at recess
12:30 – 12:50 4th, 7th and 8th (Eat) – 2nd & 3rd at recess
12:50- 1:10- 7th & 8th recess
Children have 20 minutes for lunch. This includes having to get through the hot lunch line. The last 5 minutes of lunch is a quiet period to encourage children to finish eating. There is a late table for students who need extra time. Any parent who wishes to enter the lunchroom must first go to the office and get a visitor’s pass. For the first few weeks of school the Kindergartener’s have an “angel” from the 6th grade who sits with them and helps them get adjusted to the lunch routine. Every child will receive a lunch menuevery month. Any additional items sold at lunch will be announced during lunch the day before. The lunch menu is also posted on Edline.net. A teacher and 1-2 parents monitor recess. WE ARE ALWAYS IN NEED OF OUTDOOR HELP.
Consider that 30-60 kids are at recess at a time. Teachers are on their lunch break. They are not supervising their class at lunch recess. Please contact the office if you are interested in helping with outdoor recess. It is very important to dress children for the weather. Only when it is raining or EXTREMELY cold will the children be kept for indoor recess where they go back to their rooms.

You can volunteer to become a Room Parent, Art Aid or K-4 Aid. Parents of students in Kindergarten and 1st grade can also volunteer to read to the students during their library time. In the fall, your child’s room parents will send out a notice asking for volunteers for class events. Each class has a retreat and parents are needed to help for the day. It is a full-day retreat for 2nd– 8th grade and for First & Kindergarteners it is over at 11:30. A pizza lunch is provided for all grades with parents providing drinks and snacks.

A permission slip will come home for each field trip. You may contact the child’s teacher about the need for chaperones. Currently, PATHS sponsors a few trips per year for each class including the busing expense. Any parent chaperones will have to pay their own admission and drive separately.

Yes! In fact, we encourage parents to attend these religious events so that they can appreciate and share in the spiritual education their child receives here at St. Christopher School. Check the monthly calendar for dates, locations, and times. Please ask the teachers preference about sitting with your child. NOTE: Kindergarteners DO NOT attend mass until the 2nd semester, even if it is listed as an “all school” mass.