St. Michael's Episcopal School strives to provide children with superior academic instruction in an environment that acknowledges and develops Christian values.

General Information

SCHOOL INFORMATION

2009-10 School Calendar

School Hours

At the Lower School, the first bell rings at 8:05 AM. Regular school hours will be 8:20 AM to 3:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Wednesday hours will be 8:15 AM until 2:30 PM. Students should not arrive at school before 8:00 AM. When they arrive, they should go to assigned areas, weather permitting, or to their homerooms. Please be punctual in both mornings and afternoons. Drivers who are tardy create hardships for those who wait.

At The Singleton Campus, Middle School students are to be seated by the 8:00 AM bell. Once in the building, students should put books away before socializing.
Students are dismissed at 2:50 PM daily.

Tardiness

Any student arriving tardy must report first to the office with a signed note from the parent or guardian, before going to class. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action. This applies to tardiness to classes as well as tardiness at the beginning of the school day. Parents are asked to be punctual on all school occasions. Please plan to arrive within 15 minutes of designated pick-up time.

Lunch

Students may bring their lunches to school or choose from the monthly hot lunch selections. Forms are available on the website and should be returned to school with payment by the due date.

Early Dismissals

Children may be dismissed early from school for doctor or dental appointments. Students must be signed out through the school office. A note explaining the reason for early dismissal should accompany the child to school on the day of the early dismissal. This is for the safety and protection of our children. Students will not be released during school hours to any individual without signed permission from the parent or legal guardian. Students may never leave school without permission. Should a student forget something, it can be delivered by the parent to the office to be picked up at lunch or recess time. If your child appears at home unexpectedly at any time during the school day, and you have not been contacted by the office, please notify the school at once.

Excuses

If you wish your child to be excused from recess or P.E., please write a note to the teacher.

Absences

A written note from parents is required when absent from school, upon return to the classroom. Students who are absent or who leave school for medical reasons may not participate in school extracurricular activities on the same day. Students who have excessive absences (more than 20 school days in a single school year) must present to the Headmaster a written appeal to be considered for academic credit for that year.

Emergency Cards

It is important that the emergency card be completed and returned to school promptly. Double check to see if you have filled out both home and business telephone numbers, as well as that of a nearby friend or neighbor in case you are not at home when we try to reach you. The card is invaluable in times of emergency. If your child has some special health problems such as peanut allergy, bee sting allergy, etc., please note it on this emergency card. Please update cards when there is a change to the information.

Change of Contact Info

Please notify the office when you have a change of address, new telephone number, or new email address.

Snow Days

All inclement weather cancellations will be broadcast on television WWBT Channel 12. In addition, we will make every effort to have an announcement on the school answering machine and the school website, http://stmschool.net. If we should have to close school on a conference day when you have a scheduled conference, please contact the teacher to reschedule.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Homework

Homework is based on work already taught but requiring practice. Please help your child assume this responsibility. Arrange a time and place for work. Hours to be spent each night are usually as follows:

Grade Amount of Time
1 15 minutes
2 15-30 minutes
3 45-60 minutes
4 45-60 minutes
5 60-90 minutes
Middle School 120 minutes

Make-Up Work Due to Illness

If you would like make-up work for your child, please contact the office in the morning, giving the name of a sibling or neighbor student who can take the assignments to your child. A note brought in the morning serves the same purpose and enables the teacher to use available time during the day to gather work. It is impossible for the teacher, time-wise‚ to prepare such assignments on short notice. A student is given a number of days equal to the number of days absent (up to five days maximum) to complete make-up work. Extenuating circumstances may be considered to grant further extensions. A student who has missed a test may be asked to take the test the day he returns to school, especially if the absence was only for one school day. Parents are encouraged not to plan trips or appointments during school hours.

Report Cards

Report cards will be issued every nine weeks. Parents are asked to sign and return them to school promptly. Students receive numerical grades only. Grades below 70 are not considered to be passing marks. Parent/Conference Days are scheduled three times a year.

Parent Conferences

Call the school office at 272-3514 for an appointment with the teacher or headmaster. Teachers cannot be interrupted during the day for conferences or to answer telephone calls. Office personnel will gladly take any messages. This call will be returned at the teacher’s earliest convenience. You may also e-mail a teacher. E-mail addresses are listed under Faculty and Staff in this directory, and are checked at least once daily.

Discipline

St. Michael’s reserves the right to dismiss any student whose general attitude or habitual actions or those of his or her parents or guardians is contrary to the interest of the school. For further information and policies, please refer to the appropriate handbooks for the Lower School or the Middle School.

HEALTH/ILLNESS POLICIES

A goal of St. Michael’s School is to prevent the spread of contagious diseases and to keep our children healthy and safe.

If a child appears to be ill with a possible infectious condition, he/she will be isolated and the parents will be called to pick up the child. If a child is absent with a contagious disease, please notify the school so that we may be aware of symptoms which could appear in other children.

Fever. A child will be sent home if his/her axillary temperature is 100 degrees or greater and must remain at home until the temperature returns to normal without analgesic medication for 24 hours.

Gastroenterititis. A child who has vomited or has diarrhea will be sent home and must remain at home until his/her status has been normal for 48 hours.

Conjunctivitis. A child may return to school after being treated with medication for 24 hours.

Chicken Pox. A child must remain at home until no new eruptions appear and present ones have crusted over and the child no longer has a fever.

Head Lice. A child must be kept at home and may return to school only after having been treated with medicated shampoo as well as having appropriate home procedures followed. Parents should contact St. Michael’s as soon as lice are detected.

Strep Throat. Once a child is diagnosed with strep throat he/she may not return to school until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and until the temperature has returned to normal without analgesic medication for 24 hours.

Injury. If a child sustains an injury, the parents will be notified.

If the injury is considered to be severe, EMS personnel, as well as the parents, will be notified.

Medications. Due to medical and legal considerations, only prescription medications with the patient’s name and prescribed dosage may be taken by students while at school. These medications must be clearly marked, accompanied by a Permission to Give Medication Form and kept in the school office. The only exceptions are inhalers and epi-pens. They may be kept in classrooms with students but a medication form needs to be kept on file in the office. Teachers may not dispense medications nor may the school office provide your child with over the counter remedies such as Advil, Tylenol, or aspirin. Should your child need over the counter remedies, the same procedure outlined above applies.

DRESS CODE

Our primary goal is to have a student body that looks neat and is appropriately dressed for school activities, including trips off campus and special assemblies. Parents and students need to support these policies. Styles, while fashionable and available in local stores, are not always appropriate for school. Students should understand that while these guidelines are designed to give a general set of expectations for appearance, the dress code may be altered to insure that a proper atmosphere for learning is maintained. We strongly suggest that parents put names in clothing worn to school.

Dress Code for Grades K-3

  • Boys must wear shirts with collars. Shirts with collars must be worn under sweatshirts and sweaters.
  • Girls may wear non-collared shirts (excluding t-shirts) with dresses, skirts, or jumpers. Collared shirts must be worn with shorts, skorts, and pants.
  • All shirttails must be tucked in – this does not apply to tunics, sweaters, or sweatshirts.
  • Shoes must be worn at all times. Flip-flops and athletic sandals are not allowed. Appropriate footwear must be worn to P.E. classes.
  • Belts must be worn if belt loops are present.
  • All clothing worn to school must be clean, neat, size appropriate and in good condition.

Dress Code Grades 4-8 – General Guidelines

  • All clothing worn to school must be neat, clean, and without holes, fringe, or excessive wear. Extreme dress is not appropriate. Clothes should neither be oversized nor form fitting. Undergarments must be concealed.
  • Cut-off shorts or form fitting shorts are not allowed.
  • Athletic shorts may be worn for P.E. classes.
  • Pants and shorts should be worn at the waistline.
  • Shoes must be worn at all times, and appropriate footwear must be worn to P.E. classes
  • Unnatural hair colors and extreme styles are not permitted.
  • Hats, other head coverings, and sunglasses may only be worn outside.

Middle School Ladies’ Guidelines

  • Sleeveless blouses, tops, and dresses must be at least four-finger widths at the shoulder.
  • Non-collared shirts with no writing may be worn with dresses, skirts, or jumpers.
  • Necklines must be no lower than the armpit.
  • Tops must COVER the midriff in the front AND the back at all times, including when seated.
  • Shorts and skirts must be neatly hemmed and at least mid-thigh in length including when seated.
  • Shirts worn under sweaters and sweatshirts must have a collar.
  • Belts must be worn if belt loops are present.
  • Earrings of appropriate size and design may be worn. No facial piercing is allowed.

Middle School Gentlemens’ Guidelines

  • All shirts must have a collar including those worn under sweatshirts and sweaters.
  • Shirts must be tucked in at all times, except during recess and P.E.
  • Belts must be worn if belt loops are present.
  • Earrings and facial piercing are not allowed.
  • Facial hair is not allowed.

Dress Up Days/Field Trip Dress Code

Males must wear a dress shirt, tie, and long pants.
Females must wear a dress or dressy skirt with a dress blouse.
Flip flops are not permitted on dress up days or field trips.

Field Trip/Team Behavior

Any student whose behavior reflects unfavorably on the school or student body on a school sponsored trip or activity is subject to discipline once the student returns to school.

Dress Down Days

T-shirts, untucked shirts, and athletic clothing are allowed as long as they are in good condition and contain no offensive/inappropriate language or symbols. Tank tops, spaghetti straps, exposed midriffs, pajamas, and other extreme fashion are not permitted. Belts are not required on dress down days.

OTHER GUIDELINES

h2. Personal Belongings Brought to School

Students are discouraged from bringing to school any belongings other than those needed for, and directly related, to their regular educational program. The bringing of items needed for special projects or activities in a particular class should be handled by prior arrangements and written permission through the teacher and/or the main office. Live animals should come to school only when accompanied by a parent. Any articles left at home and delivered by parents should be brought to the office. The school encourages students to leave valuable belongings at home, and cannot accept responsibility for lost or stolen items. Clothes and possessions should be labeled. Lost items are given to charity when unclaimed by owners.

Telephones

Students may use the school telephone only during their free time. A phone pass may be obtained from the teacher only when absolutely necessary. Cell phones are not to be used during the school day.

Bicycles

Students are allowed to ride their bicycles to school, but must assume responsibility for them. Skateboards and roller blades are not allowed.

Respect for Property

Students should be aware of the expense of the facilities and operation of the school, and of their family’s contribution. They should respect and care for the school’s premises and equipment.

Damaged or Lost Book Policy

Students will be charged the replacement price for lost or damaged books. If the student returns the book later, the money will be refunded.

Philanthropy

Like many independent schools, St. Michael’s tuition does not meet all of its operating costs. We ask your support and participation with the Annual Fund and periodic capital campaigns. Gifts to the Annual Fund provide support for the day to day operation of the school while capital gifts provide support for long-term construction goals, major improvements and renovation projects. St. Michael’s Parents’ Association plans and hosts fundraising activities which build community spirit and provide additional revenue for projects.

Selling Items at School

The sale of items at school is not allowed. This includes the sale of candy or other items for promotional purposes for civic and community organizations.

Faculty Gift Giving Policy

The St. Michael’s Parents’ Association, in conjunction with the Activity Fee billed to the parents of St. Michael’s, will provide the teachers with a $50 gift for the classroom at Christmas and at the end of the school year. Please be reminded that all fundraising projects, either by parents or teachers, must be approved by the Development Office. Solicitation of money fron students or parents is against school policy.

Payment Policies

Registration deposits for the following fall semester are due before March 1 during the spring semester. All accounts must be current for students to be offered the opportunity to be enrolled for the coming school year. After March 1, placement will be offered to new applicants to the school. There is a $35.00 charge for any returned check.

The transcripts of children who are not returning cannot be released until all financial obligations are met. The school’s Board of Directors has found such policies necessary to protect the financial integrity of this institution.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

St. Michael’s Choir and Chorus

The school choir is selected from girls and boys in grades 4-5. The chorus is selected from girls and boys in grades 6-8 (Middle School).

Cross Country

A fall interscholastic sport for middle school students, who will practice with Trinity Episcopal HS students on their campus.

Field Hockey

An interscholastic team sport for middle school girls and an intramural sport for girls in grades 4 through 8, both played in the fall.

Flag Football

This fall intramural program is offered to middle school boys.

First Lego League

A fall team activity for boys and girls beginning in the fourth grade.

Basketball

Interscholastic and intramural (St. Michael’s Basketball Association or SMBA) competition is available, both played in the winter. Most practices are after school.

Swimming

An interscholastic team sport for middle school boys and girls in the winter.

Girls’ Lacrosse

An interscholastic team sport for middle school girls in the spring.

Ultimate Frisbee

A spring sport offered to middle school students.

Middle School Dances

Dances are for St. Michael’s Middle School students only. Exceptions cannot be made unless agreed upon at a meeting of the Middle School faculty. Dances are usually held on Friday evenings from 7:00 – 9:00 P.M. with faculty chaperones.

Middle School Community Services

The middle school students undertake an annual service project. Project participation is encouraged for all. Students are encouraged to volunteer in the community on an individual basis as well.

NOTE: These Middle School activities are offered when there is sufficient student interest.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BIRTHDAY BOOK ASSEMBLY – The presentation of Birthday Books to the school library has become a very special tradition of St. Michael’s. Each year if a student desires, he or she may present a book of his or her choosing to the library to become a part of its permanent collection. A special plaque is placed in the front of each Birthday Book with the name and birthday of the child presenting the book. Books may also be given in honor or memory of a loved one. Books may be chosen at your favorite bookstore, by special order through the librarian, or by selecting one of the books in the library that has been set aside for this purpose. We prefer the more durable hardbound books where possible as they withstand the heavier use the library requires. Please make your selection early enough that the book may be processed before the program.

BIRTHDAY BOOK PROGRAM DATES 2008 – 2009
Thurs., Jan. 8, 2009: submit book(s) by Mon., Dec. 15, 2008
Thurs., Mar. 19, 2009: submit book(s) by Mon., Mar. 2, 2009
Thurs., Apr. 30, 2009: submit book(s) by Mon., Apr. 20, 2009

AUCTION – This annual social and fundraising event for faculty and parents will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2008.

BOOK FAIR – The annual Scholastic book fair will be held from Thursday, January 22- Thursday, January 29, 2009. Family night will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 with a pizza party and ice cream social.

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK – A chance to let the teachers know how much they are appreciated. No gifts, please.
A note or card is a nice remembrance. This will be held the week of February 23, 2009. A luncheon in their honor will be held Friday, February 27, 2009.

MAGIC DRAGON DAY – On Saturday, May 2, 2009, St. Michael’s annual Magic Dragon Day will be held. This day combines fun and fund raising. Attendance for this day is compulsory unless the student is excused. This year, field games will be held on Friday, May 1, 2009 from 1-3 PM.