St. Louis de Montfort School

WE EXTEND TO YOU A VERY HEARTY WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS DE MONTFORT PARISH SCHOOL.

MISSION STATEMENT
“St. Louis de Montfort School imparts to each student the truth, values, and loving kindness of Jesus Christ, as we incorporate faith in our instruction of the skills and knowledge needed for life-long success.”

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
Recognizing the parents as the primary educators of their children, and the teachers as facilitators of learning, we at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School hold the following to be our guiding principles:
Enabled by our belief in a loving, merciful God, we embrace and share the Catholic faith and the teachings of Jesus Christ, making them relevant to our students. Acknowledging each child’s self worth, we strive to treat all with respect and love, and work toward developing the whole child in mind, body, and spirit. With Jesus as our model, St. Louis de Montfort School provides a friendly, warm and supportive environment for each child, parent, and staff member. Our school family strives to live out the parish goal: “BECOMING ONE FAMILY IN CHRIST,” by reaching out to our parish, civic and world community by our good example, direct service, participation and almsgiving.

Recognizing the parents as the primary educators of their children, we at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic School hold the following statements to be our guiding principles:

We believe in a loving, merciful God.

We believe in and strive to share the Catholic faith and teachings of Jesus Christ and to make them relevant to our students.

We value each child's unique worth. Therefore, we strive to treat each child with respect and love.

We strive to develop the whole child in mind, body, and spirit.

We strive to make St. Louis de Montfort School a friendly, warm, and supportive environment for each child, parent, and staff member.

The teachers, as facilitators of learning, strive to provide a classroom atmosphere in which maximum learning can take place for each student.

As a school family, we strive to live out the parish goal: "BECOMING ONE FAMILY IN CHRIST".

As a school family, we strive to reach out to our civic and world community by our good example, direct service, participation, and almsgiving.

To bring each student closer to the knowledge of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit;

To inspire in each student an ever-deepening love for God and for all our brothers and sisters.

To challenge each student to put faith into action by developing a responsibility for justice and peace.

To help students attain the basic academic skills equal to the potential of each child.

To help each student become a creative and critical thinker, able to exercise good judgment.

To help each student develop the thinking skills to become an independent, lifelong learner.

To help each student become competent in the usage of computer technology.

To help each student feel an important part of a united, caring student body.

To help each student discover ways to be involved in the school, parish and civic communities.

To prepare each student to become a contributing member of the family, parish, civic and global communities.

To create an atmosphere in which each child can build a positive self-image.

To help each student become a self-confident, responsible individual.

To help each student develop an appreciation of the fine arts, literature, and nature.

To help each student develop critical analysis skills in order to make personal aesthetic judgments.

To helpl each student realize the need for good health habits and physical fitness

To develop basic, needed motor skills.

Non-Discrimination Policy

St. Louis de Montfort School admits students of any race, color, racial or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, racial or ethnic origin, administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

St. Louis de Montfort School does not discriminate against any applicant or employee because of sex; and does not discriminate against any applicant or pupil because of sex in admissions, educational programs and activities.

Certificate requirements for new students:

current report card

standardized test results

a completed application form

Baptismal certificate (for Roman Catholics only)

immunization records

physical examination report (1st grade)

General requirements for new students:

Students entering kindergarten must be 5 years old by September 1st.

Students entering 1st grade must be 6 years old by September 1st.

Students must be academically able to function successfully in the St. Louis de Montfort School program.

Students must exhibit social conduct consistent with the St. Louis de Montfort School program.

General requirements for new parents:

Willingness to support St. Louis de Montfort School school policies

Faithful, timely payment of all tuition and fees

Financial support and involvement in the school's primary fund raisers: Scrip and Innisbrook Wrap Sale

*As openings occur, students are admitted to St. Louis de Montfort School based on the following:

All certificates and general requirements are fulfilled (as previously stated)

Siblings of enrolled family members

Registered members of St. Louis de Montfort Parish

Catholics outside the parish

Non-Catholics

Attendance

School Hours*

St. Louis de Montfort School adheres to the basic curriculum requirements and time allotment schedule prescribed by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, Department of Catholic Schools.

In addition to the traditional classroom instruction, students enrich their learning through technology.   We have a fully-equipped, state-of-the-art Computer Lab.   Students do research and additional curriculum enrichment online using the COMCAST internet service provider.The network sits behind a fully functional firewall with web filtering to protect children from viewing inappropriate material. Software is used to enhance the following areas of the curriculum:

Financial Policy 2008-2009

REGISTRATION FEE: $270 per pupil includes textbooks, student insurance, classroom supplies, and network ISP (SBCEO)

*Late Tuition Fee: $20.00 per month (all tuition is due by the 10th of each month: August through May)

The "True Cost Per Pupil" is $4,176.00

Payment Schedule

Pre-registration is due in the spring of each year for the following year.

All other fees are due the first week of school in August.

Tuition that is delinquent more than 60 days will require the parent(s) to meet with the pastor and principal to discuss the reasons and plan accordingly.

Fundraisers

In order to keep the school in operation at the lowest tuition cost possible there are two major fund raisers each year: SCRIP and the INNISBROOK WRAP SALE.

SCRIP - Each family is required to purchase a minimum of $900 of Scrip per quarter/ $300 per month.  Click here for list of vendors.

RED APPLE COOKIE DOUGH/WRAP SALE - Each family is asked to sell a minimum of $175 worth of these products.

In addition, the P.T.O. sponsors additional fund raisers throughout the year. Participation is certainly encouraged. With this additional money the school is able to run the sports program and purchase academic and athletic supplies for the students.

Homework assignments may be given four nights a week: Monday-Thursday. Its purposes are for additional practice of lessons previously taught, and to develop independent study skills. Occasionally, students will be given a long-range assignment which may require weekend study.

The main objective of this group is to foster close communication between parents and school staff members by providing varied opportunities for social interaction and dialogue. Through this group the principal discusses school plans, policies, and finances.

All parents are P.T.O. members. All parents are encouraged to attend the general P.T.O. meetings in order to stay current with the status of the school.

In addition, any parent may attend the P.T.O. Board Meetings listed on the school calendar.

Fathers and mothers are invited to become directly involved in the school program. We need to know who would be willing to help in specific areas so we can call on you. Some suggestions for involvement are:

classroom speaker/career educator	library assistant
clerical worker	nurse's aide
computer assistant	scrip: sales/delivery/bookkeeping
field trip driver	substitute P.E. teacher
hamburger day helper	teacher aide
maintenance expert (e.g. electrician, carpenter, plumber, etc.)

Cumulative Record File
This is a summary of grades and achievement test scores. All parents have the right to inspect their child's Cumulative Record File.

Report Card
This is given to the parent following the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarters.

Parent-Teacher Conference
All parents attend a private, scheduled conference with the teacher(s) at the end of the 1st quarter. All other conferences are upon the request of the parent or the teacher.

Standardized Achievement Testing
The Stanford Achievement Test is administered to grades 2-8 each September. The results are distributed to each parent in November.

Assessment of Catholic Religious Education
The Assessment of Catholic Religious Education is administered to grades 5 & 8 in the Spring.

In addition to the religion curriculum and integration of the Catholic Christian Beliefs and values throughout the school day, there are many specially planned religious activities. These activities include various Christian service projects, Stations of the Cross during Lent and weekly school Liturgies.

Discipline

Discipline in a Catholic School is to be considered as an aspect of moral guidance and not a form of punishment. The purpose of discipline is:

Dress Code

The primary purpose of any school is learning. Ordinarily, a student's appearance is not a matter of great concern. But when a student's attire is a cause of distraction, maximum learning cannot take place. In general, students should come to school either in uniform, or, on a free dress day, in good, neat, school-appropriate clothing. They should always wear stockings and shoes suitable for classroom and playground activities.

Uniform Dress Code Policy for St. Louis de Montfort School
The dress code is for all students Kindergarten through 8th grade.

Tops: Girls
The approved white blouses or 3-button polo shirts
A white undershirt may be worn under the uniform shirt, but may not be seen below the sleeves or hems of the uniform shirt.

Boys
The approved 3-button light blue polo shirts.
The uniform shirts are not required to be tucked in, but may be no longer than hip-length.
A white undershirt may be worn under the uniform shirt, but may not be seen below the sleeves or hems of the uniform shirt.

Outer Wear:
SLdM sweatshirts are the only sweatshirts to be worn at school. These are to be purchased through the school. Several styles are available. (Sweatshirt/T-shirt order forms available in the school office.)
SLdM jackets are the only jackets to be worn at school.
These are available at Johnson’s for Children or through mail orders placed by the school twice a year.

Skirts/Pants
Girls
The approved plaid uniform skirts, skorts, or jumpers. All must not be any higher than 3” above the middle of the knee.
Navy blue twill shorts or navy blue twill pants: These must be worn at the waist. Pants are not allowed to ride on the hips. Shorts must be no shorter than 3” above the middle of the knee.

Boys
Navy blue twill shorts or navy blue twill pants: These must be worn at the waist. Pants are not allowed to ride on the hips. Shorts must be no shorter than 3” above or longer than 3” below the middle of the knee.

Socks: Girls and Boys . . . Plain white socks; any length

Shoes: Girls and Boys
Tennis shoes with backs and tie-up shoelaces are the only approved shoes to be worn to school. They may be either solid white with white shoelaces, or solid black with black shoelaces.
Kindergarteners only will be allowed to wear Velcro or slip-on shoes. The shoes must follow the all black or all white color code.

No uniform dress clothing may have any logos or brand name tags attached, except for the SLdM logo. All uniform articles should be labeled with student’s name.

SPIRIT DRESS
Spirit Day Dress is every Friday for all students. The students wear their designated class t-shirt and blue denim bottoms – pants, shorts, or skirt (all are to be worn at the waist). Shorts and skirts must be no higher than 3” above the middle of the knees. Shorts must be no longer than 3” below the middle of the knee. Denim bottoms may not be the style with holes in them. Shoes, socks, sweatshirts, and jackets as specified above, apply.

FREE DRESS

Free dress is a privilege granted to students the first and last week of the school year. Free dress clothing must be neat and modest. Parents are responsible to ensure that students are dressed in a manner suitable for a Catholic school student.

GAME DAY DRESS
Middle School students are allowed to wear their team uniform shirt on game days. Spirit dress code (see above) applies for these days. Cheerleaders are allowed to wear their cheer leader uniforms on game day.

Appropriate Grooming for School
Hairstyles
Hairstyles must be neat, uniformly cut, and out of the face.
No dying of hair is allowed. Any changes in hair color during school breaks must be rectified before student will be admitted to school.
Boys’ hair must be at least ¼” long, but no longer than the top of the shirt collar in the back or longer than the mid-ear on the side.
Hair accessories must be of uniform colors only (black, white, navy, or gray).

Jewelry – A wrist watch (no alarms), a pair of stud earrings in the lobes (one per ear), and a religious medallion necklace are the only acceptable jewelry for school. Earrings may be of uniform colors only, silver, or gold.

Make-up – Make-up is not permitted. Colored nail polish or artificial nails are not permitted.

The school reserves the right to act upon any fad, trend, or fringe behavior that may distract other students.

The school reserves the right to cancel Spirit or Free Dress for any and all students.

Each parent is responsible to ensure that his/her child(ren) is following SLdM School Dress Code.

All staff members will be working together to ensure that this dress code is enforced for all grades. Each parent is responsible to ensure that his/her child (ren) is following SLdM School Dress Code.

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL REGULATIONS
1. Cellular phones and pagers are to be kept in the student’s backpack and may not be used during school hours.
2. Unless specifically requested by the teacher, students should not bring personal play equipment to school.
3. Chewing gum is not allowed on the school premises at any time.
4. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student.
5. Classes should not be interrupted for personal deliveries of such things as lunches, books, glasses, etc. Parents should bring such items to the school office where they will be delivered to the student as soon as possible with minimal class disturbance.
6. If a student is going to be absent, call the school office by 9:00 a.m. If the school does not hear by then, we will call to check on the child.

*We realize that, in some instances, every effort has been made on your part to size your child into the line of uniform Johnsons for Children carries and all attempts have been unsuccessful. Should parents have to resort to other means of obtaining the proper uniform for their child, they should purchase identical (no logo) blouses, polo shirts, shorts, and pants to those sold at Johnsons. JC Penney, Toys R Us, WalMart, Lands End and Target are a few examples of retailers who carry compatible uniform items. A number of these retailers contribute to the school through Scrip or in store programs.

Uniform Supplier:
Johnsons For Children
1711 S. Broadway                                      5% of St. Louis uniform sales
Santa Maria, CA 93454                             is donated back to the school
(805)-922-9795
(8 to 10 weeks required for special orders.)

Uniform Price List: (Prices are subject to change without notice)

Girls

Boys

Girls & Boys Wear

Free Dress Code Policy for St. Louis de Montfort School

Spirit Dress Days

Students are not required to wear uniforms on the following dates/ events:

first & last week of school- Free Dress

last day before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter holidays

special costume/color/theme days (to be announced)

field trip days (dress code established by teacher)

GIRLS

Girls must wear nice shirts/blouses; no see through/sheer material. Shirts depicting vulgar or obscene pictures, words or symbols may not be worn.
The “V” or “cutout” on shirts or blouses may be no lower than 3” from the hollow of the neck. Shirts may not show the midriff at any time. This applies to all grades.
Sleeveless blouses/shirts are not allowed; sleeves may not be rolled up.
• Girls may wear dresses, skirts/blouses no more than 3” above the knee. Slits in dresses and skirts may not be higher than 3” above the knee.
• Nice jeans, long pants or Capri’s may be worn. Faded, ragged, patched, torn, etc. clothing is not permitted.
• No low-waist/ low-rise/hip huggers are allowed. Shorts/pants that are too large or too small/tight are not acceptable.
• Walking shorts and skorts may be worn. They must be no more than 3” above the middle of the knee or below the knee.
• No backless sandals or flip-flops are allowed. Students must wear shoes appropriate for P.E. and other physical activities.
• No spandex, jogging pants, sweatpants, or over-sized clothing of any kind may be worn in any grade.

BOYS

• Boys must wear nice shirts. Shirts depicting vulgar or obscene pictures, words or symbols may not be worn. This applies to all grades. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed; sleeves may not be rolled up.
• Nice jeans or long pants may be worn. Faded, ragged, patched, torn, etc. clothing is not permitted.
• Walking or cargo shorts may be worn. They must be no more than 3” above or below the knee.
• Shorts and pants must be worn at the waist. Shorts/pants that are too large or too small/tight are not acceptable. Pants must be hemmed to the sole of the shoe.
• No backless sandals or flip-flops are allowed. Students must wear shoes appropriate for P.E. and other physical activities.
• No spandex, jogging pants, sweatpants, or over-sized clothing of any kind may be worn in any grade.

The school reserves the right to act upon any fad, trend, or fringe behavior that may distract other students.

The school reserves the right to cancel Free Dress for any and all students.

Dress code violations will result in:

1st Offense – Warning notice sent home for parent’s signature.

2nd and Subsequent Offenses– Parent will be called to correct the uniform and the student will be required to change.

3rd Offense – Student will lose Free Dress privilege for one quarter.

All staff members will be working together to ensure that this dress code is enforced for all grades. Each parent is responsible to ensure that his/her child(ren) are following SLDM School Dress Code.

ADDITIONAL SCHOOL REGULATIONS
1. Cellular phones and pagers may not be used during school hours.
2. Unless specifically requested by the teacher, students should not bring personal play equipment to school.
3. Chewing gum is not allowed on the school premises at any time.
4. Lost or damaged books must be paid for by the student.
5. Classes should not be interrupted for personal deliveries of such things as lunches, books, glasses, etc. Parents should bring such items to the school office where they will be delivered to the student as soon as possible with minimal class disturbance.

This page last updated:   May 2008